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 equipment, communication control methods, electronic equipment and readable media

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202311723732.9, filed on December 12, 2023, entitled "Communication Equipment, Communication Control Method, Electronic Equipment and Readable Medium", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of wireless communication network technology, and in particular to a communication device, a communication control method, an electronic device, and a readable medium. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless communication systems are crucial for enabling communication functions in electronic devices. A base station is a vital component of such systems, providing coverage and communication services. A base station's coverage area is related to its transmission power; generally, higher transmission power results in wider coverage and better communication quality for users. To ensure adequate coverage and communication quality, base stations may operate at maximum transmission power. However, when the number of users is small, their distribution area is also smaller, reducing the total signal strength required within the base station's coverage area and minimizing signal transmission loss. In this case, even if the base station reduces its transmission power, it can still guarantee communication quality for users within its coverage area; operating at maximum transmission power would actually waste a significant amount of energy.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problem of base stations constantly operating at maximum transmission power, resulting in a significant waste of electrical energy, this application provides a communication device, a communication control method, an electronic device, and a readable medium.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, including a first power amplifier unit, a first distribution unit, and a first power supply unit, wherein: the first power amplifier unit includes a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier; the first distribution unit is connected to a first power supply network and a second power supply network in the first power supply unit, and the first distribution unit is used to divide the signal output by the second power amplifier into two signals and input them respectively into the first power supply network and the second power supply network in the first power supply unit when the first power amplifier is turned off.

[0007] In this embodiment, the signal output from the second power amplifier can be evenly divided into two signals by the first distribution unit. In other embodiments, the signal output from the second power amplifier can be divided into two unequal signals by the first distribution unit.

[0008] In this embodiment, the first distribution unit can split a signal sent by another power amplifier (second power amplifier) ​​that is not turned off into two, so that the port and antenna unit of the feed network corresponding to the power amplifier that is turned off can obtain the signal, thereby enabling mobile devices in the cell served by the antenna unit corresponding to the power amplifier that is turned off to communicate normally.

[0009] It is understood that the first distribution unit can be the energy-saving network in the embodiments of this application; the first power supply unit can be the power supply network in the embodiments of this application.

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

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

[0012] It is understandable that when the first power amplifier is off, the 90° bridge is in energy-saving mode. In this mode, the signal from the powered-on amplifier can be split into two paths, allowing the ports of the feed network corresponding to the powered-off amplifier and the antenna unit to receive the signal. When both the first and second power amplifiers are operating, the 90° bridge is in non-energy-saving mode. In this mode, the signal output from the first power amplifier can be input to the first feed network, and the signal output from the second power amplifier can be input to the second feed network.

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

[0014] In some embodiments, the communication device has a control module. The control module can acquire electrical signals sent by the first power amplifier unit. If it is determined based on the electrical signals that only one power amplifier is on, a conduction signal is sent 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 on, a shutdown signal can be sent 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 one 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 microelectromechanical system (MEMS), or a reed switch.

[0016] In one possible implementation, an antenna array is also included, comprising a first-directional antenna element and a second-directional antenna element, wherein the first-directional antenna element and the second-directional antenna element comprise multiple antennas.

[0017] In the embodiments of this application, the first directional antenna element can be an antenna element fed by a horizontal feed network, and the second directional antenna element can be an antenna element fed by a vertical feed network.

[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 terminal and the second input terminal of the first distribution unit; and the first power supply network is connected to the first output terminal of the first distribution unit; and the second power supply network is connected to the second output terminal of the first distribution unit.

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

[0020] In one possible implementation, a second feeding unit is also included, comprising 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 and second feeding networks are respectively connected to different first-direction antenna elements in the antenna array; the third and fourth feeding networks are respectively connected to different second-direction antenna elements in the antenna array.

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

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

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

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first and second feed networks are respectively connected to different second-direction antenna elements in the antenna array; the fifth and sixth feed networks are respectively connected to different first-direction antenna elements in the antenna array.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the system further includes a second distribution unit and a fourth power supply unit, the fourth power supply unit comprising a seventh power supply network and an eighth power supply network; and the first power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit is connected to the first input terminal of the first distribution unit, the second power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit is connected to the second input terminal of the first distribution unit; the first power supply network of the first power supply unit is connected to the first output terminal of the first distribution unit, the second power supply network of the first power supply unit is connected to the second output terminal of the first distribution unit; the first power supply network of the first power supply unit is connected to the first input terminal of the second distribution unit, the second power supply network of the first power supply unit is connected to the second input terminal of the second distribution unit; the seventh power supply network of the fourth power supply unit is connected to the first output terminal of the second distribution unit, and the eighth power supply network of the fourth power supply unit is connected to the second output terminal of the second distribution unit.

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

[0027] In one possible implementation, the first feed network and the second feed network are connected to different first-direction antenna elements in the antenna array, respectively; the seventh feed network and the eighth feed network are connected to different second-direction antenna elements in the antenna array, respectively.

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

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

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

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

[0032] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication control method, applied to any communication device provided by the first aspect and various possible implementations of the first aspect, comprising: acquiring the number of users within the signal coverage area of ​​the communication device; turning off part of the power amplifier 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, dividing the signal output by the second power amplifier into two signals by the first distribution unit and inputting them into the first power supply network and the second power supply network in the first power supply unit respectively.

[0033] In this embodiment, the power amplifier's on / off state within the base station can be controlled based on the current number of users within the base station antenna's coverage area. This allows for flexible configuration of the base station antenna's transmit power according to the number of users; for example, some power amplifiers can be shut down when the number of users is low, saving energy. The first distribution unit allocates the output power of one or two power amplifiers to the first feed unit, ensuring that the antenna unit corresponding to a power amplifier that is turned off can still receive signals. The antenna array always operates at full capacity, and the antenna beam coverage remains consistent throughout, guaranteeing user communication quality while achieving energy savings.

[0034] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, including: 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 of the communication control methods provided by the second aspect and various possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0035] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a readable medium storing instructions that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to implement any of the communication control methods provided in the second aspect and various possible implementations of the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1a illustrates a scenario of communication between a base station 100 and a mobile device A, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 1b shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station 100 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 2a shows a schematic diagram of an antenna array according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 2b shows a schematic diagram of another antenna array according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 2c shows a schematic diagram of a power amplifier transmitting a signal to an antenna unit according to an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 3a shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 3b shows a schematic diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 4a shows a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application, in which an energy-saving network a1 is set between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network;

[0044] Figure 4b shows a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of an energy-saving network a1 communication device set between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 5a shows a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application, in which an energy-saving network b1 is set between a horizontal feed network and a vertical feed network.

[0046] Figure 5b, according to an embodiment of this application, shows a circuit structure schematic diagram of a communication device in which an energy-saving network b1 is set between a horizontal feed network and a vertical feed network.

[0047] Figure 6a shows a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application, in which an energy-saving network a1 is set between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and an energy-saving network b1 is set between the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network.

[0048] Figure 6b shows a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application, wherein an energy-saving network a1 is set between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and an energy-saving network b1 is set between the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network.

[0049] Figure 7a, according to an embodiment of this application, shows a schematic diagram of a communication device in which energy-saving networks a1 and a2 are set between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp are set between the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network.

[0050] Figure 7b, according to an embodiment of this application, shows a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a communication device in which energy-saving networks a1 and a2 are set between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp are set between the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network.

[0051] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an energy-saving network 400 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 9a shows a schematic diagram of an energy-saving network in a non-energy-saving state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 9b shows a schematic diagram of an energy-saving network in an energy-saving state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of a structure in which the output of an energy-saving network a1 is connected to a phase shifter 3-1, according to an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 11a shows a schematic diagram of an energy-saving network a1 set between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the energy-saving network a1 is in a non-energy-saving state.

[0056] Figure 11b shows a schematic diagram of an energy-saving network a1 set between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and the energy-saving network a1 being in an energy-saving state, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0057] Figure 12 shows a waveform diagram according to an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 13a shows a schematic diagram of an energy-saving network b1 set between a horizontal feed network and a vertical feed network, according to an embodiment of the present application, and the energy-saving network b1 is in a non-energy-saving state.

[0059] Figure 13b shows a schematic diagram of an energy-saving network b1 set between a horizontal feed network and a vertical feed network, according to an embodiment of the present application, and the energy-saving network b1 is in an energy-saving state.

[0060] Figure 14a shows a schematic diagram according to an embodiment of this application, in which an energy-saving network a1 is set between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and an energy-saving network b1 is set between a horizontal feed network and a vertical feed network, and both energy-saving networks a1 and b1 are in a non-energy-saving state.

[0061] Figure 14b illustrates an embodiment of this application, showing an energy-saving network a1 set between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, an energy-saving network b1 set between a horizontal feed network and a vertical feed network, wherein energy-saving network a1 is in an energy-saving state and energy-saving network b1 is in a non-energy-saving state.

[0062] Figure 15 illustrates a schematic diagram according to an embodiment of this application, showing energy-saving networks a1 and a2 set between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and energy-saving networks b2...bp set between a horizontal feed network and a vertical feed network.

[0063] Figure 16a shows a schematic diagram of an energy-saving network a1 set between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein the energy-saving network a1 is in a non-energy-saving state.

[0064] Figure 16b shows a schematic diagram of an energy-saving network a1 set between a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network, and the energy-saving network a1 being in an energy-saving state, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0065] Figure 17 shows a schematic diagram of a base station antenna feeder system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 18 shows a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an antenna according to an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 19 shows a flowchart of a communication control method according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

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

[0069] The following section will first introduce the base station.

[0070] Base stations are an important component of wireless communication systems, used to communicate with mobile devices. Their main function is to receive wireless signals sent by mobile devices within the base station's coverage area, and to send wireless signals to other mobile devices within the base station's coverage area, thus providing communication services within the base station's coverage area.

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

[0072] The working principle of base station 100 will be introduced below, taking into account the application scenario shown in Figure 1a and the structure of base station 100 shown in Figure 1b.

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

[0074] For example, when mobile device A dials mobile device B, mobile device A first connects to the nearest base station 100 via wireless signal, and then exchanges signaling with base station 100 to establish a communication connection. Then, mobile device A can send a dialing request to the base station antenna feeder system 103 of the nearest base station 100, and the dialing request can carry a communication request signal requesting to communicate with mobile device B.

[0075] S2: The radio frequency unit 102 includes a power amplifier 1021, a radio frequency transceiver 1022, and a filter 1023. The filter 1023 in the radio frequency unit 102 can receive communication request signals sent by the mobile device A, perform preliminary processing on the communication request signals (such as filtering), and then send them to the baseband unit 101. For example, the filter 1023 can receive the communication request signals sent by the mobile device A, filter out signals that do not meet the processing frequency range of the baseband unit 101, and send the filtered signals to the 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 signal processing by the baseband unit 101, the information in the signal may be compressed, encoded, and segmented into small data packets, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the processed information through the radio frequency unit 102. Then, the baseband unit 101 returns the processed information to the radio frequency transceiver 1022. The specific data transmission protocol used by the baseband unit 101 depends on the communication standard. The data transmission protocol may include Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), Radio Link Control (RLC), and Medium Access Control (MAC). These protocols ensure reliable data transmission 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 it to the radio frequency transceiver 1022 of the radio frequency unit 102.

[0078] It is understood that after the baseband unit 101 processes the communication request signal sent by mobile device A to communicate with mobile device B, the processed communication request signal can be sent to the core network through the core gateway of base station 100. After the core network determines that the processed communication request signal conforms to the call rules, it will locate the position of mobile device B, determine the nearest base station 200 to mobile device B based on the position of mobile device B, and determine how to connect the call to the nearest base station 200 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 communication between the two base stations, such as switching the call from mobile device A 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. Specifically, mobile device A can transmit its audio signal through its base station 100 to the base station 200 closest to mobile device B. Then, the audio signal from mobile device A will be transmitted through base station 100 to the base station 200 closest to mobile device B, and the base station 200 closest to mobile device B will send the audio signal from mobile device A to mobile device B. Similarly, the audio signal from mobile device B can also be transmitted to mobile device A.

[0080] S4: After receiving the signal sent by the baseband unit 101, the radio frequency 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 frequency resource allocation strategy used by the RF transceiver 1022 to allocate frequency resources for the signal can be classified according to different criteria. For example, frequency resources can be allocated based on the time domain and the frequency domain. Specifically, in the time domain, techniques such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) can be used for frequency resource allocation. In the frequency domain, techniques such as Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) can be used for frequency resource allocation.

[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 feeder system 103.

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

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

[0085] The feed network is used for beamforming the transmitted signal, including changing the beamwidth, shape, and beam pointing, and transmitting the signal to the antenna array. The feed network includes vertical and horizontal feed networks. The horizontal feed network feeds each column of antenna elements; the vertical feed network feeds the longitudinally arranged radiating elements within each antenna element. Both the vertical and horizontal feed networks include at least one feed network. The vertical and horizontal feed networks can be connected in series. It is understood that the horizontal feed network can transmit the signal to the vertical feed network, and then the signal is transmitted to the antenna array via 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 radiation direction of the antenna array can be made more concentrated, thereby improving signal transmission distance and anti-interference capability. Antenna arrays can also achieve directional radiation, that is, radiate signals only in a certain direction, thus reducing interference in other directions.

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

[0088] It is understandable 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 array antenna including a certain number of radiating elements. For example, as shown in Figure 2a, each array antenna includes 4 radiating elements, and as shown in Figure 2b, each array antenna includes 2 radiating elements. The radiating elements are the units that constitute the basic structure of the antenna and are used to receive and transmit signals.

[0090] It is understandable that the number of array antennas included in an antenna array and the number of radiating elements included in each array antenna can be determined according to the actual situation, and no specific limit is made here.

[0091] The following section, with reference to Figure 2c, describes the method of feeding the array antenna a1 in Figure 2a through a feeding network.

[0092] As shown in Figure 2c, power amplifier 1-1 is connected to the input terminal of the horizontal feed network, the output terminal of the horizontal feed network is connected to the input terminal of the vertical feed network, and the output terminal of the vertical feed network is connected to the array antenna a1.

[0093] When power amplifier 1-1 transmits signals, the signals are sequentially sent to the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network to feed the array antenna a1.

[0094] It is understandable that the method of feeding the array antenna in row 1 and column 2a through the feeding network is the same as the method of feeding array antenna a1, and will not be repeated here. If the array antenna in row 1 and column 2 is to be fed, then n sets of the structure shown in Figure 2c are required.

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

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

[0097] For example, the "golden efficiency improvement scheme" can be used to increase the bandwidth of the power amplifier. This involves combining peak factor reduction (CFR) and digital pre-distortion (DPD) techniques to increase the bandwidth of the power amplifier (such as a Doherty amplifier), thereby improving the conversion efficiency of the power amplifier and reducing the power consumption when the power amplifier converts low-power signals into high-power signals. In some embodiments, a GaN power amplifier with higher conversion efficiency can also replace the original power amplifier in the base station (such as an LDMOS power amplifier).

[0098] However, while this method improves the conversion efficiency of the power amplifier and reduces the power consumption of the base station, it is also complex, costly, and technically challenging.

[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; based on the current number of users in each sector, the total number of current users within the base station's coverage area is calculated; based on the total number of current users and a preset strategy, the number of power amplifiers required to be turned on in each sector within the base station's coverage area is determined; then, based on the number of power amplifiers, more power amplifiers are turned on or unnecessary power amplifiers are turned off. For example, when the number of users is high, all power amplifiers in the sector are turned on, allowing the base station to operate at maximum transmission power; when the number of users is low, some power amplifiers in the sector are turned off to reduce the base station's transmission power, thereby reducing the base station's transmission power and power consumption, achieving the goal of energy saving.

[0100] The preset strategy can be as follows: when the total number of current users is in the first user interval, turn off one-quarter of the amplifiers; when the total number of current users is in the second user interval, turn off half of the amplifiers; when the total number of current users is in the third user interval, turn off three-quarters of the amplifiers; and when the total number of current users is in the fourth user interval, do not turn off the amplifiers. 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's understandable that a base station serves a cell that can be a single 360-degree omnidirectional cell or multiple cells. For example, a base station can be located in the center of a cell, using omnidirectional antennas to form a circular coverage area, thus achieving 360-degree omnidirectional signal coverage. Alternatively, one base station can serve three cells, providing 120-degree signal coverage for each cell, achieving 360-degree omnidirectional signal coverage through the three base stations. Each cell can be further divided into multiple sectors (generally, a cell has one, two, three, or even more sectors). Each sector can provide independent signal coverage and transmission services. Each sector includes at least one array antenna, and the corresponding power amplifier for each array antenna can amplify the power to ensure signal coverage and communication quality. Furthermore, the corresponding power amplifier within each sector is connected to the base station's antenna feeder system through its 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, and feed network 1-1 is connected to array antenna a1 to output high-power signals to the first region 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, and feed network 1-2 is connected to array antenna am to output high-power signals to the second region corresponding to array antenna am in sector A2.

[0103] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3b, the horizontal feed network includes feed network 1-1a and feed network 1-2a, and the vertical feed network includes feed network 1-1b and feed network 1-2b.

[0104] However, in the scenario described above where some power amplifiers are shut down when the number of users is small, shutting down some power amplifiers would prevent the ports of the base station's antenna feeder system corresponding to the power amplifiers in the off state from receiving output power, thus reducing the base station's coverage area and making it impossible to guarantee normal communication for users within the coverage area of ​​the antennas corresponding to the power amplifiers in the off state. Therefore, before shutting down the power amplifiers, users within the coverage area of ​​the antennas corresponding to the power amplifiers in the off state need to be transferred to the coverage area of ​​other power amplifiers in the on state through methods such as inter-frequency handover; for example, when power amplifiers 1-2 are shut down, since array antennas a2 and a4 cannot obtain signals, the signal quantity in the second area corresponding to array antennas a2 and a4 in sector A2 decreases, and the communication quality of users deteriorates. 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 inter-frequency handover. This solution is relatively complex.

[0105] To address the issue of reduced base station coverage due to partial power amplifier shutdown, resulting in communication disruptions for some users, this application provides a communication control method. Specifically, to reduce base station power consumption by shutting down some power amplifiers, a signal-sharing circuit, such as a 90° bridge energy-saving network, can be added between the power amplifier and the antenna array of the base station's antenna feeder system. When one power amplifier is shut down, the signal from the other, non-shutdown power amplifier, is split into two paths, allowing the port of the feeder network corresponding to the shut-down power amplifier and the array antenna to receive the signal. This enables mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the shut-down power amplifier to communicate normally.

[0106] It can be understood that a 90° bridge is a four-port device, including input terminals (port 1 and port 2) and output terminals (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. A single signal can be divided into two signals through a 90° bridge, and the signal power is also divided equally.

[0107] It is understandable that when a base station has multiple power amplifiers, two power amplifiers can be grouped together, and each group of power amplifiers can be equipped with an energy-saving network. This ensures that if one power amplifier in each group is turned off for energy-saving purposes, the signal of the other power amplifier can be split into two paths through the energy-saving network, so that the port of the power supply network corresponding to the off power amplifier and the array antenna can obtain the signal.

[0108] In this embodiment, the signal that enables the power amplifier output can be divided into two equal signals using an energy-saving network. In other embodiments, the signal that enables the power amplifier output can be divided into two unequal signals using an energy-saving network.

[0109] As mentioned above, the power supply network includes a vertical power supply network and a horizontal power supply network. The communication control method of this application will be specifically introduced below with reference to the series-connected vertical and horizontal power supply networks shown in Figure 3b.

[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 mainly consists of phase shifters. As shown in Figure 2c, the vertical feed network includes multiple phase shifters. These phase shifters can be used not only to shift the phase of a signal but also to change its amplitude and frequency. A phase shifter can shift the phase of a signal by a certain angle, thereby changing the phase difference. Furthermore, phase shifters can also be used to implement the function of a filter, 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 may involve adding the energy-saving network between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network, but not adding an energy-saving network between the horizontal and vertical feed networks. In other embodiments, the method may involve not adding an energy-saving network between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network, but adding an energy-saving network between the horizontal and vertical feed networks. Alternatively, in still other embodiments, an energy-saving network may be added both between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network, and also between the horizontal and vertical feed networks.

[0113] The following section uses the example of adding an energy-saving network a1 between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network to introduce the communication control method of this application.

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

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

[0116] When power amplifier 1-1 is turned off, energy-saving network a1 acquires the output signal of the power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) which is in the on state, splits it into two signals, and then sends them to the feeder networks 1-1a and 1-2a of the base station antenna feeder system through the output terminal of energy-saving network a1. In this way, all feeder networks and array antennas in the base station antenna feeder system can receive the signal, ensuring that the coverage of the antenna signal remains unchanged but the transmission power is reduced, effectively saving energy consumption, and ensuring that mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the power amplifier that is turned off can maintain normal communication.

[0117] The following section uses the example of adding an energy-saving network a1 to a horizontal power supply network to introduce the communication control method of this application.

[0118] As shown in Figure 4b, power amplifiers 1-1 and 1-2 are connected to the input terminals (port 1 and port 2) of energy-saving network a1 through the input terminals of the horizontal feed network. The output ports (port 3 and port 4) of energy-saving network a1 are connected to the input terminals of the vertical feed network through the output terminals of the horizontal feed network. The output terminals of the vertical feed network are connected to array antennas a1, a2, ..., am.

[0119] When power amplifier 1-1 is turned off, energy-saving network a1 acquires the output signal of the power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) which is in the on state, splits it into two signals, and then transmits them through the output of the horizontal feeder network to the vertical feeder network. This ensures that all feeder networks and array antennas within the base station antenna system can receive the signal, maintaining the same antenna signal coverage while reducing transmission power, effectively saving energy and ensuring that mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the off power amplifier 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 adding 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 b1 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, feed network 1-1a 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, 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 the port of array antenna a1, and the output of feed network 1-2b is connected to the port of array antenna am.

[0126] When power amplifier 1-1 is turned off, feeder network 1-1a acquires the output signal of the power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) which is in the on state and sends it to energy-saving network b1. Energy-saving network b1 splits the signal sent by power amplifier 1-2 into two signals, and then sends them to feeder network 1-2b through port 3 of energy-saving network b1, and to feeder network 1-1b through port 4 of energy-saving network b1. In this way, all feeder networks and array antennas in the base station antenna feeder system can receive signals, ensuring that mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the power amplifier that is turned off maintain normal communication.

[0127] The following section uses the example of adding energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp to the vertical power supply network to illustrate the communication control method of this application.

[0128] As shown in Figure 5b, the output terminals of power amplifier 1-1 and power amplifier 1-2 are connected to the input terminals of the horizontal feed network. The output terminals of the horizontal feed network are connected to the input terminals of energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp through the input terminals of the vertical feed network. The output terminals of energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp are connected to array antennas a1, a2, ..., am through the output terminals of the vertical feed network.

[0129] When power amplifier 1-1 is turned off, the horizontal feed network receives the output signal from the power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) which is in the on state and sends it to the input terminals of energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp. Energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp then split the signal sent by power amplifier 1-2 into two signals and send them to the output terminals of the vertical energy-saving networks. This ensures that all array antennas within the base station antenna feed system can receive the signal, guaranteeing normal communication for mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the off power amplifier.

[0130] It can be understood that each feed network has multiple input and output ports; that is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension connects 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 part of the array antennas; the method for sending signals to other array antennas is the same as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0131] The following example illustrates the communication control method of this application, which involves adding an energy-saving network a1 between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network, and adding an energy-saving network b1 between the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network.

[0132] In this application, one input terminal (port 1) of energy-saving network a1 is connected to the output terminal of one power amplifier in a group of power amplifiers, and the other input terminal (port 2) of energy-saving network a1 is connected to the output terminal of another power amplifier; one output terminal (port 3) of energy-saving network a1 is connected to the input terminal of the horizontal feed network of one power amplifier, and the other output terminal (port 4) of energy-saving network a1 is connected to the input terminal of the horizontal feed network of another power amplifier. One input terminal (port 1) of energy-saving network b1 is connected to the output terminal of the horizontal feed network of one power amplifier, and the other input terminal (port 2) of energy-saving network b1 is connected to the output terminal of the horizontal feed network of another power amplifier; one output terminal (port 3) of energy-saving network b1 is connected to the input terminal of the vertical feed network of one power amplifier, and the other output terminal (port 4) of energy-saving network b1 is connected to the input terminal of the vertical 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 feeder network 1-2a, and the other output (port 4) of energy-saving network a1 is connected to feeder network 1-1a. The output of feeder network 1-1a is connected to one input (port 1) of energy-saving network b1, the output of feeder 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 feeder network 1-2b, and the other output (port 4) of energy-saving network b1 is connected to the input of feeder network 1-1b. The output of feeder network 1-1b is connected to the port of array antenna a1, and the output of feeder network 1-2b is connected to the port of array antenna am.

[0134] When power amplifier 1-1 is turned off, energy-saving network a1 acquires the output signal of the power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) which is in the on state, splits it into two signals, and then sends them through the output of energy-saving network a1 to feeder networks 1-1a and 1-2a of the base station antenna feeder system. Feeder networks 1-1a and 1-2a then input signals to energy-saving network b1, and through the output of energy-saving network b1, send them to feeder networks 1-1b and 1-2b. In this way, all array antennas within the base station antenna feeder system can receive signals, ensuring that the antenna signal coverage remains unchanged and that mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the power amplifier that is turned off maintain normal communication.

[0135] The following example illustrates the communication control method of this application, which involves adding energy-saving networks a1 and a2 to the horizontal feed network and energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp to the vertical feed network.

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

[0137] When the power amplifiers 1-1 and 2-1 are turned off, energy-saving network a1 acquires the output signal of power amplifier 1-2, distributes the signal evenly, and sends it to the input terminals of energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp. Energy-saving network a2 acquires the output signal of power amplifier 2-2, distributes the signal evenly, and sends it to the input terminals of energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp. The output terminals of energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp are connected to array antennas a1, a2, ..., am through the output terminals of the vertical feed network. This ensures that all array antennas within the base station antenna feed system can receive signals, maintaining the antenna signal coverage area and ensuring normal communication for mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier.

[0138] It can be understood that each feed network has multiple input and output ports; that is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension connects 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 part of the array antennas; the method for sending signals to other array antennas is the same as described above 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 feed network, and between the horizontal and vertical feed networks, corresponding to the case where the horizontal feed network corresponds to multiple power amplifiers, in order to ensure that the p energy-saving networks between the horizontal and vertical feed networks can receive the signals sent by the energy-saving networks between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network, the signals of each output port of the 2p energy-saving networks between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network can be divided into (p / 2) paths. That is, the output signals of port 3 of each horizontal energy-saving network are divided into (p / 2) paths, and the output signals of port 4 of each horizontal energy-saving network are divided into (p / 2) paths. Then, the (p / 2) signals corresponding to port 3 of each energy-saving network in the horizontal dimension are respectively input to one input port of the p energy-saving networks between the horizontal and vertical feed networks. The (p / 2) signals corresponding to port 4 of each energy-saving network in the horizontal dimension are respectively input to another input port of the p energy-saving networks between the horizontal and vertical feed networks.

[0140] The following section uses the example of a power amplifier and a horizontal feed network including energy-saving networks a1 and a2, and a horizontal feed network and a vertical feed network including energy-saving networks b1, b2...bp, to illustrate the method of inputting the signal output from the energy-saving network between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network into the energy-saving network between the horizontal and vertical feed networks, in conjunction 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 (or power divider / phase shifter network). The output of feed network a1 is connected to the input of energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., 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, ..., bp. The output of energy-saving network b1 is connected to the input of feed network b1, and the output of feed network b1 is connected to array antenna a1. The output of energy-saving network b2 is connected to the input of feed network b2, and the output of feed network b2 is connected to array antenna a2... The output of energy-saving network bp is connected to the input of feed network bp, and the output of feed network bp 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 power supply network a1 through port 4 of energy-saving network a1. Power supply 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, ... 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 power supply network a1 through port 3 of energy-saving network a1. Power supply 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), ... port 2 of energy-saving network bp.

[0143] The signal input of power amplifier 2-1 is to port 1 of energy-saving network a2, and can be output to power supply network a2 through port 4 of energy-saving network a2. Power supply 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, ... port 1 of energy-saving network b(p / 2). The signal input of power amplifier 2-2 is to port 2 of energy-saving network a2, and can be output to power supply network a2 through port 3 of energy-saving network a2. Power supply 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), ... port 2 of energy-saving network bp.

[0144] When the power amplifiers 1-1 and 2-1 are off, energy-saving network a1 acquires the output signal of power amplifier 1-2, divides the output signal of power amplifier 1-2 equally, and sends it to power supply network a1. Power supply 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... port 1 of energy-saving network b(p / 2). Power supply network a1 can also split another 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)... port 2 of energy-saving network bp. Energy-saving network a2 acquires the output signal of power amplifier 2-2, divides the output signal of power amplifier 2-2 equally, and sends it to power supply network a2. Feeder network a2 can split one signal into (p / 2) paths, which are then input to port 1 of energy-saving network b1, port 1 of energy-saving network b2, ..., port 1 of energy-saving network b(p / 2). Feeder network a2 can also split another signal into (p / 2) paths, which are then input to port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+1), port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+2), ..., port 2 of energy-saving network bp. This ensures that both the horizontal and vertical energy-saving networks can obtain signals, guaranteeing that the coverage area of ​​the base station signal remains unchanged.

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

[0146] It can be understood that each feed network has multiple input and output ports; that is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension connects 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 part of the array antennas; the method for sending signals to other array antennas is the same as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0147] In this application, after determining which power amplifiers need to be shut down based on user volume, the output signals of the remaining, unshutdown power amplifiers are evenly distributed and transmitted to the base station antenna feeder system via an energy-saving network. This ensures that all feeder networks in the base station antenna feeder system can receive signals, guaranteeing that the base station coverage area will not shrink due to power amplifier shutdown and that each antenna array in the base station antenna feeder system can receive signals. Thus, based on the above scheme, some power amplifiers can be shut down based on user volume to save energy, while maintaining the antenna signal coverage area and ensuring normal communication for users in the area where the power amplifiers are shut down.

[0148] It is understood that in some embodiments, the power amplifiers that need to be turned off can be determined based on the number of users within the base station's coverage area and a preset strategy. For example, when the number of users is in the first user interval, one-quarter of the power amplifiers are turned off; when the number of users is in the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers are turned off; when the number of users is in the third user interval, three-quarters of the power amplifiers are turned off; and when the number of users is in the fourth user interval, the power amplifiers are not turned off. Wherein, 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 aforementioned 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, meaning that a single signal can be evenly distributed to the output ports of the energy-saving network. Each output port of the energy-saving network can output signals to the base station antenna feeder system, thereby ensuring that the array antenna corresponding to the power amplifier being turned off can still obtain a signal. This achieves the goal of maintaining the antenna signal coverage range while reducing energy consumption, ensuring that mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the power amplifier being turned off can communicate normally.

[0150] The following section, in conjunction with Figures 4a and 4b, takes an energy-saving network a1 set between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network as an example, and introduces the communication control method of this application based on the strategy of shutting down the power amplifier.

[0151] As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, when the current number of users within the base station's coverage area is in the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers are turned off, such as power amplifier 1-1 connected to the energy-saving network a1. The energy-saving network a1 then acquires the output signal of the power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) that is currently on. The energy-saving network a1 splits the signal transmitted by power amplifier 1-2 into two signals, and then transmits them to the base station's antenna feeder system through the energy-saving network a1. This allows the feeder network in the horizontal dimension corresponding to power amplifier 1-1 to acquire the signal, thus enabling both array antenna a1 and array antenna am to acquire the signal.

[0152] As shown in Figure 4b, when the current number of users within the base station's coverage area is in the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers are turned off, such as power amplifier 1-1 connected to the energy-saving network a1. The energy-saving network a1 then acquires the output signal of the power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) that is currently on. The energy-saving network a1 splits the signal sent by power amplifier 1-2 into two signals, and then sends them to the vertical feed network through the output ports of the horizontal feed network, ensuring that the vertical feed network can acquire the signal. This allows array antennas a1, a2, ..., am to all acquire the signal.

[0153] It can be understood that each feed network has multiple input and output ports; that is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension connects 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 part of the array antennas; the method for sending signals to other array antennas is the same as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0154] The following section, in conjunction with Figures 5a and 5b, takes the energy-saving network b1 set between the horizontal and vertical power supply networks as an example, and introduces the communication control method of this application 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 feeder network acquires the output signal of the power amplifier (power amplifier 1-1) in the on state and sends it to the energy-saving network b1. The energy-saving network b1 splits the signal sent by power amplifier 1-1 into two signals, and then sends them to feeder network 1-2b through port 3 of energy-saving network b1, and to feeder network 1-1b through port 4 of energy-saving network b1. In this way, feeder network 1-2b corresponding to power amplifier 1-2 can also acquire the signal, realizing that both array antenna a1 and array antenna am can acquire the signal, ensuring that the coverage range of the antenna signal remains unchanged, and ensuring that mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the power amplifier that is turned off maintain normal communication.

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

[0157] It can be understood that each feed network has multiple input and output ports; that is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension connects 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 part of the array antennas; the method for sending signals to other array antennas is the same as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0158] The communication control method of this application will be introduced below with reference to Figures 6a and 6b, taking energy-saving network a1 set between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network, and energy-saving network b1 set between the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network as examples, 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's coverage area is in the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers are turned off, such as power amplifier 1-1. The energy-saving network a1 acquires the output signal from the power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) that is currently on. The energy-saving network a1 splits the signal transmitted by power amplifier 1-2 into two signals, and then transmits them to feeder networks 1-1a and 1-2a. This ensures that the array antenna a1 corresponding to power amplifier 1-1 can also acquire the signal, maintaining the antenna signal coverage area and ensuring that mobile devices in the cell served by the array antenna corresponding to the turned-off power amplifier maintain normal communication.

[0160] It can be understood that each feed network has multiple input and output ports; that is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension connects 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 part of the array antennas; the method for sending signals to other array antennas is the same as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0161] The following section, with reference to Figure 7b, describes the communication control method of this application based on the strategy of shutting down the power amplifier, taking as an example the energy-saving networks a1 and a2 set between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network, and the energy-saving networks b1, b2, ..., bp set between the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network.

[0162] As shown in Figure 7b, 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 amplifiers 1-1 and 2-1. Energy-saving network a1 acquires the output signal of power amplifier 1-2 and divides it into two signals, sending them to feeder network a1. One of these signals is sent to phase shifter a1 of feeder network a1 for phase shifting. Feeder network a1 can divide one signal into (p / 2) paths, inputting them to port 1 of energy-saving network b1, port 1 of energy-saving network b2...port 1 of energy-saving network b(p / 2). Feeder network a1 can also divide the other signal into (p / 2) paths, inputting them to port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+1), port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+2)...port 2 of energy-saving network bp. Energy-saving network a2 acquires the output signal of power amplifier 2-2 and splits it into two signals. One of these signals is sent to feeder network a2. This other signal is then sent to phase shifter a2 of feeder network a2 for phase shifting. Feeder network a2 can split one signal into (p / 2) paths, inputting them to port 1 of energy-saving network b1, port 1 of energy-saving network b2, ..., port 1 of energy-saving network b(p / 2). Similarly, feeder network a2 can split the other signal into (p / 2) paths, inputting them to port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+1), port 2 of energy-saving network b(p / 2+2), ..., port 2 of energy-saving network bp. This ensures that each array antenna can acquire a signal, guaranteeing that the base station's signal coverage remains unchanged.

[0163] It can be understood that each feed network has multiple input and output ports; that is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension connects 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 part of the array antennas; the method for sending signals to other array antennas is the same as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0164] The following describes the various units of the energy-saving network provided in this application with reference to Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the energy-saving network 400 includes an input unit 500, a switching 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 feed network, and the other end is connected to the switching unit 600. The first input unit 501 and the second input unit 502 are used to acquire signals and output them to the switching unit 600.

[0166] The switching unit 600 includes a first transmission unit 601, a second transmission unit 602, a first switching unit 603, and a second switching unit 604. One end of the switching unit 600 is connected to the input unit 500, and the other end is connected to the output unit 700. The switching unit 600 is used to transmit the output signals 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 used to acquire the signal sent by the switching unit 600 and send the acquired signal to the feed network in the horizontal dimension or the feed network in the vertical dimension.

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

[0169] For example, when both the first input unit 501 and the second input unit 502 acquire signals, the first input unit 501 sends the acquired signal to the first output unit 701 through a first path, and the second input unit 502 sends the acquired signal to the second output unit 702 through a second path. The first path includes a first transmission unit 601, and the second path includes a second transmission unit 602.

[0170] When at least one sub-unit in the input unit 500 fails to acquire a signal, the sub-unit in the input unit 500 that acquires a signal sends the acquired signal to the switching unit 600. The acquired signal is then evenly distributed among the sub-units of the switching unit 600 and sent to the sub-units of the output unit 700.

[0171] For example, if at least one of the first input unit 501 and the second input unit 502 in the input unit 500 fails to acquire a signal, such as when the second input unit 502 fails to acquire a signal, the first input unit 501 sends the acquired signal to the switching unit 600. The signal acquired by the first input unit 501 is evenly distributed through the first transmission unit 601, the second transmission unit 602, the first switching unit 603, and the second switching unit 604 of the switching unit 600, and then sent to each sub-unit 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 switching unit 603, and the fourth path includes the second switching unit 604.

[0172] Based on Figure 8 above, and in conjunction with Figures 9a and 9b, the structure of the energy-saving network provided in this application will be described below. Figure 9a is a schematic diagram of the energy-saving network when the first and second paths are activated, and Figure 9b is a schematic diagram of the energy-saving network when the first, second, third, and fourth paths are activated.

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

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

[0175] It is understandable that each output port of the energy-saving network can output power to the antenna array of the base station antenna feed system, so it 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, single-pole single-throw (SPO) switches 103 and 106 are closed. 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, and then output to the base station antenna feeder system from ports 3 and 4. The third path includes path a and path b, and the fourth path includes path c and path d. Path a is input from port 1, passes through bridge arm 102 and SPO switch 103, and outputs from port 2; path b is input from port 2, passes through SPO switch 103 and bridge arm 102, and outputs from port 1; path c is input from port 3, passes through bridge arm 105 and SPO switch 106, and outputs from port 4; path d is input from port 4, passes through SPO switch 106 and bridge arm 105, and outputs from port 3.

[0177] For example, when all power amplifiers connected to port 2 of the energy-saving network are turned off and all power amplifiers connected to port 1 of the energy-saving network are turned on, both single-pole single-throw switch 103 and single-pole single-throw switch 106 are closed. The output power of the power amplifier connected to port 1 is transmitted to port 3 and port 4 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 power supply network, it is difficult to perform beamforming on the transmitted signals through the power supply network. Therefore, in order to enable the energy-saving network to perform beamforming on the transmitted signals through the power supply network when acquiring two signals, this application connects a single-pole single-throw switch 103 between port 1 and port 2 of the energy-saving network, and 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 switches 103 and 106 are disconnected, putting 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 switches 103 and 106 are closed, putting the energy-saving network in the energy-saving state as shown in Figure 9b.

[0179] This application configures the energy-saving network to be in a matched state when the energy-saving network is in a one-input two-output or two-input two-output state. When the energy-saving network is in a matched 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 single-pole single-throw (SPS) switches 103 and 106 in the energy-saving network are closed (conducting), the energy-saving network is a 90° 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° bridge can evenly distribute the power of the input signal into two signals of equal power. In other words, the output power of the power amplifier in the on state can be evenly distributed to each output port of the energy-saving network. The output power is then output to the antenna array of the base station antenna feeder system through each output port of the energy-saving network. This achieves both energy saving and ensuring that the antenna signal coverage remains unchanged, thus guaranteeing normal user communication, by shutting down some power amplifiers based on user volume and reducing the antenna output power (transmit power).

[0181] That is, in the embodiments of this application, the output ports (port 3 and port 4) of the energy-saving network are connected to the input ports of the feeder network. Through the output ports of the energy-saving network, the output power of one or two power amplifiers obtained from the input ports (port 1 and / or port 2) of the energy-saving network can be evenly distributed to the feeder network of the base station antenna feeder system, and then transmitted to the antenna array through the feeder network. This ensures that the antenna array in the base station antenna feeder system always operates at full capacity, regardless of whether the energy-saving network is in an energy-saving state or not, thus ensuring that the original beam scanning range of the antenna array remains unchanged.

[0182] In this application, the single-pole single-throw switch 103 and the single-pole single-throw 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 (or magnetic reed switch).

[0183] In this embodiment, the energy-saving network uses only 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 this embodiment, when single-pole single-throw (SPS) switches 103 and 106 are open, the energy-saving network is in a non-energy-saving state as shown in Figure 9a; when SPS switches 103 and 106 are closed, the energy-saving network is in an energy-saving state as shown in Figure 9b. The method for controlling the closing and closing of SPS switches 103 and 106 in the energy-saving network will be described below with reference to Figures 9a and 9b.

[0185] In some embodiments, the communication device has a control module. The control module can acquire electrical signals sent by the power amplifier. If it is determined based on the electrical signals that only one power amplifier is on, a conduction signal is sent to single-pole single-throw (SPS) switches 103 and 106 to control SPS switches 103 and 106 to be in a closed state; if it is determined that both power amplifiers are on, a cut-off signal can be sent to SPS switches 103 and 106 to control SPS switches 103 and 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 forward voltage of the single-pole single-throw switch 103, and the single-pole single-throw switch 103 is controlled to be in the on state. It can also be determined that the voltage across the single-pole single-throw switch 106 is greater than the forward voltage of the single-pole single-throw switch 106, and the single-pole single-throw switch 106 is controlled to be in the on state, so that the energy-saving network is in the energy-saving state 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 forward 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. It can also be determined that the voltage across the single-pole single-throw switch 106 is less than or equal to the forward 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 shown in Figure 9a.

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

[0188] In this embodiment, a 2-bit phase shifter with a phase shift of 90° can be connected to any output port of an 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 perform a 90° phase shift on a signal by cascading two single-bit phase shifters. For example, the signal is shifted by 45° using the first single-bit phase shifter, and then shifted by another 45° using the second single-bit phase shifter, thus achieving a 90° phase shift.

[0190] The following section, using Figure 10 as an example, describes the processing method of a 2-bit phase shifter for output signals with a 90° phase difference.

[0191] As shown in Figure 10, a phase shifter 3-1 is connected to port 3 of the energy-saving network a1. When the voltage difference between ports 1 and 2 exceeds a voltage threshold, single-pole single-throw (SPS) switches 103 and 106 close to put the energy-saving network in an energy-saving state. If only port 1 receives the output signal from 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 in four states: 90°, 180°, 270°, and 0°. These four states correspond to four different beam directions of the antenna array.

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

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

[0194] In some embodiments, array antennas a1, a2, a3, and a4 can be used as a row of arrays (or array antennas 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, then n sets of array antennas 1 are required, that is, n sets of circuit structures as shown in any of the schematic diagrams in Figures 4a to 7b above are required.

[0195] In this embodiment of the 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. The phase shifter can be used to adjust the phase of each antenna in each antenna array to control the beam direction and ensure that the antenna beam can cover a certain angle range.

[0196] Generally, when an energy-saving network is connected between a power amplifier and a base station antenna feeder system, it is in a non-energy-saving state by default. The following example, using the placement of an energy-saving network between a power amplifier and a horizontal feeder network, and referring to Figures 11a and 11b, describes a method for controlling the switching between energy-saving and non-energy-saving states of the energy-saving network 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 remains unchanged. The difference between Figures 11a and 4b is that port 3 of the energy-saving network a1 is connected to a 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 coverage area is in the fourth user interval, both power amplifiers 1-1 and 1-2 are turned on, sending disconnect signals to single-pole single-throw switches a11 and a12 to control the disconnection of single-pole single-throw switches a11 and a12 in energy-saving network a1, thus maintaining energy-saving network a1 in the non-energy-saving state shown in Figure 11a. Port 1 of energy-saving network a1 receives the signal from power amplifier 1-1 and sends it to port 4, so that each array antenna corresponding to power amplifier 1-1 can obtain the signal. Port 2 of energy-saving network a1 receives the signal from power amplifier 1-2 and sends it to port 3. The phase of the output signal output from port 3 is adjusted by phase shifter 3-a1 (see the embodiment shown in Figure 10, which will not be repeated here), so that each array antenna corresponding to power amplifier 1-2 can obtain the signal.

[0198] 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 1-1 connected to the energy-saving network a1. 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 the energy-saving network a1 to close, that is, to keep the energy-saving network a1 switched to the energy-saving state shown in Figure 11b.

[0199] Energy-saving network a1 acquires the output signal of the power amplifier (power amplifier 1-2) which is in the on state. Energy-saving network a1 splits the one signal sent by power amplifier 1-2 into two signals, and then sends the signals to the base station antenna feed system through 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 acquire the signal. The sending of signals to each array antenna through ports 3 and 4 of energy-saving network a1 is described in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0200] In this embodiment, bridge arms 104 and 107 have the same resistance value, bridge arms 102 and 105 have the same resistance value, and the ratio of the resistance value of bridge arm 104 (or bridge arm 107) to that of bridge arm 102 (or bridge arm 105) satisfies 1:1. In this embodiment, bridge arms 104 and 107 are both 35.35Ω transmission lines with a quarter wavelength as shown in Figure 12, and bridge arms 102 and 105 are both 50Ω transmission lines with a one-eighth wavelength as shown in Figure 12.

[0201] It can be understood that each feed network has multiple input and output ports; that is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension connects 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 part of the array antennas; the method for sending signals to other array antennas is the same as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0202] The following example illustrates how placing an energy-saving network between a horizontal and vertical feed network, and using Figures 13a and 13b, demonstrates a method for controlling the switching between energy-saving and non-energy-saving states of the energy-saving network 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 remains unchanged. The difference between Figures 13a and 13b is that port 3 of the energy-saving network b1 is connected to a 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 current number of users within the base station coverage area is in 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 control the disconnection of single-pole single-throw switches b11 and b12 in energy-saving network b1, thus maintaining energy-saving network b1 in the non-energy-saving state shown in Figure 13a. Port 1 of energy-saving network b1 receives the signal from power amplifier 1-1 and sends it to port 4, so that each array antenna corresponding to power amplifier 1-1 can obtain the signal. Port 2 of energy-saving network b1 receives the signal from power amplifier 1-2 and sends it to port 3. The phase of the output signal output from port 3 is adjusted by phase shifter 3-b1 (see the embodiment shown in Figure 10, which will not be repeated here), so that each array antenna corresponding to power amplifier 1-2 can obtain the signal.

[0204] 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 amplifiers 1-2. A conduction signal is sent to single-pole single-throw switches b11 and b12 to control the single-pole single-throw switches b11 and b12 of the energy-saving network b1 to close, that is, to keep the energy-saving network b1 switched to the energy-saving state shown in Figure 13b.

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

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

[0207] It is understandable that the other array antennas corresponding to power amplifiers 1-1 and 1-2 obtain signals in the same way as array antenna a1, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0208] It can be understood that each feed network has multiple input and output ports; that is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension connects 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 part of the array antennas; the method for sending signals to other array antennas is the same as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0209] The following example illustrates how to place energy-saving networks both between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network, and also between the horizontal and vertical feed networks. Using Figures 14a and 14b, we will explain how to control the switching between energy-saving and non-energy-saving states of the energy-saving network 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 remains unchanged. The difference between Figures 14a and 14b 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. Furthermore, in Figure 14a, both energy-saving networks a1 and b1 are in a non-energy-saving state.

[0210] When the current number of users within the base station coverage area is in the fourth user interval, both power amplifiers 1-1 and 1-2 are turned on, sending disconnect signals to single-pole single-throw (SPO) switches b11 and b12 to control the disconnection of SPO switches b11 and b12 in energy-saving network b1. This maintains energy-saving networks a1, a2, b1, b2...bp in the non-energy-saving state shown in Figure 14a. One input terminal of energy-saving network a1 receives the signal from power amplifier 1-1 and sends it to the input terminals of energy-saving networks b1, b2...bp, ensuring that each array antenna corresponding to power amplifier 1-1 can receive the signal. Another input terminal of the energy-saving network a1 acquires the signal from the power amplifier 1-2 and sends it to another output terminal. The phase of the output signal is adjusted by the phase shifter 3-a1 (see the embodiment shown in Figure 10, which will not be described again here), and then sent to the input terminals of the energy-saving networks b1, b2... bp, so that each array antenna corresponding to the power amplifier 1-2 can acquire the signal.

[0211] When the current number of users within the base station's coverage area is in the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers are turned off, such as power amplifiers 1-1 and 2-1. A conduction signal is sent to single-pole single-throw (SPO) switches a11, a12, a21, and a22 to control the closure of SPO switches a11 and a12 in energy-saving network a1, and the closure of SPO switches a21 and a22 in energy-saving network a2. This switches energy-saving networks a1 and a2 to the energy-saving state shown in Figure 14b. Energy-saving network a1 receives the output signal from the power amplifiers (power amplifiers 1-2) that are in the on state. Energy-saving network a1 splits the single signal transmitted by power amplifier 1-2 into two signals, and then transmits the signals through the output of energy-saving network a1 to the inputs of energy-saving networks b1, b2... bp. Similarly, energy-saving network a2 splits the single signal transmitted by power amplifier 2-2 into two signals, and transmits the signals through the output of energy-saving network a2 to the inputs of energy-saving networks b1, b2... bp, ensuring that array antennas a1, a2... am can all receive signals. The method by which energy-saving networks a1 and a2 transmit signals to the inputs of energy-saving networks b1, b2... bp is described in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0212] It can be understood that each feed network has multiple input and output ports; that is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension connects 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 part of the array antennas; the method for sending signals to other array antennas is the same as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0213] The following example illustrates how to place energy-saving networks both between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network, and also between the horizontal and vertical feed networks. Referring to Figure 15, we will explain how to control the switching between energy-saving and non-energy-saving states of the energy-saving network 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 remains unchanged. 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 so on, with port 3 of energy-saving network bp connected to phase shifter 3-bp.

[0214] When the current number of users within the base station coverage area is in the fourth user interval, power amplifiers 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, and 2-2 are all turned on, sending disconnect signals to energy-saving networks a1, a2, b1, b2...bp to control energy-saving networks a1, a2, b1, b2...bp to remain in a non-energy-saving state. The method by which energy-saving networks a1, a2, b1, b2...bp acquire signals and transmit them to each array antenna is described in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 14a, and will not be repeated here.

[0215] When the current number of users within the base station's coverage area is in the second user interval, half of the power amplifiers are turned off, such as power amplifiers 1-1 and 2-1. Signals are then sent to energy-saving networks a1, a2, b1, b2...bp to control energy-saving networks a1 and a2 to be in energy-saving mode. The method by which energy-saving networks a1, a2, b1, b2...bp acquire signals and transmit them to each array antenna is described in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 7a, and will not be repeated here.

[0216] It can be understood that each feed network has multiple input and output ports; that is, each feed network in the horizontal dimension connects 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 part of the array antennas; the method for sending signals to other array antennas is the same as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0217] The following example, using the example of an energy-saving network located between the base station antenna feed system and the power amplifier in front of the antenna array, and in conjunction with Figures 16a and 16b, describes a method for controlling the energy-saving network to switch between energy-saving and non-energy-saving states 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 remains unchanged.

[0218] When the output voltage of the power amplifier connected to the energy-saving network a1 in the on state meets the voltage threshold, such as when power amplifiers 1-1 and 1-2 are operating at full power (i.e., simultaneously outputting signals), a conduction signal is sent to the energy-saving network to keep the energy-saving network in the non-energy-saving state shown in Figure 16a. As shown in Figure 16a, the output terminal of power amplifier 1-1 is connected to port 1 of the energy-saving network a1, and the output terminal of power amplifier 1-2 is connected to port 2 of the energy-saving network a1. Port 3 of the energy-saving network a1 is connected to phase shifter 3-a1, phase shifter 3-a1 is connected to port B of the power supply network, and port 4 is connected to port A of the power supply network. The single-pole single-throw switch 103 between port 1 and port 2 is open, and the single-pole single-throw switch 106 between port 3 and port 4 is open.

[0219] Port 1 acquires the output power of power amplifier 1-1, outputs it to port A of the feed network via port 4, and then performs phase shifting through phase shifter 1 before inputting it into the antenna array; Port 2 acquires the output power of power amplifier 1-2, outputs it to phase shifter 3-a1 via 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 described again here), and works 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 pointing.

[0220] When the output voltage of the power amplifier connected to the energy-saving network a1, which is in the on state, does not meet the voltage threshold, such as when only power amplifier 1-1 is on, a conduction signal is sent to the energy-saving network to close the single-pole single-throw (SPS) switches 103 and 106 of the energy-saving network, controlling the energy-saving network to be in the energy-saving state shown in Figure 16b. As shown in Figure 16b, SPS switch 103 between port 1 and port 2 is closed, and SPS switch 106 between port 3 and port 4 is closed.

[0221] The output power of power amplifier 1-1 is evenly distributed to ports 3 and 4 through port 1 of energy-saving network a1. Then, the phase of the output signal at port 3 is adjusted by phase shifter 3-a1. In conjunction with phase shifters (such as phase shifter 1 and phase shifter 2) in the antenna array feed network, the antenna array generates multiple beam directions. This ensures that the beam scanning range of the antenna array remains unchanged regardless of whether the energy-saving network is in energy-saving or non-energy-saving mode.

[0222] In this embodiment, bridge arms 104 and 107 have the same resistance value, bridge arms 102 and 105 have the same resistance value, and the ratio of the resistance value of bridge arm 104 (or bridge arm 107) to that of bridge arm 102 (or bridge arm 105) satisfies 1:1. In this embodiment, 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 one-eighth wavelength as shown in Figure 12. The feeder 101 is 50Ω.

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

[0224] The base station antenna feeder system of this application will be described below with reference to Figure 17. As shown in Figure 17, the base station antenna feeder system includes an antenna and a feeder system. The antenna is used to receive and transmit signals; common antennas include single-polarized antennas, dual-polarized antennas, and omnidirectional antennas. The feeder system includes an antenna adjustment bracket, a mast, a feeder cable, a connector seal, a grounding device, and a feeder clip. The feeder system is used to transmit signals to the antenna, thereby enabling communication between antenna-equipped devices.

[0225] The feeder system includes an antenna adjustment bracket for adjusting the antenna's elevation angle; a mast for hoisting the antenna; a feeder for transmitting signals, featuring uniform characteristic impedance and high return loss; connector seals, including insulating sealing tape and PVC insulating tape, for sealing the connectors at both ends of outdoor jumpers that connect to the antenna and main feeder; a grounding device for lightning protection and current discharge; and a feeder clamp for outdoor lightning protection grounding.

[0226] It is understood that the antenna is located within a radome, containing at least one independent array of radiating elements and a metal reflector. The radiating elements can have the same or different frequencies, and are typically positioned above the metal reflector. Each array can receive or transmit radio frequency signals via its own feed network. The feed network can achieve different beam pointing through transmission components, or connect to a calibration network to obtain the calibration signals required by the system. In addition to a phase-shifting network, the feed network may also contain modules such as combiners and filters to extend performance.

[0227] It is understandable that the performance of the antenna itself directly affects and plays a decisive role in the performance of the entire base station antenna feeder system. The internal structure of the antenna in Figure 17 will be described below with reference to Figure 18.

[0228] Figure 18 shows the architecture 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 of radiating elements and metal reflectors (not shown in the figure) and a feed network. The feed network includes a drive or calibration network, a phase shifter, a combiner, or a filter.

[0229] The radiating element is the basic structural unit of the antenna, used for receiving and transmitting signals. Antennas (or antenna arrays) composed of radiating elements can receive or transmit signals through their respective feed networks. The feed network is used to achieve different radiating beam directions through transmission components, or to connect to a calibration network to obtain the calibration signals required by the base station antenna feed system. In addition to phase shifters, the feed network may also contain modules such as combiners and filters to extend performance.

[0230] The control method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below. The control method of the embodiments of this application is applied to the base station antenna feeder system shown in Figure 17. Figure 19 shows a flowchart of the control method of the embodiments of this application, including:

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

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

[0233] In some embodiments, network data traffic can also be acquired, and the current number of users within the base station's coverage area can be statistically analyzed using this network data traffic data. For example, the network data traffic of users within the base station's signal coverage area can be acquired, including the user's upload and download traffic. By analyzing and processing this data, network data traffic statistics for the base station can be obtained, and then the current number of users within the base station's coverage area can be determined based on these statistics.

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

[0235] In this embodiment of the 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 the preset strategy.

[0236] For example, when the current user volume is in the first user interval, turn off one-quarter of the amplifier; when the current user volume is in the second user interval, turn off half of the amplifier; when the current user volume is in the third user interval, turn off three-quarters of the amplifier; and when the current user volume is in the fourth user interval, do not turn off the amplifier. 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.

[0237] It is understandable that the power amplifier in the base station can be located between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network; it can also be located between the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network; or it can be located both between the power amplifier and the horizontal feed network, and also between the horizontal feed network and the vertical feed network.

[0238] It is understandable that when one-quarter of the power amplifier is turned off, the base station is at three-quarters power; when one-half of the power amplifier is turned off, the base station is at half power; when three-quarters of the power amplifier is turned off, the base station is at one-quarter power; and when the power amplifier is not turned off, the base station is at full power.

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

[0240] In this embodiment, after shutting down a first number of power amplifiers, the output power of the powered amplifiers connected to the energy-saving network can be obtained. When it is determined that the output voltage of the powered amplifiers connected to the energy-saving network does not meet the voltage threshold, the energy-saving network is controlled to be in the energy-saving state as shown in Figure 9b; when the output voltage of the powered amplifiers connected to the energy-saving network meets the voltage threshold, the energy-saving network is controlled to be in the non-energy-saving state as shown in Figure 9a. The method for transmitting signals when the energy-saving network is in the energy-saving state and the non-energy-saving state is described in Figures 4a to 7b and the embodiments shown in Figures 11a to 16b, and will not be repeated here.

[0241] It can be understood that the horizontal direction of the antenna aperture, also known as the lateral or forward direction, 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, also known as the longitudinal direction, refers to the length direction of each column of the antenna array, which is basically perpendicular to the ground.

[0242] In this embodiment, the power amplifier's on / off state within the base station can be controlled based on the current number of users within the base station antenna's coverage area. This allows for flexible configuration of the base station antenna's transmission power according to the number of users; for example, some power amplifiers can be shut down when the number of users is low, saving energy. By controlling the output voltage of the power amplifier connected to the energy-saving network, the single-pole single-throw switch in the energy-saving network can be opened or closed, thereby enabling the energy-saving network to switch between energy-saving and non-energy-saving states. This allows the output power of one or two power amplifiers to be evenly distributed to the antenna array through the energy-saving network, ensuring that the antenna array always operates at full capacity regardless of whether the energy-saving network is in energy-saving or non-energy-saving state, and maintaining a consistent antenna beam coverage area. This ensures user communication quality while achieving energy savings.

[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. Embodiments of this application can be implemented as computer programs or program code executable on a programmable system, the programmable system including 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 execute the functions described in this application and generate output information. The output information can be applied to one or more output devices in a known manner. For the purposes of this application, the 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] The program code can be implemented using a high-level procedural language or an object-oriented programming language to communicate with the processing system. Assembly language or machine language can also be used when needed. In fact, the mechanisms described in this application are not limited to 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 thereon 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, the instructions may be distributed via a network or via other computer-readable media. Therefore, machine-readable media may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) form, including but not limited to floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROMs), magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic cards or optical cards, flash memory, or tangible machine-readable storage for transmitting information (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.) using the Internet in the form of electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals. Therefore, machine-readable media include any type of machine-readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) form.

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

[0248] It should be noted that all units / modules mentioned in the device embodiments of this application are logical units / modules. Physically, a logical unit / module can be a physical unit / module, a part of a physical unit / module, or a combination of multiple physical units / modules. The physical implementation of these logical units / modules themselves is not the most important factor; the combination of functions implemented by these logical units / modules is the key to solving the technical problems proposed in this application. Furthermore, to highlight the innovative aspects of this application, the above-described device embodiments of this application have not introduced units / modules that are not closely related to solving the technical problems proposed in this application. This does not mean that the above-described device embodiments do not contain other units / modules.

[0249] It should be noted that, in the examples and description of this patent, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one" does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0250] Although this application has been illustrated and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a first power amplifier unit, a first distribution unit, and a first power supply 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 and second feed networks in the first feed unit, and The first distribution unit is used to split 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 power supply network and the second power supply network in the first power supply unit respectively.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first allocation unit includes a 90° bridge, and The 90° bridge is used to split the signal output by the second power amplifier into two signals, which are respectively input into the first power supply network and the second power supply network in the first power supply 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 When the 90° bridge is closed, the signal output by the second power amplifier is divided into two signals and input to the first and second feed networks in the feed unit, respectively. The 90° bridge is also in an open state when both the first and second power amplifiers are working, and When the 90° bridge is in the open state, the signal output by the first power amplifier is input to the first power supply network, and the signal output by the second power amplifier is input to the second power supply network.

4. The communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The 90° bridge also includes a first switch and a second switch; When the first power amplifier is off and the second power amplifier is on: The voltage across the first switch is greater than the switch's on-state voltage, therefore the first switch is in the on state. The voltage across the second switch is greater than the turn-on voltage of the second switch, and 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-state voltage of the first switch, therefore the first switch is in the off state. The voltage across the second switch is less than or equal to the on-state voltage of the second switch, and the second switch is in the 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 MOSFET, a diode, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), 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 element and a second-directional antenna element, wherein the first-directional antenna element and the second-directional antenna element include multiple antennas.

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

8. The communication device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a second power supply unit, which comprises a third power supply network and a fourth power supply network, wherein the third power supply network is connected to the first power supply network, and the fourth power supply network is connected to the second power supply network. The first feed network and the second feed network are respectively connected to different first-direction antenna elements in the antenna array; The third and fourth feed networks are respectively connected to different second-direction antenna elements in the antenna array.

9. The communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a third feed unit, which comprises 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 power supply network, the fifth power supply network is connected to the first input terminal of the first distribution unit, and the first power supply network is connected to the first output terminal of the first distribution unit. The second power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit is connected to the sixth power supply network, the sixth power supply network is connected to the second input terminal of the first distribution unit, and the first power supply network is connected to the second output terminal of the first distribution unit.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first feed network and the second feed network are respectively connected to different second-direction antenna elements in the antenna array; The fifth and sixth feed networks are respectively connected to different first-direction antenna elements in the antenna array.

11. The communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a second distribution unit and a fourth feeder unit, the fourth feeder unit comprising a seventh feeder network and an eighth feeder network; and The first power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit is connected to the first input terminal of the first distribution unit, and the second power amplifier of the first power amplifier unit is connected to the second input terminal of the first distribution unit. The first power supply network of the first power supply unit is connected to the first output terminal of the first distribution unit, and the second power supply network of the first power supply unit is connected to the second output terminal of the first distribution unit. The first power supply network of the first power supply unit is connected to the first input terminal of the second distribution unit, and the second power supply network of the first power supply unit is connected to the second input terminal of the second distribution unit; The seventh power supply network of the fourth power supply unit is connected to the first output terminal of the second distribution unit, and the eighth power supply network of the fourth power supply unit is connected to the second output terminal of the second distribution unit.

12. The communication device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first feed network and the second feed network are respectively connected to the antenna elements in different first directions in the antenna array; The seventh and eighth feed networks are respectively connected to different second-direction antenna elements in the antenna array.

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

14. A communication control method, characterized in that, Applied to the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising: The number of users within the signal coverage area of ​​the communication device is obtained; The power amplifier unit is shut down in part of 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 by the first distribution unit and input to the first power supply network and the second power supply network in the first power supply unit respectively.

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

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

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