JP2003258503A - Variable phase shifter, frequency conversion type variable phase sihfter, receiver, and wireless communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized inexpensive variable phase shifter having a wide frequency dynamic range and to provide a receiver and a wireless com munication apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The variable phase shifter is provided with: an amplifier 101 having a phase shift characteristic wherein the phase is varied with input power under the operation within a saturated region; and a variable gain means 102 for varying, within the saturated region, the input power given to the amplifier 101, and the gain by the variable gain means 102 varies the phase. Furthermore the variable phase shifter of this invention consists of a variable gain amplifier wherein the amplifier 101 has a function that the phase is changed by the input power in the operation within the saturated region and a saturated output power is changed, and the output power or phase can be changed by the gain of the variable gain amplifier or the variable gain means 102. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a variable phase shifter, a frequency conversion type variable phase shifter, a receiving device and a wireless communication device for controlling the phase of signals in communication equipment and other electronic equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a variable phase shifter utilizing a directional coupler has been known. An example of such a conventional variable phase shifter is shown in FIG. 1 wavelength is λ
Described as. As shown in FIG. 22, the conventional variable phase shifter includes an input terminal 2201, an output terminal 2202, transmission lines 2203, 2205, 2204, 2206 and variable capacitance elements 2207, 2208. Transmission line 22
Nos. 03 and 2205 have a characteristic impedance of 35.4Ω and an electrical length of λ / 4. Transmission lines 2204, 2206
Has a characteristic impedance of 50Ω and an electrical length of λ / 4
Is.

The variable phase shifter shown in FIG. 22 uses a directional coupler. This variable phase shifter includes a variable capacitance element 2
It operates to change the phase of the signal by changing the capacitance values of 207 and 2208. As a configuration in which the phase change amount of the variable phase shifter is large, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-22
There is one described in Japanese Patent No. 2904.

A mechanical variable phase shifter which mechanically changes the line length is also known. An example of such a mechanical variable phase shifter is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-75901. The mechanical variable phase shifter operates to change the phase by mechanically changing the line length.

In recent years, in mobile communication devices, there has been known a wireless device which performs optimization processing such as weighting of transmission and reception signals using the phase and amplitude of signals in order to improve frequency efficiency and communication quality. .

As an example of such a radio device, there is an adaptive array antenna system as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-219615. In this adaptive array antenna system, the phase and amplitude of the signal received by the antenna are weighted, the antenna directivity of the device is controlled, and the signal-to-interference ratio is improved. As a result, frequency utilization efficiency and communication quality can be improved. These devices require means for controlling and adjusting the phase of high frequency signals,
For example, a variable phase shifter is provided in the device.

[0007]

However, in the conventional variable phase shifter using the directional coupler, the length of one side of the transmission line must be λ / 4 of the signal, so that the usable frequency is There is a problem that the band becomes narrow and miniaturization is limited. In addition, even in the conventional mechanical variable phase shifter, there is a limit to downsizing because the line length for the required change phase is required, and since the impedance determined by the line width must be fixed, the usable frequency There is a problem that the bandwidth is narrow.

Further, the conventional variable phase shifter using the directional coupler has a problem that it is expensive because it is constructed as a hybrid IC when it is generally made small. Further, in the variable phase shifter, there is a problem that the passage loss changes as the phase changes.

In a receiver or communication device capable of controlling the phase of a signal corresponding to the adaptive array antenna system, a conventional variable phase shifter must be used, which causes a problem in realizing miniaturization and cost reduction. . Further, since the signal passing loss in the conventional variable phase shifter is large, there is a problem that the noise figure of the receiving device becomes large and the communication quality deteriorates.

Further, in recent years, there has been a demand for a multi-band compatible communication device which enables communication using different frequencies in one communication device. Therefore, a device used for such a communication device needs to have a wide band. Since the usable frequency of the conventional variable phase shifter is narrow, there is a problem that a communication device capable of supporting multiple bands requires a plurality of types of variable phase shifters.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized and low-priced variable phase shifter having a wide frequency dynamic range, a receiving device, and a wireless communication device. .

[0012]

The variable phase shifter of the present invention comprises:
A configuration is provided that includes an amplifier having a phase characteristic in which the phase changes depending on the input power in the operation in the saturation region, and a variable gain means for changing the input power of the amplifier in the saturation region.

According to this structure, it is possible to obtain a small-sized and low-priced variable phase shifter having a wide frequency dynamic range.

In the variable phase shifter of the present invention, in the above structure, the amplifier is a variable gain amplifier having a function of changing a phase and a saturated output power according to an input power in an operation in a saturation region, A configuration is adopted in which the output power or the phase is changed according to the gain amount of the variable gain amplifier or the variable gain means.

According to this structure, it is possible to obtain a small-sized and low-priced variable phase shifter having a wide frequency dynamic range and less deterioration of the quality of a transmission signal.

The variable phase shifter of the present invention comprises a first frequency converting means, a second frequency converting means for converting the frequency of the output signal of the first frequency converting means, a local frequency oscillating means, and the local frequency oscillating means. A signal distribution unit that distributes a local signal output by the frequency oscillating unit, an amplifier having a phase characteristic in which the phase changes according to the input power in the operation in the saturation region, and the input power of the amplifier is changed in the saturation region. Variable gain means, one output of the signal distribution means is provided to the variable gain means, and the output of the amplifier is used as a local signal of the first frequency conversion means, and the other of the signal distribution means is used. The output is used as a local signal of the second frequency converting means, and the phase is changed according to the gain amount of the variable gain means.

According to this structure, it is possible to obtain a small-sized and low-priced variable phase shifter having a wide frequency dynamic range and less deterioration of the quality of the transmission signal.

The variable phase shifter of the present invention comprises a first frequency converting means, a second frequency converting means for converting the frequency of the output signal of the first frequency converting means, a local frequency oscillating means, and a saturation region. A first amplifier having a characteristic in which the phase advances with an increase in input power in the operation within the internal region, a second amplifier having a characteristic in which the phase delays with an increase in the input power during an operation in a saturation region, and the local Variable gain means for receiving a signal output from the frequency oscillating means and outputting a signal for changing the input power of the first and second amplifiers within the saturation region, and a local signal output by the variable gain means are distributed. And a signal distributing means for providing one output of the signal distributing means to the first amplifier, the other output of the signal distributing means to the second amplifier, and Output the above Of used as the local signal of the frequency converting means, using the output of the second amplifier as a local signal of the second frequency converting means, a configuration for changing the phase by the gain of the variable gain means.

According to this structure, it has a wide frequency dynamic range, little deterioration in the quality of the transmission signal, and
A compact and low-priced variable phase shifter having a wide variable phase width can be obtained.

The variable phase shifter of the present invention comprises a first frequency converting means, a second frequency converting means for converting the frequency of the output signal of the first frequency converting means, a local frequency oscillating means, and a saturation region. A first amplifier having a phase characteristic in which the phase changes with an increase in the input power in the operation within the internal region, and a second amplifier having a phase characteristic in which the phase changes with the increase in the input power during an operating in the saturation region Of the amplifier, variable gain means for receiving the signal output from the local frequency oscillating means, and outputting a signal for changing the input power of the first and second amplifiers within the saturation region, and the variable gain means for outputting. Signal distributing means for distributing a local signal to be transmitted, the second
An attenuator for attenuating the power of the local signal input to the amplifier, and supplying one output of the signal distribution means to the first amplifier and the other output of the signal distribution means to the attenuator. To the second amplifier, the output of the first amplifier is used as a local signal of the first frequency conversion means, and the output of the second amplifier is used as the second signal.
It is used as a local signal of the frequency converting means of (1) and the phase is changed according to the gain amount of the variable gain means.

According to this configuration, it has a wide frequency dynamic range, little deterioration of the quality of the transmission signal, and
A compact and low-priced variable phase shifter having a wide variable phase width can be obtained.

A radio communication apparatus of the present invention has a configuration including the variable phase shifter.

According to this structure, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the wireless communication device, and it is possible to change the phase in a wide frequency dynamic range without any special modification, so that it is compatible with multiple bands. The wireless communication device can be obtained with a simple configuration.

The frequency conversion type variable phase shifter of the present invention comprises frequency conversion means and the variable phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein the frequency conversion means receives a local signal through the variable phase shifter. Then, the phase of the signal frequency-converted by the variable phase shifter is changed.

According to this structure, it is possible to obtain a frequency conversion type variable phase shifter having a wide frequency dynamic range, a small size and a low price.

The radio communication apparatus of the present invention has a configuration including the variable phase shifter.

According to this configuration, the size and cost of the signal can be reduced while the phase of the signal can be changed, and the phase can be changed in a wide frequency dynamic range without any special modification. A wireless communication device compatible with multiple bands can be obtained with a simple configuration. Further, according to this configuration, by providing the small-sized variable gain means 102 outside the transmission signal line, it becomes possible to modify the conventional receiving device into a receiving device capable of changing the phase without significantly changing it. .

A frequency conversion type variable phase shifter of the present invention comprises frequency conversion means and the variable phase shifter according to claim 2, wherein the frequency conversion means receives a local signal through the variable phase shifter. In addition, a configuration is adopted in which the output power or the phase of the signal frequency-converted by the variable phase shifter is changed.

According to this structure, it is possible to obtain a small-sized and low-cost frequency conversion type variable phase shifter having a wide frequency dynamic range.

The wireless communication apparatus of the present invention has a configuration including the variable phase shifter.

According to this structure, the variable phase shifter and the AGC amplifier can be eliminated by incorporating the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter in the super-heterodyne type receiver which must necessarily have the frequency conversion means. It is possible to reduce the size and cost while changing the signal phase. Further, according to this configuration, by providing the small variable gain means outside the signal line, it is possible to obtain a receiving device capable of varying the phase without significantly changing the conventional receiving device.

The receiving apparatus of the present invention comprises a first frequency converting means for converting a receiving frequency into an intermediate frequency, and a first frequency converting means for converting the intermediate frequency from the first frequency converting means into a baseband signal or a second intermediate frequency. 2 frequency conversion means, the first frequency conversion means has the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter, and the second frequency conversion means has another frequency conversion type variable phase shifter. Take.

According to this structure, by performing the level conversion by the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter after the amplification by the intermediate amplifier, the phase of the signal can be changed, the noise figure characteristic is improved, and the size and cost are reduced. Is possible. Also,
According to this configuration, the phase change amount can be increased by including the two frequency conversion type variable phase shifters.

The wireless communication apparatus of the present invention has a configuration including the receiving apparatus.

According to this structure, by incorporating a variable phase shifter in the receiving device, it is possible to reduce the size and cost while making the phase of the signal variable, and to use a wide frequency range without special modification. Since the phase can be changed in the dynamic range, it is possible to provide a wireless communication device compatible with multiple bands with a simple configuration.

[0036]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The essence of the present invention is to provide an amplifier having a phase characteristic in which the phase changes according to the input power during operation in a saturation region, and a variable gain means for changing the input power of the amplifier within the saturation region. And to have.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a variable phase shifter 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

The variable phase shifter 100 comprises an amplifier 101 and a variable gain means 102. Variable gain means 102
The output terminal of is connected to the input terminal of the amplifier 101. The amplifier 101 has a phase characteristic in which the phase changes according to the input power (input level) in the operation in the saturation region. The variable gain means 102 changes the input level of the amplifier 101 in the saturation region.

Next, the operation of the variable phase shifter according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Amplifier 10 generally operates in the saturation region.
In the characteristic of No. 1, the phase of the output signal greatly changes with respect to the change of the input level, and the output electric energy (output level) converges to a constant level. The phase characteristics vary depending on the amplifier,
Typical characteristics are shown in FIGS. 13, 20, and 21.

Here, for example, the amplifier 101 has the characteristics as shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, the horizontal axis represents the input level, the first vertical axis represents the output level, and the second vertical axis represents the phase difference when the phase of the undistorted signal is used as the reference. As shown in FIG. 13, the phase tends to start to change largely from a certain input level (a1 [dBm] in FIG. 13) to the increase of the input level, and in FIG. The phase advance becomes large. At the output level, a certain input level (see FIG.
Then, from a2 [dBm]), as the input level increases, b
The direction is to converge to 1 [dBm].

Further, for example, the variable gain means 102 has the characteristic of FIG. 14 for a constant input level. In the variable gain means 102, the control signal is, for example, a voltage. In FIG. 14, the horizontal axis represents the control signal voltage and the vertical axis represents the output level. As shown in FIG. 14, the variable gain means 102 can arbitrarily change the output level by changing the control voltage within the variable range.

In FIG. 1, the variable gain means 102 variably amplifies the input signal and inputs the level-converted signal to the amplifier 101. The amplifier 101 is a variable gain unit 1.
When the signal from 02 is received, the distortion characteristic of the amplifier is used to output the signal in which the level change is converted into the phase change.

For example, by setting the control voltage of the variable gain means 102 from d1 [V] to d3 [V], the amplifier 1
The signal input to 01 is from a1 [dBm] to a3 [dB
m]. As a result, the phase of the output level is C3-C
1 [degree] changes. Also, the variable gain means 10
By controlling the control voltage of 2 by d2 [V] or more,
The signal level output from the variable phase shifter is about b1 [dB
m], and the phase can be arbitrarily changed to be a variable phase shifter.

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the control voltage of the variable gain means 102 is controlled to change the input level to the amplifier 101, so that the operation of the amplifier 101 in the saturation region is performed. The phase of the output signal is changed according to the distortion characteristics in.

In the first embodiment of the present invention,
The variable phase shifter 100 may have an amplifier having a characteristic that the phase is delayed as the input level increases, instead of the amplifier 101. Further, in the first embodiment, the variable phase shifter 100 is replaced by the amplifier 101 instead of the amplifier 101.
You may make it have a device which changes a phase characteristic by the input level change in the operation | movement in a saturation area | region.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a variable phase shifter having a wide frequency dynamic range, a small size, and a low price can be obtained.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 2
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a variable phase shifter according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present invention are designated by the same reference numerals.

The variable phase shifter 200 includes the variable gain amplifier 20.
1 and variable gain means 102. The input terminal of the variable gain amplifier 201 is connected to the output terminal of the variable gain means 102. In the variable gain amplifier 201, the phase changes according to the input level in the operation in the saturation region, and the saturation output level can be changed. The variable gain means 102 is
The input level of the variable gain amplifier 201 is changed within the saturation region.

For example, the variable gain amplifier 201 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
Equipped with 2. The input terminal of the variable attenuation element 1502 is connected to the output terminal of the amplification element 1501. As a result, the saturation output level of the variable gain amplifier 201 can be varied by controlling the variable attenuating element 1502.

Next, the operation of the variable phase shifter 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

For example, the variable gain amplifier 201 is shown in FIG.
It has the characteristics shown in. In FIG. 16, the horizontal axis represents the control voltage and the vertical axis represents the saturated output level. The characteristic when the control voltage of the variable gain amplifier 201 is d4 [V] is shown in FIG. 17, and the control voltage of the variable gain amplifier 201 is d.
FIG. 18 shows the characteristics when the voltage is 5 [V]. In FIG. 17, the horizontal axis represents the input level, the first vertical axis represents the output level, and the second vertical axis represents the phase difference when the phase of the undistorted signal is used as the reference. 18, the horizontal axis represents the input level, the first vertical axis represents the output level, and the second vertical axis represents FIG.
2 shows the phase difference when the phase of the undistorted signal is used as a reference. By providing the variable gain amplifier 201 having such characteristics, the variable phase shifter 200 can control the output level.

When changing the saturation output level from y1 to y2 by controlling the control voltage of the variable gain amplifier 201, as shown in FIG.
7 and FIG. 18, the variable gain amplifier 20
The phase characteristic of 1 changes. At this time, the variable gain means 10
The input level of the variable gain amplifier 201 is controlled by
By changing from 4 to a5, it is possible to suppress the phase change due to the output level control. Further, the output level of the variable phase shifter 200 is hardly changed by this control because the output of the variable gain amplifier 201 is in a saturated state.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, by controlling the control voltage of the variable gain amplifier 201 to change the output level, both the output level and the phase are changed by the control signal. It is possible.

In the second embodiment of the present invention,
Instead of the variable gain amplifier 201, the variable phase shifter 200 may include a variable gain amplifier having a characteristic that the phase is delayed as the input level increases. Further, in the present second embodiment, variable phase shifter 200 is provided with a device, instead of variable gain amplifier 201, whose phase is changed at the input level in the saturation region and whose output level is changed by the control signal. You may Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the variable phase shifter 10
Although the phase is not changed by controlling the output level of 0, even when the phase is changed by controlling the output level of the variable phase shifter 100, the output level of the variable phase shifter 100 is controlled in consideration of the phase change of the amplifier 101. You can do it.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a small-sized low-priced variable phase shifter having a wide frequency dynamic range and capable of variably controlling the output level.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 3
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a variable phase shifter according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the same components as those of the first embodiment of the present invention are designated by the same reference numerals.

The variable phase shifter 300 comprises an amplifier 101, a variable gain means 102, frequency conversion means 301, 302, a local frequency oscillation means 303, a signal distribution means 304, a conversion frequency pass filter 305 and a signal frequency pass filter 306. There is.

The input terminal of the signal distribution means 304 is connected to the output terminal of the local frequency oscillation means 303.
The input terminal of the variable gain means 102 is the signal distribution means 304.
One of the output terminals is connected. The input terminal of the amplifier 101 is connected to the output terminal of the variable gain means 102. The output terminal of the amplifier 101 is the frequency conversion means 30.
1 is connected to the local input terminal.

The conversion frequency pass filter 305 is connected between the frequency conversion means 301 and the frequency conversion means 302. The other output terminal of the signal distribution unit 304 is connected to the local input terminal of the frequency conversion unit 302. The input terminal of the signal frequency pass filter 306 is connected to the output terminal of the frequency conversion means 302.

Next, the operation of the variable phase shifter 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In FIG. 3, the frequency conversion means 301 is
The frequency of the input signal is combined with the local signal frequency to output a combined frequency signal. The output signal of the frequency conversion means 301 is band-limited by the conversion frequency pass filter 305 and given to the frequency conversion means 302. The frequency conversion unit 302 combines the composite frequency signal from the conversion frequency pass filter 305 with the local signal frequency to convert it to the original frequency input to the frequency conversion unit 301, and supplies the signal to the signal frequency pass filter 306. The signal frequency pass filter 306 limits the band of the signal and outputs it.

The signal distributing means 304 receives the local signal from the local frequency oscillating means 303, divides it into two, and supplies one local signal to the variable gain means 102,
And, the other local signal is given to the frequency conversion means 302. The variable gain means 102 receives the local signal from the signal distribution means 304, and supplies the local signal whose output level has been converted, to the amplifier 101. The amplifier 101 converts the local signal from the variable gain means 102 into a phase change by using the distortion characteristic of the amplifier 101, and supplies the converted local signal to the frequency conversion means 301.

For example, the amplitude of the input transmission signal is A, the angular frequency is ω1, and the angular frequency of the local signal is ω.
2 and the variable gain means 102 in FIGS.
The amount of phase change by the amplifier 101 when the output level of is from a2 to a3 is α (= C3−C2) [degree]
And Further, the amplitude of the local signal output from the amplifier 101 is B1, the amplitude of the local signal output from the signal distribution unit 304 is B2, and the time is t. In this case, the input signal is Acos (ω1t), the local signal input to the frequency conversion means 301 is B1cos (ω2t + α),
The local signal input to the frequency conversion means 302 is set to B2co
It can be represented as s (ω2t). Then, the frequency conversion means 301 is operated as an up conversion type, and the frequency conversion means 302 is operated as a down conversion type.

In this case, the frequency conversion means 301 outputs the combined signal βcos (ω1t) obtained by the following equation 1.
+ Ω2t + α) is output. Here, β represents the amplitude of the combined signal. Acos (ω1t) × B1cos (ω2t + α) = ½AB1 {cos (ω1t + ω2t + α) + cos (ω1t−ω2t−α)} = 1 / 2AB1cos (ω1t + ω2t + α) {depending on filter band limitation} = βcos (ω1t + β2t + α) 2AB1} (Equation 1) The frequency conversion unit 302 outputs γ cos (ω1t + α) obtained by the following Equation 2. Here, γ represents the amplitude of the variable phase shifter output signal. βcos (ω1t + ω2t + α) × B2cos (ω2t) = 1 / 2βB2 {cos (ω1t + ω2t + α + ω2t) + cos (ω1t + ω2t + α-ω2t)} = 1 / 2βB2cos (ω1t + α) {depending on the filter band limit} = γBcos (ω1) = γβcos (ω) Yes} (Equation 2)

It can be seen that the phases of the signals input by the above (Equation 1) and (Equation 2) advance by α [degree] at the output. The phase change amount α can be arbitrarily changed by changing the output level of the variable gain means 102. From this, it is understood that the variable phase shifter 300 can arbitrarily change the phase of the signal.

Here, the problems in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment of the present invention,
It is not possible to carry information on the level (amplitude) of a signal in order to saturate (distort) the transmission signal by using an amplifier to change the phase.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the frequency conversion means is used to combine the local signal whose phase has been changed with the transmission signal, thereby changing the phase and varying the phase without distorting the transmission signal. it can. Further, in the third embodiment, the variable phase shifter is not arranged in series with the transmission line, but the phase of the local frequency is changed, so that the change of the matching characteristic and the change of the device characteristic due to the change of the phase are affected. It becomes possible to make it difficult to provide the signal level with highly accurate information.

As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, by changing the phase using the frequency conversion means, the signal phase can be arbitrarily changed without distorting the transmission signal. At the same time, it is made difficult to be affected by the characteristic change of the variable phase means.

In the third embodiment of the present invention,
Although the variable phase shifter 300 has the local oscillating means 303 inside, it may receive a local signal from an external local oscillating means. In addition, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the variable phase shifter 300 includes the conversion frequency pass filter 30.
5 and a signal frequency pass filter 306,
When the frequency converting means 301 and 302 have a band limiting function, the variable phase shifter 300 does not have to include the conversion frequency pass filter 305 and the signal frequency pass filter 306.

Further, in the third embodiment of the present invention,
The frequency conversion means 301 is operated as an up-conversion type and the frequency conversion means 302 is operated as a down-conversion type. However, the frequency conversion means 301 is operated as a down-conversion type and the frequency conversion means 302 is operated as an up-conversion type. It may be operated. In addition, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the variable phase shifter 300 includes the variable gain amplifier 2 instead of the amplifier 101.
01 may be included.

As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a small-sized and low-priced variable phase shifter having a wide frequency dynamic range and less deterioration of the quality of a transmission signal.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 4
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a variable phase shifter according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the same components as those in the first and third embodiments of the present invention are designated by the same reference numerals.

The variable phase shifter 400 includes an amplifier 401, an amplifier 402, a variable gain means 102, and a frequency conversion means 30.
1, 302, local frequency oscillation means 303, signal distribution means 304, conversion frequency pass filter 305, and signal frequency pass filter 306. Amplifier 401
Has the characteristic that the phase advances in the saturation region as the input level increases. The amplifier 402 has the characteristic that the phase is delayed with the increase of the input level in the saturation region.

The input terminal of the signal distribution means 304 is connected to the output terminal of the local frequency oscillation means 303 via the variable gain means 102. The local input terminal of the frequency conversion means 301 is connected to one output terminal of the signal distribution means 304 via the amplifier 401. The local input terminal of the frequency conversion means 302 is connected to the other output terminal of the signal distribution means 304 via the amplifier 402. The conversion frequency pass filter 305 is connected between the frequency conversion means 301 and the frequency conversion means 302. The input terminal of the signal frequency pass filter 306 is connected to the output terminal of the frequency conversion means 302.

Next, the operation of the variable phase shifter 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The local frequency oscillating means 303 gives the local signal to the variable gain means 102. Variable gain means 1
02 receives the local signal from the local frequency oscillating means 303, performs variable amplification control, and gives the level-converted local signal to the signal distributing means 304. Signal distribution means 3
Reference numeral 04 divides the local signal from the variable gain means 102 into two, and supplies one local signal to the amplifier 401 and the other local signal to the amplifier 402.

The amplifier 401 receives the local signal, converts the level increase change into the phase advance change by utilizing the distortion characteristic of the amplifier 401, and supplies the converted local signal to the local input terminal of the frequency conversion means 301. Amplifier 401
Has a characteristic as shown in FIG. 19, for example. In FIG. 19, the horizontal axis represents the input level, the first vertical axis represents the output level, and the second vertical axis represents the phase difference when the phase of the undistorted signal is used as the reference.

The amplifier 402 receives the local signal, converts the level increase change into the phase delay change by using the distortion characteristic of the amplifier 402, and supplies the converted local signal to the local input terminal of the frequency conversion means 302. Amplifier 402
Has, for example, the characteristics shown in FIG. 20, the horizontal axis represents the input level, the first vertical axis represents the output level, and the second vertical axis represents the phase difference when the phase of the input signal is used as the reference.

For example, the amplitude of the input transmission signal is A, the angular frequency is ω1, and the angular frequency of the local signal is ω.
2, the variable gain means 102 is controlled to control the signal distribution means 3
Amplifier 40 when the output level of 04 is changed from a6 to a7
.Alpha.2 (= C5-C6) [degr
ee] and the amount of phase change by the amplifier 402 is -α3.
(= C7−C8) [degree]. The amplitude of the local signal output from the amplifier 401 is B3, the amplitude of the local signal output from the amplifier 402 is B4, and time is t. In this case, the input signal is Acos (ω1
t), and the local signal of the frequency conversion means 301 is B3.
cos (ω2t + α2), and the local signal of the frequency conversion unit 302 can be expressed as B4cos (ω2t−α3). The frequency conversion means 301 is operated as an up-conversion type and the frequency conversion means 302 is operated as a down-conversion type.

In this case, the frequency conversion means 301 outputs the combined signal β2cos (ω1) obtained by the following equation 3.
t + ω2t + α2) is output. Here, β2 represents the amplitude of the combined signal. Acos (ω1t) × B3cos (ω2t + α2) = 1 / 2AB3 {cos (ω1t + ω2t + α2) + cos (ω1t−ω2t−α2)} = 1 / 2AB3cos (ω1t + ω2t + α2) {depending on the filter band limit} = β2cos2 + α2 + α2t + α2t 2AB3} (Equation 3) Further, γ2cos (ω1t + α2 + α3) obtained from Equation 4 is output from the frequency conversion unit 302.
Here, γ2 represents the amplitude of the variable phase shifter output signal. β2cos (ω1t + ω2t + α2) × B4cos (ω2t-α3) = 1 / 2β2B4 {cos (ω1t + ω2t + α2 + ω2t-α3) + cos (ω1t + ω2t + α2-ω2t + α2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2) 1 / 2β2B4} (Equation 4)

At the output of the signals input by the above (Equation 3) and (Equation 4), the α2 + α3 [degree] phase advances. Therefore, the variable phase shifter according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can have a wider variable phase width than the variable phase shifter according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to widen the maximum phase variable width by changing the phases of the two amplifiers so that they can be added under the control of the variable gain means 102. It is possible.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a small-sized and low-priced variable phase shifter having a wide frequency dynamic range, little deterioration in the quality of a transmission signal, and a wide variable phase width. Obtainable.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 5
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a variable phase shifter according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the same components as those in the fourth embodiment of the present invention are designated by the same reference numerals.

Variable phase shifter 5 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention
00 is an amplifier 501 instead of the amplifiers 401 and 402 in the variable phase shifter 400 according to the fourth embodiment.
502, and an attenuator 503 is added. Attenuator 5
03 is connected between the signal distribution means 304 and the amplifier 502.

Each of the amplifiers 501 and 502 has a characteristic having a region where the phase advances with an increase in the input level and a region where the phase delays with an increase in the input level in the saturation region. The attenuator 503 reduces the level of the signal received from the signal distribution unit 304 at a constant rate. The attenuator 503 is configured to give a constant difference to the input levels of the signals input to the amplifier 501 and the amplifier 502.

The amplifiers 501 and 502 are, for example, as shown in FIG.
It has the characteristics shown in. 21, the horizontal axis represents the input level, the first vertical axis represents the output level, and the second vertical axis represents the phase difference when the phase of the input signal is used as the reference. In the phase characteristics of the amplifiers 501 and 502 shown in FIG. 21, there is a range in which the signal advances as the input level increases (range A) and a range in which the signal delays as the input level increases (range B). Shows.

For example, the attenuation amount of the attenuator 503 is set to a10−
As a9 [dB], the minimum of the level input to the amplifier 501 by controlling the variable gain means 102 is a9 [dBm], and the maximum is a10 [dBm]. The level a10-a9 [dB] lower than a9 [dBm] is a8 [dBm]. Since the attenuation amount of the attenuator 503 is a10-a9 [dB], the minimum input level of the amplifier 502 is a8 [dB].
m] and the maximum input level is a9 [dBm].

As a result, the amplifier 501 is used in the fourth embodiment.
The amplifier 401 according to Embodiment 4 performs the same operation, and the amplifier 502 performs the same operation as the amplifier 402 according to Embodiment 4.

As described above, the fifth embodiment of the present invention has a characteristic that the saturation region has a region where the phase advances as the input level increases and a region where the phase delays as the input level increases. With two amplifiers 501 and 502,
By providing a constant difference between the input levels to the amplifiers 501 and 502 by the attenuator 503, the two types of amplifiers used in the variable phase shifter 400 according to the fourth embodiment can be made into one type of amplifier.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a small-sized low-priced variable phase shifter having a wide frequency dynamic range, little deterioration in the quality of a transmission signal, and a wide variable phase width. Obtainable.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 6
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless communication device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the same components as those in the fifth embodiment of the present invention are designated by the same reference numerals.

The radio communication apparatus according to Embodiment 6 has an antenna 601, an antenna duplexer 602, and a receiving apparatus 603.
And a transmitter 604. Receiver 603
Has a variable phase shifter 500. The wireless communication device corresponds to, for example, a base station device or a terminal device of a mobile communication system.

The antenna 601 is the antenna duplexer 602.
It is connected to the. Receiver 603 and transmitter 604
Are connected to the antenna duplexer 602. The antenna 601 operates so that the signal input from the transmission device 604 is converted into a radio wave and transmitted, and the reception radio wave is converted into a reception signal and the reception signal is sent to the reception device 603. The antenna duplexer 602 operates so that the transmission signal is not input to the reception device 603, and operates so that the reception signal is not input to the transmission device 604. The transmitter 604 operates to output a modulated wave.

In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, receiving apparatus 603 is variable phase shifter 500 according to the fifth embodiment.
However, the transmission device 604 may include the variable phase shifter 500 according to the fifth embodiment. Further, in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the receiving device 603 or the transmitting device 604 may have the variable phase shifter of any of the first to fourth embodiments.

According to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, since receiving apparatus 603 has variable phase shifter 500 according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the wireless communication apparatus. Moreover, since the phase can be changed in a wide frequency dynamic range without any special modification, it is possible to provide a wireless communication device compatible with multiple bands with a simple configuration.

(Seventh Embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 7
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a frequency conversion type variable phase shifter according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present invention are designated by the same reference numerals.

The frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700 comprises a frequency conversion means 701, a conversion frequency pass filter 702 and a variable phase shifter 100. The input terminal of the conversion frequency pass filter 702 is connected to the output terminal of the frequency conversion means 701. The output terminal of the variable phase shifter 100 is
It is connected to the local input terminal of the frequency conversion means 701.

Next, the operation of the variable phase shifter 700 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Variable phase shifter 100 receives a local signal from a local signal oscillating means (not shown). Variable phase shifter 1
00 can arbitrarily change the frequency of the output signal by controlling the signal (phase control signal) input to the phase control terminal. The frequency conversion means 701 is, for example, a down conversion type. The conversion frequency pass filter 702 performs band limitation and frequency conversion means 70.
1 operates to pass only the signal frequency down-converted and output.

For example, the amplitude of the input transmission signal is A, the angular frequency is ω1, and the angular frequency of the local signal is ω.
2 and the output level of the variable gain means 102 from a2 to a
If the phase change amount by the amplifier 101 when α is 3 is α (=
C3-C2) [degree], the amplitude of the local signal output from the amplifier 101 is B, and the time is t. In this case, the input signal is Acos (ω1t), and the local signal input to the frequency conversion unit 701 is B1cos (ω2t).
+ Α).

In this case, the frequency conversion means 701 outputs the combined signal βcos (ω1t) obtained by the following equation 5.
-Ω2t-α) is output. Here, β represents the amplitude of the combined signal. The phase change amount α is the variable gain means 102.
It is possible to arbitrarily change the output level by changing the output level. Acos (ω1t) × B1cos (ω2t + α) = ½AB1 {cos (ω1t + ω2t + α) + cos (ω1t−ω2t−α)} = 1 / 2AB1cos (ω1t−ω2t−α) {depending on the filter band limit} = βcos (ω1t−ω2t -Α) {β = 1/2 AB1} (Equation 5)

From the above (formula 5), it is understood that the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700 can arbitrarily change the phase of the frequency converted signal.

As described above, in the seventh embodiment of the present invention, frequency conversion and phase variable are performed in the same circuit by applying the local signal from the variable phase shifter 100 to the local input terminal of the frequency conversion means 701. The circuit can be miniaturized by doing.

In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700 is provided with the signal frequency pass filter 702. However, if the frequency conversion means 701 has a band limiting function, the signal is not always output. It is not necessary to include the frequency pass filter 702. Further, in the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the frequency conversion means 701 is of the down conversion type, but may be of the up conversion type.

(Embodiment 8) Next, an embodiment 8 of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 8
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless communication device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the eighth embodiment of the present invention, the same components as those of the seventh embodiment of the present invention are designated by the same reference numerals.

The radio communication apparatus according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention includes an antenna 801, an antenna duplexer 802, a receiving apparatus 803 and a transmitting apparatus 804. Receiver 8
03 is a frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700, a low noise amplifier 805, an amplifier 806, a variable attenuation means 807, a demodulator 8
08, signal control means 809 and local frequency oscillation means 810 are provided. The wireless communication device is, for example,
It corresponds to a base station device or a terminal device of a mobile communication system.

The antenna 801 is an antenna duplexer 802.
It is connected to the. Receiver 803 and transmitter 804
Are connected to the antenna duplexer 802. The low noise amplifier 805 is connected to the antenna duplexer 802 and the input terminals of the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700. The signal control means 809 and the local frequency oscillation means 810 are connected to the other input terminals of the frequency conversion variable phase shifter 700. The amplifier 806 is a frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700.
Is connected to the output terminal of. The input terminal of the variable attenuator 807 is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier 806.
The demodulator 808 is connected to the variable attenuator 807.

Next, the operation of the radio communication apparatus according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention will be explained.

The antenna 801 operates so as to convert the signal input from the transmitting device 804 into a radio wave and to give the received radio wave to the receiving device 803. Antenna duplexer 80
2 operates so that the transmission signal does not enter the receiving device 803, and operates so that the reception signal does not enter the transmitting device 804. The transmitter 804 operates to output a modulated wave.

A super-heterodyne system is generally used for a receiving device and a transmitting device of a base station device or a terminal device of a mobile communication system. The super-heterodyne system is a system in which a received high-frequency signal and an output of a local oscillator are combined and converted into a frequency having a difference between them, and then the received signal is demodulated. The receiving device 803 also uses the super heterodyne system.

The low noise amplifier 805 of the receiver 803 is
The received signal is amplified with low noise and given to the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700. The reception signal whose phase and frequency have been converted by the frequency conversion variable phase shifter 700 is amplified by the amplifier 806, level-converted by the variable attenuator 807, and input to the demodulator 808. Demodulator 808 operates to demodulate the received signal. Signal control means 809
Operates to provide a phase control signal to frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700. The local frequency oscillator 810 generates a local signal and supplies it to the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700.

In the eighth embodiment of the present invention,
Although the reception device 803 has the frequency conversion type phase shifter 700, the transmission device 804 may have the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700. In addition, Embodiment 8 of the present invention
In the above, the case where the receiving device 803 has the heterodyne system including one frequency converting means has been described, but the receiving apparatus 803 may include two or more frequency converting means.

As described above, according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, by incorporating the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700 in the super-heterodyne receiver 803 which must necessarily have the frequency conversion means, the phase of the signal is changed. It is possible to reduce the size and cost while making it variable, and it is possible to change the phase in a wide frequency dynamic range without special modification. Can be provided at.
Further, according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, by providing the small variable gain means 102 outside the transmission signal line, the conventional receiving device is remodeled into a phase variable receiving device without making a great change. It becomes possible.

(Ninth Embodiment) Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 9
9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a frequency conversion type variable phase shifter according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. FIG. In the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the same components as those in the second and seventh embodiments of the present invention are designated by the same reference numerals.

The frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900 comprises a frequency conversion means 701, a conversion frequency pass filter 901 and a variable phase shifter 200. The output terminal of the variable phase shifter 200 is connected to the local input terminal of the frequency conversion means 701. The conversion frequency pass filter 901 is connected to the output terminal of the frequency conversion means 701.

Next, the operation of the variable phase shifter 900 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The variable phase shifter 200 receives the signal output from the local signal oscillating means (not shown). The variable phase shifter 200 can change the phase and output level of the local signal by controlling the phase control signal and the level control signal. The conversion frequency pass filter 901 operates so as to limit the band and pass only the signal frequency down-converted and output from the frequency conversion means 701.

For example, the amplitude of the input transmission signal is A, the angular frequency is ω1, and the angular frequency of the local signal is ω.
2 and the output level of the variable gain means 102 from a2 to a
When the phase change amount by the amplifier 101 when α is 3 is α [d
Egree], and the amplitude of the local signal output from the amplifier 101 whose amplitude can be varied by the level control signal is B (V).
And time is t. In this case, the input signal is
s (ω1t), and the local signal at the input of the frequency conversion means 701 can be expressed as B (V) cos (ω2t + α).

In this case, the frequency conversion means 701 outputs the combined signal β (V) co obtained by the following (Equation 6).
s (ω1t−ω2t−α) is output. Acos (ω1t) × B (V) cos (ω2t + α) = 1 / 2AB (V) {cos (ω1t + ω2t + α) + cos (ω1t−ω2t-α)} = 1 / 2AB (V) cos (ω1t−ω2t-α) { Due to filter band limitation} = β (V) cos (ω1t−ω2t−α) {β (V) = 1 / 2AB (V)} (Equation 6) where β (V) is the amplitude of the composite signal Is represented. The phase change amount α can be changed by changing the phase control signal of the variable phase shifter 200. The output signal amplitude β (V) can be varied by controlling the local signal amplitude B (V), and the local signal amplitude B is variable phase shifter 2
It is possible to make it variable by controlling the level control signal of 00.

It can be seen from the above (formula 6) that the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900 can change the level and phase of the frequency-converted signal.

As described above, in the ninth embodiment of the present invention, frequency conversion and phase variable are performed in the same circuit by applying the local signal from the variable phase shifter 200 to the local input terminal of the frequency conversion means 701. The circuit can be miniaturized by doing.

As described above, according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a small-sized and low-cost frequency conversion type variable phase shifter having a wide frequency dynamic range.

(Tenth Embodiment) Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless communication apparatus according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. Embodiment 10 of the present invention
In, the same components as those in the eighth and ninth embodiments of the present invention are designated by the same reference numerals.

The radio communication apparatus according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention includes an antenna 801, an antenna duplexer 802, a receiving apparatus 1000 and a transmitting apparatus 804. The receiving apparatus 1000 includes a frequency conversion variable phase shifter 900, a low noise amplifier 805, an amplifier 806, a demodulator 808, a local frequency oscillating means 810, a signal control means 809, and a second signal control means 1001.

The antenna 801 is an antenna duplexer 802.
It is connected to the. Receiver 1000 and transmitter 80
4 is connected to the antenna duplexer 802. The low noise amplifier 805 is connected between the antenna duplexer 802 and the input terminal of the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900.
The output terminals of the local frequency oscillator 810, the signal controller 809, and the second signal controller 1001 are connected to the other input terminals of the frequency conversion variable phase shifter 900. The amplifier 806 is connected to the output terminal of the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900. The demodulator 808 is the amplifier 8
06 output terminal.

Next, the operation of the radio communication apparatus according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention will be described.

The frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900 includes the antenna 801 to the antenna duplexer 802 and the low noise amplifier 8.
Receive the received signal via 05. The frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900 frequency-converts and phase-converts the received signal, converts the output level, and supplies the converted signal to the amplifier 806. Amplifier 806
Amplifies the received signal from the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900 and supplies it to the demodulator 808. Second signal control means 10
00 operates to provide a level control signal to the frequency conversion type phase shifter 900.

In Embodiment 10 of the present invention, receiving apparatus 1000 has frequency conversion type phaser 900, but transmitting apparatus 804 may have frequency conversion type phaser 900. Further, the first embodiment of the present invention
In 0, the case where the receiving apparatus 1000 has the heterodyne system including one frequency converting means has been described, but the receiving apparatus 1000 may include two or more frequency converting means.

According to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 90 is provided in the super-heterodyne receiving apparatus 1000 which must have the frequency conversion means.
By incorporating 0, the variable phase shifter and the AGC amplifier can be eliminated, so that it is possible to reduce the size and cost while making the signal phase variable. Also,
According to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, by providing the small variable gain means 102 outside the signal line, it is possible to obtain a phase-tunable receiver without significantly changing the conventional receiver.

(Eleventh Embodiment) Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. In the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, the same components as those of the seventh, eighth and ninth embodiments of the present invention are designated by the same reference numerals.

Receiving apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention
Reference numeral 100 denotes a frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700, a frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900, a low noise amplifier 805, an intermediate amplifier 1103, an amplifier 806, a demodulator 808, two signal control means 809, a second signal control means 1001 and It comprises local frequency oscillating means 1101, 1102.
The receiving device 1100 is a double superheterodyne receiving device that performs frequency conversion twice.

The antenna 801 is connected to the receiving device 1100. The low noise amplifier 805 has an antenna 801.
And an input terminal of the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700. The output terminals of the local frequency oscillator 1101 and the signal controller 809 are connected to the other input terminals of the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700. The intermediate amplifier 1103 is connected between the output terminal of the frequency conversion variable phase shifter 700 and the input terminal of the frequency conversion variable phase shifter 900. The local frequency oscillation means 1102, the signal control means 809, and the second signal control means 1001 are connected to the other input terminals of the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900. The input terminal of the amplifier 806 is connected to the output terminal of the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900. Demodulator 80
8 is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier 806.

The antenna 1101 receives a radio wave, generates a reception signal, and gives it to the low noise amplifier 805. The low noise amplifier 805 amplifies the received signal and supplies it to the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700. Frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700
Applies a frequency conversion of the received signal to an intermediate frequency and a phase conversion, and supplies the intermediate signal to the intermediate amplifier 1103. The intermediate amplifier 1103 is
The received signal is amplified and given to the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900. The frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900 frequency-converts, phase-converts, and level-converts the received signal into a baseband signal or a second intermediate frequency, and supplies it to the demodulator 808 via the amplifier 806. Demodulator 808 operates to demodulate the received signal.

The receiving apparatus 1100 performs the frequency conversion of the received signal twice, in particular, the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900.
By performing the level conversion after the signal amplification in the intermediate amplifier 1103, the noise figure can be made lower than that in the case where the amplification is performed before the signal amplification in the intermediate amplifier 1103.

For example, the amplification factor of the low noise amplifier 805 is set to 1
5 dB, the noise figure of the low noise amplifier 805 is 1 dB, the amplification factor of the intermediate amplifier 1103 is 15 dB, the noise figure of the intermediate amplifier 1103 is 3 dB, the amplification factor of the amplifier 806 is 10 dB, and the noise figure of the amplifier 806 is 5 dB. 5 dB. In this case, the conversion loss of the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700 is set to 10 dB, and the conversion loss of the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900 can be varied from 10 dB to 20 dB. When the conversion loss of the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900 is set to 20 dB, the reception apparatus 1100 of FIG. 11 has an amplification factor of 10 dB and a noise figure of 7 dB. When the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900 and the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 700 are replaced, the amplification factor becomes 10 dB,
The noise figure becomes about 10 dB, and the noise figure deteriorates.

In the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, receiving apparatus 1100 has a double superheterodyne configuration, but has two or more frequency converting means.
The frequency conversion means may have a frequency conversion type variable phase shifter in the frequency conversion after the second input.

As described above, according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to change the phase of a signal by performing level conversion by the frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 900 after amplification by the intermediate amplifier 1103. However, the noise figure characteristic is improved, and downsizing and cost reduction are possible. Further, according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, by providing two frequency conversion type variable phase shifters 700 and 900, the amount of phase change can be increased.

(Twelfth Embodiment) Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless communication apparatus according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention. Embodiment 12 of the present invention
In, the same components as in the eighth and tenth embodiments of the present invention are designated by the same reference numerals.

The radio communication apparatus according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention includes an antenna 801, an antenna duplexer 802, a receiving apparatus 1100 and a transmitting apparatus 804. The antenna 801 is connected to the antenna duplexer 802. The receiving device 1100 and the transmitting device 804 are connected to the antenna duplexer 802.

The antenna 801 operates so as to convert the signal input from the transmitting device 804 into a radio wave and to give the received radio wave to the receiving device 1100. Antenna duplexer 8
02 operates so that the transmission signal is not input to the reception device 1100, and operates so that the reception signal is not input to the transmission device 804. The transmitter 804 operates to output a modulated wave.

According to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention, the frequency converter type variable phase shifters 700 and 900 are included in the reception apparatus 1100.
By incorporating the, it is possible to reduce the size and cost while changing the signal phase, and it is possible to change the phase in a wide frequency dynamic range without special modification, so it is compatible with multiple bands. The wireless communication device can be provided with a simple configuration.

[0145]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the amplifier is provided with an amplifier whose phase characteristic changes according to the input power during operation in the saturation region and a variable gain means for changing the input power of the amplifier within the saturation region, it is small and has a wide frequency dynamic range. It is possible to obtain a variable phase shifter, a receiving device and a wireless communication device which are inexpensive.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a variable phase shifter according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a variable phase shifter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a variable phase shifter according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a variable phase shifter according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a variable phase shifter according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a wireless communication device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a frequency conversion type variable phase shifter according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wireless communication apparatus according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a frequency conversion type variable phase shifter according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wireless communication apparatus according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a wireless communication apparatus according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the input level versus output level and phase difference characteristics of the amplifier in the variable phase shifter according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining control voltage vs. output level characteristics of the variable gain means in the variable phase shifter according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a variable gain amplifier in the variable phase shifter according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining control voltage vs. saturation output level characteristics of the variable gain amplifier in the variable phase shifter according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an input level vs. output level and a phase difference characteristic of the variable gain amplifier in the variable phase shifter according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining input level vs. output level and phase difference characteristics of the variable gain amplifier according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the input level vs. output level and phase difference characteristics of the amplifier according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining input level vs. output level and phase difference characteristics of the amplifier according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining input level vs. output level and phase difference characteristics of the amplifier according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional variable phase shifter.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 variable phase shifter 101 amplifier 102 variable gain means 200 Variable phase shifter 201 variable gain amplifier 300 variable phase shifter 301, 302 frequency conversion means 303 Local frequency oscillation means 304 signal distribution means 305 Conversion frequency pass filter 306 Signal frequency pass filter 400 variable phase shifter 401, 402 amplifier 500 variable phase shifter 501,502 Amplifier 503 attenuator 601 antenna 602 antenna duplexer 603 receiver 604 transmitter 700 Frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 701 Frequency conversion means 801 antenna 702 Conversion frequency pass filter 802 Antenna duplexer 803 receiver 804 transmitter 805 low noise amplifier 806 amplifier 807 Variable damping means 808 demodulator 809 Signal control means 810 Local frequency oscillation means 900 frequency conversion type variable phase shifter 901 Conversion frequency pass filter 1000 receiver 1001 Second signal control means 1100 Receiving device 1101, 1102 local frequency oscillation means 1501 amplifier 1502 Variable attenuator

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Masafumi Shiobara             3-1, Tsunashima-Higashi 4-chome, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa             Matsushita Communication Industry Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5J012 GA00

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An amplifier having a phase characteristic in which a phase changes according to an input power in an operation in a saturation region, and a variable gain means for changing an input power of the amplifier in the saturation region. A variable phase shifter. 2. The amplifier is composed of a variable gain amplifier having a function of changing a phase and a saturated output power according to an input power in an operation in a saturation region, the variable gain amplifier or the variable gain means. 2. The variable phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein the output power or the phase is changed according to the gain amount. 3. The first frequency converting means, the second frequency converting means for converting the frequency of the output signal of the first frequency converting means, the local frequency oscillating means, and the local frequency oscillating means. A signal distribution unit that distributes a local signal, an amplifier having a phase characteristic in which the phase changes according to the input power during operation in the saturation region, and a variable gain unit that changes the input power of the amplifier within the saturation region. The output of the amplifier is used as a local signal of the first frequency conversion means, and the output of the other of the signal distribution means is used as the local signal of the first frequency conversion means. A variable phase shifter, which is used as a local signal of a frequency conversion means and which changes a phase according to a gain amount of the variable gain means. 4. A first frequency converting means, a second frequency converting means for converting a frequency of an output signal of the first frequency converting means, a local frequency oscillating means, and an input for operation in a saturation region. A first amplifier having a characteristic that the phase advances with an increase in power, a second amplifier having a characteristic that the phase delays with an increase in input power in the operation in the saturation region, and the output from the local frequency oscillating means. The first signal
And a variable gain means for outputting a signal that changes the input power of the second amplifier within the saturation region, and a signal distribution means for distributing the local signal output by the variable gain means. One output is provided to the first amplifier, and the other output of the signal distribution means is provided to the second amplifier.
The output of the first amplifier is used as a local signal of the first frequency conversion means, and the output of the second amplifier is used as a local signal of the second frequency conversion means. A variable phase shifter characterized in that the phase is changed according to the gain amount of the means. 5. A first frequency converting means, a second frequency converting means for converting a frequency of an output signal of the first frequency converting means, a local frequency oscillating means, and an input for operation in a saturation region. A first amplifier having a phase characteristic in which the phase changes with an increase in power, a second amplifier having a phase characteristic in which the phase changes with an increase in input power during operation in a saturation region, and the local amplifier Variable gain means for receiving a signal output from the frequency oscillating means and outputting a signal for changing the input power of the first and second amplifiers within the saturation region, and a local signal output by the variable gain means are distributed. Signal distribution means, and an attenuator for attenuating the power of the local signal input to the second amplifier,
One output of the signal distribution means is applied to the first amplifier, the other output of the signal distribution means is applied to the second amplifier via the attenuator, and the output of the first amplifier is applied to the first amplifier. Used as a local signal of the frequency conversion means of 1,
A variable phase shifter characterized in that an output of the second amplifier is used as a local signal of the second frequency conversion means, and a phase is changed according to a gain amount of the variable gain means. 6. A wireless communication device comprising the variable phase shifter according to claim 1. Description: 7. A frequency conversion means and the variable phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein said frequency conversion means receives a local signal through said variable phase shifter, and frequency conversion is performed by said variable phase shifter. A frequency conversion type variable phase shifter characterized by changing the phase of the generated signal. 8. A wireless communication device comprising the variable phase shifter according to claim 7. 9. A frequency conversion means and the variable phase shifter according to claim 2, wherein the frequency conversion means receives a local signal through the variable phase shifter, and the variable phase shifter performs frequency conversion. Frequency conversion type variable phase shifter characterized by changing the output power or phase of the generated signal. 10. A wireless communication device comprising the variable phase shifter according to claim 9. 11. A first frequency conversion means for converting a reception frequency into an intermediate frequency, and a second frequency conversion means for converting the intermediate frequency from the first frequency conversion means into a baseband signal or a second intermediate frequency. And, the first
The frequency conversion means includes the frequency conversion variable phase shifter according to claim 7, and the second frequency conversion means includes the frequency conversion variable phase shifter according to claim 9. 12. A wireless communication device comprising the receiving device according to claim 11.