Control circuit, switch control method and electronic device

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of radio frequency. Disclosed are a control circuit, a switch control method and an electronic device, which are used for selecting an optimal matching network when a PA is shared in the case of a plurality of frequency bands. The control circuit comprises: a controller, a power amplifier, a multi-throw switch, and at least one matching network, wherein the multi-throw switch comprises a fixed end, a common-channel movable end and at least one matching-network movable end, the fixed end of the multi-throw switch is connected to the common-channel movable end of the multi-throw switch, an output end of the power amplifier is coupled to the fixed end of the multi-throw switch, the common-channel movable end of the multi-throw switch is coupled to a radio-frequency channel, the radio-frequency channel is used for transmitting radio-frequency signals of a plurality of frequency bands, and each matching-network movable end is coupled to one matching network; and the controller is used for acquiring the power and frequency band of a transmitted radio-frequency signal, and controlling, on the basis of the power and frequency band of the radio-frequency signal, the multi-throw switch to connect the at least one matching-network movable end to the fixed end or disconnect the at least one matching-network movable end from the fixed end.

Description

Control circuit, switch control method and electronic device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on July 31, 2023, with application number 202310960671.1 and invention name “Control Circuit, Switch Control Method and Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of radio frequency, and in particular to a control circuit, a switch control method and an electronic device. Background Art

[0003] In RF circuits, one RF channel uses a power amplifier (PA), and this RF channel can be used to transmit RF signals in multiple frequency bands. However, RF signals in different frequency bands require different optimal load impedances for the PA. Under the optimal load impedance, the PA is most efficient and the output RF signal power is the highest. If RF signals in different frequency bands share the same PA and use the same matching network to provide the same load impedance, it is difficult to meet the requirements of RF signals in different frequency bands, which will reduce the efficiency of the PA and the power of the output RF signal.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a control circuit, a switch control method, and an electronic device for selecting an optimal matching network to provide an optimal load impedance when radio frequency signals of multiple frequency bands share a PA.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, a control circuit is provided, including: a controller, a power amplifier, a multi-open switch, and at least one matching network, wherein the multi-open switch includes a fixed end, a common channel active end, and at least one matching network active end, the fixed end of the multi-open switch is connected to the common channel active end of the multi-open switch, the output end of the power amplifier is coupled to the fixed end of the multi-open switch, the common channel active end of the multi-open switch is coupled to a radio frequency channel, the radio frequency channel is used to transmit radio frequency signals of multiple frequency bands, and each matching network active end is coupled to a matching network respectively; the controller is used to: obtain the power and frequency band of the transmitted radio frequency signal; and control the multi-open switch to connect or disconnect at least one matching network active end and the fixed end according to the power and frequency band of the radio frequency signal.

[0008] In the control circuit provided by the embodiment of the present application, the fixed end of a multi-open switch (the fixed end can be simultaneously connected to multiple active ends) is coupled to the output end of the PA, one active end of the multi-open switch is coupled to a radio frequency channel shared by multiple frequency bands, and at least one of the remaining active ends of the multi-open switch is coupled to at least one matching network. The controller controls the multi-open switch to couple different matching networks to the radio frequency channel based on the power and frequency band of the transmitted radio frequency signal. Since the mismatch between the matching network and the PA determines the power of the radio frequency signal, and the matching networks adapted to radio frequency signals of different frequency bands are also different, it is possible to select a better matching network when a PA is shared by multiple frequency bands, thereby improving the power and efficiency of the PA without increasing insertion loss, the area of ​​the control circuit, or the production cost.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the controller is specifically configured to: if the power of the RF signal is less than the target power, control the multi-open switch to connect or disconnect at least one matching network active end and the fixed end according to a preferred scheme of connecting or disconnecting at least one matching network active end and the fixed end corresponding to the frequency band.

[0010] In other words, when the power of the RF signal in a certain frequency band is too low, the PA matching network needs to be adjusted. Otherwise, no adjustment is required. Different frequency bands require different matching networks. When the PA matching network needs to be adjusted, the multi-open switch is controlled according to the matching network adapted for that frequency band, connecting or disconnecting at least one of the matching network's active and fixed terminals.

[0011] In one possible implementation, before controlling the multi-open switch to connect or disconnect at least one matching network active end and fixed end according to the optimal control scheme corresponding to the frequency band, the controller is further used to: when transmitting the RF signal of the frequency band, control the multi-open switch, traverse various schemes of connecting or disconnecting at least one matching network active end and fixed end, and obtain the power of the RF signal under each scheme; and determine the scheme with the highest power, or the scheme with power closest to the target power, as the preferred scheme.

[0012] If the solution with the highest power, or the solution closest to the target power, is found, it indicates that the matching network and the PA output have achieved impedance matching. Once the optimal solution is found, the search can stop. Otherwise, it is necessary to traverse various solutions in which the active and fixed terminals of the multi-open switch are turned on or off.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, at least one matching network includes: a grounded inductor; or a grounded capacitor; or an inductor and a capacitor connected in series and then grounded; or an inductor and a capacitor connected in parallel and then grounded; or a first inductor, a second inductor, and a capacitor, the first inductor and the capacitor are connected in parallel and then connected in series with the second inductor to ground; or an inductor, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor, the inductor and the first capacitor are connected in parallel and then connected in series with the second capacitor to ground; or a first inductor, a second inductor, and a capacitor, the first inductor and the capacitor are connected in series and then connected in parallel with the second inductor to ground; or an inductor, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor, the inductor and the first capacitor are connected in series and then connected in parallel with the second capacitor to ground.

[0014] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the matching network to adopt various combinations of the above-mentioned capacitors and inductors.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the control circuit further includes a low-pass filter and a low-noise amplifier and power amplifier module (LPAMID) integrated with a duplexer. The active end of the shared channel of the multi-open switch is coupled to the input of the low-pass filter, and the output of the low-pass filter is coupled to a port of the LPAMID. The RF channel refers to the channel containing the low-noise amplifier. The low-pass filter can filter out second-order harmonics, third-order harmonics, and higher-order harmonics of RF signals in multiple frequency bands. The LPAMID enables RF signals in multiple frequency bands to share the same RF channel.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the LPAMID includes a band selector switch, multiple duplexers, and an antenna switch module (ASM). The common terminal of the band selector switch is coupled to the aforementioned one port. The band selector switch is configured to output different frequency bands of RF signals in multiple frequency bands to different duplexers in the multiple duplexers. The multiple duplexers are configured to output the RF signals in the multiple frequency bands to the antenna via the ASM. This application does not limit the structure of the LPAMID.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the control circuit further includes: a second single-pole multi-throw switch and multiple external duplexers; the LPAMID further includes a low-noise amplifier; when receiving RF signals, the ASM is configured to output RF signals of different frequency bands received by the antenna to the multiple external duplexers through different ports, and the multiple external duplexers are configured to output the received RF signals of different frequency bands to the linear amplifier via the second single-pole multi-throw switch. This control circuit can also receive RF signals of different frequency bands.

[0018] In a second aspect, a switch control method is provided, which is applied to the control circuit as described in the first aspect and any embodiment thereof, the method comprising: obtaining the power and frequency band of the transmitted RF signal; according to the power and frequency band of the RF signal, controlling the multi-open switch to connect or disconnect at least one matching network active end and the fixed end, the fixed end of the multi-open switch and the common channel active end of the multi-open switch are connected, the output end of the power amplifier is coupled to the fixed end of the multi-open switch, the common channel active end of the multi-open switch is coupled to the RF channel, the RF channel is used to transmit RF signals of multiple frequency bands, and each matching network active end is coupled to a matching network respectively.

[0019] In one possible implementation, according to the power and frequency band of the radio frequency signal, controlling the multi-open switch to connect or disconnect at least one matching network active end and the fixed end includes: if the power of the radio frequency signal is less than the target power, according to the preferred scheme of connecting or disconnecting at least one matching network active end and the fixed end corresponding to the frequency band, controlling the multi-open switch to connect or disconnect at least one matching network active end and the fixed end.

[0020] In one possible implementation, before controlling the multi-open switch to turn on or off at least one matching network active end and the fixed end according to the optimal control scheme corresponding to the frequency band, it also includes: when transmitting the RF signal of the frequency band, controlling the multi-open switch to traverse various schemes of turning on or off the active end and the fixed end of at least one matching network, and obtaining the power of the RF signal under each scheme; and determining the scheme with the highest power, or the scheme with power closest to the target power, as the preferred scheme.

[0021] In a third aspect, an electronic device is provided, comprising the control circuit and antenna as described in the first aspect and any embodiment thereof, wherein the control circuit transmits and receives radio frequency signals through the antenna.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, an electronic device is provided, comprising a controller and a memory, wherein the memory stores instructions, and when the controller executes the instructions, the electronic device executes the method as described in the second aspect and any embodiment thereof.

[0023] In a fifth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising instructions, which, when executed on an electronic device, enable the electronic device to execute the method as described in the second aspect and any embodiment thereof.

[0024] In a sixth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when the instructions are executed on the electronic device, enables the electronic device to execute the method as described in the second aspect and any embodiment thereof.

[0025] In a seventh aspect, a chip system is provided, comprising a processor configured to support an electronic device in implementing the functions described in the second aspect. In one possible design, the device further comprises an interface circuit configured to receive signals from other devices (e.g., a memory) or to send signals to other devices (e.g., a communication interface). The chip system may include a chip and may also include other discrete components.

[0026] The technical effects of the second to seventh aspects refer to the technical effects of the first aspect and any of its embodiments and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a radio frequency front end provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of another radio frequency front end provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of another radio frequency front end provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of another radio frequency front end provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of another radio frequency front end provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the structures of several matching networks provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG8 is a flow chart of a switch control method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of several multi-open switches provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the fixed terminals and the movable terminals are in conduction;

[0036] FIG10 is a flow chart of another switch control method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] First, some concepts involved in this application are described.

[0039] The terms "first", "second", etc. involved in the embodiments of the present application are only used to distinguish features of the same type and cannot be understood as indicating relative importance, quantity, order, etc.

[0040] The terms "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0041] The terms "coupling" and "connection" involved in the embodiments of this application should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a physical direct connection, or an indirect connection achieved through electronic devices, such as a connection achieved through resistors, inductors, capacitors or other electronic devices.

[0042] The electronic device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a device including a wireless transceiver function. The electronic device may also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent or a user device. For example, the electronic device may be a mobile phone, a smart speaker, a smart watch, a handheld device with a wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a robot, a drone, an intelligent driving vehicle, a smart home, an on-board device, a medical device, an intelligent logistics device, a wearable device, a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) device, a fifth generation (5G) communication or a terminal device thereafter, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0043] FIG1 shows a possible structure of an electronic device. The electronic device 100 may include a control circuit 10, an antenna 14, a processor 15, and a memory 16. The control circuit 10 includes a baseband chip 11, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) 12, and a radio frequency front-end 13.

[0044] The processor 15 involved in the embodiments of the present application can be a chip. For example, it 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. The processor 15 can also be called an application processor (AP). The processor 15 can receive data from the control circuit 10 or transmit data through the control circuit 10.

[0045] The memory 16 involved in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can 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 can 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.

[0046] The baseband chip 11 is used for modulation and demodulation, digital filtering, equalization processing, etc. of the baseband signal. The RFIC 12 is used to convert the baseband signal from the baseband chip 11 into a radio frequency signal, which is transmitted through the radio frequency front end 13 and the antenna 14, or after receiving the radio frequency signal through the antenna 14 and the radio frequency front end 13, it is converted into a baseband signal and sent to the baseband chip 11. The memory 16 can store computer program instructions for execution by the controller (such as the baseband chip 11 or the RFIC 12), thereby executing the switch control method involved in the embodiment of the present application. Since the control of each device in the radio frequency front end 13 is performed by the RFIC 12, this application takes the controller as the RFIC 12 as an example for explanation, but is not intended to be limited to this.

[0047] The control circuit 10 can implement wireless communications such as second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), and 5G. It can also provide wireless communications for application on the electronic device 10, including wireless local area networks (WLAN) (such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks), Bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite system (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), and near field communication (NFC).

[0048] In one possible embodiment, as shown in FIG2 , the RF front end 13 includes a first PA 131, a first single-pole multi-throw switch 132, a low pass filter (LPF) 133, and a low noise amplifier and power amplifier module (LNA-Power amplifier module integrated duplexer, LPAMID) 134 integrated with a duplexer. LPAMID can integrate PA, low noise amplifier (LNA), coupler, RF switch, duplexer and other devices, and can not only support RF communication in the 5G frequency band, but also be backward compatible with RF communication in the 4G, 3G and 2G frequency bands. For example, as shown in FIG2 and FIG3 , LPAMID 134 includes a second PA 1341, a band selection switch 1342, multiple built-in duplexers (e.g., a third duplexer 1343, a fourth duplexer 1344, and a fifth duplexer 1345), an antenna switch module (ASM) 1346 and an LNA 1347. Optionally, as shown in FIG3 , based on FIG2 , the RF front end 13 further includes multiple external duplexers (e.g., a first duplexer 135 and a second duplexer 136) and a second single-pole multi-throw switch 137. The first PA 131 is an external PA of the LPAMID 134, and the second PA 1341 is a built-in PA of the LPAMID 134. The duplexers (e.g., the first duplexer 135 to the fifth duplexer 1345) and switches (e.g., the first single-pole multi-throw switch 132, the second single-pole multi-throw switch 137, the band selection switch 1342, and the ASM 1346) in the RF front end 13 can be controlled by the RFIC 12.

[0049] The various components in LPAMID 134 shown in Figures 2 and 3 are low-band (LB) components, enabling transmission and reception of LB RF signals, such as those in the B8 / B26 / B28 / B12 bands. In certain embodiments, in addition to the LB band components, LPAMID 134 also includes components for the MHB band, enabling transmission and reception of middle-high-band (MHB) RF signals, such as those in the B1 / B3 / B41 / B66 bands. The MHB band components of LPAMID 134 are similar in structure and function to those of the LB band components, including an ASM, a duplexer, a band switch, a PA, and an LNA. In the embodiments of the present application, the MHB band components of LPAMID 134 are omitted, and the LB band components are used as an example for illustration.

[0050] For transmitting RF signals: the RF signal output by RFIC 12 can be a low band (LB) RF signal, such as a RF signal in the B8 / B26 / B28 / B12 frequency band. Since LPAMID 134 is integrated and includes duplexers for certain frequency bands in LB (for example, duplexers for the B8 / B26 / B28 frequency bands - the third duplexer 1343, the fourth duplexer 1344, and the fifth duplexer 1345), the RF signals in the B8 / B26 / B28 frequency bands can share a RF channel (the RF channel where LPF 133 is located in the figure) and be input into LPAMID 134, and the RF signal in the B12 frequency band can be input into LPAMID 134 through an external duplexer (i.e., the second duplexer 136). When transmitting RF signals in different frequency bands, RFIC 12 inputs RF signals in multiple frequency bands (e.g., B8 / B26 / B28 / B12 bands) into first PA 131. First PA 131 amplifies the power and outputs the signals to first single-pole multi-throw switch 132. RFIC 12 controls first single-pole multi-throw switch 132 to output RF signals in multiple frequency bands (e.g., B8 / B26 / B28 bands) that share a common RF channel to LPF 133. LPF 133 filters out second-order, third-order, and higher-order harmonics of the RF signals and then outputs the signals to band selector switch 1342 of LPAMID 134 via the EX_PAIN port of LPAMID 134. RFIC 12 controls first single-pole multi-throw switch 132 to output RF signals in a single frequency band (e.g., B12 band) that do not share a common RF channel to one port of ASM 1346 via second duplexer 136. RFIC 12 controls band selector switch 1342 to output different RF signals from multiple frequency bands to different duplexers within the multiple built-in duplexers. For example, RF signals in the B8 frequency band are output to third duplexer 1343, RF signals in the B26 frequency band are output to fourth duplexer 1444, and RF signals in the B28 frequency band are output to fifth duplexer 1345. Multiple different duplexers input RF signals in multiple frequency bands into different ports of ASM 1346. ASM 1346 ultimately outputs the RF signals in different frequency bands to antenna 14 through the ANT port for transmission.

[0051] In the RF front-end 13, the first duplexer 135 and the second duplexer 136 are external duplexers for the LPAMID 134. These duplexers are used to handle frequency bands other than those covered by the internal duplexer in the LPAMID 134, such as the B20 and B12 bands. As shown in Figure 3, the transmit port of the first duplexer 135 is coupled to the TXOUT port of the LPAMID 134. The second PA 1341 amplifies RF signals in the B20 band and outputs them to the TXOUT port via the band selector switch 1342. The transmit port of the second duplexer 136 is coupled to an active terminal of the first single-pole multi-throw switch 132. The first PA 131 amplifies RF signals in the B12 band and outputs them to the second duplexer 136 via the first single-pole multi-throw switch 132.

[0052] Regarding the external duplexer receiving RF signals: the RF signal received by the antenna 14 can be a RF signal in the middle high band (MHB), such as a RF signal in the B1 / B3 / B41 / B66 frequency band. After the RF signals of different frequency bands are input into the ASM 1346 through the ANT port, the RFIC 12 controls the ASM 1346 to output the RF signals of different frequency bands from the antenna 14 to multiple external duplexers (such as the first duplexer 135 or the second duplexer 136) through different ports. The multiple external duplexers are used to output the received RF signals of different frequency bands to the LNA 1347 through the second single-pole multi-throw switch 137, and finally output them to the RFIC 12.

[0053] In LPAMID, RF signals from multiple frequency bands (e.g., B8 / B26 / B28) may share the same RF channel. Furthermore, the harmonics of the LB-band RF signal output by the PA (e.g., first PA 131) may be co-frequency with the MHB-band RF signal received by the LNA (e.g., LNA 1347), potentially interfering with the LNA's reception of the MHB-band RF signal. For example, the second-order harmonic of the B8-band RF signal output by the PA may interfere with the LNA's reception of the B3-band RF signal; and the third-order harmonic of the B8-band RF signal output by the PA may interfere with the LNA's reception of the B41-band RF signal. Therefore, in a non-carrier aggregation (CA) scenario in the B8 band, the LB-band RF signal transmitted by the PA will not cause harmonic interference to the MHB-band RF signal received by the LNA. However, in a CA scenario where the B8 band and the B41 band form a CA scenario, and in a CA scenario where the B8 band and the B3 band form a CA scenario, the LB-band RF signal transmitted by the PA may cause harmonic interference to the MHB-band RF signal received by the LNA. Similarly, the third-order harmonic of the B26-band RF signal output by the PA will interfere with the LNA's reception of the B41-band RF signal, and the third-order harmonic of the B28-band RF signal output by the PA will interfere with the B1-band RF signal. Therefore, in a CA scenario where the B26 band and the B41 band form a CA scenario, and in a CA scenario where the B28 band and the B1 band form a CA scenario, the LB-band RF signal transmitted by the PA may also cause harmonic interference to the MHB-band RF signal received by the LNA.

[0054] In Figures 2 and 3, an external first PA 131 is used instead of the second PA 1341 built into the LPAMID 134. The LB-band RF signal output by the first PA 131 is subjected to harmonic suppression by the LPF 133 and then input into the LPAMID 134 through the EX_PAIN port of the LPAMID 134. This prevents the RF signal transmitted by the PA from causing harmonic interference to the RF signal received by the LNA.

[0055] In addition, the LB also includes other frequency bands (such as the B12 band). In a CA scenario where the B12 band and the B66 band form a band-to-band (B66) band, the LPAMID does not have an integrated B12 band duplexer. The external first PA 131 outputs the B12 band RF signal, which passes through the first single-pole multi-throw switch 132 and the external second duplexer 136 before entering the LPAMID through its TRX2 port. The second duplexer 136 (or other harmonic suppression circuit) can suppress harmonics in the B12 band RF signal.

[0056] The external first PA 131 may operate in the B8 band (corresponding to 880-915MHz), B26 band (corresponding to 814-849MHz), B28 band (corresponding to 703-748MHz) and B12 band (corresponding to 699-716MHz) of the LB, covering the range of 699-915MHz. The RF signals of different frequency bands require different optimal load impedances for the PA. If a common matching network is used, it will be difficult to take into account the 699-915MHz band. Although the RF signal of the B12 band in Figure 3 occupies a separate RF channel, in theory, a separate matching network can be set to adjust the load impedance to achieve the best performance in the B12 band. However, the three bands of B8, B26 and B28 share the same RF channel. If the same matching network is used to match 703-915MHz, it will be difficult to take into account the performance requirements of RF signals in different frequency bands, which will reduce the power and efficiency of the PA.

[0057] Based on the control circuit shown in FIG3 , as shown in FIG4 , the control circuit 10 further includes a third single-pole multi-throw switch 138 , matching network 1 , matching network 2 , and matching network 3 . The first single-pole multi-throw switch 132 divides the single RF channel coupled to the left port of the first single-pole multi-throw switch 132 into multiple RF channels coupled to the right port of the first single-pole multi-throw switch 132 . Each RF channel uses a matching network to achieve impedance matching for RF signals in a frequency band. For example, matching network 1 is used to perform impedance matching for RF signals in the B8 frequency band, matching network 2 is used to perform impedance matching for RF signals in the B26 frequency band, and matching network 3 is used to perform impedance matching for RF signals in the B28 frequency band. The third single-pole multi-throw switch 138 then merges the multiple RF channels into a single RF channel, which uses a shared LPF 133 for harmonic suppression. While this structure can achieve impedance matching for RF signals in different frequency bands, it adds an additional single-pole multi-throw switch, which increases insertion loss, the area of ​​the control circuit, and the production cost.

[0058] To this end, the control circuit, switch control method and electronic device provided in the embodiments of the present application couple multiple matching networks with the output end of a PA shared by RF signals of multiple frequency bands through a multi-open switch. When the RF signal of a frequency band occupies the PA, the multi-open switch is controlled to connect the output end of the PA with the matching network corresponding to the frequency band, that is, the impedance matching of the RF signal of the frequency band is performed through the adapted matching network, so that a better matching network can be selected when the RF signals of multiple frequency bands share the PA, thereby improving the power and efficiency of the PA without increasing the insertion loss or the area and production cost of the control circuit.

[0059] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, Figure 5 is based on Figure 2, and Figure 6 is based on Figure 4. The RF front end 13 also includes a multi-open switch 40 (replacing the first single-pole multi-throw switch described above) and at least one matching network (e.g., a first matching network 41 and a second matching network 42). The multi-open switch 40 includes a fixed terminal (e.g., P0) and multiple active terminals (e.g., P1-P4). The fixed terminal of the multi-open switch 40 can be turned on or off simultaneously with the multiple active terminals. The multiple active terminals include a common channel active terminal (e.g., P1), an individual channel active terminal (e.g., P2), and at least one matching network active terminal (e.g., P3, P4). The fixed terminal P0 of the multi-open switch 40 is coupled to the output terminal of the first PA 131, and the fixed terminal P0 is continuously turned on with the common channel active terminal P1 of the multi-open switch 40. The common channel active end P1 of the multi-open switch 40 is coupled to a radio frequency channel (referring to the radio frequency channel where the LPF 133 is located) shared by radio frequency signals of multiple frequency bands (for example, the B8 / B26 / B28 frequency bands), that is, the radio frequency channel is used to transmit radio frequency signals of multiple frequency bands. Each matching network active end is coupled to a matching network, for example, the matching network active end P3 is coupled to the second matching network 42, and the matching network active end P4 is coupled to the first matching network 41. The LPAMID 134 also includes a coupler 1347. When transmitting a radio frequency signal, the coupler 1347 outputs the coupled radio frequency signal to the RFIC 12 through the CPL port. The coupling relationship and working principle of other components other than the multi-open switch 40 and at least one matching network are described with reference to FIG2 and will not be repeated here.

[0060] The matching networks involved in this application (such as the first matching network 41 and the second matching network 42) may be different combinations of inductors and capacitors. For example, as shown in Figure 7a, the matching network may include a grounded inductor L1. As shown in Figure 7b, the matching network may include a grounded capacitor C1. As shown in Figure 7c, the matching network may include an inductor L1 and a capacitor C1 connected in series and then grounded. As shown in Figure 7d, the matching network may include an inductor L1 and a capacitor C1 connected in parallel and then grounded. As shown in Figure 7e, the matching network may include an inductor L1, an inductor L2, and a capacitor C1, wherein the inductor L1 and the capacitor C1 are connected in parallel and then connected in series with the inductor L2 to ground. As shown in Figure 7f, the matching network may include an inductor L1, a capacitor C1, and a capacitor C2, wherein the inductor L1 and the capacitor C1 are connected in parallel and then connected in series with the capacitor C2 to ground. As shown in Figure 7g, the matching network may include an inductor L1, an inductor L2, and a capacitor C1, wherein the inductor L1 and the capacitor C1 are connected in series and then connected in parallel with the inductor L2 to ground. As shown in Figure 7(h), the matching network may include an inductor L1, a capacitor C1, and a capacitor C2. The inductor L1 and the capacitor C1 are connected in series and then connected in parallel with the capacitor C2 to ground. It should be noted that the inductor L1 may be referred to as the first inductor, the inductor L2 may be referred to as the second inductor, the capacitor C1 may be referred to as the first capacitor, and the capacitor C2 may be referred to as the second capacitor.

[0061] The RFIC 12 or the baseband chip 11 (collectively referred to as a controller) may execute a switch control method as shown in FIG8 . As shown in FIG8 , the method includes:

[0062] S101: A controller obtains the power and frequency band of a transmitted radio frequency signal.

[0063] If the controller is RFIC 12, RFIC 12 can obtain the transmitted RF signal through coupler 1347 in LPAMID 134 shown in Figure 5. If the controller is baseband chip 11, baseband chip 11 can obtain the power of the transmitted RF signal from RFIC 12. In addition, since RFIC 12 is responsible for performing frequency conversion and other processing on the baseband signal to obtain an RF signal in a certain frequency band, if the controller is RFIC 12, RFIC 12 itself knows the frequency band of the transmitted RF signal. If the controller is baseband chip 11, baseband chip 11 can obtain the frequency band of the transmitted RF signal from RFIC 12.

[0064] S102 : The controller controls the multi-switch 40 to connect or disconnect at least one active end of the matching network with the fixed end according to the power and frequency band of the radio frequency signal.

[0065] As previously mentioned, using a common matching network makes it difficult to balance the performance requirements of RF signals in different frequency bands. For RF signals in a certain frequency band, an adapted matching network (e.g., the first matching network 41 and the second matching network 42) can increase the power of the RF signal in that frequency band, which is also called impedance matching. If the power of the RF signal in a certain frequency band is greater than the target power, it indicates that the matching network and the RF signal in that frequency band have achieved impedance matching, and there is no need to adjust the matching network coupled to the output end of the first PA 131. If the power of the RF signal in that frequency band is less than the target power, it indicates that the matching network is mismatched, and the matching network coupled to the output end of the first PA 131 needs to be adjusted.

[0066] As shown in S1022 of Figure 10, if the power of the RF signal in the frequency band is less than the target power, the multi-open switch 40 can be controlled to turn on or off at least one matching network active end and the fixed end according to the preferred scheme of turning on or off at least one matching network active end and the fixed end corresponding to the frequency band.

[0067] For example, in conjunction with Table 1, as shown in FIG9A, when transmitting a radio frequency signal in the B28 frequency band, in the absence of a matching network, the power of the radio frequency signal in the B28 frequency band is greater than the target power, and the controller can control the multi-open switch 40 to connect the fixed terminal P0 with the active terminal P1 and disconnect the fixed terminal P0 from the other active terminals, thereby disconnecting the radio frequency channel shared by radio frequency signals in multiple frequency bands (e.g., the B8 / B26 / B28 frequency bands) from the first matching network 41 and the second matching network 42. As shown in FIG9B, when transmitting a radio frequency signal in the B26 frequency band, in the presence of the second matching network 42, the power of the radio frequency signal in the B26 frequency band is greater than the target power, and the controller can control the multi-open switch 40 to connect the fixed terminal P0 with the active terminals P1 and P3 and disconnect the fixed terminal P0 from the other active terminals, thereby coupling the radio frequency channel shared by radio frequency signals in multiple frequency bands to the second matching network 42. As shown in Figure 9C, when transmitting an RF signal in a certain frequency band, in the presence of the first matching network 41, if the power of the RF signal in that frequency band is greater than the target power, the controller can control the multi-switch 40 to connect the fixed terminal P0 with the active terminals P1 and P4 and disconnect the fixed terminal P0 from the other active terminals, thereby coupling the RF channel shared by the RF signals in multiple frequency bands with the first matching network 41. As shown in Figure 9D, when transmitting an RF signal in the B8 frequency band, in the presence of the first matching network 41 and the second matching network 42, if the power of the RF signal in the B8 frequency band is greater than the target power, the controller can control the multi-switch 40 to connect the fixed terminal P0 with the active terminals P1, P3, and P4 and disconnect the fixed terminal P0 from the other active terminals, thereby coupling the RF channel shared by the RF signals in multiple frequency bands with the first matching network 41 and the second matching network 42. When transmitting an RF signal in the B12 frequency band, the controller can control the multi-switch 40 to connect the fixed terminal P0 with the active terminal P2 and disconnect the fixed terminal P0 from the other active terminals.

[0068] Table 1

[0069] The preferred solution for connecting or disconnecting at least one active end of the matching network to the fixed end corresponding to each frequency band can be obtained through the following two implementations:

[0070] In one possible implementation, the preferred solution can be configured before the electronic device leaves the factory. Because the frequency bands supported by the electronic device are known, and the impedances of the matching networks are also known, the preferred solution can be determined through pre-factory testing and debugging. The controller can determine the preferred solution by looking up a table.

[0071] In another possible implementation, the electronic device can configure the above-mentioned preferred solution by itself after leaving the factory. During factory assembly, the impedance of the matching network of different electronic devices may be different, or the impedance of the matching network of the electronic device may be different after maintenance and before maintenance. Regardless of the impedance of the matching network of the electronic device, the electronic device can adaptively select a better matching network to provide impedance matching based on the power of the radio frequency signal. As shown in S1021 of Figure 10, when transmitting radio frequency signals of various frequency bands, the multi-open switch 40 is controlled to traverse various schemes of turning on or off the active end and the fixed end of at least one matching network, obtain the power of the radio frequency signal of the frequency band under each scheme, and determine the scheme with the largest power, or the scheme with the power closest to the target power, as the preferred scheme for the frequency band. S1021 does not need to be executed every time before executing S1022. It only needs to be executed once when S102 is executed for the first time after leaving the factory or after maintenance.

[0072] For example, for the B26 frequency band, in a first solution, the controller can control the multi-switch 40 to connect the fixed terminal P0 with the active terminal P1, disconnect the fixed terminal P0 from the other active terminals, and obtain the power of the radio frequency signal in the B26 frequency band under the first solution. In a second solution, the controller can control the multi-switch 40 to connect the fixed terminal P0 with the active terminals P1 and P3, disconnect the fixed terminal P0 from the other active terminals, and obtain the power of the radio frequency signal in the B26 frequency band under the second solution. In a third solution, the controller can control the multi-switch 40 to connect the fixed terminal P0 with the active terminals P1 and P4, disconnect the fixed terminal P0 from the other active terminals, and obtain the power of the radio frequency signal in the B26 frequency band under the third solution. In a fourth solution, the controller can control the multi-switch 40 to connect the fixed terminal P0 with the active terminals P1, P3, and P4, disconnect the fixed terminal P0 from the other active terminals, and obtain the power of the radio frequency signal in the B26 frequency band under the fourth solution. If the power of the radio frequency signal in the B26 frequency band is the largest under the second solution, or is closest to the target power, then the second solution can be determined as the preferred solution in the B26 frequency band.

[0073] The control circuit, switch control method, and electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application are characterized in that the fixed end of a multi-open switch (the fixed end can be simultaneously connected to multiple active ends) is coupled to the output end of a PA, one active end of the multi-open switch is coupled to a radio frequency channel shared by multiple frequency bands, and at least one of the remaining active ends of the multi-open switch is coupled to at least one matching network. The controller controls the multi-open switch to couple different matching networks to the radio frequency channel based on the power and frequency band of the transmitted radio frequency signal. Since the mismatch between the matching network and the PA determines the power of the radio frequency signal, and the matching networks adapted to radio frequency signals of different frequency bands are also different, it is possible to select a better matching network when a PA is shared by multiple frequency bands, thereby improving the power and efficiency of the PA without increasing insertion loss, the area of ​​the control circuit, or the production cost.

[0074] As shown in Figure 11, an embodiment of the present application also provides a chip system. The chip system 110 includes at least one processor 1101 and at least one interface circuit 1102. At least one processor 1101 and at least one interface circuit 1102 can be interconnected via lines. The processor 1101 is used to support the electronic device to implement the various steps in the above method embodiments, such as the methods shown in Figures 8 and 10, and at least one interface circuit 1102 can be used to receive signals from other devices (such as memories) or send signals to other devices (such as communication interfaces). The chip system may include chips and may also include other discrete devices.

[0075] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which includes instructions. When the instructions are executed on the above-mentioned electronic device, the electronic device executes each step in the above-mentioned method embodiment, such as executing the method shown in Figures 8 and 10.

[0076] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product including instructions. When the instructions are executed on the above-mentioned electronic device, the electronic device executes each step in the above-mentioned method embodiment, for example, executes the method shown in Figures 8 and 10.

[0077] Regarding the technical effects of the chip system, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product, refer to the technical effects of the previous method embodiments.

[0078] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers 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 embodiments of the present application.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the modules and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0080] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described systems, devices and modules can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0081] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the modules is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple modules or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0082] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, they may be located on a single device or distributed across multiple devices. Some or all of the modules may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment based on actual needs.

[0083] In addition, the functional modules in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one device, or each module may exist physically separately, or two or more modules may be integrated into one device.

[0084] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0085] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A control circuit, characterized in that: include: A controller, a power amplifier, a multi-open switch, and at least one matching network, wherein the multi-open switch includes a fixed end, a common channel active end, and at least one matching network active end, the fixed end of the multi-open switch is connected to the common channel active end of the multi-open switch, the output end of the power amplifier is coupled to the fixed end of the multi-open switch, the common channel active end of the multi-open switch is coupled to a radio frequency channel, the radio frequency channel is used to transmit radio frequency signals of multiple frequency bands, and each matching network active end is coupled to a matching network respectively; the controller is used to: Obtain the power and frequency band of the transmitted radio frequency signal; According to the power and frequency band of the radio frequency signal, the multi-open switch is controlled to connect or disconnect the at least one matching network active end and the fixed end.

2. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that The controller is specifically used for: If the power of the RF signal is less than the target power, the multi-open switch is controlled to connect or disconnect the at least one matching network active end from the fixed end according to a preferred scheme corresponding to the frequency band, in which the at least one matching network active end is connected or disconnected from the fixed end.

3. The circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that The controller is also used for: When transmitting a radio frequency signal of the frequency band, controlling the multi-open switch, traversing various schemes of turning on or off the active end of the at least one matching network and the fixed end, and obtaining the power of the radio frequency signal under each scheme; The solution with the largest power, or the solution with the power closest to the target power, is determined as the preferred solution corresponding to the frequency band.

4. The circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one matching network comprises: Inductance to ground; or, A capacitor to ground; or, An inductor and capacitor connected in series to ground; or, An inductor and capacitor connected in parallel to ground; or, A first inductor, a second inductor and a capacitor, wherein the first inductor and the capacitor are connected in parallel and then connected in series with the second inductor to ground; or, an inductor, a first capacitor and a second capacitor, wherein the inductor and the first capacitor are connected in parallel and then connected in series with the second capacitor to ground; or, A first inductor, a second inductor and a capacitor, wherein the first inductor and the capacitor are connected in series and then connected in parallel with the second inductor to the ground; an inductor, a first capacitor and a second capacitor, wherein the inductor and the first capacitor are connected in series and then connected in parallel with the second capacitor to the ground.

5. The circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The control circuit also includes: a low-pass filter, and a low-noise amplifier and power amplifier module LPAMID integrated with a duplexer. The common channel active end of the multi-open switch is coupled to the input end of the low-pass filter, and the output end of the low-pass filter is coupled to a port of the LPAMID. The RF channel refers to the channel where the low-noise amplifier is located.

6. The circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that The LPAMID includes a band selection switch, multiple built-in duplexers, and an antenna switch module ASM; the common end of the band selection switch is coupled to the one port; when transmitting a radio frequency signal, the band selection switch is used to output radio frequency signals of different frequency bands among the radio frequency signals of the multiple frequency bands to different duplexers among the multiple built-in duplexers, and the multiple built-in duplexers are used to output the radio frequency signals of the multiple frequency bands to the antenna through the ASM.

7. The circuit according to claim 6, characterized in that The control circuit also includes: a second single-pole multi-throw switch and multiple external duplexers; the LPAMID also includes a low-noise amplifier; when receiving radio frequency signals, the ASM is used to output radio frequency signals of different frequency bands received through the antenna to the multiple external duplexers through different ports respectively, and the multiple external duplexers are used to output the received radio frequency signals of different frequency bands to the linear amplifier through the second single-pole multi-throw switch.

8. A switch control method, characterized in that: Applied to the control circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprises: Obtain the power and frequency band of the transmitted radio frequency signal; According to the power and frequency band of the RF signal, the multi-open switch is controlled to connect or disconnect the active end of at least one matching network with the fixed end, the fixed end of the multi-open switch is connected to the active end of the common channel of the multi-open switch, the output end of the power amplifier is coupled to the fixed end of the multi-open switch, the active end of the common channel of the multi-open switch is coupled to the RF channel, the RF channel is used to transmit RF signals of multiple frequency bands, and each matching network active end is coupled to a matching network respectively.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The controlling the multi-open switch to connect or disconnect at least one matching network active end and a fixed end according to the power and frequency band of the radio frequency signal comprises: If the power of the RF signal is less than the target power, the multi-open switch is controlled to connect or disconnect the at least one matching network active end from the fixed end according to a preferred scheme corresponding to the frequency band, in which the at least one matching network active end is connected or disconnected from the fixed end.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Also includes: When transmitting a radio frequency signal of the frequency band, controlling the multi-open switch, traversing various schemes of turning on or off the active end of the at least one matching network and the fixed end, and obtaining the power of the radio frequency signal under each scheme; The solution with the largest power, or the solution with the power closest to the target power, is determined as the preferred solution.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that: It comprises the control circuit and the antenna as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control circuit sends and receives radio frequency signals through the antenna.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises a controller and a memory, wherein the memory stores instructions, and when the controller executes the instructions, the electronic device executes the method as described in any one of claims 8 to 10.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The method comprises instructions which, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to execute the method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

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