Signal processing system and related apparatus

Abstract

A signal processing system and a related apparatus, which are applied in the technical field of signal processing. The signal processing system comprises: a first beam-splitting unit, a second beam-splitting unit, a third beam-splitting unit, a first phase-shift unit and at least two signal processing units, wherein the at least two signal processing units comprise a first signal processing unit and a second signal processing unit; the first phase-shift unit is used for performing phase shift processing on a second signal, so as to obtain a third signal; the third beam-splitting unit is used for splitting the third signal into P sub-signals, and the P sub-signals are respectively input into P input ports of the second signal processing unit; and N output ports of the first signal processing unit and Q output ports of the second signal processing unit are arranged in a crossing manner. The signal processing system can allow a plurality of signal processing units with relatively low complexity to implement the function of a single signal processing unit with relatively high complexity, so as to reduce the number of components and line crossing structures, and reduce the structural complexity of the signal processing system, thereby improving the signal quality.

Description

Signal processing systems and related devices

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on September 19, 2023, with application number 202311214661.X and application name “Signal Processing System and Related Devices”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of signal processing technology, and in particular to a signal processing system and related devices. Background Art

[0003] Multi-beamforming networks are widely used in various fields, such as wireless networks for mobile communications, microwave radars, and lidars. They can form a certain number of beams and individually select and switch parameters such as the transmitted beam angle.

[0004] The Butler matrix is ​​a commonly used structure in multi-beamforming networks. Multi-beam networks designed based on this matrix offer several advantages, including low cost, simple structure, and easy engineering implementation. The Butler matrix primarily consists of multiple couplers and fixed phase shifters forming an M×N matrix, with M input ports and N output ports, where M=N. For the M input ports, signals input at different ports produce different phase differences at the N output ports, resulting in differently oriented transmit beams. By switching the signal input port, the beam direction can be changed, achieving a scanning effect.

[0005] However, a high-order Butler matrix has a large number of components and a large number of cross-connection structures, which results in a high structural complexity of the matrix and severe signal crosstalk and loss.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present application provide a signal processing system and related devices that can utilize multiple low-order Butler matrices to implement the functions of a high-order Butler matrix, while reducing the number of components and line cross-structures, reducing the structural complexity of the matrix, and improving signal quality.

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a signal processing system, the signal processing system comprising:

[0009] a first beam splitting unit, a second beam splitting unit, a third beam splitting unit, a first phase shifting unit, and at least two signal processing units, wherein the at least two signal processing units include a first signal processing unit having M input ports and N output ports and a second signal processing unit having P input ports and Q output ports; wherein:

[0010] The first beam splitting unit is configured to split one signal into at least two signals, wherein the at least two signals include a first signal and a second signal;

[0011] The second beam splitting unit is configured to split the first signal into M sub-signals, and the M sub-signals are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit;

[0012] The first phase shift unit is configured to perform phase shift processing on the second signal to obtain a third signal;

[0013] The third beam splitting unit is configured to split the third signal into P sub-signals, and the P sub-signals are respectively input into the P input ports of the second signal processing unit;

[0014] The N output ports of the first signal processing unit and the Q output ports of the second signal processing unit are arranged crosswise, and the M, N, P, and Q are integers greater than or equal to 2.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present application, a signal processing system is provided, in which the input signal of the first signal processing unit and the input signal of the second signal processing unit in the signal processing system are derived from the splitting of the same signal, and the input signal of one of the signal processing units (the second signal processing unit) is phase-shifted. The output port of the first signal processing unit and the output port of the second signal processing unit are cross-arranged. By phase-adjusting the input signal of the second signal processing unit, the output port of the first signal processing unit and the output port of the second signal processing unit can output signals with multiple phase differences, and superimpose in far-field interference to form multiple correspondingly directed beams.

[0016] Compared with the solution of forming multiple directional beams in the far field by outputting signals through a single signal processing unit with higher complexity, the embodiment of the present application outputs signals with multiple phase differences through at least two signal processing units with lower complexity, thereby forming multiple corresponding directional beams in the far field, which can achieve the same number of directional beams as a single signal processing unit with higher complexity. Moreover, compared with the internal structure of a single signal processing unit with higher complexity, the embodiment of the present application uses at least two signal processing units with lower complexity, which can reduce the number of components and line crossing structure of the signal processing unit, reduce the structural complexity of the signal processing system, and improve signal quality.

[0017] Optionally, the N output ports of the first signal processing unit and the Q output ports of the second signal processing unit are cross-arranged and arranged on the same straight line.

[0018] Through the embodiments of the present application, the signals with multiple phase differences generated by the output port of the first signal processing unit and the output port of the second signal processing unit can be superimposed in the far field to form multiple correspondingly directed beams, thereby improving the interference superposition effect in the far field.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner, the phase differences of signals output by any two groups of adjacent ports among the N cross-arranged output ports and the Q output ports are the same.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation method for outputting signals from N output ports and Q output ports is provided. Specifically, the phase difference of the signals output by any two groups of adjacent ports among the cross-arranged N output ports and Q output ports is the same, and there are two phase values ​​under each phase difference, that is, adjusting the first phase shifting unit can obtain beams with multiple directions, which is twice the number of beam directions formed by a single signal processing unit of the same complexity.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the signal processing system further includes:

[0022] a first switch array and a second switch array;

[0023] The first switch array is used to control the on or off of the M-path signals;

[0024] The second switch array is used to control the on or off of the P-path signal.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific embodiment of a signal processing system is provided, specifically, the signal processing system also includes a first switch array and a second switch array, the first switch array is used to control the conduction or shutoff of the M-path signal input to the first signal processing unit, and the second switch array is used to control the conduction or shutoff of the P-path signal input to the second signal processing unit. Through the first switch array and the second switch array in the embodiment of the present application, the corresponding input ports of the first signal processing unit and the second signal processing unit can be controlled to input the same source signals at the same time, ensuring the consistency of the signal wavelength, thereby satisfying the interference superposition conditions of the transmission beams of the first signal processing unit and the second signal processing unit in the far field.

[0026] In a possible implementation manner, the first signal processing unit and / or the second signal processing unit is at least one of the following: a matrix including a coupler and a phase shifter:

[0027] Butler matrix, Noren matrix, Blass matrix.

[0028] In the embodiments of the present application, possible specific implementations of the first signal processing unit and / or the second signal processing unit are provided. Specifically, the first signal processing unit and / or the second signal processing unit may be a Butler matrix, a Noren matrix, and / or a Blass matrix including a coupler and a phase shifter. It is understood that the first signal processing unit and / or the second signal processing unit in the embodiments of the present application only need to have a matrix structure that can form a multi-directional beam.

[0029] Optionally, when the first signal processing unit and the second signal processing unit are Butler matrices including a coupler and a phase shifter, the input signal of the first Butler matrix and the input signal of the second Butler matrix in the signal processing system are derived from the splitting of the same signal, and the input signal of one of the Butler matrices (the second Butler matrix) is phase shifted. The output port of the first Butler matrix and the output port of the second Butler matrix are arranged crosswise. By phase adjusting the input signal of the second Butler matrix, the output port of the first Butler matrix and the output port of the second Butler matrix can output signals with multiple phase differences, and superimpose in far-field interference to form multiple corresponding directional beams.

[0030] Compared with the solution of forming multiple directional beams in the far field by outputting signals through a single high-order Butler matrix, the embodiment of the present application uses at least two low-order Butler matrices to output signals with multiple phase differences, thereby forming multiple corresponding directional beams in the far field, which can achieve the same number of directional beam effects as a single high-order Butler matrix. Moreover, compared with the internal structure of a single high-order Butler matrix, the embodiment of the present application uses at least two low-order Butler matrices, which can reduce the number of components (couplers and phase shifters) and line cross-structure of the Butler matrix, reduce the structural complexity of the signal processing system, and improve signal quality.

[0031] In a possible implementation manner, when M, N, P, and Q are the same, the number of couplers in the at least two signal processing units is:

[0032] N log2N or 2 n n;

[0033] Where N = 2 n , where n is a positive integer.

[0034] In the embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of the coupler in at least two signal processing units is provided. Specifically, when the above M, N, P, and Q are all the same, the number of couplers in the combination matrix composed of two N*N low-order single matrices is N log2N or 2 nn, and its corresponding high-order matrix is ​​a (2N)*(2N) single matrix. The number of couplers in this (2N)*(2N) high-order single matrix is It can be seen that the combined matrix composed of two N*N low-order single matrices can greatly reduce the number of matrix components (including but not limited to couplers) while ensuring the same number of directed beam effects as a (2N)*(2N) high-order single matrix, thus solving the problems of the large number of components, high cost and difficult implementation of conventional high-order single matrices.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner, when M, N, P, and Q are the same, the number of phase shifters in the at least two signal processing units is:

[0036] N(log2N-1) or 2 n (n-1);

[0037] Where N = 2 n , where n is a positive integer.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of the phase shifter in at least two signal processing units is provided. Specifically, when the above-mentioned M, N, P, and Q are all the same, the number of phase shifters in the combined matrix composed of two N*N low-order single matrices is N(log2N-1) or 2 n (n-1), the corresponding high-order matrix is ​​a (2N)*(2N) single matrix, and the number of fixed phase shifters in the (2N)*(2N) high-order single matrix is It can be seen that the combined matrix composed of two N*N low-order single matrices can greatly reduce the number of matrix components (including but not limited to phase shifters) while ensuring the same number of directed beam effects as one (2N)*(2N) high-order single matrix, thus solving the problems of the large number of components, high cost and difficult implementation of conventional high-order single matrices.

[0039] In a possible implementation manner, when M, N, P, and Q are the same, the number of cross points in the at least two signal processing units is:

[0040] Where N = 2 n , where n is a positive integer.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of the cross points in at least two signal processing units is provided. Specifically, when the above-mentioned M, N, P, and Q are all the same, in the case of n=1 (i.e., N=2), the number of cross points in the combined matrix composed of two N*N low-order single matrices is 0, and the corresponding high-order matrix is ​​a (2N)*(2N) single matrix, and the number of cross points in the (2N)*(2N) high-order single matrix is ​​2. In the case of n=2 (i.e., N=4), the number of cross points in the combined matrix composed of two N*N low-order single matrices is 4, and the corresponding high-order matrix is ​​a (2N)*(2N) single matrix, and the number of cross points in the (2N)*(2N) high-order single matrix is When n≥3, the number of intersections in the combined matrix composed of two N*N low-order single matrices is The corresponding high-order matrix is ​​a (2N)*(2N) single matrix. The number of cross points in the (2N)*(2N) high-order single matrix is It can be seen that the combined matrix composed of two N*N low-order single matrices can greatly reduce the number of crossover points in the matrix (i.e., the crossover of lines or signals in the matrix) while ensuring the same number of directed beam effects as a (2N)*(2N) high-order single matrix. This solves the problems of high loss and large crosstalk caused by a large number of crossovers in conventional high-order single matrices, improves signal quality, and reduces the difficulty of implementing the signal processing system.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the signal processing system further includes a multiplexer;

[0043] The multiplexer is used to combine multiple signals with different wavelengths into one signal and transmit it to the first beam splitting unit;

[0044] Among them, the M sub-signals corresponding to the signals of each type of wavelength contained in the first signal are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit, and the P sub-signals corresponding to the signals of each type of wavelength contained in the third signal are respectively input into the P input ports of the second signal processing unit.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of a signal processing system is provided. Specifically, the signal processing system may also include a multiplexer, which is used to combine multiple signals with different wavelengths into one signal and transmit it to the first beam splitting unit, thereby realizing multi-wavelength beam transmission using a combination matrix composed of at least two signal processing units. By selecting the wavelength of the transmission beam, different wavelengths have different directions and can be used for different receiving terminals and communication networks with different frequencies.

[0046] Optionally, after the first signal is split by the second splitting unit, the M sub-signals corresponding to the signals of each type of wavelength contained in the first signal are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit; after the third signal is split by the third splitting unit, the P sub-signals corresponding to the signals of each type of wavelength contained in the third signal are respectively input into the P input ports of the second signal processing unit.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the second beam splitting unit includes a first demultiplexer, the third beam splitting unit includes a second demultiplexer, and the signal processing system further includes a multiplexer;

[0048] The multiplexer is used to combine multiple signals with different wavelengths into one signal and transmit it to the first beam splitting unit;

[0049] The first demultiplexer is configured to separate the first signal according to wavelength categories;

[0050] The second demultiplexer is used to separate the third signal according to wavelength category;

[0051] The signals of various wavelengths included in the first signal are respectively input to the input port of the first signal processing unit, and the signals of various wavelengths included in the third signal are respectively input to the input port of the second signal processing unit.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present application, a possible specific implementation of a signal processing system is provided, specifically, the signal processing system may also include a multiplexer, and accordingly, the second beam splitting unit in the signal processing system may specifically include a first demultiplexer, and the third beam splitting unit in the signal processing system may specifically include a second demultiplexer. The multiplexer in the signal processing system is used to combine multiple signals with different wavelengths into one signal and transmit it to the first beam splitting unit. Accordingly, the first demultiplexer is used to separate the first signal according to the wavelength category, and the second demultiplexer is used to separate the third signal according to the wavelength category, thereby realizing multi-wavelength beam transmission by utilizing a combination matrix composed of at least two signal processing units. By selecting the wavelength of the transmission beam, different wavelengths have different directions, and can be used for different receiving terminals and communication networks with different frequencies.

[0053] Optionally, after the first signal is separated by wavelength category through the first demultiplexer, the signals of each wavelength contained in the first signal are respectively input into the input port of the first signal processing unit; after the third signal is separated by wavelength category through the second demultiplexer, the signals of each wavelength contained in the third signal are respectively input into the input port of the second signal processing unit.

[0054] Optionally, in this case, the first switch array and the second switch array in the signal processing system are non-essential components. It can be understood that the signal processing system may include only a switch array for controlling various wavelength inputs, or only the first switch array and the second switch array, or may include a switch array for controlling various wavelength inputs, the first switch array, and the second switch array simultaneously. This is not a limitation in the present embodiment. When the signal processing system does not include any of the aforementioned switch arrays, the number of input wavelength categories is a fixed value and cannot be adjusted according to different scenarios.

[0055] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a signal processing system, the signal processing system comprising:

[0056] a first beam splitting unit, a second beam splitting unit, a fourth beam splitting unit, a second phase shifting unit, and at least two signal processing units, wherein the at least two signal processing units include a first signal processing unit having M input ports and N output ports and a second signal processing unit having P input ports and Q output ports; wherein:

[0057] The first beam splitting unit is configured to split one signal into at least two signals, wherein the at least two signals include a first signal and a second signal;

[0058] The second beam splitting unit is configured to split the first signal into M sub-signals, and the M sub-signals are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit;

[0059] The fourth beam splitting unit is used to split the second signal into 2P path signals;

[0060] The second phase shift unit is configured to perform phase shift processing on the 2P path signal, and the 2P path signals after phase shift are respectively coupled to the P input ports of the second signal processing unit by switch control;

[0061] Alternatively, the 2P path signal is transmitted to the second phase shift unit through switch control, and the second phase shift unit is used to perform phase shift processing on the 2P path signal, and the 2P path signal after phase shift is respectively coupled to the P input ports of the second signal processing unit;

[0062] The N output ports of the first signal processing unit and the Q output ports of the second signal processing unit are arranged crosswise, and the M, N, P, and Q are integers greater than or equal to 2.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present application, a signal processing system is provided, in which the input signal of the first signal processing unit and the input signal of the second signal processing unit in the signal processing system are derived from the splitting of the same signal, and the input signal of one of the signal processing units (the second signal processing unit) is first split and then phase-shifted, the output port of the first signal processing unit and the output port of the second signal processing unit are arranged crosswise, and by setting a plurality of fixed phase shifters with different phase shift amounts to first split and then phase-shift the input signal of the second signal processing unit, the output port of the first signal processing unit and the output port of the second signal processing unit can output signals with a variety of phase differences, and superimpose in far-field interference to form a plurality of corresponding directional beams.

[0064] Compared with the solution of forming multiple directional beams in the far field by outputting signals through a single signal processing unit with higher complexity, the embodiment of the present application outputs signals with multiple phase differences through at least two signal processing units with lower complexity, thereby forming multiple corresponding directional beams in the far field, which can achieve the same number of directional beams as a single signal processing unit with higher complexity. Moreover, compared with the internal structure of a single signal processing unit with higher complexity, the embodiment of the present application uses at least two signal processing units with lower complexity, which can reduce the number of components and line crossing structure of the signal processing unit, reduce the structural complexity of the signal processing system, and improve signal quality.

[0065] Compared with the solution of first phase-shifting and then splitting the input signal of the second signal processing unit through an adjustable phase shifter, in the embodiment of the present application, the input signal of the second signal processing unit is first split and then phase-shifted through multiple fixed phase shifters, thereby forming a signal processing system that can output signals with multiple phase differences and form multiple corresponding directional beams through far-field interference superposition with only switch control, and is easy to operate.

[0066] Optionally, the N output ports of the first signal processing unit and the Q output ports of the second signal processing unit are cross-arranged and arranged on the same straight line.

[0067] Through the embodiments of the present application, the signals with multiple phase differences generated by the output port of the first signal processing unit and the output port of the second signal processing unit can be superimposed in the far field to form multiple correspondingly directed beams, thereby improving the interference superposition effect in the far field.

[0068] In a possible implementation manner, the phase differences of signals output by any two groups of adjacent ports among the N cross-arranged output ports and the Q output ports are the same.

[0069] In a possible implementation, the signal processing system further includes:

[0070] a first switch array and a second switch array;

[0071] The first switch array is used to control the on or off of the M-path signals;

[0072] The second switch array is used to control the on or off of the 2P path signal.

[0073] In a possible implementation manner, the first signal processing unit and / or the second signal processing unit is at least one of the following: a matrix including a coupler and a phase shifter:

[0074] Butler matrix, Noren matrix, Blass matrix.

[0075] In a possible implementation manner, when M, N, P, and Q are the same, the number of couplers in the at least two signal processing units is:

[0076] N log2N or 2 n n;

[0077] Where N = 2 n , where n is a positive integer.

[0078] In a possible implementation manner, when M, N, P, and Q are the same, the number of phase shifters in the at least two signal processing units is:

[0079] N(log2N-1) or 2 n (n-1);

[0080] Where N = 2 n , where n is a positive integer.

[0081] In a possible implementation manner, when M, N, P, and Q are the same, the number of cross points in the at least two signal processing units is:

[0082] Where N = 2 n , where n is a positive integer.

[0083] It can be understood that for the technical effects corresponding to any possible implementation of the second aspect, reference can be made to the description of the corresponding implementation in the above-mentioned first aspect.

[0084] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a signal processing device, which includes at least two signal processing systems as described in any one of the first to second aspects above and any possible implementation methods thereof, and the input signals of the at least two signal processing systems originate from the splitting of the same signal.

[0085] In an embodiment of the present application, a signal processing device is provided, comprising at least two signal processing systems as described in any one of the first and second aspects above, and any possible implementations thereof, wherein the input signals of the at least two signal processing systems are derived from split beams of the same signal. Through this embodiment of the present application, the signal processing systems described in any one of the first and second aspects above, and any possible implementations thereof, can be expanded and arranged to obtain more beams, thereby achieving the effect of a multi-beam lidar.

[0086] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a signal processing device, which includes at least two signal processing systems as described in any one of the first to second aspects above and any possible implementation methods thereof, and the at least two signal processing systems are arranged in a two-dimensional direction.

[0087] In an embodiment of the present application, a signal processing device is provided, comprising at least two signal processing systems as described in any one of the first and second aspects above and any possible implementations thereof, wherein the at least two signal processing systems are arranged in two dimensions. Through the embodiment of the present application, the signal processing systems described in any one of the first and second aspects above and any possible implementations thereof can be arranged in an expanded manner in two dimensions, and each of the signal processing systems in the expanded arrangement is independent of each other, capable of simultaneously obtaining multiple beams, thereby increasing the number of beams of the signal processing device.

[0088] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which includes the signal processing system described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or includes the signal processing system described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or includes the signal processing device described in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or includes the signal processing device described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0089] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a radar or a radar system, which includes the signal processing system described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or includes the signal processing system described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or includes the signal processing device described in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or includes the signal processing device described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or includes the chip described in the fifth aspect.

[0090] In a possible implementation, the radar includes but is not limited to millimeter wave radar, laser radar, etc.

[0091] In a possible implementation, there may be a smart sensor that integrates multiple sensors. When the smart sensor includes but is not limited to millimeter wave detection function, laser detection function, etc., the smart sensor may also be called a radar or a radar system.

[0092] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a terminal device, which includes the signal processing system described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or includes the signal processing system described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or includes the signal processing device described in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or includes the signal processing device described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or includes the chip described in the fifth aspect, or includes the radar or radar system described in the sixth aspect.

[0093] In the eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle side, which includes the signal processing system described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or includes the signal processing system described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or includes the signal processing device described in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or includes the signal processing device described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or includes the chip described in the fifth aspect, or includes the radar or radar system described in the sixth aspect, or includes the terminal device described in the seventh aspect.

[0094] In the embodiment of the present application, multiple signal processing units with lower complexity can be used to implement the functions of a single signal processing unit with higher complexity, while reducing the number of components and line crossing structure, reducing the structural complexity of the signal processing system, and improving signal quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0096] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a radar distribution according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0097] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0099] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0100] FIG5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Butler matrix provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0101] FIG5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Butler matrix provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0102] FIG5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Butler matrix provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0103] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signal processing system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0104] FIG7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Butler matrix provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] FIG7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Butler matrix provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0106] FIG7C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Butler matrix provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a beamforming effect provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0108] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a signal processing system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] FIG10A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signal processing system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0110] FIG10B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signal processing system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a signal processing system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0112] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a signal processing system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0113] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a signal processing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0114] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a far-field light field effect provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0115] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a signal processing device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0116] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application.

[0117] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units that are not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units that are inherent to the process, method, product, or device.

[0118] The “embodiment” mentioned herein means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It can be understood explicitly and implicitly by those skilled in the art that in the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified and there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the various embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0119] It should be understood that in the present application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, 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. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single 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.

[0120] As described in the background technology section, the current high-order Butler matrix in the multi-beam forming network has a large number of components and a large number of cross-structures of connecting lines, resulting in a high structural complexity of the matrix and serious signal crosstalk and loss. The present application provides a signal processing system and related devices, which relate to the field of signal processing technology and can be applied to laser radar complete machines or structural components, millimeter wave radar complete machines or structural components, beam transmission products of wireless communication equipment, multi-channel laser transmission modules in optical communications, etc. By utilizing multiple low-order Butler matrices to achieve the functions of a high-order Butler matrix, the number of components and the cross-structure of the lines are reduced, the structural complexity of the matrix is ​​reduced, and the signal quality is improved.

[0121] In order to more clearly describe the solution of this application, some knowledge related to radar and Butler matrix is ​​first introduced below.

[0122] Radar is the transliteration of the English word Radar, which comes from the abbreviation of "radio detection and ranging", meaning "radio detection and ranging". It uses radio methods to detect targets and determine the spatial position of targets.

[0123] Radar uses electromagnetic waves as its detection medium, and it uses the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves to detect targets, for example, to measure distance, speed, or azimuth. Radar can measure distance to a target based on the time of flight of electromagnetic waves, which is the time difference between the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves. Radar transmits an electromagnetic wave signal and receives an echo signal. The distance to the target is determined based on the time difference between the received echo signal and the transmitted electromagnetic wave signal and the propagation speed of the electromagnetic wave. The distance between the radar and the target can be determined using the following formula: s = c * t / 2, where s is the distance to the target, t is the time of flight (the time from the radar transmitting the electromagnetic wave signal to the receipt of the echo signal), and c is the speed of light.

[0124] Radar uses the Doppler effect to measure target velocity. The Doppler effect works as follows: when a vibration source, such as sound, light, or radio waves, moves relative to an observer at a relative speed, the frequency of the vibration received by the observer differs from the frequency emitted by the source. When the electromagnetic waves emitted by the radar and the target are in relative motion, the frequency of the echo signal will differ from the frequency of the transmitted electromagnetic wave. When the target approaches the radar antenna, the frequency of the echo signal will be higher than the frequency of the transmitted electromagnetic wave; conversely, when the target moves away from the radar antenna, the frequency of the echo signal will be lower than the frequency of the transmitted electromagnetic wave. The frequency change caused by the Doppler effect is called the Doppler shift, which is proportional to the relative velocity and inversely proportional to the vibration frequency. Therefore, by detecting the frequency difference between the transmitted electromagnetic wave signal and the echo signal, the target's speed relative to the radar—that is, the relative speed between the target and the radar—can be measured.

[0125] Radar can use amplitude method, phase method and other methods to measure azimuth angle. The amplitude method uses the amplitude value of the echo signal received by the antenna to measure the angle. The change pattern of the amplitude value depends on the antenna radiation pattern and the antenna scanning method; the phase method uses the phase difference between the echo signals received by multiple antenna units to measure the angle. For example, the radar receives the echo signal reflected by the same target through the antenna array, and calculates the azimuth angle of the target based on the phase difference of the echo signal.

[0126] Millimeter-wave radar uses electromagnetic waves within a certain wavelength range, such as microwaves. Currently, millimeter waves and adjacent centimeter waves (e.g., centimeter waves in the 24 GHz band) are more commonly used. Millimeter waves have wavelengths of 1 to 10 millimeters (mm), with those in the 24 GHz band having wavelengths slightly larger than 10 mm. Because the wavelength of millimeter-wave radar's detection medium lies in the overlapping wavelength range of microwaves and far-infrared waves, it combines the characteristics of both spectrums. According to wave propagation theory, higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths yield higher resolution and greater penetration, but also greater propagation losses and shorter transmission distances. Conversely, lower frequencies and longer wavelengths yield greater diffraction resistance and longer transmission distances. Therefore, compared to microwaves, millimeter-wave radar's detection medium offers higher resolution, better directivity, stronger anti-interference capabilities, and superior detection performance. Compared to infrared, millimeter-wave radar experiences less atmospheric attenuation, has better penetration of smoke and dust, and is less affected by weather. Therefore, millimeter-wave radar has been increasingly widely used in many fields such as smart vehicles, drones, smart transportation, and industrial automation.

[0127] LiDAR uses frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) as its detection medium, employing FMCW light for target detection. At the transmitting end, a coherent LiDAR generates FMCW light. A portion of this light is transmitted to a mixer as a local oscillator (LO) signal, while a portion is transmitted into the field of view (FOV) for detection. The FMCW light transmitted into the FOV is reflected by targets within the field of view, forming an echo. This echo propagates back to the receiving end of the coherent LiDAR, where it is received as return signal light. The return signal light is then transmitted to a mixer, where it is mixed with the LO signal light to produce an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. Processing of the IF signal can reveal information such as the relative distance, velocity, angle, or reflectivity between the target and the LiDAR. LiDAR can also detect targets using the time-of-flight (TOF) principle. A laser emits a laser pulse, and a timer records the time of its emission. The reflected light from the target is received by a receiver, and a timer also records the time of its return. Subtracting the two times gives the light's "time of flight." Based on physical quantities such as time of flight, the speed of light, and the intensity of the echo, we can derive information such as the relative distance, velocity, angle, or reflectivity between the target and the lidar. Due to its high resolution, excellent concealment, and precise ranging, lidar is gaining increasing application in a variety of fields, including intelligent vehicles, drones, smart transportation, and industrial automation.

[0128] Radar can be categorized by detection range into long-range radar (LRR), mid-range radar (MRR), and short-range radar (SRR). LRR has higher detection range requirements but lower angular detection width requirements. SRR has lower detection range requirements but higher angular detection width requirements. MRR's detection range and angular detection width requirements can be understood as falling between those of LRR and SRR. For example, LRR's detection range can exceed 200 meters and its angular detection width can be ±15°; MRR's detection range is within 100 meters and its angular detection width can be ±45°; and SRR's detection range is within 60 meters and its angular detection width can be ±80°. Different types of radar can be installed in different locations on the vehicle body, depending on the autonomous driving functional requirements and the use of other sensors. The number and type of radars can be selected as needed.

[0129] Please refer to FIG1 , which is a schematic diagram of a radar distribution provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0130] FIG1 shows possible installation locations of several types of radars. This is only an example. In actual use, a greater or lesser number of radars may be selected, and the types may also be adjusted.

[0131] As shown in Figure 1, the LRR can be installed in front of the vehicle as a forward-facing radar; the MRR can be installed in front of or behind the vehicle as a forward-facing radar or a rear-facing radar; and the SRR can be installed on the side or at the four corners of the vehicle as a side-facing radar or a corner radar. Furthermore, the MRR can also be installed on the side or at the four corners of the vehicle, and the SRR can also be installed in the front or rear of the vehicle.

[0132] Radars can be classified based on the modulation method (or radiation method) of their electromagnetic waves. Radar electromagnetic wave modulation methods include pulse and continuous wave, so radars can be divided into pulse radars and continuous wave radars. Continuous wave methods can be further divided into frequency shift keying (FSK), phase shift keying (PSK), constant frequency / single frequency continuous wave (CW), frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW), multiple frequency shift keying (MFSK), and phase modulated continuous wave (PMCW). FMCW has become the mainstream radar modulation method due to its ability to detect multiple targets, high resolution, and low cost.

[0133] Please refer to FIG2 , which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0134] As shown in Figure 2, the radar includes a control circuit 110, a signal generator 120, a power amplifier (PA) 130, a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 140, a mixer 150, a filter 160, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 170, and a signal processor 180. The signal processor is typically used to process digital signals, such as a digital signal processor (DSP). Under the control of the control circuit 110, the signal generator 120 generates an electromagnetic wave signal (also known as a radar signal) waveform. For example, in a radar using FMCW modulation, the signal generator 120 generates a sawtooth or triangular wave under the control of the control circuit 110. The signal generator 120 is, for example, a voltage-controlled oscillator, and the control circuit 110 is used to generate a control voltage. The generated electromagnetic wave signal waveform undergoes frequency conversion modulation to the desired frequency band, such as between 76 GHz and 77 GHz. After being amplified by the PA 130, it is radiated into space through the transmit antenna (TX).

[0135] The electromagnetic wave signal radiated by the transmitting antenna hits the target, reflects into space, and is received by the radar's receiving antenna (RX). After being amplified by LNA 140, it is mixed with a reference signal by mixer 150. The reference signal can typically be the electromagnetic wave signal generated above. After filtering by filter 160, mixer 150 generates an analog baseband signal, which is sampled by ADC 170 to generate a digital baseband signal. The digital baseband signal is processed by signal processor 180 to obtain target range, velocity, and angle information. Furthermore, this information can be used for clustering and / or tracking to further determine the target's trajectory, size, type, and other information.

[0136] The various components of the radar described above can be integrated as needed to achieve miniaturization of the radar. For example, components such as the control circuit 110, signal generator 120, power amplifier (PA) 130, low noise amplifier (LNA) 140, mixer 150, filter 160, and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 170 can be integrated on at least one chip, such as a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC).

[0137] For details, please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0138] As shown in Figure 3, the radar includes an MMIC, a microcontroller unit (MCU), and a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The MMIC can integrate the functions of the RF part, and the MCU can integrate the functions of the above baseband part, such as the functions of the above signal processor. In addition, it can also provide a communication interface with other on-board devices. The PMIC is the chip that powers the radar hardware system.

[0139] Please refer to FIG4 , which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a radar provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0140] As shown in Figure 4, the radar includes an optical chip, which may optionally include a laser, an optical system, a receiver, a received signal processing unit, a scanning system, a feedback signal receiver, a feedback control module, a laser controller, and other modules. The arrows indicate the propagation direction of the signal light.

[0141] The optical chip includes one or more optical signal processing devices, which process the signal light to generate multiple channels of detection signal light and receive corresponding echoes. The optical signal processing device (or optical chip) can separate the signal light from the laser into multiple channels of detection signal light, which form an outgoing ray array. The outgoing ray array passes through the optical system into the field of view and detects targets within it.

[0142] A laser is used to emit signal light. The emitted signal light can be frequency-modulated continuous light, such as linear frequency-modulated continuous light. There can be one laser or multiple lasers. When there are multiple lasers, the signal light emitted by the multiple lasers can have different properties, such as different sweep slopes, different wavelengths, or different center frequencies.

[0143] The optical system may include one or more optical elements, including but not limited to lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, gratings, wave plates (such as quarter wave plates or half wave plates), light homogenizers, or scanning devices.

[0144] Optionally, the radar can also receive signal light from within its field of view, including the echo of the signal light emitted by the radar. After passing through the optical system, the signal light from within the field of view is provided to the optical signal processing device as return signal light. The optical signal processing device (or optical chip) processes the return signal light (including but not limited to splitting, demultiplexing, or mixing), and obtains one or more processing results (such as mixing results).

[0145] Furthermore, the processing results can be provided to a receiver (or detector), and the receiver can obtain one or more electrical signals based on the processing results. After processing (for example, by a received signal processing unit), the electrical signals can obtain relevant information about the target in the field of view, such as the target's position, shape, or speed and other characteristic quantities.

[0146] The Butler matrix is ​​a constant-amplitude phase-weighted network used for multi-beam synthesis. It achieves different phase weightings through 3dB orthogonal branch-line couplers (or 180° ring couplers) and several fixed adjustable phase shifters to form multiple beams with different directions. Using the Butler matrix to achieve multi-beam formation, each beam utilizes all radiating elements in the entire array, making it a lossless multi-beam synthesis method for phased array beamforming. An ideal Butler matrix forms multiple beams that are orthogonal to each other, with the peak of each beam coinciding with the zero of the other beams, minimizing interference between beams.

[0147] A Butler matrix is ​​essentially an M×N matrix consisting of multiple couplers and fixed phase shifters. This matrix has M input ports and N output ports, where M=N, and both are positive integers. For each of the M input ports, signals input at different ports produce different phase differences at the N output ports, resulting in different transmitted beam directions. Switching the signal input port changes the beam direction, achieving a scanning effect.

[0148] Please refer to FIG5A , which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Butler matrix provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0149] As shown in FIG5A , the Butler matrix is ​​a 4×4 single matrix, that is, it has 4 input ports (input port 1, input port 2, input port 3, input port 4) and 4 output ports (output port 1, output port 2, output port 3, output port 4).

[0150] If signals are input from input port 1 to input port 4 respectively, there will be four phase differences between adjacent output ports, as shown in Table 1 below:

[0151] Table 1

[0152] By switching the input signal of the input port, the effect of scanning four directional beams in sequence can be achieved.

[0153] As can be seen from FIG5A , the Butler matrix further includes four 2×2 couplers, two 45° fixed phase shifters, and two cross points (ie, cross points of lines or signals in the matrix).

[0154] Please refer to FIG5B , which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Butler matrix provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0155] As shown in FIG5B , the Butler matrix is ​​an 8×8 single matrix, that is, it has 8 input ports (input port 1, input port 2, input port 3, input port 4, input port 5, input port 6, input port 7, input port 8) and 8 output ports (output port 1, output port 2, output port 3, output port 4, output port 5, output port 6, output port 7, output port 8).

[0156] Input signals from input port 1 to input port 8 respectively, and there will be 8 phase differences between adjacent output ports. By switching the input signal of the input port, the effect of scanning 8 directional beams in sequence can be achieved.

[0157] As can be seen from FIG5B , the Butler matrix further includes 12 2×2 couplers, 8 45° fixed phase shifters, and 10 cross points (ie, cross points of lines or signals in the matrix).

[0158] Please refer to FIG. 5C , which is a schematic structural diagram of a Butler matrix provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0159] As shown in FIG5C , the Butler matrix is ​​a 16×16 single matrix, that is, it has 16 input ports (input port 1, input port 2, input port 3, input port 4, input port 5, input port 6, input port 7, input port 8, input port 9, input port 10, input port 11, input port 12, input port 13, input port 14, input port 15, input port 16) and 8 output ports (output port 1, output port 2, output port 3, output port 4, output port 5, output port 6, output port 7, output port 8, output port 9, output port 10, output port 11, output port 12, output port 13, output port 14, output port 15, output port 16).

[0160] Input signals from input port 1 to input port 16 respectively, and there will be 16 phase differences between adjacent output ports. By switching the input signal of the input port, the effect of 16 directional beams scanning in sequence can be achieved.

[0161] As can be seen from FIG5C , the Butler matrix further includes 32 2×2 couplers, 24 45° fixed phase shifters, and 60 cross points (ie, cross points of lines or signals in the matrix).

[0162] As shown in Figures 5A through 5C, the number of beams formed by a Butler matrix is ​​related to its order. For example, a single 4×4 matrix can form four directional beams, while an 8×8 matrix can form eight directional beams. While higher-order Butler matrices can form more directional beams, they also require a larger number of couplers, phase shifters, and crossbars, making them more complex and expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the crossbars can cause signal loss and crosstalk, reducing signal quality.

[0163] Currently, several Butler matrix feed networks have been proposed for forming multi-directional beams for scanning:

[0164] (1) A 5×8 Butler matrix feed network for millimeter wave band is proposed. The double-layer structure is designed instead of a single planar structure, which can avoid the use of a large number of cross-couplers, saving space and cost. However, the double-layer structure does not reduce the complexity of the Butler matrix feed network. The transmitting antennas under the double-layer structure cannot be kept in the same straight line, resulting in poor interference superposition effect in the far field.

[0165] (2) A planar 16×16 broadband Butler matrix feed network is proposed. It uses a three-layer dielectric plate stacking structure to avoid a large number of crossovers and has the advantages of small size and wide operating frequency band. However, this three-layer dielectric plate stacking structure can only output signals with four phase differences of ±45° and ±135°. The number of beam pointing directions in such a complex structure is too small, which seriously affects the scanning effect.

[0166] (3) A feed network structure using two 4×4 Butler matrices is proposed to achieve different polarization beams. The polarization direction is selected by adjusting the switch. However, the number of beam directions formed by the Butler matrix feed network of this structure is not improved, and there are many cross structures.

[0167] (4) A feed network structure using two Butler matrices for beam transmission is proposed, corresponding to the high and low frequencies of the transmitted signal, respectively, to solve the problem of dual-beam pointing divergence with frequency under the same antenna array. However, this technology uses two matrices to process different signals separately, and does not change the structure of the Butler matrix. It is a conventional matrix and therefore still has the problems and disadvantages of the conventional Butler matrix, namely, the high-order matrix has a large number of components and a cross-structure.

[0168] In response to the problems that the high-order Butler matrix in the current multi-beamforming network has a large number of components and a large number of cross-structures of connecting lines, resulting in a high structural complexity of the matrix and serious signal crosstalk and loss, the present application provides a signal processing system and related devices, involving the field of signal processing technology, which can effectively solve the above problems, reduce the number of components and line cross-structures, reduce the structural complexity of the matrix, and improve signal quality.

[0169] The signal processing system and signal processing device provided in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0170] Please refer to FIG6 , which is a schematic structural diagram of a signal processing system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0171] As shown in Figure 6, the signal processing system includes:

[0172] A first beam splitting unit 10, a second beam splitting unit 20, a third beam splitting unit 30, a first phase shifting unit 40, at least two signal processing units, the at least two signal processing units including a first signal processing unit 50 having M input ports and N output ports and a second signal processing unit 60 having P input ports and Q output ports; wherein:

[0173] A first beam splitting unit 10 is used to split one signal (input signal) into at least two signals, where the at least two signals include a first signal and a second signal;

[0174] The second beam splitting unit 20 is used to split the first signal into M sub-signals, and the M sub-signals are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit 50;

[0175] A first phase shift unit 40 is configured to perform phase shift processing on the second signal to obtain a third signal;

[0176] The third beam splitting unit 30 is used to split the third signal into P sub-signals, and the P sub-signals are respectively input into the P input ports of the second signal processing unit 60;

[0177] The N output ports of the first signal processing unit 50 and the Q output ports of the second signal processing unit 60 are arranged crosswise, where M, N, P, and Q are integers greater than or equal to 2.

[0178] It can be seen from the signal processing system shown in Figure 6 that the input signal of the first signal processing unit 50 and the input signal of the second signal processing unit 60 in the signal processing system are derived from the same signal split by the first beam splitting unit 10, and the input signal of one of the signal processing units (the second signal processing unit 60) is phase-shifted. The output port of the first signal processing unit 50 and the output port of the second signal processing unit 60 are arranged crosswise. By phase-adjusting the input signal of the second signal processing unit 60, the output port of the first signal processing unit 50 and the output port of the second signal processing unit 60 can output signals with multiple phase differences, and superimpose in the far field interference to form multiple corresponding directional beams.

[0179] Compared with the solution of forming multiple directional beams in the far field by outputting signals through a single signal processing unit with higher complexity, the embodiment of the present application outputs signals with multiple phase differences through at least two signal processing units with lower complexity, thereby forming multiple corresponding directional beams in the far field, which can achieve the same number of directional beams as a single signal processing unit with higher complexity. Moreover, compared with the internal structure of a single signal processing unit with higher complexity, the embodiment of the present application uses at least two signal processing units with lower complexity, which can reduce the number of components and line crossing structure of the signal processing unit, reduce the structural complexity of the signal processing system, and improve signal quality.

[0180] Optionally, the N output ports of the first signal processing unit 50 and the Q output ports of the second signal processing unit 60 are cross-arranged and arranged on the same straight line.

[0181] Optionally, the N output ports of the first signal processing unit 50 are respectively connected to N transmitting antennas, and the Q output ports of the second signal processing unit 60 are respectively connected to Q transmitting antennas, and the N transmitting antennas and the Q transmitting antennas are cross-arranged and arranged on the same straight line.

[0182] Through the embodiments of the present application, the signals with multiple phase differences generated by the output port of the first signal processing unit 50 and the output port of the second signal processing unit 60 can be superimposed in the far field to form multiple correspondingly directed beams, thereby improving the interference superposition effect in the far field.

[0183] In a possible embodiment, the phase differences of signals outputted by any two groups of adjacent ports among the N output ports and the Q output ports arranged crosswise in the signal processing system are the same.

[0184] It can be understood that the present application does not need to limit the number of input ports (i.e., the values ​​of M and P) and the number of output ports (i.e., the values ​​of N and Q) of the first signal processing unit 50 and the second signal processing unit 60. It is only necessary to satisfy that the phase difference of the signals output by any two groups of adjacent ports among the N output ports and Q output ports cross-arranged in the above-mentioned signal processing system is the same. There are two phase values ​​under each phase difference, that is, adjusting the first phase shifting unit can obtain beams with multiple directions, which is twice the number of beam directions formed by a single signal processing unit of the same complexity.

[0185] In a possible embodiment, the first signal processing unit 50 and / or the second signal processing unit 60 in the signal processing system is at least one of the following items in a matrix including a coupler and a phase shifter:

[0186] Butler matrix, Noren matrix, Blass matrix.

[0187] It can be understood that the first signal processing unit 50 and / or the second signal processing unit 60 in the embodiment of the present application only needs to be a matrix structure that can form a multi-directional beam.

[0188] Optionally, when the first signal processing unit 50 and the second signal processing unit 60 are Butler matrices including a coupler and a phase shifter, the input signal of the first Butler matrix (i.e., the first signal processing unit 50) and the input signal of the second Butler matrix (i.e., the second signal processing unit 60) in the signal processing system are derived from the splitting of the same signal, and the input signal of one of the Butler matrices (the second Butler matrix) is phase shifted. The output port of the first Butler matrix and the output port of the second Butler matrix are arranged crosswise. By phase adjusting the input signal of the second Butler matrix, the output port of the first Butler matrix and the output port of the second Butler matrix can output signals with multiple phase differences, and superimpose in the far field interference to form multiple corresponding directional beams.

[0189] Compared with the solution of forming multiple directional beams in the far field by outputting signals through a single high-order Butler matrix, the embodiment of the present application uses at least two low-order Butler matrices to output signals with multiple phase differences, thereby forming multiple corresponding directional beams in the far field, which can achieve the same number of directional beam effects as a single high-order Butler matrix. Moreover, compared with the internal structure of a single high-order Butler matrix, the embodiment of the present application uses at least two low-order Butler matrices, which can reduce the number of components (couplers and phase shifters) and line cross-structure of the Butler matrix, reduce the structural complexity of the signal processing system, and improve signal quality.

[0190] In a possible embodiment, the reduction in the number of components and the cross-line structure in the above-mentioned signal processing system may be specifically manifested in the following aspects:

[0191] Aspect 1:

[0192] When M, N, P, and Q in the above signal processing system are the same, the number of couplers in at least two signal processing units is:

[0193] N log2N or 2 n n;

[0194] Where N = 2 n , n is a positive integer.

[0195] It can be understood that when the above M, N, P, and Q are all the same, the number of couplers in the signal processing system composed of two N*N low complexity signal processing units is N log2N or 2 n n, and the corresponding single signal processing unit with higher complexity is a (2N)*(2N) signal processing unit. The number of couplers in the (2N)*(2N) signal processing unit is

[0196] It can be seen that the signal processing system composed of two N*N low-complexity signal processing units can greatly reduce the number of components (including but not limited to couplers) in the signal processing system, while ensuring the same number of directed beam effects as one (2N)*(2N) high-complexity signal processing unit, thereby solving the problems of large number of components, high cost and difficult implementation of conventional high-complexity signal processing units.

[0197] Aspect 2:

[0198] When M, N, P, and Q in the above signal processing system are the same, the number of phase shifters in at least two signal processing units is:

[0199] N(log2N-1) or 2 n (n-1);

[0200] Where N = 2 n , n is a positive integer.

[0201] It can be understood that when the above M, N, P, and Q are all the same, the number of phase shifters in the signal processing system composed of two N*N low complexity signal processing units is N(log2N-1) or 2 n (n-1), the corresponding single signal processing unit with higher complexity is a (2N)*(2N) signal processing unit, and the number of fixed phase shifters in the (2N)*(2N) signal processing unit is

[0202] It can be seen that the signal processing system composed of two N*N low-complexity signal processing units can greatly reduce the number of components (including but not limited to phase shifters) in the signal processing system, while ensuring the same number of directed beam effects as one (2N)*(2N) high-complexity signal processing unit, thereby solving the problems of large number of components, high cost and difficult implementation of conventional high-complexity signal processing units.

[0203] Aspect three:

[0204] When M, N, P, and Q in the above signal processing system are the same, the number of cross points in at least two signal processing units is:

[0205] Where N = 2 n , n is a positive integer.

[0206] It can be understood that when the above M, N, P, and Q are all the same, in the case of n=1 (i.e., N=2), the number of crosspoints in the signal processing system composed of two N*N signal processing units with lower complexity is 0, and the corresponding single signal processing unit with higher complexity is a (2N)*(2N) signal processing unit, and the number of crosspoints in the (2N)*(2N) signal processing unit is 2. In the case of n=2 (i.e., N=4), the number of crosspoints in the signal processing system composed of two N*N signal processing units with lower complexity is 4, and the corresponding single signal processing unit with higher complexity is a (2N)*(2N) signal processing unit, and the number of crosspoints in the (2N)*(2N) signal processing unit is When n≥3, the number of crossover points in the signal processing system consisting of two N*N low complexity signal processing units is The corresponding single signal processing unit with higher complexity is a (2N)*(2N) signal processing unit, and the number of cross points in the (2N)*(2N) signal processing unit is

[0207] It can be seen that the signal processing system composed of two N*N low-complexity signal processing units can greatly reduce the number of crossover points in the signal processing system (i.e., the crossover of lines or signals in the signal processing system) while ensuring the same number of directed beam effects as one (2N)*(2N) high-complexity signal processing unit. This solves the problems of high loss and large crosstalk caused by a large number of crossovers in conventional high-complexity signal processing units, improves signal quality, and reduces the difficulty of implementing the signal processing system.

[0208] The signal processing system shown in FIG6 will be described below in conjunction with several specific Butler matrices.

[0209] Example 1:

[0210] The first signal processing unit 50 and the second signal processing unit 60 in the signal processing system shown in FIG6 are 4×4 Butler matrices including couplers and phase shifters.

[0211] For details, please refer to FIG. 7A , which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Butler matrix provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0212] As shown in Figure 7A, a combined matrix is ​​formed by two 4×4 Butler matrices. The two 4×4 Butler matrices in this combined matrix are oriented in opposite directions, with their eight output ports arranged crosswise. The transmitting antennas connected to the output ports are also arranged crosswise, forming an 8-antenna transmitting array. The input signal first passes through a beam splitter to form two signals. One signal is then split into four sub-signals by the beam splitter. Each signal is connected to a switch, and the four switches control the signal input to the four input ports of the 4×4 Butler matrix. The four output ports of the 4×4 Butler matrix are respectively connected to four transmitting antennas. The other signal formed by the input signal passing through the beam splitter passes through an adjustable phase shifter to control the initial phase of the signal. The signal is then split into four sub-signals, each connected to four switches. After passing through a 4×4 Butler matrix with the same structure, it enters the four transmitting antennas.

[0213] As can be seen from FIG7A , a single 4×4 Butler matrix consists of four 2×2 couplers, two fixed phase shifters, and two crosspoints.

[0214] The single 4×4 Butler matrix in FIG7A can generate 4 phase differences (±π / 4, ±3π / 4), which correspond to the situations when the input ports ① to ④ in FIG7A input signals separately, that is, 4 directed scanning beams. In the embodiment of the present application, the combined matrix composed of two 4×4 Butler matrices controls the initial phase difference of the two Butler matrices, and opens the input ports with the same port number in the two matrices at the same time each time, that is, opens two ① or two ② or two ③ or two ④ at the same time. At this time, the two matrices generate the same phase difference Δ, the phase of the adjustable phase shifter is δ, the distance between any two adjacent ones of the 8 transmitting antennas is d, the wavelength is λ, and the transmitting beams of transmitting antennas 1 to 8 are at different diffraction angles θ. d The phases are as follows in Table 2:

[0215] Table 2

[0216] in, Indicates different diffraction angles θ d The phase brought below.

[0217] Then the total amplitude of the transmitted signals of the eight transmitting antennas after superposition in the far field is:

[0218] in, represents the diffraction of a single transmitting antenna beam, a is the aperture of the transmitting antenna, and the intensity distribution of the beam is:

[0219] in,

[0220] It can be seen from the above formula that the initial phase difference δ can change the far-field intensity distribution.

[0221] The maximum points of calculated intensity distribution are:

[0222] Among them, k, m, n, and q are integers.

[0223] From the maximum point of the above intensity distribution, we can get:

[0224] Among them, θ d The maximum is ±90°, so the value of p is limited. Therefore, after a given Δ, there is a certain δ value that makes I at a certain p value corresponding to the angle θ d The maximum value is obtained at the angle θ d is the beam pointing angle θ.

[0225] Alternatively, simulation is performed under the conditions of d = λ = 1550 nm and a = 500 nm, and the data in Table 3 and FIG. 8 can be obtained.

[0226] Please refer to Table 3 below for details:

[0227] Table 3

[0228] For details, please refer to FIG8 , which is a schematic diagram of a beamforming effect provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0229] As shown in Figure 8, the abscissa represents the beam pointing angle, and the ordinate represents the beam intensity. Curve a shows the beam pattern corresponding to "Δ = π / 4, θ = -61.04°," curve b shows the beam pattern corresponding to "Δ = 3π / 4, θ = -38.68°," curve c shows the beam pattern corresponding to "Δ = -3π / 4, θ = -22.02°," curve d shows the beam pattern corresponding to "Δ = -π / 4, θ = -7.18°," curve e shows the beam pattern corresponding to "Δ = π / 4, θ = 7.18°," curve f shows the beam pattern corresponding to "Δ = 3π / 4, θ = 22.02°," curve g shows the beam pattern corresponding to "Δ = -3π / 4, θ = 38.68°," and curve h shows the beam pattern corresponding to "Δ = -π / 4, θ = 61.04°."

[0230] It can be seen that for a single 4×4 Butler matrix, There are two δ values ​​for each phase difference of the transmitted signal. That is, adjusting the adjustable phase shifter can obtain 8 directional beams, which doubles the number of beams compared to a single 4×4 Butler matrix.

[0231] Furthermore, by comparing the 4×4 combined matrix structure in the embodiment of the present application with the 8×8 single matrix structure in FIG. 5B , it can be seen that the components and cross-connect structures required by the two are shown in Table 4 below:

[0232] Table 4

[0233] That is, the 4×4 combination matrix adds an adjustable phase shifter and reduces four 2×2 couplers, four fixed phase shifters and six cross structures, which can reduce signal crosstalk and loss while simplifying the complexity of the signal processing system.

[0234] From the comparison of transmission power, if the signal light input power is 1, the transmission power of a single antenna in a conventional 8×8 matrix is The transmission power of a single antenna in a 4×4 matrix is Therefore, the combined matrix structure can double the transmission power with the same number of transmission beams. This feature can also be extended to higher-order combinations. The transmission power of a single antenna in a conventional M×N matrix is The combined matrix requires a single antenna to transmit power of That is, the combined matrix structure increases the transmission power by a fixed amount of 1 times.

[0235] Example 2:

[0236] The first signal processing unit 50 and the second signal processing unit 60 in the signal processing system shown in FIG6 are 2×2 Butler matrices including couplers and phase shifters.

[0237] For details, please refer to FIG. 7B , which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Butler matrix provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0238] As shown in Figure 7B, it is a combined matrix composed of two 2×2 Butler matrices. The two 2×2 Butler matrices in the combined matrix are oriented in opposite directions, and the four output ports are arranged crosswise. The transmitting antennas connected to the output ports are also arranged crosswise, forming a four-antenna transmitting array. The input signal first passes through a beam splitter to form two signals. One signal is split into two sub-signals through the beam splitter. Each sub-signal is connected to a switch. The two switches control the signal input of the two input ports of the 2×2 Butler matrix. The two output ports of the 2×2 Butler matrix are respectively connected to two transmitting antennas. The other signal formed by the input signal passing through the beam splitter passes through an adjustable phase shifter to control the initial phase of the signal. After that, the signal is also split into two sub-signals and connected to two switches respectively. After passing through a 2×2 Butler matrix with the same structure, it enters the two transmitting antennas.

[0239] As can be seen from FIG7B , a single 2×2 Butler matrix consists of one 2×2 coupler, zero fixed phase shifters, and zero cross points.

[0240] The combination matrix formed by the two 2×2 Butler matrices in FIG7B can generate four phase differences (±π / 4, ±3π / 4). The specific process can be found in the relevant description in FIG7A above and will not be repeated here.

[0241] Furthermore, by comparing the 2×2 combined matrix structure in the embodiment of the present application with the 4×4 single matrix structure in FIG. 5A , it can be seen that the components and cross-connect structures required for the two are shown in Table 5 below:

[0242] Table 5

[0243] That is, the 2×2 combination matrix adds an adjustable phase shifter and reduces two 2×2 couplers, two fixed phase shifters and two cross structures, which can reduce signal crosstalk and loss while simplifying the complexity of the signal processing system.

[0244] Example 3:

[0245] The first signal processing unit 50 and the second signal processing unit 60 in the signal processing system shown in FIG6 are 8×8 Butler matrices including couplers and phase shifters.

[0246] For details, please refer to FIG. 7C , which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Butler matrix provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0247] As shown in Figure 7C, a combined matrix is ​​constructed from two 8×8 Butler matrices. The two 8×8 Butler matrices in this combined matrix face each other, with their 16 output ports arranged crosswise. The transmit antennas connected to the output ports are also arranged crosswise, forming a 16-antenna transmit array. The input signal first passes through a beam splitter to form two signals. One signal is then split into eight sub-signals by the beam splitter. Each signal is connected to a switch, and the eight switches control the signal input to the eight input ports of the 8×8 Butler matrix. The eight output ports of the 8×8 Butler matrix are connected to eight transmit antennas. The other signal, formed by the input signal passing through the beam splitter, passes through an adjustable phase shifter to control the initial phase of that signal. This signal is then split into eight sub-signals, each connected to eight switches. After passing through an identical 8×8 Butler matrix, it enters the eight transmit antennas.

[0248] As can be seen from FIG7C , a single 8×8 Butler matrix consists of 12 2×2 couplers, 8 fixed phase shifters, and 10 crosspoints.

[0249] The combined matrix composed of the two 8×8 Butler matrices in Figure 7C can produce 16 phase differences (±π / 16, ±3π / 16, ±5π / 16, ±7π / 16, ±9π / 16, ±11π / 16, ±13π / 16, ±15π / 16). The specific process can be found in the relevant description in Figure 7A above and will not be repeated here.

[0250] Furthermore, by comparing the 8×8 combined matrix structure in the embodiment of the present application with the 16×16 single matrix structure in FIG. 5C , it can be seen that the components and cross-connect structures required for the two are shown in Table 6 below:

[0251] Table 6

[0252] That is, the 8×8 combination matrix adds an adjustable phase shifter and reduces 8 2×2 couplers, 8 fixed phase shifters and 40 cross structures, which can reduce signal crosstalk and loss while simplifying the complexity of the signal processing system.

[0253] From the above three exemplary illustrations (Example 1, Example 2, and Example 3), the antenna phase difference, number of beams, number of components, and number of crossovers corresponding to combination matrices and single matrices of different orders can be obtained as shown in Table 7 below:

[0254] Table 7

[0255] From the above three aspects (Aspect 1, Aspect 2, Aspect 3) and three exemplary illustrations (Example 1, Example 2, Example 3), it can be seen that:

[0256] For a single N*N matrix, N=2 n , n is a positive integer, and the number of components and cross points in the N*N single matrix is ​​as follows:

[0257] The number of couplers is:

[0258] The number of fixed phase shifters is:

[0259] The number of intersections is:

[0260] For a combined matrix consisting of two N*N single matrices, N=2 n , n is a positive integer, and the number of components and crosspoints in the combination matrix is ​​as follows:

[0261] The number of couplers is: N log2N = 2 n n;

[0262] The number of fixed phase shifters is: N(log2N-1)=2 n (n-1);

[0263] The number of intersections is:

[0264] For a combined matrix consisting of two N*N single matrices, N=2 n , n is a positive integer, and the corresponding high-order matrix with the same beam effect is a single matrix of (2N)*(2N), 2N=2 n+1 , the number of components and crosspoints in the (2N)*(2N) single matrix is ​​as follows:

[0265] The number of couplers is:

[0266] The number of fixed phase shifters is:

[0267] The number of intersections is:

[0268] Therefore, under the premise of ensuring the same beam effect, the number of components and crosspoints reduced in the combined matrix composed of two N*N single matrices is as follows compared to the single (2N)*(2N) matrix:

[0269] The number of couplers is: 2 n (n+1)-2 n n=2 n ;

[0270] The number of fixed phase shifters is: 2 n n-2 n (n-1)=2n ;

[0271] The number of intersections is:

[0272] Through the embodiments of the present application, at least two low-order Butler matrices are used to output signals with multiple phase differences, forming multiple corresponding directional beams in the far field, which can achieve the same number of directional beam effects as a single high-order Butler matrix. Compared with the internal structure of a single high-order Butler matrix, the use of at least two low-order Butler matrices in the embodiments of the present application can reduce the number of components and line crossing structure of the Butler matrix, reduce the structural complexity of the signal processing system, solve the problems of high loss and large crosstalk caused by a large number of crossings in conventional high-order single matrices, and improve signal quality.

[0273] Please refer to Figure 9, which is a structural diagram of a signal processing system provided in an embodiment of the present application. It is understandable that the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application can be regarded as a reasonable variation or supplement of the embodiment in Figure 6 above; or, it is understandable that the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application can also be regarded as an embodiment that can be executed independently, and the present application does not limit this. The signal processing system provided in the embodiment of the present application relates to the field of signal processing technology and can be applied to laser radar complete machines or structural components, millimeter wave radar complete machines or structural components, beam transmission products of wireless communication equipment, multi-channel laser transmission modules in optical communications, etc.

[0274] As shown in Figure 9, the signal processing system includes:

[0275] A first beam splitting unit 10, a second beam splitting unit 20, a third beam splitting unit 30, a first phase shifting unit 40, at least two signal processing units, the at least two signal processing units including a first signal processing unit 50 having M input ports and N output ports and a second signal processing unit 60 having P input ports and Q output ports.

[0276] Among them, the connection relationship and signal flow of the above-mentioned first beam splitting unit 10, second beam splitting unit 20, third beam splitting unit 30, first phase shifting unit 40, first signal processing unit 50, and second signal processing unit 60 are the same as those of the signal processing system shown in Figure 6 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0277] The signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application further includes:

[0278] A first switch array 70 and a second switch array 80 .

[0279] The first switch array 70 is used to control the on / off of the M-path signal, and the second switch array 80 is used to control the on / off of the P-path signal.

[0280] Through the first switch array 70 and the second switch array 80 in the embodiment of the present application, the corresponding input ports of the first signal processing unit 50 and the second signal processing unit 60 can be controlled to simultaneously input the same source signals to ensure the consistency of the signal wavelengths, thereby satisfying the interference superposition conditions of the transmission beams of the first signal processing unit 50 and the second signal processing unit 60 in the far field.

[0281] Please refer to Figure 10A, which is a structural diagram of a signal processing system provided in an embodiment of the present application. It is understandable that the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application can be regarded as a reasonable variation or supplement of the embodiment in Figure 6 or Figure 9 above; or, it is understandable that the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application can also be regarded as an embodiment that can be executed independently, and the present application does not limit this. The signal processing system provided in the embodiment of the present application relates to the field of signal processing technology and can be applied to laser radar complete machines or structural components, millimeter wave radar complete machines or structural components, beam transmission products of wireless communication equipment, multi-channel laser transmission modules in optical communications, etc.

[0282] As shown in FIG10A , the signal processing system includes:

[0283] A first beam splitting unit 10, a second beam splitting unit 20, a third beam splitting unit 30, a first phase shifting unit 40, at least two signal processing units, the at least two signal processing units including a first signal processing unit 50 having M input ports and N output ports and a second signal processing unit 60 having P input ports and Q output ports.

[0284] Among them, the connection relationship and signal flow of the above-mentioned first beam splitting unit 10, second beam splitting unit 20, third beam splitting unit 30, first phase shifting unit 40, first signal processing unit 50, and second signal processing unit 60 are the same as those of the signal processing system shown in Figure 6 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0285] The signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application further includes:

[0286] A first switch array 70 and a second switch array 80 .

[0287] The connection relationship and signal flow of the first switch array 70 and the second switch array 80 are the same as those of the signal processing system shown in FIG. 9 , and are not described again here.

[0288] Specifically, the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application further includes a multiplexer 901 .

[0289] The multiplexer 901 is used to combine multiple signals with different wavelengths into one signal and transmit it to the first beam splitting unit 10 .

[0290] The M sub-signals corresponding to each type of wavelength signal included in the above-mentioned first signal are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit 50, and the P sub-signals corresponding to each type of wavelength signal included in the above-mentioned third signal are respectively input into the P input ports of the second signal processing unit 60.

[0291] It can be understood that the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application may also include a multiplexer 901, which is used to combine multiple signals with different wavelengths (for example, wavelength 1, wavelength 2, wavelength 3,..., wavelength n) into one signal and transmit it to the first beam splitting unit 10, thereby realizing multi-wavelength beam transmission using a combination matrix composed of at least two signal processing units, and selecting the wavelength of the transmission beam through a switch. Different wavelengths have different directions and can be used for different receiving terminals and communication networks with different frequencies.

[0292] Optionally, after the first signal is split by the second splitting unit 20, the M sub-signals corresponding to the signals of each type of wavelength contained in the first signal are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit 50; after the third signal is split by the third splitting unit 30, the P sub-signals corresponding to the signals of each type of wavelength contained in the third signal are respectively input into the P input ports of the second signal processing unit 60.

[0293] Exemplarily, the multiplexer 901 in the signal processing system combines multiple signals with different wavelengths (wavelength 1, wavelength 2, wavelength 3, . . . , wavelength n) into one signal and transmits it to the first beam splitting unit 10. Correspondingly, after the first signal is split by the second beam splitting unit 20, the M sub-signals corresponding to the signal of wavelength 1 contained in the first signal are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit 50, the M sub-signals corresponding to the signal of wavelength 2 contained in the first signal are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit 50, the M sub-signals corresponding to the signal of wavelength 3 contained in the first signal are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit 50, and so on. The M sub-signals corresponding to the signal of wavelength n are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit 50; after the third signal is split by the third splitting unit 30, the P sub-signals corresponding to the signal of wavelength 1 contained in the third signal are respectively input into the P input ports of the second signal processing unit 60, the P sub-signals corresponding to the signal of wavelength 2 contained in the third signal are respectively input into the P input ports of the second signal processing unit 60, the P sub-signals corresponding to the signal of wavelength 3 contained in the third signal are respectively input into the P input ports of the second signal processing unit 60, and so on. The P sub-signals corresponding to the signal of wavelength n contained in the third signal are respectively input into the P input ports of the second signal processing unit 60.

[0294] Please refer to Figure 10B, which is a structural diagram of a signal processing system provided in an embodiment of the present application. It is understandable that the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application can be regarded as a reasonable variation or supplement of the embodiment in Figure 6 or Figure 9 or Figure 10A above; or, it is understandable that the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application can also be regarded as an embodiment that can be executed independently, and the present application does not limit this. The signal processing system provided in the embodiment of the present application relates to the field of signal processing technology and can be applied to laser radar complete machines or structural components, millimeter wave radar complete machines or structural components, beam emission products of wireless communication equipment, multi-channel laser emission modules in optical communications, etc.

[0295] As shown in FIG10B , the signal processing system includes:

[0296] A first beam splitting unit 10, a second beam splitting unit 20, a third beam splitting unit 30, a first phase shifting unit 40, at least two signal processing units, the at least two signal processing units including a first signal processing unit 50 having M input ports and N output ports and a second signal processing unit 60 having P input ports and Q output ports.

[0297] Among them, the connection relationship and signal flow of the above-mentioned first beam splitting unit 10, second beam splitting unit 20, third beam splitting unit 30, first phase shifting unit 40, first signal processing unit 50, and second signal processing unit 60 are the same as those of the signal processing system shown in Figure 6 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0298] Optionally, the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application further includes:

[0299] A first switch array 70 and a second switch array 80 .

[0300] The connection relationship and signal flow of the first switch array 70 and the second switch array 80 are the same as those of the signal processing system shown in FIG. 9 , and are not described again here.

[0301] Specifically, the second beam splitting unit 20 in the embodiment of the present application includes a first demultiplexer 201 , the third beam splitting unit 30 in the embodiment of the present application includes a second demultiplexer 301 , and the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application further includes a multiplexer 901 .

[0302] The multiplexer 901 is used to combine multiple signals with different wavelengths into one signal and transmit it to the first beam splitting unit 10. The first demultiplexer 201 is used to separate the first signal by wavelength category. The second demultiplexer 301 is used to separate the third signal by wavelength category.

[0303] The signals of various wavelengths included in the first signal are respectively input to the input port of the first signal processing unit 50 , and the signals of various wavelengths included in the third signal are respectively input to the input port of the second signal processing unit 60 .

[0304] It can be understood that the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application may further include a multiplexer 901. Accordingly, the second beam splitting unit 20 in the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application may specifically include a first demultiplexer 201, and the third beam splitting unit 30 in the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application may specifically include a second demultiplexer 301. The multiplexer 901 in the signal processing system is used to combine multiple signals with different wavelengths (for example, wavelength 1, wavelength 2, wavelength 3, . . . , wavelength n) into one signal and transmit it to the first beam splitting unit 10. Accordingly, the first demultiplexer 201 is used to separate the first signal by wavelength category, and the second demultiplexer 301 is used to separate the third signal by wavelength category, thereby achieving multi-wavelength beam transmission using a combination matrix composed of at least two signal processing units. The wavelength of the transmitted beam is selected by a switch, and different wavelengths have different directions, which can be used for different receiving terminals and communication networks with different frequencies.

[0305] Optionally, after the first signal is separated by wavelength category through the first demultiplexer 201, the signals of each wavelength contained in the first signal are respectively input into the input port of the first signal processing unit; after the third signal is separated by wavelength category through the second demultiplexer 301, the signals of each wavelength contained in the third signal are respectively input into the input port of the second signal processing unit.

[0306] Exemplarily, the multiplexer 901 in the signal processing system combines multiple signals with different wavelengths (wavelength 1, wavelength 2, wavelength 3,..., wavelength n) into one signal and transmits it to the first beam splitting unit 10. Accordingly, after the first demultiplexer 201 separates the first signal according to wavelength category, the signals of wavelength 1, wavelength 2, wavelength 3,..., wavelength n contained in the first signal are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit 50. It can be understood that the number of wavelength categories n at this time should not be greater than the number M of the input ports of the first signal processing unit 50; after the second demultiplexer 301 separates the third signal according to wavelength category, the P-path sub-signals corresponding to the signals of wavelength 1, wavelength 2, wavelength 3,..., wavelength n contained in the third signal are respectively input into the P input ports of the second signal processing unit 60. It can be understood that the number of wavelength categories n at this time should not be greater than the number P of the input ports of the second signal processing unit 60.

[0307] Optionally, in this case, the first switch array 70 and the second switch array 80 in the above-mentioned signal processing system are non-essential components. It can be understood that the signal processing system may include only a switch array for controlling various wavelength inputs, or only the first switch array 70 and the second switch array 80, or may include a switch array for controlling various wavelength inputs, the first switch array 70, and the second switch array 80 simultaneously. This embodiment of the present application does not impose any restrictions on this. When the signal processing system does not include any of the above-mentioned switch arrays, the number of input wavelength categories is a fixed value and cannot be adjusted according to different scenarios.

[0308] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a structural diagram of a signal processing system provided in an embodiment of the present application. It is understandable that the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application can be regarded as a reasonable variation or supplement of the embodiment in Figure 6 or Figure 9 or Figure 10A or Figure 10B above; or, it is understandable that the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application can also be regarded as an embodiment that can be executed independently, and the present application does not limit this. The signal processing system provided in the embodiment of the present application relates to the field of signal processing technology and can be applied to laser radar complete machines or structural components, millimeter wave radar complete machines or structural components, beam emission products of wireless communication equipment, multi-channel laser emission modules in optical communications, etc.

[0309] As shown in Figure 11, the signal processing system includes:

[0310] A first beam splitting unit 10, a second beam splitting unit 20, a fourth beam splitting unit 100, a second phase shifting unit 110, and at least two signal processing units, wherein the at least two signal processing units include a first signal processing unit 50 having M input ports and N output ports and a second signal processing unit 60 having P input ports and Q output ports; wherein:

[0311] A first beam splitting unit 10 is used to split one signal (input signal) into at least two signals, where the at least two signals include a first signal and a second signal;

[0312] The second beam splitting unit 20 is used to split the first signal into M sub-signals, and the M sub-signals are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit 50;

[0313] The fourth beam splitting unit 100 is used to split the second signal into 2P path signals;

[0314] The second phase shift unit 110 is used to perform phase shift processing on the 2P path signal. The 2P path signal after phase shift is respectively coupled to the P input ports of the second signal processing unit 60 by switch control;

[0315] The N output ports of the first signal processing unit 50 and the Q output ports of the second signal processing unit 60 are arranged crosswise, where M, N, P, and Q are integers greater than or equal to 2.

[0316] It can be seen from the signal processing system shown in Figure 11 that the input signal of the first signal processing unit 50 and the input signal of the second signal processing unit 60 in the signal processing system are derived from the same signal split by the first beam splitting unit 10, and the input signal of one of the signal processing units (the second signal processing unit 60) is first split and then phase-shifted. The output port of the first signal processing unit 50 and the output port of the second signal processing unit 60 are arranged crosswise. By setting multiple fixed phase shifters with different phase shift amounts to first split and then phase-shift the input signal of the second signal processing unit 60, the output port of the first signal processing unit 50 and the output port of the second signal processing unit 60 can output signals with multiple phase differences, and superimpose interference in the far field to form multiple corresponding directional beams.

[0317] Compared with the solution of forming multiple directional beams in the far field by outputting signals through a single signal processing unit with higher complexity, the embodiment of the present application outputs signals with multiple phase differences through at least two signal processing units with lower complexity, thereby forming multiple corresponding directional beams in the far field, which can achieve the same number of directional beam effects as a single signal processing unit with higher complexity. Moreover, compared with the internal structure of a single signal processing unit with higher complexity, the embodiment of the present application uses at least two signal processing units with lower complexity, which can reduce the number of components and line crossing structure of the signal processing unit, reduce the structural complexity of the signal processing system, and improve signal quality.

[0318] Compared with the scheme in which the input signal of the second signal processing unit 60 is first phase-shifted and then split by an adjustable phase shifter in the signal processing system shown in Figures 6, 9, 10A, and 10B, in the embodiment of the present application, the input signal of the second signal processing unit 60 is first split and then phase-shifted by multiple fixed phase shifters, thereby forming a signal processing system that can output signals with multiple phase differences and superimpose multiple corresponding directional beams in the far field through switch control, and is easy to operate.

[0319] Optionally, the N output ports of the first signal processing unit 50 and the Q output ports of the second signal processing unit 60 are cross-arranged and arranged on the same straight line.

[0320] Optionally, the N output ports of the first signal processing unit 50 are respectively connected to N transmitting antennas, and the Q output ports of the second signal processing unit 60 are respectively connected to Q transmitting antennas, and the N transmitting antennas and the Q transmitting antennas are cross-arranged and arranged on the same straight line.

[0321] Through the embodiments of the present application, the signals with multiple phase differences generated by the output port of the first signal processing unit 50 and the output port of the second signal processing unit 60 can be superimposed in the far field to form multiple correspondingly directed beams, thereby improving the interference superposition effect in the far field.

[0322] In a possible embodiment, the phase differences of signals outputted by any two groups of adjacent ports among the N output ports and the Q output ports arranged crosswise in the signal processing system are the same.

[0323] It is understandable that there are two phase values ​​under each phase difference, that is, adjusting the first phase shifting unit can obtain a multiplied number of beam directions, which is twice the number of beam directions formed by a single signal processing unit of the same complexity.

[0324] In a possible embodiment, the signal processing system further includes:

[0325] A first switch array and a second switch array.

[0326] The first switch array is used to control the on / off of the M-path signal, and the second switch array is used to control the on / off of the 2P-path signal.

[0327] Through the first switch array and the second switch array in the embodiment of the present application, the corresponding input ports of the first signal processing unit 50 and the second signal processing unit 60 can be controlled to simultaneously input the same source signals to ensure the consistency of the signal wavelength, thereby satisfying the interference superposition conditions of the transmission beams of the first signal processing unit 50 and the second signal processing unit 60 in the far field.

[0328] In a possible embodiment, the first signal processing unit 50 and / or the second signal processing unit 60 in the signal processing system is at least one of the following items in a matrix including a coupler and a phase shifter:

[0329] Butler matrix, Noren matrix, Blass matrix.

[0330] It can be understood that the first signal processing unit 50 and / or the second signal processing unit 60 in the embodiment of the present application only needs to be a matrix structure that can form a multi-directional beam.

[0331] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a structural diagram of a signal processing system provided in an embodiment of the present application. It is understandable that the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application can be regarded as a reasonable variation or supplement of the embodiment in Figure 6 or Figure 9 or Figure 10A or Figure 10B or Figure 11 above; or, it is understandable that the signal processing system in the embodiment of the present application can also be regarded as an embodiment that can be executed independently, and the present application does not limit this. The signal processing system provided in the embodiment of the present application relates to the field of signal processing technology and can be applied to laser radar complete machines or structural components, millimeter wave radar complete machines or structural components, beam emission products of wireless communication equipment, multi-channel laser emission modules in optical communications, etc.

[0332] As shown in Figure 12, the signal processing system includes:

[0333] A first beam splitting unit 10, a second beam splitting unit 20, a fourth beam splitting unit 100, a second phase shifting unit 110, and at least two signal processing units, wherein the at least two signal processing units include a first signal processing unit 50 having M input ports and N output ports and a second signal processing unit 60 having P input ports and Q output ports; wherein:

[0334] A first beam splitting unit 10 is used to split one signal (input signal) into at least two signals, where the at least two signals include a first signal and a second signal;

[0335] The second beam splitting unit 20 is used to split the first signal into M sub-signals, and the M sub-signals are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit 50;

[0336] The fourth beam splitting unit 100 is used to split the second signal into 2P path signals, and the 2P path signals are transmitted to the second phase shifting unit 110 through switch control;

[0337] The second phase shift unit 110 is used to perform phase shift processing on the 2P path signal, and the 2P path signal after phase shift is respectively coupled to the P input ports of the second signal processing unit 60;

[0338] The N output ports of the first signal processing unit 50 and the Q output ports of the second signal processing unit 60 are arranged crosswise, where M, N, P, and Q are integers greater than or equal to 2.

[0339] It can be seen from the signal processing system shown in Figure 12 that the input signal of the first signal processing unit 50 and the input signal of the second signal processing unit 60 in the signal processing system are derived from the same signal split by the first beam splitting unit 10, and the input signal of one of the signal processing units (the second signal processing unit 60) is first split and then phase-shifted. The output port of the first signal processing unit 50 and the output port of the second signal processing unit 60 are arranged crosswise. By setting multiple fixed phase shifters with different phase shift amounts to first split and then phase-shift the input signal of the second signal processing unit 60, the output port of the first signal processing unit 50 and the output port of the second signal processing unit 60 can output signals with multiple phase differences, and superimpose interference in the far field to form multiple corresponding directional beams.

[0340] The difference from the signal processing system shown in Figure 11 above is that, in the signal processing system of the embodiment of the present application, the 2P path signal after splitting by the fourth beam splitting unit 100 is first transmitted to the second phase shifting unit 110 by switch control, and then the second phase shifting unit 110 performs phase shifting processing, and the 2P path signal after phase shifting is respectively coupled to the P input ports of the second signal processing unit 60; while in the signal processing system shown in Figure 11 above, the 2P path signal after splitting by the fourth beam splitting unit 100 is first performed phase shifting processing by the second phase shifting unit 110, and the 2P path signal after phase shifting is then transmitted and coupled to the P input ports of the second signal processing unit 60 by switch control.

[0341] Similar to the signal processing system shown in Figure 11 above, in the signal processing system of the embodiment of the present application, only switch control is required to output signals with multiple phase differences and superimpose them in far-field interference to form multiple corresponding directional beams. The operation is simple and can achieve the same number of directional beam effects as a single signal processing unit with higher complexity. It can also reduce the number of components and line crossing structure of the signal processing unit, reduce the structural complexity of the signal processing system, and improve signal quality.

[0342] Please refer to FIG. 13 , which is a schematic structural diagram of a signal processing device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0343] As shown in FIG13 , the signal processing device in the embodiment of the present application includes at least two signal processing systems as shown in FIG6 above, and the input signals of the at least two signal processing systems are derived from the splitting of the same signal path.

[0344] Optionally, the signal processing device in the embodiment of the present application may also include at least two combination matrices as shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C above, or the signal processing systems as shown in Figures 9, 10A, 10B, 11, and 12 above, and the input signals of the at least two combination matrices or the at least two signal processing systems are derived from the splitting of the same signal.

[0345] For example, when the signal processing device in the embodiment of the present application includes at least two combination matrices as shown in FIG. 7A above, the signal processing device is applied to a laser radar or laser radar system as shown in FIG. 4 above, and the two 4×4 combination matrices in FIG. 7A are arranged in parallel to form an optical phased array (OPA) with two columns of 8 transmitting antennas. Among them, the spacing d between two adjacent transmitting antennas in a single combination matrix is x The distance d between the two rows of 8 transmitting antennas is smaller than the wavelength λ, thereby suppressing the generation of interference grating lobes. y The wavelength is greater than λ, and the grating lobes generated by interference are used to obtain the effect of multiple beams.

[0346] The far-field distribution of the optical phased array with eight transmitting antennas in the two rows is formed by the diffraction and interference of multiple beams in the far field, which is determined by the aperture size a of a single antenna, the number of one-dimensional array elements N, and the array element spacing d (d x d y ) is determined as shown below:

[0347] Among them, x and y represent two orthogonal directions, The adjacent elements are at an angle θ x and θ y The phase difference at θ s is the scanning angle. x is the array element spacing in the x direction, d y θ is the array element spacing in the y direction. x represents the angle in the x direction, θ y Indicates the angle in the y direction, θ sx Indicates the scanning angle in the x direction.

[0348] The parameters set in this example can be shown in Table 8 below:

[0349] Table 8

[0350] From the description of the phase difference in FIG7A above, it can be seen that the phase difference of the transmitted signal There are 8 cases, namely ±π / 8, ±3π / 8, ±5π / 8, and ±7π / 8. Therefore, substituting the formula in this example into the far-field light field diagrams at the corresponding eight angles can be obtained.

[0351] For details, please refer to FIG14 , which is a schematic diagram of the effect of a far-field light field provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0352] As shown in Figure 14, the horizontal axis is the y direction and the vertical axis is the x direction. From left to right and from top to bottom, far-field light field diagrams with pointing angles of 61.04°, 38.68°, 22.02°, 7.18°, -7.18°, -22.02°, -38.68°, and -61.04° are given respectively. It can be seen from the far-field light field diagram that the signal processing device in this example can realize an 8-line laser radar to achieve angular resolution in the x and y directions. At the same time, the signal processing device can be structurally expanded to obtain more beams to achieve the effect of a multi-line laser radar.

[0353] Through the embodiments of the present application, the signal processing systems shown in Figures 6, 7A, 7B, 7C, 9, 10A, 10B, 11, and 12 can be expanded and arranged to obtain more beams, thereby achieving the effect of a multi-beam lidar.

[0354] Please refer to FIG. 15 , which is a schematic structural diagram of a signal processing device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0355] As shown in FIG. 15 , the signal processing device in the embodiment of the present application includes at least two signal processing systems as shown in FIG. 6 above, and the at least two signal processing systems are arranged in a two-dimensional direction.

[0356] Optionally, the signal processing device in the embodiment of the present application may also include at least two combination matrices as shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C above, or the signal processing systems as shown in Figures 9, 10A, 10B, 11, and 12 above, and the at least two signal processing systems are arranged in a two-dimensional direction.

[0357] Through the embodiments of the present application, the signal processing systems shown in Figures 6, 7A, 7B, 7C, 9, 10A, 10B, 11, and 12 can be expanded and arranged in a two-dimensional direction, and the signal processing systems in the expanded arrangement are independent of each other, and multiple beams can be obtained at the same time, thereby increasing the number of beams of the signal processing device.

[0358] The present application provides a chip, which includes the signal processing system or signal processing device provided in the present application.

[0359] The present application provides a radar or radar system, which includes the signal processing system or signal processing device or the aforementioned chip provided in the present application. It should be noted that there may be smart sensors that integrate multiple sensors. If the smart sensor includes millimeter wave detection capabilities, the smart sensor may also be referred to as a millimeter wave radar or millimeter wave radar system; or if the smart sensor includes frequency modulated continuous wave detection capabilities, the smart sensor may also be referred to as a lidar or lidar system.

[0360] This application provides a terminal device that includes a signal processing system or signal processing device provided herein. For example, the terminal device can be a transportation vehicle, such as a car, truck, aircraft, drone, slow-moving transport vehicle, spacecraft, or ship, used in any possible scenario. It can also be any device capable of carrying a detection device, such as surveying and mapping equipment. One or more signal processing systems or signal processing devices provided herein are deployed on the terminal device.

[0361] 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 signal processing system, characterized in that: include: a first beam splitting unit, a second beam splitting unit, a third beam splitting unit, a first phase shifting unit, and at least two signal processing units, wherein the at least two signal processing units include a first signal processing unit having M input ports and N output ports and a second signal processing unit having P input ports and Q output ports; wherein: The first beam splitting unit is used to split one signal into at least two signals, wherein the at least two signals include a first signal and a second signal; The second beam splitting unit is used to split the first signal into M sub-signals, and the M sub-signals are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit; The first phase shift unit is used to perform phase shift processing on the second signal to obtain a third signal; The third beam splitting unit is used to split the third signal into P sub-signals, and the P sub-signals are respectively input into the P input ports of the second signal processing unit; The N output ports of the first signal processing unit and the Q output ports of the second signal processing unit are arranged crosswise, and the M, the N, the P, and the Q are integers greater than or equal to 2.

2. The signal processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that The phase differences of signals outputted by any two groups of adjacent ports among the N output ports and the Q output ports that are cross-arranged are the same.

3. The signal processing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The signal processing system further comprises: a first switch array and a second switch array; The first switch array is used to control the on or off of the M-path signals; The second switch array is used to control the on or off of the P path signal.

4. The signal processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first signal processing unit and / or the second signal processing unit is at least one of the following in a matrix including a coupler and a phase shifter: Butler matrix, Noren matrix, Blass matrix.

5. The signal processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that When the M, N, P, and Q are the same, the number of couplers in the at least two signal processing units is: N log2N or 2 n n; Where N = 2 n , wherein n is a positive integer.

6. The signal processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that When the M, the N, the P, and the Q are the same, the number of phase shifters in the at least two signal processing units is: N(log2N-1) or 2 n (n-1); Where N = 2 n , wherein n is a positive integer.

7. The signal processing system according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the M, the N, the P, and the Q are the same, the number of crossover points in the at least two signal processing units is: Where N = 2 n , wherein n is a positive integer.

8. The signal processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The signal processing system also includes a multiplexer; The multiplexer is used to combine multiple signals with different wavelengths into one signal and transmit it to the first beam splitting unit; Among them, the M sub-signals corresponding to the signals of each type of wavelength contained in the first signal are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit, and the P sub-signals corresponding to the signals of each type of wavelength contained in the third signal are respectively input into the P input ports of the second signal processing unit.

9. The signal processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The second beam splitting unit includes a first demultiplexer, the third beam splitting unit includes a second demultiplexer, and the signal processing system further includes a multiplexer; The multiplexer is used to combine multiple signals with different wavelengths into one signal and transmit it to the first beam splitting unit; The first demultiplexer is used to separate the first signal according to wavelength categories; The second demultiplexer is used to separate the third signal according to wavelength categories; The signals of various wavelengths included in the first signal are respectively input to the input port of the first signal processing unit, and the signals of various wavelengths included in the third signal are respectively input to the input port of the second signal processing unit.

10. A signal processing system, characterized in that: include: a first beam splitting unit, a second beam splitting unit, a fourth beam splitting unit, a second phase shifting unit, and at least two signal processing units, wherein the at least two signal processing units include a first signal processing unit having M input ports and N output ports and a second signal processing unit having P input ports and Q output ports; wherein: The first beam splitting unit is used to split one signal into at least two signals, wherein the at least two signals include a first signal and a second signal; The second beam splitting unit is used to split the first signal into M sub-signals, and the M sub-signals are respectively input into the M input ports of the first signal processing unit; The fourth beam splitting unit is used to split the second signal into 2P path signals; The second phase shift unit is used to perform phase shift processing on the 2P path signal, and the 2P path signal after phase shift is respectively coupled to the P input ports of the second signal processing unit by switch control; Alternatively, the 2P path signal is transmitted to the second phase shift unit through switch control, and the second phase shift unit is used to perform phase shift processing on the 2P path signal, and the 2P path signal after phase shift is respectively coupled to P input ports of the second signal processing unit; The N output ports of the first signal processing unit and the Q output ports of the second signal processing unit are arranged crosswise, and the M, the N, the P, and the Q are integers greater than or equal to 2.

11. A signal processing device, characterized in that: The method comprises at least two signal processing systems according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein input signals of the at least two signal processing systems are derived from split beams of the same signal.

12. A signal processing device, characterized in that: The method comprises at least two signal processing systems according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least two signal processing systems are arranged in a two-dimensional direction.

13. A chip, characterized in that: The chip includes the signal processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or the signal processing device according to any one of claims 11 to 12.

14. A radar, characterized in that: The radar comprises the signal processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or the signal processing device according to any one of claims 11 to 12, or the chip according to claim 13.

15. A terminal device, characterized in that: The terminal device comprises the signal processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or the signal processing device according to any one of claims 11 to 12, or the chip according to claim 13, or the radar according to claim 14.

16. A vehicle end, characterized in that: The vehicle end includes the signal processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or the signal processing device described in any one of claims 11 to 12, or the chip described in claim 13, or the radar described in claim 14, or the terminal device described in claim 15.

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