Phase shifter, feed network, antenna apparatus, and communication device

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communications, and provides a phase shifter, a feed network, an antenna apparatus, and a communication device. The phase shifter comprises: first through third ends, a first branch provided with a switch unit, a second branch, and a phase shift unit connected across the two branches; two ends of the first branch are respectively connected to the first end and the second end, and two ends of the second branch are respectively connected to the first end and the third end; when the switch unit is in a first state, the first branch is turned on, and there are two signal paths in the phase shifter, one comprising: a signal path among the first end, the first branch and the second end, and the other comprising: a signal path among the first end, the second branch and the third end; and when the switch unit is in a second state, the first branch is turned off, and there are two signal paths in the phase shifter, one comprising: a signal path between the phase shift unit and the second end, and the other comprising: a signal path between the second branch and the third end. In this way, one switch unit implements switching between different beams.

Description

Phase shifter, feed network, antenna device and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202410869459.9, filed on June 28, 2024, entitled "Phase shifter, feed network, antenna device and communication device", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication, in particular to a phase shifter, a feed network, an antenna device and a communication device. BACKGROUND

[0003] Beamforming is a technology of directional transmission or reception of signals using an antenna array. In a communication system, the phase of an antenna can be adjusted by a phase shifter, and the beam synthesis in space can be achieved by using electromagnetic interference superposition, thereby realizing spatial beamforming.

[0004] To realize the switching between wide beam and narrow beam in a communication system, a single-bit phase shifter is usually used to adjust the phase of a radio frequency signal. The single-bit phase shifter can change the phase of the input radio frequency signal by a fixed angle, for example, 0 degrees or 180 degrees.

[0005] However, the single-bit phase shifter is provided with at least two radio frequency switches, which is high in cost. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides a phase shifter, a feed network, an antenna device and a communication device, which helps to reduce the number of radio frequency switches in the phase shifter and reduce the cost.

[0007] In a first aspect, a phase shifter is provided, comprising: a first end, a second end, a third end, a first branch provided with a switch unit, a second branch, and a phase shift unit; one end of the first branch and one end of the second branch are connected with the first end, the other end of the first branch is connected with the second end, the other end of the second branch is connected with the third end, one end of the phase shift unit is connected with the other end of the first branch, and the other end of the phase shift unit is connected with the other end of the second branch; the first branch is configured to conduct to transmit a signal when the switch unit is in a first state; the first branch is further configured to be cut off when the switch unit is in a second state; and the second branch is configured to transmit a signal.

[0008] In the case where the switch unit is in the first state, the phase shifter has a first signal path and a second signal path, the first signal path includes a signal path between the first end, the first branch and the second end, and the second signal path includes a signal path between the first end, the second branch and the third end; wherein the first signal path is used for transmitting the first signal, the second signal path is used for transmitting the second signal, and the relative phase shift between the first signal and the second signal is the first value.

[0009] In the case where the switch unit is in the second state, the phase shifter has a third signal path and a fourth signal path, the third signal path includes a signal path between the second branch, the phase shift unit and the second end, and the fourth signal path includes a signal path between the second branch and the third end; wherein the third signal path is used for transmitting the third signal, the fourth signal path is used for transmitting the fourth signal, the second branch is used for transmitting the third signal and the fourth signal, and the relative phase shift between the third signal and the fourth signal is the second value, which is different from the first value.

[0010] The phase shifter can correspond to the phase shifter shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 8 below. The switch unit can correspond to the switch unit in the phase shifter shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 8 below.

[0011] In this way, the control of different phase shifts of the phase shifter on the signal can be realized by one switch, and the switching of the two beams can be realized. The number of radio frequency switches in the phase shifter is small, the cost is small, and the power consumption is small. In addition, the power division circuit and the phase shift unit are integrated in one phase shifter, the insertion loss is small, and the cost is reduced.

[0012] In a possible implementation, in the case where the switch unit is in the first state, the potential difference between the two ends of the phase shift unit is less than or equal to a threshold value.

[0013] The threshold value can be 0, 1V, 2V or any value, which is not limited here. In this way, the potential difference between the two ends of the phase shift unit is small, which can reduce the case that the signal is divided to another port for transmission due to the potential difference, reduce the case that the power of the signal is reduced due to the division of the phase shift unit, and improve the quality of the beam.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the phase shifter further includes: a first matching unit, a second matching unit, and / or a third matching unit, the first matching unit is located between the first end and the switch unit; the second matching unit is located between the switch unit and the second end; the third matching unit is located between the first end and the third end; the first matching unit is configured to adjust the potential of the signal in the first branch when the first branch is turned on, so that the potential difference between the two ends of the phase shifting unit is less than or equal to a threshold; the second matching unit is configured to adjust the potential of the signal in the first branch when the first branch is turned on, so that the potential difference between the two ends of the phase shifting unit is less than or equal to a threshold; and the third matching unit is configured to adjust the potential of the signal in the second branch when the first branch is turned on, so that the potential difference between the two ends of the phase shifting unit is less than or equal to a threshold.

[0015] The first matching unit, the second matching unit, and the third matching unit are matching units in the phase shifter shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 8.

[0016] In this way, the potential of the signal in the first branch and / or the second branch is adjusted by the matching unit, so that the potential difference between the two ends of the phase shifting unit is small.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the phase shifting unit includes at least one of the following: a microstrip line, a shiftman structure phase shifting unit, a T structure phase shifting unit, a coupled line structure phase shifting unit, a low pass network structure phase shifting unit, a high pass network structure phase shifting unit, a switch line phase shifter, a load line phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter, a high-low pass phase shifter, and a vector synthesis phase shifter.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the switch unit is connected in series in the first branch; the first state is an on state; the second state is an off state; one end of the switch unit is connected to one end of the first branch, and the other end of the switch unit is connected to the other end of the first branch.

[0019] The switch unit can correspond to the switch unit shown in FIG. 3 below. In this way, the switch unit can be connected to the first branch in series.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the phase shifter includes: a first matching unit and a second matching unit, one end of the switch unit is connected in the first branch, and the other end of the switch unit is grounded; the first state is an off state, and the second state is an on state; the first matching unit and the second matching unit are further configured to form an open point when the switch unit is in the on state, so that the first branch is cut off, and the phase shifter has a third signal path and a fourth signal path.

[0021] The switch unit can correspond to the switch unit shown in FIG. 8 below. In this way, the switch unit can be connected to the first branch in parallel.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the phase shifter further includes: an impedance module, a first end of the impedance module is connected with one end of the switch unit, and another end of the impedance module is connected with another end of the switch unit, and the impedance module is configured to increase the impedance when the switch unit is in the off state.

[0023] The impedance module can correspond to the impedance module shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 9. In this way, the impedance when the switch unit is off can be increased by the impedance module, the isolation when the switch unit is in the off state can be increased, and energy dissipation can be reduced.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the impedance module includes: a first inductor, one end of the first inductor is connected with one end of the switch unit, and another end of the first inductor is connected with another end of the switch unit, and the first inductor is configured to increase the impedance when the switch unit is in the off state.

[0025] In this way, the inductor module can form parallel resonance with the equivalent capacitance when the radio frequency switch is off, filter out the signal of the alternating current in the first branch. The impedance when the radio frequency switch is in the off state can be increased by the inductor, the isolation in the off state can be increased, and energy dissipation can be reduced.

[0026] In a second aspect, a feeding network is provided, and the feeding network includes: a first phase shifter, the phase shifter in any possible implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the feeding network further includes: a second phase shifter, and / or a third phase shifter; the second phase shifter is located between the second end of the first phase shifter and the first antenna, and the third phase shifter is located between the third end of the second phase shifter and the second antenna.

[0028] In this way, the phase of the signal in the signal path can be further adjusted, and the phase shift of the signal can be increased.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the feeding network further includes: a fourth phase shifter, and / or a fifth phase shifter; a first end of the fourth phase shifter is connected with the second end of the first phase shifter, and a first end of the fifth phase shifter is connected with the third end of the first phase shifter; the fourth phase shifter is the phase shifter in any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, and the fifth phase shifter is the phase shifter in any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0030] In this way, multiple load driving and multiple beam degrees of freedom can be achieved.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the feeding network further includes: a first power-division phase-shifting unit and / or a second power-division phase-shifting unit; the first power-division phase-shifting unit includes one first-type port and N second-type ports, where N is an integer greater than 1; the first-type port of the first power-division phase-shifting unit is connected to the second end of the first phase shifter; the first power-division phase-shifting unit is configured to divide a signal input from the first-type port into N signals and output the N signals through the N second-type ports; or, the first power-division phase-shifting unit is configured to combine signals input from the N second-type ports into one signal; the second power-division phase-shifting unit includes one third-type port and M fourth-type ports, where M is an integer greater than 1; the second power-division phase-shifting unit is configured to divide a signal input from the third-type port into M signals and output the M signals through the N fourth-type ports; or, the second power-division phase-shifting unit is configured to combine signals input from the M fourth-type ports into one signal; the first power-division phase-shifting unit includes A sixth phase shifters and / or B seventh phase shifters; the seventh phase shifter is the phase shifter in any of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect; one end of the sixth phase shifter is connected to the first-type port, the other end of the sixth phase shifter is connected to the second-type port, the first end of the seventh phase shifter is connected to the first-type port, the second end of the seventh phase shifter is connected to the second-type port, and the third end of the seventh phase shifter is connected to the second-type port.

[0032] In this way, multiple load driving and multiple beam degrees of freedom can be implemented.

[0033] In a third aspect, an antenna device is provided, including: a radiation unit and the feeding network in any of the possible implementation manners of the second aspect; the radiation unit is electrically connected to the feeding network.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: the antenna device in any of the possible implementation manners of the third aspect.

[0035] It should be understood that the second aspect to the fourth aspect of the present application correspond to the technical solution of the first aspect of the present application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding possible implementation manners are similar, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an antenna device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a feeding network in a possible design;

[0038] FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG. 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a switch unit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG. 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a phase-shifting unit provided by an embodiment of the present application when the phase-shifting unit is a fixed phase shifter;

[0041] Fig. 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a phase shifter unit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Fig. 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a matching unit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Fig. 8 is a structural schematic diagram of another phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Fig. 9 is a structural schematic diagram of a switch unit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Fig. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a first feed network provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Fig. 11 is a structural schematic diagram of a second feed network provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Fig. 12 is a structural schematic diagram of a third feed network provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Fig. 13 is a structural schematic diagram of a fourth feed network provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces some terms and technologies involved in the embodiments of the present application:

[0050] 1. Beamforming

[0051] Beamforming is a signal processing technique that can form a beam with a specific directivity by adjusting the phase and amplitude of the transmitted or received signal, thereby enhancing the transmission and reception performance of the signal. The principle of beamforming is to use the principle of wave interference. The principle of wave interference is that when a wave crest meets a wave crest, or a wave trough meets a wave trough, the energy is added, the wave crest is higher, and the wave trough is deeper. When a wave crest meets a wave trough, they cancel each other out. Beamforming can also be called beamforming, spatial filtering, etc.

[0052] Beamforming can be achieved by mirrors, lenses, and phased array units. Beamforming can be used at the signal transmitting end and the signal receiving end. Compared with mirrors and lenses, when beamforming is achieved by phased array units, the beam direction angle can be adjusted and controlled, and it has higher flexibility.

[0053] 2. Phase shifter

[0054] Phase shifters are key components in beamforming technology. Their main function is to change the phase of radio frequency signals, creating the required phase difference between signals from different antennas. The performance of phase shifters directly affects the beam quality of base stations, and their main indicators include phase stability, insertion loss, switching speed, and operating bandwidth.

[0055] A phase shifter may include a transmission line, an RF switch, and a control circuit. The control circuit regulates the voltage of the RF switch to switch it on and off to switch different states. The RF signal travels a different path length through the transmission line in different states of the RF switch, resulting in different phase differences.

[0056] 3. Radio Frequency Switch (RF switch)

[0057] A radio frequency (RF) switch is an electronic component that controls the switching of radio frequency channels. RF switches can include mechanical switches, ferrite switches, gallium nitride (GaN) switches, silicon-on-insulator (SOI) switches, and PIN switches, etc. Different types of switches have their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of power capacity, response time, insertion loss, linearity, cost, and reliability, which will not be described in detail here.

[0058] 4. Terminal equipment

[0059] The terminal equipment in this application embodiment can also be referred to as: user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device, etc.

[0060] The terminal device can be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to a user, for example, a handheld device with wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. At present, some examples of terminal devices include: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5G network, or a terminal device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., which are not limited in the present application.

[0061] By way of example and not limitation, in this application, the terminal device can be a terminal device in an internet of things (IoT) system. The internet of things is an important part of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is to connect objects through communication technology and network, so as to realize the intelligent network of man-machine interconnection and object-object interconnection. Illustratively, the terminal device in the embodiments of the present application can be a wearable device. The wearable device can also be called a wearable smart device, which is a general term for smart design and development of wearable devices such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing and shoes through wearable technology. The wearable device is a portable device that can be directly worn on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. The wearable device is not only a hardware device, but also can realize powerful functions through software support and data interaction, cloud interaction. The general wearable smart device includes a full function, large size, and can realize complete or partial functions without relying on a smart phone, such as a smart watch or smart glasses, and only focuses on a certain application function, and needs to cooperate with other devices such as a smart phone, such as various smart wristbands, smart jewelry and the like for monitoring vital signs.

[0062] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in machine type communication (MTC). In addition, the terminal device can also be a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted component, a vehicle-mounted chip or a vehicle-mounted unit, etc. built-in as one or more components or units in a vehicle. The vehicle can implement the method provided in the present application through the built-in vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted module, vehicle-mounted component, vehicle-mounted chip or vehicle-mounted unit, etc. Therefore, the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to the Internet of Vehicles, such as vehicle to everything (V2X), long term evolution-vehicle (LTE-V), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technology, etc.

[0063] 5、Network device

[0064] The network device involved in the present application can be a device communicating with a terminal device, which can also be referred to as an access network device or a radio access network device, which can be a transmission reception point (TRP), and can also be an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, and can also be a home base station (for example, a home evolved NodeB or a home NodeB, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), and can also be a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or the network device can be a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a network device in a 5G network or a future evolved PLMN network, and can also be an access point (AP) in a WLAN, and can also be a gNB in an NR system, and the network device can also be a city base station, a micro base station, a pico base station, a femto base station, and the like, and the present application does not limit the network device.

[0065] 6. Other terms

[0066] In the embodiments of the present application, the same items or similar items with basically the same functions and effects are distinguished by using "first", "second", and the like. For example, the first value and the second value are only used to distinguish different values, and the order is not limited. Those skilled in the art can understand that "first", "second", and the like do not limit the quantity and execution order, and "first", "second", and the like do not necessarily mean different.

[0067] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to represent an example, an illustration or an explanation. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in the present application should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Rather, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to present the relevant concept in a specific manner.

[0068] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. The "and / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent the following three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character "or" generally represents the "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after it. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions means any combination of these items, including any combination of single item or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0069] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication device with a wireless communication function. For example, the communication device can be a communication device such as a terminal device, a network device, a radar, or a wireless charging device, or can be a device for realizing the function of the communication device, such as an antenna device in a network device, a wireless communication module in a terminal device, an electrically adjustable phased antenna, etc. Here, no specific limitation is made.

[0070] It can be understood that, taking a communication base station as an example, the main component for information transmission between the communication base station and a terminal device is an antenna system. Generally, the antenna system includes an antenna device, a fixed support, a guyed mast, and a grounding device, etc., wherein the antenna device is fixed on the guyed mast through the fixed support. In actual application, the position and angle of the fixed support can be adjusted to adjust the position and installation angle of the antenna device on the guyed mast.

[0071] In addition, one end of the antenna device can also be connected with the grounding device through a connecting piece to ensure the grounding of the antenna device. The end of the connecting piece connected with the antenna device and the end of the connecting piece connected with the grounding device are both provided with a joint sealing piece to ensure the connection sealing of the two ends of the connecting piece with the antenna device and the grounding device, respectively. It can be understood that the joint sealing piece can be an insulating sealing tape such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulating tape.

[0072] In specific application, the antenna system is usually located in a radome. The radome is a structural member for protecting the antenna system from external environment, which has good electromagnetic wave penetration characteristics in electrical performance and can withstand the action of external harsh environment in mechanical performance. The antenna system is protected by the radome to prevent the antenna system from being damaged by falling dust or water.

[0073] Exemplarily, FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an antenna device provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, the antenna device includes a feed network 101 and an antenna array 102. The antenna array 102 can include a plurality of radiating elements 103 arranged in an array.

[0074] One end of the feed network 101 is connected with the antenna array 102, and the other end of the feed network 101 is connected with a radio frequency circuit (not shown in the figure), so that the radio frequency signals are transmitted between the antenna array 102 and the radio frequency circuit. For example, the other end of the feed network 101 is connected with a radio frequency signal port in the radio frequency circuit.

[0075] The feed network 101 is configured to feed the radio frequency signals to the radiating elements 103 in the antenna array 102 according to certain amplitudes and phases. The radiating elements 103 are configured to radiate the radio frequency signals.

[0076] Exemplarily, the feed network 101 can divide the radio frequency signals into N signals, and transmit the N signals to N radiating elements 103 in the antenna array 102 respectively. The N radiating elements 103 can convert the N signals into electromagnetic waves and radiate the electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic waves radiated by the N radiating elements 103 can be combined by electromagnetic interference and superposition to realize beamforming in space.

[0077] In the embodiment of the present application, the feed network 101 includes a phase shifter configured to adjust the phase of the signal transmitted by the feed network 101, so that the radio frequency signals transmitted by the feed network have two or more than two phase changes, thereby realizing the change of different beams.

[0078] In some embodiments, the feed network 101 is further configured to transmit the radio frequency signals received by the antenna array 102 to the radio frequency circuit according to certain amplitudes and phases. The radiating elements 103 are configured to receive the radio frequency signals.

[0079] Exemplarily, the feed network 101 can combine a plurality of radio frequency signals received by the plurality of radiating elements 103, and transmit the combined radio frequency signals to the radio frequency circuit. The feed network 101 can adjust the phase of the radio frequency signals received by the radiating elements 103 through the phase shifter, so as to adjust the amplitude, phase and the like of the combined radio frequency signals.

[0080] In addition, the feeding network 101 can further include modules for expanding performance, such as power dividers, filters, and the like. The power divider can be used to divide one signal into multiple signals for transmission to different radiation units for radiation; or when used reversely, the power divider can be used to combine multiple signals into one signal for transmission to a communication device for processing. The filter can be used to filter the radio frequency signal to filter out the interference signal and improve the purity of the radio frequency signal. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically describe the filter and the power divider, and the related content of the prior art can be referred to.

[0081] In the embodiments of the present application, the radiation unit 103 can be used for radiation of radio frequency signals and can also be used for reception of radio frequency signals. Multiple radiation units 103 can improve the channel capacity of the antenna device and improve the information transmission speed of the antenna device. The multiple radiation units 103 can work independently of each other or can work in combination. Each radiation unit 103 in the antenna device can be used to cover a single or multiple communication frequency bands. Different radiation units 103 can also be multiplexed to improve the utilization rate of the antenna device, which is conducive to the miniaturization and integration of the antenna device.

[0082] In the embodiments of the present application, the radiation unit 103 can work in any one or more of the existing frequency band ranges, for example: the existing frequency bands can include a low frequency band (400 MHz to 433 MHz, 868 MHz to 960 MHz) applied to low frequency narrowband communication technology; a frequency band (1575.42 MHz, 1227.60 MHz, 1561 MHz and 1207 MHz) applied to satellite search positioning such as Beidou and global positioning system (GPS); can also include a 2G frequency band (1800 MHz GSM), a WiFi / Bluetooth frequency band (2400 MHz), a 4G frequency band (1880 MHz to 1900 MHz, 2320 MHz to 2370 MHz, 2575 MHz to 2635 MHz), a 5G frequency band (3300 MHz to 3400 MHz, 3400 MHz to 3600 MHz, 4800 MHz to 5000 MHz), a 6G frequency band (100 GHz to 10 THz) and the like. The radiation unit 103 can also work in other existing frequency band ranges not listed in the present application, or can work in future frequency band ranges that can be added, which are not limited by the present application.

[0083] The antenna device can further include a reflecting plate, the feeding network 101 and the radiating unit 102 are located on the same side of the reflecting plate, so as to improve the receiving sensitivity of the antenna device to electromagnetic wave signals. For example, the electromagnetic wave signals can be gathered on the radiating unit 102 of the receiving antenna through reflection, which not only greatly enhances the receiving or transmitting capability of the antenna device, but also blocks and shields other waves from the back (opposite direction) of the reflecting plate from interfering with the received signals.

[0084] When the antenna device is an array antenna, the plurality of radiating units 102 are arranged in an array on the reflecting plate, that is, an antenna array is formed on the reflecting plate 30. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the arrangement mode of the plurality of radiating units.

[0085] For example, FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a feeding network in a possible design. Taking the feeding network connecting two radiating units, the radiating unit 1 and the radiating unit 2 as an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the feeding network can include a power divider 201 and a phase shifter 202. The power divider 201 can include an input end 1a, an output end 1b and an output end 1c. The input end 1a is used to access a radio frequency signal, the output end 1b is connected with the radiating unit 1, and the output end 1c is connected with one end of the phase shifter 202. The other end of the phase shifter 202 is connected with the radiating unit 2.

[0086] The power divider 201 is used to divide the radio frequency signal input from the input end 1a into signal 1 and signal 2, and output them from the output end 1b and the output end 1c respectively. The phase shifter 202 is used to adjust the phase of the signal 2 output from the output end 1c, so that the signal 2 received by the radiating unit 2 has two phase changes, thereby realizing the change of two beams.

[0087] It should be noted that, in order to realize the switching between the wide beam and the narrow beam, the phase shift difference of the signal in the two states of the phase shifter used in the antenna device is large, for example, 45°, 90°, etc.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 2b, the phase shifter 202 includes a radio frequency switch S1, a radio frequency switch S2, a microstrip line L1, a microstrip line L2 and a microstrip line L3. As can be seen from the figure, two paths, path A and path B, are included between node A and node B. The path A includes node A, the radio frequency switch S1 and node B, and can realize a phase shift of Φ°. The path B includes node A, the microstrip line L1, the microstrip line L2 and node B, and can realize a phase shift of (Φ+Ψ)°. Φ and Ψ can be any value.

[0089] The radio frequency switch S1 is used to control the conduction or cutoff of the path A. Specifically, when the radio frequency switch S1 is turned on, the path A is turned on; when the radio frequency switch S1 is turned off, the path A is turned off.

[0090] The radio frequency switch S2 is used to control the on or off of the path B. It can be understood that when the radio frequency switch S2 is on, the nodes A and B in the path B can be equivalent to a λ / 4 ground, and the nodes A and B are both open circuit points, and the path B is in a high resistance state, and is off. When the radio frequency switch S2 is off, the path B is in a low resistance state, and is on.

[0091] The phase shifts of the two states of the phase shifter shown in b of FIG. 2 are described below.

[0092] When the radio frequency switch S1 and the radio frequency switch S2 are both on, the path A is on, the path B is off, and the phase shifter achieves a phase shift of Φ°. When the radio frequency switch S1 and the radio frequency switch S2 are both off, the path A is off, the path B is on, and the phase shifter achieves a phase shift of (Φ+Ψ)°. Through the control of the two radio frequency switches, the phase shifter 202 can achieve a relative phase shift control of Ψ°.

[0093] It should be noted that the phase shifter shown in b of FIG. 2 does not include the radio frequency switch S2. When the radio frequency switch S1 is on, the signal is divided into two paths at the node A, and is transmitted through the path A and the path B respectively, and is combined into one path at the node B. Since the path A and the path B have different phase shifts of the signal, the phases of the signals transmitted through the path A and the path B are different, which causes the power of the combined signal at the node B to be reduced. Compared with the case where the phase shifter includes the radio frequency switch S2, the insertion loss of the phase shifter without the radio frequency switch S2 is larger.

[0094] For example, as shown in c of FIG. 2, the phase shifter includes a radio frequency switch S3, a radio frequency switch S4, a microstrip line L4, a microstrip line L5 and a microstrip line L6. The microstrip line L5 and the microstrip line L6 include a capacitor and an inductor in parallel.

[0095] The radio frequency switch S3 is used to control the connection of the microstrip line L4 with the capacitor or the inductor in the microstrip line L5. When the microstrip line L4 is connected with the capacitor, the phase of the signal will increase by Φ°; and when the microstrip line L4 is connected with the inductor, the phase of the signal will decrease by Ψ°.

[0096] The radio frequency switch S4 is used to control the connection of the microstrip line L4 with the capacitor or the inductor in the microstrip line L6. When the microstrip line L4 is connected with the capacitor, the phase of the signal will increase by Φ°; and when the microstrip line L4 is connected with the inductor, the phase of the signal will decrease by Ψ°.

[0097] The phase shifts of the two states of the phase shifter shown in c of FIG. 2 are described below.

[0098] When both the radio frequency switch S1 and the radio frequency switch S2 are connected to the inductor, the phase shifter achieves a phase shift of -2Ψ°. When both the radio frequency switch S1 and the radio frequency switch S2 are turned off, the phase shifter achieves a phase shift of 2Φ°. Through the control of the two radio frequency switches, the phase shifter 202 can achieve a relative phase shift control of 2(Φ+Ψ)°. Both Φ and Ψ can be any value.

[0099] It should be noted that the phase shifter shown in FIG. 2 does not include the radio frequency switch S2. When the radio frequency switch S1 is turned on, the signal is divided into two paths at the node A and transmitted through the path A and the path B respectively, and combined into one path at the node B. Since the path A and the path B have different phase shifts on the signal, the phases of the signals transmitted through the path A and the path B are different, resulting in a decrease in the power of the combined signal at the node B. Compared with the case where the phase shifter includes the radio frequency switch S2, the insertion loss of the phase shifter without the radio frequency switch S2 is larger.

[0100] It can be understood that the phase shifter shown in FIG. 2 does not include the radio frequency switch S2 and the microstrip line L6. The relative phase shift of the phase shifter is reduced to (Φ+Ψ)°. If the relative phase shift is increased from (Φ+Ψ)° to 2(Φ+Ψ)°, the capacitance and the inductance need to be adjusted. In this way, the insertion loss of the phase shifter is increased.

[0101] In summary, in the possible design of the feed network, when the phase shift is performed by the phase shifter using one radio frequency switch, the relative phase shift is small, which can not meet the requirement of the relative phase shift; or the relative phase shift is small, and the insertion loss of the phase shifter is large, so that the power of the phase-shifted signal is small, which can cause the power of the signal to not meet the requirement. When the phase shift is performed by the phase shifter using two radio frequency switches, the relative phase shift is large, and the insertion loss is small. However, the cost of the two radio frequency switches is high, so that the cost of the phase shifter is high.

[0102] In addition, in the possible design of the feed network, the power divider and the phase shifter are independent devices, and the occupied area is large. Moreover, the power divider and the phase shifter need to be connected through the connecting line, so that the length of the signal wiring is long, and the loss is large.

[0103] Therefore, the embodiments of the present application provide a phase shifter, a feed network, an antenna device and a communication device. The phase shifter includes two branches and a phase shifting unit. One of the two branches is provided with a radio frequency switch, and the phase shifting unit is connected across the two branches. In this way, through the control of the on or off of the radio frequency switch, the switching of the signal path in the phase shifter is realized, and the change of the signal phase is realized.

[0104] For example, FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 3, the phase shifter comprises a first port 2a, a second port 2b, a third port 2c, a first branch 301, a second branch 302, and a phase shift unit 303; wherein the first branch is provided with a switch unit S5, and the phase shift unit 303 is connected between the first branch 301 and the second branch 302.

[0105] Specifically, one end of the first branch 301 and one end of the second branch 302 are connected and form a node N1; the other end of the first branch 301 and one end of the phase shift unit are connected and form a node N2; the other end of the second branch 302 and the other end of the phase shift unit 303 are connected and form a node N3. The node N1 is connected with the first port 2a, the node N2 is connected with the second port 2b, and the node N3 is connected with the third port 2c.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 3, one end of the switch unit S5 is connected with the node N1; the other end of the switch unit S5 is connected with the node N2. It can also be understood that one end of the switch unit S5 is connected with the first port 2a; the other end of the switch unit S5 is connected with the second port 2b.

[0107] In the embodiment of the present application, the switch unit S5 is used to control the first branch 301 to be turned on or turned off, so as to realize two states of the phase shifter.

[0108] In the case that the switch unit S5 is turned on, the phase shifter comprises a signal path A and a signal path B. The signal path A comprises the node N1, the first branch 301, and the node N2. The signal path B comprises the node N1, the second branch 302, and the node N3. The relative phase shift between the signal path A and the signal path B is a fixed value A. The fixed value A can be 0°.

[0109] In the case that the switch unit S5 is turned off, the phase shifter comprises a signal path C and a signal path D. The signal path C comprises the node N1, the second branch 302, and the node N2. The signal path D comprises the node N1, the second branch 302, and the node N3. The relative phase shift between the signal path C and the signal path D is related to the phase shift of the phase shift unit 303. Taking the phase shift of the phase shift unit 303 as Φ1° for example, the relative phase shift between the signal path C and the signal path D is Φ1°.

[0110] It can be understood that, since the signal path B and the signal path D are the same, the phase shift of the signal transmitted by the signal path B is the same as the phase shift of the signal transmitted by the signal path D; the relative phase shift between the signal path A and the signal path C is the difference between the fixed value A and the phase shift of the phase shift unit 303. In this way, the state switching of the two beams with the relative phase shift being the phase shift of the phase shift unit 303 can be realized by a single radio frequency switch, the power dividing circuit and the phase shift unit are fused, and the insertion loss, the area, and the cost are further reduced.

[0111] In the embodiments of the present application, the switch unit S5 can include a radio frequency switch 401 (as shown in FIG. 4a), wherein the radio frequency switch 401 controls the first branch 301 to be turned on or turned off. The first branch is turned on when the radio frequency switch 401 is turned on, and the first branch is turned off when the radio frequency switch 401 is turned off. The radio frequency switch 401 can be any type of switch, and specific details can be referred to the description of the radio frequency switch above, which will not be repeated here.

[0112] In some embodiments, the switch unit S5 includes a radio frequency switch 402 and an impedance module 403 (as shown in FIG. 4b). The radio frequency switch 402 has the same function as the radio frequency switch 401 described above. The impedance module 403 is used to improve the impedance of the first branch when the radio frequency switch 402 is turned off, improve the isolation degree when the radio frequency switch 402 is in the off state, and reduce energy dissipation.

[0113] In the embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG. 4b, the impedance module is connected in parallel with the radio frequency switch. For example, one end of the impedance module 403 is connected to one end of the radio frequency switch 402, and the other end of the impedance module 403 is connected to the other end of the radio frequency switch 402.

[0114] In the embodiments of the present application, the impedance module can include an inductive module. The inductive module is used to form parallel resonance with the equivalent capacitance when the radio frequency switch is turned off, and filter out the signal of the alternating current in the first branch; the inductive module can include one or more inductors; the number of inductors is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0115] In this way, the inductive module can improve the impedance when the radio frequency switch is turned off, improve the isolation degree in the off state, and reduce energy dissipation.

[0116] It can be understood that the impedance module can also include other structures with the function of improving the off impedance, which will not be limited here.

[0117] The phase shift unit 303 is used to adjust the phase of the signal flowing through the phase shift unit 303.

[0118] In the embodiments of the present application, the phase shift unit 303 can be fixed phase shift or adjustable phase shift, which will not be limited here. For example, when the phase shift unit 303 is fixed phase shift, the phase shift unit can be any one of the phase shift structures shown in FIG. 5: microstrip line, shiftman structure, T structure, coupling line, low-pass network, high-pass network, etc. The phase shift structures shown in FIG. 5 are only examples, and the phase shift unit 303 can also be other structures with the same function, which will not be limited here.

[0119] When the phase shift unit 303 is an adjustable phase shifter, the phase shift unit can be any of the phase shift structures shown in FIG. 6: switch line phase shift, load line phase shift, hybrid phase shift, high-low phase shift, vector synthesis phase shift, etc. The phase shift structures shown in FIG. 6 are only examples, and the phase shift unit 303 can also be any other structure that achieves the same function, which is not limited here.

[0120] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the phase shifter can be used to divide one signal into two signals; it can also be used to combine two signals into one signal. The signal transmission processes corresponding to the two cases are described below.

[0121] For example, a radio frequency signal is input from the first port 2a. In the case where the switch unit S5 is in the on state, the radio frequency signal is divided into signal a and signal b at the node N1; signal a is transmitted to the second port 2b through the first branch 301 and the node N2; and signal b is transmitted to the third port 2c through the second branch 302 and the node N3.

[0122] In the case where the switch unit S5 is in the off state, the radio frequency signal is transmitted to the node N3 through the node N1 and the second branch 302, and the radio frequency signal is divided into signal c and signal d at the node N3; signal c is transmitted to the second port 2b through the phase shift unit 303 and the node N2; and signal d is transmitted to the third port 2c.

[0123] In this way, the control of different phase shifts of the signal by the phase shifter can be realized through one switch unit S5, and the switching of the two beams can be realized. The number of radio frequency switches in the phase shifter is small, the cost is small, and the power consumption is small. In addition, the power dividing circuit and the phase shift unit are integrated in one phase shifter, the insertion loss is small, and the cost is reduced.

[0124] For example, radio frequency signal a and radio frequency signal b are input from the second port 2b and the third port 2c respectively. In the case where the switch unit S5 is in the on state, the radio frequency signal a is transmitted to the node N1 through the node N2 and the first branch 301; and the radio frequency signal b is transmitted to the node N1 through the node N3 and the second branch 302. The radio frequency signal a and the radio frequency signal b are combined into one radio frequency signal at the node N1 and transmitted to the first port 2a.

[0125] In the case where the switch unit S5 is in the off state, the radio frequency signal a is transmitted to the node N3 through the node N2 and the phase shift unit 303; and the radio frequency signal b is transmitted to the node N3. The radio frequency signal a and the radio frequency signal b are combined into one radio frequency signal at the node N3 and transmitted to the first port 2a through the second branch 302 and the node N1.

[0126] On the basis of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the phase shifter further comprises a matching unit. The matching unit is configured to control the potential of the two points across which the phase shift unit 303 is connected to be within a threshold range when the first branch is turned on. The threshold can be 1V, or 2V or any value, which is not limited herein. In this way, the situation that the signal is divided into two paths due to the difference between the potential of node N2 and the potential of node N3 and transmitted to another port through the phase shift unit can be reduced. In the embodiment of the present application, the potential can also be referred to as voltage. The potential difference can also be understood as voltage difference.

[0127] It can be understood that, taking the input of the radio frequency signal from the first port 2a as an example. When the potential of node N2 is lower than the potential of node N3, the signal flowing through the second branch 302 can be divided into two paths at node N3, one path outputs from the third port 2c, and the power of the signal of the third port 2c decreases; the other path merges with the signal flowing through the first branch 301 at node N2 through the phase shift unit 303 and outputs from the second port 2b. Since the phases of the two signals merged at node N2 can be different, the power of the signal of the second port 2b can decrease.

[0128] Taking the input of the radio frequency signal from the first port 2a as an example. When the potential of node N2 is higher than the potential of node N3, the signal flowing through the first branch 301 can be divided into two paths at node N2, one path outputs from the second port 2b, and the power of the signal of the second port 2b decreases; the other path merges with the signal flowing through the second branch 302 at node N3 through the phase shift unit 303 and outputs from the third port 2c. Since the phases of the two signals merged at node N3 can be different, the power of the signal of the third port 2c can decrease.

[0129] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the matching unit can comprise one or more of the following: the matching unit 304, the matching unit 305 or the matching unit 306.

[0130] It can be understood that, when the phase shifter only comprises the matching unit 304, the matching unit 304 is configured to adjust the potential of the signal flowing through the first branch 301 when the first branch 301 is turned on, so that the potential of the two connection points across which the phase shift unit 303 is connected is within a threshold range.

[0131] When the phase shifter only comprises the matching unit 305, the matching unit 305 is configured to adjust the potential of the signal flowing through the first branch 301 when the first branch 301 is turned on, so that the potential of the two connection points across which the phase shift unit 303 is connected is within a threshold range.

[0132] When the phase shifter only comprises the matching unit 306, the matching unit 306 is configured to adjust the potential of the signal flowing through the second branch, so that the potential of the two connection points across which the phase shift unit 303 is connected is within a threshold range when the first branch 301 is turned on.

[0133] It can be understood that the phase shifter can further include a plurality of matching units. When the phase shifter includes the matching unit 304 and the matching unit 305, the matching unit 304 and the matching unit 305 jointly adjust the potential of the signal flowing through the first branch when the first branch 301 is turned on, so that the potential of the two connection points across the phase shift unit 303 is within the threshold range.

[0134] When the phase shifter includes the matching unit 304 and the matching unit 306, the matching unit 304 is used to adjust the potential of the signal flowing through the first branch, and the matching unit 306 is used to adjust the potential of the signal flowing through the second branch when the first branch 301 is turned on. When the first branch 301 is turned on, the potentials of the signals of the two branches are adjusted by the matching unit 304 and the matching unit 306, so that the potential of the two connection points across the phase shift unit 303 is within the threshold range. The case where the phase shifter includes the matching unit 305 and the matching unit 306, the case where the phase shifter includes the matching unit 304, the matching unit 305 and the matching unit 306, is similar to the above case, and will not be described in detail here.

[0135] In some embodiments, the matching unit 304 is further used to reduce the signal reflection between the node N1 and the switch unit S5 when the first branch is turned off. The matching unit 305 is further used to reduce the signal reflection between the node N2 and the switch unit S5 when the first branch is turned off.

[0136] In the embodiments of the present application, the matching unit can be a microstrip structure (as shown in a of FIG. 7), such as a microstrip line, a coupled line, a shiftman structure, etc., or can be a discrete structure (as shown in b of FIG. 7), such as a low-pass network, a high-pass network, or a combination of a band-pass, a band-stop or an all-pass structure, etc. Or it can also be a combination of a microstrip structure and a discrete structure (as shown in c of FIG. 7).

[0137] It should be noted that the microstrip structure is relatively simple and small in size, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the circuit. When the matching unit is a coupled line or a shiftman structure, the equivalent electrical length is provided, the microstrip electrical length can be changed by increasing the coupling degree to realize the topology miniaturization. The matching unit in the embodiments of the present application can also be any microstrip structure that can realize the function of the matching circuit, which is not limited specifically here. When the matching unit is a discrete structure, the working bandwidth of the phase shifter can be increased by increasing the pole to increase the frequency range of the signal applicable to the phase shifter.

[0138] On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiments, there can be a phase-shifting unit 308 connected in series between the node N2 and the second port. There can be a phase-shifting unit 309 connected in series between the node N3 and the third port. In this way, the phase of the signal in the signal path can be further adjusted, and the phase shift of the signal can be improved. The phase-shifting unit 308 and the phase-shifting unit 309 can be the same as the phase-shifting unit 303 or different from the phase-shifting unit 303. No specific limitation is made herein.

[0139] In the phase shifter shown in Fig. 3, the radio frequency switch is arranged in series in the first branch. In some embodiments, the radio frequency switch can also be arranged in parallel in the first branch.

[0140] For example, Fig. 8 is a structural schematic diagram of another phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in Fig. 8, the phase shifter comprises a first port 3a, a second port 3b, a third port 3c, a first branch 701, a second branch 702, and a phase-shifting unit 703. The first branch is provided with a switch unit S6, a matching unit 704, and a matching unit 705.

[0141] The connections between the first port 3a, the second port 3b, the third port 3c, the first branch 701, the second branch 702, and the phase-shifting unit 703 and the respective roles thereof can be referred to the corresponding descriptions in the first port 2a, the second port 2b, the third port 2c, the first branch 301, the second branch 302, and the phase-shifting unit 303 in the above-mentioned Fig. 3, and no detailed description is made herein.

[0142] As shown in Fig. 8, one end of the matching unit 704 is connected with the node N1, and the other end of the matching unit 704 is connected with one end of the matching unit 705, and forms a node N4; the other end of the matching unit 705 is connected with the node N2; one end of the switch unit S5 is connected with the node N4, and the other end of the switch unit S5 is grounded.

[0143] In the embodiments of the present application, the switch unit S6 is used to control the first branch 701 to be turned on or turned off, so as to realize two states of the phase shifter.

[0144] In the case that the radio frequency switch S7 is turned on, the matching unit 704 and the matching unit 705 are used to be equivalent to λ / 4 ground, so that the node N4 is an open point, and the first branch 701 is turned off. The phase shifter comprises a signal path C and a signal path D. The signal path C comprises a signal path between the node N1, the second branch 702, and the node N2. The signal path D comprises a signal path between the node N1, the second branch 702, and the node N3. The relative phase shift between the signal path C and the signal path D is related to the phase shift of the phase-shifting unit 703.

[0145] When the switch unit S5 is off, the phase shifter comprises a signal path A and a signal path B. The signal path A comprises a signal path between the node N1, the first branch 701 and the node N2. The signal path B comprises a signal path between the node N1, the second branch 702 and the node N3. The relative phase shift between the signal path A and the signal path B is a fixed value A.

[0146] It can be understood that, since the signal path B and the signal path D are the same, the phase shift of the signal transmitted by the signal path B is the same as the phase shift of the signal transmitted by the signal path D; the relative phase shift between the signal path A and the signal path C is the difference between the fixed value A and the phase shift of the phase shift unit 703.

[0147] In the embodiment of the present application, the switch unit S6 can comprise a radio frequency switch 901 (as shown in Fig. 9a), wherein the radio frequency switch 901 controls the first branch 301 to be turned on or turned off. The first branch is turned on when the radio frequency switch 901 is turned on; the first branch is turned off when the radio frequency switch 901 is turned off. The radio frequency switch 901 can be any type of switch, and specific reference can be made to the description of the radio frequency switch above, which will not be repeated here.

[0148] In some embodiments, the switch unit S6 comprises a radio frequency switch 902 and an impedance module 903 (as shown in Fig. 9b). Wherein the radio frequency switch 902 has the same function as the radio frequency switch 901 described above. The impedance module 903 is used to improve the impedance of the first branch when the radio frequency switch 902 is off, to improve the isolation degree of the radio frequency switch 902 in the off state, and to reduce energy dissipation.

[0149] In the embodiment of the present application, as shown in Fig. 9b, the impedance module is connected in parallel with the radio frequency switch. For example, one end of the impedance module 903 is connected to one end of the radio frequency switch 902, and the other end of the impedance module 903 is connected to the other end of the radio frequency switch 902.

[0150] In the embodiment of the present application, the impedance module can comprise an inductance module. The inductance module is used to form parallel resonance with the equivalent capacitance when the radio frequency switch is off, to filter out the signal of the alternating current in the first branch; the inductance module can comprise one or more inductors; the number of inductors is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0151] In this way, the inductance module can improve the impedance of the radio frequency switch when it is off, improve the isolation degree of the off state, and reduce energy dissipation.

[0152] It can be understood that the impedance module can also comprise other structures with the function of improving the off impedance, which will not be limited here.

[0153] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the phase shifter can be used to divide one signal into two signals, and also can be used to combine two signals into one signal. The signal transmission processes corresponding to the two cases are described below.

[0154] For example, the radio frequency signal is input from the first port 3a. In the case that the switch unit S6 is in the off state, the radio frequency signal is divided into signal a and signal b at the node N1; signal a is transmitted to the second port 3b via the first branch 701 and the node N2; and signal b is transmitted to the third port 3c via the second branch 702 and the node N3.

[0155] In the case that the switch unit S6 is in the on state, the radio frequency signal is transmitted to the node N3 via the node N1 and the second branch 702, and the radio frequency signal is divided into signal c and signal d at the node N3; signal c is transmitted to the second port 3b via the phase shift unit 703 and the node N2; and signal d is transmitted to the third port 3c.

[0156] In this way, the control of different phase shifts of the signal by the phase shifter can be realized by one switch unit S5, the number of radio frequency switches is small, and the cost is low. In addition, the power division and the phase shift unit are integrated in one phase shifter, the insertion loss is small, and the cost is reduced.

[0157] For example, the radio frequency signal a and the radio frequency signal b are input from the second port 3b and the third port 3c respectively. In the case that the switch unit S6 is in the off state, the radio frequency signal a is transmitted to the node N1 via the node N2 and the first branch 701; and the radio frequency signal b is transmitted to the node N1 via the node N3 and the second branch 702. The radio frequency signal a and the radio frequency signal b are combined into one radio frequency signal at the node N1, and are transmitted to the first port 3a.

[0158] In the case that the switch unit S6 is in the on state, the radio frequency signal a is transmitted to the node N3 via the node N2 and the phase shift unit 703; and the radio frequency signal b is transmitted to the node N3. The radio frequency signal a and the radio frequency signal b are combined into one radio frequency signal at the node N3, and are transmitted to the first port 3a via the second branch 702 and the node N1.

[0159] In this way, the control of different phase shifts of the signal by the phase shifter can be realized by one switch unit S6, the number of radio frequency switches is small, and the cost is low. In addition, the power division and the phase shift unit are integrated in one phase shifter, the insertion loss is small, and the cost is reduced. Compared with the structure shown in Fig. 2, the number of radio frequency switches in the structure shown in Fig. 8 is small, the hardware cost is low; and the power division circuit and the phase shift unit are integrated together in the structure shown in Fig. 8, the length of the connection line is short, the area is small, and the cost is low.

[0160] In some embodiments, the matching unit 704 and the matching unit 705 are further configured to adjust the potential of the signal flowing through the first branch, so that the potential of the two connection points crossed by the phase shift unit 703 is within a threshold range. In this way, the situation that the signal is transmitted to another port through the phase shift unit due to the difference between the potential of the node N2 and the potential of the node N3 can be reduced. In the embodiments of the present application, the potential can also be referred to as the voltage. The potential difference can also be understood as the voltage difference.

[0161] In some embodiments, the matching unit 704 is further configured to reduce the signal reflection between the node N1 and the switch unit S5 when the first branch is cut off. The matching unit 305 is further configured to reduce the signal reflection between the node N2 and the switch unit S5 when the first branch is cut off.

[0162] In some embodiments, the phase shifter further comprises a matching unit 706. The matching unit 706 is configured to adjust the potential of the signal flowing through the second branch, so that the potential of the two connection points crossed by the phase shift unit 703 is within a threshold range. In this way, the two branches are jointly adjusted, and the flexibility of the phase shifter is improved.

[0163] In the embodiments of the present application, the structures of the matching unit 704, the matching unit 705 and the matching unit 706 can refer to the corresponding descriptions in FIG. 3 described above, and will not be limited here.

[0164] On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiments, there can be a phase shift unit 708 connected in series between the node N2 and the second port 2b. There can be a phase shift unit 709 connected in series between the node N3 and the third port 2c. In this way, the phase of the signal in the signal path can be further adjusted, and the phase shift of the signal is improved.

[0165] The impedance module can be understood that, in order to improve the coverage range of the beam, the feed network is usually connected with a plurality of radiation units to meet the beamforming degree of freedom. The application of the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of the present application in the feed network will be described below in combination with FIG. 10 to FIG. 12.

[0166] For example, the second port of the phase shifter in the feed network is the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of the present application. The second port of the phase shifter can be connected with the first port of the next stage phase shifter; the third port of the phase shifter can be connected with the first port of the next stage phase shifter. For example, the structure of the feed network can be as shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, the second port of the A stage is connected with the first port of the A+1 stage, and the second port of the A stage is connected with the first port of the A+1 stage. For example, the second port of the first stage is connected with the first port of the second stage, and the second port of the first stage is connected with the first port of the second stage.

[0167] As can be seen from Figure 10, when N levels are cascaded, the feeder network can achieve 2 n One load driver One beam degree of freedom.

[0168] The phase shifter in this application embodiment can also be used in conjunction with phase shifters in possible designs. For example, Figures 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams of two power supply networks provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0169] As shown in Figure 11, the second port of the phase shifter can be cascaded with a power-dividing phase-shifting unit A; the third port of the phase shifter can be cascaded with a power-dividing phase-shifting unit B. Power-dividing phase-shifting unit A can split one signal into m paths, which are connected to m radiating units. Power-dividing phase-shifting unit B can split one signal into n paths, which are connected to n radiating units.

[0170] If the m-1 branches of power divider phase shifter unit A contain any possible phase shifters in the design, and the n-1 branches of power divider phase shifter unit B contain any possible phase shifters in the design, then the power supply network can drive m+n loads, 2*2 m-1 *2 n-1 One beam degree of freedom.

[0171] As shown in Figure 12, the second port of the phase shifter can be connected to a possible phase shifter in the design, and then cascaded with a power divider phase shifter unit A; the third port of the phase shifter can be connected to a possible phase shifter in the design, and then cascaded with a power divider phase shifter unit B. Power divider phase shifter unit A can split one signal into m paths, which are connected to m radiating units. Power divider phase shifter unit B can split one signal into n paths, which are connected to n radiating units.

[0172] If the m-1 branches of power divider phase shifter unit A contain any possible phase shifters in the design, and the n-1 branches of power divider phase shifter unit B contain any possible phase shifters in the design, then the power supply network can drive m+n loads, 2*2*2 m-1 *2 n-1 * beam degrees of freedom.

[0173] As shown in Figure 13, the second port of the phase shifter can be cascaded with a power divider phase shifter unit A; the third port of the phase shifter can be cascaded with a power divider phase shifter unit B. Power divider phase shifter unit A can divide one signal into m channels. Power divider phase shifter unit B can divide one signal into n channels.

[0174] If x branches in the power divider phase shifter unit A are connected in series with x possible phase shifters in the design, and are respectively connected to x radiating units, and mx branches are connected in series with the phase shifter provided in the embodiment of this application, and are connected to 2(mx) radiating units;

[0175] The y phase shifters in the y branches in the power division phase shift unit B are connected with y radiation units respectively, and n-y branches are connected with 2(n-y) radiation units through the phase shifters provided in the embodiments of the present application; thus, the feed network can drive 2m-x+2n-y loads and has 2*2 2m-x *2 2n-y * beam degrees of freedom. Wherein, x is greater than or equal to 0, and x is less than or equal to m; y is greater than or equal to 0 and y is less than or equal to n.

[0176] It can be understood that FIGS. 11-13 are described by taking two-stage cascades as an example, and the feed network can further include more stages of cascades, which are not limited here. It can be understood that the power division phase shift unit can further include the phase shifters in the embodiments of the present application and the phase shifters in the possible designs. Here, it is not limited.

[0177] The present application further provides an antenna device, which can include the feed network and the radiation unit in the above embodiments. The antenna device can include, but is not limited to, a dipole antenna, a patch antenna, or a monopole antenna, etc.

[0178] It can be understood that the above embodiments are described by taking a base station as an example to describe the use of the phase shifters in the feed network and the antenna device. In terminal devices, radars, and other communication devices, similar feed networks and antenna devices are also included.

[0179] The present application further provides a communication device, which includes the antenna device in any possible implementation manner in the above embodiments. The communication device can include a terminal device, a radar, a network device, etc., which are not limited here.

[0180] Those skilled in the art can realize that the modules and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are realized in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solutions. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to realize the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0181] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working process of the above-described system, device and module can refer to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0182] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other manners. For example, the division of the above-described device embodiment is merely an example, and the division of the modules can be different, for example, a plurality of modules or a component can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical or in other forms.

[0183] The modules described as separated components can or can not be physically separated, and the components displayed as modules can or can not be physical modules, i.e., can be located in one place, or can be distributed to a plurality of network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment.

[0184] In addition, the functional modules in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into a processing module, or each module can be physically present alone, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module.

[0185] If the functions are realized in the form of software function modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application essentially or the part of the prior art that contributes to the technical solutions or part of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0186] The above is merely specific embodiments of the present application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, which should be covered in the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A phase shifter, characterized by, The application relates to a phase shifter. The phase shifter comprises a first end, a second end, a third end, a first branch provided with a switch unit, a second branch, and a phase shift unit. One end of the first branch and one end of the second branch are connected with the first end, the other end of the first branch is connected with the second end, the other end of the second branch is connected with the third end, one end of the phase shift unit is connected with the other end of the first branch, and the other end of the phase shift unit is connected with the other end of the second branch. The first branch is used for conducting to transmit signals when the switch unit is in a first state. The first branch is also used for cutting off when the switch unit is in a second state. The second branch is used for transmitting signals. When the switch unit is in the first state, there are a first signal path and a second signal path in the phase shifter, the first signal path comprises a signal path between the first end, the first branch and the second end, and the second signal path comprises a signal path between the first end, the second branch and the third end. The first signal path is used for transmitting a first signal, the second signal path is used for transmitting a second signal, and the relative phase shift between the first signal and the second signal is a first value. When the switch unit is in the second state, there are a third signal path and a fourth signal path in the phase shifter, the third signal path comprises a signal path between the second branch, the phase shift unit and the second end, and the fourth signal path comprises a signal path between the second branch and the third end. The third signal path is used for transmitting a third signal, the fourth signal path is used for transmitting a fourth signal, the second branch is used for transmitting the third signal and the fourth signal, and the relative phase shift between the third signal and the fourth signal is a second value, which is different from the first value.

2. The phase shifter of claim 1, wherein When the switch unit is in the first state, the potential difference between the two ends of the phase shift unit is less than or equal to a threshold value.

3. The phase shifter of claim 1 or 2, wherein The phase shifter further comprises a first matching unit, a second matching unit and / or a third matching unit, the first matching unit is located between the first end and the switch unit, the second matching unit is located between the switch unit and the second end, and the third matching unit is located between the first end and the third end. The first matching unit is used for adjusting the potential of the signal in the first branch when the first branch is conducting, so that the potential difference between the two ends of the phase shift unit is less than or equal to a threshold value. The second matching unit is used for adjusting the potential of the signal in the first branch when the first branch is conducting, so that the potential difference between the two ends of the phase shift unit is less than or equal to the threshold value. The third matching unit is used for adjusting the potential of the signal in the second branch when the first branch is conducting, so that the potential difference between the two ends of the phase shift unit is less than or equal to the threshold value.

4. The phase shifter of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The phase shift unit comprises at least one of the following: a microstrip line, a shiftman structure phase shift unit, a T structure phase shift unit, a coupled line structure phase shift unit, a low pass network structure phase shift unit, a high pass network structure phase shift unit, a switch line phase shifter, a loaded line phase shifter, a hybrid phase shifter, a high-low pass phase shifter, and a vector synthesis phase shifter.

5. The phase shifter of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The switch unit is connected in series in the first branch; the first state is an on state; and the second state is an off state. One end of the switch unit is connected to one end of the first branch, and the other end of the switch unit is connected to the other end of the first branch.

6. The phase shifter of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The phase shifter comprises a first matching unit and a second matching unit, one end of the switch unit is connected in the first branch, and the other end of the switch unit is grounded; the first state is an off state, and the second state is an on state. The first matching unit and the second matching unit are further configured to form an open point when the switch unit is in the on state, so that the first branch is cut off, and the third signal path and the fourth signal path in the phase shifter are formed.

7. The phase shifter of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The switch unit further comprises an impedance module, a first end of the impedance module is connected to one end of the switch unit, and the other end of the impedance module is connected to the other end of the switch unit, and the impedance module is configured to increase the impedance when the switch unit is in the off state.

8. The phase shifter of claim 7, wherein, The impedance module comprises a first inductor, one end of the first inductor is connected to one end of the switch unit, and the other end of the first inductor is connected to the other end of the switch unit, and the first inductor is configured to increase the impedance when the switch unit is in the off state.

9. A feed network, characterized in that The antenna device comprises: The first phase shifter is the phase shifter of any one of claims 1-8.

10. An antenna device, characterized by The antenna device comprises: The radiation unit and the feed network are electrically connected. The antenna device comprises:

11. A communication device, characterized by The antenna device comprises: The antenna device comprises:

Images