Feed network, antenna apparatus, active antenna unit, and communication device

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a feed network, an antenna apparatus, an active antenna unit, and a communication device. The feed network controls the phase state of a phase shifter by means of light and does not need a control line, such that the feed network containing a phase shifter can use an inverted-microstrip structure, thus reducing insertion loss between radio frequency channels and antennas.

Description

Feed network, antenna device, active antenna unit and communication equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on December 15, 2023, with application number 202311742921.0 and application name “Feeding network, antenna device, active antenna unit and communication equipment”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a feeding network, an antenna device, an active antenna unit and communication equipment. Background Art

[0003] With the development of fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G technology), active antenna units (AAUs) have gradually become mainstream as a base station device. An AAU generally consists of a digital intermediate frequency processing unit (DIF), a radio frequency channel, and an antenna, which are connected by a feed network. To improve the antenna's signal coverage and user experience rate, the antenna aperture of the AAU has been further expanded, for example, from 0.5mx1m to 0.5mx1.5m. In addition, the number of antennas connected to each radio frequency channel in the AAU has increased, making the antenna beam emitted by each corresponding antenna narrower and the coverage smaller.

[0004] To ensure that the antenna beam covers all users, it must be capable of scanning. This means the direction of the antenna beam can be adjusted. Therefore, phase shifters must be added to the AAU's feed network. Adjusting the phase state of the phase shifters allows the antenna beam's direction to be adjusted.

[0005] However, current feed networks generally use a standard microstrip structure, as shown in Figure 1. This structure consists of a dielectric substrate, a metal film, and a metal backing, with the dielectric substrate between the metal film and the metal backing. When RF signals are transmitted between the metal film and the metal backing, they experience losses through the dielectric substrate, resulting in high insertion loss between the RF channel and the antenna. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present application provide a feeding network, an antenna device, an active antenna unit, and a communication device. The feeding network controls the phase state of a phase shifter by light, so that the feeding network including the phase shifter can adopt an inverted microstrip structure to reduce the insertion loss between the RF channel and the antenna.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a feeding network, comprising: a dielectric substrate, a metal film, a metal bottom plate, and a phase shifter;

[0008] The dielectric substrate includes a first surface, and the metal film and the phase shifter are arranged on the first surface; the metal film is used to electrically connect the input end of the radio frequency channel and the phase shifter, and to electrically connect the phase shifter and the antenna unit;

[0009] The phase shifters are used to adjust the phase of the radio frequency signal, and each of the phase shifters includes at least one photosensor; the at least one photosensor is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter based on received light;

[0010] The metal bottom plate is opposite to the first surface and spaced apart. The metal bottom plate is used for grounding. The metal bottom plate includes at least one through hole arranged relative to the at least one photosensitive device. The through hole is used to expose the corresponding photosensitive device.

[0011] The above-mentioned feeding network uses a photosensitive device in the phase shifter to realize optical control of the phase state of the phase shifter, so that the feeding network including the phase shifter can adopt an inverted microstrip structure to reduce the insertion loss between the radio frequency channel and the antenna unit.

[0012] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the photosensitive device is a PIN photodiode.

[0013] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the phase shifter is a switch line phase shifter, a load phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter, a high-low pass phase shifter, or a vector synthesis phase shifter.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the feeding network further includes a first controller, a first driving circuit and at least one light source; the at least one light source is respectively arranged relative to the at least one through hole so that the light emitted by the light source is received by the photosensitive device through the through hole; the first controller is electrically connected to the first driving circuit, and the first controller is used to control the first driving circuit; the first driving circuit is used to drive the at least one light source to be turned on or off.

[0015] The above-mentioned feeding network realizes light control of the phase shifter by controlling the on or off of the light source, thereby controlling the state of the photosensitive device and further controlling the phase state of the phase shifter.

[0016] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the photosensor is a photosensitive varactor diode or a varactor diode and a photodiode connected in series.

[0017] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the phase shifter is a load phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter, or a high-low pass phase shifter.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the feeding network further includes a second controller, a second driving circuit and at least one light source; the at least one light source is respectively arranged relative to the at least one through hole so that the light emitted by the light source is received by the photosensitive device through the through hole; the second controller is electrically connected to the driving circuit, and the second controller is used to control the second driving circuit; the second driving circuit is used to control the light intensity of the at least one light source.

[0019] The above-mentioned feeding network controls the light intensity of the light source, thereby controlling the capacitance of the photosensitive varactor or the output current of the photodiode, thereby controlling the phase state of the phase shifter, thereby realizing optical control of the phase shifter.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the feed network further includes a circuit board, which is arranged opposite to and spaced apart from the surface of the metal base plate facing away from the dielectric substrate, and the at least one light source is fixed at a position on the circuit board corresponding to the through hole, and the circuit board is used for electrical connection between the controller and the drive circuit and for electrical connection between the drive circuit and the at least one light source.

[0021] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the feeding network further includes a metal column, one end of which is electrically connected to a ground terminal of the phase shifter; and the other end of which is electrically connected to the metal bottom plate.

[0022] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a feeding network, comprising: a dielectric substrate, a metal film, a metal bottom plate, a phase shifter, and at least one phase shifter control circuit;

[0023] The dielectric substrate includes a first surface, and the metal film and the phase shifter are arranged on the first surface; the metal film is used to electrically connect the input end of the radio frequency channel and the phase shifter, and to electrically connect the phase shifter and the antenna unit;

[0024] The phase shifter is used to adjust the phase of the radio frequency signal; the phase shifter includes at least one switching device;

[0025] The phase shifter control circuit includes a photodiode, and the phase shifter control circuit is used to drive the switching device to be turned on or off according to the state of the photodiode, and the switching device is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter;

[0026] The metal base plate is opposite to the first surface and is spaced apart from each other. The metal base plate is used for grounding. The metal base plate includes at least one through hole. The at least one through hole is respectively arranged relative to the photodiode in the at least one phase shifter control circuit. The through hole is used to expose the corresponding photodiode.

[0027] The above-mentioned feeding network uses a photosensitive device in the phase shifter control circuit to realize the phase state of the optically controlled phase shifter, without the need for a control line, so that the feeding network including the phase shifter can adopt an inverted microstrip structure to reduce the insertion loss between the RF channel and the antenna unit.

[0028] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the photosensitive device is a PIN photodiode.

[0029] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the phase shifter is a switch line phase shifter, a load phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter, a high-low pass phase shifter, or a vector synthesis phase shifter.

[0030] In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the feeding network further includes a controller, a driving circuit and at least one light source; the at least one light source is respectively arranged relative to the at least one through hole so that the light emitted by the light source is received by the photosensitive device through the through hole; the controller is electrically connected to the driving circuit, and the controller is used to control the driving circuit; the driving circuit is used to drive the at least one light source to be turned on or off.

[0031] In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the feed network further includes a circuit board, which is arranged opposite to and spaced apart from the surface of the metal base plate facing away from the dielectric substrate, and the at least one light source is fixed at a position on the circuit board corresponding to the through hole, and the circuit board is used for electrical connection between the controller and the drive circuit and for electrical connection between the drive circuit and the at least one light source.

[0032] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the feeding network further includes a metal column, one end of which is electrically connected to a ground terminal of the phase shifter; and the other end of which is electrically connected to the metal bottom plate.

[0033] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the phase shifter control circuit further includes: a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, a fourth resistor, a fifth resistor, a first switch tube, and a first inductor;

[0034] The control end of the first switching tube is grounded through the first resistor; the control end of the first switching tube is also electrically connected to the positive electrode of the photodiode, and the negative electrode of the photodiode is electrically connected to the first power supply through the second resistor; the first end of the first switching tube is electrically connected to the first power supply through the third resistor; the second end of the first switching tube is grounded through the fourth resistor; the second end of the first switching tube is electrically connected to one end of the first inductor through the fifth resistor, and the other end of the first inductor is used to electrically connect to the switching device.

[0035] The above-mentioned feeding network improves a phase shifter control circuit, which can realize optical control of the phase shifter.

[0036] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the phase shifter control circuit further includes: a sixth resistor, a seventh resistor, an eighth resistor, a first operational amplifier, a ninth resistor, a first electrically controlled switch, and a second inductor; the first operational amplifier includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal; the first electrically controlled switch includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal;

[0037] The cathode of the photodiode is electrically connected to the second power supply through the sixth resistor; the anode of the photodiode is grounded; the seventh resistor and the eighth resistor are connected in series between the second power supply and the ground; the first input terminal of the first operational amplifier is electrically connected to the cathode of the photodiode and the common terminal of the sixth resistor; the second input terminal of the first operational amplifier is electrically connected to the common terminal of the eighth resistor and the seventh resistor; the output terminal of the first operational amplifier is electrically connected to the second power supply through the ninth resistor, and is electrically connected to the first terminal of the first electronically controlled switch; the second terminal of the first electronically controlled switch is electrically connected to the third power supply; the third terminal of the first electronically controlled switch is electrically connected to the fourth power supply; the fourth terminal of the first electronically controlled switch is electrically connected to one terminal of the second inductor; and the other terminal of the second inductor is electrically connected to the switching device;

[0038] When the photodiode is turned on, the output terminal of the first operational amplifier outputs a first level signal; when the first level signal is input to the first terminal of the first electronically controlled switch, the fourth terminal of the first electronically controlled switch outputs the third power supply, so that the switching device is in a first working state;

[0039] When the photodiode is turned off, the output terminal of the first operational amplifier outputs a second level signal; when the second level signal is input to the first terminal of the first electronically controlled switch, the fourth terminal of the first electronically controlled switch outputs the fourth power supply, so that the switching device is in a second working state;

[0040] The first working state is on or forward biased, and the second working state is off or reverse biased; or, the first working state is off or reverse biased, and the second working state is on or forward biased.

[0041] The above-mentioned feeding network improves a phase shifter control circuit, which can realize optical control of the phase shifter.

[0042] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the phase shifter control circuit further includes: a tenth resistor, a third photodiode, an eleventh resistor, a second switching tube, a second electrically controlled switch, and a third inductor; wherein the second electrically controlled switch includes a first end, a second end, a third end, and a fourth end;

[0043] The cathode of the photodiode is electrically connected to a fifth power supply via a tenth resistor; the anode of the photodiode is grounded;

[0044] The control end of the second switch tube is electrically connected to the common end of the tenth resistor and the photodiode, and the first end of the second switch tube is electrically connected to the fifth power supply through the eleventh resistor; the second end of the second switch tube is grounded, the first end of the second electronically controlled switch is electrically connected to the first end of the second switch tube, and the second end of the second electronically controlled switch is electrically connected to the sixth power supply; the third end of the second electronically controlled switch is electrically connected to the seventh power supply; the fourth end of the second electronically controlled switch is electrically connected to one end of the third inductor; and the other end of the third inductor is electrically connected to the switching device;

[0045] When the photodiode is turned on, the first terminal of the second switch tube outputs a third level signal; when the third level signal is input to the first terminal of the second electronically controlled switch, the fourth terminal of the second electronically controlled switch outputs the sixth power supply, so that the switching device is in the first working state;

[0046] When the photodiode is turned off, the first end of the second switch tube outputs a fourth level signal; when the first end of the second electronically controlled switch inputs the fourth level signal, the fourth end of the second electronically controlled switch outputs the seventh power supply, so that the switching device is in the second working state;

[0047] The first working state is on or forward biased, and the second working state is off or reverse biased; or, the first working state is off or reverse biased, and the second working state is on or forward biased.

[0048] The above-mentioned feeding network improves a phase shifter control circuit, which can realize optical control of the phase shifter.

[0049] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an antenna device, comprising an antenna and the feeding network and antenna array implemented in the first aspect or any one of the first aspects.

[0050] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an active antenna unit, comprising a radio frequency channel, an antenna array, and the feeding network implemented in the first aspect or any one of the first aspects.

[0051] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, characterized in that it comprises the antenna device implemented as described in the third aspect or any one of the third aspects, or the active antenna unit implemented as described in the fourth aspect or any one of the fourth aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] FIG1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure of a feed network using a standard microstrip according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a structure of a feeding network using an inverted microstrip according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a structure of a feeding network including a phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG5A is a circuit diagram of an AAU provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG5B is a circuit diagram of another AAU provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] 6A-6P are circuit diagrams of some phase shifters provided in embodiments of the present application;

[0059] FIG7 is a circuit diagram of a phase shifter module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] 8A-8C are schematic circuit diagrams of various phase shifter control circuits provided in embodiments of the present application;

[0061] FIG9A is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure of a feeding network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG9B is a bottom view of the structure of a dielectric substrate provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG9C is a bottom view of a metal bottom plate structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG9D is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another feeding network structure;

[0065] FIG9E is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another feeding network structure;

[0066] FIG10A is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure of a phase shifter module provided in an embodiment of the application;

[0067] FIG10B is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure of the phase shifter module provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The feed network can utilize an inverted microstrip structure to reduce insertion loss in the feed network between the RF channel and the antenna. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional schematic of a feed network employing an inverted microstrip structure. Because air is present between the metal film and the metal substrate in an inverted microstrip structure, the loss incurred by the RF signal passing through the air between the metal film and the metal substrate is lower than the loss incurred by the standard microstrip structure passing through the dielectric substrate as shown in Figure 1. Therefore, insertion loss can be reduced in feed networks employing an inverted microstrip structure.

[0069] However, in the prior art, feed networks containing phase shifters all use standard microstrip lines. As shown in the cross-sectional view of the feed network in Figure 3, the metal film in the feed network, the capacitors, inductors, and switches in the phase shifter are all arranged on the surface of the dielectric substrate facing away from the metal base. The switch in the phase shifter needs to be regulated, so it needs to be electrically connected to the control module or baseband unit via a control line so that the baseband unit can control the phase state of the phase shifter and achieve beam direction regulation. This control line also needs to be arranged on the surface of the dielectric substrate facing away from the metal base, on the same side of the dielectric substrate as the metal film. Furthermore, some capacitors or inductors in the phase shifter need to be connected to the metal base through metal vias for grounding. The metal vias need to pass through the dielectric substrate. Therefore, feed networks containing phase shifters can only use standard microstrip lines.

[0070] It should be understood that the baseband unit sends a beam direction (also known as beam pointing) to the control module, and the control module determines the phase state of each phase shifter based on the received beam direction, and then drives the phase state of each phase shifter via the control line. Alternatively, the baseband unit determines the phase state of each phase shifter based on the desired beam direction, and then controls the phase state of each phase shifter via the control line.

[0071] The metal film is used to electrically connect the RF channel, phase shifter, and antenna. The switching transistor, which can be a PIN (positive intrinsic negative) diode (also known as a PIN diode), is used to adjust the phase state of the phase shifter. A control line is electrically connected to the switching transistor to drive it on and off.

[0072] The phase state of the phase shifter refers to the phase change of the RF signal before and after passing through the phase shifter. The phase of the RF signal is adjusted by controlling the bias of the diode in the phase shifter or the capacitance of the varactor diode.

[0073] To reduce the insertion loss of a feed network containing a phase shifter, the present invention provides a feed network that optically controls the phase state of the phase shifter. This eliminates the need for a control line to electrically connect the circuit board containing the control module and baseband unit to the circuit board containing the phase shifter. This allows the feed network containing the phase shifter to adopt an inverted microstrip structure, thereby reducing the insertion loss between the RF channel and the antenna. To implement an optically controlled phase shifter, the present invention provides the following four solutions:

[0074] Solution 1: Replace the PIN transistor in the phase shifter with a photosensitive PIN transistor, and control the conduction and disconnection of the photosensitive PIN transistor by light, thereby controlling the phase state of the phase shifter.

[0075] Solution 2: Replace the varactor diode in the phase shifter with a photosensitive varactor diode, and control the capacitance of the photosensitive varactor diode by light, thereby controlling the phase state of the phase shifter.

[0076] Solution 3: Replace the varactor diode in the phase shifter with a series connection of a varactor diode and a photodiode. Control the output current of the photodiode by light to control the capacitance of the varactor diode, and thus the phase state of the phase shifter.

[0077] Solution 4: The phase shifter including the PIN tube remains unchanged, and a light-controlled phase shifter control circuit is added. The phase shifter control circuit includes a photosensitive device, such as a photodiode. The phase shifter control circuit is used to drive the PIN tube to be turned on and off based on whether the photodiode receives light.

[0078] It can be seen that the above-mentioned phase shifters do not require control lines, and the phase state of the phase shifter can be controlled by light.

[0079] In the feeding network of the inverted microstrip structure, the phase shifter, phase shifter control circuit, and metal film are arranged on the surface of the dielectric substrate opposite to the metal base, and the metal film and the metal base are separated by air. The radio frequency signal is transmitted in the air, thereby reducing the insertion loss of the feeding network between the radio frequency channel and the antenna.

[0080] The communication equipment, AAU, feeding network, phase shifter and phase shifter module involved in the embodiments of the present application are introduced below.

[0081] As shown in FIG4 , it is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, and the communication device may be a base station.

[0082] For example, taking the communication device as a base station, the base station can be applied to a variety of wireless communication systems, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. The term "system" and "network" can be used interchangeably. A CDMA system can implement wireless technologies such as universal terrestrial radio access (UTRA) and CDMA2000. UTRA can include wideband CDMA (WCDMA) technology and other CDMA variants. CDMA2000 can cover interim standard (IS) 2000 (IS-2000), IS-95, and IS-856 standards. The TDMA system can implement wireless technologies such as the global system for mobile communication (GSM). The OFDMA system can implement wireless technologies such as evolved universal radio terrestrial access (E-UTRA), ultra mobile broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE802.20, Flash OFDMA, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are UMTS and evolved versions of UMTS. 3GPP's long term evolution (LTE) and various versions based on LTE evolution are new versions of UMTS using E-UTRA. 5G communication system and New Radio (NR) are the next generation communication systems under study. In addition, the communication system can also be applied to future-oriented communication technologies, and can adapt to the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0083] Therefore, the base station provided in this application may include: a device that provides base station functions in a 2G network, a 3G network, a 4G network, a 5G network, and a wireless local area network. Among them, the device that provides the base station function in the 2G network includes a base transceiver station (BTS) and a base station controller (BSC). The device that provides the base station function in the 3G network includes a node B (NodeB) and a radio network controller (RNC). The device that provides the base station function in the 4G network includes an evolved node B (eNB). The device that provides the base station function in a wireless local area network (WLAN) is an access point (AP). The device that provides the base station function in the 5G communication system includes an eNB, a new radio Node B (gNB), a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (distributed unit), and a new wireless controller, etc. Typically, the base station to which the phase shifter provided in this application is applied can be a high-power macro base station in a 5G communication system, such as a millimeter wave macro base station and a Sub6G macro base station.

[0084] The communication device may include an active antenna unit (AAU) 10 and a baseband unit (BBU) 20. The AAU 10 and BBU 20 may be connected via optical fiber. The BBU 20 transmits digital signals to the AAU 10 via optical fiber. The AAU 10 converts the digital signals from the BBU 20 into analog signals, amplifies and filters the analog signals, and then transmits the processed analog signals through an antenna.

[0085] The AAU 10 is further configured to receive signals through an antenna, filter, amplify, and process the signals, convert the processed analog signals into digital signals, and send the digital signals to the BBU 20. The BBU 20 is further configured to process the received digital signals.

[0086] FIG5A shows a circuit diagram of an AAU 10. The AAU 10 includes, but is not limited to, a baseband lower (BBL) 11, a digital intermediate frequency (DIF) processing unit (DIF) 12, N RF channels 13, N feed networks 14, an optical control module 15, and an antenna array. The antenna array includes at least one antenna unit 16, where N is a positive integer not less than 1. The BBL 11 is communicatively coupled to the DIF 12. The DIF 12 is electrically coupled to the N RF channels 13. Each RF channel 13 is electrically coupled to a feed network 14. Each feed network 14 is electrically coupled to one or more antenna units 16. The BBL 11 may also be communicatively coupled to the optical control module 15.

[0087] The AAU 10 is not limited to the AAU 10 shown in FIG. 5A above, and the AAU 10 may include more or fewer components.

[0088] In some embodiments, the BBU may include two parts: baseband high (BBH) and baseband low (BBL), each of which implements different baseband processing functions. The BBU 20 in Figure 4 may be the BBH. The BBL may be located in the AAU 10. It should be understood that the AAU 10 may also not include the BBL 11.

[0089] In some other embodiments, the AAU 10 may not include the BBL 11, and the DIF 12 may be communicatively connected to the BBU 20 in FIG. 4 .

[0090] The DIF 12 is used to perform digital intermediate frequency processing, including but not limited to upsampling and clipping processing.

[0091] Each RF channel 13 may include some or all of the components including a digital to analog converter (DAC) 131, a driver amplifier (DRV) 132, at least one power amplifier (PA) 133, a circulator 134, a filter 135, an analog to digital converter (ADC) 136, at least one low noise power amplifier (LNA) 137 and a switch unit 138.

[0092] In one embodiment, each feed network 14 includes, but is not limited to, at least one phase shifter 141 or includes a phase shifter 141 and a phase shifter control circuit. The output of the RF channel 13 can be electrically connected to the input of one or more phase shifters 141 via a microstrip line, and the output of the phase shifter can be electrically connected to one or more antenna units 16 via a microstrip line. The phase shifter 141 is used to adjust the phase of the RF signal passing through it. By adjusting the phases of multiple phase shifters 141, the beam direction of the antenna array can be adjusted. The phase of each phase shifter 141 can be determined based on the beam direction to be adjusted and the position of the antenna unit 16 to which the phase shifter 141 is connected.

[0093] When the feed network 14 includes a phase shifter control circuit, the phase shifter control circuit is used to control the bias state of the diode in the phase shifter or the capacitance of the varactor diode according to the state of the photodiode included therein, thereby adjusting the phase of the RF signal passing through the phase shifter.

[0094] In some embodiments, the optical control module 15 may be in communication with the BBL 11 or the BBU 20 to control the phase state of the phase shifter 141 .

[0095] To clearly illustrate the structure of the light control module 15 and the corresponding relationship between the light source and the phase shifter in the light control module 15 , FIG5B is a circuit diagram of an AAU 10 described by taking one RF channel as an example.

[0096] The light control module 15 includes a controller 151, a driver circuit 152, and one or more light sources 153. The controller 151 is electrically connected to the BBL 11 or BBU 20 to enable communication between the two. The controller 151 is connected to the driver circuit 152 and is configured to send control signals to the driver circuit 152. The driver circuit 152 is configured to drive the light sources 153 to turn on or off and / or control the intensity of the emitted light based on the control signals.

[0097] For the above-described solutions 1 and 4, the BBL 11 or BBU 20 is configured to send first information to the light control module 15. Based on the first information, the light control module 15 controls the on / off state of at least one light source 153 electrically connected thereto via the driver circuit 152. In this case, the first information may indicate the state of the at least one light source 153. The state of a light source 153 includes on and off. Alternatively, the first information may indicate the direction of a beam, and the controller 151 may further determine the state of each light source 153 based on the received beam direction.

[0098] In the above-described solutions 2 and 3, the BBL 11 or BBU 20 is configured to send second information to the light control module 15. The light control module 15 controls the light intensity of at least one light source electrically connected thereto via the driver circuit 152 based on the second information. In this case, the second information can be used to indicate the light intensity of at least one light source 153. Alternatively, the second information can be used to indicate the direction of a beam, and the controller 151 is further configured to determine the light intensity of each light source 153 based on the received beam direction.

[0099] The light source 153 is used to provide light for the photosensitive device (such as a photosensitive PIN tube, a photosensitive varactor diode or a photodiode) in the phase shifter 141, or to provide light for the photosensitive device (such as a photodiode) in the phase shifter control circuit.

[0100] The light source 153 may be an LED, a laser, etc., wherein the operating frequency band of the light source 153 may be visible light, near infrared, or far infrared.

[0101] The phase shifter 141 is described below with reference to FIG. 6A to FIG. 6P .

[0102] The phase shifter 141 may include one or more of a switching phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter, a load-line phase shifter, a vector synthesis phase shifter, and a high-low-pass phase shifter. The following description uses one type of phase shifter as an example. It should be understood that the phase shifter 141 is not limited to the aforementioned phase shifters and may also include other types of phase shifters.

[0103] 6A to 6E , a circuit diagram of a phase shifter 141 provided in an embodiment of the present application without a photosensitive device is described in detail.

[0104] As shown in FIG6A , the phase shifter 141 is a circuit diagram of a switching type phase shifter.

[0105] Phase shifter 141 includes a first branch and a second branch. Each of the first and second branches includes two PIN transistors. The input IN of phase shifter 141 is electrically connected to RF channel 13 via a connecting wire, and the positive terminal of the PIN transistor is electrically connected to the positive terminal of another PIN transistor. The output OUT of phase shifter 141 is electrically connected to antenna unit 16 via a connecting wire. The two PIN transistors in the first branch are turned on or off simultaneously, while the two PIN transistors in the second branch are turned on or off simultaneously. The PIN transistors in the first and second branches are not turned on simultaneously, and the RF signal passes through the first branch or the second branch. Because the length of the connecting wire between the two PIN transistors in the first branch is longer by Δl than the length of the connecting wire between the two PIN transistors in the second branch, Δl can be 5 mm, 10 mm, or 15 mm, for example. Therefore, there is a phase difference between the RF signal passing through the first branch and the RF signal passing through the second branch, thereby enabling phase shifter 141 to control the phase of the RF signal.

[0106] 6B , the phase shifter 141 is a circuit diagram of a hybrid phase shifter.

[0107] The hybrid phase shifter includes, but is not limited to, a 3dB bridge and two PIN transistors. The 3dB bridge includes an input terminal IN1 (i.e., the input terminal of the phase shifter 141), an output terminal OUT1 (i.e., the output terminal of the phase shifter 141), a coupling terminal a, and an isolation terminal b. The input terminal IN1 of the 3dB bridge is electrically connected to the RF channel 13 via a connecting line. The output terminal OUT1 of the 3dB bridge is electrically connected to the antenna unit 16 via a connecting line. The coupling terminal a of the 3dB bridge is electrically connected to the negative electrode of a PIN transistor, and the positive electrode of the PIN transistor is grounded. The isolation terminal b of the 3dB bridge is electrically connected to the negative electrode of another PIN transistor, and the positive electrode of the PIN transistor is grounded.

[0108] It should be understood that the above-mentioned 3dB bridge can also be replaced by a 5dB, 20dB bridge, etc.

[0109] 6C , the phase shifter 141 is a circuit diagram of a load line phase shifter.

[0110] The load-line phase shifter includes a main path and three branches. The main path may include a resistor. One end of the main path (i.e., the input terminal IN of the phase shifter 141) is electrically connected to the RF channel 13 via a connecting wire, and the other end of the main path (i.e., the output terminal OUT of the phase shifter 141) is electrically connected to the antenna unit 16 via a connecting wire. Each branch includes, but is not limited to, one or more PIN transistors, wherein the positive terminal of the PIN transistor is grounded or left floating, and the negative terminal is electrically connected to the main path.

[0111] FIG6C above is illustrated using three branches as an example. It should be understood that the load phase shifter may include more or fewer branches.

[0112] 6D , the phase shifter 141 is a circuit diagram of a vector synthesis phase shifter.

[0113] The vector synthesis phase shifter includes a 90° coupler, a grounding resistor Ra, a branch resistor Rb and a PIN tube. The 90° coupler includes an input terminal IN, a ground terminal, a 0° terminal and a 90° terminal. The input terminal IN of the 90° coupler is electrically connected to the RF channel 13 through a connecting line, and the RF signal is input through the coupler input terminal IN. The ground terminal is grounded to GND through the grounding resistor Ra. The 0° terminal is electrically connected to the antenna unit 16 through a connecting line. The 90° terminal is electrically connected to the negative pole of the PIN tube, and the positive pole of the PIN tube is electrically connected to the antenna unit 16 through a connecting line. A branch resistor Rb is also electrically connected between the 0° terminal and the positive pole of the PIN tube. When the PIN tube is turned on, the phase difference between the RF signal output through the 0° terminal and the phase of the RF signal output through the 90° terminal is π / 2. That is, the vector synthesis phase shifter (i.e., phase shifter 141) is implemented to control the phase of the RF signal.

[0114] It should be understood that the above-mentioned 90° coupler can also be replaced by a 45° coupler, a 180° coupler, etc.

[0115] 6E , the phase shifter 141 is a circuit diagram of a high-low pass phase shifter.

[0116] The high-lowpass phase shifter consists of two branches. One branch includes two PIN transistors electrically connected in opposite directions, with two inductors connected in series between them. The common end of the two inductors is electrically connected to one end of a capacitor, and the other end of the capacitor is grounded. The other branch includes two PIN transistors electrically connected in opposite directions, with two capacitors connected in series between them. The common end of the two capacitors is electrically connected to one end of the inductor, and the other end of the inductor is grounded.

[0117] It should be noted that when the PIN transistor is forward biased, the PIN transistor is turned on. Conversely, when the PIN transistor is reverse biased or the positive electrode is grounded, the PIN transistor is turned off. Therefore, in some embodiments, the turning on of the PIN transistor can also be replaced by the forward biasing of the PIN transistor (also referred to as forward biasing), and the turning off of the PIN transistor can also be replaced by the reverse biasing of the PIN transistor (also referred to as reverse biasing).

[0118] It should also be noted that the output end of the phase shifter 141 is electrically connected to the antenna unit 16 via a connecting line, and can be electrically connected to one antenna unit 16 or multiple antenna units 16. When electrically connected to multiple antenna units 16, the connection to the multiple antenna units 16 can also be through a power splitter network.

[0119] In other embodiments, the PIN transistors in the phase shifters shown in FIG6B , FIG6C , and FIG6E may be replaced with varactor diodes. It should be understood that when the PIN transistors in the phase shifters are replaced with varactor diodes, the phase of the RF signal passing through the phase shifters is controlled by controlling the capacitance of the varactor diodes.

[0120] Figures 6F-6J illustrate a phase shifter obtained by replacing the PIN transistor in the phase shifter shown in Figures 6A-6E with a photosensitive PIN transistor. The circuit connections of the phase shifter shown in Figures 6F-6J are the same as those in Figures 6A-6E, and the connection relationship of the photosensitive PIN transistor is the same as that of the PIN transistor. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures 6A-6E, and will not be repeated here. In this case, the light control module 15 controls the conduction and deactivation of the photosensitive PIN transistor by controlling the light source corresponding to the photosensitive PIN transistor in the phase shifter, thereby controlling the phase state of the phase shifter.

[0121] Figures 6K-6M illustrate exemplary phase shifters obtained by replacing the PIN diodes in the phase shifters shown in Figures 6B, 6C, and 6E with photovariable diodes. The circuit connections of the phase shifters shown in Figures 6K-6M are the same as those in Figures 6B, 6C, and 6E. The photovariable diodes are connected in the same way as the PIN diodes. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures 6B, 6C, and 6E, and no further details are given here. In this case, the light control module 15 controls the capacitance of the photovariable diodes in the phase shifter by controlling the light intensity of the light source corresponding to the photovariable diodes, thereby controlling the phase state of the phase shifter.

[0122] Figures 6N-6P illustrate exemplary phase shifters obtained by replacing the PIN transistor in the phase shifter shown in Figures 6B, 6C, and 6E with a series connection of a varactor diode and a photodiode. The circuit connections of the phase shifter shown in Figures 6N-6P are the same as those in Figures 6B, 6C, and 6E. The connection relationship between the series connection of the varactor diode and the photodiode is the same as that of the PIN transistor. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures 6B, 6C, and 6E, and will not be repeated here. In this case, the light control module 15 controls the light intensity of the light source corresponding to the photodiode in the phase shifter to control the capacitance of the photosensitive varactor diode connected in series with the photodiode, thereby controlling the phase state of the phase shifter.

[0123] It should be understood that when the phase shifter 141 is the phase shifter shown in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E , the feeding network 14 further includes a phase shifter control circuit 142 .

[0124] 6A as an example, a circuit diagram of a phase shifter module provided in an embodiment of the present application is described in conjunction with FIG7 . The phase shifter module may include any one of the phase shifters shown in FIG6A to FIG6E and a phase shifter control circuit 142 .

[0125] The phase shifter module may include a phase shifter 141 and multiple phase shifter control circuits 142. In some embodiments, a phase shifter control circuit 142 is electrically connected to the positive terminal of a PIN transistor and is used to drive the PIN transistor in the phase shifter to be turned on or off. In other embodiments, a phase shifter control circuit 142 is electrically connected to multiple PIN transistors that are turned on and off at the same time during operation and is used to drive the multiple PIN transistors to be turned on or off. It should be understood that when the PIN transistor is forward biased, the PIN transistor is turned on; conversely, when the PIN transistor is unbiased, such as when grounded or reverse biased, the PIN transistor is turned off. The PIN transistor is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter 141. Different PIN transistor states result in different phase states of the phase shifter 141.

[0126] For example, in the phase shifter 141 shown in FIG7 , the two PIN transistors included in the first branch are the first PIN transistor D1 and the second PIN transistor D2 ; the two PIN transistors included in the second branch are the third PIN transistor D3 and the fourth PIN transistor D4 .

[0127] The phase shifter control circuit 142 includes, but is not limited to, one or more photodiodes. The photodiodes are conductive when illuminated and are disconnected when not illuminated. Based on the on / off state of the photodiodes, the phase shifter control circuit 142 controls the on / off state of the PIN transistors electrically connected to them. For example, when the photodiodes in the phase shifter control circuit 142 are illuminated, the PIN transistors electrically connected to them are conductive. Conversely, when the photodiodes in the phase shifter control circuit 142 are not illuminated, the PIN transistors electrically connected to them are disconnected.

[0128] 8A to 8C , circuit diagrams of various phase shifter control circuits 142 provided in embodiments of the present application are described below.

[0129] FIG8A is a circuit diagram of a phase shifter control circuit 142 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0130] For example, the phase shifter control circuit 142 is electrically connected to the first PIN transistor D1 in FIG7 . The phase shifter control circuit 142 includes, but is not limited to, a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3, a fourth resistor R4, a fifth resistor R5, a first photodiode PD1, a first switch Q1, and a first inductor L1.

[0131] The control end of the first switch tube Q1 is grounded through the first resistor R1; the control end of the first switch tube Q1 is also electrically connected to the anode of the first photodiode PD1, and the cathode of the first photodiode PD1 is electrically connected to the first power supply Vcc1 through the second resistor R2; the first end of the first switch tube Q1 is electrically connected to the first power supply Vcc1 through the third resistor R3; the second end of the first switch tube Q1 is grounded through the fourth resistor R4; the second end of the first switch tube Q1 is electrically connected to one end of the first inductor L1 through the fifth resistor R5, and the other end of the first inductor L1 is used to electrically connect to the anode of the first PIN transistor D1.

[0132] In the phase shifter control circuit 142 shown in FIG. 8A , the fifth resistor R5 is not necessary. The second end of the first switch Q1 can be directly electrically connected to the positive electrode of the first PIN transistor D1 in the phase shifter 141 through the first inductor L1 .

[0133] When the controller 151 controls the light source 153 corresponding to the first photodiode PD1 through the driver circuit 152 to turn on, the first photodiode PD1 receives light and turns on, and the first switch Q1 turns on. That is, the first terminal and the second terminal of the first switch Q1 are conductive, the second terminal of the first switch Q1 outputs a high-level signal, and the first PIN transistor D1 turns on. Conversely, when the controller 151 controls the light source 153 corresponding to the first photodiode PD1 through the driver circuit 152 to turn off, the first photodiode PD1 does not receive light and turns off, the first switch Q1 turns off, the first terminal and the second terminal of the first switch Q1 are disconnected, the second terminal of the first switch Q1 outputs a low-level signal, and the first PIN transistor D1 turns off.

[0134] The above examples all take the first switch tube Q1 as an NPN switch tube. It should be understood that in other embodiments, it can also be a PNP switch tube.

[0135] FIG8B is a circuit diagram of another phase shifter control circuit 142 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0136] For example, the phase shifter control circuit 142 is electrically connected to the first PIN transistor D1 in FIG. The phase shifter control circuit 142 includes, but is not limited to, a sixth resistor R6, a second photodiode PD2, a seventh resistor R7, an eighth resistor R8, a first operational amplifier OP1, a ninth resistor R9, a first electronically controlled switch S1, and a second inductor L2. The first operational amplifier OP1 includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal. The first electronically controlled switch S1 includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal.

[0137] The cathode of the second photodiode PD2 is electrically connected to the second power supply Vcc2 via the sixth resistor R6; the anode of the second photodiode PD2 is grounded GND; the seventh resistor R7 and the eighth resistor R8 are connected in series between the second power supply Vcc2 and the ground GND; the first input terminal of the first operational amplifier OP1 is electrically connected to the cathode of the second photodiode PD2 and the common terminal of the sixth resistor R6; the second input terminal of the first operational amplifier OP1 is electrically connected to the common terminal of the eighth resistor R8 and the seventh resistor R7; the output terminal of the first operational amplifier OP1 is electrically connected to the second power supply Vcc2 and the first terminal of the first electronically controlled switch S1 via the ninth resistor R9; the second terminal of the first electronically controlled switch S1 is electrically connected to the third power supply Vcc3; the third terminal of the first electronically controlled switch S1 is electrically connected to the fourth power supply Vcc4; the fourth terminal of the first electronically controlled switch S1 is electrically connected to one terminal of the second inductor L2; and the other terminal of the second inductor L2 is electrically connected to the anode of the first PIN transistor D1.

[0138] The first electronically controlled switch S1 is used to select the electrical signal input to the fourth end from the electrical signals electrically connected to the third and fourth ends based on the signal input to the first end, that is, to select the third power supply Vcc3 electrically connected to the second end or the fourth power supply Vcc4 electrically connected to the third end.

[0139] When the controller 151 controls the light source 153 corresponding to the second photodiode PD2 through the driver circuit 152 to turn on, the second photodiode PD2 is turned on. When the second photodiode PD2 is turned on, the output terminal of the first operational amplifier OP1 outputs a first level signal. When the first level signal is input to the first terminal of the first electronically controlled switch S1, the fourth terminal of the first electronically controlled switch S1 outputs the third power supply Vcc3, placing the first PIN transistor D1 in the first operating state.

[0140] When the controller 151 controls the light source 153 corresponding to the second photodiode PD2 to be turned off through the driver circuit 152, the second photodiode PD2 is turned off. When the second photodiode PD2 is turned off, the output terminal of the first operational amplifier OP1 outputs a second level signal. When the second level signal is input to the first terminal of the first electronically controlled switch S1, the fourth terminal of the first electronically controlled switch S1 outputs the fourth power supply Vcc4, placing the first PIN transistor D1 in the second operating state.

[0141] Exemplarily, the first level signal is a high level, the third power supply Vcc3 is a positive voltage, such as 1V, the first working state is on or forward biased, the second level signal is a low level, such as ground GND, the fourth power supply Vcc4 is a negative voltage, such as -3V, and the second working state is off or reverse biased.

[0142] As another example, the first level signal is a ground level, such as ground GND, and the first working state is disconnected or reverse biased; the second level signal is a high level, and the second working state is connected or forward biased.

[0143] FIG8C is a circuit diagram of another phase shifter control circuit 142 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0144] For example, the phase shifter control circuit 142 is electrically connected to the first PIN transistor D1 in FIG. The phase shifter control circuit 142 includes, but is not limited to, a fifth power supply Vcc5, a tenth resistor R10, a third photodiode PD3, an eleventh resistor R11, a second switching transistor Q2, a second electronically controlled switch S2, and a third inductor L3. The second electronically controlled switch S2 includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal.

[0145] The cathode of the third photodiode PD3 is electrically connected to the fifth power supply Vcc5 via the tenth resistor R10 ; the anode of the third photodiode PD3 is grounded GND.

[0146] A control end of the second switch tube Q2 is electrically connected to a common end of the tenth resistor R10 and the third photodiode PD3, and a first end of the second switch tube Q2 is electrically connected to the fifth power supply via an eleventh resistor R11; a second end of the second switch tube Q2 is grounded, a first end of the second electric-controlled switch S2 is electrically connected to the first end of the second switch tube Q2, and a second end of the second electric-controlled switch S2 is electrically connected to the sixth power supply Vcc6; a third end of the second electric-controlled switch S2 is electrically connected to the seventh power supply Vcc7; a fourth end of the second electric-controlled switch S2 is electrically connected to one end of the third inductor L3; and the other end of the third inductor L3 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the first PIN transistor D1.

[0147] The second electronically controlled switch S2 is used to select the electrical signal input to the fourth end from the electrical signals electrically connected to the third and fourth ends based on the signal input to its first end, that is, to select the sixth power supply Vcc6 electrically connected to the second end or the seventh power supply Vcc7 electrically connected to the third end.

[0148] When the controller 151 controls the light source 153 corresponding to the third photodiode PD3 to turn on through the driving circuit 152, when the third photodiode PD3 is turned on, the first end of the second switch tube Q2 outputs a third level signal; when the third level signal is input to the first end of the second electronically controlled switch S2, the fourth end of the second electronically controlled switch S2 outputs the sixth power supply Vcc6, so that the first PIN tube D1 is in the first working state.

[0149] When the controller 151 controls the light source 153 corresponding to the third photodiode PD3 to be turned off through the driving circuit 152, when the third photodiode PD3 is disconnected, the first end of the second switch tube Q2 outputs the fourth level signal; when the fourth level signal is input to the first end of the second electronically controlled switch S2, the fourth end of the second electronically controlled switch S2 outputs the seventh power supply Vcc7, so that the first PIN tube D1 is in the second working state.

[0150] Exemplarily, the third level signal is a high level, the sixth power supply Vcc6 is a positive voltage, such as 1V, the first working state is on or forward biased, the fourth level signal is a low level, such as ground GND, the seventh power supply Vcc7 is a negative voltage, such as -3V, and the second working state is off or reverse biased.

[0151] Also illustratively, the third level signal is a ground level, such as ground GND, the sixth power supply Vcc6 is a negative voltage, such as -3V, the first working state is disconnected or reverse biased, the fourth level signal is a high level, the seventh power supply Vcc7 is a positive voltage, such as 1V, and the second working state is on or forward biased.

[0152] The above examples all take the second switch tube Q2 as an NPN switch tube. It should be understood that in other embodiments, it can also be a PNP switch tube.

[0153] The first power supply Vcc1, the second power supply Vcc2, and the fifth power supply Vcc5 can be 3V or 5V.

[0154] The structure of a feeding network 14 provided in an embodiment of the present application is described below with reference to FIG. 9A to FIG. 9E .

[0155] 9A is a cross-sectional view of a feed network 14. The feed network 14 may include a dielectric substrate 143, a metal film 144, a metal bottom plate 145, and a phase shifter module 146. The phase shifter module 146 includes at least one photosensitive device 1461.

[0156] In the above-mentioned solutions 1-3, the phase shifter module 146 includes the phase shifter 141 shown in Figures 6F-6P. The phase shifter 141 is used to adjust the phase of the RF signal, and the photosensor 1461 is the photosensor included in the phase shifter 141 shown in Figures 6F-6P; this photosensor is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter based on received light. The photosensor is a PIN photodiode in any of the phase shifters 141 shown in Figures 6F-6J, a photosensitive varactor in any of the phase shifters 141 shown in Figures 6K-6M, or a photodiode in any of the phase shifters 141 shown in Figures 6N-6P. For details, please refer to the above description.

[0157] In the above-mentioned solution 4, the phase shifter module includes a phase shifter 141 and a phase shifter control circuit 142. The phase shifter 141 can be the phase shifter shown in Figures 6A-6E above, and the phase shifter control circuit 142 can be the phase shifter control circuit shown in Figures 8A-8C above. The phase shifter 141 is used to adjust the phase of the RF signal; the phase shifter 141 includes at least one switching device. The photosensitive device 1461 is the photodiode in any of the phase shifter control circuits 142 in Figures 8A-8C above. The phase shifter control circuit 142 is used to drive the switching device to turn on or off according to the state of the photodiode. The switching device is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter 141.

[0158] The dielectric substrate 143 includes a first surface, and the metal film 144 and the phase shifter module 146 are disposed on the first surface.

[0159] The metal film 144 is used to electrically connect the output end of the RF channel 13 and the input end of the phase shifter 141 , and to electrically connect the output end of the phase shifter 141 and the antenna unit 16 .

[0160] FIG9B schematically illustrates a bottom view of dielectric substrate 143. Metal film 144 represents part or all of the aforementioned connecting wire. One section of metal film 144 is electrically connected to the RF signal input of phase shifter module 146 (i.e., the input of phase shifter 141). After passing through phase shifter 141, the RF signal output of phase shifter module 146 (i.e., the output of phase shifter 141) is electrically connected to another section of metal film 144. The photosensitive portion 91 of the photosensor in phase shifter module 146 is exposed outside of the phase shifter module 146 to receive the light signal from the light source.

[0161] The metal bottom plate 145 is disposed opposite and spaced from the first surface. The metal bottom plate 145 is grounded. The metal bottom plate 145 includes at least one through-hole 92 corresponding to each photosensitive device in the phase shifter module 146. The through-hole 92 is used to expose the light-sensitive portion 91 of the corresponding photosensitive device 1461. One through-hole 92 may correspond to one photosensitive device, or multiple photosensitive devices that are turned on and off at the same time may correspond to one through-hole 92.

[0162] 9C illustrates a bottom view of the metal base plate 145, using one photosensitive device corresponding to one through-hole 92 as an example. The metal base plate 145 is perforated in the portion aligned with the photosensitive device to form a through-hole 92, which is used to expose the aligned photosensitive device and transmit the light signal from the light source 153.

[0163] The photosensitive device is a PIN photodiode, a photosensitive varactor diode or a series connection of photodiodes.

[0164] The photosensitive device is a PIN photodiode, a photosensitive varactor diode, or a varactor diode and a photodiode connected in series.

[0165] FIG9D is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another feeding network 14 .

[0166] The feed network also includes a circuit board 147 and a light control module 15. The circuit board 147 can be positioned opposite and spaced from the surface of the metal base plate 145 facing away from the dielectric substrate 143. The light control module 15 can be mounted on the circuit board 147. Specifically, the controller 151 and driver circuit 152 in the light control module 15 can be mounted on the surface of the circuit board 147 facing the metal base plate 145 or on the surface facing away from the metal base plate 145. Each light source 153 is secured to a position on the circuit board relative to a corresponding through-hole 92.

[0167] The circuit board 147 is used for electrical connection between the controller 151 and the driving circuit 152, and for electrical connection between the driving circuit 152 and at least one light source 153. Specifically, a circuit may be printed on the surface or inside of the circuit board 147 to achieve electrical connection between the controller 151, the driving circuit 152, and the light source 153.

[0168] In some embodiments, one photosensitive device corresponds to one through hole 92 , and one through hole 92 corresponds to one light source 153 .

[0169] In other embodiments, a plurality of photosensors that are turned on and off at the same time correspond to one through hole 92 , and one through hole 92 corresponds to one light source 153 .

[0170] In some other embodiments, one photosensitive device corresponds to one through hole 92 , and the through holes 92 corresponding to multiple photosensitive devices that are turned on and off at the same time correspond to one light source 153 .

[0171] FIG9E is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another feeding network 14 .

[0172] For the phase shifter module 146 that needs to be grounded, in addition to the components shown in FIG. 9D , the feed network 14 may further include a metal column 93 , one end of which is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the phase shifter 141 ; and the other end of the metal column 93 is electrically connected to the metal bottom plate 145 .

[0173] The embodiment of the present application further provides an AAU 10, which may include the feeding network 14 shown in FIG. 9A , FIG. 9D , or FIG. 9E .

[0174] Optionally, the circuit board 147 in the feed network 14 shown in Figures 9D and 9E may further include one or more of the DIF 12, the RF channel 13, the BBL 11, and the like. For details about the DIF 12, the RF channel 13, and the BBL 11, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures 5A and 5B above and will not be repeated here. In this case, the circuit board 147 may also be referred to as a RF board.

[0175] The structure of the phase shifter module 146 according to the embodiment of the present application is introduced as follows.

[0176] 10A , the phase shifter module 146 may include, but is not limited to, a phase shifter 141 , a substrate 1462 , and a package 1463 . In some embodiments, the phase shifter module 146 may further include a phase shifter control circuit 142 .

[0177] Phase shifter 141 can be disposed on a surface of substrate 1462. Encapsulation 1463 is used to encapsulate phase shifter 141. Encapsulation 1463 also isolates the different photosensitive devices in phase shifter module 146, preventing them from receiving optical signals emitted by light sources 153 that do not correspond to them. Encapsulation 1463 can be made of a light-proof insulating material.

[0178] The phase shifter module 146 can be welded on the first surface of the dielectric substrate 143. Specifically, the substrate 1462 may include metal vias, etc., to rewire the input and output ends of the phase shifter 141 to the surface of the substrate 1462 facing away from the phase shifter 141, so that the phase shifter 141 is electrically connected to the metal film 144.

[0179] FIG10B is a schematic diagram of another structure of the phase shifter module 146. When the phase shifter module 146 needs to be grounded, for example, when the phase shifter 141 or the phase shifter control circuit 142 needs to be grounded, or when the capacitor, inductor, PIN transistor, varactor diode, photosensitive PIN transistor, photosensitive varactor diode, etc. (not shown in FIG10B ) in the phase shifter module 146 needs to be grounded.

[0180] In addition to the components shown in FIG. 10A , the phase shifter module 146 may further include a conductor post 1464 , one end of which is electrically connected to the ground of the phase shifter 141 and / or the ground of the phase shifter control circuit 142 , and the other end of which is electrically connected to the metal base 145 and exposed outside the packaging shell 1463 , so as to achieve grounding of the phase shifter module 146 .

[0181] In some embodiments, the phase shifter module 146 or the phase shifter 141 may be an independent passive device welded to the metal film 144 .

[0182] In other embodiments, to avoid grounding of the phase shifter 141, one or a combination of the above-mentioned switch line phase shifter and load phase shifter may be used. In particular, the load phase shifter may replace the grounding portion with a microstrip line.

[0183] In addition, an embodiment of the present application further provides an antenna device, which may include the feed network 14 shown in FIG. 9A , FIG. 9D , or FIG. 9E , and an antenna array including one or more antenna units 16 . The connection relationship between the feed network 14 and the antenna unit 16 can be found in the relevant descriptions in FIG. 5A , FIG. 5B , etc., and will not be repeated here.

[0184] It should be understood that in this application, "electrical connection" should be understood in a broad sense, and can include direct electrical connection or indirect electrical connection. Direct electrical connection can be understood as physical contact and electrical conduction between components, and can also be understood as a form of connection between different components in a circuit structure through physical lines such as printed circuit board (PCB) copper foil or wires that can transmit electrical signals; indirect connection can be understood as two components being electrically connected through other components / circuits. "Communication connection" can refer to the transmission of electrical signals, including wireless communication connection and wired communication connection. Wireless communication connection does not require a physical medium and does not belong to a connection relationship that limits the product structure.

[0185] The term "at least one" in this application means one or more, and the term "plurality" in this application means two or more.

[0186] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the description and claims of the embodiments of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0187] The above are merely optional embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and such modifications or substitutions should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A feeding network, characterized in that: include: Dielectric substrates, metal films, metal backsheets and phase shifters; The dielectric substrate comprises a first surface, and the metal film and the phase shifter are arranged on the first surface; The metal film is used to electrically connect the input end of the radio frequency channel and the phase shifter, and to electrically connect the phase shifter and the antenna unit; The phase shifter is used to adjust the phase of the radio frequency signal, and each of the phase shifters includes at least one photosensitive device; The at least one light-sensitive device is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter based on the received light; The metal bottom plate is opposite to the first surface and spaced apart from each other. The metal bottom plate is used for grounding. The metal bottom plate includes at least one through hole arranged relative to the at least one photosensitive device. The through hole is used to expose the corresponding photosensitive device.

2. The feeding network according to claim 1, characterized in that The photosensitive device is a PIN type photodiode.

3. The feeding network according to claim 2, characterized in that The phase shifter is a switch line phase shifter, a load phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter, a high-low pass phase shifter or a vector synthesis phase shifter.

4. The feeding network according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The feed network further includes a first controller, a first drive circuit and at least one light source; the at least one light source is respectively arranged relative to the at least one through hole so that the light emitted by the light source is received by the photosensitive device through the through hole; the first controller is electrically connected to the first drive circuit, and the first controller is used to control the first drive circuit; The first driving circuit is used to drive the at least one light source to be turned on or off.

5. The feeding network according to claim 1, characterized in that The photosensitive device is a photosensitive varactor diode or a varactor diode and a photodiode connected in series.

6. The feeding network according to claim 5, characterized in that The phase shifter is a load phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter or a high-low pass phase shifter.

7. The feeding network according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The feed network further includes a second controller, a second drive circuit and at least one light source; the at least one light source is respectively arranged relative to the at least one through hole so that the light emitted by the light source is received by the photosensitive device through the through hole; the second controller is electrically connected to the drive circuit, and the second controller is used to control the second drive circuit; The second driving circuit is used to control the light intensity of the at least one light source.

8. The feeding network according to claim 4 or 7, characterized in that: The feeding network also includes a circuit board, which is arranged opposite to and spaced from the surface of the metal base plate facing away from the dielectric substrate. The at least one light source is fixed on the circuit board at a position corresponding to the through hole. The circuit board is used for the electrical connection between the controller and the driving circuit and the electrical connection between the driving circuit and the at least one light source.

9. The feeding network according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The feeding network further comprises a metal column, one end of which is electrically connected to the ground end of the phase shifter; and the other end of which is electrically connected to the metal bottom plate.

10. A feeding network, characterized in that: include: A dielectric substrate, a metal film, a metal bottom plate, a phase shifter and at least one phase shifter control circuit; The dielectric substrate comprises a first surface, and the metal film and the phase shifter are arranged on the first surface; The metal film is used to electrically connect the input end of the radio frequency channel and the phase shifter, and to electrically connect the phase shifter and the antenna unit; The phase shifter is used to adjust the phase of the radio frequency signal; The phase shifter includes at least one switching device; The phase shifter control circuit includes a photodiode, and the phase shifter control circuit is used to drive the switch device to be turned on or off according to the state of the photodiode, and the switch device is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter; The metal bottom plate is opposite to the first surface and is spaced apart from each other. The metal bottom plate is used for grounding. The metal bottom plate includes at least one through hole. The at least one through hole is respectively arranged relative to the photodiode in the at least one phase shifter control circuit. The through hole is used to expose the corresponding photodiode.

11. The feeding network according to claim 10, characterized in that The photosensitive device is a PIN type photodiode.

12. The feeding network according to claim 11, characterized in that The phase shifter is a switch line phase shifter, a load phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter, a high-low pass phase shifter or a vector synthesis phase shifter.

13. The feeding network according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The feed network further comprises a controller, a driving circuit and at least one light source; the at least one light source is respectively arranged relative to the at least one through hole so that the light emitted by the light source is received by the photosensitive device through the through hole; the controller is electrically connected to the driving circuit, and the controller is used to control the driving circuit; The driving circuit is used to drive the at least one light source to be turned on or off.

14. The feeding network according to claim 13, characterized in that The feeding network also includes a circuit board, which is arranged opposite to and spaced from the surface of the metal base plate facing away from the dielectric substrate. The at least one light source is fixed on the circuit board at a position corresponding to the through hole. The circuit board is used for the electrical connection between the controller and the driving circuit and the electrical connection between the driving circuit and the at least one light source.

15. The feeding network according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that: The feeding network further comprises a metal column, one end of which is electrically connected to the ground end of the phase shifter; and the other end of which is electrically connected to the metal bottom plate.

16. The feeding network according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that: The phase shifter control circuit further includes: a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, a fourth resistor, a fifth resistor, a first switch tube and a first inductor; The control end of the first switch tube is grounded through the first resistor; the control end of the first switch tube is also electrically connected to the positive electrode of the photodiode, and the negative electrode of the photodiode is electrically connected to the first power supply through the second resistor; the first end of the first switch tube is electrically connected to the first power supply through the third resistor; the second end of the first switch tube is grounded through the fourth resistor; the second end of the first switch tube is electrically connected to one end of the first inductor through the fifth resistor, and the other end of the first inductor is used to electrically connect the switching device.

17. The feeding network according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that: The phase shifter control circuit further includes: a sixth resistor, a seventh resistor, an eighth resistor, a first operational amplifier, a ninth resistor, a first electrically controlled switch and a second inductor; the first operational amplifier includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal and an output terminal; the first electrically controlled switch includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal; The cathode of the photodiode is electrically connected to the second power supply through the sixth resistor; the anode of the photodiode is grounded; the seventh resistor and the eighth resistor are connected in series between the second power supply and the ground; the first input end of the first operational amplifier is electrically connected to the cathode of the photodiode and the common end of the sixth resistor; the second input end of the first operational amplifier is electrically connected to the common end of the eighth resistor and the seventh resistor; the output end of the first operational amplifier is electrically connected to the second power supply through the ninth resistor, and is electrically connected to the first end of the first electronically controlled switch; the second end of the first electronically controlled switch is electrically connected to the third power supply; the third end of the first electronically controlled switch is electrically connected to the fourth power supply; the fourth end of the first electronically controlled switch is electrically connected to one end of the second inductor; the other end of the second inductor is electrically connected to the switching device; When the photodiode is turned on, the output terminal of the first operational amplifier outputs a first level signal; when the first level signal is input to the first terminal of the first electronically controlled switch, the fourth terminal of the first electronically controlled switch outputs the third power supply, so that the switch device is in a first working state; When the photodiode is disconnected, the output terminal of the first operational amplifier outputs a second level signal; when the first terminal of the first electronically controlled switch inputs the second level signal, the fourth terminal of the first electronically controlled switch outputs the fourth power supply, so that the switch device is in a second working state; The first working state is on, and the second working state is off; or, the first working state is off, and the second working state is on.

18. The feeding network according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that: The phase shifter control circuit further includes: a tenth resistor, a third photodiode, an eleventh resistor, a second switch tube, a second electric-controlled switch and a third inductor; wherein the second electric-controlled switch includes a first end, a second end, a third end and a fourth end; The cathode of the photodiode is electrically connected to a fifth power supply via a tenth resistor; the anode of the photodiode is grounded; The control end of the second switch tube is electrically connected to the common end of the tenth resistor and the photodiode, and the first end of the second switch tube is electrically connected to the fifth power supply through the eleventh resistor; the second end of the second switch tube is grounded, the first end of the second electric-controlled switch is electrically connected to the first end of the second switch tube, and the second end of the second electric-controlled switch is electrically connected to the sixth power supply; the third end of the second electric-controlled switch is electrically connected to the seventh power supply; the fourth end of the second electric-controlled switch is electrically connected to one end of the third inductor; the other end of the third inductor is electrically connected to the switch device; When the photodiode is turned on, the first end of the second switch tube outputs a third level signal; when the first end of the second electronically controlled switch inputs the third level signal, the fourth end of the second electronically controlled switch outputs the sixth power supply, so that the switch device is in the first working state; When the photodiode is disconnected, the first end of the second switch tube outputs a fourth level signal; when the first end of the second electronically controlled switch inputs the fourth level signal, the fourth end of the second electronically controlled switch outputs the seventh power supply, so that the switch device is in a second working state; The first working state is on, and the second working state is off; or, the first working state is off, and the second working state is on.

19. An antenna device, characterized in that: Comprising a feeding network and an antenna array as described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. An active antenna unit, characterized in that: It comprises a radio frequency channel, a feeding network as described in any one of claims 1 to 18, and an antenna array.

21. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising the antenna device according to claim 19 or the active antenna unit according to claim 20.

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