JP2002050971A - Transmission-output control apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a transmission-output control apparatus which can speed up the setting of a transmission-output level and avoid a damage to a power amplifier by solving the problems of a prior art which takes much time to set a desired transmission output level and has the possibility of a damage to the power amplifier caused by a missetting. SOLUTION: An attenuation factor control part 50 judges the inputted transmission signal level using a correspondence table 49 for output level/attenuator value and a correspondence table 48 for output level/output value, and in a state at detected temperature, the transmission-output control apparatus obtains the attenuation factor to set the desired transmission-output level value for an inputted transmission signal level from the correspondence table 49 for output level/attenuator value, then set the attenuation factor in attenuators 30-33.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transmission output control device for controlling a transmission output used in a radio transceiver or the like, and more particularly to a transmission output control device capable of setting a transmission output level at a high speed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a general radio transceiver, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a transmitter / receiver 1 for transmitting / receiving a radio signal via an antenna 10 and a modem 2 for modulating / demodulating a radio signal are connected by a connection cable. And
In particular, in transmission, the transmission signal modulated by the modem 2 is output to the transceiver 1 via the connection cable, and is controlled by the transceiver 1 so as to keep the transmission output level constant, and is transmitted from the antenna 10. It has become so. FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration block diagram of a wireless transmission / reception part of a general wireless transceiver.

It is assumed that the transmission output level needs to be maintained at, for example, one of the following three stages. High level: AA ± 0.5 dBm Medium level: AA-10 dBm Low level: AA-20 dBm

Here, for example, the length of the connection cable is
When there are three types (80 m / 50 m / 10 m), there is a possibility that the input level of the signal input to the transmitter / receiver 1 may differ between the three types of input levels corresponding to the length of the cable. Thus, control for realizing the above three-stage transmission output is required.

Here, the internal schematic configuration of the transceiver 1 and the modem 2 in a general radio transceiver is shown in FIG.
4 will be described. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a wireless transmitting / receiving portion of a general wireless transceiver. In general, the transceiver 1 includes an antenna 10 for transmitting / receiving an aerial wave, an RF unit 11 for transmitting / receiving a radio signal, a transmission output control unit 12 for controlling particularly a transmission output in the RF unit 11, A reception IF unit 13 for interfacing with a connection cable for outputting a signal to the modem 2;
A transmission IF unit 14 that performs an interface for inputting a transmission signal from the modem 2 from a connection cable, a control unit 15 that specifies a desired transmission output level in accordance with an instruction from the modem 2, a control unit 15, and a transmission output Control unit 12
And a power supply section 16 for supplying power to the power supply.

On the other hand, inside the modem 2, an upper I / F section 20 for interfacing with an upper apparatus, a modem section 21 for modulating and demodulating a transmission / reception signal, and a connection for inputting a reception signal from the transceiver 1 are provided. A reception IF unit 23 for interfacing with a cable; a control unit 25 for outputting an instruction for specifying a transmission output level to the transceiver 1;
Control unit 25 using the power supply voltage supplied from / F unit 20.
And a power supply unit 26 for supplying power to the power supply.

Here, the modem 2 and the transmitter / receiver 1 are connected by a connection cable, and a further upper layer (not shown) of the modem 2 is transmitted through the upper I / F section 20 of the modem 2. -Receive data (wireless data)-Clock-Serial transmission-Receive data (control data) are exchanged.

The operation of the modem 2 and the transceiver 1 during data transmission is as follows. First, transmission data (wireless data) is sent from the upper (not shown) through the upper I / F section 20 of the modem 2, and then transmitted and received. The signal is modulated by the unit 21, transmitted to the transceiver 1 via the connection cable, the transmission data (TX) is output from the transmission IF unit 14 to the RF unit 11, and is attenuated and amplified under the control of the transmission output control unit 12. Then, the signal is transmitted and output from the antenna (antenna unit) 10 as an electromagnetic signal.

At this time, a transmission output level set value indicating a desired transmission output level is transmitted as serial data (control data) from a higher order (not shown), and is controlled through an upper I / F section 20 of the modem 2. To the control unit 15 of the transceiver 1 by serial communication via a connection cable.
And set in a table or the like (memory). In this case, the signal may be transmitted to the control unit 15 of the transceiver 1 via the higher-level I / F unit 20 without passing through the control unit 25 of the modem 2. Then, the transmission output control unit 12 controls the attenuation rate in the RF unit 11 in accordance with the transmission output level set value output from the control unit 15 of the transceiver 1, and the RF unit 11
The transmission output is controlled so that the output level of the transmission data output from the transmission output level becomes the transmission output level set value.

Next, in the transceiver 1, an RF unit 1 which is a transmission output control unit for realizing a conventional transmission output control method.
1 and the internal configuration of the transmission output control unit 12 'are shown in FIG.
Explanation will be made with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a conventional RF unit 11 and a conventional transmission output control unit 12 '. The RF unit 11 includes a plurality of variable attenuators (attenuator ATT) (attenuator (0) 30 in FIG. 15) for attenuating the transmission signal (TX) from the modem 2.
To an attenuator (3) 33) and a power amplifier (power amplifier) (PA in the figure) 34 for amplifying the power of the transmission signal.
And a temperature detecting section (TEMP in the figure) 35 for detecting the temperature of the power amplifying section 34.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, the attenuator (3)
Reference numeral 33 denotes an attenuation rate of 1 dB in a range of 0 dBm to 25 dBm.
m, and the attenuator (0) 30, the attenuator (1) 31, and the attenuator (2) 32 each have an attenuation rate of 0 dBm or 10 dBm.
Is a variable attenuator that can be switched to any one of the above.
The attenuation rate of each attenuator is switched by a corresponding attenuator control unit described later.

On the other hand, the conventional transmission output control unit 12 'converts the instruction data (digital value) into an analog value according to the instruction of the attenuator value (attenuation rate) from the control unit 50', and determines the attenuation rate in each attenuator. Attenuator control means for controlling (in the figure, attenuator (0) control means 40
Attenuator (3) control means 43) and power amplifying unit 3
And PA output level detecting means 44 for detecting the level of the transmission output from P.4, converting an analog value of the detection level into a digital transmission output value (POW_DET), and outputting the converted value. An attenuation rate control unit 50 'for controlling the attenuation rate of the attenuator;
Memory 4 storing the execution program at 0 '
6 '. Here, the attenuation rate control unit 5
0 ′ indicates the attenuation rate of each attenuator while monitoring the transmission output value (POW_DET) from the PA output level detection means 44 in accordance with the transmission output level setting value indicating the desired transmission output level output from the control unit 15. Control.

Next, a specific method of controlling the attenuation rate in the conventional attenuation rate control section 50 'will be described. A specific attenuation rate control method in the conventional attenuation rate control unit 50 ′ uses an attenuator that switches the attenuation rate in two stages and an attenuator that switches the attenuation rate finely, and sets the overall attenuation rate to the highest level. This is a method in which the transmission output from the power amplifying section 34 is monitored gradually, and the attenuation rate is gradually reduced until the transmission output level reaches a desired level.

Next, a specific attenuation rate control process executed by the conventional attenuation rate control section 50 'and its result will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the attenuation rate control processing in the conventional attenuation rate control unit 50 ', and FIG. 17 is a graph showing the state of the change in the transmission output when the processing is performed. In the attenuation rate control process in the conventional attenuation rate control unit 50 ', an attenuator (0) (hereinafter referred to as ATT (0)) 30 and an attenuator (1) (hereinafter referred to as ATT (1)) 31
And attenuator (2) (hereinafter referred to as ATT (2)) 3
2 is set to 10 dBm, and the attenuator (3)
(Hereinafter referred to as ATT (3)) 33 attenuation rate of 25 dB
m, the attenuation rate is maximized as a whole, and the transmission output is minimized (reduced) (100). The transmission output level at this time has the lowest value in the portion shown in (1) of FIG.

Then, the variable i is set to 3 (102),
The attenuation factor of ATT (3) 35 is reduced by 1 dBm (104),
The transmission output value (POW_DET) output from the PA output level detection means 44 is read (106), and it is determined whether the transmission output value has reached the target level (high level) (11).
0), if not reached (No), it is determined that the total decrease in the attenuation rate of the ATT (3) 35 is greater than 22 dBm (112), and if not, it is not (No).
Returns to the process 104 to decrease the attenuation rate of the ATT (3) 35 by 1 dBm. The transmission output level at this time is
It gradually rises at the portion shown in (2) of FIG.

If the total amount of decrease in the attenuation rate is greater than 22 dBm in the process 112 (Yes), i
Is reduced by 1 (114), and it is determined whether i is smaller than 0 (116). If i is not smaller (No), A
After increasing the attenuation factor of TT (3) 35 by 10 dBm, (12
0), the attenuation rate of ATT (i) is switched to 0 dBm and reduced (122), and the process returns to step 104. For example, ATT
The transmission output level when the attenuation rate in (2) is lowered is once reduced and then returned to the portion shown in (3) of FIG. Then, the processing returns to step 104, where 1 dB
When the transmission rate is decreased by m, the transmission output gradually increases as shown in the part (4) of FIG. 17, and the transmission output level when the attenuation rate of the ATT (1) is lowered is ( In the portion shown in 5), the object goes down once and returns to the original position. Then, the process returns to the process 104 to return to 1 dBm
When the transmission power is gradually decreased, the transmission output gradually increases as shown in a part (6) of FIG.

On the other hand, if i becomes smaller than 0 in the processing 116 (Yes), it is impossible to control to the target level, the transmission output is initialized, a transmission output error is set (124), and the attenuation rate is set. The control processing ends.

In the process 110, when the transmission output value reaches the target level (high level) (Yes),
It is determined whether the desired transmission output is “high level” (13).
0), if it is “high level” (Yes), the attenuation rate control process is terminated as it is. If it is not “high level” (No), it is determined whether the desired transmission output is “medium level” (132), and if it is “middle level” (Ye).
In s), the attenuation rate is increased by 10 dBm by any of the attenuators, and the transmission output is decreased by 10 dBm (134), and the attenuation rate control process ends. If it is not "medium level" (No), it is determined to be "low level", and the attenuation rate is increased by 20 dBm by any attenuator, and the transmission output is decreased by 20 dBm (136). The process ends.

As described above, the conventional transmission output control method uses A
In this method, the operation of decreasing the TT attenuation rate by 1 dBm or several dBm and increasing the transmission output stepwise is repeated until the target level is reached. Otherwise, for example, if a high transmission output is set without knowing the input level, the power amplifier 34 may be damaged.

The prior art of the transmission output control device is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 9-135179 published May 20, 1997.
No. “Transmission output control circuit” (Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
Inventor: Masahiro Narita et al.) This prior art is a transmission output control circuit that controls an attenuator and a power amplifier based on a comparison result between a detection result of a transmission output and a reference signal, and further performs ON / OFF control of the power amplifier. It is possible to control transmission output with low power consumption and excellent characteristics.

[0021]

However, the conventional transmission output control method has a problem that it takes time to set a predetermined transmission output level. Also,
For example, there is a method in which the operator recognizes the input level and stores the setting using a dip switch or the like according to the input level.However, the cable length is changed, and the dip switch is moved to a predetermined position every time the input level changes. Has to be reset, which is impractical in operation, and involves human operation, so that a setting error also occurs, which may cause damage to the power amplifier (PA).

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it takes time to set a desired transmission output level, which is a problem of the prior art, and the possibility of damage to the power amplifier due to a setting error. It is an object of the present invention to provide a transmission output control device that solves the above problem, speeds up the setting of the transmission output level, and can avoid damage to the power amplifier.

[0023]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention provides an attenuating means for attenuating a transmission signal inputted from the outside, an amplifying means for amplifying the attenuated transmission signal, Transmission output level detection means for detecting the output level of the amplified transmission signal, temperature detection means for detecting the temperature around the amplification means, and a desired ambient temperature at a specific ambient temperature with respect to the level of the input transmission signal. An output level / attenuation rate setting storing means for preliminarily storing the setting of the attenuation rate in the attenuating means for obtaining the transmission output level, and a desired transmission at a specific ambient temperature with respect to the level of the input transmission signal. An output level / output value storage unit that stores in advance an output value from a specific amplifying unit for obtaining an output level, and a desired transmission output level set value, and outputs the output level / output value storage unit. The level of the input transmission signal is determined using the bell / attenuation rate setting storage means, and a desired transmission output level setting value for the level of the input transmission signal is detected in the detected temperature state. The transmission output control device is characterized in that the transmission output control device has an attenuation rate setting means for acquiring the setting of the attenuation rate from the output level / attenuation rate setting storage means and setting the attenuation rate in the attenuation means. Using the storage means and the output level / attenuation rate setting storage means, determine the level of the input transmission signal and, under the detected temperature condition, set the desired transmission output level with respect to the level of the input transmission signal. In order to obtain the setting of the attenuation factor for obtaining the attenuation factor from the output level / attenuation factor setting storage unit and to set the attenuation factor in the attenuation unit, the level of the input transmission signal, the ambient temperature, and the desired The attenuation rate suitable for the signal output level is set to high speed, it can be avoided and damage of the amplifying means by setting errors.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the function realizing means described below may be any circuit or device as long as the function can be realized, and some or all of the functions may be realized by software. is there. Further, the function realizing means may be realized by a plurality of circuits, or the plurality of function realizing means may be realized by a single circuit.

According to the transmission output control apparatus of the present invention, the setting of the attenuation factor in the attenuation means for obtaining a desired transmission output level at a specific ambient temperature with respect to the level of the input transmission signal is determined in advance by the output level / Stored in the attenuation rate setting storage means,
The output value from the specific amplifying means for obtaining a desired transmission output level at a specific ambient temperature with respect to the level of the input transmission signal is stored in advance in the output level / output value storage means, The control means inputs a desired transmission output level set value, and outputs the output level / output value storage means and the output level /
The level of the input transmission signal is determined using the attenuation rate setting storage means, and an attenuation factor for obtaining a desired transmission output level setting value with respect to the level of the input transmission signal in the detected temperature state. Is obtained from the output level / attenuation rate setting storage means, and the attenuation rate in the attenuation means is set. Therefore, the attenuation rate suitable for the level of the input transmission signal, the ambient temperature, and the desired transmission output level is set at high speed. However, it is possible to avoid damage to the amplification means due to a setting error.

The correspondence between each means in the embodiment of the present invention and each unit in FIG. 1 is shown. The output level / attenuation rate setting storage means corresponds to the output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49, The / output value storage means corresponds to the output level / output value correspondence table 48, and the attenuation rate control means corresponds to the attenuation rate control unit 50 and the attenuator (0) control means 40 to the attenuator (3) control means 43. The attenuating means corresponds to the attenuator (0) 30 to the attenuator (3) 33, and the amplifying means corresponds to the power amplifying unit 34.

Next, a transmission output control device for realizing the transmission output control method of the present invention will be described. The positioning of the transmission output control device according to the embodiment of the present invention in the wireless device is the same as that of the conventional transmission output control device described with reference to FIGS. The configuration of the transmission output control device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. Figure 1
1 is a configuration block diagram of a transmission output control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Parts having the same configuration as in FIG. 15 will be described with the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 1, the transmission output control device according to the present embodiment
And a transmission output control unit 12. The RF unit 11 has a plurality of variable attenuators (attenuator ATT) for attenuating a transmission signal (TX) from the modulator / demodulator 2 in the same manner as in the related art. 1, the attenuator (0) 30 to the attenuator (3) 33), a power amplifying unit (power amplifier) (PA in the figure) 34 for amplifying the power of the transmission signal, and a temperature detection for detecting the temperature of the power amplifying unit 34 Section (TE in the figure)
MP) 35.

In FIG. 1, similarly to the conventional case, the attenuator (3) 33 has an attenuation rate of 0 dBm to 25 dBm.
The attenuator (0) 30, the attenuator (1) 31, and the attenuator (2) 32 have an attenuation rate of 0 dB.
This is a variable attenuator that can be switched to either Bm or 10 dBm. The attenuation rate of each attenuator is switched by a corresponding attenuator control unit described later.

On the other hand, the transmission output control unit 12 according to the present invention includes, as a conventional part, an attenuator control unit (in the figure, an attenuator (0) control unit) for controlling the attenuation rate of each attenuator in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 50. 40 ~
Attenuator (3) control means 43) and power amplifying section 34
The level of the transmission output from the PW is detected, and the transmission output value (POW
_DET), PA output level detection means 44 for outputting
An attenuation rate control unit 50 that controls the attenuation rate of each attenuator in order to achieve a desired transmission output level, and a memory 46 that stores an execution program in the attenuation rate control unit 50.
And a nonvolatile memory 47 storing a correspondence table used for the attenuation rate control in the attenuation rate control unit 50, and a temperature detection result in the temperature detection unit 35 for the attenuation rate control. A temperature detecting means 45 for use is provided.

Incidentally, the attenuation rate control unit 50, as in the prior art,
According to a transmission output level set value indicating a desired transmission output level output from the control unit 15, the attenuation rate of each attenuator is controlled while monitoring the transmission output value (POW_DET) from the PA output level detecting means 44. However, the control method is different from the conventional one, and as a result, the content of the execution program in the attenuation rate control unit 50 stored in the memory 46 is also different from the conventional one.

An output level / output value correspondence table 48 and an output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49 are provided in the nonvolatile memory 47 of the present invention. The output level / output value correspondence table 48 is a table for storing the value of the transmission output value (POW_DET) for the desired output level based on the actual measurement. The output level and the transmission output value (POW_DE) under various conditions (transmission frequency and temperature) are stored.
T) is stored in advance.

Here, a specific example of the output level / output value correspondence table 48 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
Is a table diagram showing a specific example of the output level / output value correspondence table 48 of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the transmission frequencies are low band (Low channel) and middle band (Mid1).
Channel), middle band (Mid2 channel), high band (H
i-channel).
The values when the output level is high when there are 5 degrees and 60 degrees are shown as specific examples. If the output level is medium or low, it is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the output level /
The output value correspondence table 48 includes, for various transmission frequencies,
Transmission output values (POW_DET) for output levels (for example, three types) at various temperatures are stored in advance.
The method of the actual measurement will be described later.

The output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49 is a table for storing the attenuation rate of each attenuator or the setting of the attenuation rate for a desired output level based on actual measurement. ), The output level and the attenuation rate of each attenuator or the setting of the attenuation rate are stored in advance.

Here, a specific example of the output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a table diagram showing a specific example of the output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49 of the present invention. In FIG. 3, there are four types of transmission frequencies for the three input levels: low band (Low channel), middle band (Mid1 channel), middle band (Mid2 channel), and high band (Hi channel). -20 degrees, 35 degrees,
The value when the output level when there is 60 degrees = high / medium / low level is shown as a specific example. In addition, the middle band and the high band
Omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the output level /
The attenuator value correspondence table 49 indicates that the input level is −3d.
BM (connection cable length 10 m), -7 dBM (connection cable length 50 m) and -11 dBM (connection cable length 80
For each of the three types of m), the setting of the attenuation rate of each attenuator for the output level (for example, three types) at various temperatures at various transmission frequencies is stored in advance. As described with reference to FIG. 1, each attenuator has an attenuation factor of 0 dBm to 25 dBm.
Attenuator (0) (ATT0), attenuator (1) (ATT1), attenuator (2) (ATT)
2) is a variable attenuator that can switch the attenuation rate to either 0 dBm or 10 dBm.
ATT2 is set to ON / OFF, and for ATT3, the digital value of the attenuation rate is indicated in hexadecimal. The method of the actual measurement will be described later.

The attenuation rate control section 50 controls the attenuation rate of each attenuator in order to realize a desired transmission output level, similarly to the conventional attenuation rate control section 50 '.
According to the transmission output level set value indicating the desired transmission output level output from the control unit 5, the attenuation factor of each attenuator is controlled while monitoring the transmission output value (POW_DET) from the PA output level detecting means 44. I have. However, the control method of the attenuation rate of each attenuator is different from the conventional one.

Next, a specific method of controlling the attenuation rate in the attenuation rate control section 50 of the present invention will be described. A specific method of controlling the attenuation rate in the attenuation rate control unit 50 of the present invention is based on an output level / output value correspondence table 48 and an output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49 created based on actual measurement in advance. Recognize the signal level,
In the detected temperature state, the setting of the attenuation rate of each attenuator for obtaining a desired transmission output level setting value with respect to the level of the input transmission signal is obtained from the output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49, and the attenuator setting is performed. This is a method for setting the attenuation rate. Then, once the setting is completed, the temperature state and the transmission output level are periodically monitored, and when there is a change, the attenuation rate of the attenuator is adjusted according to the change.

Next, a specific attenuation rate control process executed by the attenuation rate control section 50 of the present invention and the result thereof will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows an attenuation rate control unit 50 according to the present invention.
It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the attenuation rate control processing in FIG. In the attenuation rate control process in the attenuation rate control unit 50 of the present invention, first, the transmission output level set value from the control unit 15 is input (200), and the level (input level) of the input signal that changes according to the cable length is recognized. An input level recognition process is performed (201). The details of the input level recognition processing will be described later.

Then, in order to obtain a desired transmission output (transmission output set value) from the input level recognized in the process 201, the attenuation factor of each attenuator is obtained from the output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49 (202). After obtaining the attenuation rate and setting the attenuation factor (204), since the temperature and the like are expected to constantly fluctuate due to changes in the external environment, the transmission output level is monitored at certain time intervals. Thus, the transmission output monitoring process (206) for maintaining a predetermined transmission output level is repeated.

Next, details of the input level recognition processing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input level recognition process in the transmission output control process of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the transmission output level setting value is a high output level as a condition,
The case where the transmission frequency is a low band (Low channel) and the temperature is 35 ° C. is shown.

In the input level recognition processing in the transmission output control processing of the present invention, first, the transmission frequency is set to the low band (Low) from the output level / output value correspondence table 48 shown in FIG.
Output value (POW) when the temperature is 35 ° C.
_DET) (26E (H) in the example of FIG. 2) is acquired as a reference output value (300).

From the output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49, when the input level is -3 dBm (cable length 10 m), the transmission frequency is in a low band (Low channel), and when the temperature is 35.degree. The attenuation factor of each attenuator for realizing the level or the setting for realizing the attenuation factor is obtained (302), and the attenuation factor of each attenuator is set according to the obtained setting (304).
After waiting for 10 ms (306), the transmission output value (POW_DET) from the PA output level detection means 44 is read and stored as the actually measured output value α (308).

Next, from the output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49, when the input level is -7 dBm (cable length is 50 m), the transmission frequency is in a low band (Low channel), and when the temperature is 35.degree. The attenuation factor of each attenuator for realizing the output level or the setting for realizing the attenuation factor is acquired (312), and the attenuation factor of each attenuator is set according to the acquired setting (314).
After waiting for 0 ms (316), the transmission output value (POW_DET) from the PA output level detection means 44 is read and stored as the actually measured output value β (318).

Similarly, from the output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49, when the input level is -11 dBm (cable length 80 m), the transmission frequency is in a low band (Low channel), and when the temperature is 35.degree. The attenuation factor of each attenuator for realizing the output level or the setting for realizing the attenuation factor is acquired (322), and the attenuation factor of each attenuator is set according to the acquired setting (32).
4) Wait for 10 ms (326), read and store the transmission output value (POW_DET) from the PA output level detection means 44 as the actually measured output value γ (328).

Then, among the stored measured values α, β, γ,
The input level closest to the reference output value is recognized as the actual input level (330), and the input level recognition processing ends.

Next, a specific example of the transmission output level monitoring process will be described. As specific examples of the transmission output level monitoring process, two types, monitoring by temperature and monitoring by an output value (POW_DET), can be considered. The monitoring based on the temperature is performed because the temperature around the transmission output control device is likely to change due to a change in the surrounding environment, and the operating characteristics of the power amplification unit 34 are likely to change with the temperature change. Specifically, at certain time intervals,
If the temperature data value detected by the temperature detection means 45 is read and the difference between the temperature at which the transmission output level was previously set and the temperature read this time is greater than a specified range,
This is a method for setting the transmission output level again. The transmission output setting method is the same as described above.

The monitoring based on the output value (POW_DET) is performed at a certain fixed time interval.
4 and the value of the temperature data (TEMP) from the temperature detector 45 are read, and the present output value and the current temperature calculated from the output level / output value correspondence table 48 should be used. If the difference from the output value (reference output value) exceeds a specified range, the attenuation rate of the attenuator (3) 33 is controlled by increasing or decreasing in units of 1 dBm, and a correction is applied so as to approach the reference output value. It is.

Here, a specific flow of the transmission output level monitoring process based on the output value will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the transmission output level monitoring process based on the output value in the transmission output control process of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of one monitoring process. In practice, the process of FIG. 6 is performed periodically.

In the transmission output level monitoring process based on the output value in the transmission output control process of the present invention, the current transmission output value (POW_DET) from the PA output level detecting means 44 is read and stored as the actually measured output value a (400). The current temperature data value is read from the temperature detecting means 45 (40).
2), obtain the reference output value α at the current temperature from the output level / output value correspondence table 48 (404), and determine whether the difference between the actually measured output value a and the reference output value α is larger than the specified value (406). If not larger (No), the transmission output level monitoring process is terminated, and if larger than the specified value (Ye
s) raises the attenuation factor of the attenuator (3) 33 by 1 dBm (when a is larger than α) or lowers it by 1 dBm (when a is smaller than α) (408), waits 10 ms (410), and performs processing 400 Return to

The monitoring using the output values described above is effective when the cable length is changed, for example, by replacing the cable, and the input level is changed accordingly. Here, when replacing the cable,
The replacement procedure will be described with reference to FIG. In a replacement procedure in the case of replacing a cable, first, a transmission ON / OFF signal is turned off in a higher order (not shown). Then, the control unit 25 of the modem 2 constantly monitors this signal,
When turned off, the control unit 15 of the transceiver 1 is notified to stop the transmission output (the notification unit may be performed electrically or by serial communication). Here, the control unit 1 of the transmitter / receiver 1 does not particularly go through the control unit 25 of the modem 2.
5 may directly monitor the transmission ON / OFF signal from the host and stop the transmission output.

Then, the cable is replaced, and as a result, the input level changes. And the top is transmission ON / O
The FF signal is turned on to instruct the wireless device to restart transmission output. The transmitter / receiver 1 performs transmission output at a predetermined transmission output level in the procedure shown in FIG. It will take some time,
The process of FIG. 4 may be executed from the beginning.

Next, a method of creating the output level / output value correspondence table 48 and the output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49 in the transmission output control device of the present invention will be described. Since the transmission output value output from the power amplifying unit 34 has a frequency characteristic and a temperature characteristic, for example, even if the attenuation rates (attenuator values) in the attenuators (0) 30 to (3) 33 are the same, the transmission output value is transmitted. If the frequency changes, the transmission output value changes. Similarly, even if the attenuation rate (attenuator value) is the same, the transmission output value changes if the temperature changes.

Therefore, at all of the transmission frequency used and the temperature at the time of use, each transmission output level (low, medium,
Attenuator value and transmission output value (POW_
It is ideal to measure DET) and have it on the table.
However, since it is practically impossible to have everything in a table, generally, several points are determined, and the attenuator value and transmission output value at each frequency and temperature for each point are stored in the table. ing. Then, using this table, if the transmission frequency and temperature are not in the table,
The corresponding value is calculated by taking an approximate value or performing linear interpolation.

Next, output level / output value correspondence table 4
8. A method of creating the output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49 will be described. Output level / output value correspondence table 48, output level / attenuator value correspondence table 4
9 is obtained in an actual environment by measuring the transmission output value while changing various conditions, and creating a table from the measurement results.

A specific procedure for creating the output level / output value correspondence table 48 and the output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
The output level / output value correspondence table 48 in the present invention,
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process of creating an output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49; In order to actually create the output level / output value correspondence table 48 and the output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49, first, the output value (dBm value) of the transmission output level (low, medium, high) is determined (500). ), A frequency point and a temperature point to be measured are determined (502), and an attenuator value of each transmission power level (low, medium, high) and a transmission output value (P
OW_DET) is measured (504), and from the measurement result, an output level / output value correspondence table 48 and an output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49 are created and stored in the nonvolatile memory 47 (506). .

Here, a hardware configuration for actually measuring the transmission output value at each point of the process 504 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram for actually measuring transmission output values to create various tables. In the present invention, a hardware configuration for actually measuring a transmission output value includes a transceiver 1 and a modem 2 used for actual wireless transmission and reception, a high-temperature chamber 3 for adjusting the ambient temperature of the transceiver 1 to a set temperature, and a modem. The cable between the two transceivers 1 is a coaxial cable, an attenuator 4 for adjusting the input level to the transceiver 1, a power meter 5 for detecting a transmission output value from the transceiver 1, and changing various conditions and each attenuator value. The personal computer 6 is configured to execute an automatic measurement program for setting and acquiring a transmission output measurement result in the environment and storing the measurement result, and a jig 7 for generating a transmission signal in accordance with the setting from the personal computer 6.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the input level is set by the attenuator 4, the temperature is set by the high-temperature bath 3, the transmission frequency is specified by the automatic measurement program executed on the personal computer 6, and the transmission is performed by the jig 7. A signal is generated, transmitted to the modem 2 via the RS-422 cable, and further transmitted from the modem 2 to the transceiver 1, and the transmission frequency is set in the transceiver 1. Similarly, each attenuator value is determined and set to each attenuator in the transceiver 1 via the modem 2. Then, in the personal computer 6, the resulting temperature detected by the temperature detecting means 45 in the transceiver 1 and the digital value (POW_DET) of the transmission output detected by the PA output level detecting means 44 are passed through the modem 2. The transmission output obtained by detecting the output from the power amplifying unit 34 in the transmitter / receiver 1 with the power meter 5 is obtained via the GPIB cable and stored as a measurement result.

An operation procedure for measuring the process 504 using the configuration of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
It is a procedure flow showing a measurement operation procedure in the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows the flow of the measurement operation under one condition (input level, temperature, transmission frequency). In the measurement operation in the present invention, first, the attenuator 4 for adjusting the input level is set to a predetermined input level (−3 dBm, −7 dBm, or −11 dBm) (600), and the high temperature bath 3 is adjusted to the measurement temperature ( 602), the power of the wireless device (transmitter / receiver 1 and modem 2) is turned on (604), the transmission frequency to be measured is set (606), and the transmission output is made at an appropriate (PA is not broken) level ( 608) Then, it is left in that state for about one hour (610) to stabilize the measurement conditions.

Then, the automatic measurement program of the personal computer 6 is executed, and the input level set in the process 600,
At the temperature set to 02 and the transmission frequency set in the process 606, the transmission output when all the attenuators are set in all combinations is automatically measured (612), and each transmission output level (low, Medium, high)
, And the corresponding POW_DET value and attenuator value are stored as setting values in the correspondence table (614), and the measurement operation is terminated.

Here, the automatic measurement program of the personal computer 6 automatically sets all the combinations of the attenuator values in order, and determines the temperature (TEMP) and POW at that time.
_DET and transmission output (dBm) are read and output to a file. It is also possible to manually set the attenuator, receive and confirm the settings, and display the measured value of the transmission output. The measurement result is output to a file in FIG. 11, and based on the measurement result, a POW_DET value and an attenuator value for obtaining a desired transmission output level under the measurement conditions are searched. The level / attenuator value correspondence table 49 is stored as a set value for creating the table. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing an example of a display screen of the automatic measurement program of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a measurement result output by the automatic measurement program of the present invention.

In general, the temperature is constantly changing, and the transmission output value (POW_P) corresponding to the temperature when the input level is recognized.
DET) and the attenuator value must be obtained from each correspondence table. However, since it is difficult to have a transmission output value (POW_DET) and an attenuator value corresponding to all temperatures within the limit temperature as a table,
Some measured temperatures (temperatures as data in the table) are determined in advance, and in the case of other temperatures, the transmission output value (POW_DE) of the closest temperature in the table
T) and an attenuator value, or a method of using a value calculated by performing linear interpolation as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 12, the transmission output values (POW_DET) at 20 ° C. and 35 ° C. are present in the table, and the output value at the temperature of 25 ° C. is determined. FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of linear interpolation.

According to the transmission output control method of the embodiment of the present invention, the input level is determined from the output level / output value correspondence table and the output level / attenuator value correspondence table previously obtained by actual measurement, and the input level is determined. Therefore, since an attenuator value suitable for realizing a desired transmission output level is set, there is an effect that the desired transmission output level can be set in a short time.

According to the transmission output control apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention, the output level / output value correspondence table 48 and the output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49 obtained by actual measurement are stored in the nonvolatile memory 47. Every
In order to determine the input level using the output level / output value correspondence table 48 and the output level / attenuator value correspondence table 49 according to the externally set transmission output level, and realize a desired transmission output level for the input level. Since an attenuator value suitable for the transmission is set, there is an effect that a desired transmission output level can be set in a short time. In particular,
According to the configuration of FIG. 15, a time of several seconds was required according to the flowchart of FIG. 16. However, the configuration of FIG.
According to the flowchart of the above, a predetermined transmission output level can be set within one second.

Further, according to the present invention, after setting an appropriate attenuator value, a temperature change and a transmission output level are monitored, and if the transmission output level fluctuates, the setting of the attenuator value is adjusted according to the fluctuation tendency. Thus, there is an effect that a desired transmission output level can be maintained.

In addition, by implementing the present invention, the input level is conventionally set using a dip switch or the like, and the power amplifier is damaged due to an operation error caused by human operation. Since the level is automatically recognized and an appropriate attenuation factor is set based on the recognized input level, there is an effect that the power amplifier can be prevented from being damaged.

For example, it is possible to realize the function corresponding to the present invention only by hardware, but in this case, it becomes complicated and expensive, but in the case of the present invention, the software control Therefore, it can be realized at low cost with simple logic.

[0068]

According to the present invention, with respect to the level of the input transmission signal, the attenuation factor in the attenuation means for obtaining a desired transmission output level at a specific ambient temperature is set in advance as output level / attenuation. The output value from a specific amplifying means for obtaining a desired transmission output level at a specific ambient temperature with respect to the level of the input transmission signal is stored in advance in the ratio setting storage means. Stored in the storage means, the attenuation rate control means inputs a desired transmission output level set value,
The output level / output value storage means and the output level / attenuation rate setting storage means are used to determine the level of the input transmission signal, and, under the detected temperature condition, a desired level of the input transmission signal is determined. Since the setting of the attenuation rate for obtaining the transmission output level setting value is obtained from the output level / attenuation rate setting storage means and the transmission output control device sets the attenuation rate in the attenuation means, the level of the input transmission signal and There is an effect that the attenuation rate suitable for the ambient temperature and the desired transmission output level is set at a high speed, and damage to the amplification means due to a setting error can be avoided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of a transmission output control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a table diagram showing a specific example of an output level / output value correspondence table according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a table diagram showing a specific example of an output level / attenuator value correspondence table of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an attenuation rate control process in an attenuation rate control unit of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an input level recognition process in the transmission output control process of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a transmission output level monitoring process based on an output value in the transmission output control process of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for creating an output level / output value correspondence table and an output level / attenuator value correspondence table in the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram for actually measuring transmission output values in order to create various tables.

FIG. 9 is a procedure flow showing a measurement operation procedure in the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen of the automatic measurement program of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a measurement result output of the automatic measurement program of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of linear interpolation.

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration block diagram of a wireless transmission / reception part of a general wireless transceiver.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a wireless transmission / reception part of a general wireless transceiver.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a conventional RF unit and a conventional transmission output control unit.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an attenuation rate control process in a conventional attenuation rate control unit.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing a change in transmission output when an attenuation rate control process is performed in a conventional attenuation rate control unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Transceiver, 2 ... Modem, 3 ... High temperature bath, 4 ...
Attenuator, 5: Power meter, 6: PC,
7 ... jig, 10 ... antenna, 11 ... RF part, 1
2 ... Transmission output control unit, 13 ... Reception IF unit, 14 ... Transmission IF unit, 15 ... Control unit, 16 ... Power supply unit, 20 ...
Higher-order I / F section, 21: modem section, 23: reception IF
Unit, 25: control unit, 30, 31, 32, 33: attenuator, 34: power amplification unit, 35: temperature detection unit,
40, 41, 42, 43 ... attenuator control means, 4
4 PA output level detecting means 45 temperature detecting means
46, 46 ': memory, 47: nonvolatile memory, 4
8: Output level / output value correspondence table, 49: Output level / attenuator value correspondence table, 50, 50 '...
Attenuation rate control section

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5J090 AA01 AA41 CA02 CA11 FN03 HA01 HA26 HN20 KA23 KA33 SA14 TA01 TA02 5J091 AA01 AA41 CA02 CA11 FP08 GP02 HA01 HA26 KA23 KA33 SA14 TA01 TA02 5J100 AA02 AA18 CA10 BB01 JA01 QA02 SA01 5K060 BB01 HH06 HH31 HH32 LL01 LL22 LL24

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An attenuating means for attenuating a transmission signal input from the outside, an amplifying means for amplifying the attenuated transmission signal, and a transmission output level detecting means for detecting an output level of the amplified transmission signal. Temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature around the amplifying means, and setting of an attenuation factor in the attenuating means for obtaining a desired transmission output level at a specific ambient temperature with respect to the level of the input transmission signal. And an output level / attenuation rate setting storage unit that stores in advance a desired transmission output level setting value, and in the detected temperature state, the desired transmission level with respect to the level of the input transmission signal. Acquiring the setting of the attenuation rate for obtaining the output level setting value from the output level / attenuation rate setting storage means;
A transmission output control device comprising: an attenuation rate control means for setting an attenuation rate in the attenuation means. 2. With respect to the level of an input transmission signal,
Output level / output value storage means for preliminarily storing an output value from a specific amplification means for obtaining a desired transmission output level at a specific ambient temperature; 2. An attenuation rate control means for determining an input transmission signal level using an output value storage means and an output level / attenuation rate setting storage means and setting an attenuation rate. Transmission output control device. 3. The output level of the transmission signal output from the amplifying means while arbitrarily setting the level of the transmission signal input to the attenuation means, arbitrarily setting the ambient temperature, and arbitrarily setting the attenuation rate. Measure and store the attenuation factor setting for obtaining a desired transmission output level setting value from the measurement result in an output level / attenuation factor setting storage unit, and perform the above-described specific operation for obtaining a desired transmission output level. 3. The transmission output control device according to claim 2, wherein an output value from the amplification unit is stored in an output level / output value storage unit.