Communication device, communication control method, electronic device, and readable medium

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communication networks, and discloses a communication device, a communication control method, an electronic device, and a readable medium. According to the communication device in the present application, an equalization circuit having a signal equalization function is added between a power amplifier and an antenna array of a base station antenna feed system. Among two power amplifiers, when one power amplifier is turned off, the equalization circuit can equally divide a signal sent by the other power amplifier that is not turned off into two paths, so that a port and an antenna unit of a feed network corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier can obtain the signal; thus, a mobile device in a cell served by the antenna unit corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier can communicate normally.

Description

Communication device, communication control method, electronic device and readable medium

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on December 12, 2023, with application number 202311723732.9 and application name “Communication equipment, communication control method, electronic device and readable medium”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communication networks, and in particular to a communication device, a communication control method, an electronic device, and a readable medium. Background Art

[0003] Wireless communication systems are an important means of enabling communication in electronic devices. Base stations are a crucial component of wireless communication systems, providing wireless signal coverage and communication services. A base station's coverage range is related to its transmit power. Generally, the greater the base station's transmit power, the wider the base station's coverage range and the better the user's communication quality. To ensure base station coverage and user communication quality, base stations may always operate at maximum transmit power. However, when there are fewer users, their distribution range is also smaller, reducing the total number of signals required within the base station's coverage area and reducing signal transmission losses. In this case, even if the base station reduces its transmit power, it can still maintain communication quality for users within its coverage area. Operating at maximum transmit power would waste significant energy.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the problem that the base station always maintains the maximum transmission power, causing the base station to waste a lot of electricity, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication device, a communication control method, an electronic device and a readable medium.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a first power amplifier unit, a first distribution unit, and a first feeding unit, wherein: the first power amplifier unit comprises a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier; the first distribution unit is connected to the first feeding network and the second feeding network in the first feeding unit, and the first distribution unit is used to divide the signal output by the second power amplifier into two signals when the first power amplifier is turned off, and input them into the first feeding network and the second feeding network in the first feeding unit respectively.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present application, the signal output by the second power amplifier can be equally divided into two signals by the first distribution unit. In other embodiments, the signal output by the second power amplifier can be divided into two unequal signals by the first distribution unit.

[0008] In the embodiment of the present application, the first distribution unit can be used to divide the signal sent by another power amplifier (second power amplifier) ​​that is not turned off into two paths, so that the port and antenna unit of the feeding network corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier can obtain the signal, thereby enabling the mobile devices in the cell served by the antenna unit corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier to communicate normally.

[0009] It can be understood that the first distribution unit can be the energy-saving network in the embodiment of the present application; the first feeding unit can be the feeding network in the embodiment of the present application.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the first distribution unit includes a 90° bridge, and the 90° bridge is used to equally divide the signal output by the second power amplifier into two signals, which are respectively input into the first feeding network and the second feeding network in the first feeding unit.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the 90° bridge is in a closed state when the first power amplifier is turned off, and in the closed state of the 90° bridge, the signal output by the second power amplifier is evenly divided into two signals and respectively input into the first feeding network and the second feeding network in the feeding unit; the 90° bridge is also in an open state when both the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are working, and when the 90° bridge is in the open state, the signal output by the first power amplifier is input into the first feeding network, and the signal output by the second power amplifier is input into the second feeding network.

[0012] It can be understood that when the first power amplifier is turned off, the 90° bridge is in an energy-saving state. When the 90° bridge is in the energy-saving state, the signal from the turned-on power amplifier can be evenly divided into two paths, so that the ports and antenna units of the feeding network corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier can obtain the signal. When both the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are working, the 90° bridge is in a non-energy-saving state. When the 90° bridge is in the non-energy-saving state, the signal output by the first power amplifier can be input into the first feeding network, and the signal output by the second power amplifier can be input into the second feeding network.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the 90° bridge further includes a first switch and a second switch; when the first power amplifier is turned off and the second power amplifier is working: the voltage across the first switch is greater than the on-voltage of the first switch, the first switch is in the on state, and the voltage across the second switch is greater than the on-voltage of the second switch, the second switch is in the on state; when both the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are working: the voltage across the first switch is less than or equal to the on-voltage of the first switch, the first switch is in the off state, and the voltage across the second switch is less than or equal to the on-voltage of the second switch, the second switch is in the off state.

[0014] In some embodiments, the communication device includes a control module. The control module can obtain an electrical signal sent by the first power amplifier unit. If it is determined based on the electrical signal that only one power amplifier is turned on, the control module can send an on signal to the first switch and the second switch to control the first switch and the second switch to be in a closed state. If it is determined that both power amplifiers are turned on, the control module can send an off signal to the first switch and the second switch to control the first switch and the second switch to be in an open state.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the first switch and the second switch include at least one of a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a diode, a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), or a reed switch.

[0016] In a possible implementation, an antenna array is further included, where the antenna array includes a first directional antenna unit and a second directional antenna unit, and the first directional antenna unit and the second directional antenna unit include multiple antennas.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present application, the first directional antenna unit may be an antenna unit fed by a feeding network in a horizontal dimension, and the second directional antenna unit may be an antenna unit fed by a feeding network in a vertical dimension.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit are respectively connected to the first input end and the second input end of the first distribution unit; and the first feeding network is connected to the first output end of the first distribution unit; and the second feeding network is connected to the second output end of the first distribution unit.

[0019] It can be understood that the first feeding network and the second feeding network of the first feeding unit are equivalent to the feeding network in the horizontal dimension; that is, it is equivalent to setting the first distribution unit between the first power amplifier unit and the feeding network in the horizontal dimension.

[0020] In one possible implementation, a second feed unit is further included, and the second feed unit includes a third feed network and a fourth feed network, wherein the third feed network is connected to the first feed network, the fourth feed network is connected to the second feed network, and the first feed network and the second feed network are respectively connected to different first-direction antenna units in the antenna array; the third feed network and the fourth feed network are respectively connected to different second-direction antenna units in the antenna array.

[0021] It can be understood that the third feeding network and the fourth feeding network of the second feeding unit are equivalent to feeding networks in the vertical dimension.

[0022] In one possible implementation, a third feed unit is further included, and the third feed unit includes a fifth feed network and a sixth feed network; and the first power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit is connected to the fifth feed network, the fifth feed network is connected to the first input end of the first distribution unit, and the first feed network is connected to the first output end of the first distribution unit; the second power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit is connected to the sixth feed network, the sixth feed network is connected to the second input end of the first distribution unit, and the first feed network is connected to the second output end of the first distribution unit.

[0023] It can be understood that the fifth feeding network and the sixth feeding network of the third feeding unit are equivalent to the feeding network in the horizontal dimension, and the first feeding network and the second feeding network of the first feeding unit are equivalent to the feeding network in the vertical dimension; that is, it is equivalent to setting a first distribution unit between the feeding network in the horizontal dimension and the feeding network in the vertical dimension.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the first feeding network and the second feeding network are respectively connected to different second-directional antenna units in the antenna array; the fifth feeding network and the sixth feeding network are respectively connected to different first-directional antenna units in the antenna array.

[0025] In a possible implementation, it further includes a second distribution unit and a fourth feed unit, the fourth feed unit includes a seventh feed network and an eighth feed network; and the first power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit is connected to the first input end of the first distribution unit, and the second power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit is connected to the second input end of the first distribution unit; the first feed network of the first feed unit is connected to the first output end of the first distribution unit, and the second feed network of the first feed unit is connected to the second output end of the first distribution unit; the first feed network of the first feed unit is connected to the first input end of the second distribution unit, and the second feed network of the first feed unit is connected to the second input end of the second distribution unit; the seventh feed network of the fourth feed unit is connected to the first output end of the second distribution unit, and the eighth feed network of the fourth feed unit is connected to the second output end of the second distribution unit.

[0026] It can be understood that the seventh feeding network and the eighth feeding network of the fourth feeding unit are equivalent to the feeding network in the vertical dimension, and the first feeding network and the second feeding network of the first feeding unit are equivalent to the feeding network in the horizontal dimension; that is, it is equivalent to setting a first distribution unit between the first power amplifier unit and the feeding network in the horizontal dimension, and setting a second distribution unit between the feeding network in the horizontal dimension and the feeding network in the vertical dimension.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the first feeding network and the second feeding network are respectively connected to different first-directional antenna units in the antenna array; the seventh feeding network and the eighth feeding network are respectively connected to different second-directional antenna units in the antenna array.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the first distribution unit includes a phase shifter.

[0029] For example, the first output terminal of the first distribution unit is connected to the phase shifter.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the second distribution unit includes a phase shifter.

[0031] For example, the first output terminal of the second distribution unit is connected to the phase shifter.

[0032] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication control method, which is applied to any communication device provided by the first aspect and various possible implementations of the first aspect, including: obtaining the number of users within the signal coverage range of the communication device; turning off part of the power amplifiers in the first power amplifier unit according to the number of users, wherein the first power amplifier unit includes a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier; when the first power amplifier is turned off, the signal output by the second power amplifier is divided into two signals through the first distribution unit and input into the first feeding network and the second feeding network in the first feeding unit respectively.

[0033] In this embodiment of the present application, the power amplifier status within the base station can be controlled based on the current number of users within the base station antenna coverage area, enabling flexible configuration of the base station antenna's transmit power based on the number of users. For example, when the number of users is small, some power amplifiers can be turned off, saving energy. The first distribution unit allocates the output power of one or two power amplifiers to the first feed unit, allowing the corresponding antenna units to receive signals even when the power amplifiers are turned off. The antenna array always operates at full capacity, and the antenna beam coverage remains consistent, ensuring user communication quality while achieving energy savings.

[0034] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, comprising: a memory for storing instructions executed by one or more processors of the electronic device, and a processor, which is one of the one or more processors of the electronic device, for implementing any one of the communication control methods provided by the above-mentioned second aspect and various possible implementations of the above-mentioned second aspect.

[0035] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a readable medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on an electronic device, the electronic device implements any one of the communication control methods provided in the second aspect and various possible implementations of the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG1a shows a schematic diagram of a scenario in which a base station 100 communicates with a mobile device A according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG1b shows a schematic structural diagram of a base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG2 a shows a schematic structural diagram of an antenna array according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG2 b shows a schematic structural diagram of another antenna array according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG2 c shows a schematic diagram of a power amplifier sending a signal to an antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG3a shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG3 b shows a schematic structural diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG4 a shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device in which an energy-saving network a1 is provided between a power amplifier and a horizontal feeding network according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG4 b shows a schematic diagram of a circuit structure of an energy-saving network a1 communication device arranged between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG5a is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a communication device in which an energy-saving network b1 is provided between a horizontal feeding network and a vertical feeding network according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG5 b shows a schematic diagram of a circuit structure of a communication device in which an energy-saving network b1 is provided between a horizontal feeding network and a vertical feeding network according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG6 a shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device in which an energy-saving network a1 is provided between a power amplifier and a horizontal feeding network, and an energy-saving network b1 is provided between the horizontal feeding network and a vertical feeding network, according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG6 b shows a schematic diagram of a circuit structure of a communication device in which an energy-saving network a1 is provided between a power amplifier and a horizontal feeding network, and an energy-saving network b1 is provided between the horizontal feeding network and a vertical feeding network, according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG7 a shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application, in which energy-saving networks a1 and a2 are provided between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp are provided between the horizontal feed network and a vertical feed network.

[0050] FIG7 b shows a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application, in which energy-saving networks a1 and a2 are provided between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp are provided between the horizontal feed network and a vertical feed network.

[0051] FIG8 shows a schematic structural diagram of an energy-saving network 400 according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG9 a shows a schematic diagram of an energy-saving network in a non-energy-saving state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG9 b is a schematic diagram showing an energy-saving network in an energy-saving state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG10 shows a schematic structural diagram of an output end of an energy-saving network a1 connected to a phase shifter 3-1 according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG11a shows a schematic diagram of an energy-saving network a1 provided between a power amplifier and a horizontal feeding network according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the energy-saving network a1 is in a non-energy-saving state;

[0056] FIG11 b shows a schematic diagram of an energy-saving network a1 provided between a power amplifier and a horizontal feeding network according to an embodiment of the present application, and the energy-saving network a1 is in an energy-saving state;

[0057] FIG12 shows a waveform diagram according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG13a is a schematic diagram showing a case where an energy-saving network b1 is provided between a horizontal feeding network and a vertical feeding network according to an embodiment of the present application, and the energy-saving network b1 is in a non-energy-saving state;

[0059] FIG13 b shows a schematic diagram of an energy-saving network b1 provided between a horizontal feeding network and a vertical feeding network according to an embodiment of the present application, and the energy-saving network b1 is in an energy-saving state;

[0060] FIG14a shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present application, in which an energy-saving network a1 is provided between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and an energy-saving network b1 is provided between the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network, with both energy-saving network a1 and energy-saving network b1 being in a non-energy-saving state;

[0061] FIG14b shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present application, in which an energy-saving network a1 is provided between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and an energy-saving network b1 is provided between the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network, wherein the energy-saving network a1 is in an energy-saving state and the energy-saving network b1 is in a non-energy-saving state.

[0062] FIG15 shows a schematic diagram of providing energy-saving networks a1 and a2 between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and energy-saving networks b2, b2, and bp between the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network, according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG16a shows a schematic diagram of an energy-saving network a1 provided between a power amplifier and a horizontal feeding network according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the energy-saving network a1 is in a non-energy-saving state;

[0064] FIG16 b shows a schematic diagram of an energy-saving network a1 provided between a power amplifier and a horizontal feeding network according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the energy-saving network a1 is in an energy-saving state;

[0065] FIG17 shows a schematic diagram of a base station antenna feed system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG18 shows a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an antenna according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG19 is a flow chart showing a communication control method according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The illustrative embodiments of the present application include, but are not limited to, a communication device, a communication control method, an electronic device, and a readable medium.

[0069] The following first introduces the base station.

[0070] A base station is an important component of a wireless communication system and is used to communicate with mobile devices. Its main function is to receive wireless signals sent by mobile devices within the coverage area of ​​the base station, and to send wireless signals to other mobile devices within the coverage area of ​​the base station, that is, to provide communication services within the coverage area of ​​the base station.

[0071] Among them, a base station can be a device in an access network that communicates with mobile devices over the air interface through one or more sectors. The base station includes a baseband unit, a radio frequency unit, and a base station antenna feed system. A mobile device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, or a handheld device with wireless connection capabilities, or a processing device connected to a wireless modem. For example, a mobile device can include user equipment (UE), wireless terminal equipment, mobile station, mobile terminal equipment, subscriber unit (subscriber unit), subscriber station (subscriber station), mobile station (mobile station), mobile station (mobile), remote station (remote station), access point (AP), remote terminal (remote terminal), access terminal (access terminal), user terminal (user terminal), user agent (user agent), or user equipment (user device), etc.

[0072] The working principle of the base station 100 is introduced below in conjunction with the application scenario shown in FIG. 1 a and the structure of the base station 100 shown in FIG. 1 b .

[0073] S1: The base station antenna system 103 of the base station 100 receives a signal sent by a mobile device A, such as a signal sent by a mobile phone, and sends the signal to the radio frequency unit 102 for processing.

[0074] For example, when mobile device A dials mobile device B, mobile device A first connects to the base station 100 closest to mobile device A via wireless signals, and then exchanges signaling with base station 100 to establish a communication connection. Mobile device A then sends a dial request to the base station antenna system 103 of the nearest base station 100. The dial request may carry a communication request signal requesting communication with mobile device B.

[0075] S2: RF unit 102 includes a power amplifier (PA) 1021, a RF transceiver 1022, and a filter 1023. Filter 1023 in RF unit 102 can receive a communication request signal sent by mobile device A, perform preliminary processing on the communication request signal, such as filtering the communication request signal, and then send it to baseband unit 101. For example, filter 1023 can receive a communication request signal sent by mobile device A, filter signals that do not meet the processing frequency range of baseband unit 101, and send the filtered signal to baseband unit 101.

[0076] S3: After receiving the signal, the baseband unit 101 processes the signal, such as modulating and encoding the received signal according to a preset data transmission protocol. During the process of the baseband unit 101 processing the signal, the information in the signal may be compressed, encoded, and divided into small data packets, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the processed information transmitted through the radio frequency unit 102. The baseband unit 101 then returns the processed information to the radio frequency transceiver 1022. The data transmission protocol used by the baseband unit 101 depends on the communication standard. The data transmission protocol may include the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), the radio link control protocol (RLC), and the medium access control protocol (MAC). These protocols ensure that the signal transmits data reliably in a wireless environment.

[0077] For example, the baseband unit 101 modulates and encodes the communication request signal sent by the mobile device A to communicate with the mobile device B, and returns the signal to the RF transceiver 1022 of the RF unit 102 .

[0078] It will be appreciated that after baseband unit 101 processes the communication request signal sent by mobile device A to communicate with mobile device B, it can send the processed communication request signal to the core network via the core gateway of base station 100. After the core network determines that the processed communication request signal meets the call rules, it will find the location of mobile device B and, based on the location of mobile device B, determine the base station 200 closest to mobile device B and how to connect the call to the base station 200 closest to mobile device B.

[0079] For example, if mobile device A and mobile device B are located in different base station coverage areas, the core network will coordinate communications between the two base stations, such as handing off mobile device A's call to base station 200 where mobile device B is located. Once the core network determines the call path, it will establish a call connection, allowing mobile device A to communicate with mobile device B. This means that mobile device A will be allowed to transmit its voice signal through the base station where mobile device A is located to the base station 200 closest to mobile device B. Consequently, mobile device A's voice signal will be transmitted through base station 100 where mobile device A is located to base station 200 closest to mobile device B. The base station 200 closest to mobile device B will then send mobile device A's voice signal to mobile device B. Similarly, mobile device B's voice signal can also be transmitted to mobile device A.

[0080] S4: After receiving the signal sent by the baseband unit 101 , the RF transceiver 1022 allocates frequency resources for the signal and sends the received signal and frequency resources to the power amplifier 1021 .

[0081] It is understandable that the signal transmitted by the RF transceiver 1022 is a low-power signal. The allocation strategy for the RF transceiver 1022 to allocate frequency resources to the signal can be classified according to different standards. For example, frequency resources can be allocated based on the time domain and the frequency domain. In the time domain, time division multiple access (TDMA) and code division multiple access (CDMA) can be used to allocate frequency resources. In the frequency domain, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) can be used to allocate frequency resources.

[0082] S5: After receiving the low-power signal sent by the RF transceiver 1022 , the power amplifier 1021 amplifies the low-power signal sent by the RF transceiver 1022 to obtain a high-power signal, and sends the high-power signal to the base station antenna feed system 103 .

[0083] For example, the power amplifier 1021 amplifies the power of the low-power signal sent by the RF transceiver 1022 to obtain a high-power signal, so that the high-power signal can be transmitted to the base station 200 closest to the mobile device B.

[0084] S6: The antennas in the base station antenna feed system 103 transmit signals to the target area at a certain frequency, power and direction. The base station antenna feed system 103 includes a feed network and an antenna array.

[0085] The feed network is used to beamform the transmitted signal, including changing the beam width, shape, and beam pointing of the beam, and transmitting the signal to the antenna array. The feed network includes a vertical feed network and a horizontal feed network. The horizontal feed network is used to feed each column of antenna units; the vertical feed network is used to feed each radiating unit arranged vertically in each antenna unit. The vertical feed network includes at least one feed network, and the horizontal feed network includes at least one feed network. The vertical feed network and the horizontal feed network can be connected in series. It can be understood that the horizontal feed network can transmit the signal to the vertical feed network, and then transmit the signal to the antenna array through the vertical feed network.

[0086] An antenna array is a system composed of multiple antennas. By controlling the phase and amplitude of each antenna, the antenna array's radiation direction can be more focused, thereby improving signal transmission distance and anti-interference capabilities. Antenna arrays can also achieve directional radiation, radiating signals only in a certain direction, thereby reducing interference in other directions.

[0087] For example, a high-power signal is transmitted to the base station closest to the mobile device B through the antenna in the antenna feeding system 103 at a certain frequency and power.

[0088] It can be understood that after the base station closest to mobile device B receives the high-power signal, it can decode and play the voice data sent by mobile device A through a similar reverse process.

[0089] In some embodiments, the antenna array can be divided into multiple array antennas (or antenna elements). For example, the antenna array can be divided into n×m array antennas, each of which includes a certain number of radiating elements. For example, as shown in FIG2a , each array antenna includes four radiating elements, and as shown in FIG2b , each array antenna includes two radiating elements. Radiating elements are units that constitute the basic structure of the antenna and are used to receive and transmit signals.

[0090] It can be understood that the number of array antennas included in the antenna array and the number of radiation units included in each array antenna can be divided according to actual conditions and are not specifically limited here.

[0091] The following describes a method for feeding the array antenna a1 in FIG. 2 a through a feeding network in conjunction with FIG. 2 c .

[0092] As shown in FIG2c , the power amplifier 1 - 1 is connected to the input end of the horizontal dimension feeding network, the output end of the horizontal dimension feeding network is connected to the input end of the vertical dimension feeding network, and the output end of the vertical dimension feeding network is connected to the array antenna a1.

[0093] When the power amplifier 1 - 1 sends a signal, it is sent to the horizontal dimension feeding network and the vertical dimension feeding network in sequence, so as to feed the array antenna a1 through the horizontal dimension feeding network and the vertical dimension feeding network.

[0094] It is understood that the method of feeding the array antenna of one row and m columns in Figure 2a through the feeding network is the same as the method of feeding the array antenna a1, and will not be repeated here. If feeding the array antenna of n rows and m columns, n sets of structures as shown in Figure 2c are required.

[0095] It is understood that the horizontal feed networks can be connected in series or in parallel; similarly, the vertical feed networks can be connected in series or in parallel. Each feed network has multiple input ports and output ports. That is, each horizontal feed network is connected to at least one vertical feed network, and each vertical feed network feeds at least one array antenna.

[0096] Since the power amplifier is the most power-consuming and power-loss device in the base station, in some embodiments, in order to solve the problem of the base station consuming a large amount of electricity, the conversion efficiency of the power amplifier can be improved by increasing the power amplifier bandwidth, reducing the power loss when the power amplifier converts low-power signals into high-power signals, thereby reducing the electricity consumed by the base station.

[0097] For example, a "golden efficiency improvement solution" can be used to increase the bandwidth of power amplifiers (such as Doherty amplifiers) by combining crest factor reduction (CFR) and digital pre-distortion (DPD) techniques. This improves the conversion efficiency of the amplifier and reduces the energy consumed when converting low-power signals to high-power signals. In some embodiments, GaN amplifiers with higher conversion efficiency can also be used to replace the original power amplifiers (such as LDMOS amplifiers) in base stations.

[0098] However, although this method improves the conversion efficiency of the power amplifier and reduces the power consumption of the base station, the method of improving the power amplifier efficiency is highly complex, costly, and technically difficult.

[0099] In other embodiments, the power consumption of the base station can be reduced by shutting down some power amplifiers when the number of users is low. For example, the current number of users in each sector within the base station's coverage area is counted; the total number of current users within the base station's coverage area is calculated based on the current number of users in each sector. The number of power amplifiers required to be turned on for each sector within the base station's coverage area is determined based on the total number of current users and a preset policy. Then, based on the number of power amplifiers, the decision is made to turn on more power amplifiers or shut down excess power amplifiers. For example, when the number of users is high, all power amplifiers within a sector can be turned on, allowing the base station to operate at maximum transmit power. When the number of users is low, some power amplifiers within a sector can be shut down to reduce the base station's transmit power, thereby reducing the base station's transmit power and power consumption, thereby achieving energy conservation.

[0100] The preset policy may be: when the current total number of users is within the first user interval, one-quarter of the power amplifiers are turned off; when the current total number of users is within the second user interval, one-half of the power amplifiers are turned off; when the current total number of users is within the third user interval, three-quarters of the power amplifiers are turned off; and when the current total number of users is within the fourth user interval, the power amplifiers are not turned off. The lower limit of the fourth interval is greater than the upper limit of the first interval, the lower limit of the first interval is greater than the upper limit of the second interval, and the lower limit of the second interval is greater than the upper limit of the third interval.

[0101] It can be understood that the cell served by the base station can be a 360-degree omnidirectional cell or multiple cells. For example: The base station can be located in the center of a cell, using an omnidirectional antenna to form a circular coverage area, thereby achieving 360-degree omnidirectional signal coverage. One base station can also serve three cells, providing 120-degree signal coverage for each cell. 360-degree omnidirectional signal coverage can be achieved through three base stations. Each cell can be further divided into multiple sectors (generally, a cell has one / two / three sectors, or even more). Each sector can provide independent signal coverage services and transmission services. Each sector includes at least one array antenna, and the power amplifier corresponding to each array antenna can perform power amplification to ensure signal coverage and communication quality. The corresponding power amplifier in each sector is connected to the base station antenna feed system through the corresponding port to support multi-channel communication.

[0102] For example, sector A1 includes array antenna a1, sector A2 includes array antenna a2, and feed network a1 includes feed network 1-1 and feed network 1-2. As shown in Figure 3a, power amplifier 1-1 is connected to feed network 1-1 of the base station antenna feed system, which is connected to array antenna a1 to output high-power signals to the first area corresponding to array antenna a1 in sector A1. Power amplifier 1-2 is connected to feed network 1-2 of the base station antenna feed system, which is connected to array antenna am to output high-power signals to the second area corresponding to array antenna am in sector A2.

[0103] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3 b , the feeding network in the horizontal dimension includes a feeding network 1 - 1 a and a feeding network 1 - 2 a , and the feeding network in the vertical dimension includes a feeding network 1 - 1 b and a feeding network 1 - 2 b .

[0104] However, in the scenario described above where some power amplifiers are turned off when the number of users is small, since turning off some power amplifiers will prevent the ports of the base station antenna system corresponding to the power amplifiers in the off state from receiving output power, the base station coverage range is reduced, and normal communication for users within the coverage range of the antennas corresponding to the power amplifiers in the off state cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, before turning off the power amplifiers, users within the coverage range of the antennas corresponding to the power amplifiers in the off state need to be transferred to the coverage range of other power amplifiers in the on state through methods such as frequency switching. For example, when power amplifiers 1-2 are turned off, since array antennas a2 and a4 cannot obtain signals, the number of signals in the second area corresponding to array antennas a2 and a4 in sector A2 decreases, and the communication quality of users decreases. Therefore, users in the second area corresponding to array antennas a2 and a4 in sector A2 need to be transferred to the first area corresponding to sector A1 through methods such as frequency switching. This solution is relatively complex.

[0105] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem that turning off some power amplifiers reduces the coverage of the base station and causes some users to be unable to communicate normally, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication control method. Specifically, when reducing the power consumption of the base station by turning off some power amplifiers, a signal-sharing circuit with a signal-sharing function can be added between the power amplifier and the antenna array of the base station antenna feed system, such as an energy-saving network with a 90° bridge structure. Among them, when one of the two power amplifiers is turned off, the signal-sharing circuit can be divided into two equal paths sent by the other power amplifier that is not turned off, so that the port and array antenna of the feed network corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier can obtain the signal, thereby enabling the mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier to communicate normally.

[0106] It can be understood that the 90° bridge is a four-port device, including input ports (port 1 and port 2) and output ports (port 3 and port 4). When the 90° bridge is balanced, the potential difference between the two sides of the bridge (port 3 and port 4) is 0. The 90° bridge can be used to split one signal into two signals, and the signal power is also divided equally.

[0107] It can be understood that when a base station has multiple power amplifiers, two power amplifiers can be grouped together, and an energy-saving network can be set up for each group of power amplifiers to ensure that in each group of power amplifiers, if one power amplifier is turned off for energy-saving considerations, the signal of the other power amplifier can be divided into two paths through the energy-saving network, so that the port and array antenna of the feeding network corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier can obtain the signal.

[0108] In an embodiment of the present application, the signal for turning on the power amplifier output can be divided into two equal signals through the energy-saving network. In other embodiments, the signal for turning on the power amplifier output can be divided into two unequal signals through the energy-saving network.

[0109] As mentioned above, the feeding network includes a vertical dimension feeding network and a horizontal dimension feeding network. The following takes the vertical dimension feeding network and the horizontal dimension feeding network connected in series as shown in Figure 3b as an example to specifically introduce the communication control method of the present application.

[0110] As shown in Figure 3b, the vertical feed network includes feed network 1-1b and feed network 1-2b, and the horizontal feed network includes feed network 1-1a and feed network 1-2a. The output of power amplifier 1-1 is connected to the input of feed network 1-1a, the output of feed network 1-1a is connected to the input of feed network 1-1b, and the output of feed network 1-1b is connected to the port of array antenna a1. The output of power amplifier 1-2 is connected to the input of feed network 1-2a, the output of feed network 1-2a is connected to the input of feed network 1-2b, and the output of feed network 1-2b is connected to the port of array antenna am.

[0111] In some embodiments, the feed network primarily consists of phase shifters. As shown in Figure 2c, the vertical feed network includes multiple phase shifters. Phase shifters can be used not only to shift the phase of a signal but also to change the amplitude and frequency of the signal. Phase shifters can shift the phase of a signal by a certain angle, thereby changing the phase difference of the signal. Furthermore, phase shifters can also be used to implement filter functions, achieving a filtering effect by changing the phase and amplitude of the signal.

[0112] In some embodiments, the method of adding an energy-saving network between the power amplifier and the antenna array of the base station antenna feed system can be to add the energy-saving network between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network, while not adding the energy-saving network between the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network. In other embodiments, the energy-saving network can be added between the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network without adding the energy-saving network between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the energy-saving network can be added between both the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network and the horizontal feed network.

[0113] The communication control method of the present application is introduced below by taking the example of adding an energy-saving network a1 between the power amplifier and the horizontal dimension feeding network.

[0114] In the present application, one input end (port 1) of the energy-saving network a1 is connected to the output end of one power amplifier in a group of power amplifiers, and another input end (port 2) of the energy-saving network a1 is connected to the output end of the other power amplifier; one output end (port 3) of the energy-saving network a1 is connected to the input end of the horizontal dimension feeding network of one power amplifier, and another output end (port 4) of the energy-saving network a1 is connected to the input end of the horizontal dimension feeding network of another power amplifier.

[0115] As shown in Figure 4a, power amplifier 1-1 is connected to one input (port 1) of energy-saving network a1, power amplifier 1-2 is connected to the other input (port 2) of energy-saving network a1, one output (port 3) of energy-saving network a1 is connected to feed network 1-2a, and the other output (port 4) of energy-saving network a1 is connected to feed network 1-1a. The output of feed network 1-1a is connected to the input of feed network 1-1b, which is connected to a port of array antenna a1. The output of feed network 1-2a is connected to the input of feed network 1-2b, which is connected to a port of array antenna am.

[0116] When power amplifier 1-1 is turned off, energy-saving network a1 receives the output signal of the active power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) and splits it into two signals. These signals are then sent through the output of energy-saving network a1 to feed networks 1-1a and 1-2a of the base station antenna feed system. This ensures that all feed networks and array antennas within the base station antenna feed system can receive signals, maintaining antenna signal coverage while reducing transmit power. This effectively saves energy and ensures that mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the power amplifier being turned off maintain normal communication.

[0117] The communication control method of the present application is introduced below by taking the example of adding an energy-saving network a1 to a feeding network in the horizontal dimension.

[0118] As shown in Figure 4b, power amplifier 1-1 and power amplifier 1-2 are connected to the input end (port 1 and port 2) of energy-saving network a1 through the input end of the horizontal dimension feeding network, and the output port (port 3 and port 4) of energy-saving network a1 is connected to the input end of the vertical dimension feeding network through the output end of the horizontal dimension feeding network, and the output end of the vertical dimension feeding network is connected to array antenna a1, array antenna a2...array antenna am.

[0119] When power amplifier 1-1 is turned off, energy-saving network a1 receives the output signal of the active power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) and splits it into two equal signals. The signals are then transmitted from the output of energy-saving network a1 through the output of the horizontal feed network to the vertical feed network. This ensures that all feed networks and array antennas within the base station antenna feed system can receive signals, maintaining antenna signal coverage while reducing transmit power. This effectively saves energy and ensures that mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the power amplifier being turned off maintain normal communication.

[0120] It can be understood that each feeding network has multiple input ports and output ports. That is, each feeding network in the horizontal dimension is connected to at least one feeding network in the vertical dimension, and each feeding network in the vertical dimension feeds at least one array antenna. The above method introduces the method of sending signals to some array antennas. The method of sending signals to other array antennas is the same as the above method and will not be elaborated here.

[0121] In some embodiments, the number of energy-saving networks set between the power amplifier and the feeding network in the horizontal dimension and the number of energy-saving networks set between the feeding network in the horizontal dimension and the feeding network in the vertical dimension can be determined according to the antenna array of the base station antenna feeding system. For example, if the antenna array has n×m array antennas (n rows and m columns) and p antenna sub-arrays in the vertical dimension (where p < n, p is set based on the maximum transmission power requirement of the base station, and the size of p determines the total number of power amplifiers (such as 4p). The larger p is, the larger the total number of power amplifiers is), then 2p energy-saving networks can be set between the power amplifier and the feeding network in the horizontal dimension; p×m energy-saving networks can be set between the feeding network in the vertical dimension and the feeding network in the horizontal dimension.

[0122] It can be understood that the feeding network has multiple input ports and multiple output ports. One feeding network in the horizontal dimension can be connected to multiple feeding networks in the vertical dimension, that is, one power amplifier corresponds to at least one feeding network in the vertical dimension.

[0123] Taking the addition of the energy-saving network b1 between the feeding network in the horizontal dimension and the feeding network in the vertical dimension as an example, the communication control method of the present application will be introduced below.

[0124] It can be understood that when adding the energy-saving network b1 between the feeding network in the horizontal dimension and the feeding network in the vertical dimension, one input end (port 1) of the energy-saving network b is connected to the output end of the feeding network in the horizontal dimension of one path of the power amplifier, and the other input end (port 2) of the energy-saving network b1 is connected to the output end of the feeding network in the horizontal dimension of another path of the power amplifier; one output end (port 3) of the energy-saving network b1 is connected to the input end of the feeding network in the vertical dimension of one path of the power amplifier, and the other output end (port 4) of the energy-saving network b1 is connected to the input end of the feeding network in the vertical dimension of another path of the power amplifier.

[0125] As shown in Figure 5a, the output of power amplifier 1-1 is connected to feed network 1-1a, which is connected to one input (port 1) of energy-saving network b1. The output of power amplifier 1-2 is connected to feed network 1-2a, which is connected to the other input (port 2) of energy-saving network b1. One output (port 3) of energy-saving network b1 is connected to the input of feed network 1-2b, and the other output (port 4) of energy-saving network b1 is connected to the input of feed network 1-1b. The output of feed network 1-1b is connected to a port of array antenna a1, and the output of feed network 1-2b is connected to a port of array antenna am.

[0126] When power amplifier 1-1 is turned off, feed network 1-1a receives the output signal of the active power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) and sends it to energy-saving network b1. Energy-saving network b1 then splits the signal from power amplifier 1-2 into two equal paths. These signals are then sent to feed network 1-2b via port 3 of energy-saving network b1 and to feed network 1-1b via port 4 of energy-saving network b1. This ensures that all feed networks and array antennas within the base station antenna feed system can receive signals, ensuring normal communication for mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier.

[0127] The communication control method of the present application is introduced below by taking the example of adding energy-saving network b1, energy-saving network b2,...energy-saving network bp to the feeding network in the vertical dimension.

[0128] As shown in Figure 5b, the output end of power amplifier 1-1 and the output end of power amplifier 1-2 are connected to the input end of the horizontal dimension feeding network, the output end of the horizontal dimension feeding network is connected to the input end of energy-saving network b1, energy-saving network b2...energy-saving network bp through the input end of the vertical dimension feeding network, and the output ends of energy-saving network b1, energy-saving network b2...energy-saving network bp are connected to array antenna a1, array antenna a2...array antenna am through the output end of the vertical dimension feeding network.

[0129] When power amplifier 1-1 is turned off, the horizontal feed network receives the output signal of the active power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) and sends it to the inputs of energy-saving networks b1, b2, and bp. These networks then split the signal from power amplifier 1-2 into two equal paths and send them to the outputs of the vertical energy-saving network. This ensures that all array antennas within the base station antenna feed system can receive the signal, ensuring normal communication for mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the disabled power amplifier.

[0130] It will be appreciated that each feed network has multiple input ports and output ports. That is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension is connected to at least one feed network in the vertical dimension, and each feed network in the vertical dimension feeds at least one array antenna. The above method describes how to send signals to some array antennas. The method for sending signals to other array antennas is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0131] The communication control method of the present application is introduced below by taking the example of adding an energy-saving network a1 between the power amplifier and the horizontal dimension feeding network, and adding an energy-saving network b1 between the horizontal dimension feeding network and the vertical dimension feeding network.

[0132] In the present application, one input end (port 1) of the energy-saving network a1 is connected to the output end of one power amplifier in a group of power amplifiers, and another input end (port 2) of the energy-saving network a1 is connected to the output end of the other power amplifier; one output end (port 3) of the energy-saving network a1 is connected to the input end of the horizontal dimension feed network of one power amplifier, and another output end (port 4) of the energy-saving network a1 is connected to the input end of the horizontal dimension feed network of another power amplifier. One input end (port 1) of the energy-saving network b1 is connected to the output end of the horizontal dimension feed network of one power amplifier, and another input end (port 2) of the energy-saving network b1 is connected to the output end of the horizontal dimension feed network of another power amplifier; one output end (port 3) of the energy-saving network b1 is connected to the input end of the vertical dimension feed network of one power amplifier, and another output end (port 4) of the energy-saving network b1 is connected to the input end of the vertical dimension feed network of another power amplifier.

[0133] As shown in Figure 6a, power amplifier 1-1 is connected to one input (port 1) of energy-saving network a1, power amplifier 1-2 is connected to the other input (port 2) of energy-saving network a1, one output (port 3) of energy-saving network a1 is connected to feed network 1-2a, and the other output (port 4) of energy-saving network a1 is connected to feed network 1-1a. The output of feed network 1-1a is connected to one input (port 1) of energy-saving network b1, the output of feed network 1-2a is connected to the other input (port 2) of energy-saving network b1, one output (port 3) of energy-saving network b1 is connected to the input of feed network 1-2b, and the other output (port 4) of energy-saving network b1 is connected to the input of feed network 1-1b. The output of feed network 1-1b is connected to a port of array antenna a1, and the output of feed network 1-2b is connected to a port of array antenna am.

[0134] When power amplifier 1-1 is turned off, energy-saving network a1 receives the output signal of the active power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) and splits it into two equal signals. The signals are then sent through the output of energy-saving network a1 to feed networks 1-1a and 1-2a of the base station antenna feed system. Feed networks 1-1a and 1-2a then input the signals to energy-saving network b1, which then sends them through the output of energy-saving network b1 to feed networks 1-1b and 1-2b. This ensures that all array antennas in the base station antenna feed system can receive signals, maintaining antenna signal coverage and ensuring normal communication for mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier.

[0135] The communication control method of the present application is introduced below by taking the example of adding energy-saving networks a1 and a2 to the feeding network in the horizontal dimension and adding energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., and bp to the feeding network in the vertical dimension.

[0136] As shown in Figure 6b, power amplifiers 1-1 and 1-2 are connected to the inputs of energy-saving network a1 (ports 1 and 2) via the inputs of the horizontal feed network. Power amplifiers 2-1 and 2-2 are connected to the inputs of energy-saving network a2 (ports 1 and 2) via the inputs of the horizontal feed network. The output ports (ports 3 and 4) of energy-saving network a1 are connected to the inputs of energy-saving networks b1, b2, and bp via the outputs of the horizontal feed network and the inputs of the vertical feed network. The output ports (ports 3 and 4) of energy-saving network a2 are connected to the inputs of energy-saving networks b1, b2, and bp. The outputs of energy-saving networks b1, b2, and bp are connected to array antennas a1, a2, and am via the outputs of the vertical feed network.

[0137] When the disabled power amplifiers include power amplifier 1-1 and power amplifier 2-1, energy-saving network a1 obtains the output signal of power amplifier 1-2, divides the output signal of power amplifier 1-2 equally, and sends it to the input terminals of energy-saving network b1, energy-saving network b2, and energy-saving network bp. Energy-saving network a2 obtains the output signal of power amplifier 2-2, divides the output signal of power amplifier 2-2 equally, and sends it to the input terminals of energy-saving network b1, energy-saving network b2, and energy-saving network bp. The output terminals of energy-saving network b1, energy-saving network b2, and energy-saving network bp are connected to array antenna a1, array antenna a2, and array antenna am via the output terminal of the vertical feeding network. This allows each array antenna in the base station antenna feed system to receive signals, ensuring that the antenna signal coverage range remains unchanged and that mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the disabled power amplifier maintain normal communication.

[0138] It will be appreciated that each feed network has multiple input ports and output ports. That is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension is connected to at least one feed network in the vertical dimension, and each feed network in the vertical dimension feeds at least one array antenna. The above method describes how to send signals to some array antennas. The method for sending signals to other array antennas is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0139] In some embodiments, when an energy-saving network is added both between the power amplifier and the horizontal dimension feeding network and between the horizontal dimension feeding network and the vertical dimension feeding network, corresponding to the situation where the horizontal dimension feeding network corresponds to multiple groups of power amplifiers, in order to ensure that the p energy-saving networks between the horizontal dimension feeding network and the vertical dimension feeding network can receive the signals sent by the energy-saving network between the power amplifier and the horizontal dimension feeding network, the signals of each output port of the 2p energy-saving networks between the power amplifier and the horizontal dimension feeding network can be divided into (p / 2) paths, that is, the output signal of port 3 of each energy-saving network in the horizontal dimension is divided into (p / 2) paths, and the output signal of port 4 of each energy-saving network in the horizontal dimension is divided into (p / 2) paths. Then, the (p / 2) signals corresponding to ports 3 of each energy-saving network in the horizontal dimension are respectively input into one input port of the p energy-saving networks between the horizontal dimension feeding network and the vertical dimension feeding network, and the (p / 2) signals corresponding to ports 4 of each energy-saving network in the horizontal dimension are respectively input into another input port of the p energy-saving networks between the horizontal dimension feeding network and the vertical dimension feeding network.

[0140] Below, taking the example of the energy-saving network a1 and the energy-saving network a2 between the power amplifier and the horizontal dimension feeding network, and the energy-saving network b1, the energy-saving network b2... the energy-saving network bp between the horizontal dimension feeding network and the vertical dimension feeding network, the method of inputting the signal output by the energy-saving network between the power amplifier and the horizontal dimension feeding network into the energy-saving network between the horizontal dimension feeding network and the vertical dimension feeding network is introduced in combination with Figure 7a.

[0141] As shown in Figure 7a, power amplifiers 1-1 and 1-2 are connected to the input of energy-saving network a1. The output of energy-saving network a1 is connected to the input of feed network a1 (also known as a power divider and phase shifter network). The output of feed network a1 is connected to the inputs of energy-saving networks b1, b2, and bp. Power amplifiers 2-1 and 2-2 are connected to the input of energy-saving network a2. The output of energy-saving network a2 is connected to the input of feed network a2. The output of feed network a2 is connected to the input of energy-saving networks b1, b2, and bp. The output of energy-saving network b1 is connected to the input of feed network b1, which is connected to array antenna a1. The output of energy-saving network b2 is connected to the input of feed network b2, which is connected to array antenna a2, and the output of energy-saving network bp is connected to the input of feed network bp, which is connected to array antenna am.

[0142] The signal from power amplifier 1-1 is input to port 1 of energy-saving network a1 and can be output to feed network a1 via port 4 of energy-saving network a1. Feed network a1 can split the signal into (p / 2) paths, which are respectively input to port 1 of energy-saving network b1, port 1 of energy-saving network b2, and port 1 of energy-saving network b(p / 2). The signal from power amplifier 1-2 is input to port 2 of energy-saving network a1 and can be output to feed network a1 via port 3 of energy-saving network a1. Feed network a1 can split the signal into (p / 2) paths, which are respectively input to port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+1), port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+2), and port 2 of energy-saving network bp.

[0143] The signal from power amplifier 2-1 is input to port 1 of energy-saving network a2 and can be output to feed network a2 via port 4 of energy-saving network a2. Feed network a2 can split the signal into (p / 2) paths, which are respectively input to port 1 of energy-saving network b1, port 1 of energy-saving network b2, and port 1 of energy-saving network b(p / 2). The signal from power amplifier 2-2 is input to port 2 of energy-saving network a2 and can be output to feed network a2 via port 3 of energy-saving network a2. Feed network a2 can split the signal into (p / 2) paths, which are respectively input to port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+1), port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+2), and port 2 of energy-saving network bp.

[0144] When the disabled power amplifiers include power amplifiers 1-1 and 2-1, energy-saving network a1 obtains the output signal of power amplifier 1-2, splits the signal equally, and sends it to feed network a1. Feed network a1 can split one signal into (p / 2) paths, respectively inputting port 1 of energy-saving network b1, port 1 of energy-saving network b2, and port 1 of energy-saving network b(p / 2). Feed network a1 can also split another signal into (p / 2) paths, respectively inputting port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+1), port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+2), and port 2 of energy-saving network bp. Energy-saving network a2 obtains the output signal of power amplifier 2-2, splits the signal equally, and sends it to feed network a2. Feed network a2 can split one signal into (p / 2) paths, feeding them to port 1 of energy-saving network b1, port 1 of energy-saving network b2, and port 1 of energy-saving network b(p / 2). Feed network a2 can also split another signal into (p / 2) paths, feeding them to port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+1), port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+2), and port 2 of energy-saving network bp. This ensures that both the horizontal and vertical energy-saving networks can receive signals, ensuring that the base station signal coverage remains unchanged.

[0145] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG7b , feed network a1 includes phase shifter a1, feed network a2 includes phase shifter a2, feed network b1 includes phase shifter b11 and b12, feed network b2 includes phase shifter b21 and b22...feed network bp includes phase shifter bp1 and bp2.

[0146] It will be appreciated that each feed network has multiple input ports and output ports. That is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension is connected to at least one feed network in the vertical dimension, and each feed network in the vertical dimension feeds at least one array antenna. The above method describes how to send signals to some array antennas. The method for sending signals to other array antennas is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0147] In this application, after determining which power amplifiers need to be shut down based on the number of users, the output signals of the remaining, unshutdown power amplifiers can be evenly divided and sent to the base station antenna feed system through the energy-saving network, so that the feed network in the base station antenna feed system can all obtain the signal, ensuring that the base station coverage range will not be reduced due to shutting down the power amplifiers, and ensuring that each array antenna in the antenna array of the base station antenna feed system can receive the signal. In this way, based on the above solution, it is possible to shut down some power amplifiers based on the number of users to achieve energy efficiency, while ensuring that the coverage range of the antenna signal remains unchanged, and ensuring normal communication for users in the area corresponding to the shut-down power amplifiers.

[0148] It is understood that in some embodiments, the power amplifiers to be shut down can be determined based on the number of users within the base station's coverage area and a preset policy. For example, when the number of users is in the first user interval, one-quarter of the power amplifiers are shut down; when the number of users is in the second user interval, one-half of the power amplifiers are shut down; when the number of users is in the third user interval, three-quarters of the power amplifiers are shut down; and when the number of users is in the fourth user interval, no power amplifiers are shut down. The lower limit of the fourth interval is greater than the upper limit of the first interval, the lower limit of the first interval is greater than the upper limit of the second interval, and the lower limit of the second interval is greater than the upper limit of the third interval.

[0149] Furthermore, it can be understood that the energy-saving network has a 90° bridge structure. Therefore, when the energy-saving network reaches a balanced state, the output power of each output port is equal, that is, a signal passing through the energy-saving network is evenly distributed to the output ports of the energy-saving network. Signals can be output from each output port of the energy-saving network to the base station antenna feed system, thereby ensuring that the array antenna corresponding to the disabled power amplifier can obtain the signal. This achieves the goal of maintaining the antenna signal coverage range while reducing energy consumption, and ensures that mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the disabled power amplifier can communicate normally.

[0150] 4a and 4b , taking the energy-saving network a1 set between the power amplifier and the horizontal feeding network as an example, the communication control method of the present application is introduced based on the strategy of shutting down the power amplifier.

[0151] As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, when the number of users currently within the base station's coverage area falls within the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers (for example, power amplifier 1-1 connected to energy-saving network a1) are shut down. Energy-saving network a1 then receives the output signal from the remaining power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2). Energy-saving network a1 splits the signal from power amplifier 1-2 into two equal paths, which are then transmitted to the base station's antenna feed system via energy-saving network a1. This allows the horizontal feed network corresponding to power amplifier 1-1 to receive the signal, ensuring that both array antenna a1 and array antenna am can receive the signal.

[0152] As shown in Figure 4b, when the number of users currently within the base station's coverage area falls within the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers are shut down, for example, power amplifier 1-1 connected to energy-saving network a1. Energy-saving network a1 then receives the output signal from the remaining active power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2). Energy-saving network a1 splits the signal from power amplifier 1-2 into two equal paths, which are then transmitted to the vertical feed network via the output ports of the horizontal feed network. This ensures that all vertical feed networks receive the signal, ensuring that array antennas a1, a2, ..., and am can all receive the signal.

[0153] It will be appreciated that each feed network has multiple input ports and output ports. That is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension is connected to at least one feed network in the vertical dimension, and each feed network in the vertical dimension feeds at least one array antenna. The above method describes how to send signals to some array antennas. The method for sending signals to other array antennas is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0154] 5a and 5b , taking the energy-saving network b1 set between the horizontal dimension feeding network and the vertical dimension feeding network as an example, the communication control method of the present application is introduced based on the strategy of shutting down the power amplifier.

[0155] As shown in Figure 5a, when the current number of users within the base station coverage area is in the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers are turned off, such as power amplifier 1-2. The horizontal feeding network obtains the output signal of the power amplifier (power amplifier 1-1) in the turned-on state and sends it to the energy-saving network b1. The energy-saving network b1 divides the signal sent by power amplifier 1-1 into two signals, and then sends it to the feeding network 1-2b through port 3 of the energy-saving network b1, and sends it to the feeding network 1-1b through port 4 of the energy-saving network b1. In this way, the feeding network 1-2b corresponding to power amplifier 1-2 can also obtain the signal, and both array antenna a1 and array antenna am can obtain the signal, ensuring that the coverage range of the antenna signal remains unchanged and that the mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier maintain normal communication.

[0156] As shown in Figure 5b, when the current number of users within the base station coverage area is in the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers are turned off, such as power amplifier 1-2. The horizontal feeding network obtains the output signal of the power amplifier (power amplifier 1-1) in the turned-on state and sends it to the energy-saving network b1, energy-saving network b2...energy-saving network bp. The energy-saving network b1, energy-saving network b2...energy-saving network bp divides the signal sent by power amplifier 1-1 into two signals, and then sends them to the output ports of the vertical feeding network through the output ends of the energy-saving network b1, energy-saving network b2...energy-saving network bp. In this way, the array antenna a1, array antenna a2...array antenna am can all obtain signals, ensuring that the coverage range of the antenna signal remains unchanged and that the mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier maintain normal communication.

[0157] It will be appreciated that each feed network has multiple input ports and output ports. That is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension is connected to at least one feed network in the vertical dimension, and each feed network in the vertical dimension feeds at least one array antenna. The above method describes how to send signals to some array antennas. The method for sending signals to other array antennas is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0158] Below, in combination with Figure 6a and Figure 6b, taking the energy-saving network a1 set between the power amplifier and the horizontal dimension feeding network, and the energy-saving network b1 set between the horizontal dimension feeding network and the vertical dimension feeding network as examples, the communication control method of the present application is introduced based on the strategy of shutting down the power amplifier.

[0159] As shown in Figure 6a, when the current number of users within the base station coverage is in the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers are turned off, such as power amplifier 1-1. Energy-saving network a1 obtains the output signal of the power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) that is in the turned-on state. Energy-saving network a1 divides the signal sent by power amplifier 1-2 into two signals, and then sends them to feeding network 1-1a and feeding network 1-2a through energy-saving network a1. In this way, the array antenna a1 corresponding to power amplifier 1-1 can also obtain the signal, ensuring that the coverage range of the antenna signal remains unchanged and that the mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier maintain normal communication.

[0160] It will be appreciated that each feed network has multiple input ports and output ports. That is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension is connected to at least one feed network in the vertical dimension, and each feed network in the vertical dimension feeds at least one array antenna. The above method describes how to send signals to some array antennas. The method for sending signals to other array antennas is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0161] Below, in combination with Figure 7b, taking the energy-saving network a1 and energy-saving network a2 set between the power amplifier and the horizontal dimension feeding network, and the energy-saving network b1, energy-saving network b2...energy-saving network bp set between the horizontal dimension feeding network and the vertical dimension feeding network as examples, the communication control method of this application is introduced based on the strategy of shutting down the power amplifier.

[0162] As shown in Figure 7b, when the current number of users within the base station's coverage area falls within the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers are shut down, such as power amplifiers 1-1 and 2-1. Energy-saving network a1 receives the output signal from power amplifier 1-2 and splits it into two equal signals, sending them to feed network a1. One of the signals is sent to phase shifter a1 of feed network a1 for phase shifting. Feed network a1 can split one signal into (p / 2) paths, which are respectively input to port 1 of energy-saving network b1, port 1 of energy-saving network b2, and port 1 of energy-saving network b(p / 2). Feed network a1 can also split the other signal into (p / 2) paths, which are respectively input to port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+1), port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+2), and port 2 of energy-saving network bp. Energy-saving network a2 receives the output signal from power amplifier 2-2 and splits it into two signals, sending one of the signals to feed network a2. One of the signals is then sent to phase shifter a2 of feed network a2, where it performs phase shifting. Feed network a2 can split one signal into (p / 2) paths, which are respectively input to port 1 of energy-saving network b1, port 1 of energy-saving network b2, and port 1 of energy-saving network b(p / 2). Feed network a2 can also split the other signal into (p / 2) paths, which are respectively input to port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+1), port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+2), and port 2 of energy-saving network bp. This ensures that each array antenna can acquire the signal, ensuring that the base station signal coverage range remains unchanged.

[0163] It will be appreciated that each feed network has multiple input ports and output ports. That is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension is connected to at least one feed network in the vertical dimension, and each feed network in the vertical dimension feeds at least one array antenna. The above method describes how to send signals to some array antennas. The method for sending signals to other array antennas is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0164] The following describes the various units of the energy-saving network provided by the present application in conjunction with Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the energy-saving network 400 includes an input unit 500, a switch unit 600, and an output unit 700.

[0165] The input unit 500 includes a first input unit 501 and a second input unit 502. One end of the input unit 500 is connected to the power amplifier unit or the horizontal feeding network, and the other end is connected to the switch unit 600. The first input unit 501 and the second input unit 502 are used to obtain signals and output them to the switch unit 600.

[0166] The switch unit 600 includes a first transmission unit 601, a second transmission unit 602, a first switch unit 603, and a second switch unit 604. One end of the switch unit 600 is connected to the input unit 500, and the other end is connected to the output unit 700. The switch unit 600 is used to transmit the output signal of the first input unit 501 and / or the second input unit 502 to the output unit 700.

[0167] The output unit 700 includes a first output unit 701 and a second output unit 702. The output unit 700 is configured to obtain the signal sent by the switch unit 600 and send the obtained signal to the horizontal feeding network or the vertical feeding network.

[0168] In the embodiment of the present application, when each sub-unit in the input unit 500 obtains a signal, each sub-unit of the input unit 500 sends a signal to the output unit 700 through a path corresponding to each sub-unit.

[0169] For example, when both the first input unit 501 and the second input unit 502 obtain signals, the first input unit 501 transmits the obtained signal to the first output unit 701 via the first path, and the second input unit 502 transmits the obtained signal to the second output unit 702 via the second path. The first path includes the first transmission unit 601, and the second path includes the second transmission unit 602.

[0170] When there is at least one subunit in the input unit 500 that does not obtain a signal, the subunit in the input unit 500 that obtains a signal sends the obtained signal to the switch unit 600, and the obtained signal is evenly divided by the subunits of the switch unit 600 and sent to the subunits of the output unit 700.

[0171] For example, when at least one of the first input unit 501 and the second input unit 502 in the input unit 500 does not receive a signal, such as when the second input unit 502 does not receive a signal, the first input unit 501 sends the received signal to the switch unit 600. The signal received by the first input unit 501 is evenly divided by the first transmission unit 601, the second transmission unit 602, the first switch unit 603, and the second switch unit 604 of the switch unit 600, and then sent to the sub-units of the output unit 700 through the first path, the second path, the third path, and the fourth path. The first path includes the first transmission unit 601, the second path includes the second transmission unit 602, the third path includes the first switch unit 603, and the fourth path includes the second switch unit 604.

[0172] The following describes the structure of the energy-saving network provided by this application based on Figure 8 and in conjunction with Figures 9a and 9b. Figure 9a is a schematic diagram of the energy-saving network with the first and second paths enabled, and Figure 9b is a schematic diagram of the energy-saving network with the first, second, third, and fourth paths enabled.

[0173] As shown in Figures 9a and 9b, an energy-saving network (or adjustable power distribution network) includes a feeder 101. The input port (input unit 500) of the energy-saving network includes port 1 (first input unit 501) and port 2 (second input unit 502). The output port (output unit 700) includes port 3 (first output unit 701) and port 4 (second output unit 702). The switch unit 600 includes a bridge arm 102 (part of the first switch unit 603), a single-pole single-throw switch 103 (part of the first switch unit 603), a bridge arm 104 (second transmission unit 602), a bridge arm 105 (part of the second switch unit 604), a single-pole single-throw switch 106 (part of the second switch unit 604), and a bridge arm 107 (first transmission unit 601). Port 1 and port 2 are isolated from each other, and signals can be input from either port 1 or port 2. Port 3 and port 4 are isolated from each other, and signals can be output from either port 3 or port 4. When the SPST switch 103 and the SPST switch 106 in the energy-saving network are closed (conducting) (as shown in FIG9 b ), the bridge arm 102, the SPST switch 103, the bridge arm 104, the bridge arm 105, the SPST switch 106 and the bridge arm 107 of the energy-saving network form a 90° bridge.

[0174] In the embodiment of the present application, when the energy-saving network is as shown in Figure 9a, single-pole single-throw switches 103 and 106 are disconnected, and the energy-saving network includes two independent transmission paths: a first path and a second path. Ports 1 and 2 are input ports, and ports 3 and 4 are output ports. That is, the first path is input from port 1, passes through bridge arm 107, and is output from port 4; the second path is input from port 2, passes through bridge arm 104, and is output from port 3. The output power of the power amplifier obtained by the two paths is input into the energy-saving network and then output from ports 3 and 4 to the base station antenna feed system.

[0175] It can be understood that each output port of the energy-saving network can output power to the antenna array of the base station antenna feed system, and therefore will not change the original beam scanning range of the antenna array in the base station antenna feed system.

[0176] When the energy-saving network is as shown in Figure 9b, with single-pole, single-throw switches 103 and 106 closed, regardless of whether the power amplifier connected to port 1 or port 2 is turned on, the input power can be evenly distributed to ports 3 and 4 via the first, second, third, and fourth paths through the energy-saving network. Ports 3 and 4 then output the power to the base station antenna feeder system. The third path includes paths a and b, and the fourth path includes paths c and d. Path a is input from port 1, passes through bridge arm 102 and single-pole, single-throw switch 103, and is output from port 2. Path b is input from port 2, passes through single-pole, single-throw switch 103 and bridge arm 102, and is output from port 1. Path c is input from port 3, passes through bridge arm 105 and single-pole, single-throw switch 106, and is output from port 4. Path d is input from port 4, passes through single-pole, single-throw switch 106 and bridge arm 105, and is output from port 3.

[0177] For example, when all the power amplifiers connected to port 2 of the energy-saving network are turned off and all the power amplifiers connected to port 1 of the energy-saving network are turned on, the single-pole single-throw switch 103 and the single-pole single-throw switch 106 are both closed, and the output power of the power amplifier connected to port 1 is transmitted to port 3 and port 4 after passing through the network shown in the figure. The voltage amplitudes of port 3 and port 4 are equal, and the phase difference is 90 degrees.

[0178] It is understandable that when the energy-saving network acquires two signals, even if the energy-saving network is connected to the feed network, it is difficult to beamform the transmitted signal through the feed network. Therefore, in order to enable the energy-saving network to beamform the transmitted signal through the feed network when it acquires two signals, the present application connects a single-pole single-throw switch 103 between port 1 and port 2 of the energy-saving network, and connects a single-pole single-throw switch 106 between port 3 and port 4 of the energy-saving network. When the energy-saving network acquires two signals, the single-pole single-throw switch 103 and the single-pole single-throw switch 106 are disconnected, placing the energy-saving network in the non-energy-saving state as shown in Figure 9a; when the energy-saving network acquires one signal, the single-pole single-throw switch 103 and the single-pole single-throw switch 106 are closed, placing the energy-saving network in the energy-saving state as shown in Figure 9b.

[0179] This application configures the energy-saving network so that when the energy-saving network is in one-input and two-output or two-input and two-output state, the energy-saving network is in a matching state. When the energy-saving network is in a matching state, it can ensure that the energy-saving network works normally, that is, all input signals can be output from the output port of the energy-saving network.

[0180] It can be understood that when the single-pole single-throw switch 103 and the single-pole single-throw switch 106 in the energy-saving network are closed (conducting), the energy-saving network is a 90-degree bridge. When the voltage at port 4 is equal to the voltage at port 3, the energy-saving network reaches a balanced state, and the output power of each output port of the energy-saving network is equal. That is, the 90-degree bridge can divide the power of the input signal into two equal-power signals, that is, the output power of the power amplifier in the on state can be evenly distributed to each output port of the energy-saving network through the energy-saving network. The output power is output to the antenna array of the base station antenna feed system through each output port of the energy-saving network, thereby achieving energy efficiency by shutting down some power amplifiers based on the number of users and reducing the output power (transmitting power) of the antenna, while ensuring that the coverage range of the antenna signal remains unchanged and ensuring normal user communication.

[0181] That is, in the embodiment of the present application, the output port (port 3 and port 4) of the energy-saving network is connected to the input port of the feeding network, and the output power of one or two power amplifiers obtained by the input port (port 1 and / or port 2) of the energy-saving network can be evenly distributed to the feeding network of the base station antenna feed system through the output port of the energy-saving network, and then transmitted to the antenna array through the feeding network, so that regardless of whether the energy-saving network is in an energy-saving state or a non-energy-saving state, the antenna array in the base station antenna feed system always works at full array, ensuring that the original beam scanning range of the antenna array does not change.

[0182] In the present application, the SPST switch 103 and the SPST switch 106 can be any one of a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a diode, a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS), or a reed switch (also called a reed switch).

[0183] In the embodiment of the present application, the energy-saving network only uses two single-pole single-throw switches and transmission lines with different impedances, which has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, easy implementation and obvious energy-saving effect.

[0184] In the embodiment of the present application, when SPST switch 103 and SPST switch 106 are open, the energy-saving network is in a non-energy-saving state, as shown in FIG9a . When SPST switch 103 and SPST switch 106 are closed, the energy-saving network is in an energy-saving state, as shown in FIG9b . The following describes a method for controlling the closing and closing of SPST switch 103 and SPST switch 106 in an energy-saving network, with reference to FIG9a and FIG9b .

[0185] In some embodiments, the communication device includes a control module. The control module can obtain an electrical signal sent by a power amplifier. If, based on the electrical signal, it is determined that only one power amplifier is turned on, an on signal is sent to single-pole single-throw switch 103 and single-pole single-throw switch 106 to control single-pole single-throw switch 103 and single-pole single-throw switch 106 to be in a closed state. If, based on the electrical signal, it is determined that both power amplifiers are turned on, an off signal is sent to single-pole single-throw switch 103 and single-pole single-throw switch 106 to control single-pole single-throw switch 103 and single-pole single-throw switch 106 to be in an open state.

[0186] In some embodiments, when only one power amplifier is turned on, it can be determined that the voltage across the single-pole single-throw switch 103 is greater than the conduction voltage of the single-pole single-throw switch 103, and the single-pole single-throw switch 103 is controlled to be in the conduction state, and it can be determined that the voltage across the single-pole single-throw switch 106 is greater than the conduction voltage of the single-pole single-throw switch 106, and the single-pole single-throw switch 106 is controlled to be in the conduction state, so that the energy-saving network is in the energy-saving state as shown in Figure 9b; when it is determined that both power amplifiers are turned on, it can be determined that the voltage across the single-pole single-throw switch 103 is less than or equal to the conduction voltage of the single-pole single-throw switch 103, and the single-pole single-throw switch 103 is controlled to be in the off state, and it can be determined that the voltage across the single-pole single-throw switch 106 is less than or equal to the conduction voltage of the single-pole single-throw switch 106, and the single-pole single-throw switch 106 is controlled to be in the off state, so that the energy-saving network is in the non-energy-saving state as shown in Figure 9a.

[0187] It can be understood that when the single-pole single-throw switch 103 and the single-pole single-throw switch 106 in the energy-saving network are closed (conducting), the energy-saving network is a 90° bridge, and the output signals of port 3 and port 4 are equal in amplitude but have a 90° phase difference. In this embodiment of the present application, a phase shifter can be connected to the output port (port 3 or port 4) to evenly distribute the output power of the power amplifiers in different energy-saving states to all array antennas without changing the beam coverage.

[0188] In this embodiment of the present application, a 2-bit phase shifter with a 90° phase shift can be connected to any output port of the energy-saving network to achieve a 90° phase shift. The 2-bit phase shifter has four phase shift states: 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°, allowing the output signal to maintain four states.

[0189] In some embodiments, a 2-bit phase shifter can achieve a 90° phase shift by cascading two single-bit phase shifters. For example, a 90° phase shift can be achieved by shifting the signal 45° through the first single-bit phase shifter and then another 45° through the second single-bit phase shifter.

[0190] 10 , taking the 2-bit phase shifter 3 - 1 connected to the port 3 as an example, a method for the 2-bit phase shifter to process an output signal with a 90° phase difference will be described.

[0191] As shown in Figure 10, a phase shifter 3-1 is connected to port 3 of energy-saving network a1. When the voltage difference between ports 1 and 2 is greater than a voltage threshold, single-pole single-throw switches 103 and 106 are closed, placing the energy-saving network in an energy-saving state. If only port 1 receives the output signal of power amplifier 1-1, since the energy-saving network is a 90° bridge, the output power of ports 3 and 4 is equal, but the output signals have a 90° phase difference. After processing by the 2-bit phase shifter 3-1 connected to port 3, the phase difference is 90°, 180°, 270°, and 0°. These four states correspond to the four different beam directions of the antenna array.

[0192] When the energy-saving network is in a non-energy-saving state, if the signals acquired by ports 1 and 2 are equal-amplitude and in-phase signals, after passing through 2-bit phase shifter 3 connected to port 3, the phase differences are 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°, corresponding to four different beam directions, and the four directions are consistent with the energy-saving state.

[0193] In addition, in the non-energy-saving state, the digital phase shift can be controlled by the baseband unit, so that the phase difference of the signals output by power amplifier 1 and power amplifier 2 can be changed arbitrarily, and further the direction of the four beams can be adjusted within a small range.

[0194] In some embodiments, array antenna a1, array antenna a2, array antenna a3, and array antenna a4 can be used as a row array (or array antenna 1) in the antenna array of the base station antenna feed system. If the antenna array of the base station antenna feed system includes n rows of array antennas, n groups of array antennas 1 are required, that is, n groups of circuit structures as shown in any of the schematic diagrams in Figures 4a to 7b above are required.

[0195] In an embodiment of the present application, in order to ensure that the original beam scanning range of the antenna array does not change, a phase shifter can be added to the feed network of the base station antenna feed system to adjust the phase of each antenna in each antenna array through the phase shifter to achieve control of the beam direction and ensure that the antenna beam can cover a certain angle range.

[0196] In general, when an energy-saving network is connected between a power amplifier and a base station antenna feed system, it is in a non-energy-saving state by default. Below, taking the placement of an energy-saving network between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network as an example, combined with Figures 11a and 11b, a method for controlling the energy-saving network to switch between an energy-saving state and a non-energy-saving state based on the output voltage of the power amplifier connected to the energy-saving network is introduced to ensure that the beam scanning range of the antenna array does not change. The difference between Figure 11a and Figure 4b is that port 3 of energy-saving network a1 is connected to phase shifter 3-a1, and the energy-saving network in Figure 11a is in a non-energy-saving state, while the energy-saving network in Figure 4b is in an energy-saving state.

[0197] When the current number of users within the base station's coverage area falls within the fourth user interval, both power amplifiers 1-1 and 1-2 are turned on, and disconnect signals are sent to single-pole single-throw switches a11 and a12 to control the disconnection of single-pole single-throw switches a11 and a12 of energy-saving network a1, thereby maintaining energy-saving network a1 in the non-energy-saving state shown in FIG11a. Port 1 of energy-saving network a1 obtains the signal from power amplifier 1-1 and sends it to port 4, thereby enabling each array antenna corresponding to power amplifier 1-1 to obtain the signal. Port 2 of energy-saving network a1 obtains the signal from power amplifier 1-2 and sends it to port 3. The phase of the output signal outputted by port 3 is adjusted by phase shifter 3-a1 (see the embodiment shown in FIG10 , which will not be described in detail here), thereby enabling each array antenna corresponding to power amplifier 1-2 to obtain the signal.

[0198] When the current number of users within the coverage area of ​​the base station is in the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers are turned off, such as power amplifier 1-1 connected to energy-saving network a1, and a conduction signal is sent to single-pole single-throw switch a11 and single-pole single-throw switch a12 to control the single-pole single-throw switch a11 and single-pole single-throw switch a12 of energy-saving network a1 to be closed, that is, the energy-saving network a1 is kept switched to the energy-saving state shown in Figure 11b.

[0199] Energy-saving network a1 obtains the output signal of the active power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2). Energy-saving network a1 splits the signal sent by power amplifier 1-2 into two equal signals. Then, it transmits the signal to the base station antenna feed system via ports 3 and 4 of energy-saving network a1, so that each array antenna corresponding to power amplifier 1-1 and power amplifier 1-2 can receive the signal. The transmission of the signal to each array antenna via ports 3 and 4 of energy-saving network a1 is described in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0200] In the embodiment of the present application, the resistance values ​​of bridge arms 104 and 107 are the same, the resistance values ​​of bridge arms 102 and 105 are the same, and the ratio of the resistance values ​​of bridge arm 104 (or bridge arm 107) to bridge arm 102 (bridge arm 105) satisfies 1:1. In the embodiment of the present application, the lengths of bridge arms 104 and 107 are both 35.35Ω transmission lines with a quarter wavelength as shown in FIG12 , and the lengths of bridge arms 102 and 105 are both 50Ω transmission lines with a eighth wavelength as shown in FIG12 .

[0201] It will be appreciated that each feed network has multiple input ports and output ports. That is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension is connected to at least one feed network in the vertical dimension, and each feed network in the vertical dimension feeds at least one array antenna. The above method describes how to send signals to some array antennas. The method for sending signals to other array antennas is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0202] The following describes, using the example of placing an energy-saving network between a horizontal feed network and a vertical feed network, a method for controlling the energy-saving network to switch between an energy-saving state and a non-energy-saving state based on the output voltage of the power amplifier connected to the energy-saving network, thereby ensuring that the beam scanning range of the antenna array does not change, using Figures 13a and 13b as examples. The difference between Figure 13a and Figure 5b is that port 3 of energy-saving network b1 is connected to phase shifter 3-b1, and the energy-saving network in Figure 13a is in a non-energy-saving state, while the energy-saving network in Figure 5b is in an energy-saving state.

[0203] When the number of users currently within the base station's coverage area falls within the fourth user interval, both power amplifiers 1-1 and 1-2 are turned on, sending disconnect signals to single-pole, single-throw switches b11 and b12 to disconnect single-pole, single-throw switches b11 and b12 of energy-saving network b1, thereby maintaining the non-energy-saving state of energy-saving network b1 as shown in FIG13a. Port 1 of energy-saving network b1 acquires the signal from power amplifier 1-1 and transmits it to port 4, thereby enabling each array antenna corresponding to power amplifier 1-1 to receive the signal. Port 2 of energy-saving network b1 acquires the signal from power amplifier 1-2 and transmits it to port 3. Phase shifter 3-b1 adjusts the phase of the output signal from port 3 (see the embodiment shown in FIG10 , which will not be described in detail here), thereby enabling each array antenna corresponding to power amplifier 1-2 to receive the signal.

[0204] When the current number of users within the coverage area of ​​the base station is in the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers are turned off, such as power amplifier 1-2, and a conduction signal is sent to the single-pole single-throw switch b11 and the single-pole single-throw switch b12 to control the single-pole single-throw switch b11 and the single-pole single-throw switch b12 of the energy-saving network b1 to be closed, that is, the energy-saving network b1 is kept switched to the energy-saving state shown in Figure 13b.

[0205] The following takes the array antenna a1 as an example to introduce how the array antenna a1 acquires signals.

[0206] The energy-saving network b1 obtains the output signal of the power amplifier 1-1 and divides the signal into two signals. Then, the phase of the output signal output from port 3 is adjusted through the phase shifter 3-a1 of the port 3 of the energy-saving network b1 (see the embodiment shown in Figure 10, which will not be repeated here), and the adjusted signal is sent to the array antenna a1.

[0207] It can be understood that the manner in which the other array antennas corresponding to the power amplifiers 1-1 and 1-2 acquire signals is the same as the manner in which the array antenna a1 acquires signals, and thus will not be described in detail here.

[0208] It will be appreciated that each feed network has multiple input ports and output ports. That is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension is connected to at least one feed network in the vertical dimension, and each feed network in the vertical dimension feeds at least one array antenna. The above method describes how to send signals to some array antennas. The method for sending signals to other array antennas is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0209] The following describes, using the example of placing an energy-saving network between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and also between a horizontal feed network and a vertical feed network, a method for controlling the energy-saving network to switch between an energy-saving state and a non-energy-saving state based on the output voltage of the power amplifier connected to the energy-saving network, thereby ensuring that the beam scanning range of the antenna array does not change, in conjunction with Figures 14a and 14b. The difference between Figure 14a and Figure 6b is that port 3 of energy-saving network a1 is connected to phase shifter 3-a1, and port 3 of energy-saving network b1 is connected to phase shifter 3-b1. In Figure 14a, both energy-saving networks a1 and b1 are in a non-energy-saving state.

[0210] When the number of users currently within the base station's coverage area falls within the fourth user interval, power amplifiers 1-1 and 1-2 are both turned on, sending disconnect signals to single-pole, single-throw switches b11 and b12, respectively. This disconnects switches b11 and b12 in energy-saving network b1, maintaining the non-energy-saving state shown in Figure 14a for energy-saving networks a1, a2, b1, b2, ..., and bp. An input terminal of energy-saving network a1 receives the signal from power amplifier 1-1 and transmits it to the input terminals of energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., and bp, enabling each array antenna corresponding to power amplifier 1-1 to receive the signal. The other input end of the energy-saving network a1 obtains the signal of the power amplifier 1-2 and sends it to the other output end. The phase of the output signal is adjusted by the phase shifter 3-a1 (see the embodiment shown in Figure 10, which is not repeated here), and then sent to the input ends of the energy-saving network b1, energy-saving network b2...energy-saving network bp, so that each array antenna corresponding to the power amplifier 1-2 can obtain the signal.

[0211] When the number of users currently within the base station's coverage area falls within the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers (PAs 1-1 and 2-1) are turned off, and a conduction signal is sent to single-pole single-throw switches a11, a12, a21, and a22 to close SPSTs a11 and a12 on energy-saving network a1 and a21 and a22 on energy-saving network a2. This switches both networks a1 and a2 to the energy-saving state shown in Figure 14b. Energy-saving network a1 receives the output signal of the enabled PA (PA 1-2). Energy-saving network a1 splits the signal sent by power amplifier 1-2 into two equal signals. The signal is then transmitted via the output of energy-saving network a1 to the inputs of energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp. Energy-saving network a2 splits the signal sent by power amplifier 2-2 into two equal signals. The signal is then transmitted via the output of energy-saving network a2 to the inputs of energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp. This allows array antennas a1, a2, ..., and am to all receive the signal. The method for transmitting the signal from energy-saving networks a1 and a2 to the inputs of energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp is similar to the method described in the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0212] It will be appreciated that each feed network has multiple input ports and output ports. That is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension is connected to at least one feed network in the vertical dimension, and each feed network in the vertical dimension feeds at least one array antenna. The above method describes how to send signals to some array antennas. The method for sending signals to other array antennas is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0213] The following describes, using the example of placing an energy-saving network between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and also between a horizontal feed network and a vertical feed network, a method for controlling the energy-saving network to switch between an energy-saving state and a non-energy-saving state based on the output voltage of the power amplifier connected to the energy-saving network, thereby ensuring that the beam scanning range of the antenna array does not change, in conjunction with Figure 15. The difference between Figure 15 and Figure 7a is that port 3 of energy-saving network a1 is connected to phase shifter 3-a1, port 3 of energy-saving network a2 is connected to phase shifter 3-a2, port 3 of energy-saving network b1 is connected to phase shifter 3-b1, port 3 of energy-saving network b2 is connected to phase shifter 3-b2, and port 3 of energy-saving network bp is connected to phase shifter 3-bp.

[0214] When the number of users currently within the base station's coverage area falls within the fourth user interval, power amplifiers 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, and 2-2 are all turned on and send disconnect signals to energy-saving networks a1, a2, b1, b2, ..., bp, to maintain a non-energy-saving state. The manner in which energy-saving networks a1, a2, b1, b2, ..., bp acquire signals and transmit them to the array antennas is described in the embodiment corresponding to FIG14a and will not be further described here.

[0215] When the number of users currently within the base station's coverage area reaches the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers (for example, PA 1-1 and PA 2-1) are shut down, and signals are transmitted to energy-saving networks a1, a2, b1, b2, ..., bp to control energy-saving networks a1 and a2 in energy-saving mode. The method by which energy-saving networks a1, a2, b1, b2, ..., bp receive signals and transmit them to the array antennas is described in the embodiment corresponding to FIG7a and will not be further described here.

[0216] It will be appreciated that each feed network has multiple input ports and output ports. That is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension is connected to at least one feed network in the vertical dimension, and each feed network in the vertical dimension feeds at least one array antenna. The above method describes how to send signals to some array antennas. The method for sending signals to other array antennas is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0217] The following takes the example of an energy-saving network located between the base station antenna feed system and the power amplifier in the forward direction of the antenna array, and introduces a method for controlling the energy-saving network to switch between an energy-saving state and a non-energy-saving state according to the output voltage of the power amplifier connected to the energy-saving network, thereby ensuring that the beam scanning range of the antenna array does not change, in conjunction with Figures 16a and 16b.

[0218] When the output voltage of the active power amplifier connected to energy-saving network a1 meets the voltage threshold, such as when power amplifiers 1-1 and 1-2 are operating at full power, that is, when simultaneously outputting signals, a turn-on signal is sent to the energy-saving network, maintaining the energy-saving network in the non-energy-saving state shown in Figure 16a. As shown in Figure 16a, the output of power amplifier 1-1 is connected to port 1 of energy-saving network a1, and the output of power amplifier 1-2 is connected to port 2 of energy-saving network a1. Port 3 of energy-saving network a1 is connected to phase shifter 3-a1, which is connected to port B of the feed network, and port 4 is connected to port A of the feed network. Single-pole, single-throw switch 103 between ports 1 and 2 is open, and single-pole, single-throw switch 106 between ports 3 and 4 is open.

[0219] Port 1 obtains the output power of power amplifier 1-1, outputs it to port A of the feed network through port 4, then performs phase shifting through phase shifter 1 and inputs it into the antenna array; port 2 obtains the output power of power amplifier 1-2, outputs it to phase shifter 3-a1 through port 3, and adjusts the phase of the output signal output from port 3 through phase shifter 3-a1 (see the embodiment shown in Figure 10, which will not be repeated here), and cooperates with the phase shifter (such as phase shifter 2) in the back-end antenna array feed network to enable the antenna array to generate multiple beam directions.

[0220] When the output voltage of an active power amplifier connected to energy-saving network a1 does not meet the voltage threshold, for example, when only power amplifier 1-1 is active, a conduction signal is sent to the energy-saving network to close single-pole, single-throw (SPST) switches 103 and 106 of the energy-saving network, placing the energy-saving network in the energy-saving state shown in FIG16b . As shown in FIG16b , SPST switch 103 between ports 1 and 2 is closed, and SPST switch 106 between ports 3 and 4 is closed.

[0221] The output power of amplifier 1-1 is evenly distributed to ports 3 and 4 via port 1 of energy-saving network a1. Phase shifter 3-a1 then adjusts the phase of the output signal from port 3. This, combined with phase shifters in the antenna array feed network (such as phase shifters 1 and 2), enables the antenna array to generate multiple beam directions. This ensures that the antenna array's beam scanning range remains unchanged regardless of whether the energy-saving network is in energy-saving or non-energy-saving mode.

[0222] In the embodiment of the present application, the resistance values ​​of bridge arms 104 and 107 are the same, the resistance values ​​of bridge arms 102 and 105 are the same, and the resistance ratio of bridge arm 104 (or bridge arm 107) to bridge arm 102 (bridge arm 105) satisfies 1:1. In the embodiment of the present application, the lengths of bridge arms 104 and 107 are both 35.35Ω transmission lines with a quarter wavelength as shown in Figure 12, and the lengths of bridge arms 102 and 105 are both 50Ω transmission lines with a eighth wavelength as shown in Figure 12. Feeder line 101 is 50Ω.

[0223] It can be understood that the energy-saving network in the embodiment of the present application is not limited in implementation form and can be composed of microstrip, coaxial line or modular components.

[0224] The following describes the base station antenna feed system of this application with reference to Figure 17. As shown in Figure 17, the base station antenna feed system includes an antenna and a feeder system. Antennas are used to receive and transmit signals. Common antennas include single-polarization antennas, dual-polarization antennas, and omnidirectional antennas. The feeder system includes an antenna adjustment bracket, a mast, a feeder, a joint seal, a grounding device, and a feeder card. The feeder system transmits signals to the antenna, thereby enabling communication between the antenna and mobile devices.

[0225] The antenna adjustment bracket in the feeder system is used to adjust the antenna's elevation angle. The mast is used to lift the antenna. The feeder transmits signals and features transmission characteristics such as uniform characteristic impedance and high return loss. Joint seals, including insulating sealing tape and PVC insulating tape, are used to seal the connectors at both ends of the outdoor jumper cables connecting the antenna and the main feeder. The grounding device provides lightning protection and current dissipation. The feeder card provides outdoor lightning protection and grounding.

[0226] As can be understood, the antenna is located in a radome and contains at least one independent array consisting of radiating elements and a metal reflector. The radiating elements can have the same or different frequencies and are typically placed above the metal reflector. The arrays can receive or transmit RF signals through their respective feed networks. The feed networks can achieve different radiation beam directions through transmission components or connect to a calibration network to obtain calibration signals required by the system. In addition to the phase shifting network, the feed network may also include modules such as combiners and filters to expand performance.

[0227] It is understood that the performance of the antenna itself directly affects the performance of the entire base station antenna feed system and plays a decisive role. The internal structure of the antenna in Figure 17 is introduced in conjunction with Figure 18.

[0228] Figure 18 shows the architecture diagram of the antenna, which includes a radome and an antenna connector. The radome (i.e., the antenna shown in Figure 17) includes at least one independent array consisting of radiating units and metal reflective plates (not shown in the figure) and a feeding network. The feeding network includes a transmission or calibration network, a phase shifter, a combiner or a filter.

[0229] Radiating elements are the basic components of an antenna, used to receive and transmit signals. An antenna (or antenna array) composed of these elements can receive or transmit signals through its own feed network. The feed network is used to achieve different radiated beam pointing directions through transmission components or to connect to a calibration network to obtain calibration signals required for the base station antenna feed system. In addition to phase shifters, the feed network may also contain modules such as combiners and filters to expand performance.

[0230] The control method provided by the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below. The control method of the embodiment of the present application is applied to the base station antenna feed system shown in Figure 17. Figure 19 shows a flow chart of the control method of the embodiment of the present application, including:

[0231] 1001: Detect the current number of users within the coverage area of ​​the base station.

[0232] In an embodiment of the present application, the number of current users within the base station's coverage area can be counted using base station signaling data. For example, signaling data, including each user's location information, call status, call duration, and other data, can be regularly sent to the mobile core network. By analyzing and processing this data, the number of current users within the base station's coverage area can be determined.

[0233] In some embodiments, network data traffic can also be obtained and used to calculate the number of users currently within the base station coverage area. For example, the network data traffic of users within the base station signal coverage area can be obtained, including the user's upload and download traffic. By analyzing and processing this data, the base station's network data traffic statistics can be obtained, and the number of users currently within the base station coverage area can be determined based on the network data traffic statistics.

[0234] 1002: Determine a first number of power amplifiers that need to be turned off according to the current number of users, and turn off the first number of power amplifiers.

[0235] In an embodiment of the present application, when the base station is running, the first number of power amplifiers that need to be turned off can be determined based on the current number of users and a preset strategy.

[0236] For example, when the current user volume is in the first user range, one-quarter of the power amplifiers are turned off; when the current user volume is in the second user range, one-half of the power amplifiers are turned off; when the current user volume is in the third user range, three-quarters of the power amplifiers are turned off; and when the current user volume is in the fourth user range, the power amplifiers are not turned off. The lower limit of the fourth range is greater than the upper limit of the first range, the lower limit of the first range is greater than the upper limit of the second range, and the lower limit of the second range is greater than the upper limit of the third range.

[0237] It can be understood that the power amplifier in the base station can be located between the power amplifier and the feeding network in the horizontal dimension; it can also be located between the feeding network in the horizontal dimension and the feeding network in the vertical dimension; it can also be located both between the power amplifier and the feeding network in the horizontal dimension and between the feeding network in the horizontal dimension and the feeding network in the vertical dimension.

[0238] It can be understood that when one-quarter of the power amplifiers are turned off, the base station is in a three-quarter power state; when one-half of the power amplifiers are turned off, the base station is in a half power state; when three-quarters of the power amplifiers are turned off, the base station is in a one-quarter power state; when the power amplifiers are not turned off, the base station is in a full power state.

[0239] 1003: Control the state of the corresponding energy-saving network according to the output voltage of the power amplifier.

[0240] In an embodiment of the present application, after a first number of power amplifiers are turned off, the output power of the active power amplifiers connected to the energy-saving network can be obtained. When it is determined that the output voltage of the active power amplifiers connected to the energy-saving network does not meet a voltage threshold, the energy-saving network is controlled to be in an energy-saving state as shown in FIG9b . When the output voltage of the active power amplifiers connected to the energy-saving network meets the voltage threshold, the energy-saving network is controlled to be in a non-energy-saving state as shown in FIG9a . The method for transmitting signals when the energy-saving network is in an energy-saving state and a non-energy-saving state is described in the embodiments shown in FIG4a through FIG7b and FIG11a through FIG16b and will not be further described here.

[0241] It can be understood that the horizontal direction of the antenna aperture is also called the horizontal or forward direction, which refers to the normal direction of the antenna aperture and is the main radiation direction of the antenna. The vertical direction of the antenna aperture is also called the longitudinal direction, which refers to the length direction of each column of the antenna array and is basically perpendicular to the ground.

[0242] In an embodiment of the present application, the power amplifier in the base station can be controlled to be on based on the current number of users within the coverage area of ​​the base station antenna, thereby achieving flexible configuration of the base station antenna's transmit power based on the number of users. For example, when the number of users is small, some power amplifiers can be turned off to save energy. The output voltage of the power amplifier connected to the energy-saving network is used to control the closing and / or opening of the single-pole single-throw switch in the energy-saving network, thereby achieving switching between energy-saving and non-energy-saving states of the energy-saving network. This allows the output power of one or two power amplifiers to be evenly distributed to the antenna array through the energy-saving network. This ensures that, regardless of whether the energy-saving network is in energy-saving or non-energy-saving state, the antenna array always operates at full capacity, and the antenna beam coverage remains consistent, thus ensuring user communication quality while achieving energy saving.

[0243] The various embodiments of the mechanisms disclosed in this application can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these implementation methods. The embodiments of the present application can be implemented as a computer program or program code executed on a programmable system, which includes at least one processor, a storage system (including volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0244] Program code can be applied to input instructions to perform the functions described herein and generate output information. The output information can be applied to one or more output devices in a known manner. For purposes of this application, a processing system includes any system having a processor such as, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a microprocessor.

[0245] Program code can be implemented with a high-level programming language or an object-oriented programming language to communicate with the processing system. Where necessary, program code can also be implemented in assembly language or machine language. In fact, the mechanism described in this application is not limited to the scope of any particular programming language. In either case, the language can be a compiled language or an interpreted language.

[0246] In some cases, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. The disclosed embodiments may also be implemented as instructions carried or stored on one or more temporary or non-temporary machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage media, which may be read and executed by one or more processors. For example, instructions may be distributed over a network or through other computer-readable media. Therefore, a machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a machine (e.g., computer) readable form, including but not limited to floppy disks, optical disks, optical discs, read-only memories (compact disc-read only memories, CD-ROMs), magneto-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or a tangible machine-readable memory for transmitting information (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.) using the Internet in electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagation signals. Accordingly, machine-readable media includes any type of machine-readable media suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a form readable by a machine (eg, a computer).

[0247] In the accompanying drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in a particular arrangement and / or order. However, it should be understood that such a particular arrangement and / or order may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, these features may be arranged in a manner and / or order different from that shown in the illustrative drawings. In addition, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure does not imply that such feature is required in all embodiments, and in some embodiments, such features may not be included or may be combined with other features.

[0248] It should be noted that the units / modules mentioned in the various device embodiments of the present application are all logical units / modules. Physically, a logical unit / module can be a physical unit / module, or a part of a physical unit / module, or can be implemented as a combination of multiple physical units / modules. The physical implementation of these logical units / modules themselves is not the most important. The combination of functions implemented by these logical units / modules is the key to solving the technical problems raised by this application. In addition, in order to highlight the innovative part of this application, the above-mentioned device embodiments of this application do not introduce units / modules that are not closely related to solving the technical problems raised by this application. This does not mean that other units / modules do not exist in the above-mentioned device embodiments.

[0249] It should be noted that in the examples and description of this patent, the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a" does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus comprising the element.

[0250] Although the present application has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the application.

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized in that: It includes a first power amplifier unit, a first distribution unit and a first feeding unit, wherein: The first power amplifier unit includes a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier; The first distribution unit is connected to the first feeding network and the second feeding network in the first feeding unit, and The first distribution unit is used for dividing the signal output by the second power amplifier into two signals and respectively inputting the two signals into the first feeding network and the second feeding network in the first feeding unit when the first power amplifier is turned off.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first distribution unit comprises a 90° bridge, and The 90° bridge is used to divide the signal output by the second power amplifier into two signals, which are respectively input into the first feeding network and the second feeding network in the first feeding unit.

3. The communication device according to claim 2, characterized in that The 90° bridge is in a closed state when the first power amplifier is turned off, and In the closed state of the 90° bridge, the signal output by the second power amplifier is evenly divided into two signals and respectively input into the first feeding network and the second feeding network in the feeding unit; The 90° bridge is also in a disconnected state when both the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are working, and When the 90° bridge is in an open state, the signal output by the first power amplifier is input into the first feeding network, and the signal output by the second power amplifier is input into the second feeding network.

4. The communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that The 90° bridge further comprises a first switch and a second switch; When the first power amplifier is turned off and the second power amplifier is working: The voltage across the first switch is greater than the on-state voltage of the first switch, the first switch is in an on-state, and The voltage across the second switch is greater than the turn-on voltage of the second switch, and the second switch is in the turn-on state; When both the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are working: The voltage across the first switch is less than or equal to the on-state voltage of the first switch, the first switch is in an off state, and The voltage across the second switch is less than or equal to the turn-on voltage of the second switch, and the second switch is in an off state.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, characterized in that The first switch and the second switch include at least one of a MOS tube, a diode, a micro-electromechanical system or a reed switch.

6. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes an antenna array, which includes a first directional antenna unit and a second directional antenna unit, and the first directional antenna unit and the second directional antenna unit include multiple antennas.

7. The communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that The first power amplifier and the second power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit are connected to the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the first distribution unit respectively; and The first feeding network is connected to the first output terminal of the first distribution unit; The second feeding network is connected to the second output terminal of the first distribution unit.

8. The communication device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The invention also includes a second feeding unit, wherein the second feeding unit includes a third feeding network and a fourth feeding network, wherein the third feeding network is connected to the first feeding network, the fourth feeding network is connected to the second feeding network, and The first feeding network and the second feeding network are respectively connected to different first directional antenna units in the antenna array; The third feeding network and the fourth feeding network are respectively connected to different second directional antenna units in the antenna array.

9. The communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also included is a third feed unit, the third feed unit including a fifth feed network and a sixth feed network; and The first power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit is connected to the fifth feeding network, the fifth feeding network is connected to the first input end of the first distribution unit, and the first feeding network is connected to the first output end of the first distribution unit; The second power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit is connected to the sixth feeding network, the sixth feeding network is connected to the second input end of the first distribution unit, and the first feeding network is connected to the second output end of the first distribution unit.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that The first feeding network and the second feeding network are respectively connected to different second directional antenna units in the antenna array; The fifth feeding network and the sixth feeding network are respectively connected to different first directional antenna units in the antenna array.

11. The communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that Also includes a second distribution unit and a fourth feed unit, the fourth feed unit includes a seventh feed network and an eighth feed network; and The first power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit is connected to the first input end of the first distribution unit, and the second power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit is connected to the second input end of the first distribution unit; The first feed network of the first feed unit is connected to the first output end of the first distribution unit, and the second feed network of the first feed unit is connected to the second output end of the first distribution unit; The first feed network of the first feed unit is connected to the first input end of the second distribution unit, and the second feed network of the first feed unit is connected to the second input end of the second distribution unit; The seventh feed network of the fourth feed unit is connected to the first output end of the second distribution unit, and the eighth feed network of the fourth feed unit is connected to the second output end of the second distribution unit.

12. The communication device according to claim 11, characterized in that The first feeding network and the second feeding network are respectively connected to different first directional antenna units in the antenna array; The seventh feeding network and the eighth feeding network are respectively connected to different second directional antenna units in the antenna array.

13. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first distribution unit includes a phase shifter.

14. A communication control method, characterized in that: The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising: Acquire the number of users within the signal coverage of the communication device; Turning off part of the power amplifiers in the first power amplifier unit according to the user quantity, wherein the first power amplifier unit includes a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier; When the first power amplifier is turned off, the signal output by the second power amplifier is divided into two signals through the first distribution unit and respectively input into the first feeding network and the second feeding network in the first feeding unit.

15. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: A memory for storing instructions executed by one or more processors of the electronic device, and the processor, which is one of the one or more processors of the electronic device, is used to execute the communication control method described in claim 14.

16. A readable medium, characterized in that The readable medium stores instructions, which, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to execute the communication control method of claim 14.

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