Circulator, radio frequency front-end circuit and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a circulator, a radio frequency front-end circuit and a communication apparatus. The circulator comprises a first circulator junction and a second circulator junction, wherein the first circulator junction and the second circulator junction are spaced apart in the direction of thickness of the first circulator junction. The first circulator junction and the second circulator junction are coupled and connected by means of a connecting stub. By means of a cascaded structure of the circulator junctions, the circulator has a large time delay and integrates the functions of both a circulator and a time delay device. Therefore, the circulator has a compact size, thereby reducing the space required for the layout.

Description

A circulator, a radio frequency front-end circuit, and a communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510390050.3, filed on March 28, 2025, entitled "A Circulator, Radio Frequency Front-End Circuit and Communication Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of electrical engineering, and more particularly to a circulator, a radio frequency front-end circuit, and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] A circulator is a non-reciprocal multiport device, meaning that only unidirectional transmission is possible between its multiple ports. For example, when an electrical signal is input to the circulator's input port, the signal is transmitted in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Therefore, circulators are typically placed after a power amplifier stage to prevent reflected signals from the antenna from flowing back into the power amplifier, thus protecting the power amplifier.

[0004] In some RF front-end circuits with high latency requirements, circulators are often cascaded with delayers. However, delayers are typically large, making them difficult to place within the increasingly limited internal space of communication equipment. Therefore, how to achieve the proper placement of cascaded circulators and delayers is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a circulator, an RF front-end circuit, and a communication device. The circulator includes a first ring junction and a second ring junction, which are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the first ring junction. The first ring junction and the second ring junction are coupled together through connecting stubs. This circulator, through the cascading of ring junctions, has a large time delay and can simultaneously function as a circulator and a time delayer.

[0006] In a first aspect, a circulator is provided, comprising: a first circulator knot, the first circulator knot including a first central knot, a first connecting branch, a second connecting branch, and a third connecting branch, a first end of the first connecting branch, a first end of the second connecting branch, and a first end of the third connecting branch being connected to the first central knot, a second end of the first connecting branch being used for coupling connection to an input port, and a second end of the third connecting branch being used for coupling connection to a first connection port; a second circulator knot, the second circulator knot including a second central knot, a fourth connecting branch, a fifth connecting branch, and a sixth connecting branch, the first end of the fourth connecting branch, a first end of the fifth connecting branch, and a first end of the sixth connecting branch being connected to the second central knot, the second end of the fourth connecting branch being used for coupling connection to an output port, and a second end of the sixth connecting branch being used for coupling connection to a second connection port; a connector, the second end of the second connecting branch being coupled to the second end of the fifth connecting branch via the connector; and a first dielectric layer, the first circulator knot, the first dielectric layer, and the second circulator knot being stacked sequentially in a first direction, the first direction being the first dielectric layer. In the thickness direction; wherein, the input port forms a first angle with the connector, the first connection port forms a second angle with the connector, the output port forms a third angle with the connector, and the second connection port forms a fourth angle with the connector; the input port and the output port are respectively located on the first side and the second side of the connector, or, the input port and the output port are located on the first side of the connector, and the first angle and the third angle are different; the input port and the second connection port are respectively located on the first side and the second side of the connector, or, the input port and the second connection port are located on the first side of the connector, and the first angle and the fourth angle are different; the first connection port and the output port are respectively located on the first side and the second side of the connector, or, the first connection port and the output port are located on the first side of the connector, and the second angle and the third angle are different; the first connection port and the second connection port are respectively located on the first side and the second side of the connector, or, the first connection port and the second connection port are located on the first side of the connector, and the second angle and the fourth angle are different.

[0007] According to embodiments of this application, in a circulator, by cascading a first ring junction and a second ring junction, the electrical signal can have a significant time delay after passing through the circulator, thus giving the circulator the characteristics of a time delayer. In communication equipment (e.g., radio frequency front-end circuits), there is no need to additionally set up a time delayer, thereby reducing the layout space required for the circulator and the time delayer. Furthermore, the first ring junction and the second ring junction are stacked in the first direction, which can further reduce the layout space required for the circulator.

[0008] Furthermore, the ports on the annular junctions spaced apart in the first direction do not overlap in the first direction, reducing mutual interference between ports and improving the characteristics of the circulator.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first angle is greater than or equal to 60°, and / or the third angle is greater than or equal to 60°.

[0010] According to the embodiments of this application, as the angle between each port increases, the mutual interference between each port decreases, which helps to improve the isolation between branches, thereby improving the characteristics of the circulator.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the circulator further includes a second dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer, a first magnet, and a second magnet, wherein the first magnet, the second dielectric layer, the first ring junction, the first dielectric layer, the second ring junction, the third dielectric layer, and the second magnet are sequentially stacked in the first direction. According to embodiments of this application, the first magnet and the second magnet can be used to generate a static bias magnetic field. The dielectric layers (e.g., the first dielectric layer, the second dielectric layer, and the third dielectric layer) can exhibit gyromagnetic properties (non-reciprocal properties) under the influence of the static bias magnetic field. Because the dielectric layers have gyromagnetic properties (non-reciprocal properties), the central junction (ring junction) located between two adjacent dielectric layers has the characteristic of unidirectional transmission of electrical signals.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the circulator further includes a fourth dielectric layer and a third magnet, wherein the first circulator junction, the first dielectric layer, the third magnet, the fourth dielectric layer and the second circulator junction are stacked sequentially in the first direction.

[0013] According to the embodiments of this application, by respectively setting the first ring junction and the second ring junction between the first magnet and the third magnet, and between the third magnet and the second magnet, the static bias magnetic field generated by the magnet can be made more uniform, thereby giving the dielectric layer better gyromagnetic properties (non-reciprocal properties) to improve the unidirectional transmission characteristics of the ring junction.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the circulator further includes a first uniform magnetic sheet and / or a second uniform magnetic sheet; wherein the first uniform magnetic sheet is located between the first magnet and the second dielectric layer; and the second uniform magnetic sheet is located between the second magnet and the third dielectric layer.

[0015] According to embodiments of this application, a uniform magnetic sheet can make the static bias magnetic field generated by the magnet more uniformly distributed after passing through the uniform magnetic sheet. Because the static bias magnetic field is more uniformly distributed, the dielectric can exhibit better gyromagnetic properties (non-reciprocal properties) under the influence of the static bias magnetic field, and the toroidal junction has better unidirectional signal transmission characteristics.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first dielectric layer includes a first dielectric and a second dielectric, the first dielectric being columnar and the second dielectric being disposed around the circumference of the first dielectric.

[0017] According to the embodiments of this application, since the dielectric layer includes two dielectrics, the equivalent dielectric constant of the dielectric layer can have a more flexible adjustment scale.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the dielectric constant of the first medium is greater than or equal to 10, and / or the dielectric constant of the second medium is greater than or equal to 10.

[0019] According to the embodiments of this application, by increasing the dielectric constant of the first and second media, the electrical signal transmission can have a greater time delay after passing through the circulator, and the circulator has better time delay characteristics.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first annular knot includes a first matching branch, and the second annular knot includes a second matching branch; wherein, the second end of the second connecting branch is coupled to the first end of the first matching branch, the second end of the first matching branch is coupled to the first end of the connector, the second end of the fifth connecting branch is coupled to the first end of the second matching branch, and the second end of the second matching branch is coupled to the second end of the connector.

[0021] According to an embodiment of this application, the first matching stub and / or the second matching stub can be used to adjust the impedance of the second connecting stub and the fifth connecting stub to improve the characteristics of the circulator.

[0022] Meanwhile, the first matching stub and / or the second matching stub can also be used to improve the delay characteristics of the circulator, thereby giving the electrical signal transmission a larger delay after passing through the circulator.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first connection port is used for coupling connection with a first load, and / or the second connection port is used for coupling connection with a second load.

[0024] According to an embodiment of this application, the second end of the third connecting branch can be coupled to the first load, which can improve the isolation between the first and second connecting branches, thereby improving the characteristics of the circulator. Similarly, the second end of the sixth connecting branch described below is coupled to the second load, which can improve the isolation between the fourth and fifth connecting branches, thereby improving the characteristics of the circulator.

[0025] Secondly, a circulator is provided, comprising: a circulator knot, the circulator knot including a first central knot, a second central knot, a first connecting branch, a second connecting branch, and a third connecting branch, wherein a first end of the first connecting branch is connected to the first central knot, a first end of the second connecting branch is directly connected to the first central knot, a second end of the second connecting branch is directly connected to the second central knot, and a first end of the third connecting branch is connected to the second central knot; wherein the second end of the first connecting branch is used for coupling connection with an input port, and the second end of the third connecting branch is used for coupling connection with an output port; the first central knot and the second central knot are located in the same plane.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the circulator further includes a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer, and a fourth dielectric layer, wherein the first central junction is located between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer, and the second central junction is located between the third dielectric layer and the fourth dielectric layer.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the input port forms a first angle with the first end of the second connecting branch, and the output port forms a second angle with the second end of the second connecting branch; the first angle is greater than or equal to 60°, and / or the second angle is greater than or equal to 60°.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the ring junction further includes a first matching branch and / or a second matching branch; wherein, the second end of the first connecting branch is coupled to the first end of the first matching branch, and the second end of the first matching branch is used for coupling connection with the input port; the second end of the third connecting branch is coupled to the first end of the second matching branch, and the second end of the second matching branch is used for coupling connection with the output port.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the ring knot further includes a fourth connecting branch and / or a fifth connecting branch; wherein, a first end of the fourth connecting branch is connected to the first central knot, and a second end of the fourth connecting branch is used for coupling connection with a first load; a first end of the fifth connecting branch is connected to the second central knot, and a second end of the fifth connecting branch is used for coupling connection with a second load.

[0030] Thirdly, a circulator is provided, comprising: a circulator knot, the circulator knot including: a central knot, a first matching branch, a first connecting branch, and a second connecting branch, a first end of the first connecting branch and the second connecting branch being connected to the central knot, a second end of the first connecting branch being coupled to the first end of the first matching branch, the second end of the first matching branch being used for coupling connection to an input port, and the second end of the second connecting branch being used for coupling connection to an output port; a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer, the first dielectric layer, the circulator knot, and the second dielectric layer being sequentially stacked in a first direction, the first direction being the thickness direction of the first dielectric layer.

[0031] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the input port and the output port form a first angle, wherein the first angle is greater than or equal to 60°.

[0032] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the ring junction further includes a second matching branch, the second end of which is coupled to the first end of the second matching branch, and the second end of the second matching branch is used to couple to the output port.

[0033] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the circulator further includes a third dielectric layer, wherein the third dielectric layer, the first dielectric layer, and the second dielectric layer are stacked sequentially; wherein the central junction is located between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer; and at least a portion of the first matching branch is located between the second dielectric layer and the third dielectric layer.

[0034] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the ring knot further includes a third connecting branch, the first end of which is connected to the central knot, and the second end of which is used for coupling connection with the load.

[0035] Fourthly, a radio frequency front-end circuit is provided, comprising the circulator described in any one of the first to third aspects above.

[0036] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the input port is used for coupling connection with a first circuit, the first circuit including a power amplifier.

[0037] Fifthly, a radio frequency front-end circuit is provided, comprising the radio frequency front-end circuit described in any one of the fourth aspects above.

[0038] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the communication device further includes an antenna, and the output port is used for coupling connection with a second circuit, the second circuit including the antenna. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a circulator 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the circulator 100 shown in Figure 3 along A-A'.

[0043] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first annular knot 111 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second annular knot 112 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a ring knot provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another ring knot provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of another circulator 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dielectric layer provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a circulator 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another circulator 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another first annular knot 111 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the circulator 100 shown in Figure 12 along B-B'.

[0053] Figure 15 is a structural schematic diagram of another circulator 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the circulator 100 shown in Figure 15 along C-C'.

[0055] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of another first annular knot 111 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0056] Figure 18 is a structural schematic diagram of another circulator 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0057] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the circulator 100 shown in Figure 18 along D-D'. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The following explains the terminology that may appear in the embodiments of this application.

[0059] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this document is merely a description of the same field in the related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0060] The phrase "within the range" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, includes both endpoints of the range by default. For example, in the range of 1 to 5, it includes the values ​​1 and 5.

[0061] Coupling can be understood as direct coupling and / or indirect coupling. "Coupled connection" can be understood as a direct coupling connection and / or indirect coupling connection. Direct coupling can also be called "electrical connection," which can be understood as physical contact and electrical conduction between components; it can also be understood as the form of connection between different components in a circuit structure through physical lines that can transmit electrical signals, such as copper foil or wires on a printed circuit board (PCB). "Indirect coupling" can be understood as electrical conduction between two conductors through a gap / non-contact method. In one embodiment, indirect coupling can also be called capacitive coupling, for example, signal transmission is achieved by forming an equivalent capacitance through coupling between the gaps between two conductive parts.

[0062] End / Point: The term "end / point" in the context of "first end / second end / feed end / grounding end / feed point / grounding point / connection point" should not be narrowly interpreted as necessarily being a physically disconnected endpoint or end of the branch. It can also be considered as a point or segment on a continuous branch. In one embodiment, "end / point" can include a connection / coupling region on the branch that is coupled to other conductive structures. For example, a feed end / feed point can be a coupling region on the branch that is coupled to a feed structure or feed circuit (e.g., a region facing a part of the feed circuit). Similarly, a grounding end / grounding point can be a connection / coupling region on the branch that is coupled to a grounding structure or grounding circuit.

[0063] Communication band / operating band: Regardless of the type of radio frequency component, it always operates within a certain frequency range (bandwidth). For example, an antenna supporting the B40 band operates within the frequency range of 2300MHz to 2400MHz, or in other words, the antenna's operating band includes the B40 band. The frequency range that meets the specifications can be considered the antenna's operating band.

[0064] Components / devices: including at least one of lumped components / devices and distributed components / devices.

[0065] Lumped element / device: This refers to all components whose size is much smaller than the wavelength relative to the circuit's operating frequency. For signals, the characteristics of the components remain constant at all times, regardless of frequency.

[0066] Distributed elements / devices: Unlike lumped elements, if the size of an element is similar to or larger than the wavelength of the circuit's operating frequency, then when a signal passes through the element, the characteristics of each point on the element will vary due to the signal change. In this case, the element as a whole cannot be regarded as a single entity with fixed characteristics, but should be called a distributed element.

[0067] Capacitor: can be understood as lumped capacitance and / or distributed capacitance. Lumped capacitance refers to capacitive components, such as capacitor elements; distributed capacitance (or distributed capacitance) refers to the equivalent capacitance formed by two conductive components separated by a certain gap.

[0068] Inductance: can be understood as lumped inductance and / or distributed inductance. Lumped inductance refers to inductive components, such as inductor elements; distributed inductance (or distributed inductance) refers to the equivalent inductance formed through a conductive element of a certain length.

[0069] Characteristic impedance: During the transmission of an electrical signal on a transmission line, an instantaneous current I is generated between the output port and the reference plane (e.g., the ground) due to the establishment of an electric field. At the output port, the output level of the electrical signal is V. During signal transmission, the transmission line is equivalent to a resistor with an impedance of V / I. This equivalent resistance is called the characteristic impedance Z of the transmission line.

[0070] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, their application scenarios are described below. Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates that this application scenario may include a base station and a terminal. Wireless communication can be achieved between the base station and the terminal. The base station can be located in a base station bubsystem (BBS), a UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN), or an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), used for cell coverage of wireless signals to enable communication between the terminal device and the wireless network. Specifically, the base station can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Node B (NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, an Evolutionary Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, or a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the base station can also be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, or a g node (gNodeB or gNB) in a new radio (NR) system, or a base station in a future evolved network, etc., and the embodiments in this application are not limited to these.

[0072] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 10 may be the base station shown in Figure 1.

[0073] As shown in Figure 2, the communication device 10 may include a baseband circuit 11, a radio frequency circuit 12, and an antenna 13.

[0074] The baseband circuit 11 may include a digital up-conversion (DUC) circuit, a crest factor reduction (CFR) circuit, etc. The baseband circuit 11 can be used to process digital signals within the communication device 10.

[0075] The radio frequency circuit 12 may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and a radio frequency front-end circuit 14, etc. The radio frequency circuit 12 can be used to process analog signals within the communication device 10 and transmit the processed analog signals to the antenna 13, which then radiates them outwards.

[0076] A DAC can be used to convert digital signals transmitted by baseband circuits into analog signals (radio frequency signals).

[0077] The radio frequency (RF) front-end circuit 14 can process the aforementioned analog signal and transmit the processed analog signal to the antenna 13 for outward radiation. For example, the RF front-end circuit 14 includes an RF chip (RF IC), a power amplifier (PA) 101, a circulator 100, and a time delay unit 102. The RF chip can up-convert the analog signal after DAC conversion. The PA 101 amplifies the power of the analog signal to improve the signal quality of the electrical signal radiated outward by the antenna 13. The PA 101, circulator 100, and antenna 13 are cascaded in sequence. Utilizing the non-reciprocal characteristic of the circulator 100, reflected signals generated by the antenna 13 can be prevented from flowing back into the PA 101, thus protecting the power amplifier 101. The time delay unit 102 can be used to adjust the time delay of the analog signal.

[0078] The delay unit 102 is typically quite large, making it difficult to place within the increasingly limited internal space of the communication device 10. Therefore, how to achieve the layout of the cascaded circulator 100 and delay unit 102 is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0079] This application provides a circulator, a radio frequency front-end circuit, and a communication device. The circulator includes a first ring junction and a second ring junction, which are spaced apart in the thickness direction of the first ring junction. The first ring junction and the second ring junction are coupled together via connecting stubs. This circulator, through the cascading of ring junctions, has a large time delay and can simultaneously function as a circulator and a time delayer. Therefore, this circulator has miniaturization characteristics, thereby reducing the space required for layout.

[0080] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a circulator 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0081] As shown in Figure 3, the circulator 100 includes a first ring junction 111, a second ring junction 112, a first connector 121, and a first dielectric layer 131.

[0082] The first annular junction 111, the first dielectric layer 131, and the second annular junction 112 are stacked sequentially in the first direction, as shown in Figure 4.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first direction can be understood as the thickness direction of the first dielectric layer 131, or it can be understood as the direction from the first annular junction 111 to the second annular junction 112. For example, the z-direction.

[0084] It should be understood that the thickness direction of the first dielectric layer 131 can be interpreted as the smallest dimension among the three dimensions of the first dielectric layer 131. For the sake of brevity, the thickness directions described in the embodiments of this application can all be understood accordingly, and will not be elaborated further.

[0085] The first loop knot 111 includes a first central knot 211, a first connecting branch 221, a second connecting branch 222, and a third connecting branch 223, as shown in Figure 5.

[0086] The first end of the first connecting branch 221, the first end of the second connecting branch 222, and the first end of the third connecting branch 223 are connected to the first central knot 211. In one embodiment, the first central knot 211, the first connecting branch 221, the second connecting branch 222, and the third connecting branch 223 are integrally formed.

[0087] The second end of the first connection stub 221 is used for coupling connection to an input port. In one embodiment, the input port is used for coupling connection to an external first circuit. In one embodiment, the first circuit may include a power amplifier. The first circuit may include a portion of the RF front-end circuit in the above embodiments.

[0088] It should be understood that the input port can be interpreted as the connection area between the first ring junction 111 and the external first circuit. For the sake of brevity, the input ports described in the embodiments of this application can all be understood accordingly, and will not be described in detail here.

[0089] The second end of the third connecting branch 223 is used for coupling connection with the first connecting port. In one embodiment, the first connecting port is used for coupling connection with a first load.

[0090] It should be understood that the first connection port can be interpreted as the connection area between the first annular junction 111 and the outside. For the sake of brevity, the connection ports described in the embodiments of this application can all be understood accordingly, and will not be described in detail here.

[0091] The second end of the third connecting branch 223 can be coupled to the first load, which can improve the isolation between the first connecting branch 221 and the second connecting branch 222, thereby improving the characteristics of the circulator 100. Similarly, the second end of the sixth connecting branch 226 described below is coupled to the second load, which can improve the isolation between the fourth connecting branch 224 and the fifth connecting branch 225, thereby improving the characteristics of the circulator 100.

[0092] The first load and / or the second load may be located inside the circulator 100, for example, the first load and the second load may be resistors, or they may be other distributed components. The first load and / or the second load may be located outside the circulator 100, for example, on an external PCB, and coupled together by metal traces.

[0093] The second loop knot 112 includes a second central knot 212, a fourth connecting branch 224, a fifth connecting branch 225, and a sixth connecting branch 226, as shown in Figure 6.

[0094] The first ends of the fourth connecting branch 224, the fifth connecting branch 225, and the sixth connecting branch 225 are connected to the second central knot. In one embodiment, the second central knot 212, the fourth connecting branch 224, the fifth connecting branch 225, and the sixth connecting branch 226 are integrally formed.

[0095] The second end of the fourth connecting branch 222 is used for coupling connection to the output port. In one embodiment, the output port is used for coupling connection to an external second circuit. In one embodiment, the second circuit may include an antenna. The second circuit may include a portion of the RF front-end circuit in the above embodiments, as well as the antenna.

[0096] It should be understood that the input port can be interpreted as the connection area between the second ring junction 112 and the external second circuit. For the sake of brevity, the output ports described in the embodiments of this application can all be understood accordingly, and will not be described in detail here.

[0097] The second end of the sixth connecting branch 226 is used for coupling connection with the second connecting port. In one embodiment, the second connecting port is used for coupling connection with a second load.

[0098] The first end of the first connector 121 is coupled to the second end of the second connecting branch 222, and the second end of the first connector 121 is coupled to the second end of the fifth connecting branch 225. The second end of the second connecting branch 222 is coupled to the second end of the fifth connecting branch 225 through the first connector 121.

[0099] It should be understood that the first connector 121 can also adjust the impedance of the second connecting branch 222 and the fifth connecting branch 225 to improve the characteristics of the circulator 100. For example, adjusting parameters such as the thickness and material of the first connector 121 can give it different impedance characteristics.

[0100] The input port is at a first angle a1 with the first connector 121.

[0101] It should be understood that the first angle α1 between the input port and the first connector 121 can be interpreted as follows: a first virtual connection is formed between the input port (the geometric center of the connection area between the first ring junction 111 and the external first circuit) and the virtual geometric center O1 of the first central junction 211; a second virtual connection is formed between the first connector 121 (the geometric center of the connection area between the first end of the first connector 121 and the first ring junction 111) and the virtual geometric center O1 of the first central junction 211; and the angle between the first virtual connection and the second virtual connection is α1. Furthermore, the first angle α1 is an angle less than or equal to 180° among the angles between the first virtual connection and the second virtual connection.

[0102] For the sake of brevity, the angles between A and B described in the embodiments of this application can all be understood accordingly, and will not be elaborated on one by one.

[0103] The first connection port forms a second angle a2 with the first connector 121 (the geometric center of the connection area between the first end of the first connector 121 and the first ring junction 111). The output port (the geometric center of the connection area between the second ring junction 112 and the external second circuit) forms a third angle a3 with the first connector 121 (the geometric center of the connection area between the second end of the first connector 121 and the second ring junction 112). The second connection port forms a fourth angle a4 with the first connector 121 (the geometric center of the connection area between the second end of the first connector 121 and the second ring junction 112).

[0104] The input port and output port are located on a first side and a second side of the first connector 121, respectively. Alternatively, if the input port and output port are located on the same side of the first connector 121 (e.g., the first side), the first angle a1 and the third angle a3 are different. In one embodiment, the input port and output port do not overlap in the first direction.

[0105] The input port and the second connection port are located on the first side and the second side of the first connector 121, respectively. Alternatively, if the input port and the second connection port are located on the same side of the first connector 121 (e.g., the first side), the first angle a1 and the fourth angle a4 are different. In one embodiment, the input port and the second connection port do not overlap in the first direction.

[0106] The first connection port and the output port are located on the first side and the second side of the first connector 121, respectively. Alternatively, if the first connection port and the output port are located on the same side of the first connector 121 (e.g., the first side), the second angle a2 and the third angle a3 are different. In one embodiment, the first connection port and the output port do not overlap in the first direction.

[0107] The first connection port and the second connection port are located on the first side and the second side of the first connector 121, respectively. Alternatively, if the first connection port and the second connection port are located on the same side of the first connector 121 (e.g., the first side), the second angle a2 and the fourth angle a4 are different. In one embodiment, the first connection port and the second connection port do not overlap in the first direction.

[0108] According to an embodiment of this application, in the circulator 100, by cascading the first ring junction 111 and the second ring junction 112, the electrical signal can have a large time delay after passing through the circulator 100, thereby giving the circulator 100 the characteristics of a time delayer. In communication equipment (e.g., radio frequency front-end circuit), there is no need to additionally set up a time delayer, thus reducing the layout space required for the circulator 100 and the time delayer. At the same time, the first ring junction 111 and the second ring junction 112 are stacked in the first direction, which can further reduce the layout space required for the circulator 100.

[0109] Furthermore, the ports on the annular junctions spaced apart in the first direction do not overlap in the first direction, reducing mutual interference between ports and improving the characteristics of the circulator 100.

[0110] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 operates at a frequency less than or equal to 1 GHz. In one embodiment, the size of the circulator 100 is less than or equal to 1.5 inches. In one embodiment, the size of the circulator 100 is less than or equal to 1.25 inches. In one embodiment, the size of the circulator 100 is less than or equal to 1 inch.

[0111] The size of the circulator 100 can be understood as the size of the projection of the circulator 100 onto the horizontal plane when the circulator 100 is placed on the horizontal plane.

[0112] It should be understood that in the above embodiments, the circulator 100 is described only as an example where its operating frequency band is less than or equal to 1 GHz. In actual production or design, the operating frequency band of the circulator 100 may also include other frequency bands, such as at least some of the N77 and / or N79 frequency bands in sub-6 GHz. When the operating frequency band of the circulator 100 includes other frequency bands, the size of the circulator 100 may also be adjusted accordingly, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0113] For example, as the operating frequency of circulator 100 increases, the size of circulator 100 decreases. When the operating frequency of circulator 100 is less than or equal to 2 GHz and greater than 1 GHz, the size of circulator 100 is less than or equal to 0.75 inches. When the operating frequency of circulator 100 is less than or equal to 3 GHz and greater than 2 GHz, the size of circulator 100 is less than or equal to 0.5 inches. When the operating frequency of circulator 100 is greater than 3 GHz, the size of circulator 100 is less than or equal to 0.3 inches.

[0114] In one embodiment, the first angle a1 is greater than or equal to 60°. In one embodiment, the first angle a1 is greater than or equal to 90°. In one embodiment, the first angle a1 is greater than or equal to 110°.

[0115] In one embodiment, the second angle a2 is greater than or equal to 60°. In one embodiment, the second angle a2 is greater than or equal to 90°. In one embodiment, the second angle a2 is greater than or equal to 110°.

[0116] In one embodiment, the angle between the input port and the first connection port is greater than or equal to 60°. In another embodiment, the angle between the input port and the first connection port is greater than or equal to 90°. In yet another embodiment, the angle between the input port and the first connection port is greater than or equal to 110°.

[0117] In one embodiment, the third angle a3 is greater than or equal to 60°. In one embodiment, the third angle a3 is greater than or equal to 90°. In one embodiment, the third angle a3 is greater than or equal to 110°.

[0118] In one embodiment, the fourth angle a4 is greater than or equal to 60°. In one embodiment, the fourth angle a4 is greater than or equal to 90°. In one embodiment, the fourth angle a4 is greater than or equal to 110°.

[0119] In one embodiment, the angle between the output port and the second connection port is greater than or equal to 60°. In another embodiment, the angle between the output port and the second connection port is greater than or equal to 90°. In yet another embodiment, the angle between the output port and the second connection port is greater than or equal to 110°.

[0120] It should be understood that as the angle between the ports increases, the mutual interference between the ports decreases, which helps to improve the isolation between branches, thereby improving the characteristics of the circulator 100.

[0121] In one embodiment, the first central knot 211 and / or the second central knot 212 may be circular, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In another embodiment, the first central knot 211 and / or the second central knot 212 may also be other shapes. For example, a hexagon, as shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, they may be triangular, square, etc.

[0122] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific shape of the central knot, which can be any circle, triangle, polygon, etc., and can be determined according to actual production or design. For the sake of brevity, the central knots shown in the embodiments of this application can all be understood accordingly, and will not be described in detail one by one.

[0123] In one embodiment, the first annular junction 111 may further include an impedance adjustment stub 150. The impedance adjustment stub 150 is connected to the first central junction 211. In one embodiment, the first central junction 211 and the impedance adjustment stub 150 are integrally formed.

[0124] The impedance adjustment stub 150 is located between the first connecting stub 221 and the second connecting stub 222.

[0125] It should be understood that the impedance adjustment stub 150 is used to adjust the impedance between the first connection stub 221 and the second connection stub 222, which can improve the impedance matching between the first connection stub 221 and the second connection stub 222, thereby improving the characteristics of the circulator 100.

[0126] Similarly, the first ring junction 111 and / or the second ring junction 112 may include multiple impedance adjustment stubs located between two adjacent connection stubs. These impedance adjustment stubs are used to adjust the impedance between the two adjacent connection stubs, thereby improving impedance matching and enhancing the characteristics of the circulator 100. For the sake of brevity, these details will not be elaborated further and can be determined based on actual production or design requirements.

[0127] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 further includes a first matching branch 151 and / or a second matching branch 152.

[0128] The second end of the second connecting branch 222 is coupled to the first end of the first matching branch 151. The second end of the first matching branch 151 is coupled to the first end of the first connector 121.

[0129] The second end of the fifth connecting branch 225 is coupled to the first end of the second matching branch 152. The second end of the second matching branch 152 is coupled to the second end of the first connecting member 121.

[0130] In one embodiment, the first matching branch 151 and / or the second matching branch 152 do not overlap with a portion of the first dielectric layer 131 in a first direction.

[0131] It should be understood that the first matching stub 151 and / or the second matching stub 152 can be used to adjust the impedance of the second connecting stub 222 and the fifth connecting stub 225 to improve the characteristics of the circulator 100.

[0132] Meanwhile, the first matching branch 151 and / or the second matching branch 152 can also be used to improve the delay characteristics of the circulator 100, so that the electrical signal transmission has a larger delay after passing through the circulator 100.

[0133] Furthermore, the second ends of the first matching branch 151 and the second matching branch 152 are located outside the first dielectric layer 131, which facilitates connection with the second end of the first connector 121.

[0134] It should be understood that the matching stubs described in the embodiments of this application can be used to adjust impedance, while the connecting stubs can be used to connect other components. Therefore, the difference between the matching stubs and connecting stubs in a coupled connection lies in their width. The matching stubs achieve impedance adjustment through metal traces with a width different from that of the connecting stubs. For the sake of brevity, the matching stubs described in the embodiments of this application can all be understood accordingly, and will not be described in detail here.

[0135] In one embodiment, the second end of the first matching branch 151 is welded to the first end of the first connector 121. The second end of the second matching branch 152 is welded to the second end of the first connector 121.

[0136] It should be understood that the first matching branch 151 / second matching branch 152 is connected to the first connector 121 by welding, which can give the first matching branch 151 / second matching branch 152 and the first connector 121 good electrical conductivity as well as good strength.

[0137] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 also includes a plurality of matching branches.

[0138] For example, the first ring junction 111 may also include a third matching stub 153. The first end of the third matching stub 153 is coupled to the second end of the first connecting stub 221. The second end of the third matching stub 153 is used for coupling to an external first circuit.

[0139] The second ring junction 112 may further include a fourth matching stub 154. A first end of the fourth matching stub 154 is coupled to a second end of the fourth connecting stub 224. The second end of the fourth matching stub 154 is used for coupling to an external second circuit.

[0140] It should be understood that the connecting branches described in the embodiments of this application can all be coupled to matching branches to adjust the impedance between ports and improve the delay characteristics of the circulator 100. The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of matching branches included in the circulator 100, which can be determined according to actual production or design. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail.

[0141] In the annular junctions shown in Figures 5 to 7, the connecting branch and the matching branch are directly electrically connected as an example. In one embodiment, the connecting branch and the matching branch are indirectly coupled, as shown in Figure 8, where connecting branch 1 and matching branch 1 are shown. The embodiments of this application do not limit the connection method of the connecting branch and the matching branch, and can be determined according to actual production or design. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail.

[0142] In one embodiment, the matching branch can be arc-shaped, as shown in matching branch 2 in Figure 8. In actual production or design, the matching branch can also be shaped like a broken line, etc. This application embodiment does not limit this, and can be determined according to actual production or design. For the sake of brevity, it will not be elaborated further.

[0143] In one embodiment, the matching stub may include a filter. As shown in matching stub 3 in FIG8, the serrated portion of matching stub 3 can be used for filtering, which can reduce interference carried in the electrical signal transmitted in circulator 100.

[0144] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 further includes a second dielectric layer 132, a third dielectric layer 133, a first magnet 141, and a second magnet 142. The first magnet 141, the second dielectric layer 132, the first ring junction 111, the first dielectric layer 131, the second ring junction 112, the third dielectric layer 133, and the second magnet 142 are sequentially stacked in a first direction.

[0145] It should be understood that the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 can be used to generate a static bias magnetic field. The dielectric layers (e.g., the first dielectric layer 131, the second dielectric layer 132, and the third dielectric layer 133) can exhibit gyromagnetic properties (non-reciprocal properties) under the influence of the static bias magnetic field. Because the dielectric layers exhibit gyromagnetic properties (non-reciprocal properties), the central junction (ring junction) located between two adjacent dielectric layers has the characteristic of unidirectional transmission of electrical signals.

[0146] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 further includes a fourth dielectric layer 134 and a third magnet 143. The first ring junction 111, the first dielectric layer 131, the third magnet 143, the fourth dielectric layer 134, and the second ring junction 112 are stacked sequentially in a first direction.

[0147] It should be understood that by setting the first ring junction 111 and the second ring junction 112 between the first magnet 141 and the third magnet 143, and between the third magnet 143 and the second magnet 142, the static bias magnetic field generated by the magnet can be made more uniform, thereby giving the dielectric layer better gyromagnetic properties (non-reciprocal properties) to improve the unidirectional transmission characteristics of the ring junction.

[0148] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 further includes a first uniform magnetic sheet 161 and / or a second uniform magnetic sheet 162, as shown in FIG9. The first uniform magnetic sheet 161 is located between the first magnet 141 and the second dielectric layer 132. The second uniform magnetic sheet 162 is located between the second magnet 142 and the third dielectric layer 133.

[0149] It should be understood that a uniform magnetic sheet can make the static bias magnetic field generated by a magnet more evenly distributed after passing through it. Because the static bias magnetic field is more evenly distributed, the dielectric can exhibit better gyromagnetic properties (non-reciprocal properties) under the influence of the static bias magnetic field, and the toroidal junction has better unidirectional signal transmission characteristics.

[0150] The embodiments of this application do not limit the number or placement of the uniform magnetic sheets. The uniform magnetic sheets can be located between any adjacent magnets and dielectric layers, and the specific number and placement can be determined according to the manufacturing or design requirements. For example, the circulator 100 also includes a third uniform magnetic sheet 163 and / or a fourth uniform magnetic sheet 164. The third uniform magnetic sheet 163 is located between the third magnet 143 and the first dielectric layer 131. The fourth uniform magnetic sheet 164 is located between the third magnet 143 and the fourth dielectric layer 134. For the sake of brevity, further details are omitted.

[0151] In one embodiment, the thickness of the uniform magnetic sheet (e.g., the first uniform magnetic sheet 161, the second uniform magnetic sheet 162, the third uniform magnetic sheet 163, and the fourth uniform magnetic sheet 164) is greater than or equal to 0.05 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the uniform magnetic sheet (e.g., the first uniform magnetic sheet 161, the second uniform magnetic sheet 162, the third uniform magnetic sheet 163, and the fourth uniform magnetic sheet 164) is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the uniform magnetic sheet (e.g., the first uniform magnetic sheet 161, the second uniform magnetic sheet 162, the third uniform magnetic sheet 163, and the fourth uniform magnetic sheet 164) is greater than or equal to 0.15 mm.

[0152] In one embodiment, the thickness of the uniform magnetic sheet (e.g., the first uniform magnetic sheet 161, the second uniform magnetic sheet 162, the third uniform magnetic sheet 163, and the fourth uniform magnetic sheet 164) is less than or equal to 0.5 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the uniform magnetic sheet (e.g., the first uniform magnetic sheet 161, the second uniform magnetic sheet 162, the third uniform magnetic sheet 163, and the fourth uniform magnetic sheet 164) is less than or equal to 0.3 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the uniform magnetic sheet (e.g., the first uniform magnetic sheet 161, the second uniform magnetic sheet 162, the third uniform magnetic sheet 163, and the fourth uniform magnetic sheet 164) is less than or equal to 0.2 mm.

[0153] It should be understood that as the thickness of the uniform magnetic sheet increases, the static bias magnetic field generated by the magnet becomes more uniformly distributed after passing through the uniform magnetic sheet.

[0154] In one embodiment, the dielectric layers (e.g., first dielectric layer 131, second dielectric layer 132, third dielectric layer 133, and fourth dielectric layer 134) include a first dielectric and a second dielectric, as shown in FIG10. In one embodiment, the first dielectric is columnar. In one embodiment, the second dielectric is disposed around the circumference of the first dielectric. For example, the second dielectric is annular or square annular.

[0155] It should be understood that, since the dielectric layer comprises two dielectrics, the equivalent dielectric constant of the dielectric layer can be adjusted more flexibly.

[0156] In one embodiment, the dielectric constant of the first medium is greater than or equal to 10. In one embodiment, the dielectric constant of the first medium is greater than or equal to 15. In one embodiment, the dielectric constant of the first medium is greater than or equal to 20. In one embodiment, the dielectric constant of the first medium is greater than or equal to 30.

[0157] In one embodiment, the dielectric constant of the second medium is greater than or equal to 10. In one embodiment, the dielectric constant of the second medium is greater than or equal to 15. In one embodiment, the dielectric constant of the second medium is greater than or equal to 20. In one embodiment, the dielectric constant of the second medium is greater than or equal to 30.

[0158] It should be understood that by increasing the dielectric constant of the first and second media, the electrical signal transmission can have a greater time delay after passing through the circulator 100, and the circulator 100 has better time delay characteristics.

[0159] In one embodiment, the first medium is ferrite.

[0160] It should be understood that in the above embodiments, the example only uses the case where both the first and second media are electrical dielectrics. In actual production or design, the first and / or second media can also be magnetic media. As the permeability of the first and / or second media increases, the electrical signal transmission can have a greater time delay after passing through the circulator 100, and the circulator 100 can have better time delay characteristics.

[0161] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 further includes a housing 200, as shown in FIG11.

[0162] The first annular junction 111, the second annular junction 112, the first connector 121, the dielectric layer (e.g., the first dielectric layer 131, the second dielectric layer 132, the third dielectric layer 133, and the fourth dielectric layer 134), the magnet (e.g., the first magnet 141, the second magnet 142, and the third magnet), and the uniform magnetic sheet (e.g., the first uniform magnetic sheet 161, the second uniform magnetic sheet 162, the third uniform magnetic sheet 163, and the fourth uniform magnetic sheet 164) can be located within the space formed by the housing 200.

[0163] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 further includes a second connector 122 and / or a third connector 123. A first end of the second connector 122 is coupled to a second end of a first connecting branch 221, and the second end of the second connector 122 is used for coupling to an external first circuit. A first end of the third connector 123 is coupled to a second end of a fourth connecting branch 222, and the second end of the third connector 123 is used for coupling to an external second circuit.

[0164] It should be understood that the second end of the first connecting branch 221 and the second end of the fourth connecting branch 224 can be led to the bottom of the housing 200 via the second connector 122 and the third connector 123 respectively, which makes it easier to couple with the external circuit.

[0165] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another circulator 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0166] As shown in Figure 12, the circulator 100 includes a first circulator knot 111.

[0167] The first ring knot 111 includes a first central knot 211, a second central knot 212, a first connecting branch 221, a second connecting branch 222, and a third connecting branch 223, as shown in Figure 13.

[0168] The first central knot 221 and the second central knot 222 are located in the same plane.

[0169] In this embodiment, a first end of the first connecting branch 221 is connected to a first central junction 211. A second end of the first connecting branch 221 is used for coupling connection to an input port. In one embodiment, the input port is used for coupling connection to an external first circuit. In one embodiment, the first circuit may include a power amplifier. The first circuit may include a portion of the RF front-end circuit in the above embodiments.

[0170] The first end of the second connecting branch 222 is directly connected to the first central knot 211. The second end of the second connecting branch 222 is directly connected to the second central knot 212. The first central knot 211 and the second central knot 212 are directly connected by the second connecting branch 222.

[0171] The first end of the third connecting branch 223 is connected to the second central junction 212. The second end of the third connecting branch 223 is used for coupling connection to the output port. In one embodiment, the output port is used for coupling connection to an external second circuit. In one embodiment, the second circuit may include an antenna. The second circuit may include a portion of the RF front-end circuit in the above embodiments and the antenna. In one embodiment, the first ring junction 111 includes the first central junction 211, the second central junction 212, the first connecting branch 221, the second connecting branch 222, and the third connecting branch 223 integrally formed.

[0172] It should be understood that the circulator 100 and components shown in Figures 12 and 13 differ from those shown in Figures 3 to 11 only in the cascading method between the first central node 211 and the second central node 212.

[0173] In the circulator 100 shown in Figures 3 to 11, the first central node 211 and the second central node 212 are not located in the same plane. The first central node 211 and the second central node 212 are spaced apart in a first direction. The first central node 211 and the second central node 212 are coupled together through a second connecting branch 222, a fifth connecting branch 225, and a first connecting member 121. Matching branches can also be cascaded between the first central node 211 and the second central node 212.

[0174] In the circulator 100 shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first central node 211 and the second central node 212 are located in the same plane. The first central node 211 and the second central node 212 are connected by a second connecting branch 222. There are no cascaded matching branches between the first central node 211 and the second central node 212.

[0175] The circulators 100 shown in Figures 3 to 11, and Figures 12 and 13, can all be cascaded with a first ring junction 111 and a second ring junction 112 to give the electrical signal a significant time delay after passing through the circulator 100, thus enabling the circulator 100 to have the characteristics of a time delayer. In communication equipment (e.g., radio frequency front-end circuits), there is no need to additionally set up a time delayer, thereby reducing the layout space required for the circulator 100 and the time delayer.

[0176] In one embodiment, the angle between the input port and the first end of the second connecting branch 222 is greater than or equal to 60°. In another embodiment, the angle between the input port and the first end of the second connecting branch 222 is greater than or equal to 90°. In yet another embodiment, the angle between the input port and the first end of the second connecting branch 222 is greater than or equal to 110°.

[0177] In one embodiment, the angle between the output port and the second end of the second connecting branch 222 is greater than or equal to 60°. In another embodiment, the angle between the output port and the second end of the second connecting branch 222 is greater than or equal to 90°. In yet another embodiment, the angle between the output port and the second end of the second connecting branch 222 is greater than or equal to 110°.

[0178] It should be understood that as the angle between the port and the second connecting branch increases, the mutual interference between the port and the second connecting branch decreases, which helps to improve the isolation between branches, thereby improving the characteristics of the circulator 100.

[0179] In one embodiment, the first loop knot 111 may further include a fourth connecting branch 224 and / or a fifth connecting branch 225. The first end of the fourth connecting branch 224 is connected to the first central knot 211. The first end of the fifth connecting branch 225 is connected to the second central knot 222.

[0180] In one embodiment, the first central knot 211, the second central knot 212, the first connecting branch 221, the second connecting branch 222, the third connecting branch 223, the fourth connecting branch 224, and the fifth connecting branch 225 are integrally formed.

[0181] In one embodiment, the second end of the fourth connection branch 224 is used for coupling connection to the first connection port. In one embodiment, the first connection port is used for coupling connection to a first load. In one embodiment, the second end of the fifth connection branch 225 is used for coupling connection to a second connection port. In one embodiment, the second connection port is used for coupling connection to a second load.

[0182] It should be understood that the second end of the fourth connecting branch 224 is coupled to the first load, which can provide better isolation between the first connecting branch 221 and the second connecting branch 222, thereby improving the characteristics of the circulator 100. Similarly, the second end of the fifth connecting branch 225 is coupled to the second load, which can provide better isolation between the second connecting branch 222 and the third connecting branch 223, thereby improving the characteristics of the circulator 100.

[0183] In one embodiment, the angle between the first connection port and the first end of the second connection branch 222 is greater than or equal to 60°. In one embodiment, the angle between the first connection port and the first end of the second connection branch 222 is greater than or equal to 90°. In one embodiment, the angle between the first connection port and the first end of the second connection branch 222 is greater than or equal to 110°.

[0184] In one embodiment, the angle between the input port and the first connection port is greater than or equal to 60°. In another embodiment, the angle between the input port and the first connection port is greater than or equal to 90°. In yet another embodiment, the angle between the input port and the first connection port is greater than or equal to 110°.

[0185] In one embodiment, the angle between the second connection port and the second end of the second connection branch 222 is greater than or equal to 60°. In one embodiment, the angle between the second connection port and the second end of the second connection branch 222 is greater than or equal to 90°. In one embodiment, the angle between the second connection port and the second end of the second connection branch 222 is greater than or equal to 110°. In one embodiment, the angle between the output port and the second connection port is greater than or equal to 60°. In one embodiment, the angle between the output port and the second connection port is greater than or equal to 90°. In one embodiment, the angle between the output port and the second connection port is greater than or equal to 110°.

[0186] In one embodiment, the first annular junction 111 may further include an impedance adjustment stub 150. The impedance adjustment stub 150 is connected to the first central junction 211. In one embodiment, the first central junction 211 and the impedance adjustment stub 150 are integrally formed.

[0187] The impedance adjustment stub 150 is located between the first connecting stub 221 and the second connecting stub 222.

[0188] It should be understood that the impedance adjustment stub 150 is used to adjust the impedance between the first connection stub 221 and the second connection stub 222, which can improve the impedance matching between the first connection stub 221 and the second connection stub 222, thereby improving the characteristics of the circulator 100.

[0189] Similarly, the first ring junction 111 may include multiple impedance adjustment stubs located between two adjacent connection stubs. These stubs are used to adjust the impedance between the two adjacent connection stubs, thereby improving impedance matching and enhancing the characteristics of the circulator 100. For the sake of brevity, these details will not be elaborated further and can be determined based on actual production or design requirements.

[0190] In one embodiment, the first ring junction 111 may further include a matching stub (not shown). For example, the first ring junction 111 may further include a first matching stub and / or a second matching stub. The second end of the first connecting stub 221 is coupled to the first end of the first matching stub. The second end of the first matching stub is used for coupling to an external first circuit. The second end of the third connecting stub 223 is coupled to the first end of the second matching stub. The second end of the second matching stub is used for coupling to an external first circuit.

[0191] It should be understood that matching stubs can be used to adjust the impedance of connecting stubs to improve the characteristics of circulator 100. For example, a first matching stub and / or a second matching stub can be used to adjust the impedance of a first connecting stub 221 and a third connecting stub 223.

[0192] The circulator 100 may include multiple matching stubs. All the connecting stubs described in this embodiment can be coupled to matching stubs to adjust the impedance between ports and improve the delay characteristics of the circulator 100. This embodiment does not limit the number of matching stubs included in the circulator 100; the number can be determined based on actual production or design. For the sake of brevity, these will not be elaborated further.

[0193] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 further includes a first dielectric layer 131, a second dielectric layer 132, a third dielectric layer 133, and a fourth dielectric layer 134, as shown in FIG14.

[0194] The first central junction 211 is located between the first dielectric layer 131 and the second dielectric layer 132. The second central junction 212 is located between the third dielectric layer 133 and the fourth dielectric layer 134.

[0195] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 further includes a first magnet 141, a second magnet 142, a third magnet 143, and a fourth magnet 144. The first magnet 141, the first dielectric layer 131, the first central junction 211, the second dielectric layer 132, and the second magnet 142 are sequentially stacked in a first direction. The third magnet 143, the third dielectric layer 133, the second central junction 212, the fourth dielectric layer 134, and the fourth magnet 144 are sequentially stacked in the first direction.

[0196] It should be understood that the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 can be used to generate a static biasing magnetic field. The dielectric layers (e.g., the first dielectric layer 131 and the second dielectric layer 132) can exhibit gyromagnetic properties (non-reciprocal properties) under the influence of the static biasing magnetic field. Because the dielectric layers exhibit gyromagnetic properties (non-reciprocal properties), the central junction (ring junction) between two adjacent dielectric layers has the characteristic of unidirectional transmission of electrical signals. Similarly, the third magnet 143 and the fourth magnet 144 can be understood accordingly.

[0197] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 further includes a first uniform magnetic sheet 161, a second uniform magnetic sheet 162, a third uniform magnetic sheet 163, and / or a fourth uniform magnetic sheet 164.

[0198] The first uniform magnetic sheet 161 is located between the first magnet 141 and the first dielectric layer 131. The second uniform magnetic sheet 162 is located between the second magnet 142 and the second dielectric layer 132. The third uniform magnetic sheet 163 is located between the third magnet 143 and the third dielectric layer 133. The fourth uniform magnetic sheet 164 is located between the fourth magnet 144 and the fourth dielectric layer 134.

[0199] It should be understood that a uniform magnetic sheet can make the static bias magnetic field generated by a magnet more evenly distributed after passing through it. Because the static bias magnetic field is more evenly distributed, the dielectric can exhibit better gyromagnetic properties (non-reciprocal properties) under the influence of the static bias magnetic field, and the toroidal junction has better unidirectional signal transmission characteristics.

[0200] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 further includes a first connector 121 and / or a second connector 122. A first end of the first connector 121 is coupled to a second end of a first connecting branch 221, and the second end of the first connector 121 is used for coupling to an external first circuit. A first end of the second connector 122 is coupled to a second end of a third connecting branch 223, and the second end of the second connector 122 is used for coupling to an external second circuit.

[0201] It should be understood that the second end of the first connecting branch 221 and the second end of the third connecting branch 223 can respectively lead the electrical connection with the external circuit to the bottom of the housing through the first connector 121 and the second connector 122, which makes it easier to couple with the external circuit.

[0202] The embodiments of this application do not limit the number or placement of the uniform magnetic sheets. The uniform magnetic sheets can be located between any adjacent magnets and dielectric layers, and the specific number and placement can be determined according to the production or design. For the sake of brevity, further details will not be provided.

[0203] For the sake of brevity, the similar parts of the circulator 100 shown in Figures 3 to 11 and the circulator 100 shown in Figures 12 to 14 will not be described in detail. These similar parts include: the dimensions of the circulator 100; the arrangement of the load coupled to the connecting stubs; the shape of the first central junction 211 and / or the second central junction 212; the coupling connection method, shape, and function of the matching stubs; the position and thickness of the uniform magnetic sheet; the dielectric layer including a first dielectric and a second dielectric, and related descriptions of the first and second dielectrics; and so on.

[0204] Figure 15 is a structural schematic diagram of another circulator 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0205] As shown in Figure 15, the circulator 100 includes a first circulator junction 111, a first dielectric layer 131, and a second dielectric layer 132.

[0206] The first dielectric layer 131, the first annular junction 111, and the second dielectric layer 132 are stacked sequentially in a first direction, as shown in Figure 16. The first direction can be understood as the thickness direction of the first dielectric layer 131, for example, the z-direction.

[0207] The first loop knot 111 includes a first central knot 211, a first connecting branch 221, a second connecting branch 222, and a first matching branch 151, as shown in Figure 17.

[0208] A first end of the first connecting stub 221 is connected to a first central junction 211. A second end of the first connecting stub 221 is coupled to a first end of a first matching stub 151. The second end of the first matching stub 151 is used for coupling to an input port. In one embodiment, the input port is used for coupling to an external first circuit. In one embodiment, the first circuit may include a power amplifier. The first circuit may include a portion of the RF front-end circuit in the above embodiments.

[0209] The first end of the second connecting stub 222 is connected to the first central junction 211. The second end of the second connecting stub 222 is used for coupling connection to an output port. In one embodiment, the output port is used for coupling connection to an external second circuit. In one embodiment, the second circuit may include an antenna. The second circuit may include a portion of the RF front-end circuit in the above embodiments and the antenna. In one embodiment, the first ring junction 111 includes the first central junction 211, the first connecting stub 221, the second connecting stub 222, and the first matching stub 151 integrally formed.

[0210] It should be understood that the difference between the circulator 100 and components shown in Figures 15 to 17 and those shown in Figures 3 to 11 is only that the circulator 100 has a larger time delay characteristic in a different way.

[0211] In the circulator 100 shown in Figures 3 to 14, the first central junction 211 and the second central junction 212 are coupled together. The cascading of the first central junction 211 and the second central junction 212 causes a significant time delay in the electrical signal after passing through the circulator 100. The circulator 100, by cascading the two central junctions, exhibits the characteristics of a time delay device.

[0212] In the circulator 100 shown in Figures 15 to 17, the circulator 100 includes only one central node. The first central node 211, cascaded with the first matching stub 151, causes a significant time delay in the electrical signal after passing through the circulator 100. The circulator 100, by coupling the matching stub through the central node, exhibits the characteristics of a time delayer. In communication devices (e.g., radio frequency front-end circuits), no additional time delayer is required, thus reducing the layout space required for the circulator 100 and the time delayer.

[0213] In one embodiment, the angle between the input port and the output port is greater than or equal to 60°. In another embodiment, the angle between the input port and the output port is greater than or equal to 90°. In yet another embodiment, the angle between the input port and the output port is greater than or equal to 110°.

[0214] It should be understood that as the angle between the ports increases, the mutual interference between the ports decreases, which helps to improve the isolation between branches, thereby improving the characteristics of the circulator 100.

[0215] In one embodiment, the first loop knot 111 may further include a third connecting branch 223. The first end of the third connecting branch 223 is connected to the first central knot 211.

[0216] In one embodiment, the first central node 211, the first connecting branch 221, the second connecting branch 222, the third connecting branch 223, and the first matching branch 151 are integrally formed.

[0217] In one embodiment, the second end of the third connection branch 223 is used for coupling connection with the first connection port. In another embodiment, the first connection port is used for coupling connection with a first load.

[0218] It should be understood that the second end of the third connecting branch 223 is coupled to the first load, which can provide better isolation between the first connecting branch 221 and the second connecting branch 222, thereby improving the characteristics of the circulator 100.

[0219] In one embodiment, the angle between the input port and the first connection port is greater than or equal to 60°. In another embodiment, the angle between the input port and the first connection port is greater than or equal to 90°. In yet another embodiment, the angle between the input port and the first connection port is greater than or equal to 110°.

[0220] In one embodiment, the angle between the output port and the first connection port is greater than or equal to 60°. In another embodiment, the angle between the output port and the first connection port is greater than or equal to 90°. In yet another embodiment, the angle between the output port and the first connection port is greater than or equal to 110°.

[0221] In one embodiment, the first annular junction 111 may further include an impedance adjustment stub 150. The impedance adjustment stub 150 is connected to the first central junction 211. In one embodiment, the first central junction 211 and the impedance adjustment stub 150 are integrally formed.

[0222] The impedance adjustment stub 150 is located between the first connecting stub 221 and the second connecting stub 222.

[0223] It should be understood that the impedance adjustment stub 150 is used to adjust the impedance between the first connection stub 221 and the second connection stub 222, which can improve the impedance matching between the first connection stub 221 and the second connection stub 222, thereby improving the characteristics of the circulator 100.

[0224] Similarly, the first ring junction 111 may include multiple impedance adjustment stubs located between two adjacent connection stubs. These stubs are used to adjust the impedance between the two adjacent connection stubs, thereby improving impedance matching and enhancing the characteristics of the circulator 100. For the sake of brevity, these details will not be elaborated further and can be determined based on actual production or design requirements.

[0225] In one embodiment, the first ring junction 111 may further include a second matching stub 152 and / or a third matching stub 153. A second end of the second connecting stub 222 is coupled to a first end of the second matching stub 152. The second end of the second matching stub 152 is used for coupling to an external second circuit. A second end of the third connecting stub 223 is coupled to a first end of the third matching stub 153. The second end of the third matching stub 153 is used for coupling to a first load.

[0226] It should be understood that matching stubs can be used to adjust the impedance of connecting stubs to improve the characteristics of circulator 100. Circulator 100 may include multiple matching stubs. The connecting stubs described in the embodiments of this application can all be coupled to matching stubs to adjust the impedance between ports and improve the time delay characteristics of circulator 100. The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of matching stubs included in circulator 100, which can be determined according to actual production or design. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

[0227] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 further includes a first magnet 141 and a second magnet 142. The first magnet 141, the first dielectric layer 131, the first central junction 211, the second dielectric layer 132, and the second magnet 142 are stacked sequentially in a first direction.

[0228] It should be understood that the first magnet 141 and the second magnet 142 can be used to generate a static bias magnetic field. The dielectric layers (e.g., the first dielectric layer 131 and the second dielectric layer 132) can exhibit gyromagnetic properties (non-reciprocal properties) under the influence of the static bias magnetic field. Because the dielectric layers exhibit gyromagnetic properties (non-reciprocal properties), the central junction (ring junction) located between two adjacent dielectric layers has the characteristic of unidirectional transmission of electrical signals.

[0229] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 further includes a first uniform magnetic sheet 161 and a second uniform magnetic sheet 162.

[0230] The first uniform magnetic sheet 161 is located between the first magnet 141 and the first dielectric layer 131. The second uniform magnetic sheet 162 is located between the second magnet 142 and the second dielectric layer 132.

[0231] It should be understood that a uniform magnetic sheet can make the static bias magnetic field generated by a magnet more evenly distributed after passing through it. Because the static bias magnetic field is more evenly distributed, the dielectric can exhibit better gyromagnetic properties (non-reciprocal properties) under the influence of the static bias magnetic field, and the toroidal junction has better unidirectional signal transmission characteristics.

[0232] In one embodiment, the first annular knot 111 can be a planar structure.

[0233] In one embodiment, the first annular knot 111 can be a three-dimensional structure, as shown in Figure 18.

[0234] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 further includes a third dielectric layer 133. The third dielectric layer 133, the first dielectric layer 131, and the second dielectric layer 132 are stacked sequentially, as shown in FIG19. A first central junction 111 is located between the first dielectric layer 131 and the second dielectric layer 132. At least a portion of the matching branches (e.g., the first matching branch 151 and the second matching branch 152) is located between the second dielectric layer 132 and the third dielectric layer 133.

[0235] It should be understood that at least a portion of the matching stubs (e.g., the first matching stub 151, the second matching stub 152) is spaced from the first central node 211 in the first direction, which can make the electrical signal have a greater time delay after passing through the circulator 100 while reducing the layout space of the circulator 100, thereby achieving miniaturization of the circulator 100.

[0236] It should be understood that a portion of the matching branches (e.g., the first matching branch 151 and the second matching branch 152) may be located between the first dielectric layer 131 and the second dielectric layer 132. Alternatively, the matching branches (e.g., the first matching branch 151 and the second matching branch 152) may not be located between the first dielectric layer 131 and the second dielectric layer 132. The embodiments of this application do not limit the above situations and can be determined according to actual production or design; for the sake of brevity, they will not be elaborated further.

[0237] In one embodiment, the circulator 100 further includes a first connector 121 and / or a second connector 122. A first end of the first connector 121 is coupled to a second end of a first matching stub 151, and the second end of the first connector 121 is used for coupling to an external first circuit. A first end of the second connector 122 is coupled to a second end of a second connecting stub 222, and the second end of the second connector 122 is used for coupling to an external second circuit.

[0238] It should be understood that the second end of the first connecting branch 221 and the second end of the second connecting branch 222 can respectively lead the electrical connection with the external circuit to the bottom of the housing through the first connector 121 and the second connector 122, which makes it easier to couple with the external circuit.

[0239] The embodiments of this application do not limit the number or placement of the uniform magnetic sheets. The uniform magnetic sheets can be located between any adjacent magnets and dielectric layers, and the specific number and placement can be determined according to the production or design. For the sake of brevity, further details will not be provided.

[0240] For the sake of brevity, the similar parts of the circulator 100 shown in Figures 15 to 19 to the circulator 100 shown in Figures 3 to 14 will not be described in detail. These similar parts include: the dimensions of the circulator 100; the arrangement of the load coupled to the connecting stubs; the shape of the first central junction 211 and / or the second central junction 212; the coupling connection method, shape, and function of the matching stubs; the position and thickness of the uniform magnetic sheet; the dielectric layer including a first dielectric and a second dielectric, and related descriptions of the first and second dielectrics; and so on.

[0241] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A circulator, characterized in that, include: The first loop knot includes a first central knot, a first connecting branch, a second connecting branch, and a third connecting branch. The first end of the first connecting branch, the first end of the second connecting branch, and the first end of the third connecting branch are connected to the first central knot. The second end of the first connecting branch is used for coupling connection with an input port, and the second end of the third connecting branch is used for coupling connection with a first connecting port. The second loop knot includes a second central knot, a fourth connecting branch, a fifth connecting branch, and a sixth connecting branch. The first end of the fourth connecting branch, the first end of the fifth connecting branch, and the first end of the sixth connecting branch are connected to the second central knot. The second end of the fourth connecting branch is used for coupling connection with the output port, and the second end of the sixth connecting branch is used for coupling connection with the second connecting port. A connector, wherein the second end of the second connecting branch is coupled to the second end of the fifth connecting branch via the connector; The first dielectric layer, the first ring junction, and the second ring junction are stacked sequentially in a first direction, where the first direction is the thickness direction of the first dielectric layer; Wherein, the input port forms a first angle with the connector, the first connection port forms a second angle with the connector, the output port forms a third angle with the connector, and the second connection port forms a fourth angle with the connector; The input port and the output port are located on the first side and the second side of the connector, respectively; or, the input port and the output port are located on the first side of the connector, and the first angle and the third angle are different. The input port and the second connection port are located on the first side and the second side of the connector, respectively; or, the input port and the second connection port are located on the first side of the connector, and the first angle and the fourth angle are different. The first connection port and the output port are located on the first side and the second side of the connector, respectively; or, the first connection port and the output port are located on the first side of the connector, and the second angle and the third angle are different. The first connection port and the second connection port are located on the first side and the second side of the connector, respectively, or the first connection port and the second connection port are located on the first side of the connector, and the second angle and the fourth angle are different.

2. The circulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first angle is greater than or equal to 60°, and / or the third angle is greater than or equal to 60°.

3. The circulator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The circulator further includes a second dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer, a first magnet, and a second magnet, wherein the first magnet, the second dielectric layer, the first circulator junction, the first dielectric layer, the second circulator junction, the third dielectric layer, and the second magnet are stacked sequentially in the first direction.

4. The circulator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The circulator further includes a fourth dielectric layer and a third magnet, and the first circulator, the first dielectric layer, the third magnet, the fourth dielectric layer and the second circulator are stacked sequentially in the first direction.

5. The circulator according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The circulator further includes a first uniform magnetic sheet and / or a second uniform magnetic sheet; The first uniform magnetic sheet is located between the first magnet and the second dielectric layer; The second uniform magnetic sheet is located between the second magnet and the third dielectric layer.

6. The circulator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first dielectric layer includes a first dielectric and a second dielectric, wherein the first dielectric is columnar and the second dielectric is disposed around the circumference of the first dielectric.

7. The circulator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The dielectric constant of the first medium is greater than or equal to 10, and / or the dielectric constant of the second medium is greater than or equal to 10.

8. The circulator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first loop knot includes a first matching branch, and the second loop knot includes a second matching branch; Wherein, the second end of the second connecting branch is coupled to the first end of the first matching branch, the second end of the first matching branch is coupled to the first end of the connector, the second end of the fifth connecting branch is coupled to the first end of the second matching branch, and the second end of the second matching branch is coupled to the second end of the connector.

9. The circulator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first connection port is used for coupling connection with a first load, and / or the second connection port is used for coupling connection with a second load.

10. A circulator, characterized in that, include: A loop knot, comprising a first center knot, a second center knot, a first connecting branch, a second connecting branch, and a third connecting branch, wherein the first end of the first connecting branch is connected to the first center knot, the first end of the second connecting branch is directly connected to the first center knot, the second end of the second connecting branch is directly connected to the second center knot, and the first end of the third connecting branch is connected to the second center knot; Wherein, the second end of the first connecting branch is used for coupling connection with the input port, and the second end of the third connecting branch is used for coupling connection with the output port; The first central knot and the second central knot are located in the same plane.

11. The circulator according to claim 10, characterized in that, The circulator further includes a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer, and a fourth dielectric layer, with the first central junction located between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer, and the second central junction located between the third dielectric layer and the fourth dielectric layer.

12. The circulator according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The input port forms a first angle with the first end of the second connecting branch, and the output port forms a second angle with the second end of the second connecting branch; The first angle is greater than or equal to 60°, and / or the second angle is greater than or equal to 60°.

13. The circulator according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The ring knot further includes a first matching branch and / or a second matching branch; Wherein, the second end of the first connecting branch is coupled to the first end of the first matching branch, and the second end of the first matching branch is used to be coupled to the input port; The second end of the third connecting branch is coupled to the first end of the second matching branch, and the second end of the second matching branch is used to couple to the output port.

14. The circulator according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The ring knot further includes a fourth connecting branch, and / or a fifth connecting branch; Wherein, the first end of the fourth connecting branch is connected to the first central node, and the second end of the fourth connecting branch is used for coupling connection with the first load; The first end of the fifth connecting branch is connected to the second central node, and the second end of the fifth connecting branch is used for coupling connection with the second load.

15. A circulator, characterized in that, include: A loop knot, the loop knot comprising: A central node, a first matching branch, a first connecting branch, and a second connecting branch are provided. The first end of the first connecting branch and the second connecting branch are connected to the central node. The second end of the first connecting branch is coupled to the first end of the first matching branch. The second end of the first matching branch is used to be coupled to an input port, and the second end of the second connecting branch is used to be coupled to an output port. A first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer are stacked sequentially in a first direction, wherein the first direction is the thickness direction of the first dielectric layer.

16. The circulator according to claim 15, characterized in that, The input port and the output port form a first angle, the first angle being greater than or equal to 60°.

17. The circulator according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The ring junction further includes a second matching branch, the second end of which is coupled to the first end of the second matching branch, and the second end of the second matching branch is used to couple to the output port.

18. The circulator according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, The circulator further includes a third dielectric layer, wherein the third dielectric layer, the first dielectric layer, and the second dielectric layer are stacked sequentially. The central junction is located between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer; At least a portion of the first matching branch is located between the second dielectric layer and the third dielectric layer.

19. The circulator according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, The ring knot also includes a third connecting branch, the first end of which is connected to the central knot, and the second end of which is used for coupling connection with the load.

20. A radio frequency front-end circuit, characterized in that, Includes the circulator as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The radio frequency front-end circuit according to claim 20, characterized in that, The input port is used for coupling connection with a first circuit, which includes a power amplifier.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes the radio frequency front-end circuit as described in claim 20 or 21.

23. The communication device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The communication device further includes an antenna, and the output port is used for coupling connection with a second circuit, the second circuit including the antenna.

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