WO2024067007A1

WO2024067007A1 - Method and apparatus for antenna calibration, and communication system

Info

Publication number: WO2024067007A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/117499
Authority: WO
Inventors: 龚政委
Original assignee: 华为技术有限公司
Priority date: 2022-09-30
Filing date: 2023-09-07
Publication date: 2024-04-04
Also published as: CN117811679A

Abstract

The present application discloses a method and apparatus for antenna calibration, and a communication system. The present application can be applied to antenna systems such as a base station, satellite communication, and a detection radar. The antenna calibration apparatus comprises N antenna ports, a coupling plate, N service channels, and a first switch; the N antenna ports are respectively connected to the N service channels; N is an integer greater than or equal to 3; the N service channels comprise a first sending channel, a second sending channel, and a first receiving channel, and the output port of the coupling plate is connected to the first receiving channel by means of the first switch, so that switch-off of the first switch does not affect data transmission of the service channels. In addition, the first switch is used for implementing calibration between a first antenna port and a second antenna port, the first sending channel corresponds to the first antenna port, and the second sending channel corresponds to the second antenna port. Moreover, the number of switches is consistent with the number of receiving channels, so that the hardware cost is reduced.

Description

A method, device and communication system for antenna calibration

This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on September 30, 2022, with application number 202211216200.1 and application name “A method, device and communication system for antenna correction”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in this application.

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a method, device and communication system for antenna calibration.

Background technique

With the rapid development of wireless communications, the antennas of network equipment are showing a multi-port and diversified development trend, including antenna technologies such as Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Beamforming (BF), and Massive MIMO (MM). In order to achieve better system performance, it is necessary to correct the phase, amplitude, and delay of the RF channels corresponding to the multiple ports of network equipment through correction methods.

At present, the commonly used correction method is mainly: add a switch between the antenna and the service channel, and control one antenna independently through one switch. Each antenna is set with a corresponding antenna number. By controlling the opening and closing of the switch respectively, the service channel from which the coupling signal comes is determined according to the antenna number, thereby determining the signal difference between different service channels and correcting the antenna.

However, in the above method, the number of digital switches is the same as the number of antennas, that is, it will increase with the increase of the number of antennas, and the hardware cost will increase.

Summary of the invention

The present application provides a method, device and communication system for antenna calibration. Calibration between multiple antenna ports is achieved through a first switch located between the output port of a coupling plate and a receiving channel. The multiple antenna ports correspond to multiple transmitting channels one by one, and the number of switches is consistent with the number of receiving channels, thereby reducing hardware costs.

The first aspect of the embodiment of the present application provides an antenna correction device, which can be applied to antenna systems such as base stations, satellite communications and detection radars. The antenna correction device includes: N antenna ports, a coupling plate, N service channels and a first switch; the N antenna ports are respectively connected to the N service channels (that is, the N antenna ports correspond to the N service channels one by one), and N is an integer greater than or equal to 3; the N service channels include a first transmission channel, a second transmission channel and a first receiving channel, and the output port of the coupling plate is connected to the first receiving channel through a first switch; the first switch is used to realize the correction between the first antenna port and the second antenna port, the first transmission channel corresponds to the first antenna port, and the second transmission channel corresponds to the second antenna port. For example, when the first switch is disconnected, since the path between the coupling plate and the first receiving channel is disconnected, the signal received by the first receiving channel at this time mainly comes from the antenna port corresponding to the receiving channel. When the first switch is closed, since the path between the coupling plate and the first receiving channel is normal, the signal received by the first receiving channel at this time can come from the output port of the coupling plate in addition to the antenna port corresponding to the receiving channel. By using the signal obtained when the first switch is in the open state and the signal obtained when the first switch is in the closed state, the difference in channel coefficients between the channels where the signals of each transmitting channel are located can be obtained, and then the antenna ports of each transmitting channel can be compensated according to the difference in channel coefficients to reduce the relative error of each transmitting channel.

In this embodiment, the output port of the coupling plate is connected to the first receiving channel through a first switch, and the first switch is used to implement calibration between the first antenna port corresponding to the first transmitting channel and the second antenna port corresponding to the second transmitting channel. In addition, during the antenna calibration process, since the first switch is located between the output port of the coupling plate and the first receiving channel, the disconnection of the first switch does not affect the data transmission of the service channel. And the number of switches is consistent with the number of receiving channels, thereby reducing hardware costs.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first switch is used to implement the correction between the first antenna port corresponding to the first transmitting channel and the second antenna port corresponding to the second transmitting channel, including: when the first switch is disconnected, the first receiving channel is used to receive signals sent from the first transmitting channel and the second transmitting channel to obtain a first group of signals, and the first group of signals are interference signals; when the first switch is closed, the first receiving channel is used to receive signals sent from the first transmitting channel and the second transmitting channel to obtain a second group of signals, and the second group of signals includes interference signals and valid signals, and the valid signals are used to calibrate the first antenna port and the second antenna port. When the first switch is disconnected, since the path between the coupling plate and the first receiving channel is disconnected, the first group of signals mainly come from the antenna port corresponding to the receiving channel. When the first switch is closed, since the path between the coupling plate and the first receiving channel is normal, the second group of signals can come from the output port of the coupling plate in addition to the antenna port corresponding to the receiving channel. Specifically, the valid signal is used to determine the difference in channel coefficients between the first antenna port and the second antenna port, and the difference in channel coefficients is used to calibrate the first antenna port and the second antenna port. The antenna port is compensated when transmitting a service signal to offset the difference in channel coefficients, where the channel coefficients are related to at least one of the following: channel amplitude, channel phase difference, and arrival delay difference.

In this possible implementation, by making the air interface coupling interference signals received by the first receiving channel approximately equal before and after the first switch is turned off (i.e., both are represented by interference signals), the interference signals in the second group of signals can be offset according to the interference signals in the first group of signals, thereby obtaining valid signals. Then, the correction between the first antenna port and the second antenna port is achieved according to the valid signals.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of the first aspect, the above-mentioned interference signal includes a first interference signal and a second interference signal, the first interference signal is an air interface coupling signal between the first antenna port and the third antenna port, the third antenna port corresponds to the first receiving channel, and the second interference signal is an air interface coupling signal between the second antenna port and the third antenna port; the effective signal includes a first effective signal and a second effective signal, the first effective signal is an effective signal output from the first transmitting channel to the first receiving channel through the coupling plate, and the second effective signal is an effective signal output from the second transmitting channel to the first receiving channel through the coupling plate.

In this possible implementation, correction is achieved by determining a first valid signal corresponding to the first transmission channel and a second valid signal corresponding to the second transmission channel, and then subsequently compensating according to the difference between the first valid signal and the second valid signal.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first sending channel is used to send signals through a first resource, and the second sending channel is used to send signals through a second resource; the first resource or the second resource includes at least one of the following: time domain resources, frequency domain resources, code domain resources, and spatial domain resources.

In this possible implementation, there are many situations in which resources are used by the sending channel, which increases the application scenario of this embodiment.

Optionally, in a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first resource and the second resource are orthogonal frequency division resources; the first interference signal and the second interference signal are signals of the orthogonal frequency division resources, and the first valid signal and the second valid signal are signals of the orthogonal frequency division resources.

In this possible implementation, when the first resource and the second resource are orthogonal frequency division, the first interference signal and the second interference signal can be correctly decomposed, and the first valid signal and the second valid signal can be correctly decomposed, thereby reducing the time consumed in the correction process.

Optionally, in a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the above-mentioned first resource and second resource are orthogonal time division resources; the first resource includes a first moment and a second moment, and at the first moment and the second moment, the first switch is in an open state; the signal sent by the first sending channel at the first moment includes a first interference signal; the signal sent by the second sending channel at the second moment includes a second interference signal, and the first moment is different from the second moment; the second resource includes a third moment and a fourth moment, and at the third moment and the fourth moment, the first switch is in a closed state; the signal sent by the first sending channel at the third moment includes a first signal, and the first signal includes a first interference signal and a first valid signal; the signal sent by the second sending channel at the fourth moment includes a second signal, and the second signal includes a second interference signal and a second valid signal, and the third moment is different from the fourth moment.

In this possible implementation, when the first resource and the second resource are in orthogonal time division, the signal is sent at different times, thereby improving the flexibility of the correction scheme.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of the first aspect, the above-mentioned first receiving channel is also used to send signals, the first sending channel is used as a second receiving channel, the antenna correction device also includes a second switch, and the output port of the coupling plate is connected to the second receiving channel through the second switch; the second switch is used to realize correction between the second antenna port and the third antenna port.

In this possible implementation, in order to calibrate the antenna port corresponding to the first receiving channel and other antenna ports, the first receiving channel can also be used to send signals, and the first sending channel is used as the second receiving channel. Then, based on the second switch between the output port of the coupling plate and the second receiving channel, the first antenna port and the third antenna port corresponding to the first receiving channel are calibrated.

Optionally, in a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first receiving channel and the second receiving channel are two service transmission channels in the same remote radio unit (RRU), or the first receiving channel and the second receiving channel are two service transmission channels in different RRUs.

In this possible implementation, the first receiving channel and the second receiving channel may be two service transmission channels in the same RRU, or may be two service transmission channels in different RRUs, and may be applied to antenna calibration across RRUs.

The second aspect of the embodiment of the present application provides an antenna calibration method. The method can be executed by a network device, or by a component of the network device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.). The method includes: when the first switch is disconnected, obtaining a first group of signals, the first group of signals is a signal received by the first receiving channel from the first transmitting channel and the second transmitting channel, and the first group of signals is an interference signal; when the first switch is closed, obtaining a second group of signals, the second group of signals is a signal received by the first receiving channel from the first transmitting channel and the second transmitting channel, and the second group of signals includes an interference signal and a valid signal; based on the comparison of the first group of signals and the second group of signals, The first antenna port and the second antenna port are calibrated. When the first switch is disconnected, since the path between the coupling plate and the first receiving channel is disconnected, the first group of signals at this time mainly comes from the antenna port corresponding to the first receiving channel. When the first switch is closed, since the path between the coupling plate and the first receiving channel is normal, the second group of signals at this time can come from the output port of the coupling plate in addition to the antenna port corresponding to the first receiving channel.

In this embodiment, on the one hand, by obtaining the first group of signals when the first switch is disconnected, and obtaining the second group of signals when the first switch is closed, the correction between the first antenna port and the second antenna port is achieved based on the first group of signals and the second group of signals. On the other hand, the interference signal obtained by the first group of signals offsets the interference in the second group of signals, thereby obtaining the effective signal output by the coupling board. That is, the correction of the antenna port is achieved by continuous interference elimination. On the other hand, during the antenna correction process, since the first switch is located between the output port of the coupling board and the first receiving channel, the disconnection of the first switch does not affect the data transmission of the service channel. On the other hand, the number of switches is consistent with the number of receiving channels, which can reduce the hardware cost compared to the solution in which one channel corresponds to one switch.

Optionally, in a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the above-mentioned step: correcting the first antenna port and the second antenna port based on the first group of signals and the second group of signals includes: determining a valid signal based on the first group of signals and the second group of signals; and correcting the first antenna port and the second antenna port based on the valid signal.

In this possible implementation, the interference signal in the second group of signals can be offset according to the interference signal in the first group of signals, so that a valid signal can be obtained, and then the calibration between the first antenna port and the second antenna port can be implemented according to the valid signal.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of the second aspect, the above-mentioned interference signal includes a first interference signal and a second interference signal, the first interference signal is an air interface coupling signal between the first antenna port and the third antenna port, the third antenna port corresponds to the first receiving channel, and the second interference signal is an air interface coupling signal between the second antenna port and the third antenna port; the effective signal includes a first effective signal and a second effective signal, the first effective signal is an effective signal output from the first transmitting channel to the first receiving channel through the coupling plate, and the second effective signal is an effective signal output from the second transmitting channel to the first receiving channel through the coupling plate.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of the second aspect, the above step: correcting the first antenna port and the second antenna port based on the valid signal includes: correcting the first antenna port and the second antenna port based on the difference in channel coefficients between the first valid signal and the second valid signal. Specifically, the difference in channel coefficients between the first valid signal and the second valid signal is determined, and the difference in channel coefficients is used to compensate the first antenna port and the second antenna port when transmitting service signals to offset the difference in channel coefficients, and the channel coefficient is related to at least one of the following: the amplitude of the channel, the phase difference of the channel, and the moment when the signal carried by the channel arrives at the first receiving channel.

In this possible implementation, the first antenna port and the second antenna port may be calibrated according to the difference in channel coefficients between the first valid signal and the second valid signal, thereby improving the flexibility of the solution.

Optionally, in a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the step of obtaining a first group of signals includes:

Acquire a first group of signals on a first resource; acquire a second group of signals, including: acquire the first group of signals on a second resource; the first resource and the second resource include at least one of the following: time domain resources, frequency domain resources, code domain resources, and spatial domain resources.

Optionally, in a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the first resource and the second resource are orthogonal frequency division resources; the first interference signal and the second interference signal are signals of the orthogonal frequency division resources, and the first valid signal and the second valid signal are signals of the orthogonal frequency division resources.

Optionally, in a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the first resource and the second resource are orthogonal time division resources; the first resource includes a first moment and a second moment, and at the first moment and the second moment, the first switch is in an open state; the signal sent by the first sending channel at the first moment includes a first interference signal; the signal sent by the second sending channel at the second moment includes a second interference signal, and the first moment is different from the second moment; the second resource includes a third moment and a fourth moment, and at the third moment and the fourth moment, the first switch is in a closed state; the signal sent by the first sending channel at the third moment includes a first signal, and the first signal includes a first interference signal and a first valid signal; the signal sent by the second sending channel at the fourth moment includes a second signal, and the second signal includes a second interference signal and a second valid signal, and the third moment is different from the fourth moment.

In this possible implementation, when the first resource and the second resource are in orthogonal time division, the signal is transmitted at different times. This improves the flexibility of the correction scheme.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of the second aspect, the first receiving channel is also used to send signals, the first sending channel is used as a second receiving channel, the antenna correction device further includes a second switch, the output port of the coupling plate is connected to the second receiving channel through the second switch; the second switch is used to implement correction between the second antenna port and the third antenna port. Of course, the second sending channel can also be used as the second receiving channel. Of course, if the second sending channel is used as the second receiving channel, the second switch is used to implement correction between the second antenna port and the third antenna port.

In this possible implementation, in order to calibrate the antenna port corresponding to the first receiving channel and other antenna ports, the first receiving channel can also be used to send signals, and the first sending channel is used as the second receiving channel. Then, the calibration between the second antenna port and the third antenna port is implemented based on the second switch.

Optionally, in a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the first receiving channel and the second receiving channel are two service transmission channels in the same RRU, or the first receiving channel and the second receiving channel are two service transmission channels in different RRUs.

The third aspect of the embodiment of the present application provides a network device. The network device includes: an acquisition unit, which is used to acquire a first group of signals when the first switch is disconnected, the first group of signals is the first receiving channel receiving signals from the first transmitting channel and the second transmitting channel, and the first group of signals is an interference signal; the acquisition unit is also used to acquire a second group of signals when the first switch is closed, the second group of signals is the first receiving channel receiving signals from the first transmitting channel and the second transmitting channel, and the second group of signals includes interference signals and valid signals; a processing unit is used to calibrate the first antenna port and the second antenna port based on the first group of signals and the second group of signals. When the first switch is disconnected, since the path between the coupling plate and the first receiving channel is disconnected, the first group of signals at this time mainly come from the antenna port corresponding to the first receiving channel. When the first switch is closed, since the path between the coupling plate and the first receiving channel is normal, the second group of signals at this time can come from the output port of the coupling plate in addition to the antenna port corresponding to the first receiving channel.

Optionally, in a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the above-mentioned processing unit is specifically used to determine a valid signal based on the first group of signals and the second group of signals; the processing unit is specifically used to calibrate the first antenna port and the second antenna port based on the valid signal.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of the third aspect, the above-mentioned interference signal includes a first interference signal and a second interference signal, the first interference signal is an air interface coupling signal between the first antenna port and the third antenna port, the third antenna port corresponds to the first receiving channel, and the second interference signal is an air interface coupling signal between the second antenna port and the third antenna port; the effective signal includes a first effective signal and a second effective signal, the first effective signal is an effective signal output from the first transmitting channel to the first receiving channel through the coupling plate, and the second effective signal is an effective signal output from the second transmitting channel to the first receiving channel through the coupling plate.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of the third aspect, the above-mentioned processing unit is specifically used to calibrate the first antenna port and the second antenna port based on the difference in channel coefficients between the first valid signal and the second valid signal. Specifically, the difference in channel coefficients between the first valid signal and the second valid signal is determined, and the difference in channel coefficients is used to compensate the first antenna port and the second antenna port when transmitting service signals to offset the difference in channel coefficients, and the channel coefficient is related to at least one of the following: the amplitude of the channel, the phase difference of the channel, and the moment when the signal carried by the channel arrives at the first receiving channel.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of the third aspect, the above-mentioned acquisition unit is specifically used to acquire a first group of signals on a first resource; the acquisition unit is specifically used to acquire a first group of signals on a second resource; the first resource and the second resource include at least one of the following: time domain resources, frequency domain resources, code domain resources, and spatial domain resources.

Optionally, in a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the first resource and the second resource are orthogonal frequency division resources; the first interference signal and the second interference signal are signals of the orthogonal frequency division resources, and the first valid signal and the second valid signal are signals of the orthogonal frequency division resources.

Optionally, in a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the first resource and the second resource are orthogonal time division resources; the first resource includes a first moment and a second moment, and at the first moment and the second moment, the first switch is in an open state; the signal sent by the first sending channel at the first moment includes a first interference signal; the signal sent by the second sending channel at the second moment includes a second interference signal, and the first moment is different from the second moment; the second resource includes a third moment and a fourth moment, and at the third moment and the fourth moment, the first switch is in a closed state; the signal sent by the first sending channel at the third moment includes a first signal, and the first signal includes a first interference signal and a first valid signal; the signal sent by the second sending channel at the fourth moment includes a second signal, and the second signal includes a second interference signal and a second valid signal, and the third moment is different from the fourth moment.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of the third aspect, the first receiving channel is also used to send signals, the first sending channel is used as a second receiving channel, the antenna correction device further includes a second switch, the output port of the coupling plate is connected to the second receiving channel through the second switch; the second switch is used to achieve correction between the second antenna port and the third antenna port corresponding to the first receiving channel. Of course, if the second sending channel is used as the second receiving channel, the second switch is used to achieve correction between the second antenna port and the third antenna port.

Optionally, in a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the first receiving channel and the second receiving channel are two service transmission channels in the same RRU, or the first receiving channel and the second receiving channel are two service transmission channels in different RRUs.

A fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a network device, comprising: a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store programs or instructions, and when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the network device implements the method in the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

A fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides an antenna correction system, comprising: the antenna correction device in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and/or the network device in the above-mentioned fourth aspect implementation.

Optionally, in a possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the network device is further used to control the on and off of a switch in the antenna correction device. Optionally, the baseband unit in the network device is used to connect to the first receiving channel in the antenna correction device, thereby acquiring a signal through the first receiving channel.

A sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a base station, comprising: an antenna correction device in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

A seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable medium on which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or instruction is executed on a computer, the computer executes the method in the aforementioned second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

An eighth aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a computer program product. When the computer program product is executed on a computer, it enables the computer to execute the method in the aforementioned second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

A ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, which includes at least one processor for supporting a network device to implement the functions involved in the second aspect or any possible implementation method of the second aspect.

In a possible design, the chip system may also include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the network device. The chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system also includes an interface circuit, which provides program instructions and/or data for the at least one processor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a structural diagram of an antenna calibration device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG2 is an example diagram of interference signal flow provided by an embodiment of the present application;

FIG3 is an exemplary diagram of the flow of interference signals and valid signals provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG4 is another structural example diagram of the antenna calibration device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG5 is an example diagram of two receiving channels provided in an embodiment of the present application being located in the same RRU;

FIG6 is an example diagram of two receiving channels provided in an embodiment of the present application being located in different RRUs;

FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of an antenna calibration method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG9 is another schematic diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG10 is another schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 11 is another schematic diagram of the structure of the network device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed ways

The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application.

The terms "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present application and the above drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments described herein can be used in the same manner. In addition to the sequential implementation of the content illustrated or described here. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or modules need not be limited to those steps or modules clearly listed, but may include other steps or modules that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices. The division of the modules that appear in the embodiments of the present application is a logical division, and there may be other division modes when implemented in practical applications, for example, multiple modules can be combined into or integrated in another system, or some features can be ignored, or not executed.

In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "connected", "set" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

Before specifically introducing the wireless correction device provided in the embodiment of the present application, the application scenario of the antenna correction device provided in the embodiment of the present application is first introduced.

The antenna correction device can be applied to antenna systems such as access network equipment, satellite communication equipment and detection radar. It should be understood that the above-mentioned access network equipment can also be a base station, which can be located in a base station subsystem (base btation bubsystem, BBS), a terrestrial radio access network (UMTS terrestrial radio access network, UTRAN) or an evolved terrestrial radio access network (evolved universal terrestrial radio access, E-UTRAN), and is used to provide cell coverage for signals to achieve communication between terminal equipment and the wireless network. Specifically, the base station can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a global system for mobile communications (GSM) or a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, or a node B (NB) in a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, or an evolutionary node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a long term evolution (LTE) system, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the base station can also be a relay station, an access point, an on-board device, a wearable device, a g-node (gNodeB or gNB) in a new radio (NR) system, or an access network device in a future evolution network, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The base station will be used to describe the access network device later.

Take the application of the antenna correction device to a base station as an example. The base station is equipped with an antenna to realize the transmission of signals in space. In addition, the base station may also include a radio frequency processing unit and a baseband processing unit. The baseband processing unit may be connected to the antenna through the radio frequency processing unit. In some embodiments, the radio frequency processing unit may also be referred to as a remote radio unit (RRU), and the baseband processing unit may also be referred to as a baseband unit (BBU).

In a possible embodiment, the RF processing unit may be integrated with the antenna, and the baseband processing unit is located at the far end of the antenna. In this case, the RF processing unit and the antenna may be collectively referred to as an active antenna unit (AAU). It should be noted that the positional relationship between the RF processing unit and the antenna is not limited. For example, the RF processing unit and the baseband processing unit may also be located at the far end of the antenna at the same time. The RF processing unit and the baseband processing unit may be connected via a transmission line.

In order to achieve better system performance, it is crucial to calibrate the RF channels corresponding to the multiple antenna ports in the base station through correction methods. The correction parameters are mainly the phase, amplitude, delay, etc. between the RF channels. A commonly used correction method is to add a switch between the antenna and the service channel, and one antenna is independently controlled by a switch. The network equipment numbers the antennas, and by controlling the opening and closing of the switches respectively, determines the service channel corresponding to which antenna the coupling signal comes from based on the number, thereby determining the signal difference between different service channels and correcting the antenna. However, in the above method, the number of digital switches is the same as the number of antennas, that is, it will increase with the increase of the number of antennas, and the hardware cost will increase.

In order to solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application provides an antenna correction device for reducing hardware costs.

The wireless calibration device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the present application provides an embodiment of an antenna correction device, which includes: N antenna ports 101 , a coupling plate 102 , N service channels 103 and a first switch 104 .

The N antenna ports 101 are used to send and receive signals. The coupling plate 102 is used to combine one or more transmission signals into a combined signal and send it to the receiving channel, that is, the combined signal is sent out through the output port 105 of the coupling plate 102. A multiplexed channel with both sending and receiving functions. In the aforementioned base station scenario, the service channel can also be understood as an RRU channel.

The N antenna ports 101 are connected to the N service channels 103 respectively, or it can be understood that the N antenna ports 101 correspond to the N service channels 103 one by one, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 3. The N service channels 103 include a first transmission channel A, a second transmission channel B, and a first receiving channel C. The output port 105 of the coupling plate 102 is connected to the first receiving channel C through a first switch 104; the first switch 104 is used to realize the calibration between the first antenna port 1 corresponding to the first transmission channel A and the second antenna port 2 corresponding to the second transmission channel B.

It is understandable that the antenna correction device shown in Figures 1 to 3, 8, and 9 in the embodiments of the present application is only described by way of example using 3 antenna ports, 3 service channels, 1 receiving channel, and 1 switch. The antenna correction device shown in Figures 4 to 6 is only described by way of example using 3 antenna ports, 3 service channels, 2 receiving channels, and 2 switches. In actual applications, the antenna correction device may also include a greater number of antenna ports, service channels, receiving channels, switches, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

The first antenna port 1 and the second antenna port 2 may be understood as calibrated antenna ports.

Optionally, a service channel and an antenna port can be connected through a coupler 106, which is used to establish a path between a service channel and an antenna port. In addition, the first switch 104 and the first receiving channel C can also be coupled and connected (i.e., 107 in FIG. 1 represents a coupling interface). The difference between the coupler 106 and the coupling board 102 is that the coupler 106 is used to realize the propagation of a single-channel signal, and the coupling board 102 realizes the merging of multiple-channel signals and then sends them to the first receiving channel C through the output port 105. Among them, the path between the output port 105 and the first receiving channel C can be called a reverse coupling circuit.

In addition, each of the N service channels 103 may be provided with a power amplifier module (ie, a black rectangle within 103 in FIG. 1 ), and the power amplifier module is used to amplify the power of a signal received/sent by the service channel.

The switch (e.g., the first switch, the second switch) in the embodiment of the present application may be a mechanical switch or a digital switch, etc., which is not specifically limited here. It is understood that in order to reduce the time delay between the opening and closing of the switch, the first switch may be a digital switch. The digital switch may be a diode, a triode, etc. In addition, the number of the switches is consistent with the number of multiplexed receiving channels in the N service channels 103.

The above-mentioned first switch 104 is used to achieve calibration between the first antenna port 1 and the second antenna port 2. The first transmitting channel A corresponds to the first antenna port 1, and the second transmitting channel B corresponds to the first antenna port 2. Specifically, it can be understood that the calibration between the first antenna port 1 and the second antenna port 2 is achieved by opening and closing the first switch 104.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 2 , when the first switch 104 is disconnected, the first receiving channel C is used to receive signals sent by the first sending channel A and the second sending channel B to obtain a first group of signals, where the first group of signals are interference signals.

That is, when the first switch 104 is disconnected, the output port 105 of the coupling board 102 cannot send the combined signal to the first receiving channel C. In this state, the signal received by the first receiving channel C is the interference signal between the antenna port 3 and the antenna port 2 .

As shown in FIG3 , when the first switch 104 is closed, the first receiving channel C is used to receive signals from the first transmitting channel A and the second transmitting channel B to obtain a second group of signals, the second group of signals including interference signals and valid signals, and the valid signals are used to calibrate the first antenna port 1 and the second antenna port 2. That is to say, in this case, the output port 105 of the coupling plate 102 can send out the combined signal (i.e., the valid signal). In this state, the signals received by the first receiving channel C include interference signals and valid signals. The valid signal can be understood as a signal sent by the transmitting channel to the corresponding antenna, or it can be understood as a signal sent by the corresponding antenna.

Specifically, the above-mentioned interference signal includes a first interference signal and a second interference signal, the first interference signal is an air interface coupling interference signal between antenna port 1 and antenna port 3, the first transmission channel A corresponds to antenna port 1, and the first receiving channel C corresponds to antenna port 3, the second interference signal is an air interface coupling interference signal between antenna port 2 and antenna port 3, the second transmission channel B corresponds to antenna port 2, and the first receiving channel C corresponds to antenna port 3. The above-mentioned valid signal includes a first valid signal and a second valid signal, the first valid signal is a valid signal output by the first transmission channel A through the coupling plate 102, and the second valid signal is a valid signal output by the second transmission channel B through the coupling plate 102.

In addition, when the first switch 104 is open or closed, the first interference signal may represent the interference signal between the first antenna port 1 and the third antenna port 3 when the first switch 104 is open, or may represent the interference signal between the first antenna port 1 and the third antenna port 3 when the first switch 104 is closed. Then, the first valid signal and the second valid signal may be determined by the difference in the received signal between the first receiving channel C when the first switch 104 is open and closed. And the first antenna port 1 and/or the second antenna port 2 are compensated by the difference in the channel coefficient between the first valid signal and the second valid signal, so as to achieve the correction between the first antenna port 1 and the second antenna port 2. That is, the correction between the first antenna port 1 and the second antenna port 2 is achieved. The above-mentioned channel coefficient is related to at least one of the following: the amplitude of the channel, the phase difference of the channel, and the moment when the signal carried by the channel arrives at the first receiving channel. Among them, the process of correction based on the channel coefficient is specifically, This will be described later in conjunction with the embodiment shown in FIG7 and will not be expanded here.

Optionally, the first sending channel A is used to send signals through a first resource, and the second sending channel B is used to send signals through a second resource; the first resource and the second resource belong to at least one of the following: time division resources, frequency division resources, code division resources, and space division resources.

In a possible implementation, the first resource and the second resource are orthogonal frequency division resources, so the first interference signal and the second interference signal are orthogonal frequency division signals, and the first valid signal and the second valid signal are orthogonal frequency division signals.

In another possible implementation, the first resource and the second resource are orthogonal time-division resources; the first resource includes a first moment and a second moment, and at the first moment and the second moment, the first switch is in an open state; the signal sent by the first sending channel at the first moment includes a first interference signal; the signal sent by the second sending channel at the second moment includes a second interference signal, and the first moment is different from the second moment; the second resource includes a third moment and a fourth moment, and at the third moment and the fourth moment, the first switch is in a closed state; the signal sent by the first sending channel at the third moment includes a first signal, and the first signal includes a first interference signal and a first valid signal; the signal sent by the second sending channel at the fourth moment includes a second signal, and the second signal includes a second interference signal and a second valid signal, and the third moment is different from the fourth moment.

Of course, to ensure the correction effect, the difference between the first moment and the third moment is as small as possible, so that when the first switch 104 is opened and closed, the interference signals will be closer, thereby facilitating the determination of more accurate first interference signals and second interference signals.

In this embodiment, the output port 105 of the coupling plate 104 is connected to the first receiving channel C through the first switch 104, and the first switch 104 is used to implement calibration between the first antenna port 1 corresponding to the first transmitting channel A and the second antenna port 3 corresponding to the second transmitting channel B. In addition, during the antenna calibration process, since the first switch 104 is located between the output port 105 of the coupling plate 104 and the first receiving channel C, the disconnection of the first switch 104 does not affect the data transmission of the N service channels 103. And the number of switches is consistent with the number of receiving channels, thereby reducing hardware costs.

Furthermore, in order to calibrate the antenna port 3 corresponding to the first receiving channel C, as shown in FIG4 , the antenna correction device may also include a second switch 108, and the output port of the coupling plate is connected to the second receiving channel D through the second switch 108. Among them, the first receiving channel C can also be used to send signals, and the first transmitting channel A is used as the second receiving channel D. The second switch is used to achieve correction between the second antenna port 2 and the third antenna port 3 corresponding to the first receiving channel C. It can be understood that the second transmitting channel B can also be used as the second receiving channel D. The device described in FIG4 of the present application is described by taking the first transmitting channel A as the second receiving channel D as an example. Of course, if the second transmitting channel is used as the second receiving channel, the second switch 108 is used to achieve correction between the first antenna port 1 and the third antenna port 3.

The antenna calibration function of the device shown in FIG. 4 is realized by opening and closing the second switch 108 . The related description of the first switch 104 mentioned above can be referred to and will not be repeated here.

It should be noted that, in the device of the present application, as shown in FIG5 , the first receiving channel C and the second receiving channel D can be two service transmission channels in the same RRU, or as shown in FIG6 , the first receiving channel C and the second receiving channel D can be two service transmission channels in different RRUs respectively. Correspondingly, the first switch 104 and the second switch 108 can be on the output port 105 of the coupling plate 102 and the same RRU, or can be connected across different RRUs through the output port 105 of the coupling plate 102. It can be seen that this method can realize the correction of antenna ports corresponding to different RRUs.

In addition, the first switch and the second switch in FIG5 can be located inside the RRU or outside the RRU. Similarly, the first switch in FIG6 can be located inside RRU1, inside RRU2, or independent of the two RRUs, and the second switch can be located inside RRU1 or outside RRU1. The inclusion relationship between the switch (such as the first switch, the second switch, etc.) and the RRU is not specifically limited here. In order to facilitate switch control, the switch is generally located outside the RRU.

The first switch 104 and/or the second switch 108 in the above embodiments may be connected to a control unit, which may be a BBU in a base station or a control device for other devices to control the state of a switch, for example, a remote control unit (RCU), etc., which is not specifically limited here.

The antenna calibration device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described above, and the antenna calibration method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below. The method can be executed by a network device (such as a base station, etc.). Further, it can also be executed by a component of the network device (such as a BBU, a chip, or a chip system, etc.).

Optionally, the BBU can be connected to a service channel as a receiving channel in the antenna calibration device. Optionally, the BBU can also be connected to a switch (eg, a first switch, a second switch, etc.) to control the opening and closing of the switch.

It is understandable that a processing unit other than the BBU may be connected to the switch to control the opening and closing of the switch. RCU. That is, the unit used for correction calculation and the unit for controlling the switch can be the same unit (such as BBU) or different units (for example, BBU is used for correction calculation, and RCU is used to control the on and off of the switch), which is not limited here. In addition, there is no limitation on the specific control method of the switch. For example, the control of the switch can be pre-set by a processing unit such as BBU/RCU, or it can be controlled in real time by a processing unit such as BBU/RCU, etc., which is not limited here.

Please refer to Fig. 7, which is a schematic flow chart of an antenna calibration method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method may include steps 701 to 703. Steps 701 to 703 are described in detail below.

Step 701: Acquire a first group of signals when a first switch is disconnected.

When the first switch is disconnected, a first group of signals is obtained. The first group of signals is signals received by the first receiving channel from the first sending channel and the second sending channel. The first group of signals is interference signals.

For example, take the above-mentioned FIG. 2 and the network device controlling the first switch as an example. The network device can control the first switch to be disconnected. And select service channel A and service channel B as channels for sending signals, and service channel C as a channel for receiving signals. The network device receives a first group of signals from service channel A and service channel B through service channel C. The first group of signals comes from service channel A and service channel B.

It can be seen from FIG2 that when the first switch is disconnected, since the path between the coupling plate and the service channel C is disconnected, the first group of signals mainly comes from the antenna port 3 corresponding to the service channel C. That is, the first group of signals includes: the air interface coupling interference signal between the antenna port 1 and the antenna port 3 (that is, the first interference signal in the embodiments shown in the aforementioned FIGS. 1 to 7 ), and the air interface coupling interference signal between the antenna port 2 and the antenna port 3 (that is, the second interference signal in the embodiments shown in the aforementioned FIGS. 1 to 7 ).

Optionally, a first group of signals is acquired on a first resource.

The resources (e.g., first resources, second resources, etc.) in the embodiments of the present application may include at least one of the following: time domain resources, frequency domain resources, code domain resources, and spatial domain resources. In addition, the embodiments of the present application are described by taking the first resource and the second resource as orthogonal resources as an example. It can be understood that the first resource and the second resource may also be non-orthogonal resources, which is not specifically limited here.

Example 1: If the first resource and the second resource are orthogonal frequency division resources, then the first interference signal and the second interference signal are orthogonal frequency division signals.

Exemplarily, the first group of signals is described in detail by taking the above example 1, where the transmission channels transmit signals at the same time. It is understandable that the transmission channels may transmit signals at different frequencies at different times.

At time 1, when the first switch is disconnected, service channel A and service channel B send signal s to service channel C at different frequencies. Since the path between the coupling plate and service channel C is disconnected, the first group of signals _y0 mainly comes from antenna port 3 corresponding to service channel C. Among them, antenna port 1 sends out signals through service channel A, that is, antenna port 1 and antenna port 3 will generate air interface coupling interference (i.e., first interference information). Similarly, antenna port 2 and antenna port 3 will generate air interface coupling interference (i.e., second interference information). Since the first resource and the second resource are orthogonal frequency division resources, antenna port 3 receives the coupled signal h·s of the first interference signal and the second interference signal and the noise n.

The process can be shown as Expression 0.
Expression 0: y ₀ = h·s+n;

Among them, _y0 is the signal received by service channel C from service channel A and service channel B at different frequency points, h·s is the coupling signal of the first interference signal and the second interference signal, h represents the channel coefficient of the channel where the coupling signal is located, · represents multiplication, s is the signal sent by service channel A and service channel B at time 1, and n is noise.

In this example, the first group of signals _y0 includes a coupling signal h·s and noise n.

Example 2, if the first resource and the second resource are orthogonal time-division resources. The first resource includes the first moment and the second moment, and the first switch at the first moment and the second moment is in an open state. The second resource includes the third moment and the fourth moment, and the first switch at the third moment and the fourth moment is in a closed state. The first interference signal corresponds to the signal sent by business channel A at the first moment; the second interference signal corresponds to the signal sent by business channel B at the second moment; the first signal corresponds to the signal sent by business channel A at the third moment, and the first signal includes the first interference signal and the first valid signal; the second signal corresponds to the signal sent by business channel B at the fourth moment, and the second signal includes the second interference signal and the second valid signal. Among them, the first moment is different from the second moment, and the third moment is different from the fourth moment. Of course, in order to ensure the correction effect, the smaller the difference between the first moment and the third moment, the better, so that when the first switch 104 is opened and closed, the interference signal will be closer, so as to facilitate the determination of a more accurate first interference signal and a second interference signal.

Exemplarily, taking the above Example 2 as an example, the first group of signals is described in detail.

At the first moment, as shown in FIG2 , service channel A sends signal s ₁ . Since the first switch at the first moment is in the off state, signal y ₁ received by service channel C includes air interface coupling interference signal h ₁₃ ·s ₁ (i.e., first interference signal) and noise n between antenna port 1 and antenna port 3. This process can be shown as Expression 1.
Expression 1: y ₁ =h ₁₃ ·s ₁ +n;

Among them, y ₁ is the signal received by service channel C from service channel A, h ₁₃ ·s ₁ is the air interface coupling interference signal between the first antenna port 1 and the third antenna port 3 (that is, the first interference signal), h ₁₃ represents the channel coefficient of the channel where the first interference signal is located, · represents multiplication, s ₁ is the signal sent by service channel A at the first moment, and n is noise.

At the second moment, as shown in FIG2 , service channel B sends signal s ₂ . Since the first switch at the second moment is in the off state, the signal y ₂ received by service channel C includes the air interface coupling interference signal h ₂₃ ·s ₂ (i.e., the second interference signal) and noise n between antenna port 2 and antenna port 3. This process can be shown as Expression 2:
Expression 2: y ₂ =h ₂₃ ·s ₂ +n;

Among them, y ₂ is the signal received by service channel C from service channel B, h ₂₃ ·s ₂ is the air interface coupling interference signal between the second antenna port 2 and the third antenna port 3 (i.e., the second interference signal), h ₂₃ represents the channel coefficient of the channel where the second interference signal is located, · represents multiplication, s ₂ is the signal sent by service channel B at the second moment, and n is noise.

In this example, the first group of signals includes y ₁ and y ₂ .

Step 702: Acquire a second group of signals when the first switch is closed.

When the first switch is closed, a second group of signals is obtained. The second group of signals is signals received by the first receiving channel from the first transmitting channel and the second transmitting channel. The second group of signals includes interference signals and valid signals.

For example, take FIG. 3 and the network device controlling the first switch as an example. The network device can control the first switch to close. And select service channel A and service channel B as channels for sending signals, and service channel C as a channel for receiving signals. The network device receives a second group of signals from service channel A and service channel B through service channel C. The second group of signals comes from service channel A and service channel B.

As can be seen from FIG3, when the first switch is closed, since the path between the coupling plate and the service channel C is normal, the second group of signals can come from the output port of the coupling plate in addition to the antenna port 3 corresponding to the service channel C. That is, the second group of signals includes the first signal and the second signal. The first signal comes from the service channel A, and the second signal comes from the service channel B.

The first signal includes: an air interface coupling interference signal between antenna port 1 and antenna port 3 (i.e., the first interference signal in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7 above), and a valid signal (called the first valid signal) transmitted from service channel A to service channel C through the coupling plate.

The second signal includes: the air interface coupling interference signal between antenna port 2 and antenna port 3 (i.e., the second interference signal in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7 above), and the effective signal (called the first effective signal) transmitted from service channel B to service channel C through the coupling plate.

Optionally, a second group of signals is obtained on a second resource. For the description of the second resource, reference may be made to the description in the aforementioned step 701, which will not be repeated here.

Exemplarily, continuing with the above Example 1, the second group of signals is described in detail.

At time 2, when the first switch is closed, service channel A and service channel B send signal s ₃ to service channel C at different frequencies. Since the path between the coupling plate and service channel C is normal, the second group of signals can come from the output signal of the coupling plate in addition to the signal from antenna port 3. Among them, antenna port 1 sends out signals through service channel A, that is, antenna port 1 and antenna port 3 will generate air interface coupling interference (that is, the first interference information), and service channel A transmits the valid signal of service channel C through the coupling plate (called the first valid signal). Similarly, antenna port 2 and antenna port 3 will generate air interface coupling interference (that is, the second interference information), and service channel B transmits the valid signal of service channel C through the coupling plate (called the second valid signal). Since the first resource and the second resource are frequency-divided, the above-mentioned first interference signal and the second interference signal are coupled signals h ₂ ·s _3. The first valid signal and the second valid signal are combined signals h ₁ ·s ₃ .

This process can be shown as Expression 3.
Expression 3: y ₃ = h ₁ ·s ₃ + h ₂ ·s ₃ + n;

Among them, y ₃ is the signal received by service channel C from service channel A and service channel B at different frequencies, h ₁ ·s ₃ is the signal received by service channel The signals sent by A and service channel B are combined signals output by the coupling board, h ₁ represents the channel coefficient of the channel where the combined signal is located, · represents multiplication, and s ₃ is the signal sent by service channel A and service channel B at time 2. _{h 2} ·s ₃ represents the coupled signal of two interference signals, one interference signal is the air interface coupled interference signal between the second antenna port 1 and the third antenna port 3, and the other interference signal is the air interface coupled interference signal between the second antenna port 2 and the third antenna port 3, and n is noise.

In this example, the second group of signals includes y ₃ _, which includes a valid signal h ₁ ·s ₃ , an interference signal h ₂ ·s ₃ and noise n.

Exemplarily, continuing with the above Example 2, the second group of signals is described in detail.

At the third moment, as shown in FIG3 , service channel A sends signal s ₄ , because the first switch at the third moment is in a closed state. Service channel C receives signal y ₄ from: air interface coupling interference signal h ₁₃ ·s ₄ between the first antenna port 1 and the third antenna port 3 , the first valid signal h _AC ·s ₄ output by service channel A through the coupling board, and noise n. This process can be shown as Expression 4.
Expression 4: y ₄ =h _AC ·s ₄ +h ₁₃ ·s ₄ +n;

Wherein, y ₄ is the signal received by service channel C from service channel A, h _AC ·s ₄ is the first valid signal output by service channel A through the coupling plate, h _AC represents the channel coefficient of the channel where the first valid signal is located, · represents multiplication, and s ₄ is the signal sent by service channel A at the third moment. h ₁₃ ·s ₄ is the air interface coupling interference signal (i.e., the first interference signal) between the first antenna port 1 and the third antenna port 3, h ₁₃ represents the channel coefficient of the channel where the first interference signal is located, and n is noise.

At the fourth moment, as shown in FIG3 , service channel B sends signal s ₅ , because the first switch at the third moment is in the closed state. Service channel C receives signal y ₅ from: air interface coupling interference signal h ₂₃ ·s ₅ between the second antenna port 2 and the third antenna port 3, the second valid signal h _BC ·s ₅ output by service channel B through the coupling board, and noise n. This process can be shown as Expression 5.
Expression 5: y ₅ =h _BC ·s ₅ +h ₂₃ ·s ₅ +n;

Among them, y ₅ is the signal received by service channel C from service channel B, h _BC ·s ₅ is the second effective signal output by service channel B through the coupling plate, h _BC represents the channel coefficient of the channel where the second effective signal is located, · represents multiplication, and s ₅ is the signal sent by service channel B at the fourth moment. h ₂₃ ·s ₅ is the air interface coupling interference signal (i.e., the second interference signal) between the second antenna port 2 and the third antenna port 3, h ₂₃ represents the channel coefficient of the channel where the second interference signal is located, and n is noise.

In this example, the second group of signals includes y ₄ and y ₅ . The valid signals in the second group of signals include the first valid signal h _AC ·s ₄ and the second valid signal h _BC ·s ₅ . The interference signals in the second group of signals include the first interference signal h ₁₃ ·s ₄ and the second interference signal h ₂₃ ·s ₅ .

Step 703: calibrate the first antenna port and the second antenna port based on the first group of signals and the second group of signals.

After the first group of signals and the second group of signals are acquired, the first antenna port and the second antenna port may be calibrated based on the first group of signals and the second group of signals.

Specifically, a valid signal is determined based on the first group of signals and the second group of signals; and then the first antenna port and the second antenna port are corrected based on the valid signal. For example, the first antenna port and the second antenna port are compensated based on the difference in channel coefficients between the first valid signal and the second valid signal to achieve correction between the first antenna port and the second antenna port. The above channel coefficient is related to at least one of the following: the amplitude of the channel, the phase difference of the channel, and the time when the signal carried by the channel arrives at the first receiving channel.

The channel coefficient in the embodiment of the present application may also be referred to as channel gain or channel state matrix, which is used to describe the influence of distance, scattering, fading, etc. on the signal.

Since the channel coefficient is usually a complex number (containing real and imaginary parts), at least one of the following can be calculated from the complex number: amplitude, phase. For example, the channel coefficient is H = a + bi, a is the real part, b is the imaginary part. Then the amplitude of the channel coefficient is Phase is Therefore, at least one of the following items can be calculated based on different channel coefficients: amplitude difference, phase difference, etc. As for the delay difference, it can be obtained based on the arrival time of the signals sent by different sending channels received by the receiving channel.

The following continues the example 1 above to describe the process of determining the difference in channel coefficients:

Exemplarily, taking the above Example 1 as an example, it can be seen from Expression 0 that, without considering the influence of noise n, the network device or the processing function device in the network device can calculate the channel coefficient h·s of the interference signal through Expression 0.

In addition, the switching of the connection state of the first switch is in the millisecond level, so the channel response corresponding to time 1 and time 2 is basically unchanged (ie The channel coefficient h·s in Expression 0 is similar to the channel coefficient h ₂ ·s ₃ in Expression 3). Expression 3 shows that: y ₃ -h ₂ ·s ₃ =h ₁ ·s ₃ +n; since the noise n is not considered, the signals sent by service channel A and service channel B are known, h ₂ ·s ₃ is known, and the signal received by service channel C is known. Therefore, the channel coefficient h ₁ of the effective signal can be calculated. Then, according to the signals received at different frequencies, h ₁ is split into the channel coefficient corresponding to service channel A and the channel coefficient corresponding to service channel B, so as to determine the difference between the two channel coefficients.

The following continues the example 2 above to describe the process of determining the difference in channel coefficients:

Exemplarily, taking Example 2 above as an example, it can be seen from Expression 1 and Expression 2 that, without considering the influence of noise n, the network device or the processing function device in the network device can calculate the channel coefficient h ₁₃ of the first interference signal through Expression 1. The channel coefficient h ₂₃ of the second interference signal can be calculated through Expression 2.

In addition, the switching of the connection state of the first switch is in the millisecond level, so the channel response corresponding to the first moment and the third moment is basically unchanged (that is, the channel coefficient _h13 in Expression 1 is similar to the channel coefficient _h13 in Expression 4). The channel response corresponding to the second moment and the fourth moment is basically unchanged (that is, _h23 in Expression 2 is similar to _h23 in Expression 5). And _h13 and _h23 have been calculated by Expression 1 and Expression 2. And by Expression 4, it can be obtained that: _y4 - _h13 · _s4 ＝ _hAC · _s4 +n, and by Expression 5, it can be obtained that: _y5 - _h23 · _s5 ＝ _hBC · _s5 +n. Since the noise n is not considered, the signals sent by the service channel A and the service channel B are known, _h13 and _h23 are known, and the signal received by the service channel C is known. Therefore, the channel coefficient _hAC of the first valid signal and the channel coefficient _hBC of the second valid signal can be calculated.

Antenna port 1 and antenna port 2 are compensated by the difference in channel coefficients between h _AC and h _BC , thereby achieving correction between antenna port 1 and antenna port 2. For example, the difference in channel coefficients is used to compensate the antenna ports of each transmission channel to reduce the relative error of each transmission channel. The channel coefficient is related to at least one of the following: the amplitude of the signal of the channel, the phase difference of the signal of the channel, and the time when the signal carried by the channel arrives at the first receiving channel. For example, if the difference in channel coefficients is the phase difference between the signals of the channel, then the phase difference is used to correct the phase between antenna port 1 and antenna port 2, so that the phase of antenna port 1 and antenna port 2 remain relatively consistent. Other situations are similar. In short, the difference in channel coefficients is used to make the relative error between antenna port 1 and antenna port 2 lower than a certain threshold, and the threshold can be set according to actual conditions.

It is understandable that the above-mentioned examples are just simple examples. In practical applications, compensation may be performed after other processing using different channel coefficients, which is not limited here.

Optionally, if the baseband unit in the network device is connected to the first switch and the first receiving channel respectively, the baseband unit in the network device can obtain the first group of signals and the second group of signals by controlling the connectivity of the first switch between the first receiving channel and the output port of the coupling plate. Then, the first antenna port corresponding to the first transmitting channel and the second antenna port corresponding to the second transmitting channel can be calibrated according to the first group of signals and the second group of signals.

Similar to the above-mentioned FIG4, in order to calibrate the antenna port 3 corresponding to the first receiving channel C and other antenna ports. As shown in FIG4, the above-mentioned first receiving channel C is also used to send signals, the first sending channel A is used as the second receiving channel D, and the antenna calibration device also includes a second switch, and the output port of the coupling plate is connected to the second receiving channel D through the second switch 108; the second switch is used to realize the calibration between the second antenna port 2 and the third antenna port 3 corresponding to the first receiving channel C. Of course, the second sending channel B can also be used as the second receiving channel D.

The above can also be understood as, in order to calibrate the antenna port 3 corresponding to the first receiving channel C and other antenna ports. The first transmitting channel A can be used as the second receiving channel D. The first receiving channel C and the second transmitting channel B send signals. The second receiving channel D (i.e., the first transmitting channel A) receives signals. The second antenna port 2 and the third antenna port 3 corresponding to the first receiving channel C are calibrated by opening and closing the second switch 108. For details, please refer to the related description of the calibration based on the first switch 104, which will not be repeated here. Elaborate.

It is understandable that the first switch and the second switch are not closed at the same time, and during the calibration of antenna port 1 and antenna port 2, the second switch is always open until the calibration of antenna port 1 and antenna port 2 is completed. Similarly, during the calibration of antenna port 2 and antenna port 3, the first switch is always open until the calibration of antenna port 2 and antenna port 3 is completed.

In addition, the first receiving channel C and the second receiving channel D are two service transmission channels in the same RRU, or the first receiving channel C and the second receiving channel D are two service transmission channels in different RRUs. That is, the first switch 104 and the second switch 108 can be on the output port 105 of the coupling plate 102 and the same RRU, or can be bridged on different RRUs through the output port 105 of the coupling plate 102.

The embodiment of the present application also provides a network device (such as a base station), as shown in FIG8, an embodiment of a base station, the base station includes an antenna correction device 801 and a BBU 802. The BBU 802 is connected to the first receiving channel, and then obtains the aforementioned first group of signals and the second group of signals through the first receiving channel, thereby realizing correction between antenna ports. It can be understood that the antenna correction device 801 in FIG8 is only described by way of example with three antenna ports, three service channels, one receiving channel, and one switch. In practical applications, the antenna correction device 801 may also include a greater number of antenna ports, service channels, receiving channels, switches, etc., which are not specifically limited here. In this case, there are multiple situations for controlling the switch. For example, the control of the switch may be pre-set by other devices, or may be controlled in real time by other devices, etc., which are not specifically limited here.

In addition, FIG9 shows another embodiment of the network device, in which the BBU 802 is not only connected to the first receiving channel, but also connected to the first switch. The BBU 802 can obtain the first group of signals and the second group of signals by controlling the connection state of the first switch between the first receiving channel and the output port of the coupling board. The first antenna port and the second antenna port can be calibrated according to the first group of signals and the second group of signals.

It can be seen that the difference between FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 is that the processing unit that performs the steps of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 in FIG. 8 is not the same as the processing unit that controls the switch. For example, the processing unit that performs the steps of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is BBU802, and the processing unit that controls the switch is RCU, etc. The processing unit that performs the steps of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 in FIG. 9 is the same as the processing unit that controls the switch (i.e., BBU802).

The antenna calibration device, base station, and antenna calibration method in the embodiments of the present application are described above. The network device in the embodiments of the present application is described below. The network device may be the aforementioned access network device (e.g., base station). Please refer to FIG. 10. An embodiment of the network device in the embodiments of the present application includes:

An acquisition unit 1001 is configured to acquire a first group of signals when the first switch is disconnected, wherein the first group of signals is signals received by the first receiving channel from the first sending channel and the second sending channel, and the first group of signals is an interference signal;

The acquisition unit 1001 is further configured to acquire a second group of signals when the first switch is closed, where the second group of signals is signals received by the first receiving channel from the first sending channel and the second sending channel, and the second group of signals includes interference signals and valid signals;

The processing unit 1002 is configured to calibrate the first antenna port and the second antenna port based on the first group of signals and the second group of signals.

In this embodiment, the operations performed by each unit in the network device are similar to those described in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 above, and are not described again here.

In this embodiment, on the one hand, the acquisition unit 1001 acquires the first group of signals when the first switch is disconnected, and acquires the second group of signals when the first switch is closed, and then the processing unit 1002 implements the correction between the first antenna port and the second antenna port based on the first group of signals and the second group of signals. On the other hand, the interference signal acquired by the first group of signals offsets the interference in the second group of signals, so as to obtain the effective signal output by the coupling board. That is, the correction of the antenna port is achieved by continuous interference elimination. On the other hand, during the antenna correction process, since the first switch is located between the output port of the coupling board and the first receiving channel, the disconnection of the first switch does not affect the data transmission of the service channel. On the other hand, the number of switches is consistent with the number of receiving channels, which can reduce the hardware cost compared to the solution in which one channel corresponds to one switch.

Please refer to Figure 11, which is a structural diagram of the network device involved in the above embodiments provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the network device may specifically be the base station in the above embodiments, and the structure of the network device may refer to the structure shown in Figure 11.

The network device includes at least one processor 1111, at least one memory 1112, at least one transceiver 1113, at least one network interface 1114, and one or more antennas 1115. The processor 1111, the memory 1112, the transceiver 1113, and the network interface 1114 are connected, for example, through a bus. In the embodiment of the present application, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., which are not limited in this embodiment. The antenna 1115 is connected to the transceiver 1113. The network interface 1114 is used to enable the network device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 1114 may include a network interface between a network device and a core network device, such as an S1 interface, and the network interface may include a network interface between a network device and other network devices (such as other network devices or core network devices), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

The processor 1111 is mainly used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and to control the entire network device, execute the software program, and process the data of the software program, for example, to support the network device to perform the actions described in the embodiment. The network device may include a baseband processor and a central processor. The baseband processor is mainly used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processor is mainly used to control the entire terminal device, execute the software program, and process the data of the software program. The processor 1111 in Figure 11 can integrate the functions of the baseband processor and the central processor. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the baseband processor and the central processor can also be independent processors, interconnected by technologies such as buses. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the terminal device can include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network formats, and the terminal device can include multiple central processors to enhance its processing capabilities. The various components of the terminal device can be connected through various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The central processor can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing the communication protocol and communication data can be built in the processor, or it can be stored in the memory in the form of a software program, and the processor executes the software program to realize the baseband processing function.

The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data. The memory 1112 can exist independently and be connected to the processor 1111. Optionally, the memory 1112 can be integrated with the processor 1111, for example, integrated into a chip. Among them, the memory 1112 can store program codes for executing the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and the execution is controlled by the processor 1111. The various types of computer program codes executed can also be regarded as drivers of the processor 1111.

FIG11 shows only one memory and one processor. In an actual terminal device, there may be multiple processors and multiple memories. The memory may also be referred to as a storage medium or a storage device, etc. The memory may be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or an independent storage element, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

The transceiver 1113 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency signals between the network device and the terminal, and the transceiver 1113 can be connected to the antenna 1115. The transceiver 1113 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1115 can receive radio frequency signals, and the receiver Rx of the transceiver 1113 is used to receive the radio frequency signals from the antennas, convert the radio frequency signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals to the processor 1111, so that the processor 1111 further processes the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, such as demodulation and decoding. In addition, the transmitter Tx in the transceiver 1113 is also used to receive modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals from the processor 1111, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals into radio frequency signals, and send the radio frequency signals through one or more antennas 1115. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of down-mixing and analog-to-digital conversion processing on the RF signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency signal, and the order of the down-mixing and analog-to-digital conversion processing is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of up-mixing and digital-to-analog conversion processing on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital intermediate frequency signal to obtain a RF signal, and the order of the up-mixing and digital-to-analog conversion processing is adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital intermediate frequency signal can be collectively referred to as a digital signal.

The transceiver may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, a transceiver device, etc. Optionally, a device in a transceiver unit for implementing a receiving function may be regarded as a receiving unit, and a device in a transceiver unit for implementing a sending function may be regarded as a sending unit, that is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit, the receiving unit may also be referred to as a receiver, an input port, a receiving circuit, etc., and the sending unit may be referred to as a transmitter, a transmitter, or a transmitting circuit, etc.

It should be noted that the network device shown in Figure 11 can be specifically used to implement the steps implemented by the network device in the corresponding method embodiment of Figure 7, and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the network device. The specific implementation methods of the network device shown in Figure 11 can refer to the description in the method embodiment of Figure 7, and will not be repeated here.

The embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, which includes the antenna correction device in Figures 1 to 6 and a baseband unit connected to the antenna correction device. Optionally, the network device is also used to control the on and off of the first switch in the antenna correction device.

An embodiment of the present application also provides a base station, which includes the antenna correction device shown in the aforementioned Figures 1 to 6.

An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor executes the method described in the possible implementation manner of the network device in the aforementioned embodiment.

An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product (or computer program) storing one or more computers. When the computer program product is executed by the processor, the processor executes the method of the possible implementation of the above-mentioned network device.

The embodiment of the present application also provides a chip system, which includes at least one processor for supporting a terminal device to implement the functions involved in the possible implementation methods of the above-mentioned network device. Optionally, the chip system also includes an interface circuit, which provides program instructions and/or data for the at least one processor. In one possible design, the chip system may also include a memory, which is used to store the necessary program instructions and data for the terminal device. The chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions to enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM, read-only memory), random access memory (RAM, random access memory), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program code.

Claims

An antenna correction device, characterized in that it includes: N antenna ports, a coupling plate, N service channels and a first switch; the N antenna ports are connected to the N service channels respectively; N is an integer greater than or equal to 3; the N service channels include a first transmitting channel, a second transmitting channel and a first receiving channel, and the output port of the coupling plate is connected to the first receiving channel through the first switch; the first switch is used to realize correction between a first antenna port and a second antenna port, the first transmitting channel corresponds to the first antenna port, and the second transmitting channel corresponds to the second antenna port.
The device according to claim 1, wherein the first switch is used to implement calibration between the first antenna port and the second antenna port, comprising:

When the first switch is disconnected, the first receiving channel is used to receive signals from the first sending channel and the second sending channel to obtain a first group of signals, where the first group of signals are interference signals;

When the first switch is closed, the first receiving channel is used to receive signals from the first transmitting channel and the second transmitting channel to obtain a second group of signals, wherein the second group of signals includes the interference signal and a valid signal, and the valid signal is used to determine the difference in channel coefficients between the first antenna port and the second antenna port, and the difference in channel coefficients is used to compensate for the first antenna port and the second antenna port when transmitting service signals, and the channel coefficient is related to at least one of the following: the amplitude of the channel, the phase difference of the channel, and the moment when the signal carried by the channel arrives at the first receiving channel.
The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the interference signal includes a first interference signal and a second interference signal, the first interference signal is an air interface coupling signal between the first antenna port and the third antenna port, the third antenna port corresponds to the first receiving channel, and the second interference signal is an air interface coupling signal between the second antenna port and the third antenna port;

The valid signal includes a first valid signal and a second valid signal, the first valid signal being a valid signal output from the first transmitting channel to the first receiving channel through the coupling plate, and the second valid signal being a valid signal output from the second transmitting channel to the first receiving channel through the coupling plate.
The device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first sending channel is used to send a signal through a first resource, and the second sending channel is used to send a signal through a second resource;

The first resource and the second resource include at least one of the following: time domain resources, frequency domain resources, code domain resources, and space domain resources.
The device according to claim 4 is characterized in that the first resource and the second resource are orthogonal frequency division resources; the first interference signal and the second interference signal are signals of orthogonal frequency division resources, and the first valid signal and the second valid signal are signals of orthogonal frequency division resources.
The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first resource and the second resource are orthogonal time division resources;

The first resource includes a first time and a second time, at which the first switch is in an off state; the signal sent by the first sending channel at the first time includes the first interference signal; the signal sent by the second sending channel at the second time includes the second interference signal, and the first time is different from the second time;

The second resource includes a third moment and a fourth moment, at which the first switch is in a closed state; the signal sent by the first transmitting channel at the third moment includes the first signal, and the first signal includes the first interference signal and the first valid signal; the signal sent by the second transmitting channel at the fourth moment includes the second signal, and the second signal includes the second interference signal and the second valid signal, and the third moment is different from the fourth moment.
The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is characterized in that the first receiving channel is also used to send signals, the first sending channel is used as a second receiving channel, the antenna correction device also includes a second switch, and the output port of the coupling plate is connected to the second receiving channel through the second switch; the second switch is used to realize correction between the second antenna port and the third antenna port, the second antenna port corresponds to the second sending channel, and the third antenna port corresponds to the first receiving channel.
The device according to claim 7 is characterized in that the first receiving channel and the second receiving channel are two service transmission channels in the same radio remote unit RRU, or the first receiving channel and the second receiving channel are two service transmission channels in different RRUs.
A communication system, characterized in that the communication system comprises the antenna correction device as described in claims 1 to 8 and a baseband unit connected to the antenna correction device.
The communication system according to claim 9, characterized in that the baseband unit is also used to control the antenna correction device The first switch is turned on and off.
A base station, characterized in that the base station comprises the antenna correction device as described in claims 1 to 8.