Power distribution method and apparatus

Abstract

A power distribution method and apparatus. The power distribution apparatus comprises a power distribution element, the power distribution element comprising an input end, a first output end, a second output end, a phase power conversion module connected to the input end and the first output end, and a power-dividing and phase-shifting module connected between the phase power conversion module and the second output end; the phase power conversion module is used for receiving a first signal from the input end and a second signal from the power-dividing and phase-shifting module, and separately distributing power to the first signal and the second signal, so as to output a third signal to the first output end and output a fourth signal to the power-dividing and phase-shifting module, the power ratio of the third signal to the fourth signal varying with the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal; on the basis of the received fourth signal, the power-dividing and phase-shifting module is used for outputting the second signal to the phase power conversion module and outputting a fifth signal to the second output end. Thus, the present application helps to reduce power loss, thereby improving system efficiency.

Description

A power distribution method and device Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a power distribution method and device. Background Art

[0002] Power dividers are commonly used components in circuits and play a vital role in circuit design and signal processing. They can be used to split an input signal into two or more output signals, each with equal or unequal power. Typically, once a power divider (such as a Wilkinson power divider) is manufactured, the power ratios of the output signals are fixed and cannot be adjusted based on demand.

[0003] Currently, attenuators can be used to adjust the power of each output signal, thereby achieving a variable power ratio of each output signal. However, the introduction of attenuators can easily cause power loss, thereby reducing system efficiency.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a power distribution method and device, in order to achieve variable power ratio of each output signal while reducing power loss and improving system efficiency.

[0006] In the first aspect, the present application provides a power distribution element, comprising: an input end, a first output end, a second output end, a phase power conversion module connected to the input end and the first output end, and a power division phase shift module connected between the phase power conversion module and the second output end; wherein the phase power conversion module is used to receive a first signal from the input end and a second signal from the power division phase shift module, and respectively perform power distribution on the first signal and the second signal to output a third signal to the first output end and output a fourth signal to the power division phase shift module, the third signal is obtained by synthesizing one of the signals after power distribution of the first signal and one of the signals after power distribution of the second signal, the fourth signal is obtained by synthesizing another signal after power distribution of the first signal and another signal after power distribution of the second signal, and the power ratio of the third signal and the fourth signal changes with the change of the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal; the power division phase shift module is used to output the second signal to the phase power conversion module and output the fifth signal to the second output end based on the received fourth signal.

[0007] In the above technical solution, the power ratio of the third signal and the fourth signal output by the phase power conversion module changes with the change of the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal input to the phase power conversion module. In other words, if the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal changes, the power ratio of the third signal and the fourth signal will also change. The first output end of the power distribution element outputs the third signal, and the second output end outputs the fifth signal. The fifth signal is obtained based on the fourth signal. Therefore, if the power ratio of the third signal and the fourth signal changes, the power ratio of the third signal and the fifth signal will also change, thereby achieving a variable power ratio of each output signal of the power distribution element. In addition, the above solution does not introduce an attenuator, which is conducive to reducing power loss and thus improving system efficiency. In addition, the above solution achieves the effect of changing the phase difference of the two signals input to the phase power conversion module by changing the phase of one of the two signals (such as the second signal) of the two signals input to the phase power conversion module. Compared with changing the phase of the two signals input to the phase power conversion module, it is simpler and helps to reduce the complexity of implementation, thereby being more universal.

[0008] It should be understood that the phases of the second signal and the fourth signal may be different or the same, and this application does not limit this.

[0009] There are two possible designs for the power division and phase shifting modules mentioned above:

[0010] In one possible design, the power division and phase shifting module includes: a phase adjustment unit and a power distribution unit, wherein the phase adjustment unit is used to perform phase adjustment on the received fourth signal to obtain a sixth signal and output the sixth signal to the power distribution unit; the power distribution unit is used to perform power distribution on the sixth signal and output the second signal to the phase power conversion module and output the fifth signal to the second output end.

[0011] In other words, the power division phase shift module includes a phase adjustment unit and a power distribution unit, wherein the phase adjustment unit is connected between the phase power conversion module and the power distribution unit to perform phase adjustment on the fourth signal from the phase power conversion module, obtain and output the sixth signal to the power distribution unit; the power distribution unit is connected between the phase adjustment unit and the phase power conversion module to perform power distribution on the sixth signal from the phase adjustment unit, output the second signal to the phase power conversion module, and output the fifth signal to the second output end. In the above possible designs, the power ratio of the second signal to the fifth signal can be fixed or variable, and this application does not limit this.

[0012] In another possible design, the power division and phase shifting module includes: a phase adjustment unit and a power distribution unit, wherein the power distribution unit is used to perform power distribution on the received fourth signal to output the fifth signal to the second output end and output the seventh signal to the phase adjustment unit; the phase adjustment unit is used to perform phase adjustment on the received seventh signal to obtain and output the second signal to the phase power conversion module.

[0013] In other words, the power division and phase shifting module includes a phase adjustment unit and a power distribution unit, wherein the power distribution unit is connected between the phase power conversion module and the phase adjustment unit to perform power distribution on the fourth signal from the phase power conversion module, obtain and output the fifth signal to the second output end, and output the seventh signal to the phase adjustment unit; the phase adjustment unit is connected between the power distribution unit and the phase power conversion module to perform phase adjustment on the seventh signal from the power distribution unit and output the second signal to the phase power conversion module.

[0014] In the above possible designs, the power ratio between the fifth signal and the seventh signal may be fixed or variable, which is not limited in this application.

[0015] It can be understood that since the phases of the second signal and the fourth signal can be different, while the phases of the first signal and the fourth signal are the same, the phases of the first signal and the second signal are different. Therefore, there is a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal. As the phase of the second signal changes, the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal also changes. As the phase difference between the two changes, the power ratio of the third signal and the fourth signal output by the phase power conversion module also changes. The first output end of the above-mentioned power distribution element outputs the third signal, and the second output end outputs the fifth signal. The fifth signal is obtained based on the fourth signal. Therefore, if the power ratio of the third signal and the fourth signal changes, the power ratio of the third signal and the fifth signal will also change, thereby achieving a variable power ratio of the output signals of the power distribution element.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain possible implementations of the first aspect, the phase value adjusted by the phase adjustment unit is determined based on a control signal, where the control signal indicates the phase value. By controlling the phase value adjusted by the phase adjustment unit based on the control signal, the phase value adjusted by the phase adjustment unit can be adjusted as needed, thereby providing greater flexibility.

[0017] Optionally, the above-mentioned control signal may come from other devices (such as a processor). In other words, the phase value adjusted by the phase adjustment unit is determined based on the control signal received by the power distribution element. The above-mentioned control signal may also come from the power distribution element itself, which is not limited in this application.

[0018] In the above design, the functions of the phase adjustment unit and the power distribution unit can be implemented by software and / or hardware.

[0019] When the function of the phase adjustment unit is implemented by hardware, the phase adjustment unit may be a phase shifter, a delay line, or a transmission line. When the function of the phase adjustment unit is implemented by software, the function of the phase adjustment unit may be implemented by a processor executing corresponding program code.

[0020] When the function of the power distribution unit is implemented by hardware, the power distribution unit may be a power splitter or a directional coupler. When the function of the power distribution unit is implemented by software, the function of the power distribution unit may be implemented by a processor executing corresponding program code.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the phase power conversion module is a directional coupler. Exemplarily, the phase power conversion module can be a hybrid coupler.

[0022] In the second aspect, the present application provides a power distribution device, comprising K power distribution elements described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the K power distribution elements are connected in series, the input end of the kth power distribution element is connected to the first output end of the k-1th power distribution element, 1<k≤K, K and k are integers.

[0023] In the above technical solution, the power distribution device includes K power distribution elements described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect. The input end of the first power distribution element is the input end of the above power distribution device. The first output end of each of the K power distribution elements and the second output end of the Kth power distribution element are the K+1 output ends of the above power distribution elements. As can be seen from the above, the power ratio between the two output ends of each power distribution element is variable. Therefore, the power ratio of these K+1 output ends is also variable. In addition, this solution does not introduce an attenuator, which is conducive to reducing power loss and thus improving system efficiency. In addition, the power distribution elements and output ends included in the power distribution device are associated with each other. There are K+1 output ends and K power distribution elements. Therefore, different numbers of output ends can be achieved by adjusting the number of power distribution elements. In other words, the number of output ends can be adjusted according to needs, which is more flexible.

[0024] In the third aspect, the present application provides a power distribution method that can be applied to a power distribution element, which includes an input end, a first output end, a second output end, a phase power conversion module and a power division phase shifting module. The above method includes: the phase power conversion module receives a first signal from the input end and a second signal from the power division phase shifting module, and performs power distribution on the first signal and the second signal respectively to output a third signal to the first output end and output a fourth signal to the power division phase shifting module. The third signal is obtained by synthesizing one of the signals after power distribution of the first signal and one of the signals after power distribution of the second signal. The fourth signal is obtained by synthesizing another signal after power distribution of the first signal and another signal after power distribution of the second signal. The power ratio of the third signal and the fourth signal changes with the change of the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal; the power division phase shifting module outputs the second signal to the phase power conversion module based on the received fourth signal, and outputs the fifth signal to the second output end.

[0025] In the above technical solution, the power ratio of the third signal and the fourth signal output by the phase power conversion module changes with the change of the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal input to the phase power conversion module. Therefore, if the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal changes, the power ratio of the third signal and the fourth signal will also change. The first output end of the above power distribution element outputs the third signal, and the second output end outputs the fifth signal. The fifth signal is obtained based on the fourth signal. Therefore, if the power ratio of the third signal and the fourth signal changes, the power ratio of the third signal and the fifth signal will also change, thereby achieving a variable power ratio of each output signal of the power distribution element. In addition, the above solution does not introduce an attenuator, so it is beneficial to reduce power loss and thus improve system efficiency. In addition, the above solution achieves the effect of changing the phase difference of the two signals input to the phase power conversion module by changing the phase of one of the two signals (such as the second signal) of the two signals input to the phase power conversion module. Compared with changing the phase of the two signals input to the phase power conversion module, it is simpler and helps to reduce the complexity of implementation, thereby being more universal.

[0026] In combination with the third aspect, in some possible implementations of the third aspect, the power division phase shifting module includes: a phase adjustment unit and a power distribution unit. The power division phase shifting module outputs a second signal to the phase power conversion module based on the received fourth signal, and outputs a fifth signal to the second output end, including: the phase adjustment unit performs phase adjustment on the received fourth signal to obtain a sixth signal, and outputs the sixth signal to the power distribution unit; the power distribution unit performs power distribution on the sixth signal, and outputs the second signal to the phase power conversion module, and outputs the fifth signal to the second output end.

[0027] In combination with the third aspect, in some possible implementations of the third aspect, the power division phase shifting module includes: a phase adjustment unit and a power distribution unit. The power division phase shifting module outputs the second signal to the phase power conversion module and outputs the fifth signal to the second output end based on the received fourth signal, including: the power distribution unit performs power distribution on the received fourth signal to output the fifth signal to the second output end, and outputs the seventh signal to the phase adjustment unit; the phase adjustment unit performs phase adjustment on the received seventh signal to obtain and output the second signal to the phase power conversion module.

[0028] In combination with the third aspect, in some possible implementations of the third aspect, the phase value adjusted by the phase adjustment unit is determined according to a control signal, and the control signal indicates the phase value.

[0029] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication circuit, comprising the power distribution element described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect or the power distribution device described in the second aspect.

[0030] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising the power distribution element described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect or the power distribution device described in the second aspect.

[0031] Optionally, the above-mentioned communication device is a network device or a terminal device.

[0032] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor, which is used to control the device to execute the method (or operation, step or action) in the third aspect and possible implementation methods of the third aspect.

[0033] In the seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is run on a computer, the method in the above-mentioned third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect is executed.

[0034] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions), which, when run, enables the method in the above-mentioned third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect to be executed.

[0035] In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip system comprising at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, such as receiving or processing the data involved in the above method.

[0036] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and data, and the memory is located inside or outside the processor.

[0037] The chip system can be composed of chips, or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0038] It should be understood that the second to ninth aspects of the present application correspond to the technical solutions of the first aspect of the present application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation methods are similar and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a scenario applicable to a power distribution element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an existing power distribution device;

[0041] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a possible form of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power distribution element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the principle of a phase power conversion module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a power division and phase shifting module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a specific structure of a power distribution element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG8 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the power ratio and the phase adjustment value of the power distribution element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a power distribution device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the power distribution device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG11 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the power ratio and the phase adjustment value of the power distribution device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG12 is a schematic flowchart of a power allocation method provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following description is first made:

[0053] First, in this application, to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. For example, terms such as "first output terminal" and "second output terminal" are merely used to distinguish between different output ports and do not define their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not define the quantity or execution order, and that terms such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily define differences.

[0054] Second, in this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship, but it does not exclude the situation where it indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "and" relationship. The specific meaning can be understood in conjunction with the context. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0055] Third, in this application, the terms "when," "if," and "if" all imply that the device will perform a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not limit the time period, do not require the device to perform a judgment action during implementation, and do not imply any other limitations. For example, if the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal changes, the power ratio of the third signal and the fourth signal will also change. This does not require the power distribution element (or power distribution device) to perform a judgment action during implementation.

[0056] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the terms involved in the embodiments of the present application will be explained in detail below.

[0057] 1. Directional coupler: This is a microwave device widely used in microwave systems. Its essence is to distribute the power of the input signal according to a certain ratio. It is a four-port component with two input ports and two output ports. The input ports can be used to input signals, and the output ports can be used to output signals. Generally, one of the two input ports is used for input signals, while the other input port can be used for no signal input. In this application, both input ports can receive signals.

[0058] In addition, the powers of the output signals at the two output terminals of the directional coupler may be equal (or, in other words, the power ratio of the output signals at the two output terminals is equal to 1), or unequal (or, in other words, the power ratio of the output signals at the two output terminals is not equal to 1). The power ratio of the output signals at the two output terminals may also be referred to as a "power splitting ratio" or the ratio of the output powers of the two output terminals, and this application does not limit the specific term.

[0059] A hybrid coupler (also known as a 3-decibel (dB) hybrid coupler, 3dB coupler, etc.) is a special directional coupler that can be used to split the power of one input signal in a 1:1 ratio and output two signals. In other words, the power ratio of the two output signals is 1:1, or in other words, the power of the two output signals is equal.

[0060] 2. Power divider: It can be referred to as a "power divider" for short. It is used to divide one input signal into two or more output signals, or to combine two or more signals into one output signal. In this case, it can also be called a combiner. In this application, it mainly involves the power divider that distributes the power of the input signal and outputs two or more signals. In addition, under normal circumstances, once the power divider is processed and formed, the power ratio of its output signal is fixed. In this application, the power ratio of the output signal of the power distribution device (or power distribution element) is variable.

[0061] 3. Phase shifter: used to shift the phase of the input signal by an angle to obtain and output the signal with changed phase.

[0062] 4. Attenuator: This device can be used to reduce the power of an input signal without significantly distorting its waveform. Assume the power at the input is P1, the power at the output is P2, and the units of P1 and P2 are decibels relative to one milliwatt (dBm). The power attenuation of the attenuator is A (in dB). The power relationship between the input and output is P2 (dBm) = P1 (dBm) - A (dB).

[0063] As mentioned above, power dividers play a crucial role in circuit design and signal processing. Typically, once a power divider is manufactured, the power ratios of its output signals are fixed and cannot be adjusted based on demand. However, in some scenarios, it may be necessary to flexibly adjust the power ratios of the power divider's output signals (or, in other words, to make the power ratio variable).

[0064] The following describes in detail possible application scenarios of the power distribution device with variable power ratio in conjunction with Figure 1. It is understandable that the application scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0065] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a scenario applicable to a power distribution element (or power distribution device) provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0066] As shown in a) in Figure 1, the power distribution element (or power distribution device) can be applied to a Doherty power amplifier circuit. The two output ends of the power distribution element are respectively connected to amplifier A1 and amplifier A2. The power ratio of the input signals of amplifier A1 and amplifier A2 needs to be flexibly adjusted. Therefore, the power distribution element needs to realize a variable power ratio of the output signal.

[0067] As shown in b) of Figure 1, a power distribution element (or power distribution device) can be applied to an antenna system, which includes: a power divider, a power distribution element a connected to one of the output ends of the power divider, a power distribution element b connected to the other output end of the power divider, an antenna connected to the output end of the power distribution element a, and an antenna connected to the output end of the power distribution element b. The power ratio of the output signal of the power divider can be fixed, that is, the power divider is a fixed power divider, and the power ratio of the output signals of the power distribution element a and the power distribution element b is variable.

[0068] In order to achieve variable power ratios for each output signal, currently, one possible design is to connect attenuators to each branch to adjust the power of the output signals of different branches. The structure of a power distribution device with variable power ratios for output signals will be described in detail below with reference to FIG2 .

[0069] As shown in Figure 2, power distribution device 210 may include an input end 201, a power divider 209 (the power ratio of each output signal of the power divider 209 is fixed) and an attenuator connected to the two output ends of the power divider 209, such as attenuator 203a and attenuator 203b. Wherein, attenuator 203a and attenuator 203b are respectively used to reduce the power of the received signal. It can be seen that by connecting attenuators in each branch, the power of each output signal of the power distribution device 210 can be adjusted, thereby realizing that the power ratio of output end 205a and output end 205b is variable. Optionally, the power distribution device 210 also includes fixed phase shifter 202a and fixed phase shifter 202b. Wherein, fixed phase shifter 202a can be used to adjust the fixed phase of the signal from one of the output ends of the power divider 209, and fixed phase shifter 202b can be used to adjust the fixed phase of the signal from the other output end of the power divider 209. Optionally, the power distribution device 210 further includes an adjustable phase shifter 204a and an adjustable phase shifter 204b. The adjustable phase shifter 204a can be used to adjust the phase of the signal from the attenuator 203a, with the adjusted phase value being variable. The adjustable phase shifter 204b can be used to adjust the phase of the signal from the attenuator 203b, with the adjusted phase value being variable. FIG. 2 shows, in addition to the power distribution device 210, a Doherty power amplifier 220. The Doherty power amplifier 220 includes a main amplifier 207a coupled to the output terminal 205a via a matching circuit 206a and a peak amplifier 207b coupled to the output terminal 205b via a matching circuit 206b. The main amplifier 207a is coupled to the Doherty combiner 230 via a matching circuit 208a, and the peak amplifier 207b is coupled to the Doherty combiner 230 via a matching circuit 208b. The Doherty combiner 230 causes the main amplifier 207a to amplify low-level signals, and the two amplifiers combined to amplify high-level signals.

[0070] From the above description, it can be seen that the power distribution device shown in Figure 2 achieves variable power ratios of various output signals by introducing attenuators. This implementation relies on attenuators. The introduction of attenuators can easily cause power loss, thereby affecting system efficiency. In particular, the greater the attenuation of the attenuator, the more serious the power loss, and the greater the impact on system efficiency.

[0071] To this end, the present application provides a power distribution element, which mainly introduces a phase power conversion module and a power division phase shifting module into the power distribution element. The phase of one of the signals input into the phase power conversion module can be adjusted by the power division phase shifting module, thereby changing the phase difference between the two signals input into the phase power conversion module. The power ratio of the two signals output from the phase power conversion module changes with the change of the phase difference of the two signals input into the phase power conversion module. Therefore, by adjusting the phase difference of the two signals input into the phase power conversion module, the power ratio of the two signals output from the phase power conversion module can be made variable, thereby achieving variable power ratio at the output end of the power distribution element. The variable power ratio can be achieved without introducing an attenuator, which is not easy to cause power loss and is beneficial to improving system efficiency.

[0072] It should be understood that the above-mentioned power distribution element can be applied to a communication device. The possible form of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to FIG3 .

[0073] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can be a network device or configured in a network device (such as a chip or a chip system), including various types of base stations (such as 310b in Figure 3), such as node B, evolved node B (eNodeB or eNB), next generation node B (gNB), next generation base station in the sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, or base station in a future mobile communication system; it can also be a transmission reception point (TRP), an access network device in an open radio access network (O-RAN or open RAN), or an access node in a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system. The network device can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as 310c in Figure 3), or a relay node.

[0074] The communication device provided in the embodiments of the present application may be a terminal device or configured in a terminal device (such as a chip or chip system). The terminal device may also be referred to as a terminal, including but not limited to user equipment (UE), a mobile station, or a mobile terminal. The terminal device can be widely used in various scenarios for communication. The scenarios include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearable, smart transportation, or smart city. The terminal device can be a mobile phone (such as mobile phones 320a, 320d, 320f in Figure 3), a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function (such as computer 320g in Figure 3), a wearable device, a vehicle (such as 320b in Figure 3), a drone, a helicopter, an airplane (such as 320c in Figure 3), a ship, a robot, a robotic arm, or a smart home device (such as printer 320e in Figure 3), etc.

[0075] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application may also be a detection device such as a radar. The present application does not limit the specific implementation form of the communication device provided in the present application.

[0076] The power distribution element provided in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments described below are merely exemplary of the structure of the power distribution element and should not constitute any limitation on the embodiments of the present application. Any product that incorporates the power distribution element provided in the present application, such as a power amplifier circuit, a passive / active beamforming antenna system, or the like, falls within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0077] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power distribution element 400 provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein signal S1 is an example of a first signal, signal S2 is an example of a second signal, signal S3 is an example of a third signal, signal S4 is an example of a fourth signal, and signal S5 is an example of a fifth signal.

[0078] As shown in Figure 4, the power distribution element 400 includes an input end 401, a first output end 402, a second output end 403, a phase power conversion module 404 connected to the input end 401 and the first output end 402, and a power division phase shifting module 405 connected to the phase power conversion module 404 and the second output end 403.

[0079] The phase power conversion module 404 can be configured to receive a signal S1 from the input terminal 401 and a signal S2 from the power splitter and phase shifter module 405, and perform power splitting on the signal S1 and the signal S2, respectively, to output a signal S3 to the first output terminal 402 and a signal S4 to the power splitter and phase shifter module 405. Signal S3 is synthesized from one of the signals after power splitting of signal S1 and one of the signals after power splitting of signal S2, and signal S4 is synthesized from another signal after power splitting of signal S1 and another signal after power splitting of signal S2. The power ratio of signal S3 to signal S4 varies with the phase difference between signal S1 and signal S2. In other words, the phase power conversion module 404 can be configured to determine the power ratio of output signals S3 to signal S4 based on the phase difference between input signals S1 and signal S2. If the phase difference between signal S1 and signal S2 changes, the power ratio of signal S3 to signal S4 will also change accordingly.

[0080] Exemplarily, after the phase power conversion module 404 receives the signal S1 from the input end 401 and the signal S2 from the power divider and phase shift module 405, it performs power distribution on the signal S1 to obtain two signals, such as S11 and S12 respectively, and performs power distribution on the signal S2 to obtain two signals, such as signal S21 and signal S22. Furthermore, the phase power conversion module 404 can synthesize one of the signals S11 and S12 (such as signal S11) with one of the signals S21 and S22 (such as signal S21) to obtain and output the signal S3 to the first output end 402, and synthesize the signal S12 and the signal S22 to obtain and output the signal S4 to the power divider and phase shift module 405.

[0081] The power division and phase shifting module 405 is configured to output a signal S2 to the phase power conversion module 404 and a signal S5 to the second output terminal 403 based on the received signal S4. The phases of the signals S2 and S4 may differ. In other words, the power division and phase shifting module 405 can be configured to perform power distribution and phase adjustment on the signal S4. It will be appreciated that when the adjusted phase value is 0, the phases of the signals S2 and S4 are the same.

[0082] It is not difficult to see that if the phase difference between signal S1 and signal S2 changes, the power ratio of signal S3 and signal S4 will also change accordingly. After signal S4 is input into the power divider phase shift module 405, the power divider phase shift module 405 outputs signal S5 to the second output terminal 403. Therefore, if the power ratio of signal S3 and signal S4 changes, the power ratio of signal S3 and signal S5 will also change accordingly, thereby achieving a variable power ratio of the output signal of the power distribution element 400.

[0083] It can be understood that when the power distribution element shown in Figure 4 is applied to a communication circuit, the signal input to the input end of the power distribution element can always be S1. When the signal S1 is first input, the phase power conversion module 404 receives the signal S1, performs power distribution on the signal S1, outputs the signal S3 to the first output end 402, and outputs the signal S4 to the power division phase shift module 405. The power division phase shift module 405 obtains and outputs the signal S5 to the second output end 403 based on the received signal S4, and outputs the signal S2 to the phase power conversion module 404. The phase power conversion module 404 performs power distribution on the received signal S1 and signal S2 respectively, obtains and outputs the signal S3' to the first output end 402, and outputs the signal S4' to the power division phase shift module 405. The power division phase shift module 405 obtains and outputs the signal S5' to the second output end 403 based on the received signal S4'. At this time, the power ratio of the signal S3' and the signal S5' is P1:P2, and the signal S2' is output to the phase power conversion module 404. If the phases of S2 and S2' are different, the phase difference between the two signals input to the phase power conversion module 404 will change. By changing the phase difference between the two signals input to the phase power conversion module 404, the power ratio of the signals output by the power distribution element can be changed.

[0084] As can be seen from the description related to FIG4 , the power ratio of the signal output by the phase power conversion module 404 varies with the phase difference of the signal input to the phase power conversion module 404. In other words, the power ratio of the signal output by the phase power conversion module 404 is related to the phase difference of the signal input to the phase power conversion module 404. This principle will be explained in detail below with reference to FIG5 .

[0085] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing the principle of a phase power conversion module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0086] As shown in Figure 5, signal S is split into two signals: one is signal S1, and the other is signal S2 after phase adjustment by a phase shifter. Therefore, the phases of signals S1 and S2 differ. In other words, the two signals input to the phase power conversion module have different phases. The phase power conversion module can distribute the power of the received signal and output signals S3 and S4. The phase power conversion module can, for example, be a 3dB, 90-degree hybrid coupler.

[0087] Assume that the power of signal S1 and signal S2 is equal, S=a*∠0, Where a is the amplitude, ∠0 is the phase value of signal S1, and ∠φ is the phase value of signal S2. After passing through the phase-to-power conversion module, the power of signal S3 and signal S4 is as follows:

[0088] It is not difficult to see that if the phase adjustment value of the phase shifter changes, the phase difference between signals S1 and S2 changes, and the power ratio of signals S3 and S4 also changes accordingly. For example, if φ = 90°, S3 = a, S4 = 0; if φ = -90°, S3 = 0, S4 = a.

[0089] The power division and phase shift module 405 will be described in detail below. For the power division and phase shift module 405 in the power distribution element 400, there may be two possible designs as shown in Figure 6. The power division and phase shift module 405 will be explained in detail below with reference to Figure 6.

[0090] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a power division and phase shifting module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0091] As shown in a) of Figure 6 , in one possible design, the power division and phase shifting module 405 includes a phase adjustment unit 4051 and a power distribution unit 4052, wherein the phase adjustment unit 4051 is connected between the phase power conversion module 404 and the power distribution unit 4052 to perform phase adjustment on the received signal S4, obtain and output the signal S6 to the power distribution unit 4052, and the power distribution unit 4052 is connected between the phase adjustment unit 4051 and the phase power conversion module 404 to perform power distribution on the received signal S6, output the signal S2 to the phase power conversion module 404, and output the signal S5 to the second output terminal 403. The power ratio of the signal S2 to the signal S5 can be fixed or variable, which is not limited in this application.

[0092] In other words, the power division and phase shifting module 405 includes: a phase adjustment unit 4051 and a power distribution unit 4052, wherein the phase adjustment unit 4051 is used to perform phase adjustment on the signal S4 from the phase power conversion module to obtain a signal S6, and output the signal S6 to the power distribution unit 4052; the power distribution unit 4052 is used to perform power distribution on the signal S6 from the phase adjustment unit 4051, and output the signal S2 to the phase power conversion module 404, and output the signal S5 to the second output end 403.

[0093] As shown in b) in Figure 6, in another possible design, the power division and phase shifting module 405 includes a phase adjustment unit 4051 and a power distribution unit 4052, wherein the power distribution unit 4052 is connected between the phase power conversion module 404 and the phase adjustment unit 4051 to perform power distribution on the received signal S4, obtain and output the signal S5 to the second output end 403, and output the signal S7 to the phase adjustment unit 4051, and the phase adjustment unit 4051 is connected between the power distribution unit 4052 and the phase power conversion module 404 to perform phase adjustment on the received signal S7 and output the signal S2 to the phase power conversion module 404.

[0094] In other words, the power division and phase shifting module 405 includes: a phase adjustment unit 4051 and a power distribution unit 4052, wherein the power distribution unit 4052 is used to perform power distribution on the signal S4 from the phase power conversion module to output the signal S5 to the second output end 403 and output the signal S7 to the phase adjustment unit 4051; the phase adjustment unit 4051 is used to perform phase adjustment on the signal S7 from the power distribution unit 4052 to obtain and output the signal S2 to the phase power conversion module 404.

[0095] In a possible implementation, the phase value adjusted by the phase adjustment unit 4051 is determined according to a control signal, where the control signal indicates the phase value.

[0096] Optionally, the above-mentioned control signal can come from other devices (that is, the phase value adjusted by the phase adjustment unit is determined according to the control signal received by the power distribution element), or from the power distribution element itself, which is not limited in this application.

[0097] For example, the power distribution element can receive a control signal from another device (such as a processor), and the control signal indicates the phase value adjusted by the phase adjustment unit. The phase adjustment unit 4051 can adjust the phase of the received signal according to the indicated phase value. In this way, the phase value can be indicated by the control signal according to the demand, which is more flexible.

[0098] In the above design, the functions of the phase adjustment unit and the power distribution unit can be implemented by software and / or hardware.

[0099] When the phase adjustment unit is implemented in hardware, the phase adjustment unit may be a phase shifter, a delay line, or a transmission line. The lengths of the transmission line and delay line are related to the phase value to be changed. In other words, different phase value changes can be achieved using delay lines or transmission lines of different lengths. This application does not impose any limitations on these requirements, as long as the phase of the received signal can be adjusted.

[0100] When the function of the phase adjustment unit is implemented by software, the function of the phase adjustment unit can be implemented by a processor executing corresponding program code.

[0101] When the function of the power distribution unit is implemented by hardware, the power distribution unit can be a power splitter or a directional coupler. For example, the power distribution unit can be a power splitter with a fixed power ratio or a directional coupler. The present application does not limit its specific type, as long as it can distribute power to the received signal.

[0102] When the functions of the power distribution unit are implemented by software, the functions of the power distribution unit can be implemented by a processor executing corresponding program code.

[0103] In the above design, the functions of the phase power conversion module can be implemented by software and / or hardware.

[0104] When the function of the phase power conversion module is implemented by hardware, the phase power conversion module may be a directional coupler. Exemplarily, the phase power conversion module is a hybrid coupler.

[0105] When the function of the phase power conversion module is implemented by software, the function of the phase power conversion module can be implemented by a processor executing corresponding program code.

[0106] Several possible designs of the power distribution element 400 shown in FIG. 4 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 7 .

[0107] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the power distribution element provided in an embodiment of the present application. In the power distribution element shown in FIG7 , the phase power conversion module is exemplified by a hybrid coupler, the phase adjustment unit is exemplified by a phase shifter, and the power distribution unit is exemplified by a power splitter, wherein the power ratio of the output signal of the power splitter can be fixed.

[0108] As shown in a) of Figure 7, the first possible design is that the power distribution element includes an input end, two output ends (output end a and output end b), a hybrid coupler connected to the input end, a phase shifter connected between the output end 3 of the hybrid coupler and the power divider, and a power divider connected between the phase shifter and the output end b. The hybrid coupler can be used to receive a signal S1 from the input end and a signal S2 from the power divider, and output a signal S3 to the output end a, and output a signal S4 to the phase shifter. After receiving the signal S4, the phase shifter adjusts the phase of the signal S4 to obtain and output a signal S6 to the power divider. The phase shifter can adjust the phase of the signal S4 according to the control signal, and the control signal can indicate the adjusted phase value. After receiving the signal S6, the power divider distributes the power, outputs a signal S5 to the output end b, and outputs a signal S2 to the hybrid coupler.

[0109] As shown in b) of Figure 7, a second possible design is that the power distribution element includes an input end, two output ends (output end a and output end b), a hybrid coupler connected to the input end, a power divider connected between the output end 3 of the hybrid coupler and the phase shifter, and a phase shifter connected between the power divider and the hybrid coupler. The hybrid coupler can be used to receive a signal S1 from the input end and a signal S2 from the phase shifter, and output a signal S3 to the output end a, and output a signal S4 to the power divider. After receiving the signal S4, the power divider distributes the power thereof, outputs a signal S5 to the output end b, and outputs a signal S7 to the phase shifter. After receiving the signal S7, the phase shifter adjusts the phase of the signal S7 to obtain and output the signal S2 to the hybrid coupler. The phase shifter can adjust the phase of the signal S7 according to the control signal, and the control signal can indicate the adjusted phase value.

[0110] It can be seen that the difference between the power distribution elements shown in FIG. 7 a) and FIG. 7 b) is that the positions of the phase shifter and the power divider are different.

[0111] As shown in c) of Figure 7, a third possible design is that the power distribution element includes an input end, two output ends (output end a and output end b), a hybrid coupler connected to the input end, a phase shifter connected between the output end 2 of the hybrid coupler and the power divider, and a power divider connected between the phase shifter and the output end a. The hybrid coupler can be used to receive a signal S1 from the input end and a signal S2 from the power divider, and output a signal S3 to the output end b, and output a signal S4 to the phase shifter. After receiving the signal S4, the phase shifter adjusts the phase of the signal S4 to obtain and output a signal S6 to the power divider. The phase shifter can adjust the phase of the signal S4 according to the control signal, and the control signal can indicate the adjusted phase value. After receiving the signal S6, the power divider performs power distribution on it, outputs a signal S5 to the output end a, and outputs a signal S2 to the hybrid coupler.

[0112] It can be seen that the difference between the power distribution elements shown in FIG. 7 a) and FIG. 7 c) is that the phase shifter is connected to different ports of the hybrid coupler. In FIG. 7 a), the phase shifter is connected to the output terminal 3 of the hybrid coupler, and in FIG. 7 c), the phase shifter is connected to the output terminal 2 of the hybrid coupler.

[0113] As shown in d) of Figure 7, a fourth possible design is that the power distribution element includes an input end, two output ends (output end a and output end b), a hybrid coupler connected to the input end, a power divider connected between the output end 2 of the hybrid coupler and the phase shifter, and a phase shifter connected between the power divider and the hybrid coupler. The hybrid coupler can be used to receive a signal S1 from the input end and a signal S2 from the phase shifter, and output a signal S3 to the output end b, and output a signal S4 to the power divider. After receiving the signal S4, the power divider distributes power, outputs a signal S5 to the output end a, and outputs a signal S7 to the phase shifter. After receiving the signal S7, the phase shifter adjusts the phase of the signal S7, obtains and outputs the signal S2 to the hybrid coupler. The phase shifter can adjust the phase of the signal S7 according to the control signal, and the control signal can indicate the adjusted phase value.

[0114] It can be seen that the difference between the power distribution elements shown in FIG7 b) and FIG7 d) is that the ports of the hybrid coupler to which the power divider is connected are different. In FIG7 b), the power divider is connected to the output terminal 3 of the hybrid coupler, and in FIG7 d), the power divider is connected to the output terminal 2 of the hybrid coupler.

[0115] It should be understood that the power distribution element shown in FIG7 is merely an example and should not constitute any limitation on the embodiments of this application. In actual applications, the components of the power distribution element may also be of other types. For example, the phase power conversion module may be a directional coupler, and the phase adjustment unit may be a delay line or a transmission line. This application does not impose any limitations on this. Furthermore, this application does not specifically limit the connection relationship between the various components.

[0116] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the power ratio and phase adjustment value of the power distribution element provided in an embodiment of the present application. In Figure 8, the phase power conversion module is exemplified by a 3dB, 90-degree hybrid coupler, the power distribution unit is exemplified by a 3dB fixed power divider, and the phase adjustment unit is exemplified by a phase shifter.

[0117] As shown in Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents the phase adjustment value of the phase shifter, and the vertical axis represents the power ratio of the power distribution element. It can be seen that as the phase adjustment value of the phase shifter increases, the power ratio of the power distribution element increases. The change in the phase adjustment value is related to the change in the power ratio, for example, the two can have a corresponding relationship.

[0118] Based on the above technical solution, the power ratio of the third signal and the fourth signal output by the phase power conversion module changes with the change of the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal input to the phase power conversion module. Therefore, if the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal changes, the power ratio of the third signal and the fourth signal will also change. The first output end of the power distribution element outputs the third signal, and the second output end outputs the fifth signal. The fifth signal is obtained based on the fourth signal. Therefore, if the power ratio of the third signal and the fourth signal changes, the power ratio of the third signal and the fifth signal will also change, thereby achieving a variable power ratio of each output signal of the power distribution element. In addition, the above solution does not introduce an attenuator, so it is beneficial to reduce power loss and thus improve system efficiency. In addition, the above solution achieves the effect of changing the phase difference of the two signals input to the phase power conversion module by changing the phase of one of the two signals (such as the second signal) of the two signals input to the phase power conversion module. Compared with changing the phase of the two signals input to the phase power conversion module, it is simpler and helps to reduce the complexity of implementation, thereby being more universal.

[0119] It is understood that the power distribution element shown above includes two output terminals. In practical applications, a greater number of output terminals may be included. Therefore, an embodiment of the present application provides a power distribution device, which will be described in detail below in conjunction with Figure 9. The power distribution device has a variable power ratio of the output signal.

[0120] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a power distribution device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0121] As shown in FIG9 , the power distribution device includes K power distribution elements. These K power distribution elements are connected in series. It can be seen that the input end of power distribution element 2 is connected to the first output end of power distribution element 1, the input end of power distribution element 3 is connected to the first output end of power distribution element 2, and so on. The input end of the kth power distribution element is connected to the first output end of the k-1th power distribution element, so as to achieve a variable power ratio of these K+1 output ends. The input end of the power distribution device is the input end of the first power distribution element, and the K+1 output ends are the first output end of each of the K power distribution elements and the second output end of the Kth power distribution element, wherein 1<k≤K, and K and k are integers.

[0122] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the power distribution device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The specific structure of the power distribution device will be explained in detail below in conjunction with FIG10. In the power distribution device shown in FIG10, taking three output terminals (i.e., K=2) as an example, the phase power conversion module is taken as an example of a hybrid coupler, the phase adjustment unit is taken as an example of a phase shifter, and the power distribution unit is taken as an example of a power divider, wherein the power ratio of the output signal of the power divider can be fixed.

[0123] As shown in a) of FIG10 , the power distribution device includes two power distribution elements, one of which includes a hybrid coupler B1, a power divider B2, and a phase shifter B6, and the other includes a hybrid coupler B3, a power divider B4, and a phase shifter B5.

[0124] The hybrid coupler B1 is connected to the input end, and is used to receive the signal S1 from the input end and the signal S11 from the phase shifter B6, and output the signal S2 to the output end a and the signal S5 to the power divider B2.

[0125] The power divider B2 is connected between the hybrid coupler B1 and the phase shifter B6. The power divider B2 is used to divide the power of the received signal S5, output the signal S6 to the hybrid coupler B3, and output the signal S10 to the phase shifter B6.

[0126] The phase shifter B6 is used to adjust the phase of the signal S10 received from the power divider B2 and output a signal S11 to the hybrid coupler B1.

[0127] The hybrid coupler B3 receives the signal S6 from the hybrid coupler B1 and the signal S9 from the phase shifter B5, outputs the signal S3 to the output terminal b, and outputs the signal S7 to the power divider B4.

[0128] The power distributor B4 is used to receive the signal S7, perform power distribution on it, output the signal S4 to the output terminal c, and output the signal S8 to the phase shifter B5.

[0129] Phase shifter B5 is used to receive signal S8, adjust the phase of signal S8, and output signal S9 to hybrid coupler B3. The phase adjustment values ​​of phase shifters B6 and B5 can be determined according to the control signal.

[0130] It is not difficult to understand that if the phase difference between signal S1 and signal S11 changes, the power ratio between signal S2 and signal S5 will change, and accordingly, the power ratio between signal S2 and signal S6 will change. If the phase difference between signal S6 and signal S9 changes, the power ratio between signal S3 and signal S7 will change, and accordingly, the power ratio between signal S3 and signal S4 will change. Therefore, the power ratios between signal S2, signal S3, and signal S4 change with changes in the phase adjustment values ​​of phase shifter B6 and phase shifter B5.

[0131] As shown in b) of FIG10 , the power distribution device includes two power distribution elements, one of which includes a hybrid coupler B1, a power divider B2, and a phase shifter B6, and the other includes a hybrid coupler B3, a power divider B4, and a phase shifter B5.

[0132] The hybrid coupler B1 is connected to the input end and is used to receive a signal S1 from the input end and a signal S11 from the phase shifter B6 , and output a signal S2 to the hybrid coupler B3 and output a signal S5 to the power divider B2 .

[0133] The power divider B2 is connected between the hybrid coupler B1 and the phase shifter B6. The power divider B2 is used to divide the power of the received signal S5, output the signal S6 to the output end c, and output the signal S10 to the phase shifter B6.

[0134] The phase shifter B6 is used to receive the signal S10, perform phase adjustment on the signal S10, and output the signal S11 to the hybrid coupler B1.

[0135] The hybrid coupler B3 is used to receive the signal S2 from the hybrid coupler B1 and the signal S9 from the phase shifter B5, output the signal S3 to the output end a, and output the signal S7 to the power divider B4.

[0136] The power distributor B4 is used to receive the signal S7, perform power distribution on it, output the signal S4 to the output end b, and output the signal S8 to the phase shifter B5.

[0137] Phase shifter B5 is used to receive signal S8, adjust the phase of signal S8, and output signal S9 to hybrid coupler B3. The phase adjustment values ​​of phase shifters B6 and B5 can be determined according to the control signal.

[0138] It is not difficult to understand that if the phase difference between signal S1 and signal S11 changes, the power ratio between signal S2 and signal S5 will change, and accordingly, the power ratio between signal S2 and signal S6 will change. If the phase difference between signal S2 and signal S9 changes, the power ratio between signal S3 and signal S7 will change, and accordingly, the power ratio between signal S3 and signal S4 will change. Therefore, the power ratios among signal S3, signal S4, and signal S6 change with changes in the phase adjustment values ​​of phase shifter B6 and phase shifter B5.

[0139] It can be seen that the difference between the power distribution devices shown in a) in FIG10 and b) in FIG10 is that in a) in FIG10 , the second power distribution element is connected to the power divider B2, and in b) in FIG10 , the second power distribution element is connected to the output end 2 of the hybrid coupler B1.

[0140] It should be understood that the power distribution device shown in FIG10 is merely an example and should not constitute any limitation on the embodiments of the present application. For example, in actual applications, the positions of the power divider and the phase shifter in the power distribution elements included in the power distribution device can also be swapped. For more detailed connection relationship, please refer to the relevant description of FIG7 and will not be repeated here.

[0141] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between power ratio and phase adjustment value for a power splitter device provided in an embodiment of the present application. In Figure 11, hybrid couplers B1 and B3 are 3dB, 90-degree hybrid couplers, power splitters B2 and B4 are 3dB fixed power splitters, and phase shifters B5 and B6 have the same phase adjustment value.

[0142] FIG11(a) shows the corresponding relationship between the power ratio of the power distribution device shown in FIG10(a) and the phase change of the phase shifter. FIG11(b) shows the corresponding relationship between the power ratio of the power distribution device shown in FIG10(b) and the phase change of the phase shifter. The horizontal axis represents the phase adjustment value of the phase shifter, and the vertical axis represents the power ratio of the power distribution device.

[0143] As shown in a) of FIG11 , as the phase adjustment value of the phase shifter increases, the power ratio of the power distribution device decreases. The change in the phase adjustment value is related to the change in the power ratio. For example, the two may have a corresponding relationship.

[0144] As shown in FIG11(b), as the phase adjustment value of the phase shifter increases, the power ratio of the power distribution device decreases. The change in the phase adjustment value is correlated with the change in the power ratio; for example, the two can have a corresponding relationship. Compared to FIG10(a), the power ratio of the power distribution device is different for the same phase adjustment value.

[0145] Based on the above technical solution, the power distribution device includes K power distribution elements described above. As can be seen from the above, the power ratio of the two output ends of each power distribution element is variable. In this power distribution device, the K+1 output ends include the first output end of each of the K power distribution elements and the second output end of the Kth power distribution element. Therefore, the power ratio of these K+1 output ends is also variable. In addition, no attenuator is introduced in this solution, which is conducive to reducing power loss and thus improving system efficiency. In addition, there is a relationship between the power distribution elements and the output ends included in the power distribution device. There are K+1 output ends and K power distribution elements. Therefore, different numbers of output ends can be achieved by adjusting the number of power distribution elements. In other words, the number of output ends can be adjusted according to demand, which is more flexible.

[0146] An embodiment of the present application also provides a power distribution method, which can be applied to the above-mentioned power distribution element. The power distribution method provided by the present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with Figure 12.

[0147] FIG12 is a schematic flowchart of a power allocation method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0148] In step 1201, the phase power conversion module receives a first signal from an input terminal and a second signal from a power division and phase shifting module.

[0149] In step 1202, the phase power conversion module distributes power to the first signal and the second signal respectively.

[0150] Among them, the phase power conversion module can distribute power to the first signal and the second signal respectively according to a 1:1 ratio, such as dividing the first signal into two signals according to a 1:1 power ratio, and dividing the second signal into two signals according to a 1:1 power ratio, so as to facilitate the synthesis of the third signal and the fourth signal.

[0151] In step 1203, the phase power conversion module obtains and outputs the third signal to the first output terminal and the fourth signal to the power division and phase shifting module.

[0152] The third signal is synthesized by combining one of the signals after power distribution of the first signal and one of the signals after power distribution of the second signal. The fourth signal is synthesized by combining another signal after power distribution of the first signal and another signal after power distribution of the second signal. The power ratio of the third signal to the fourth signal varies with the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal. For an explanation of how the power ratio of the third signal to the fourth signal varies with the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal, please refer to the relevant description of Figure 5 and will not be repeated here.

[0153] In step 1204 , the power division and phase shifting module outputs the second signal to the phase power conversion module based on the received fourth signal, and outputs the fifth signal to the second output terminal.

[0154] For the relevant explanation of each module, please refer to Figures 4 to 9, which will not be described in detail here.

[0155] The power division and phase shifting modules can include the following two possible designs:

[0156] One possible design is that the power division phase shift module includes a phase adjustment unit and a power distribution unit. The power division phase shift module outputs a second signal to the phase power conversion module based on the received fourth signal, and outputs a fifth signal to the second output end, including: the phase adjustment unit performs phase adjustment on the received fourth signal to obtain a sixth signal, and outputs the sixth signal to the power distribution unit; the power distribution unit performs power distribution on the sixth signal, and outputs the second signal to the phase power conversion module, and outputs the fifth signal to the second output end.

[0157] Another possible design is that the power division phase shifting module includes: a phase adjustment unit and a power distribution unit. The power division phase shifting module outputs the second signal to the phase power conversion module and outputs the fifth signal to the second output end based on the received fourth signal, including: the power distribution unit performs power distribution on the received fourth signal to output the fifth signal to the second output end, and outputs the seventh signal to the phase adjustment unit; the phase adjustment unit performs phase adjustment on the received seventh signal to obtain and output the second signal to the phase power conversion module.

[0158] For the above two possible designs, please refer to the relevant explanation of Figure 6, which will not be repeated here.

[0159] Optionally, the phase value adjusted by the phase adjustment unit is determined according to a control signal, and the control signal indicates the phase value. For a more detailed explanation, please refer to the relevant description of FIG4 , which will not be repeated here.

[0160] The present application also provides a chip system, which includes at least one processor for implementing the functions involved in the method described in the embodiment shown in Figure 12 above, for example, receiving or processing the data and / or information involved in the above method.

[0161] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and data, and the memory is located inside or outside the processor.

[0162] The chip system can be composed of chips, or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0163] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program (also referred to as code or instruction) is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method described in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is executed.

[0164] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions), which, when executed, enables a computer to execute the method described in the embodiment shown in FIG12 .

[0165] The present application also provides a communication circuit, including the power distribution element described in FIG. 4 , FIG. 6 , or FIG. 7 above, or including the power distribution device described in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 above.

[0166] The present application also provides a communication device, including the power distribution element described in FIG. 4 , FIG. 6 , or FIG. 7 above, or including the power distribution device described in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 above.

[0167] Optionally, the communication device is a network device or a terminal device.

[0168] It should be understood 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-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 method disclosed in the 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.

[0169] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments 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.

[0170] The terms "unit", "module", etc. used in this specification can be used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. The terms "unit" and "module" in the embodiments of this application have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.

[0171] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using 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. Professionals and technicians may 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. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices, equipment, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only one logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not performed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0172] In the above embodiments, the functions of each functional unit can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (program) are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can 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 can 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 can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. Available media may be magnetic media (eg, floppy disks, hard disks, tapes), optical media (eg, digital versatile discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (eg, solid state drives (SSDs)).

[0173] If the functions provided by the embodiments of the present application are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the known technology, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0174] 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 the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A power distribution element, characterized in that: include: An input end, a first output end, a second output end, a phase power conversion module connected to the input end and the first output end, and a power division phase shifting module connected between the phase power conversion module and the second output end; The phase power conversion module is used to receive a first signal from the input end and a second signal from the power division phase shift module, and respectively distribute power to the first signal and the second signal to output a third signal to the first output end, and output a fourth signal to the power division phase shift module, wherein the third signal is synthesized by performing power distribution on one of the signals of the first signal and one of the signals of the second signal, and the fourth signal is synthesized by performing power distribution on another signal of the first signal and another signal of the second signal, and the power ratio of the third signal to the fourth signal changes with the change of the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal; The power division phase shift module is used to output the second signal to the phase power conversion module and output the fifth signal to the second output end based on the received fourth signal.

2. The power distribution element according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power division and phase shifting module comprises: a phase adjustment unit and a power distribution unit, wherein: The phase adjustment unit is used to perform phase adjustment on the received fourth signal to obtain a sixth signal, and output the sixth signal to the power distribution unit; The power distribution unit is used to distribute power to the sixth signal, output the second signal to the phase power conversion module, and output the fifth signal to the second output end.

3. The power distribution element according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power division and phase shifting module comprises: a phase adjustment unit and a power distribution unit, wherein: The power distribution unit is used to distribute power of the received fourth signal to output the fifth signal to the second output end and output the seventh signal to the phase adjustment unit; The phase adjustment unit is used to perform phase adjustment on the received seventh signal to obtain and output the second signal to the phase power conversion module.

4. The power distribution element according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The phase value adjusted by the phase adjustment unit is determined according to a control signal, and the control signal indicates the phase value.

5. The power distribution element according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The phase adjustment unit is a phase shifter, a delay line, or a transmission line.

6. The power distribution element according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The power distribution unit is a power divider or a directional coupler.

7. The power distribution element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The phase power conversion module is a directional coupler.

8. A power distribution device, characterized in that: It comprises K power distribution elements as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the K power distribution elements are connected in series, the input end of the kth power distribution element is connected to the first output end of the k-1th power distribution element, 1<k≤K, K, k are integers.

9. A power distribution method, characterized in that: Applied to a power distribution element, the power distribution element includes an input end, a first output end, a second output end, a phase power conversion module and a power division phase shifting module, the method includes: The phase power conversion module receives a first signal from the input end and a second signal from the power division phase shift module, and performs power distribution on the first signal and the second signal respectively, so as to output a third signal to the first output end, and output a fourth signal to the power division phase shift module, wherein the third signal is synthesized by performing power distribution on one of the signals of the first signal and one of the signals of the second signal, and the fourth signal is synthesized by performing power distribution on another signal of the first signal and another signal of the second signal, and the power ratio of the third signal to the fourth signal changes with the change of the phase difference between the first signal and the second signal; The power division and phase shifting module outputs the second signal to the phase power conversion module and outputs the fifth signal to the second output terminal based on the received fourth signal.

10. The power distribution method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The power division phase shift module includes: a phase adjustment unit and a power distribution unit. The power division phase shift module outputs the second signal to the phase power conversion module based on the received fourth signal, and outputs the fifth signal to the second output end, including: The phase adjustment unit performs phase adjustment on the received fourth signal to obtain a sixth signal, and outputs the sixth signal to the power distribution unit; The power distribution unit distributes power to the sixth signal, outputs the second signal to the phase power conversion module, and outputs the fifth signal to the second output terminal.

11. The power distribution method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The power division phase shift module includes: a phase adjustment unit and a power distribution unit. The power division phase shift module outputs the second signal to the phase power conversion module based on the received fourth signal, and outputs the fifth signal to the second output end, including: The power distribution unit performs power distribution on the received fourth signal to output the fifth signal to the second output end and output the seventh signal to the phase adjustment unit; The phase adjustment unit performs phase adjustment on the received seventh signal to obtain and output the second signal to the phase power conversion module.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The phase value adjusted by the phase adjustment unit is determined according to a control signal, and the control signal indicates the phase value.

13. A communication circuit, characterized in that: The method comprises the power distribution element according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the power distribution device according to claim 8.

14. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises the power distribution element according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the power distribution device according to claim 8.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a computer, the method according to any one of claims 9 to 12 is implemented.

16. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a computer, the method according to any one of claims 9 to 12 is implemented.

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