CN111294121A

CN111294121A - AiP structure-based beam adjustment method and device, and computer-readable storage medium

Info

Publication number: CN111294121A
Application number: CN201910098028.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 郭舒生; 赖玠玮; 康锴
Original assignee: Spreadtrum Communications Shanghai Co Ltd
Current assignee: Spreadtrum Communications Shanghai Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-31
Filing date: 2019-01-31
Publication date: 2020-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2039-01-31
Also published as: CN111294121B

Abstract

The invention provides a beam adjusting method and device based on an AiP structure and a computer readable storage medium. The AiP structure includes at least a first AiP, the first AiP includes at least one ULA array and a corresponding at least one UPA array, the beam adjustment method includes: the ULA array detects signals transmitted by the corresponding UPA array; comparing the characteristic parameter values of the detected signal with a first set of preset signal characteristic parameter values; and adjusting phase shifters coupled to the UPA array based on the comparison until a first optimal beam configuration is reached. When the terminal device including the AiP structure is put into practical use, more shielding will exist around the terminal device, the characteristic parameter value of the detected signal can be compared with the stored first optimal beam configuration, and AiP with the best performance can be selected for signal transceiving based on the comparison result.

Description

AiP structure-based beam adjustment method and device, and computer-readable storage medium

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to a beam adjustment method and apparatus based on an AiP (Antenna-in-package) structure, and a computer-readable storage medium.

Background

The 5G millimeter wave mobile communication system uses an array antenna and a beam forming technology, and the 5G terminal millimeter wave chip uses a packaging antenna technology, so that the direction selectivity is obvious. Fast and accurate transceiver-side beam alignment and tracking are important technologies for realizing millimeter wave communication. Because the millimeter wave frequency band signal is fast in attenuation and poor in scattering and diffraction characteristics and is easy to be shielded, signal energy can be concentrated through the narrow beam, and the change of the beam direction can be dynamically tracked and adjusted through beam management, so that the fast-changing characteristic of a millimeter wave frequency band channel is better supported.

In some existing schemes, a terminal performs various beam scanning in a network through a Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol and completes beam management in combination with a related alignment policy. However, this method occupies more network resources, and the terminal side requires more baseband processing and accordingly generates greater power consumption.

In other existing schemes, an antenna or an induction device dedicated for radio frequency environment detection, a corresponding electric tuning element, and a corresponding signal processing and control circuit are additionally arranged in the terminal, but the hardware structures are difficult to integrate with a terminal main communication system chipset, so that the device, the volume and the cost of the terminal are remarkably increased.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention solves the problems that: a AiP structure-based beam adjustment method and device are provided.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a beam adjustment method based on an AiP structure, where the AiP structure includes at least a first AiP, and the first AiP includes at least one ULA (Uniform Linear Array) Array and at least one corresponding UPA (Uniform Planar Array) Array, and the beam adjustment method includes: the ULA array detects signals transmitted by the corresponding UPA array; comparing the characteristic parameter values of the detected signal with a first set of preset signal characteristic parameter values; and adjusting phase shifters coupled to the UPA array based on the comparison until a first optimal beam configuration is reached.

Optionally, the characteristic parameter value of the detected signal includes any combination of the following parameters: and detecting the direction angle of a beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array, the ratio of a main lobe to a side lobe, side lobe suppression and the power of the beam.

Optionally, the reaching the first optimal beam configuration includes: and detecting that the deviation of the power of the beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array and the preset power is within 10 percent, and/or the deviation of the sidelobe suppression and the preset sidelobe suppression is within 10 percent.

Optionally, when the first optimal beam configuration is reached, the sidelobe suppression is 15 dB.

Optionally, the AiP structure is disposed in a terminal device.

Optionally, the preset first set of signal characteristic parameter values includes: when the AiP structure is in an unobstructed state, the ULA array detects a characteristic parameter value of a signal transmitted by the corresponding UPA array.

Optionally, the beam adjustment method further includes: storing the first optimal beam configuration.

Optionally, the AiP structure further includes a second AiP, the second AiP includes at least one ULA array and at least one corresponding UPA array, and the beam adjustment method further includes: the ULA array in the second AiP detects signals emitted by the UPA array in the first AiP; comparing the characteristic parameter values of the signals transmitted by the UPA arrays in the first AiP detected by the ULA arrays in the second AiP with a preset second set of signal characteristic parameter values; and adjusting phase shifters coupled to the UPA arrays in the first AiP based on the comparison until a second optimal beam configuration is reached.

Optionally, the characteristic parameter values of the signals transmitted by the UPA arrays in the first AiP detected by the ULA arrays in the second AiP include any combination of the following parameters: the ULA array in the second AiP detects the direction angle of the beam, the ratio of main lobe and side lobe, side lobe suppression and power of the beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array in the first AiP.

Optionally, the AiP structure further includes a second AiP, the second AiP includes at least one ULA array and at least one corresponding UPA array, and the beam adjustment method further includes: the ULA array in the second AiP detects signals transmitted by the corresponding UPA array; comparing the characteristic parameter values of the detected signal with a third set of preset signal characteristic parameter values; and adjusting phase shifters coupled to the UPA array based on the comparison until a third optimal beam configuration is reached.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a beam adjusting apparatus based on an AiP structure, where the AiP structure includes at least a first AiP, the first AiP includes at least one ULA array and at least one corresponding UPA array, and the beam adjusting apparatus includes: the control unit is used for controlling the ULA array to detect signals transmitted by the corresponding UPA array; the comparison unit is used for comparing the characteristic parameter values of the detected signals with a preset first group of signal characteristic parameter values; and a processing unit for adjusting phase shifters coupled to the UPA array based on the comparison until a first optimal beam configuration is reached.

Optionally, the AiP structure is disposed in a terminal device.

Optionally, the beam adjusting apparatus further includes a storage unit, configured to store the first optimal beam configuration.

Optionally, the AiP structure further includes a second AiP, the second AiP includes at least one ULA array and at least one corresponding UPA array, the control unit is further configured to control the ULA array in the second AiP to detect signals transmitted by the UPA array in the first AiP, the comparison unit is further configured to compare the characteristic parameter values of the signals transmitted by the UPA array in the first AiP detected by the ULA array in the second AiP with a preset second set of signal characteristic parameter values, and the processing unit is further configured to adjust the phase shifters connected to the UPA arrays in the first AiP based on the comparison result until a second optimal beam configuration is reached.

Optionally, the AiP structure further includes a second AiP, the second AiP includes at least one ULA array and corresponding at least one UPA array, the control unit is further configured to control the ULA array in the second AiP to detect signals emitted by the corresponding UPA array; the comparison unit is further used for comparing the characteristic parameter values of the detected signals with a preset third group of signal characteristic parameter values; and the processing unit is further configured to adjust phase shifters connected to the UPA arrays in the second AiP based on the comparison until a third optimal beam configuration is reached.

Embodiments of the present invention further provide a computer-readable storage medium, on which computer instructions are stored, where the computer instructions are executed to perform any of the steps of the beam adjustment method based on the AiP structure.

The technical scheme of the invention has the following advantages.

In the AiP-structure-based beam adjustment method and apparatus provided by the embodiment of the present invention, a ULA array in a AiP structure is used to detect a signal transmitted by a UPA array corresponding to the ULA array, a characteristic parameter value of the detected signal is compared with a preset signal characteristic parameter value, a phase shifter connected to the UPA array is adjusted based on the comparison result until an optimal beam configuration is achieved, and the optimal beam configuration is stored. The method can be applied to AiP when the structure is installed in a terminal device, when AiP peripheral circuit devices, housings and the like become a determined physical environment, when a UPA array emits a specific signal, a relatively fixed signal can be detected by the corresponding ULA array. Due to the fact that certain shielding exists around the AiP structure (namely peripheral circuit devices, shells and the like), the detected signal characteristic parameter value has certain difference with the preset signal characteristic parameter value, and the AiP achieves the optimal beam configuration by adjusting the corresponding phase shifter.

Further, the significance of storing the optimal beam configuration is: when a terminal device comprising the AiP structure is put into practical use, and there will be more occlusions around it, the parameter values of the detected signals can be compared with the stored optimal beam configurations, and based on the comparison results, the best AiP of the AiP structure can be selected for signal transceiving.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic view AiP provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a beam adjustment method based on an AiP structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a block diagram of a beam adjustment apparatus based on AiP structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a beam detection method based on an AiP structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an antenna module selection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

As described in the background art, the existing beam management method includes that the terminal completes beam management in the network based on the RRC protocol, but this method not only occupies more network resources, but also causes greater power consumption on the terminal side. The existing beam management method also comprises the step of additionally arranging an antenna or an induction device special for radio frequency environment detection, a corresponding electric tuning element and a corresponding signal processing and control circuit in the terminal, but the method increases the difficulty of hardware structure integration and increases the volume and the cost of the terminal.

The inventor researches and discovers that the most common shielding of the terminal in practical application comes from other devices and shells near the installation of the antenna radio frequency module, hand-held and other human body shielding, other objects near the terminal which reflect or refract radio frequency propagation, and the like, and the correlation of the factors and the network state is low. If the antenna radio frequency module or the terminal directly senses the nearby radio frequency environment, the antenna radio frequency module can locally detect and adjust the wave beam, and the terminal can select the optimal configuration of the wave beam, so that the wave beam adjustment efficiency is improved, and the power consumption is saved.

The embodiment of the invention provides a beam adjusting method based on an AiP structure. Detecting signals transmitted by a UPA array corresponding to the ULA array through the ULA array in the AiP structure, comparing characteristic parameter values of the detected signals with preset signal characteristic parameter values, adjusting phase shifters connected with the UPA array based on the comparison result until an optimal beam configuration is reached, and storing the optimal beam configuration. The method can be applied to AiP when the structure is installed in a terminal device, when AiP peripheral circuit devices, housings and the like become a determined physical environment, when a UPA array emits a specific signal, a relatively fixed signal can be detected by the corresponding ULA array. Due to the fact that certain shielding exists around the AiP structure (namely peripheral circuit devices, shells and the like), the detected signal characteristic parameter value has certain difference with the preset signal characteristic parameter value, and the AiP achieves the optimal beam configuration by adjusting the corresponding phase shifter.

In order to make the aforementioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention comprehensible, embodiments accompanied with figures are described in detail below.

Referring to fig. 1, fig. 1 illustrates AiP provided by an embodiment of the present invention. AiP includes a group of ULA antenna arrays formed by multiple antenna elements 101 and a group of UPA antenna arrays formed by multiple antenna elements 102, and fig. 1 illustrates an example in which each group of antenna arrays includes eight antenna elements. In some embodiments, one AiP may also include multiple sets of ULA antenna arrays and multiple sets of UPA antenna arrays, where the numbers of ULA antenna arrays and UPA antenna arrays are the same, and the numbers of antenna elements included in the ULA antenna arrays and the UPA antenna arrays are the same, so as to form a one-to-one correspondence relationship.

The UPA array is a main array of AiP, and since the phased array has the problem that the main lobe gain drops and the side lobe gain rises after the beam points to the side at a certain angle, the main array UPA is generally set to be no longer used as a working channel beyond a certain maximum working angle, and the spatial region is covered by the ULA array. Therefore, AiP has at least two arrays of UPA and ULA, and they are configured with corresponding independent circuits and control processing channels.

Referring to fig. 2, fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a beam adjustment method based on an AiP structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. The specific steps are described in detail below.

The AiP structure includes at least a first AiP, the first AiP including at least one ULA array and a corresponding at least one UPA array.

In step S201, the ULA array detects a signal transmitted by the corresponding UPA array.

When the AiP structure is mounted to the terminal device, not only is a fixed physical channel formed between the ULA array and the UPA array, but also the circuit devices around AiP, the housing of the terminal device, etc. become a defined physical environment. When a particular signal is transmitted by the UPA array, the channels of the ULA array may detect a relatively fixed signal due to the coupling relationship between the UPA array and the ULA array.

In some embodiments, the signals transmitted by the UPA array are millimeter wave signals.

In some embodiments, each ULA array includes a plurality of antenna elements, each UPA array also includes a plurality of antenna elements, and the ULA array contains a number of the plurality of antenna elements equal to a number of the plurality of antenna elements contained by the UPA array. In some embodiments, the detection of the signals emitted by the corresponding UPA array by the ULA array may include: and the plurality of antenna units included in the ULA array respectively detect signals transmitted by the plurality of antenna units included in the corresponding UPA array.

In step S203, the characteristic parameter values of the detected signal are compared with a preset first set of signal characteristic parameter values.

When the AiP structure is mounted in a terminal, circuit devices around AiP, the housing of the terminal, etc. may form some shield for the AiP structure. At this time, the beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the antenna array has a certain deviation from the design and shaping of the AiP structure, which affects the performance. Therefore, some adjustment of the antenna array is required based on this deviation, so that the corresponding beam approaches the preset threshold value at the time of initial design,

in some embodiments, the characteristic parameter values of the detected signal comprise any combination of the following parameters: and detecting the direction angle of a beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array, the ratio of a main lobe to a side lobe, side lobe suppression and the power of the beam.

In some embodiments, the preset first set of signal characteristic parameter values comprises: when the AiP structure is in an unobstructed state, the ULA array detects a characteristic parameter value of a signal transmitted by the corresponding UPA array.

In step S205, the phase shifters associated with the UPA array are adjusted based on the comparison result until a first optimal beam configuration is reached.

In some embodiments, the antenna module is connected to a radio frequency front end circuit including a low noise amplifier, a power amplifier, a phase shifter, a transmit variable gain amplifier, a receive variable gain amplifier, a combiner, a power divider, a phase locked loop, a frequency converter, an oscillator, and the like. Based on the comparison in step S203, the phase shifters associated with the corresponding UPA arrays may be adjusted so that the beams corresponding to the transmission signals are optimally configured.

In some embodiments, the reaching the first optimal beam configuration comprises: and detecting that the deviation of the power of the beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array and the preset power is within 10 percent, and/or the deviation of the sidelobe suppression and the preset sidelobe suppression is within 10 percent.

In some embodiments, the sidelobe suppression is 15dB when the first optimal beam configuration is reached.

In some embodiments, the beam adjustment method further comprises: storing the first optimal beam configuration.

After the AiP structure is installed in the terminal device, the AiP structure blocks the surrounding circuit devices and the housing of the terminal device, and after the adjustment in step S205, the beam corresponding to the signal emitted by the UPA array in the AiP structure reaches the optimal configuration.

As described above, signals emitted by the corresponding UPA array in AiP can be detected by a ULA array in AiP. To further improve the omnidirectional communication capability in the actual environment and realize the MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) function, the AiP structure may include a plurality of AiP, and the plurality of AiP are arranged to cooperate in each direction. A plurality AiP also form a fixed physical path between them. While a UPA array in one AiP transmits a signal, ULA arrays in the other AiP may also detect a relatively fixed signal, thereby adjusting the beam.

Specifically, when the AiP structure includes a plurality of AiP, such as the first AiP and the second AiP, the beam adjustment method further includes: the ULA array in the second AiP detects signals emitted by the UPA array in the first AiP; comparing the characteristic parameter values of the signals transmitted by the UPA arrays in the first AiP detected by the ULA arrays in the second AiP with a preset second set of signal characteristic parameter values; adjusting phase shifters associated with the UPA arrays in the first AiP based on the comparison until a second optimal beam configuration is reached.

The values of characteristic parameters of signals transmitted by the UPA array in the first AiP detected by the ULA array in the second AiP include any combination of the following parameters: and detecting the direction angle of a beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array, the ratio of a main lobe to a side lobe, side lobe suppression and the power of the beam.

Similarly, the preset second set of signal characteristic parameter values includes: when the AiP structure is in an unobstructed state, the ULA array in the second AiP detects the values of the characteristic parameters of the signals emitted by the UPA array in the first AiP, i.e., the second set of detection results stored in the beam detection method described above.

Similarly, the reaching the second optimal beam configuration includes: the power of the beam corresponding to the signals transmitted by the UPA array in the first AiP detected by the ULA array in the second AiP is within 10% of the preset power, and/or the sidelobe suppression is within 10% of the preset sidelobe suppression.

In some embodiments, the detection results of the same AiP and different AiP may be considered together to adjust the phase shifters and adjust the beams.

When the AiP configuration includes multiple ones AiP, the ULA array in each AiP can detect signals emitted by a corresponding one of the UPA arrays in AiP, compare the characteristic parameter values of the detected signals to the preset signal characteristic parameter values for that set of the UPA arrays, and adjust the phase shifters associated with the UPA arrays based on the comparison until the corresponding optimal beam configurations are respectively achieved.

In the AiP structure-based beam adjustment method provided in the above embodiment of the present invention, a ULA array in a AiP structure is used to detect a signal transmitted by a corresponding UPA array, a characteristic parameter value of the detected signal is compared with a preset signal characteristic parameter value, a phase shifter connected to the UPA array is adjusted based on the comparison result until an optimal beam configuration is achieved, and the optimal beam configuration is stored. The method can be applied to AiP structure when being installed in terminal equipment, at this time, AiP peripheral circuit devices, shells and the like become definite physical environment, and when a UPA array emits a specific millimeter wave signal, a relatively fixed signal can be detected through a corresponding ULA array. Due to the fact that certain shielding exists around the AiP structure (namely peripheral circuit devices, shells and the like), the detected signal characteristic parameter value has certain difference with the preset signal characteristic parameter value, and the AiP achieves the optimal beam configuration by adjusting the corresponding phase shifter. The significance of storing the optimal beam configuration for each AiP in the waveform adjustment method provided by the above embodiment is that: when a terminal device including the AiP structure is put into practical use, and there will be more occlusions around it, the parameter value of the detected signal can be compared with the stored optimal beam configuration, and AiP with the best performance can be selected for signal transceiving based on the comparison result.

Correspondingly, the embodiment of the invention also provides a beam adjusting device based on the AiP structure. Fig. 3 shows the AiP-based beam adjustment apparatus 30, which includes a control unit 301, a comparison unit 303, and a processing unit 305.

In some embodiments, the AiP structure includes at least a first AiP, the first AiP includes at least one ULA array and a corresponding at least one UPA array.

The control unit 301 is configured to control the ULA array to detect a signal transmitted by the corresponding UPA array; the comparing unit 303 is configured to compare the characteristic parameter values of the detected signal with a preset first set of signal characteristic parameter values; the processing unit 305 is configured to adjust the phase shifters coupled to the UPA arrays based on the comparison until a first optimal beam configuration is reached.

In some embodiments, the AiP structure is disposed in a terminal device.

In some embodiments, the beam adjusting apparatus further comprises a storage unit for storing the first optimal beam configuration.

In some embodiments, the AiP structure further includes a second AiP, the second AiP includes at least one ULA array and at least one corresponding UPA array, the control unit 301 is further configured to control the ULA array in the second AiP to detect signals transmitted by the UPA array in the first AiP, the comparison unit 303 is further configured to compare characteristic parameter values of signals transmitted by the UPA array in the first AiP detected by the ULA array in the second AiP with a preset second set of signal characteristic parameter values, and the processing unit 305 is further configured to adjust the phase shifter connected to the UPA array in the first AiP based on the comparison result until a second optimal beam configuration is reached.

In some embodiments, the characteristic parameter values of the signals transmitted by the UPA arrays in the first AiP detected by the ULA arrays in the second AiP include any combination of the following parameters: the ULA array in the second AiP detects the direction angle of the beam, the ratio of main lobe and side lobe, side lobe suppression and power of the beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array in the first AiP.

In some embodiments, the AiP structure further includes a second AiP, the second AiP includes at least one ULA array and corresponding at least one UPA array, the control unit 301 is further for controlling the ULA arrays in the second AiP to detect signals emitted by the corresponding UPA arrays; the comparing unit 303 is further configured to compare the characteristic parameter values of the detected signal with a preset third set of signal characteristic parameter values; the processing unit 305 is further configured to adjust the phase shifters connected to the UPA arrays in the second AiP based on the comparison result until a third optimal beam configuration is reached.

Similarly, the preset third set of signal characteristic parameter values includes: when the AiP structure is in an unobstructed state, the ULA array in the second AiP detects a characteristic parameter value of the signal emitted by the UPA array in the second AiP.

Similarly, the reaching the third optimal beam configuration includes: the power of the beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array in the second AiP detected by the ULA array in the second AiP is within 10% of the preset power, and/or the sidelobe suppression is within 10% of the preset sidelobe suppression.

In some embodiments, the control unit 301, the comparison unit 303 and/or the processing unit 305 may be a processor, such as a CPU, MCU, DSP, etc. The storage unit may be a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic or optical disk, etc.

As described in the above embodiment, the preset first, second, and third sets of signal characteristic parameter values include: when the AiP structure is in an unobstructed state, the ULA array detects a characteristic parameter value of a signal transmitted by the corresponding UPA array. That is, when the AiP structure is just designed and not installed in a terminal device, the ULA array detects the characteristic parameter value of the signal transmitted by the corresponding UPA array. The following examples illustrate the method for obtaining the preset signal characteristic parameter values.

Referring to fig. 4, fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a AiP structure-based beam detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step S401, the ULA array detects a signal transmitted by the corresponding UPA array.

When the AiP structure is designed and sized, a fixed physical channel is formed between the ULA array and the UPA array. When a particular signal is transmitted by the UPA array, the channels of the ULA array may detect a relatively fixed signal due to the coupling relationship between the UPA array and the ULA array.

In step S403, a first set of test results is stored, where the first set of test results includes values of characteristic parameters of signals transmitted by the UPA array detected by the ULA array.

In some embodiments, the first set of detection results comprises any combination of the following parameters: and detecting the direction angle of a beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array, the ratio of a main lobe to a side lobe, side lobe suppression and the power of the beam.

In some embodiments, the first set of detection results is stored in a look-up table. The lookup table is disposed in a baseband processor, and the baseband processor is connected to the AiP structure through a radio frequency front end circuit.

After the detection method is applied to design and sizing of the AiP structure, at this time, the AiP structure is in an unobstructed state, and the detected characteristic parameter value of the signal transmitted by the UPA array is the preset characteristic parameter value when the AiP structure is designed, that is, an ideal value, that is, the preset signal characteristic parameter value mentioned in the beam adjustment method of the above embodiment.

In some embodiments, the beam detection method further comprises: the ULA array in the second AiP detects signals emitted by the UPA array in the first AiP; and storing a second set of test results comprising parameter values for signals transmitted by the UPA array in the first AiP detected by the ULA array in the second AiP.

As can be seen from the above embodiments of the present invention, when the AiP design is finalized, the signals emitted from the UPA arrays can be detected by the ULA array of AiP or different ULA arrays of AiP.

When the AiP structure includes multiple AiP, the ULA array in each AiP can detect the signals emitted by the corresponding UPA array and store the detection results.

In the AiP structure-based beam detection method provided by the above embodiment of the present invention, the ULA array in the AiP structure detects the signal emitted by the UPA array corresponding to the ULA array, and stores the detection result. The method can be applied to AiP when a structure is finalized by design, where a fixed physical channel is formed between the UPA array and the ULA array, and when a particular signal is transmitted by the UPA array, a relatively fixed signal can be detected by the corresponding ULA array. At this time AiP, no redundant occlusion exists around the structure, i.e. in a more ideal environment, and the detected result is AiP preset threshold value for structure design. The significance of storing the detection result is that: when there is a blockage around the AiP structure, the parameter value of the detected signal may be compared with the stored preset threshold value, and based on the comparison result, it may be determined that there is a certain deviation between the actually transmitted beam and the design, and the beam may be adjusted accordingly, i.e. the stored preset threshold value is used as the preset signal characteristic parameter value in the foregoing embodiment.

By the waveform adjustment method and apparatus provided by the embodiments shown in fig. 2 and 3, a corresponding optimal beam configuration is stored for each AiP in the AiP configuration. When a terminal device including the AiP structure is put into practical use, the stored optimal beam configuration is used to select an antenna module for signal transceiving.

Referring to fig. 5, fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an antenna module selection method according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the antenna module selection method is applied to a terminal device and performed based on an optimal beam configuration stored in the beam adjustment method. The terminal device includes a plurality AiP, such as a first AiP and a second AiP, each AiP including at least one ULA array and a corresponding at least one UPA array.

In step S501, the ULA array in the first AiP detects signals emitted by the corresponding UPA array in the first AiP, and compares the detected characteristic parameter values of the signals emitted by the corresponding UPA array in the first AiP with a preset first set of characteristic parameter values to obtain a first comparison result.

In step S503, the ULA array in the second AiP detects the signal emitted by the corresponding UPA array in the second AiP, and compares the detected characteristic parameter value of the signal emitted by the corresponding UPA array in the second AiP with a preset second set of characteristic parameter values to obtain a second comparison result.

In step S505, it is determined to use one of the first AiP and the second AiP for signal transceiving of the terminal device based on the first comparison result and the second comparison result.

In some embodiments, the characteristic parameter values comprise power and/or sidelobe size of a beam to which the signal corresponds. The preset first set of characteristic parameter values and the preset second set of characteristic parameter values are characteristic parameter values corresponding to AiP pre-stored in the terminal device (for example, pre-stored in a lookup table at the time of factory shipment), that is, the optimal beam configuration stored in the beam adjustment method of the foregoing embodiment.

In some embodiments, the comparing the detected characteristic parameter values of the signals transmitted by the corresponding UPA array in the first AiP with a preset first set of characteristic parameter values to obtain a first comparison result comprises: calculating a first difference between the characteristic parameter values of the detected signal and the preset first set of characteristic parameter values; and calculating a first ratio of the first difference value to the preset first group of characteristic parameter values as the first comparison result.

In some embodiments, the comparing the detected characteristic parameter values of the signals transmitted by the corresponding UPA array in the second AiP with a preset second set of characteristic parameter values, and obtaining a second comparison result includes: calculating a second difference between the characteristic parameter values of the detected signal and the preset second set of characteristic parameter values; and calculating a second ratio of the second difference value to the preset second group of characteristic parameter values as the second comparison result.

In some embodiments, said determining, based on the first and second comparison results, to use one of the first AiP and the second AiP for signaling by the terminal device comprises: comparing the first ratio and the second ratio; and selecting AiP corresponding to the minimum ratio for signal transceiving of the terminal equipment.

In some embodiments, said using one of said first AiP and said second AiP for signal transceiving by said terminal device comprises: using the UPA array in the first AiP for the terminal device's signaling or using the UPA array in the second AiP for the terminal device's signaling.

In the above embodiments, the UPA array is used to transmit and receive signals to and from the terminal device. In some embodiments, the antenna module selection method further comprises: if both the first comparison result and the second comparison result exceed a predetermined threshold (i.e., indicating that the corresponding beam parameters may deviate more from the original design if the corresponding UPA array continues to be used to transmit signals), then the ULA array in the first AiP is used for signaling by the terminal device or the ULA array in the second AiP is used for signaling by the terminal device.

The antenna module selection method provided in the foregoing embodiment utilizes the optimal beam configuration stored in the beam adjustment method in the foregoing embodiment, compares the actual beam conditions detected by a plurality of AiP with the optimal beam configurations corresponding to a plurality of AiP, and selects AiP having the smallest deviation from the optimal beam configuration for the transceiving of the terminal device, thereby implementing the local detection and management of the beam by the terminal device, and no additional hardware is required to be added, thereby saving network resources and reducing the cost and power consumption of the terminal device.

Embodiments of the present invention further provide a computer-readable storage medium, on which computer instructions are stored, and when the computer instructions are executed, the computer instructions perform any of the steps of the above method.

In summary, in the AiP-based beam adjustment method and apparatus provided in the above embodiments of the present invention, a ULA array in a AiP structure is used to detect a signal transmitted by a UPA array corresponding to the ULA array, a characteristic parameter value of the detected signal is compared with a preset signal characteristic parameter value, a phase shifter connected to the UPA array is adjusted based on the comparison result until an optimal beam configuration is achieved, and the optimal beam configuration is stored. The method can be applied to AiP when the structure is installed in a terminal device, when AiP peripheral circuit devices, housings and the like become a determined physical environment, when a UPA array emits a specific signal, a relatively fixed signal can be detected by the corresponding ULA array. Due to the fact that certain shielding exists around the AiP structure (namely peripheral circuit devices, shells and the like), the detected signal characteristic parameter value has certain difference with the preset signal characteristic parameter value, and the AiP achieves the optimal beam configuration by adjusting the corresponding phase shifter.

Further, the significance of storing the optimal beam configuration is: when a terminal device including the AiP structure is put into practical use, and there will be more occlusions around it, the parameter value of the detected signal can be compared with the stored optimal beam configuration, and AiP having the best beam performance in the AiP structure can be selected for signal transceiving based on the comparison result.

Although the present invention is disclosed above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An AiP-based beam adjustment method, wherein the AiP structure at least includes a first AiP, the first AiP includes at least one ULA array and at least one corresponding UPA array, and the beam adjustment method includes:

the ULA array detects signals transmitted by the corresponding UPA array;

comparing the characteristic parameter values of the detected signal with a first set of preset signal characteristic parameter values; and

adjusting phase shifters coupled to the UPA array based on the comparison until a first optimal beam configuration is reached.

2. The beam adjustment method of claim 1, wherein the characteristic parameter values of the detected signals comprise any combination of the following parameters: and detecting the direction angle of a beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array, the ratio of a main lobe to a side lobe, side lobe suppression and the power of the beam.

3. The beam adjustment method of claim 1, wherein the achieving the first optimal beam configuration comprises: and detecting that the deviation of the power of the beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array and the preset power is within 10 percent, and/or the deviation of the sidelobe suppression and the preset sidelobe suppression is within 10 percent.

4. The beam adjustment method of claim 3, wherein the sidelobe suppression is 15dB at the time of reaching the first optimal beam configuration.

5. The beam adjustment method of claim 1, wherein the AiP structure is disposed in a terminal device.

6. The beam adjustment method of claim 1, wherein the preset first set of signal characteristic parameter values comprises: when the AiP structure is in an unobstructed state, the ULA array detects a characteristic parameter value of a signal transmitted by the corresponding UPA array.

7. The beam adjustment method of claim 1, further comprising: storing the first optimal beam configuration.

8. The beam adjustment method of claim 1, wherein the AiP structure further includes a second AiP, the second AiP includes at least one ULA array and a corresponding at least one UPA array, the beam adjustment method further comprising:

the ULA array in the second AiP detects signals emitted by the UPA array in the first AiP;

comparing the characteristic parameter values of the signals transmitted by the UPA arrays in the first AiP detected by the ULA arrays in the second AiP with a preset second set of signal characteristic parameter values; and

adjusting phase shifters associated with the UPA arrays in the first AiP based on the comparison until a second optimal beam configuration is reached.

9. The method of beam adjustment of claim 8 wherein the characteristic parameter values of the signals transmitted by the UPA array in the first AiP detected by the ULA array in the second AiP comprise any combination of the following parameters: the ULA array in the second AiP detects the direction angle of the beam, the ratio of main lobe and side lobe, side lobe suppression and power of the beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array in the first AiP.

10. The beam adjustment method of claim 1, wherein the AiP structure further includes a second AiP, the second AiP includes at least one ULA array and a corresponding at least one UPA array, the beam adjustment method further comprising:

the ULA array in the second AiP detects signals transmitted by the corresponding UPA array;

comparing the characteristic parameter values of the detected signal with a third set of preset signal characteristic parameter values; and

adjusting phase shifters coupled to the UPA array based on the comparison until a third optimal beam configuration is reached.

11. An AiP-based structure beam steering apparatus, wherein the AiP structure includes at least a first AiP, the first AiP includes at least one ULA array and a corresponding at least one UPA array, the beam steering apparatus includes:

the control unit is used for controlling the ULA array to detect signals transmitted by the corresponding UPA array;

the comparison unit is used for comparing the characteristic parameter values of the detected signals with a preset first group of signal characteristic parameter values; and

a processing unit to adjust a phase shifter coupled to the UPA array based on the comparison until a first optimal beam configuration is reached.

12. The beam steering apparatus of claim 11, wherein the characteristic parameter values of the detected signals comprise any combination of the following parameters: and detecting the direction angle of a beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array, the ratio of a main lobe to a side lobe, side lobe suppression and the power of the beam.

13. The beam adjustment apparatus of claim 11, wherein the achieving the first optimal beam configuration comprises: and detecting that the deviation of the power of the beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array and the preset power is within 10 percent, and/or the deviation of the sidelobe suppression and the preset sidelobe suppression is within 10 percent.

14. The beam steering apparatus of claim 13, wherein the sidelobe suppression is 15dB when the first optimal beam configuration is reached.

15. The beam steering arrangement of claim 11 wherein the AiP structure is disposed in a terminal device.

16. The beam steering apparatus of claim 11 wherein said predetermined first set of signal characteristic parameter values comprises: when the AiP structure is in an unobstructed state, the ULA array detects a characteristic parameter value of a signal transmitted by the corresponding UPA array.

17. The beam steering apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a storage unit for storing the first optimal beam configuration.

18. The beam steering apparatus of claim 11, wherein the AiP structure further comprises a second AiP, the second AiP comprising at least one ULA array and a corresponding at least one UPA array,

the control unit is also used for controlling the ULA array in the second AiP to detect the signals emitted by the UPA array in the first AiP,

the comparing unit is further configured to compare the characteristic parameter values of the signals transmitted by the UPA array in the first AiP detected by the ULA array in the second AiP with a preset second set of signal characteristic parameter values,

the processing unit is further configured to adjust phase shifters coupled to the UPA arrays in the first AiP based on the comparison until a second optimal beam configuration is reached.

19. The beam steering apparatus of claim 18 wherein the characteristic parameter values of the signals transmitted by the UPA arrays in the first AiP detected by the ULA arrays in the second AiP comprise any combination of the following parameters: the ULA array in the second AiP detects the direction angle of the beam, the ratio of main lobe and side lobe, side lobe suppression and power of the beam corresponding to the signal transmitted by the UPA array in the first AiP.

20. The beam steering apparatus of claim 11, wherein the AiP structure further comprises a second AiP, the second AiP comprising at least one ULA array and a corresponding at least one UPA array,

the control unit is also used for controlling the ULA array in the second AiP to detect the signal emitted by the corresponding UPA array;

the comparison unit is further used for comparing the characteristic parameter values of the detected signals with a preset third group of signal characteristic parameter values; and

the processing unit is further configured to adjust phase shifters coupled to the UPA arrays in the second AiP based on the comparison until a third optimal beam configuration is reached.

21. A computer readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon, wherein the computer instructions when executed perform the steps of the beam adjustment method of any one of claims 1 to 10.