Optical signal processing apparatus and network device

Abstract

An optical signal processing apparatus, comprising: a multiplexer, configured to convert M initial optical signals into a first composite optical signal, wherein the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer have one-to-one correspondence to M digital channels, and the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer comprise a first initial optical signal; an optical delay device connected to the multiplexer, and configured to adjust the transmission delay of the first composite optical signal and output a second composite optical signal; a demultiplexer connected to the optical delay device and a PD, and configured to perform demultiplexing processing on the second composite optical signal and output M target optical signals, the M target optical signals outputted by the demultiplexer comprising a first target optical signal corresponding to the first initial optical signal; and the PD, configured to convert the first target optical signal into a first electric signal. According to the apparatus, the power consumption and cost of a base station can be reduced, and the device insertion loss can be reduced.

Description

Optical signal processing devices and network equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to an optical signal processing device and a network device. Background Art

[0002] In a traditional multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) system, each antenna is equipped with a radio frequency (RF) link, which allows the amplitude and phase of the input signal to be arbitrarily adjusted (i.e., the input signal is processed in the digital domain) and then transmitted through the transmitting antenna. This architecture is called digital beamforming (DBF).

[0003] As the number of antennas increases, it becomes unaffordable to configure a radio frequency link for each antenna. To reduce hardware costs, hybrid beamforming (HBF) has emerged. Microwave photonic HBF is one implementation of HBF. In microwave photonic HBF, the beamforming function is implemented in two parts: one part is implemented by a low-dimensional distributed beamforming (DBF), and the other part is implemented by a high-dimensional analog beamforming (ABF). A single radio frequency link can correspond to multiple antennas, thus reducing the number of radio frequency links. In the analog beamforming implementation, an electrical signal is modulated into an optical signal. The transmission delay of the optical signal is then adjusted using a variable optical delay line (VODL), which is assigned to each antenna.

[0004] In high-frequency bands like millimeter waves, transmitters use more antennas to achieve array gain and counteract the propagation loss of high-frequency signals. For example, a base station operating in the 26-28 GHz band may contain hundreds or thousands of oscillators. Even without considering multi-beams, the base station would still require hundreds or thousands of VODLs, resulting in excessive power consumption and high costs.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides an optical signal processing device and a network device, which can reduce the power consumption and cost of a base station using a microwave photonic HBF architecture.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an optical signal processing device 700, comprising: a multiplexer 701, configured to convert M initial optical signals into a first composite optical signal, the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 701 corresponding one-to-one to M digital channels, and the wavelengths of the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 701 are different, the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 701 include a first initial optical signal, the first initial optical signal is one of the multiple optical signals output by the first digital channel, the first digital channel belongs to the M digital channels, and M is a positive integer greater than 1; an optical delay device 702, connected to the multiplexer 701, configured to adjust the transmission delay of the first composite optical signal and output a second composite optical signal; a demultiplexer 703, connected to the optical delay device 702, and connected to a PD 709; the demultiplexer 703 is configured to perform wavelength division processing on the second composite optical signal and output M target optical signals, the M target optical signals output by the demultiplexer 703 including the first target optical signal corresponding to the first initial optical signal; 709 is used to convert the first target optical signal into a first electrical signal.

[0008] The multiplexer 701 can convert the M-path initial optical signal into a first composite optical signal. Since the wavelengths of the M-path initial optical signals are different, the first composite optical signal can be restored to the M-path target optical signal through the demultiplexer 703 after the transmission delay is adjusted by the optical delay device 702. Compared with the M-path initial optical signal, the transmission delay of the M-path target optical signal changes (that is, the phase changes). It can be seen that the optical signal processing device provided in the embodiment of the present application can adjust the transmission delay of multiple optical signals through an optical delay device, without the need to configure a large number of VODLs, thereby saving power consumption and cost of the base station. In addition, the device insertion loss is also reduced.

[0009] Optionally, the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 701 correspond to an antenna set 715 , where the antenna set 715 is a row of antennas in an antenna array.

[0010] Wireless communication systems require higher precision and freedom of horizontal beam scanning, but lower precision and freedom of vertical beam scanning. Antenna assembly 715, a row of antennas in an antenna array corresponding to different digital channels, leverages the high precision and freedom of digital beamforming to meet horizontal beam scanning requirements.

[0011] Optionally, the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 701 also include a second initial optical signal, where the second initial optical signal is one of the multiple optical signals output by the second digital channel, and the second digital channel belongs to the M digital channels; the demultiplexer 703 is also connected to the PD 710, and the M target optical signals output by the demultiplexer 703 include a second target optical signal corresponding to the second initial optical signal; the PD 710 is used to convert the second target optical signal into a second electrical signal.

[0012] Optionally, the optical signal processing device 700 further includes: a multiplexer 705 connected to the optical delay device 702, the multiplexer 705 being configured to convert M initial optical signals into a third composite optical signal, the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 705 corresponding one-to-one to the M digital channels, and the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 705 having different wavelengths. The M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 705 include a third initial optical signal, which is one of the multiple optical signals output by the first digital channel; the optical delay device 702 being further configured to adjust the transmission delay of the third composite optical signal and output a fourth composite optical signal; a demultiplexer 706 connected to the optical delay device 702 and to the PD 713; the demultiplexer 706 being configured to perform wavelength division processing on the fourth composite optical signal and output M target optical signals, the M target optical signals output by the demultiplexer 706 including a third target optical signal corresponding to the third initial optical signal; and the PD 713 being configured to convert the third target optical signal into a third electrical signal.

[0013] The multiplexer 705 can convert the M-path initial optical signal into a third composite optical signal. Since the wavelengths of the M-path initial optical signals are different, the third composite optical signal can be restored to the M-path target optical signal through the demultiplexer 706 after the transmission delay is adjusted by the optical delay device 702. Compared with the M-path initial optical signal, the transmission delay of the M-path target optical signal changes (that is, the phase changes). It can be seen that the optical signal processing device provided in the embodiment of the present application can adjust the transmission delay of multiple optical signals through an optical delay device, without the need to configure a large number of VODLs, thereby saving power consumption and cost of the base station. In addition, the device insertion loss is also reduced.

[0014] Optionally, the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 705 correspond to an antenna set 716 , which is a row of antennas in the antenna array.

[0015] Wireless communication systems require higher precision and freedom of horizontal beam scanning, but lower precision and freedom of vertical beam scanning. Antenna assembly 716, a row of antennas in an antenna array corresponding to different digital channels, leverages the high precision and freedom of digital beamforming to meet horizontal beam scanning requirements.

[0016] Optionally, the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 705 also include a fourth initial optical signal, where the fourth initial optical signal is one of the multiple optical signals output by the second digital channel, and the second digital channel belongs to the M digital channels; the demultiplexer 706 is also connected to the PD 714, and the M target optical signals output by the demultiplexer 706 include a fourth target optical signal corresponding to the fourth initial optical signal; the PD 714 is used to convert the fourth target optical signal into a fourth electrical signal.

[0017] Optionally, the demultiplexer 703 is connected to the PD 709 via a combiner 732; the optical signal processing device 700 further includes: a multiplexer 727, configured to convert the M-path initial optical signals into a fifth composite optical signal, the M-path initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 727 corresponding one-to-one to the M digital channels, and the wavelengths of the M-path initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 727 are different, and the M-path initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 727 include a fifth initial optical signal, which is one of the multiple optical signals output by the first digital channel; an optical delay device 728, connected to the multiplexer 727, configured to adjust the transmission delay of the fifth composite optical signal and output a sixth composite optical signal; a demultiplexer 729, connected to the optical delay device 728, and connected to the PD via the combiner 732. demultiplexer 729 is used to perform wavelength division processing on the sixth composite optical signal, outputting M-channel target optical signals, the demultiplexer 729 outputs M-channel target optical signals including a fifth target optical signal corresponding to the fifth initial optical signal; PD 709 is also used to convert the fifth target optical signal into a fifth electrical signal.

[0018] Through the processing of multiple optical delay chips, multiple beams can be independently adjusted.

[0019] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an optical signal processing device 1200, comprising: a multiplexer 1201, for converting M initial optical signals into a seventh composite optical signal, the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 1201 corresponding one to one with M receiving antennas, and the wavelengths of the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 1201 are different, and the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 1201 include a sixth initial optical signal, which is an optical signal obtained after the electrical signal output by the receiving antenna 11 is processed by the LD 1209, and the receiving antenna 11 belongs to the M receiving antennas, and M is a positive integer greater than 1; an optical delay device 1202, connected to the multiplexer 1201, for adjusting the transmission delay of the seventh composite optical signal and outputting an eighth composite optical signal; a demultiplexer 1203, connected to the optical delay device 1202, and, through the combiner 1208 and the PD 1207 connection; the demultiplexer 1203 is used to perform wavelength division processing on the eighth composite optical signal and output M target optical signals. The M target optical signals output by the demultiplexer 1203 include the sixth target optical signal corresponding to the sixth initial optical signal; the combiner 1208 is used to combine multiple co-frequency optical signals including the sixth target optical signal into a ninth composite optical signal, and the PD 1207 is used to convert the ninth composite optical signal into a sixth electrical signal.

[0020] The multiplexer 1201 can convert the M-path initial optical signal into a seventh composite optical signal. Since the wavelengths of the M-path initial optical signals are different, the seventh composite optical signal can be restored to the M-path target optical signal through the demultiplexer 1203 after the transmission delay is adjusted by the optical delay device 1202. Compared with the M-path initial optical signal, the transmission delay of the M-path target optical signal changes (that is, the phase changes). It can be seen that the optical signal processing device provided in the embodiment of the present application can adjust the transmission delay of multiple optical signals through an optical delay device, without the need to configure a large number of VODLs, thereby saving power consumption and cost of the base station. In addition, the device insertion loss is also reduced.

[0021] Optionally, the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 1201 correspond to an antenna set 1215 , where the antenna set 1215 is a row of antennas in an antenna array.

[0022] Wireless communication systems require higher precision and freedom of horizontal beam scanning, but lower precision and freedom of vertical beam scanning. Antenna assembly 1215, a row of antennas in an antenna array corresponding to different digital channels, leverages the high precision and freedom of digital beamforming to meet horizontal beam scanning requirements.

[0023] Optionally, the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 1201 also include a seventh initial optical signal, where the seventh initial optical signal is an optical signal obtained after the electrical signal output by the receiving antenna M1 is processed by the second electro-optical converter, and the receiving antenna M1 belongs to the M receiving antennas; the demultiplexer 1203 is also connected to the PD 1211 through the combiner 1212, and the M target optical signals output by the demultiplexer 1203 include a seventh target optical signal corresponding to the seventh initial optical signal. The combiner 1212 is used to combine multiple co-frequency optical signals including the seventh target optical signal into a tenth composite optical signal, and the PD 1211 is used to convert the tenth composite optical signal into a seventh electrical signal.

[0024] Optionally, the optical signal processing device 1200 further includes: a multiplexer 1205, connected to the optical delay device 1202, for converting the M-path initial optical signals into an eleventh composite optical signal, the M-path initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 1205 corresponding one-to-one to the M receiving antennas, and the wavelengths of the M-path initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 1205 are different, the M-path initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 1205 include an eighth initial optical signal, the eighth initial optical signal is an optical signal obtained after the electrical signal output by the receiving antenna 12 is processed by the third electro-optical converter, and the receiving antenna 12 belongs to the M receiving antennas corresponding to the multiplexer 1205; the optical delay device 1202 is further used to adjust the transmission delay of the eleventh composite optical signal and output a twelfth composite optical signal; the demultiplexer 1206 is connected to the optical delay device 1202, and is connected to the PD through the combiner 1208. 1207 connection; the demultiplexer 1206 is used to perform wavelength division processing on the twelfth composite optical signal and output it as M-channel target optical signals. The M-channel target optical signals output by the demultiplexer 1206 include the eighth target optical signal corresponding to the eighth initial optical signal; the multiple same-frequency optical signals combined by the combiner 1208 include the eighth target optical signal.

[0025] The multiplexer 1205 can convert the M-path initial optical signal into the eleventh composite optical signal. Since the wavelengths of the M-path initial optical signals are different, the eleventh composite optical signal can be restored to the M-path target optical signal through the demultiplexer 1206 after the transmission delay is adjusted by the optical delay device 1202. Compared with the M-path initial optical signal, the transmission delay of the M-path target optical signal changes (that is, the phase changes). It can be seen that the optical signal processing device provided in the embodiment of the present application can adjust the transmission delay of multiple optical signals through an optical delay device, without the need to configure a large number of VODLs, thereby saving power consumption and cost of the base station. In addition, the device insertion loss is also reduced.

[0026] Optionally, the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 1205 correspond to an antenna set 1216 , where the antenna set 1216 is a row of antennas in the antenna array.

[0027] Wireless communication systems require higher precision and freedom of horizontal beam scanning, but lower precision and freedom of vertical beam scanning. Antenna assembly 1216, a row of antennas in an antenna array corresponding to different digital channels, leverages the high precision and freedom of digital beamforming to meet horizontal beam scanning requirements.

[0028] Optionally, the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 1205 also include a ninth initial optical signal, which is an optical signal obtained after the electrical signal output by the receiving antenna M2 is processed by the fourth electro-optical converter, and the receiving antenna M2 belongs to the M receiving antennas corresponding to the multiplexer 1205; the demultiplexer 1206 is also connected to the PD 1211 through the combiner 1212, and the M target optical signals output by the demultiplexer 1206 include a ninth target optical signal corresponding to the ninth initial optical signal. The combiner 1212 is used to combine multiple co-frequency optical signals including the ninth target optical signal into a tenth composite optical signal, and the PD 1211 is used to convert the tenth composite optical signal into a seventh electrical signal.

[0029] Optionally, the multiplexer 1201 is connected to the LD 1209 via the splitter 1232. The optical signal processing device 1200 further includes: a multiplexer 1227, configured to convert M initial optical signals into a thirteenth composite optical signal, the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 1227 being the same as the M initial optical signals processed by the multiplexer 1201; an optical delay device 1228, connected to the multiplexer 1227, configured to adjust the transmission delay of the thirteenth composite optical signal and output a fourteenth composite optical signal; a demultiplexer 1229, connected to the optical delay device 1228, and connected to the PD 1207 via the combiner 1208; the demultiplexer 1229 is configured to perform wavelength division processing on the fourteenth composite optical signal and output M target optical signals, the M target optical signals output by the demultiplexer 1229 including a tenth target optical signal having the same frequency as the sixth target optical signal, and the multiple same-frequency optical signals combined by the combiner 1208 including the tenth target optical signal.

[0030] Through the processing of multiple optical delay chips, multiple beams can be independently adjusted.

[0031] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network device, which includes: any one of the optical signal processing devices in the first aspect and its optional embodiments, and / or any one of the optical signal processing devices in the second aspect and its optional embodiments.

[0032] Optionally, the network device further includes a memory for storing computer programs. The memory may be a storage unit within the chip (e.g., a register, a cache, etc.) or a storage unit outside the chip (e.g., a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.).

[0033] Optionally, the network device further includes: a processor, configured to execute a computer program stored in the memory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an HBF applied to a transmitting end;

[0036] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of HBF applied to the receiving end;

[0037] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a microwave photon HBF applied to a transmitting end;

[0038] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a microwave photon HBF applied to a receiving end;

[0039] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a microwave photon HBF in a multi-beam scenario;

[0040] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical signal processing device applied to a transmitting end provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device applied to a transmitting end provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of another network device applied to a transmitting end provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the mathematical principle of beam scanning;

[0044] 11 is a schematic structural diagram of another network device applied to a transmitting end according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical signal processing device applied to a receiving end according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a network device applied to a receiving end according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of another network device applied to a receiving end provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of another network device applied to a receiving end provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of a base station provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 shows a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application, which includes a network device 110 and a terminal device 120, which communicate with the terminal device 120 via electromagnetic waves.

[0052] The communication system may be a communication system within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, a general packet radio service (GPRS) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, a frequency division duplexing (FDD) system, a time division duplexing (TDD) system or a new radio (NR) system, wherein the NR system described in the embodiment of the present application includes a non-standalone (NSA) fifth generation (5 th The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to future communication systems (such as the sixth generation wireless mobile communication system) or wireless communication systems other than 3GPP.

[0053] The network device 110 may be one of the following devices: a macro base station in a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) or LTE, a micro base station in a heterogeneous network (HetNet), a baseband unit (BBU) and a remote radio unit (RRU) in a distributed base station scenario, a BBU pool and RRU in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or a next generation node B (gNB). The network device may also be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted device, or network device in a future public land mobile network (PLMN) that performs base station functions.

[0054] In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a digital unit (DU). The gNB may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU and DU each implement portions of the gNB's functionality. For example, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers. The DU is responsible for processing physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, RF processing, and active antenna-related functions. Because RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is converted from PHY layer information, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can also be considered to be sent by the DU, or by both the DU and the AAU. It is understood that a network device may include one or more of the CU, DU, and AAU. In addition, the CU may be classified as a network device in an access network (radio access network, RAN), or may be classified as a network device in a core network (core network, CN), which is not limited in this application.

[0055] The terminal device 120 may be a device that provides voice and / or data to a user, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connection capabilities. The terminal device may be referred to as user equipment (UE), and is sometimes also referred to as a terminal, access station, remote station, wireless communication device, or user equipment.

[0056] For example, the terminal device 120 can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a whole vehicle, a wireless communication module in the whole vehicle, a telematics box (T-box), a road side unit (RSU), a wireless terminal in unmanned driving, a smart speaker in the Internet of Things (IoT), a wireless terminal device in remote medical, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, or a wireless terminal device in a smart home, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0057] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific types of the network device 110 and the terminal device 120.

[0058] In high-frequency bands like millimeter waves, transmitters use a large number of antennas to achieve array gain and counteract the propagation loss of high-frequency signals. For example, base stations operating in the 26-28 GHz band may contain hundreds or even thousands of antennas. To avoid the high costs and power consumption associated with large-scale arrays, base stations can adopt a HBF architecture for transmission.

[0059] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the HBF applied to the sending end.

[0060] The HBF architecture includes a baseband, multiple digital channels, and multiple antennas in package (AIPs). The digital channels include an intermediate frequency (IF) module and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The AIPs include a mixer (e.g., a local oscillator (LO)), a variable gain amplifier (VGA), a phase shifter, a power amplifier (PA), and an antenna array. Figure 2 shows two digital channels and two AIPs. Optionally, the HBF architecture can include more digital channels and more AIPs, each of which can include more components.

[0061] The signal output by the IF module is an electrical signal in the digital domain (referred to as the "digital signal" for short). This signal consists of several time-domain sampling points, and the power distribution of each sampling point is within a certain range. The digital domain electrical signal is converted into an analog domain electrical signal (referred to as the "analog signal" for short) after passing through the DAC. The signals output by the LO, VGA, phase shifter, and PA are all analog domain electrical signals. The analog domain electrical signal is converted into a radio frequency signal through the antenna array and then radiated. The above electrical signal can be an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal or a discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) signal.

[0062] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the HBF applied to the receiving end.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, the HBF architecture includes a baseband, multiple digital channels, and multiple AIPs. The digital channels include an IF module and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The AIPs include a mixer, a VGA, a phase shifter, a low-noise amplifier (LNA), and an antenna array. Figure 3 shows two digital channels and two AIPs. Optionally, the HBF architecture can include more digital channels and more AIPs, and each digital channel and AIP can also include more components.

[0064] After receiving the RF signal, the antenna array converts it into an analog signal. This analog signal passes through the LNA, phase shifter, VGA, and LO before being input into the ADC, where it is converted into a digital signal. The digital signal is then transmitted to the baseband through the IF module.

[0065] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the HBF architecture divides the beamforming function into two parts: low-dimensional digital beamforming and high-dimensional analog beamforming. This eliminates the need to configure an RF link for each antenna, thereby reducing base station costs.

[0066] The HBF architecture shown in Figures 2 and 3 contains a large number of VGAs and phase shifters, resulting in a large insertion loss. An improved HBF architecture is called the microwave photonic HBF architecture. The microwave photonic HBF architecture uses optical devices to replace some electrical devices, reducing the insertion loss of the HBF architecture.

[0067] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a microwave photonic HBF applied at the transmitting end.

[0068] The microwave photonic HBF architecture includes a baseband, an IF module, a DAC, a mixer, a laser diode (LD), an optical phase shifter, a photodiode (PD), a PA, and an antenna array. The optical phase shifter can be an optical delay line (OLD) or a variable optical delay line (VOLD). The microwave photonic HBF architecture shown in Figure 4 is an example and not a limitation. The microwave photonic HBF architecture can also include more components.

[0069] The IF module outputs a digital signal, which is converted by the DAC into an analog signal. The analog signal is then fed through the LO and then into the LD, which converts the analog signal into an optical signal. Subsequently, the optical signal is divided into multiple optical signals and fed into corresponding optical phase shifters. The optical phase shifters are used to adjust the transmission delay of the optical signal. The optical signal with adjusted transmission delay is then output to the PD and converted into an analog signal. The analog signal is then converted into an RF signal through the PA and antenna array and then radiated out.

[0070] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a microwave photonic HBF applied at the receiving end.

[0071] The microwave photonic HBF architecture includes a baseband, an IF module, an ADC, a mixer, an LD, an optical phase shifter, a PD, a PA, and an antenna array. The optical phase shifter can be an OLD or a VOLD. The microwave photonic HBF architecture shown in Figure 5 is an example and not a limitation; the microwave photonic HBF architecture can also include more components.

[0072] After receiving the RF signal, the antenna array converts the RF signal into an analog signal. The analog signal is transmitted to the LD after passing through the LNA. The LD converts the analog signal into an optical signal. The optical phase shifter is used to adjust the transmission delay of the optical signal. The optical signal with transmission delay adjustment is output to the PD and converted into an analog signal. The analog signal is transmitted to the ADC after passing through the LO and converted into a digital signal in the ADC. Subsequently, the digital signal is transmitted to the baseband through the IF module.

[0073] In the microwave photonic HBF shown in Figures 4 and 5, vertical beam scanning is achieved through optical phase shifters, which correspond one to one antenna. For single-beam scenarios, each antenna requires one optical phase shifter, while for multi-beam scenarios, each antenna requires multiple optical phase shifters.

[0074] FIG6 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of a microwave photon HBF in a multi-beam scenario.

[0075] The microwave photonic HBF architecture shown in Figure 6 includes N antennas. If this microwave photonic HBF architecture needs to scan A beams, each antenna must be equipped with A optical phase shifters, for a total of N*A optical phase shifters. This results in excessive power consumption and cost for the base station. N is a positive integer, and A is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0076] The embodiments of the present application provide an optical signal processing device that can solve the problems of excessive power consumption and cost of base stations.

[0077] The optical signal processing apparatus provided in the embodiment of the present application may be configured in a network device 110, wherein the network device 110 may be a transmitting end or a receiving end. The two cases will be described below respectively.

[0078] First, the case where the network device 110 is a sending end is introduced.

[0079] As shown in FIG7 , an optical signal processing device 700 includes a multiplexer (MUX) 701 , an optical delay device 702 , and a demultiplexer (DEMUX) 703 .

[0080] Multiplexer 701 utilizes wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology, combining multiple optical signals of different wavelengths for transmission over a single optical fiber or waveguide. Optical delay device 702 modifies the transmission delay of the optical signal, thereby changing its phase. Demultiplexer 703 demultiplexes the composite light and outputs multiple optical signals of different wavelengths.

[0081] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a network device 110 equipped with an optical signal processing apparatus 700 .

[0082] Multiplexer 701 is configured to convert M initial optical signals into a first composite optical signal. The M initial optical signals correspond one-to-one to the M digital channels, and the M initial optical signals have different wavelengths. The M initial optical signals include a first initial optical signal, which is one of the multiple optical signals output by the first digital channel. The first digital channel is one of the M digital channels, where M is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0083] The optical delay device 702 is connected to the multiplexer 701 and is used to adjust the transmission delay of the first composite optical signal and output a second composite optical signal.

[0084] The demultiplexer 703 is connected to the optical delay device 702. The demultiplexer 703 is used to perform wavelength division processing on the second composite optical signal and output M target optical signals. The M target optical signals output by the demultiplexer 703 include the first target optical signal corresponding to the first initial optical signal.

[0085] The baseband 704 is indirectly connected to the multiplexer 701, and the baseband 704 outputs M electrical signals, each of which corresponds to a digital channel. The M electrical signals are converted into M initial optical signals with different wavelengths by an electro-optical converter (such as an LD). The multiplexer 701 performs wavelength division multiplexing on the M initial optical signals and outputs a first initial optical signal. The optical delay device 702 adjusts the transmission delay of the first composite optical signal and outputs a second composite optical signal. The wavelength of the optical signal after the transmission delay adjustment does not change, so the second composite optical signal is still a composite optical signal containing M optical signals of different wavelengths. The demultiplexer 703 can perform wavelength division processing on the second composite optical signal and output M target optical signals. Compared with the M initial optical signals, the transmission delay of the M target optical signals changes (that is, the phase changes). The M target optical signals are optical signals with adjusted transmission delays. Subsequently, the M target optical signals are converted into M electrical signals through photoelectric converters (such as PDs). The M electrical signals are converted into radio frequency signals and radiated out through the antenna array.

[0086] It can be seen that the network device 110 shown in Figure 8 can adjust the transmission delay of multiple optical signals through an optical delay device without configuring a large number of VODLs, thereby saving power consumption and cost of the base station. In addition, it can also reduce the insertion loss caused by a large number of VODLs.

[0087] The network device 110 shown in FIG8 includes a multiplexer and a demultiplexer. Optionally, the network device 110 may further include more multiplexers and demultiplexers.

[0088] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of another network device 110 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0089] Baseband 704 outputs multiple baseband signals, two of which are input to IF module 717 and IF module 722, respectively. Signals in different digital channels are represented by different arrows. For example, a solid arrow represents the electrical or optical signal corresponding to the first digital channel, and a dashed arrow represents the electrical or optical signal corresponding to the second digital channel. The wavelengths of the optical signals corresponding to different digital channels vary.

[0090] IF module 717 (corresponding to the first digital channel) processes the baseband signal and outputs an intermediate frequency signal; the intermediate frequency signal is converted into an analog signal by DAC 718; the analog signal is up-converted by mixer 719 and input to LD 707; LD 707 converts the analog signal into an optical signal, which is split by optical splitter (S) 708 to output multiple optical signals. These multiple optical signals are respectively input into different multiplexers, with one optical signal input into multiplexer 701 and another optical signal input into multiplexer 705.

[0091] IF module 722 (corresponding to the second digital channel) processes the baseband signal and outputs an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The IF signal is converted to an analog signal by DAC 723. The analog signal is up-converted by mixer 724 and input to LD 711. LD 711 converts the analog signal into an optical signal, which is then split by optical splitter (S) 712 to output multiple optical signals. These multiple optical signals are then input to different multiplexers, with one optical signal input to multiplexer 701 and another optical signal input to multiplexer 705.

[0092] It should be noted that the number of optical signals output by optical splitter 708 and optical splitter 712 is the same as the number of multiplexers (or the number of antennas in the vertical dimension). If network device 110 includes N multiplexers (or N antennas in the vertical dimension), optical splitter 708 and optical splitter 712 each output N optical signals, where N is a positive integer. For example, if network device 110 includes two multiplexers (or two antennas in the vertical dimension), optical splitter 708 and optical splitter 712 each output two optical signals; if network device 110 includes three multiplexers (or three antennas in the vertical dimension), optical splitter 708 and optical splitter 712 each output three optical signals.

[0093] LD 707 and LD 711 are exemplary devices, and other devices capable of converting electrical signals into optical signals are also applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0094] The multiplexer 701 performs wavelength division multiplexing on the input M initial optical signals and outputs a first composite optical signal. The optical delay device 702 performs transmission delay processing on the first composite optical signal and outputs a second composite optical signal. The demultiplexer 703 performs wavelength division multiplexing on the second composite optical signal and outputs M target optical signals.

[0095] The optical signal input to the multiplexer 701 includes the first initial optical signal output by the optical splitter 708 and the second initial optical signal output by the optical splitter 712. Accordingly, the optical signal output by the demultiplexer 703 includes the first target optical signal corresponding to the first initial optical signal and the second target optical signal corresponding to the second initial optical signal.

[0096] The first target optical signal is processed by PD 709 and converted into a first electrical signal. The first electrical signal passes through PA 720 and other components before being transmitted to antenna assembly 715. The second target optical signal is processed by PD 710 and converted into a second electrical signal. The second electrical signal passes through PA 721 and other components before being transmitted to antenna assembly 715. The first and second electrical signals are converted into radio frequency signals by different antennas in antenna assembly 715 and then radiated.

[0097] The multiplexer 705 performs wavelength division multiplexing on the input M initial optical signals and outputs a third composite optical signal. The optical delay device 702 performs transmission delay processing on the third composite optical signal and outputs a fourth composite optical signal. The demultiplexer 703 performs wavelength division multiplexing on the fourth composite optical signal and outputs M target optical signals.

[0098] The optical signal input to the multiplexer 705 includes the third initial optical signal output by the optical splitter 708 and the fourth initial optical signal output by the optical splitter 712. Correspondingly, the optical signal output by the demultiplexer 703 includes the third target optical signal corresponding to the third initial optical signal and the fourth target optical signal corresponding to the fourth initial optical signal.

[0099] The third target optical signal is processed by PD 713 and converted into a third electrical signal. The third electrical signal passes through PA 725 and other components before being transmitted to antenna assembly 716. The fourth target optical signal is processed by PD 714 and converted into a fourth electrical signal. The fourth electrical signal passes through PA 726 and other components before being transmitted to antenna assembly 716. The third and fourth electrical signals are converted into radio frequency signals by different antennas in antenna assembly 716 and then radiated.

[0100] It should be noted that the number of optical delay channels of the optical delay device 702 should be greater than or equal to the number of multiplexers. Each optical delay channel of the optical delay device 702 is used to be in one composite optical signal. For example, if the number of multiplexers of the network device 110 is 2, then the number of optical delay channels of the optical delay device 702 should be greater than or equal to 2.

[0101] Optionally, antenna set 715 is a row of antennas in the antenna array, and antenna set 716 is another row of antennas in the antenna array. For example, antenna set 715 includes antenna 11 and antenna M1, where antenna 11 represents the antenna located in column 1, row 1, and antenna M1 represents the antenna located in column M, row 1. Antenna set 716 includes antenna 12 and antenna M2, where antenna 12 represents the antenna located in column 1, row 2, and antenna M2 represents the antenna located in column M, row 2.

[0102] Wireless communication systems have higher requirements for horizontal beam scanning accuracy and degrees of freedom, but lower requirements for vertical beam scanning accuracy and degrees of freedom. Antenna set 715, as a row of antennas in the antenna array, corresponds to different digital channels and can leverage the high precision and high degrees of freedom of digital beamforming to meet horizontal beam scanning requirements. Similarly, antenna set 716, as a row of antennas in the antenna array, corresponds to different digital channels and can leverage the high precision and high degrees of freedom of digital beamforming to meet horizontal beam scanning requirements. Vertically, antennas 11 and 12 form a row of antennas, corresponding to the first digital channel, and can leverage the low precision and low degrees of freedom of analog beamforming to meet vertical beam scanning requirements. Antennas M1 and M2 form another row of antennas, corresponding to the second digital channel, and can similarly leverage the low precision and low degrees of freedom of analog beamforming to meet vertical beam scanning requirements.

[0103] The beam direction during beam scanning is controlled by the weight of the optical delay device 702, and its mathematical principle is shown in FIG10 .

[0104] In Figure 10, the phase shift matrix required for two-dimensional array beam scanning can be decomposed into the phase shift matrices required for beam scanning in the horizontal and vertical dimensions. The horizontal beamforming is performed by digital signals (D1~D M ) is realized, and the vertical beamforming is realized by analog signals (λ1~λ N ) is realized. α represents the phase weight in the horizontal dimension, and β represents the phase weight in the vertical dimension. N Represents N wavelengths (N is the number of antennas in the vertical dimension), D1~D M Indicates M digital channels.

[0105] In the vertical dimension of the beamforming part, λ1~λ N The physical meaning of is the wavelength of the N optical signals entering the same multiplexer, and the physical meaning of 0, β and (N-1)β is the phase adjustment amount of the N optical delay channels of the optical delay device 702 for different composite optical signals.

[0106] For a network device with an antenna array size of M*N (M is the number of rows, N is the number of columns), the network device shown in Figure 4 requires M*N OLDs or VOLDs, while the network device shown in Figure 9 can use a single N-channel optical delay device (equivalent to N OLDs or VOLDs). Taking M=16 and N=8 as an example, the main components required for the network devices shown in Figures 4 and 9 are shown in Table 1.

[0107] Table 1

[0108] In Table 1, for ease of comparison, the 8-channel optical delay device used in the network device shown in Figure 9 is equivalently replaced with 8 OLDs. The difference between the network devices shown in Figure 4 and Figure 9 lies in the number of multiplexers, OLDs, and demultiplexers. The network device shown in Figure 4 uses 128 multiplexers, OLDs, and demultiplexers, while the network device shown in Figure 9 uses 40 multiplexers, OLDs, and demultiplexers. Therefore, the number of components used in the network device shown in Figure 9 is far less than that used in the network device shown in Figure 4, thereby saving power consumption and cost of the base station. In addition, it can also reduce the insertion loss caused by a large number of OLDs or VODLs.

[0109] The network device 110 in FIG8 and FIG9 includes an optical delay device, which is applicable to a single-beam scenario. For a multi-beam scenario, multiple optical delay devices may be provided in the network device 110 .

[0110] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a network device 110 suitable for a multi-beam scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0111] Compared with FIG9 , the network device 110 shown in FIG11 further includes a multiplexer 727 , an optical delay device 728 , a demultiplexer 729 , a multiplexer 730 , a demultiplexer 731 , a combiner (C) 732 , a combiner 733 , a combiner 734 and a combiner 735 .

[0112] The number of optical signals output by optical splitter 708 is N*K, where N is the number of multiplexers connected to each optical delay chip, and K is the number of optical delay chips. K is a positive integer. For example, if the number of multiplexers connected to each optical delay chip is 2 and the number of optical delay chips is 2, then the number of optical signals output by optical splitter 708 is 4. Similarly, the number of optical signals output by optical splitter 712 is also N*K.

[0113] The initial optical signals output by optical splitter 708 and optical splitter 712 are respectively input into each multiplexer. Each multiplexer performs wavelength division multiplexing on the input optical signals and outputs a composite optical signal. Optical delay device 702 and optical delay device 728 perform transmission delay processing on each composite optical signal and output a composite optical signal. Each demultiplexer performs wavelength division processing on the composite optical signal that has undergone transmission delay processing and outputs a target optical signal.

[0114] For example, multiplexer 727 converts M initial optical signals into a fifth composite optical signal. These M initial optical signals correspond one-to-one to M digital channels and have different wavelengths. These M initial optical signals include a fifth initial optical signal, which is one of the multiple optical signals output by the first digital channel. Optical delay device 728 adjusts the transmission delay of the fifth composite optical signal and outputs a sixth composite optical signal. Demultiplexer 729 performs wavelength division processing on the sixth composite optical signal and outputs M target optical signals. The M target optical signals output by demultiplexer 729 include the fifth target optical signal corresponding to the fifth initial optical signal. The fifth target optical signal and the first target optical signal output by demultiplexer 703 are combined by combiner 732 to output a combined optical signal. PD 709 converts the combined optical signal into a fifth electrical signal and outputs it to antenna 11. Antenna 11 converts the fifth electrical signal into a radio frequency signal and transmits it.

[0115] Multiplexer 727, optical delay device 728, demultiplexer 729, multiplexer 730 and demultiplexer 731 belong to one optical processing device, and multiplexer 701, optical delay device 702, demultiplexer 703, multiplexer 705 and demultiplexer 706 belong to another optical processing device.

[0116] An optical processing device may output multiple target optical signals belonging to the same digital channel, and these target optical signals need to enter different combiners. For example, a target optical signal output by demultiplexer 703 and demultiplexer 706 (as indicated by the solid arrows) belongs to the first digital channel. These two target optical signals need to enter different combiners. The target optical signal output by demultiplexer 703 can enter combiner 732, and the target optical signal output by demultiplexer 706 can enter combiner 734. A target optical signal output by demultiplexer 729 and demultiplexer 731 (as indicated by the solid arrows) belongs to the first digital channel. These two target optical signals need to enter different combiners. The target optical signal output by demultiplexer 729 can enter combiner 732, and the target optical signal output by demultiplexer 731 enters combiner 734.

[0117] Similarly, the other target optical signal output by demultiplexers 703 and 706 (as indicated by the dotted arrows) belongs to the second digital channel. These two target optical signals need to enter different combiners. The target optical signal output by demultiplexer 703 can enter combiner 733, and the target optical signal output by demultiplexer 706 can enter combiner 735. The other target optical signal output by demultiplexers 729 and 731 (as indicated by the dotted arrows) belongs to the second digital channel. These two target optical signals need to enter different combiners. The target optical signal output by demultiplexer 729 can enter combiner 733, and the target optical signal output by demultiplexer 731 enters combiner 735.

[0118] Through the processing of multiple optical delay chips, multiple beams can be independently adjusted.

[0119] The following describes a case where the network device 110 is a receiving end.

[0120] As shown in FIG12 , the optical signal processing device 1200 includes a multiplexer 1201 , an optical delay device 1202 , and a demultiplexer 1203 .

[0121] Multiplexer 1201 utilizes wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology, combining multiple optical signals of different wavelengths for transmission over a single optical fiber or waveguide. Optical delay device 1202 modifies the transmission delay of the optical signal, thereby changing its phase. Demultiplexer 1203 demultiplexes the composite light and outputs multiple optical signals of different wavelengths.

[0122] A schematic structural diagram of a network device 110 equipped with an optical signal processing apparatus 1200 is shown in FIG13 .

[0123] Multiplexer 1201 is configured to convert M initial optical signals into a seventh composite optical signal, where the M initial optical signals correspond one-to-one to the M receiving antennas, and the M initial optical signals have different wavelengths. The M initial optical signals include a sixth initial optical signal, which is an optical signal obtained by processing an electrical signal output by the receiving antenna through an electro-optical converter. The receiving antenna is one of the M receiving antennas, where M is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0124] The optical delay device 1202 is connected to the multiplexer 1201 and is used to adjust the transmission delay of the seventh composite optical signal and output an eighth composite optical signal.

[0125] The demultiplexer 1203 is connected to the optical delay device 1202. The demultiplexer 1203 is used to perform wavelength division processing on the eighth composite optical signal and output M target optical signals. The M target optical signals output by the demultiplexer 1203 include the sixth target optical signal corresponding to the sixth initial optical signal.

[0126] Multiplexer 1201 performs wavelength division multiplexing on the M initial optical signals, outputting a seventh initial optical signal. Optical delay device 1202 adjusts the transmission delay of the seventh composite optical signal and outputs an eighth composite optical signal. The wavelength of the optical signal after transmission delay adjustment remains unchanged; therefore, the eighth composite optical signal remains a composite optical signal containing M optical signals of different wavelengths. Demultiplexer 1203 performs wavelength division multiplexing on the eighth composite optical signal, outputting M target optical signals. These M target optical signals are converted into M electrical signals by an optoelectronic converter (e.g., a PD) and then input into baseband 1204.

[0127] It can be seen that the network device 110 shown in Figure 13 can adjust the transmission delay of multiple optical signals through an optical delay device without configuring a large number of VODLs, thereby saving power consumption and cost of the base station. In addition, it can also reduce the insertion loss caused by a large number of VODLs.

[0128] The network device 110 shown in FIG13 includes a multiplexer and a demultiplexer. Optionally, the network device 110 may further include more multiplexers and demultiplexers.

[0129] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of another network device 110 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0130] Antenna assembly 1215 outputs multiple electrical signals, two of which are input to LNA 1220 and LNA 1221, respectively. Signals corresponding to different digital channels are represented by different arrows. For example, a solid arrow represents the electrical or optical signal corresponding to the third digital channel, and a dashed arrow represents the electrical or optical signal corresponding to the fourth digital channel. The wavelengths of the optical signals corresponding to different digital channels are different.

[0131] LNA 1220 processes the electrical signal output from antenna 11 and inputs the processed electrical signal into LD 1209. LD 1209 processes this electrical signal and converts it into a sixth initial optical signal. LNA 1221 processes the electrical signal output from antenna M1 and inputs this processed electrical signal into LD 1210. LD 1210 processes this electrical signal and converts it into a seventh initial optical signal. Multiple initial optical signals with different wavelengths are input into multiplexer 1201, which outputs a seventh composite optical signal. Optical delay chip 1202 adjusts the transmission delay of the seventh composite optical signal and outputs an eighth composite optical signal.

[0132] The demultiplexer 1203 performs wavelength division processing on the eighth composite optical signal and outputs M target optical signals, where the M target optical signals include a sixth target optical signal corresponding to the sixth initial optical signal (as indicated by the solid arrow output by the demultiplexer 1203) and a seventh target optical signal corresponding to the seventh initial optical signal (as indicated by the dotted arrow output by the demultiplexer 1203).

[0133] LNA 1225 processes the electrical signal output from antenna 12 and inputs the processed electrical signal into LD 1213. LD 1213 processes the electrical signal and converts it into an eighth initial optical signal. LNA 1226 processes the electrical signal output from antenna M2 and inputs the processed electrical signal into LD 1214. LD 1214 processes the electrical signal and converts it into a ninth initial optical signal. Multiple initial optical signals with different wavelengths are input into multiplexer 1205, which outputs an eleventh composite optical signal. Optical delay chip 1202 adjusts the transmission delay of the eleventh composite optical signal and outputs a twelfth composite optical signal.

[0134] The demultiplexer 1206 performs wavelength division processing on the twelfth composite optical signal and outputs M target optical signals, which include an eighth target optical signal corresponding to the eighth initial optical signal (as shown by the solid arrow output by the demultiplexer 1206) and a ninth target optical signal corresponding to the ninth initial optical signal (as shown by the dotted arrow output by the demultiplexer 1206).

[0135] Combiner 1208 is configured to combine multiple co-frequency optical signals (including the sixth and eighth target optical signals) into a ninth composite optical signal. PD 1207 is configured to convert the ninth composite optical signal into a sixth electrical signal. The sixth electrical signal is processed by mixer 1219, ADC 1218, and IF module 1217 before being input into baseband 1204.

[0136] Combiner 1212 combines multiple co-frequency optical signals (including the seventh and ninth target optical signals) into a tenth composite optical signal. PD 1211 converts the tenth composite optical signal into a seventh electrical signal. The seventh electrical signal is processed by mixer 1224, ADC 1223, and IF module 1222 before being input into baseband 1204.

[0137] It should be noted that LD 1209, LD 1210, LD 1213, and LD 1214 are exemplary devices, and other devices capable of converting electrical signals into optical signals are also applicable to the embodiments of the present application. PD 1207 and PD 1211 are also exemplary devices, and other devices capable of converting optical signals into electrical signals are also applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0138] In addition, the number of optical delay channels of the optical delay device 1202 should be greater than or equal to the number of multiplexers. Each optical delay channel of the optical delay device 1202 is used to be in one composite optical signal. For example, if the number of multiplexers of the network device 110 is 2, the number of optical delay channels of the optical delay device 1202 should be greater than or equal to 2.

[0139] Optionally, antenna set 1215 is a row of antennas in the antenna array, and antenna set 1216 is another row of antennas in the antenna array. For example, antenna set 1215 includes antenna 11 and antenna M1, where antenna 11 represents the antenna located in the first column and first row, and antenna M1 represents the antenna located in the Mth column and first row. Antenna set 1216 includes antenna 12 and antenna M2, where antenna 12 represents the antenna located in the first column and second row, and antenna M2 represents the antenna located in the Mth column and second row.

[0140] Wireless communication systems have higher requirements for horizontal beam scanning accuracy and degrees of freedom, but lower requirements for vertical beam scanning accuracy and degrees of freedom. Antenna assembly 1215, as a row of antennas in the antenna array, corresponds to different digital channels and can leverage the high precision and high degrees of freedom of digital beamforming to meet horizontal beam scanning requirements. Similarly, antenna assembly 1216, as a row of antennas in the antenna array, corresponds to different digital channels and can leverage the high precision and high degrees of freedom of digital beamforming to meet horizontal beam scanning requirements. Vertically, antennas 11 and 12 form a row of antennas, corresponding to the first digital channel, and can leverage the low precision and low degrees of freedom of analog beamforming to meet vertical beam scanning requirements. Antennas M1 and M2 form another row of antennas, corresponding to the second digital channel, and can similarly leverage the low precision and low degrees of freedom of analog beamforming to meet vertical beam scanning requirements.

[0141] The mathematical principle of beam scanning is shown in FIG10 and will not be described in detail.

[0142] The network device 110 in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 includes an optical delay device, which is applicable to a single-beam scenario. For a multi-beam scenario, multiple optical delay devices may be provided in the network device 110 .

[0143] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a network device 110 suitable for a multi-beam scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0144] Compared with FIG14 , the network device 110 shown in FIG15 further includes a multiplexer 1227 , an optical delay device 1228 , a demultiplexer 1229 , a multiplexer 1230 , a demultiplexer 1231 , an optical splitter 1232 , an optical splitter 1233 , an optical splitter 1234 and an optical splitter 1235 .

[0145] The number of optical signals output by optical splitter 1232 is K, where K is the number of optical delay chips. For example, if the number of optical delay chips is 2, the number of optical signals output by optical splitter 1232 is 2. Similarly, the number of optical signals output by optical splitter 1233, optical splitter 1234, and optical splitter 1235 is also K.

[0146] The initial optical signals output by optical splitter 1232, optical splitter 1233, optical splitter 1234 and optical splitter 1235 are respectively input into each multiplexer, and each multiplexer performs wavelength division multiplexing on the input initial optical signal and outputs a composite optical signal; optical delay device 1202 and optical delay device 1228 perform transmission delay processing on each composite optical signal and output a composite optical signal; each demultiplexer performs wavelength division processing on the composite optical signal that has undergone transmission delay processing and outputs a target optical signal.

[0147] For example, multiplexer 1227 converts M initial optical signals with different wavelengths into a thirteenth composite optical signal. The M initial optical signals processed by multiplexer 1227 are identical to the M initial optical signals processed by multiplexer 1201. Optical delay device 1228 adjusts the transmission delay of the thirteenth composite optical signal and outputs a fourteenth composite optical signal. Demultiplexer 1229 performs wavelength division processing on the fourteenth composite optical signal and outputs M target optical signals. The tenth target optical signal output by demultiplexer 1229 has the same frequency as the sixth target optical signal output by demultiplexer 1203. These two target optical signals are combined by combiner 1208 to produce a combined optical signal. PD 1207 converts this combined optical signal into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is then processed by mixer 1219, ADC 1218, and IF module 1217 before being input into baseband 1204.

[0148] Multiplexer 1227, optical delay 1228, demultiplexer 1229, multiplexer 1230 and demultiplexer 1231 belong to one optical processing device, and multiplexer 1201, optical delay 1202, demultiplexer 1203, multiplexer 1205 and demultiplexer 1206 belong to another optical processing device.

[0149] The optical processing device may output multiple target optical signals belonging to the same digital channel. These target optical signals need to enter the same combiner. For example, a target optical signal output by demultiplexers 1203 and 1206 (as indicated by solid arrows) belongs to the third digital channel. These two target optical signals need to enter the same combiner, namely, combiner 1208. A target optical signal output by demultiplexers 1229 and 1231 (as indicated by solid arrows) belongs to the third digital channel. These two target optical signals also need to enter combiner 1208.

[0150] Similarly, the other target optical signal output by demultiplexers 1203 and 1206 (as indicated by dotted arrows) belongs to the fourth digital channel, and these two target optical signals need to enter the same combiner, namely, combiner 1212. The other target optical signal output by demultiplexers 1229 and 1231 (as indicated by dotted arrows) belongs to the fourth digital channel, and these two target optical signals also need to enter combiner 1212.

[0151] Through the processing of multiple optical delay chips, multiple beams can be independently adjusted.

[0152] Optionally, the network device 110 as the transmitter and the network device 110 as the receiver can be two independent network devices or one network device. When the network device 110 as the transmitter and the network device 110 as the receiver are one network device, they can share some components (such as an antenna).

[0153] Figure 16 is a structural diagram of a base station provided in an embodiment of the present application, which base station may be the network device 110 mentioned above. The base station 160 may include one or more radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU) 1601 and one or more baseband units (BBU) (also referred to as digital units (DU)) 1602. The RRU 1601 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc., and may include at least one antenna 16011 and a radio frequency unit 16012. The RRU 1601 is mainly used for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals into baseband signals. The BBU 1602 is mainly used for baseband processing, controlling the base station, etc. The RRU 1601 and the BBU 1602 may be physically arranged together or physically separated, that is, a distributed base station.

[0154] BBU 1602 is the control center of the base station, which can also be called a processing unit. It is mainly used to perform baseband processing functions such as channel coding, multiplexing, modulation, spread spectrum, etc. For example, BBU 1602 can be used to control the base station to execute the operation process of the network device in the above method embodiment.

[0155] In one embodiment, the BBU 1602 can be composed of one or more single boards. Multiple single boards can jointly support a wireless access network with a single access indication (such as an LTE network), or can respectively support wireless access networks with different access standards (such as an LTE network, an NR network, or other networks). The BBU 1602 also includes a memory 16021 and a processor 16022. The memory 16021 is used to store necessary instructions and data. The processor 16022 is used to control the base station to perform necessary actions, for example, to control the base station to execute the operation process of the network device in the above method embodiment. The memory 16021 and the processor 16022 can serve one or more single boards. That is, a memory and a processor can be set separately on each single board. Alternatively, multiple single boards can share the same memory and processor. In addition, necessary circuits can also be set on each single board.

[0156] It is understood that the processor in each embodiment of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above-mentioned method embodiment can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or by software instructions. The above-mentioned processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the various embodiments of the present application can be directly implemented and executed by a hardware decoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium well-known in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above-mentioned method.

[0157] It is understood that the memory in each embodiment of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0158] It can be understood that the chip in each embodiment of the present application can be a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on chip (SoC), a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD) or other integrated chips.

[0159] During implementation, each step of the method can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or by software instructions. The steps of the method can be directly implemented as execution by the hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium well-established in the art, such as a random access register, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or register. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, a detailed description is not given here.

[0160] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or software instructions. The above processor can be a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component. The method, steps and logic block diagram can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0161] It should be understood that the “embodiment” mentioned throughout the specification means that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments in the entire specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiment of the present application.

[0162] It should also be understood that in this application, "when", "if" and "if" all mean that the UE or base station will take corresponding measures under certain objective circumstances. It does not limit the time, and does not require the UE or base station to take judgment actions when implementing it, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0163] Additionally, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. The term "and / or" is simply used to describe an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone.

[0164] It should be understood that in each embodiment of the present application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B based solely on A, but B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0165] The above description is only an embodiment of the technical solution of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the principles of this application shall be included in the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An optical signal processing device, characterized in that: include: A first multiplexer, used to convert M initial optical signals into a first composite optical signal, wherein the M initial optical signals processed by the first multiplexer correspond one-to-one to the M digital channels, and the M initial optical signals processed by the first multiplexer have different wavelengths, the M initial optical signals processed by the first multiplexer include a first initial optical signal, the first initial optical signal is one of the multiple optical signals output by the first digital channel, the first digital channel belongs to the M digital channels, and M is a positive integer greater than 1; a first optical delay device, connected to the first multiplexer, configured to adjust the transmission delay of the first composite optical signal and output a second composite optical signal; A first demultiplexer is connected to the first optical delay device and to a first photoelectric converter; the first demultiplexer is used to perform wavelength division processing on the second composite optical signal and output M target optical signals, wherein the M target optical signals output by the first demultiplexer include a first target optical signal corresponding to the first initial optical signal; the first photoelectric converter is used to convert the first target optical signal into a first electrical signal.

2. The optical signal processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The M initial optical signals processed by the first multiplexer correspond to a first antenna set, where the first antenna set is a row of antennas in an antenna array.

3. The optical signal processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The M initial optical signals processed by the first multiplexer also include a second initial optical signal, where the second initial optical signal is one of the multiple optical signals output by the second digital channel, and the second digital channel belongs to the M digital channels; The first demultiplexer is also connected to a second photoelectric converter, and the M target optical signals output by the first demultiplexer include a second target optical signal corresponding to the second initial optical signal; the second photoelectric converter is used to convert the second target optical signal into a second electrical signal.

4. The optical signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Also includes: a second multiplexer connected to the first optical delay device, the second multiplexer being used to convert M initial optical signals into a third composite optical signal, the M initial optical signals processed by the second multiplexer corresponding to the M digital channels one by one, and the M initial optical signals processed by the second multiplexer having different wavelengths, the M initial optical signals processed by the second multiplexer including a third initial optical signal, the third initial optical signal being one of the multiple optical signals output by the first digital channel; the first optical delay device being further used to adjust the transmission delay of the third composite optical signal, and output a fourth composite optical signal; A second demultiplexer is connected to the first optical delay device and to the third photoelectric converter; the second demultiplexer is used to perform wavelength division processing on the fourth composite optical signal and output M target optical signals, the M target optical signals output by the second demultiplexer include a third target optical signal corresponding to the third initial optical signal; the third photoelectric converter is used to convert the third target optical signal into a third electrical signal.

5. The optical signal processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The M initial optical signals processed by the second multiplexer correspond to a second antenna set, and the second antenna set is a row of antennas in the antenna array.

6. The optical signal processing device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The M initial optical signals processed by the second multiplexer further include a fourth initial optical signal, where the fourth initial optical signal is one of the multiple optical signals output by the second digital channel, and the second digital channel belongs to the M digital channels; The second demultiplexer is also connected to a fourth photoelectric converter, and the M target optical signals output by the second demultiplexer include a fourth target optical signal corresponding to the fourth initial optical signal; the fourth photoelectric converter is used to convert the fourth target optical signal into a fourth electrical signal.

7. The optical signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first demultiplexer is connected to the first photoelectric converter via a first combiner; The optical signal processing device further comprises: a third multiplexer, configured to convert M initial optical signals into a fifth composite optical signal, wherein the M initial optical signals processed by the third multiplexer correspond one-to-one to the M digital channels, and the M initial optical signals processed by the third multiplexer have different wavelengths, and the M initial optical signals processed by the third multiplexer include a fifth initial optical signal, and the fifth initial optical signal is one of the multiple optical signals output by the first digital channel; a second optical delay device, connected to the third multiplexer, configured to adjust the transmission delay of the fifth composite optical signal and output a sixth composite optical signal; A third demultiplexer is connected to the second optical delay device, and is connected to the first photoelectric converter through the first combiner; the third demultiplexer is used to perform wavelength division processing on the sixth composite optical signal, and output M target optical signals, the M target optical signals output by the third demultiplexer include a fifth target optical signal corresponding to the fifth initial optical signal; the first photoelectric converter is also used to convert the fifth target optical signal into a fifth electrical signal.

8. An optical signal processing device, characterized in that: include: a fourth multiplexer, configured to convert M initial optical signals into a seventh composite optical signal, wherein the M initial optical signals processed by the fourth multiplexer correspond one-to-one to the M receiving antennas, and the wavelengths of the M initial optical signals processed by the fourth multiplexer are different, and the M initial optical signals processed by the fourth multiplexer include a sixth initial optical signal, where the sixth initial optical signal is an optical signal obtained by processing the electrical signal output by the first receiving antenna by the first electro-optical converter, the first receiving antenna belongs to the M receiving antennas, and M is a positive integer greater than 1; a third optical delay device, connected to the fourth multiplexer, configured to adjust the transmission delay of the seventh composite optical signal and output an eighth composite optical signal; a fourth demultiplexer connected to the third optical delay device, and connected to the fifth photoelectric converter through the second combiner; the fourth demultiplexer is used to perform wavelength division processing on the eighth composite optical signal, and output M target optical signals, the M target optical signals output by the fourth demultiplexer include a sixth target optical signal corresponding to the sixth initial optical signal; the second combiner is used to combine multiple optical signals of the same frequency including the sixth target optical signal into a ninth composite optical signal, and the fifth photoelectric converter is used to convert the ninth composite optical signal into a sixth electrical signal.

9. The optical signal processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The M initial optical signals processed by the fourth multiplexer correspond to a third antenna set, and the third antenna set is a row of antennas in the antenna array.

10. The optical signal processing device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The M initial optical signals processed by the fourth multiplexer also include a seventh initial optical signal, where the seventh initial optical signal is an optical signal obtained after the electrical signal output by the second receiving antenna is processed by the second electro-optical converter, and the second receiving antenna belongs to the M receiving antennas; The fourth demultiplexer is also connected to the sixth photoelectric converter through the third combiner, the M target optical signals output by the fourth demultiplexer include a seventh target optical signal corresponding to the seventh initial optical signal, the third combiner is used to combine multiple same-frequency optical signals including the seventh target optical signal into a tenth composite optical signal, and the sixth photoelectric converter is used to convert the tenth composite optical signal into a seventh electrical signal.

11. The optical signal processing device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that: Also includes: a fifth multiplexer, connected to the third optical delay device, and used to convert M initial optical signals into an eleventh composite optical signal, the M initial optical signals processed by the fifth multiplexer correspond one-to-one to the M receiving antennas, and the wavelengths of the M initial optical signals processed by the fifth multiplexer are different, the M initial optical signals processed by the fifth multiplexer include an eighth initial optical signal, the eighth initial optical signal is an optical signal obtained after the electrical signal output by the third receiving antenna is processed by the third electro-optical converter, and the third receiving antenna belongs to the M receiving antennas corresponding to the fifth multiplexer; the third optical delay device is also used to adjust the transmission delay of the eleventh composite optical signal, and output a twelfth composite optical signal; a fifth demultiplexer connected to the third optical delay device, and connected to the fifth photoelectric converter through the second combiner; the fifth demultiplexer is used to perform wavelength division processing on the twelfth composite optical signal and output it as M target optical signals, the M target optical signals output by the fifth demultiplexer include the eighth target optical signal corresponding to the eighth initial optical signal; the multiple same-frequency optical signals combined by the second combiner include the eighth target optical signal.

12. The optical signal processing device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The M initial optical signals processed by the fifth multiplexer correspond to a fourth antenna set, and the fourth antenna set is a row of antennas in the antenna array.

13. The optical signal processing device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The M initial optical signals processed by the fifth multiplexer also include a ninth initial optical signal, where the ninth initial optical signal is an optical signal obtained after the electrical signal output by the fourth receiving antenna is processed by the fourth electro-optical converter, and the fourth receiving antenna belongs to the M receiving antennas corresponding to the fifth multiplexer; The fifth demultiplexer is also connected to the sixth photoelectric converter through the third combiner. The M target optical signals output by the fifth demultiplexer include a ninth target optical signal corresponding to the ninth initial optical signal. The third combiner is used to combine multiple optical signals of the same frequency including the ninth target optical signal into a tenth composite optical signal. The sixth photoelectric converter is used to convert the tenth composite optical signal into a seventh electrical signal.

14. The optical signal processing device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that: The fourth multiplexer is connected to the first electro-optical converter through the first splitter; the optical signal processing device also includes: a sixth multiplexer, configured to convert the M-channel initial optical signals into a thirteenth composite optical signal, wherein the M-channel initial optical signals processed by the sixth multiplexer are the same as the M-channel initial optical signals processed by the fourth multiplexer; a fourth optical delay device, connected to the sixth multiplexer, configured to adjust the transmission delay of the thirteenth composite optical signal and output a fourteenth composite optical signal; A sixth demultiplexer is connected to the fourth optical delay device and is connected to the fifth photoelectric converter through the second combiner; the sixth demultiplexer is used to perform wavelength division processing on the fourteenth composite optical signal and output M target optical signals, the M target optical signals output by the sixth demultiplexer include a tenth target optical signal with the same frequency as the sixth target optical signal, and the multiple optical signals of the same frequency combined by the second combiner include the tenth target optical signal.

15. A network device, characterized in that: include: The optical signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and / or the optical signal processing device according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

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