JP2018157357A - Antenna device and communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for improving installability of a planar antenna and improving throughput when the planar antenna is used.SOLUTION: An antenna device includes a planar antenna and base plates 101 and 102 on which the antenna is mounted. The base plates 101 and 102 include a plurality of connectors 1010-1013 and 1020-1023 used for connection with another antenna device. The base plates 101 and 102 are configured to output from each connector a signal indicating an arrangement direction of the connector viewed from the position of the antenna.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to an antenna device and a communication device.

  In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which is a standardization organization for mobile communication systems, the wireless section is called Long Term Evolution (LTE). For example, a communication system called System Architecture Evolution (SAE) has been studied (for example, see Non-Patent Documents 1 to 8). This communication method is also called a 3.9G (3.9 Generation) system.

  As an LTE access scheme, OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) is used in the downlink direction, and SC-FDMA (Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access) is used in the uplink direction. Also, LTE differs from W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) in that it does not include circuit switching and is only a packet communication method.

  Non-Patent Document 1 (Chapter 5) described in 3GPP will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a radio frame used in an LTE communication system. In FIG. 1, one radio frame is 10 ms. The radio frame is divided into ten equally sized subframes. The subframe is divided into two equally sized slots. For each radio frame, a downlink synchronization signal is included in the first and sixth subframes. The synchronization signal includes a first synchronization signal (Primary Synchronization Signal: P-SS) and a second synchronization signal (Secondary Synchronization Signal: S-SS).

  Non-Patent Document 1 (Chapter 5) describes the determination items regarding the channel configuration in the LTE system in 3GPP. It is assumed that the same channel configuration as that of the non-CSG cell is also used in a CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) cell.

  A physical broadcast channel (PBCH) is a communication terminal device such as a base station device (hereinafter simply referred to as “base station”) to a mobile terminal device (hereinafter also simply referred to as “mobile terminal”). It is a channel for downlink transmission to (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “communication terminal”). A BCH transport block is mapped to four subframes in a 40 ms interval. There is no obvious signaling of 40ms timing.

  A physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH) is a channel for downlink transmission from a base station to a communication terminal. PCFICH notifies the communication terminal of the number of OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) symbols used for PDCCHs from the base station. PCFICH is transmitted for each subframe.

  A physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) is a channel for downlink transmission from a base station to a communication terminal. The PDCCH is information on resource allocation (allocation) of a downlink shared channel (DL-SCH) that is one of transport channels described later, and a paging channel (PCH) that is one of transport channels described later. ) Resource allocation (allocation) information and HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest) information related to DL-SCH. The PDCCH carries an Uplink Scheduling Grant. The PDCCH carries Ack (Acknowledgement) / Nack (Negative Acknowledgement), which is a response signal for uplink transmission. The PDCCH is also called an L1 / L2 control signal.

  A physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) is a channel for downlink transmission from a base station to a communication terminal. The PDSCH is mapped with a downlink shared channel (DL-SCH) which is a transport channel and PCH which is a transport channel.

  A physical multicast channel (PMCH) is a channel for downlink transmission from a base station to a communication terminal. A multicast channel (Multicast Channel: MCH) that is a transport channel is mapped to the PMCH.

  A physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is a channel for uplink transmission from a communication terminal to a base station. The PUCCH carries Ack / Nack that is a response signal for downlink transmission. The PUCCH carries a CQI (Channel Quality Indicator) report. CQI is quality information indicating the quality of received data or channel quality. The PUCCH carries a scheduling request (SR).

  A physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) is a channel for uplink transmission from a communication terminal to a base station. An uplink shared channel (UL-SCH) that is one of the transport channels is mapped to the PUSCH.

  A physical HARQ indicator channel (PHICH) is a channel for downlink transmission from a base station to a communication terminal. PHICH carries Ack / Nack which is a response signal for uplink transmission. A physical random access channel (PRACH) is a channel for uplink transmission from a communication terminal to a base station. The PRACH carries a random access preamble.

  A downlink reference signal (Reference Signal: RS) is a symbol known as an LTE communication system. The following five types of downlink reference signals are defined. Cell-specific reference signal (Cell-specific Reference Signal: CRS), MBSFN reference signal (MBSFN Reference Signal), UE-specific reference signal (UE-specific Reference Signal) reference signal for data demodulation (Demodulation Reference Signal: DM-RS) Positioning reference signal (PRS), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). As a measurement of a physical layer of a communication terminal, there is a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement.

  The transport channel described in Non-Patent Document 1 (Chapter 5) will be described. Of the downlink transport channels, a broadcast channel (Broadcast Channel: BCH) is broadcast to the entire coverage of the base station (cell). The BCH is mapped to the physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

  Retransmission control by HARQ (Hybrid ARQ) is applied to the downlink shared channel (DL-SCH). DL-SCH can be broadcast to the entire coverage of a base station (cell). DL-SCH supports dynamic or semi-static resource allocation. The quasi-static resource allocation is also called persistent scheduling. DL-SCH supports discontinuous reception (DRX) of a communication terminal in order to reduce power consumption of the communication terminal. DL-SCH is mapped to a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

  The paging channel (PCH) supports DRX of the communication terminal in order to enable low power consumption of the communication terminal. The PCH is required to be broadcast to the entire coverage of the base station (cell). The PCH is mapped to a physical resource such as a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) that can be dynamically used for traffic.

  The multicast channel (MCH) is used for broadcast to the entire coverage of the base station (cell). The MCH supports SFN combining of MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) services (MTCH and MCCH) in multi-cell transmission. The MCH supports quasi-static resource allocation. MCH is mapped to PMCH.

  Among uplink transport channels, retransmission control by HARQ (Hybrid ARQ) is applied to an uplink shared channel (UL-SCH). UL-SCH supports dynamic or semi-static resource allocation. UL-SCH is mapped to a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

  A random access channel (RACH) is limited to control information. RACH is at risk of collision. The RACH is mapped to a physical random access channel (PRACH).

  HARQ will be described. HARQ is a technique for improving the communication quality of a transmission path by combining automatic repeat request (ARQ) and error correction (Forward Error Correction). HARQ has an advantage that error correction functions effectively by retransmission even for a transmission path whose communication quality changes. In particular, further quality improvement can be obtained by combining the initial transmission reception result and the retransmission reception result upon retransmission.

  An example of the retransmission method will be described. When the reception side cannot decode the received data correctly, in other words, when a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) error occurs (CRC = NG), “Nack” is transmitted from the reception side to the transmission side. The transmitting side that has received “Nack” retransmits the data. When the reception side can correctly decode the received data, in other words, when no CRC error occurs (CRC = OK), “Ack” is transmitted from the reception side to the transmission side. The transmitting side that has received “Ack” transmits the next data.

  A logical channel (logical channel) described in Non-Patent Document 1 (Chapter 6) will be described. The broadcast control channel (BCCH) is a downlink channel for broadcast system control information. The BCCH that is a logical channel is mapped to a broadcast channel (BCH) that is a transport channel or a downlink shared channel (DL-SCH).

  The paging control channel (Paging Control Channel: PCCH) is a downlink channel for transmitting changes of paging information (Paging Information) and system information (System Information). PCCH is used when the network does not know the cell location of the communication terminal. The PCCH that is a logical channel is mapped to a paging channel (PCH) that is a transport channel.

  The common control channel (CCCH) is a channel for transmission control information between the communication terminal and the base station. CCCH is used when the communication terminal does not have an RRC connection with the network. In the downlink direction, the CCCH is mapped to a downlink shared channel (DL-SCH) that is a transport channel. In the uplink direction, the CCCH is mapped to an uplink shared channel (UL-SCH) that is a transport channel.

  A multicast control channel (MCCH) is a downlink channel for one-to-many transmission. MCCH is used for transmission of MBMS control information for one or several MTCHs from a network to a communication terminal. MCCH is used only for communication terminals receiving MBMS. The MCCH is mapped to a multicast channel (MCH) that is a transport channel.

  The dedicated control channel (DCCH) is a channel for transmitting individual control information between the communication terminal and the network on a one-to-one basis. The DCCH is used when the communication terminal is an RRC connection. The DCCH is mapped to the uplink shared channel (UL-SCH) in the uplink, and is mapped to the downlink shared channel (DL-SCH) in the downlink.

  The dedicated traffic channel (Dedicated Traffic Channel: DTCH) is a channel for one-to-one communication to an individual communication terminal for transmitting user information. DTCH exists for both uplink and downlink. The DTCH is mapped to the uplink shared channel (UL-SCH) in the uplink, and is mapped to the downlink shared channel (DL-SCH) in the downlink.

  The multicast traffic channel (MTCH) is a downlink channel for transmitting traffic data from the network to the communication terminal. MTCH is a channel used only for communication terminals receiving MBMS. The MTCH is mapped to a multicast channel (MCH).

  CGI is a cell global identifier. ECGI is an E-UTRAN Cell Global Identifier. In LTE, LTE-A (Long Term Evolution Advanced) and UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) described later, a closed subscriber group (CSG) cell is introduced.

  A CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) cell is a cell in which an operator identifies an available subscriber (hereinafter may be referred to as a “specific subscriber cell”). The identified subscriber is allowed to access one or more cells of the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). One or more cells to which the identified subscribers are allowed access are referred to as “CSG cells (CSG cells (s))”. However, PLMN has access restrictions.

  The CSG cell is a part of a PLMN that broadcasts a unique CSG identity (CSG identity: CSG-ID) and broadcasts “TRUE” using CSG indication (CSG Indication). Members of the subscriber group who have been registered in advance and permitted access the CSG cell using the CSG-ID that is the access permission information.

  The CSG-ID is broadcast by the CSG cell or cell. There are a plurality of CSG-IDs in an LTE communication system. The CSG-ID is then used by a communication terminal (UE) to facilitate access for CSG-related members.

  The position tracking of the communication terminal is performed in units of areas composed of one or more cells. The position tracking is performed to track the position of the communication terminal and call the communication terminal even in the standby state, in other words, to enable the communication terminal to receive a call. This area for tracking the location of the communication terminal is called a tracking area.

  In 3GPP, base stations called Home-NodeB (Home-NB; HNB) and Home-eNodeB (Home-eNB; HeNB) are being studied. HNB in UTRAN and HeNB in E-UTRAN are base stations for access services for homes, corporations, and commercials, for example. Non-Patent Document 3 discloses three different modes of access to HeNB and HNB. Specifically, an open access mode, a closed access mode, and a hybrid access mode are disclosed.

  Each mode has the following characteristics. In the open access mode, the HeNB and HNB are operated as normal cells of a normal operator. In the closed access mode, the HeNB and HNB are operated as CSG cells. This CSG cell is a CSG cell accessible only to CSG members. In the hybrid access mode, the HeNB and HNB are operated as CSG cells in which non-CSG members are also allowed to access at the same time. In other words, a hybrid access mode cell (also referred to as a hybrid cell) is a cell that supports both an open access mode and a closed access mode.

  In 3GPP, among all physical cell identities (PCIs), there is a PCI range reserved by the network for use in CSG cells (see Non-Patent Document 1 chapter 10.5.1.1). Dividing the PCI range may be referred to as PCI split. Information on the PCI split (also referred to as PCI split information) is notified from the base station to the communication terminals being served by the system information. Being served by a base station means that the base station is a serving cell.

  Non-Patent Document 4 discloses a basic operation of a communication terminal using PCI split. A communication terminal that does not have PCI split information needs to perform cell search using all PCIs, for example, using all 504 codes. On the other hand, a communication terminal having PCI split information can perform a cell search using the PCI split information.

  In 3GPP, as a release 10, a Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) standard is being developed (see Non-Patent Document 5 and Non-Patent Document 6). LTE-A is based on the LTE wireless section communication system, and is configured by adding several new technologies.

  In the LTE-A system, two or more component carriers (CCs) are aggregated (also referred to as “aggregation”) in order to support wider transmission bandwidths up to 100 MHz. Carrier aggregation (CA) has been studied.

  When CA is configured, the UE has a network (NW) and only one RRC connection. In the RRC connection, one serving cell provides NAS mobility information and security input. This cell is called a primary cell (PCell). In the downlink, a carrier corresponding to PCell is a downlink primary component carrier (DL PCC). In the uplink, the carrier corresponding to the PCell is an uplink primary component carrier (UL PCC).

  Depending on the UE capability (capability), a secondary cell (SCell) is configured to form a set of a PCell and a serving cell. In the downlink, the carrier corresponding to the SCell is a downlink secondary component carrier (DL SCC). In the uplink, the carrier corresponding to the SCell is an uplink secondary component carrier (UL SCC).

  A set of one PCell and a serving cell composed of one or more SCells is configured for one UE.

  In addition, new technologies in LTE-A include a technology that supports a wider bandwidth (Wider bandwidth extension), a coordinated multiple point transmission and reception (CoMP) technology, and the like. Non-Patent Document 7 describes CoMP being studied for LTE-A by 3GPP.

  The amount of mobile network traffic is increasing and the communication speed is also increasing. When LTE and LTE-A start full-scale operation, it is expected that the communication speed is further increased and the traffic volume is increased.

  In addition, with the spread of smartphones and tablet terminals, the traffic volume due to cellular wireless communication has increased explosively, and there is a concern about the shortage of wireless resources all over the world.

  In response to the problem of an increase in traffic volume, the 3GPP is proceeding with the formulation of the 12th release standard. In the 12th edition of the standard, use of a small eNB is considered in order to cope with a huge amount of traffic in the future. For example, a technology for increasing frequency utilization efficiency and increasing communication capacity by installing a large number of small eNBs and configuring a large number of small cells has been studied.

  Among them, dual connectivity is discussed as a technology for connecting a communication terminal to both the macro cell and the small cell when the macro cell and the small cell overlap (non-patent document 8). reference). Non-Patent Document 8 discloses dual connectivity as a technology for connecting a communication terminal to both a macro cell and a small cell when the macro cell and the small cell overlap.

  Furthermore, a fifth generation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “5G”) wireless access system targeted to start a service after 2020 for mobile communication that is becoming more sophisticated is being studied. For example, in Europe, 5G requirements are compiled by an organization called METIS (see Non-Patent Document 9).

  In the 5G wireless access system, the system capacity is 1000 times, the data transmission speed is 100 times, the data processing delay is 1/10 (1/10), and the simultaneous connection number of communication terminals is 100 times that of the LTE system. Realizing further reduction in power consumption and cost reduction of the apparatus is mentioned as a requirement.

  In order to satisfy such a demand, it has been studied to increase the data transmission capacity by using the frequency in a wide band and to increase the data transmission speed by increasing the frequency utilization efficiency. In order to realize these, techniques such as MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) using a multi-element antenna and beam forming that enable spatial multiplexing have been studied.

  On the other hand, the configuration of an eNB that separates antennas has been discussed. For example, as in Non-Patent Document 10, examination of an interface between a radio / antenna unit control unit Radio Equipment Controller (REC) and a radio / antenna unit Radio Equipment (RE) has started.

3GPP TS36.300 V11.7.0 3GPP S1-083461 3GPP R2-082899 3GPP TR 36.814 V9.0.0 3GPP TR 36.912 V10.0.0 3GPP TR 36.819 V11.1.0 3GPP TS 36.141 V11.1.0 3GPP TR36.842 V0.2.0 “Scenarios, requirements and KPIs for 5G mobile and wireless system”, ICT-317669-METIS / D1.1 ETSI GS ORI 002-1 V4.1.1

  In a 5G wireless access system (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “5G”), large-capacity communication is required. Further, the frequency band that can be used in 5G is expected to be a high frequency band. In order to realize these, the use of multi-element antennas is being studied.

  Since multi-element antennas are flat and large compared to pole antennas, their installation is a problem. In addition, since the communication capacity varies depending on the installation location, a method of installing multiple multi-element antennas of the basic size according to the installation location has been studied, but the installation interval of the multi-element antennas is an issue. Yes.

  Here, when the antenna interval is narrow, the correlation between adjacent antennas is high. On the other hand, when the antenna interval is wide, the correlation between adjacent antennas is low.

  In order for a multi-element antenna to transmit a beam appropriately according to the application, it is necessary to grasp this correlation. For example, the narrower the antenna interval, the smaller the place for installation, and the less the restrictions on the installation place. However, when transmitting different information (streams) from different antennas to the same terminal, there is a problem that throughput decreases when transmitting from antennas with high antenna correlation.

  Further, since the antenna installation angle varies depending on the installation environment, if the antenna installation direction is wrong, the beam may not be controlled in the intended direction. When many multi-element antennas are installed, even if some multi-element antennas are installed in the wrong direction, a decrease in throughput cannot be easily detected, which may cause a substantial decrease in throughput.

  In addition, when two or more multi-element antennas are installed and used as different applications, gain and throughput are reduced due to sidelobe interference generated from each beam.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for improving the installation property of a planar antenna and improving the throughput when the planar antenna is used.

  A first antenna device of the present invention is an antenna device including a planar antenna and a substrate on which the antenna is mounted, and the substrate is a plurality of connectors used for connection to other antenna devices. Each connector is configured to output a signal indicating an arrangement direction of the connector as viewed from the position of the antenna.

  A first communication device according to the present invention is a communication device including a plurality of planar antennas, and a control device that controls beam radiation from the plurality of antennas, each of the antennas including a position check The control device measures a measurement target amount for position investigation with respect to the position investigation signal received from each antenna, and determines the measurement target amount according to the distance from the control apparatus. A relative distance from the control device is estimated for the plurality of antennas based on a difference between measurement values generated in the measurement target amount.

  A second antenna device of the present invention is an antenna device comprising a planar antenna and a substrate on which the antenna is mounted, the substrate having a plurality of substrate side connection points, and the antenna , Having a plurality of antenna side connection points electrically connected to the plurality of substrate side connection points, wherein the plurality of antenna side connection points have the potential at the substrate side connection point of the connection destination as a first potential. The second antenna side configured to control the potential of the first antenna side connection point configured to be controlled and the potential of the connection destination on the substrate side connection point to a second potential different from the first potential Including connection points.

  A third antenna device of the present invention is an antenna device including a planar antenna and a substrate on which the antenna is mounted, and includes an installation member that supports the antenna by being connected to the substrate. The board has a plurality of board-side connection points, and the installation member has a plurality of installation member-side connection points electrically connected to the plurality of board-side connection points. The member-side connection point includes a first installation member-side connection point configured to control the potential of the substrate-side connection point of the connection destination to the first potential, and the potential of the substrate-side connection point of the connection destination A second installation member side connection point configured to control to a second potential different from the first potential.

  A second communication device according to the present invention is a communication device including a plurality of planar antennas each and a control device that controls beam radiation from the plurality of antennas, wherein the control device includes the plurality of antennas. The position survey signal is transmitted from one of the antennas, the position survey signal is received by the remaining antennas of the plurality of antennas, and the measurement target amount for the position survey is measured for the received signal. And the relative distance from the said control apparatus is estimated about the said some antenna from the difference of the measured value which arises in the said measuring object quantity according to the distance from the said control apparatus.

  A third communication device of the present invention is a communication device including a planar antenna and a control device that controls beam radiation from the antenna, and the antenna includes a plurality of antenna elements arranged in a planar shape. The communication device includes a rotation mechanism for rotating the antenna around a direction perpendicular to the beam emission surface, and the control device controls the rotation mechanism to control the beam emission surface. Control the installation angle of the surface.

  A fourth communication device according to the present invention is a communication device including a planar antenna and a control device that controls beam radiation from the antenna, and the antenna includes a plurality of antenna elements arranged in a planar shape. The control device sets an effective beam radiation area in the beam radiation surface by selecting an antenna element group to be used for beam radiation among the plurality of antenna elements. Controlling the beam radiation direction by controlling the setting of the effective beam radiation area.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the installation property of a planar antenna can be improved. Thereby, the throughput in the case of using a planar antenna can be improved.

  The objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a radio frame used in an LTE communication system. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an LTE communication system 200 discussed in 3GPP. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile terminal 202 shown in FIG. 2 which is a communication terminal which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the base station 203 shown in FIG. 2 which is a base station which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of MME which concerns on this invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an outline from a cell search to a standby operation performed by a communication terminal (UE) in an LTE communication system. It is a figure which shows the concept of a structure of a cell in case macro eNB and small eNB coexist. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining antenna spacing and antenna correlation when a plurality of multi-element antennas are installed in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a multi-element antenna and the arrangement and connection of a plurality of multi-element antennas in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a multi-element antenna and the arrangement and connection of a plurality of multi-element antennas in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for grasping the positional relationship between a plurality of multi-element antennas in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for grasping the positional relationship between a plurality of multi-element antennas in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for grasping the positional relationship between a plurality of multi-element antennas in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for grasping an installation direction of a multi-element antenna in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for grasping an installation direction of a multi-element antenna in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for grasping an installation direction of a multi-element antenna in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for grasping an installation direction of a multi-element antenna in the third embodiment. It is a figure explaining the method of grasping | ascertaining the antenna space | interval between several antennas about Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating an installation example of a multi-element antenna according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the influence of side lobes of beams emitted from a plurality of multi-element antennas in the fifth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the influence of a side lobe about the case where the installation direction of the antenna in FIG. 20 is rotated 45 degrees. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a rotating structure of an antenna in the fifth embodiment. It is a figure explaining performing control equivalent to rotating an antenna about Embodiment 6 by selectively using an antenna element. It is a figure explaining performing control equivalent to rotating an antenna about Embodiment 6 by selectively using an antenna element.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an LTE communication system 200 discussed in 3GPP. With reference to FIG. The radio access network is referred to as E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network) 201. A mobile terminal device (hereinafter referred to as “user equipment (UE)”) 202 which is a communication terminal device is capable of wireless communication with a base station device (hereinafter referred to as “base station (E-UTRAN NodeB: eNB)”) 203. Yes, signals are transmitted and received by wireless communication.

  Here, the “communication terminal device” includes not only a mobile terminal device such as a movable mobile phone terminal device but also a non-moving device such as a sensor. In the following description, the “communication terminal device” may be simply referred to as “communication terminal”.

  Control protocols for the mobile terminal 202 such as RRC (Radio Resource Control) and user planes such as PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol), RLC (Radio Link Control), MAC (Medium Access Control), PHY (Physical layer) If terminated at station 203, the E-UTRAN is composed of one or more base stations 203.

  A control protocol RRC (Radio Resource Control) between the mobile terminal 202 and the base station 203 performs broadcast, paging, RRC connection management, and the like. As states of the base station 203 and the mobile terminal 202 in RRC, there are RRC_IDLE and RRC_CONNECTED.

  In RRC_IDLE, PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) selection, system information (System Information: SI) notification, paging, cell re-selection, mobility, and the like are performed. In RRC_CONNECTED, the mobile terminal has an RRC connection and can send and receive data to and from the network. In RRC_CONNECTED, handover (Handover: HO), measurement of neighbor cells (measurement), and the like are performed.

  The base station 203 is classified into an eNB 207 and a Home-eNB 206. The communication system 200 includes an eNB group 203-1 including a plurality of eNBs 207 and a Home-eNB group 203-2 including a plurality of Home-eNBs 206. A system composed of EPC (Evolved Packet Core) that is a core network and E-UTRAN 201 that is a radio access network is referred to as EPS (Evolved Packet System). The EPC that is the core network and the E-UTRAN 201 that is the radio access network may be collectively referred to as a “network”.

  The eNB 207 includes a mobility management entity (MME), an S-GW (Serving Gateway), or an MME / S-GW unit including the MME and S-GW (hereinafter also referred to as “MME unit”) 204. The control information is communicated between the eNB 207 and the MME unit 204 through the S1 interface. A plurality of MME units 204 may be connected to one eNB 207. The eNBs 207 are connected by the X2 interface, and control information is communicated between the eNBs 207.

  The Home-eNB 206 is connected to the MME unit 204 via the S1 interface, and control information is communicated between the Home-eNB 206 and the MME unit 204. A plurality of Home-eNBs 206 are connected to one MME unit 204. Alternatively, the Home-eNB 206 is connected to the MME unit 204 via a HeNBGW (Home-eNB GateWay) 205. Home-eNB 206 and HeNBGW 205 are connected via an S1 interface, and HeNBGW 205 and MME unit 204 are connected via an S1 interface.

  One or a plurality of Home-eNBs 206 are connected to one HeNBGW 205, and information is communicated through the S1 interface. The HeNBGW 205 is connected to one or a plurality of MME units 204, and information is communicated through the S1 interface.

  The MME unit 204 and the HeNBGW 205 are higher-level devices, specifically higher-level nodes, and control the connection between the eNB 207 and the Home-eNB 206, which are base stations, and the mobile terminal (UE) 202. The MME unit 204 constitutes an EPC that is a core network. The base station 203 and the HeNBGW 205 constitute an E-UTRAN 201.

  Further, 3GPP is considering the following configuration. The X2 interface between Home-eNB 206 is supported. That is, the Home-eNB 206 is connected by the X2 interface, and control information is communicated between the Home-eNB 206. From the MME unit 204, the HeNBGW 205 appears as a Home-eNB 206. From the Home-eNB 206, the HeNBGW 205 appears as the MME unit 204.

  In any case where the Home-eNB 206 is connected to the MME unit 204 via the HeNBGW 205 or directly connected to the MME unit 204, the interface between the Home-eNB 206 and the MME unit 204 is an S1 interface. The same.

  The base station 203 may constitute one cell or a plurality of cells. Each cell has a predetermined range as a coverage that is a range in which communication with the mobile terminal 202 is possible, and performs wireless communication with the mobile terminal 202 within the coverage. When one base station 203 forms a plurality of cells, each cell is configured to be able to communicate with the mobile terminal 202.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal 202 shown in FIG. 2 which is a communication terminal according to the present invention. The transmission process of the mobile terminal 202 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. First, control data from the protocol processing unit 301 and user data from the application unit 302 are stored in the transmission data buffer unit 303. The data stored in the transmission data buffer unit 303 is transferred to the encoder unit 304 and subjected to encoding processing such as error correction. There may exist data that is directly output from the transmission data buffer unit 303 to the modulation unit 305 without performing the encoding process. The data encoded by the encoder unit 304 is modulated by the modulation unit 305. The modulated data is converted into a baseband signal, and then output to the frequency conversion unit 306, where it is converted into a radio transmission frequency. Thereafter, a transmission signal is transmitted from the antenna 307 to the base station 203.

  Moreover, the reception process of the mobile terminal 202 is performed as follows. A radio signal from the base station 203 is received by the antenna 307. The received signal is converted from a radio reception frequency to a baseband signal by the frequency converter 306, and demodulated by the demodulator 308. The demodulated data is transferred to the decoder unit 309 and subjected to decoding processing such as error correction. Of the decoded data, control data is passed to the protocol processing unit 301, and user data is passed to the application unit 302. A series of processing of the mobile terminal 202 is controlled by the control unit 310. Therefore, the control unit 310 is connected to the respective units 301 to 309, which are omitted in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the base station 203 shown in FIG. 2, which is a base station according to the present invention. The transmission process of the base station 203 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. The EPC communication unit 401 transmits and receives data between the base station 203 and the EPC (such as the MME unit 204) and the HeNBGW 205. The other base station communication unit 402 transmits / receives data to / from other base stations. The EPC communication unit 401 and the other base station communication unit 402 exchange information with the protocol processing unit 403, respectively. Control data from the protocol processing unit 403 and user data and control data from the EPC communication unit 401 and the other base station communication unit 402 are stored in the transmission data buffer unit 404.

  Data stored in the transmission data buffer unit 404 is transferred to the encoder unit 405 and subjected to encoding processing such as error correction. There may exist data directly output from the transmission data buffer unit 404 to the modulation unit 406 without performing the encoding process. The encoded data is subjected to modulation processing by the modulation unit 406. The modulated data is converted into a baseband signal and then output to the frequency conversion unit 407 where it is converted into a radio transmission frequency. Thereafter, a transmission signal is transmitted from the antenna 408 to one or a plurality of mobile terminals 202.

  Further, the reception process of the base station 203 is executed as follows. Radio signals from one or more mobile terminals 202 are received by the antenna 408. The received signal is converted from a radio reception frequency to a baseband signal by the frequency conversion unit 407, and demodulated by the demodulation unit 409. The demodulated data is transferred to the decoder unit 410 and subjected to decoding processing such as error correction. Of the decoded data, control data is passed to the protocol processing unit 403 or EPC communication unit 401 and other base station communication unit 402, and user data is passed to the EPC communication unit 401 and other base station communication unit 402. A series of processing of the base station 203 is controlled by the control unit 411. Therefore, the control unit 411 is connected to the respective units 401 to 410, which are omitted in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MME according to the present invention. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the MME 204a included in the MME unit 204 shown in FIG. The PDN GW communication unit 501 performs data transmission / reception between the MME 204a and the PDN GW. The base station communication unit 502 performs data transmission / reception between the MME 204a and the base station 203 using the S1 interface. If the data received from the PDN GW is user data, the user data is passed from the PDN GW communication unit 501 to the base station communication unit 502 via the user plane communication unit 503 and to one or more base stations 203. Sent. When the data received from the base station 203 is user data, the user data is transferred from the base station communication unit 502 to the PDN GW communication unit 501 via the user plane communication unit 503 and transmitted to the PDN GW.

  When the data received from the PDN GW is control data, the control data is transferred from the PDN GW communication unit 501 to the control plane control unit 505. When the data received from the base station 203 is control data, the control data is transferred from the base station communication unit 502 to the control plane control unit 505.

  The HeNBGW communication unit 504 is provided when the HeNBGW 205 exists, and performs data transmission / reception through an interface (IF) between the MME 204a and the HeNBGW 205 depending on the information type. The control data received from the HeNBGW communication unit 504 is passed from the HeNBGW communication unit 504 to the control plane control unit 505. The result of the processing in the control plane control unit 505 is transmitted to the PDN GW via the PDN GW communication unit 501. In addition, the result processed by the control plane control unit 505 is transmitted to one or more base stations 203 via the S1 interface via the base station communication unit 502, and to one or more HeNBGWs 205 via the HeNBGW communication unit 504. Sent.

  The control plane control unit 505 includes a NAS security unit 505-1, an SAE bearer control unit 505-2, an idle state mobility management unit 505-3, and the like, and performs overall processing for the control plane. The NAS security unit 505-1 performs security of a NAS (Non-Access Stratum) message. The SAE bearer control unit 505-2 performs management of SAE (System Architecture Evolution) bearers and the like. The idle state mobility management unit 505-3 performs mobility management in a standby state (Idle State; also referred to as LTE-IDLE state or simply idle), generation and control of a paging signal in the standby state, The tracking area of one or a plurality of mobile terminals 202 is added, deleted, updated, searched, and tracking area list is managed.

  The MME 204a distributes the paging signal to one or a plurality of base stations 203. In addition, the MME 204a performs mobility control (Mobility control) in a standby state (Idle State). The MME 204a manages a tracking area list when the mobile terminal is in a standby state and in an active state (Active State). The MME 204a starts a paging protocol by transmitting a paging message to a cell belonging to a tracking area (tracking area) in which the UE is registered. Management of CSG, management of CSG-ID, and management of white list of Home-eNB 206 connected to MME 204a may be performed by idle state mobility management unit 505-3.

  Next, an example of a cell search method in the communication system is shown. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an outline from a cell search to a standby operation performed by a communication terminal (UE) in an LTE communication system. When the communication terminal starts the cell search, in step ST601, the first synchronization signal (P-SS) and the second synchronization signal (S-SS) transmitted from the neighboring base stations are used to generate the slot timing, the frame, Synchronize timing.

  The P-SS and S-SS are collectively referred to as a synchronization signal (SS). In the synchronization signal (SS), a synchronization code corresponding to one-to-one is assigned to the PCI assigned to each cell. As for the number of PCIs, 504 patterns are under consideration. Synchronization is performed using the 504 PCIs, and the PCI of the synchronized cell is detected (specified).

  Next, in step ST602, a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) that is a reference signal (reference signal: RS) transmitted from the base station to each cell is detected for the synchronized cell. Measure the RS Received Power (Reference Signal Received Power: RSRP). For the reference signal (RS), a code corresponding to PCI one to one is used. By correlating with that code, it can be separated from other cells. By deriving the RS code of the cell from the PCI specified in step ST601, it is possible to detect the RS and measure the received power of the RS.

  Next, in step ST603, the cell with the best RS reception quality, for example, the cell with the highest RS reception power, that is, the best cell is selected from one or more cells detected up to step ST602.

  Next, in step ST604, PBCH of the best cell is received, and BCCH that is broadcast information is obtained. A MIB (Master Information Block) including cell configuration information is mapped to the BCCH on the PBCH. Therefore, MIB is obtained by receiving PBCH and obtaining BCCH. The MIB information includes, for example, DL (downlink) system bandwidth (also called transmission bandwidth configuration (dl-bandwidth)), the number of transmission antennas, SFN (System Frame Number), and the like.

  Next, in step ST605, DL-SCH of the cell is received based on the MIB cell configuration information, and SIB (System Information Block) 1 in broadcast information BCCH is obtained. SIB1 includes information related to access to the cell, information related to cell selection, and scheduling information of other SIBs (SIBk; an integer of k ≧ 2). The SIB1 includes a tracking area code (TAC).

  Next, in step ST606, the communication terminal compares the TAC of SIB1 received in step ST605 with the TAC part of the tracking area identifier (Tracking Area Identity: TAI) in the tracking area list already held by the communication terminal. . The tracking area list is also referred to as a TAI list. The TAI is identification information for identifying a tracking area, and includes a mobile country code (MCC), a mobile network code (MNC), and a tracking area code (TAC). MCC is a country code. MNC is a network code. TAC is the code number of the tracking area.

  As a result of the comparison in step ST606, if the TAC received in step ST605 is the same as the TAC included in the tracking area list, the communication terminal enters a standby operation in the cell. In comparison, if the TAC received in step ST605 is not included in the tracking area list, the communication terminal transmits a TAU (Tracking Area Update) to the core network (Core Network, EPC) including the MME and the like through the cell. Request tracking area change to do

  A device constituting the core network (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “core network side device”) performs tracking based on the identification number (UE-ID or the like) of the communication terminal sent from the communication terminal together with the TAU request signal. Update the area list. The core network side device transmits the updated tracking area list to the communication terminal. The communication terminal rewrites (updates) the TAC list held by the communication terminal based on the received tracking area list. Thereafter, the communication terminal enters a standby operation in the cell.

  With the spread of smartphones and tablet terminals, traffic due to cellular wireless communication has increased explosively, and there is a concern about the shortage of wireless resources all over the world. Correspondingly, in order to increase the frequency utilization efficiency, it has been studied to reduce the cell size and advance the spatial separation.

  In the conventional cell configuration, a cell configured by an eNB has a relatively wide range of coverage. Conventionally, a cell is configured to cover a certain area with a relatively wide range of coverage of a plurality of cells configured by a plurality of eNBs.

  When the cell size is reduced, the cell configured by the eNB has a coverage that is narrower than the coverage of the cell configured by the conventional eNB. Therefore, in the same way as in the past, in order to cover a certain area, a larger number of eNBs having a smaller cell size are required as compared with the conventional eNB.

  In the following description, a cell having a relatively large coverage, such as a cell configured by a conventional eNB, is referred to as a “macro cell”, and an eNB configuring the macro cell is referred to as a “macro eNB”. In addition, a cell having a relatively small coverage, such as a small cell, is referred to as a “small cell”, and an eNB configuring the small cell is referred to as a “small eNB”.

  The macro eNB may be, for example, a “Wide Area Base Station” described in Non-Patent Document 8.

  The small eNB may be, for example, a low power node, a local area node, a hot spot, or the like. The small eNB is a pico eNB constituting a pico cell, a femto eNB constituting a femto cell, a HeNB, an RRH (Remote Radio Head), an RRU (Remote Radio Unit), an RRE (Remote Radio Equipment), or an RN (Relay Node). There may be. Further, the small eNB may be a “Local Area Base Station” or “Home Base Station” described in Non-Patent Document 8.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a concept of a cell configuration when a macro eNB and a small eNB coexist. A macro cell configured by a macro eNB has a relatively wide range of coverage 701. A small cell configured by a small eNB has a coverage 702 having a smaller range than a coverage 701 of a macro eNB (macro cell).

  When a plurality of eNBs coexist, the coverage of a cell configured by a certain eNB may be included in the coverage of a cell configured by another eNB. In the cell configuration shown in FIG. 7, as indicated by reference numerals “704” or “705”, the small cell coverage 702 configured by the small eNB is included in the macro cell coverage 701 configured by the macro eNB. May be.

  In addition, as indicated by reference numeral “705”, a plurality of, for example, two small cell coverages 702 may be included in one macro cell coverage 701. A mobile terminal (UE) 703 is included in, for example, a small cell coverage 702 and performs communication via the small cell.

  Further, in the cell configuration illustrated in FIG. 7, as indicated by the reference numeral “706”, the macro cell coverage 701 configured by the macro eNB and the small cell coverage 702 configured by the small eNB overlap in a complicated manner. Cases arise.

  Also, as indicated by reference numeral “707”, there may be a case where the coverage 701 of the macro cell configured by the macro eNB does not overlap with the coverage 702 of the small cell configured by the small eNB.

  Furthermore, as indicated by reference numeral “708”, a plurality of small cell coverages 702 configured by a plurality of small eNBs are configured in one macro cell coverage 701 configured by one macro eNB. Sometimes it happens.

  As described above, in the 5G wireless access system (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “5G”), large-capacity communication is required. Further, the frequency band that can be used in 5G is expected to be a high frequency band. In order to realize these, the use of multi-element antennas is being studied.

  Since multi-element antennas are flat and large compared to pole antennas, their installation is a problem. In addition, since the communication capacity varies depending on the installation location, a method of installing multiple multi-element antennas of the basic size according to the installation location has been studied, but the installation interval of the multi-element antennas is an issue. Yes.

  With reference to FIG. 8, the arrangement of a plurality of multi-element antennas will be described. In this configuration, antennas 91 to 93 are connected to the eNB 90. The antenna interval between the antennas 91 and 92 is narrow, and the antennas 91 and 92 have high antenna correlation. On the other hand, the antenna interval between the antennas 92 and 93 is wide, and the antennas 91 and 93 have low antenna correlation.

  In order for a multi-element antenna to transmit a beam appropriately according to the application, it is necessary to grasp this correlation. For example, the narrower the antenna interval, the smaller the place for installation, and the less the restrictions on the installation place. However, when transmitting different information (streams) from different antennas to the same terminal, there is a problem that throughput decreases when transmitting from antennas with high antenna correlation.

  Further, since the antenna installation angle varies depending on the installation environment, if the antenna installation direction is wrong, the beam may not be controlled in the intended direction. When many multi-element antennas are installed, even if some multi-element antennas are installed in the wrong direction, a decrease in throughput cannot be easily detected, which may cause a substantial decrease in throughput.

  In the first embodiment, when a plurality of multi-element antennas are installed adjacent to each other, the plurality of multi-element antennas are (i) adjacent to each other and (ii) the direction in which they are connected, To be able to grasp. Thereby, it is possible to grasp the antenna correlation and appropriately control the beam.

  The structure of a multi-element antenna and the arrangement and connection of a plurality of multi-element antennas will be described with reference to the examples of FIGS.

  The substrate 101 on which the multi-element antenna 103 is mounted includes connectors 1010 to 1013 on the side surfaces in the vertical and horizontal directions. In this example, the board 101 can be connected to the board 102 having the same configuration as the board 101 with connectors 1010 to 1013 so that the number of antennas corresponding to the number of users to be serviced can be flexibly installed. The board 102 also has connectors 1020 to 1023 similar to the connectors 1010 to 1013. The substrates 101 and 102 can be connected to each other in any direction, up, down, left, and right.

  The connector 1010 has a 6-pin configuration including male pins 10100 to 10102 and female pins 10103 to 10105. The connector 1010 includes male pins 10100 that notify the adjacent state of the antenna, male pins 10101 and 10102 that indicate the connection direction of the antenna, female pins 10103 and 10104 that obtain the connection direction of the antenna from the connection destination antenna, and the connection destination antenna. And a pin 10105 for acquiring the adjacent state of the antenna. Pin 10100 is connected to GND. Each of the pins 10101 and 10102 is set to a GND or Not Connected state, and the combination of the states of the pins 10101 and 10102 is set to be different between the upper, lower, left and right connectors. The pins 10103 to 10105 are pulled up by a power supply in the substrate and connected to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1014.

  The connectors 1011 to 1013 have the same configuration as the connector 1010. The reference numerals for the six pins provided in the connector 1011 are 0 to 5 added to the end of the reference numeral “1011” of the connector 1011. That is, the pins 10110 to 10115 of the connector 1011 correspond to the pins 10100 to 10105 of the connector 1010, respectively. Such a notation method of reference numerals is also used for the connectors 1012, 1013, 1020 to 1023 and the like.

  The connectors 1011 to 1013 and the connectors 1021 to 1023 have a structure that can be inserted and removed from each other. For example, when the board 101 and the board 102 are installed adjacent to each other, any of the connectors 1010 to 1013 on the board 101 can be connected to any of the connectors 1020 to 1023 on the board 102 in any combination. .

  Here, a case where the connector 1013 of the board 101 and the connector 1021 of the board 102 are connected as illustrated in FIG. 10 will be described. Pin 10135 of connector 1013 is connected to pin 10210 (GND) of connector 1021 of substrate 102. The CPU 1014 recognizes that the substrate (here, the substrate 102) is connected to the connector 1013 by detecting that the potential of the pin 10135 is Low. Further, the pins 10133 and 10134 of the substrate 1013 are connected to the pins 10212 and 10211 of the substrate 1021. The CPU 1014 recognizes that the right direction of the board 102 is connected to the connector 1013 from the combination of the potentials of the pins 10133 and 10134. Similarly, the CPU 1024 of the substrate 102 also recognizes that the substrate (here, the substrate 101) is connected and the connection direction of the substrate 101.

  The eNB 104 serving as an antenna control terminal acquires connection information between the board 101 and the board 102 from one or both of the CPUs 1014 and 1024 through the control line, thereby grasping the antenna configuration.

  In the above description, the shape of the antenna board and the connector, the number of connectors, the number of terminals, and the arrangement of the connectors are examples, and it is effective to change them according to the size, weight, etc. of the antenna board.

  In the above description, the example in which the connector of the substrate 101 and the connector of the substrate 102 are directly connected has been described. On the other hand, the connector of the substrate 101 and the connector of the substrate 102 can be indirectly connected via a cable.

  As described above, the eNB 104 can grasp the relative antenna arrangement. For this reason, when a single beam is radiated in the horizontal direction x ° and the vertical direction y ° using a plurality of antennas, the beam is radiated at −x ° or −y ° due to an error in the vertical and horizontal directions of the antenna. Can be prevented. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a decrease in throughput by eliminating an error in the installation position.

  According to Embodiment 1, for example, the following configuration is provided.

  An antenna device including a planar antenna and a substrate on which the antenna is mounted is provided. More specifically, the substrate has a plurality of connectors used for connection with other antenna devices. The board is configured to output a signal indicating the arrangement direction of the connector as viewed from the position of the antenna from each connector.

  Here, for example, the planar antenna corresponds to the multi-element antenna 103, the substrate corresponds to the substrates 101 and 102, and the connector corresponds to the connectors 1010 to 1013 and 1020 to 1023. For example, in the case of the substrate 101, a signal indicating the arrangement direction of the connector when viewed from the antenna position is a 2-bit signal based on a combination of the states of the pins 10101 and 10102, and a 2-bit signal based on a combination of the states of the pins 10111 and 10112. A signal, a 2-bit signal based on a combination of the states of the pins 10121 and 10122, and a 2-bit signal based on a combination of the states of the pins 10131 and 10132 correspond to each other.

  According to this configuration, the above problems can be solved and the above effects can be obtained.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
A method for grasping the positional relationship between a plurality of multi-element antennas will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the example of FIGS. 11 to 13, the eNB 110 is connected to the multi-element antennas 111 to 113. The antenna 111 and the antenna 112 are arranged close to each other for the same application. Since the antenna 113 is used as an independent antenna, the antenna 113 is installed at a distance from the antennas 111 and 112. Since the antennas 111 to 113 have the same configuration, the eNB 110 cannot recognize at what interval the antennas 111 to 113 are installed.

  Therefore, the eNB 110 is connected to the antennas 111 to 113 with cables 114 to 116, respectively. Each of the cables 114 to 116 is a two-wire cable. The eNB 110 transmits a pulse signal to the antennas 111 to 113 via the cables 114 to 116 at the time of activation. This pulse signal may be an optical signal or an electrical signal. The antennas 111 to 113 have a structure in which a pulse signal is folded inside. For this reason, the folded pulse is received by the eNB 110 via the cables 114 to 116.

  eNB110 has the counter which measures the transmission / reception time of the said pulse about each of the antennas 111-113 inside. The counter operates from when a pulse is transmitted until it is received. Hereinafter, an example of the counter value will be described. Here, the cables 114 to 116 are made of polyethylene (relative dielectric constant 2.26). The signal transmission speed Vp is given by the following equation (1).

  When the operating frequency of the counter is 100 MHz (period 10 ns), the detection distance per count is given by the following equation (2).

  For example, if the lengths of the cables 114 and 115 are both 3 m and the length of the cable 116 is 6 m, the counter for each cable provides a value obtained by the following equation (3).

  The eNB 110 can recognize that the antenna 111 and the antenna 112 are installed close to each other because the transmission / reception counters for the cables 114 and 115 provide the same value. In addition, since the counter value for the cable 116 is larger than the counter value for the cables 114 and 115, the eNB 110 can recognize that the antenna 113 is independently installed farther than the antennas 111 and 112.

  The operating frequency of the counter may be changed according to the clock used in the antenna or according to the accuracy required for distance measurement.

  The eNB 110 can appropriately control the antennas 111 to 113 after obtaining the counter value. Here, in the case of transmitting a beam to each of UEs 117 and 118 (see FIG. 12 and FIG. 13) existing at different distances, a beam is transmitted to a nearby UE 117 with one antenna, and to a remote UE 118. Will explain an example of transmitting a beam using two antennas in order to gain.

  When the antenna arrangement is unknown, the antenna 112 and the antenna 113 may be selected for the far UE 118 as shown in FIG. Since the distance between the antennas 112 and 113 is wide, the gain at the time of combining is low, and the throughput of the UE 118 is reduced.

  On the other hand, if the arrangement of the antennas is known, as shown in FIG. 13, in-phase beams can be transmitted from the adjacent antennas 111 and 112 to the far UE 118 on the carrier wave. According to this, the throughput between the antenna and the UE 118 is improved.

  As described above, the antenna can be controlled according to the UE, and the gain and throughput can be improved.

  In the above, the example in which the signal is turned back inside the antennas 111 to 113 at the time of startup has been described. However, the signal folding may be performed at a timing other than the startup. For example, when there is no signal to be transmitted from the antenna, a maintenance signal may be transmitted from the eNB and returned by the antennas 111 to 113.

  Further, a signal other than the folding signal may be used. For example, the transmission signal from the UE is received by each of the antennas 111 to 113, and the distance between the antennas is recognized by detecting how much the reception time (in other words, the reception timing) is relatively shifted. Also good. It is also effective for the UE to use a test transmission function such as MDT (Minimization Drive Tests) or electric vehicle described in 3GPP.

  Further, a GPS (Global Positioning System) may be mounted on each of the antennas 111 to 113, and the distance between the antennas may be recognized by measuring a time difference between signals transmitted at a specified timing in GPS time. For example, a method of transmitting a 1 PPS (Pulse Per Second) signal synchronized with the GPS time of each antenna and measuring the phase difference of 1 PPS at the eNB is also effective.

  According to the second embodiment, for example, the following configuration is provided.

  There is provided a communication device that includes a plurality of planar antennas, and a control device that controls beam radiation from the plurality of antennas. More specifically, each antenna transmits a position survey signal to the control device. The control device measures the amount of measurement object for position investigation with respect to the signal for position investigation received from each antenna. The control device estimates a relative distance from the control device for a plurality of antennas based on a difference in measurement values generated in the measurement target amount according to the distance from the control device.

  Here, for example, the communication device corresponds to the eNB 110, the planar antenna corresponds to the multi-element antennas 111 to 113, and the control device corresponds to the control device mounted on the eNB 110. Further, for example, the position survey signal corresponds to a pulse signal or a maintenance signal transmitted from the eNB 110 and returned by the multi-element antennas 111 to 113 (in other words, transmitted from the multi-element antennas 111 to 113). The measurement target amount for position survey corresponds to the time from when the eNB 110 transmits a pulse signal or a maintenance signal until it is received, and the difference in measurement value corresponds to the time difference. Alternatively, for example, the position survey signal corresponds to the transmission signal from the UE, the measurement target amount for position survey corresponds to the timing at which the eNB 110 receives the transmission signal from the UE, and the difference in measurement value corresponds to the time difference. To do. Alternatively, for example, the position survey signal corresponds to the 1PPS signal, the position survey measurement target amount corresponds to the phase of the 1PPS signal, and the measurement value difference corresponds to the phase difference.

  According to this configuration, the above problems can be solved and the above effects can be obtained.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
A method for grasping the installation direction of the multi-element antenna will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the multi-element antenna includes a substrate 120 and an antenna (in other words, an antenna element group) 121, and beam radiation from the multi-element antenna is controlled by a control terminal (for example, eNB) 122. When the shape of the antenna is a rectangle, a square, a regular hexagon, a circle, or the like, there is a possibility that the antenna is set on its side or upside down due to a human error. In the conventional installation method, the control terminal 122 cannot grasp the antenna installation direction.

  FIG. 15 shows a structure in which the installation direction of the multi-element antenna can be determined. The antenna 121 has screw holes 1211 to 1214 for connection to the substrate 120 at four corners. In the example of FIG. 15, only the screw hole 1211 is set to the Not Connected state, and the remaining screw holes 1212 to 1214 are connected to the ground (GND) in the antenna 121.

  The substrate 120 has screw holes 1201 to 1204 for connection to the antenna 121. These screw holes 1201 to 1204 are pulled up to the power supply Vcc in the substrate 120 and are connected to GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) 12001 to 12004 of the CPU 1200, respectively.

  The board 120 and the antenna 121 can be screwed in any direction, up, down, left, or right. That is, in the example of FIG. 15, the screw holes 1201 to 1204 of the substrate 120 and the screw holes of the antenna 121 are overlapped so that the screw holes of the substrate 120 and the screw holes of the antenna 121 overlap when the antenna 121 is rotated by 90 °. 1211-1214 are provided.

  When the substrate 120 and the antenna 121 are connected in the direction illustrated in FIG. 15, the potential of the GPIO 12001 of the CPU 1200 is High (here, the potential Vcc), and the potentials of the GPIO 12002 to 12004 are all Low (here, the GND potential). . The CPU 1200 recognizes the installation direction of the antenna 121 (which can also be understood as an installation angle or a rotation angle) by determining which of the GPIOs 1201 to 12004 is High.

  FIG. 15 shows an example in which the antenna installation direction can be changed in units of 90 °. However, the antenna installation direction can be adjusted by adjusting the position and number of screw holes. For example, FIG. 16 shows a configuration in which the installation direction of the antenna 121 can be adjusted in units of 45 °.

  The CPU 1200 can perform beam control according to the installation direction of the antenna 121. For example, even when a part of a plurality of antennas is installed in a state rotated by 180 °, the vertical and horizontal directions of the antennas can be grasped for each antenna board, so that one beam is correctly used with the plurality of antennas. It is possible to radiate in the direction (for example, when the radiation direction is set to the horizontal direction x ° and the vertical direction y °).

  Note that the structure provided in the antenna 121 may be provided in the antenna installation member 123. In the example of FIG. 17, the antenna installation member 123 includes a pedestal part 1231, a column part 1232 that stands on the pedestal part 1231, and a substrate installation part 1233 that is provided on the side surface of the column part 1232 and on which the substrate 120 is installed. The board mounting portion 1233 has the above-described structure of the antenna 121. In such a structure, for example, the antenna 121 can be installed in an appropriate orientation with respect to the substrate 120, but there is a possibility that the substrate 120 may be installed on the substrate installation member in an incorrect orientation (as a result, This is effective when the antenna 121 is installed in the wrong direction. The structure of the antenna installation member is not limited to the example of FIG.

  According to the third embodiment, for example, the following configuration is provided.

  An antenna device including a planar antenna and a substrate on which the antenna is mounted is provided. More specifically, the substrate has a plurality of substrate-side connection points, and the antenna has a plurality of antenna-side connection points that are electrically connected to the plurality of substrate-side connection points. The plurality of antenna-side connection points include a first antenna-side connection point configured to control the potential of the connection-destination substrate-side connection point to the first potential, and a potential of the connection-destination substrate-side connection point as the first potential. And a second antenna side connection point configured to control to a second potential different from the potential.

  Here, for example, the planar antenna corresponds to the multi-element antenna 121, the substrate corresponds to the substrate 120, the substrate side connection points correspond to the screw holes 1201 to 1204, and the antenna side connection points correspond to the screw holes 1211 to 1214. Corresponding to Further, for example, the first potential corresponds to the GND potential, the first antenna side connection point corresponds to the screw holes 1212 to 1214, the second potential corresponds to the Vcc potential, and the second antenna side connection point corresponds to the screw potential. Corresponds to hole 1211.

  According to this configuration, the above problems can be solved and the above effects can be obtained.

  Alternatively, an antenna device including a planar antenna, a substrate on which the antenna is mounted, and an installation member that supports the antenna by being connected to the substrate is provided. More specifically, the substrate has a plurality of board-side connection points, and the installation member has a plurality of installation-member side connection points that are electrically connected to the plurality of board-side connection points. The plurality of installation member side connection points include a first installation member side connection point configured to control the potential of the connection destination substrate side connection point to the first potential, and a potential of the connection destination substrate side connection point. A second installation member side connection point configured to control to a second potential different from the first potential.

  Here, for example, the planar antenna corresponds to the multi-element antenna 121, the substrate corresponds to the substrate 120, and the installation member corresponds to the antenna installation member 123. The board side connection points correspond to the screw holes 1201 to 1204, and the installation member side connection points correspond to the screw holes of the board installation part 1233. Further, for example, the first potential corresponds to the GND potential, the first installation member side connection point corresponds to the screw hole connected to the GND potential of the substrate installation portion 1233, the second potential corresponds to the Vcc potential, The 2nd installation member side connection point respond | corresponds to the screw hole of the state of Not Connected.

  According to this configuration, the above problems can be solved and the above effects can be obtained.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In Embodiment 4, the relative position of an antenna is grasped by measuring mutual signals between a plurality of antennas, and appropriate beam control is performed. With reference to FIG. 18, a method for grasping the antenna interval between a plurality of antennas will be described.

  According to the example of FIG. 18, two antennas 161 and 162 are set on the wall surface. The antenna 161 transmits a known signal when it is activated or when the service is stopped.

  Alternatively, if a downlink reference signal (Reference Signal: RS) is used as a known signal, the known signal can be transmitted even during operation. The RS is a symbol known as an LTE communication system. As RS, a cell-specific reference signal (Cell-specific Reference Signal: CRS), an MBSFN reference signal (MBSFN reference signal), and a UE-specific reference signal (UE-specific reference signal) data demodulation reference signal (Demodulation Reference Signal) : DM-RS), position determination reference signal (Positioning Reference Signal: PRS), and channel information reference signal (Channel-State Information Reference Signal: CSI-RS) may be used.

  The antenna 162 estimates the distance to the antenna 161 from the received signal strength of the reference signal and the propagation delay between the antennas. The reference signal may be transmitted by one of the antenna 161 and the antenna 162, or may be transmitted by both the antennas 161 and 162.

  The eNB 160 acquires distance information from the antenna 161 or the antenna 162. The enB 160 can perform communication by determining that close antennas are in the same group. For example, the eNB 160 performs transmission diversity in which signals of the same stream are transmitted by a plurality of antennas in the same group, or performs precoding by controlling a plurality of antenna weights. Also, using the received electric field strength makes it possible to detect that the antenna directivity is in the opposite direction even when the propagation delay between the antennas is short and the antennas are close to each other. It is possible to set.

  As described above, a group of antennas can be set by detecting antennas that are arranged nearby or facing the same direction. As a result, the antenna weight can be controlled except for antennas outside the group, and communication with reduced processing amount can be performed.

  According to the fourth embodiment, for example, the following configuration is provided.

  There is provided a communication device that includes a plurality of planar antennas, and a control device that controls beam radiation from the plurality of antennas. More specifically, the control device transmits a position investigation signal from one of the plurality of antennas. The control device receives a signal for position investigation by the remaining antennas of the plurality of antennas, and measures a measurement target amount for position investigation with respect to the received signal. The control device estimates a relative distance from the control device for a plurality of antennas from a difference in measurement values generated in the measurement target amount according to the distance from the control device.

  Here, for example, the planar antenna corresponds to the multi-element antennas 161 and 162, and the control device corresponds to the eNB 160. In addition, for example, the position investigation signal includes a known signal, a downlink reference signal, a cell-specific reference signal (CRS), an MBSFN reference signal, a UE-specific reference signal, a data demodulation reference signal (DM-RS), and a position determination reference. It corresponds to a signal (PRS) or a channel information reference signal (CSI-RS). Further, for example, the measurement target amount for position investigation corresponds to the received electric field strength, and the difference between the measured values corresponds to the difference in the received electric field strength. Alternatively, for example, the measurement target amount for position investigation corresponds to the reception time, and the difference in measurement value corresponds to the difference in reception time, in other words, the propagation delay.

  According to this configuration, the above problems can be solved and the above effects can be obtained.

Embodiment 5. FIG.
As described above, when two or more multi-element antennas are installed and used as different applications, the gain is reduced due to the influence of side lobes generated from each beam. For example, as shown in the side view of FIG. 19 and the top view of FIG. 20, a case where two antennas are installed will be described. Each of the two antennas radiates a beam toward a different position on the road (see the crosses in the figure). In the beam radiated from each antenna, side lobes are generated around the radiation destination point (the position of the mark x in the figure), and the side lobes of each antenna interfere with each other.

  Therefore, it is a problem to prevent the beams from interfering between the antennas, and it has been studied to change the side lobe direction by adjusting the antenna installation direction, the beam directivity, and the like. For example, when the antenna installation angle is rotated by 45 ° in FIG. 20, the side lobe direction changes as shown in FIG. 21, and interference between antennas is reduced.

  In the fifth embodiment, a structure in which an antenna is rotated around a direction perpendicular to the beam radiation surface will be described. FIG. 22 shows a rotating structure of the antenna according to the fifth embodiment. In the example of FIG. 22, a rotation hole 1900 is provided at the center of the substrate 190 on which the antenna 191 is mounted. The substrate 190 is accommodated in the housing 192, and the housing 192 also accommodates a rotation shaft inserted into the rotation hole 1900 of the substrate 190 and a rotation mechanism for rotating the rotation shaft. The housing 190 has an opening 1920 serving as a beam radiation window. According to such a structure, the antenna 191 can be easily rotated around a direction perpendicular to the radiation surface.

  The eNB 193 controls the installation direction of the substrate 190 (in other words, the installation angle or the rotation angle) according to the beam transmission direction, and reduces interference due to the side lobes. It is known that in the structure in which the antenna elements are arranged in a lattice shape, the side lobes in the vertical and horizontal directions are large and the side lobes in the oblique 45 ° direction are small. If this is utilized, the side lobe can be adjusted by rotating the antenna 191 to control the antenna installation angle.

  As described above, by enabling the antenna to rotate around the direction perpendicular to the radiation surface, the direction of the antenna becomes variable, and thereby the beam gain can be improved. The direction of the side lobe can be adjusted according to the installation location, and the total throughput of the eNB is improved.

  In the above description, the rotation hole is provided at the center of the antenna substrate. However, the antenna substrate itself may be provided with a rotation hole instead of the hole. Alternatively, a rotation shaft may be provided in a housing that supports the antenna substrate, and a rotation hole may be provided in a column that supports the antenna housing.

  In order to prevent the propagation environment from changing due to the rotation, it is desirable that the antenna substrate and the rotation hole of the housing be in the center. However, from the viewpoint of reducing side lobes, the rotation hole does not need to be provided in the center. For this reason, for example, in consideration of manufacturability of the beam radiating portion, a hole may be provided at a location avoiding the beam radiating portion.

  According to the fifth embodiment, for example, the following configuration is provided.

  A communication device is provided that includes a planar antenna and a control device that controls beam radiation from the antenna. More specifically, the antenna has a beam radiation surface in which a plurality of antenna elements are arranged in a planar shape. The communication apparatus includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the antenna around a direction perpendicular to the beam radiation surface. The control device controls the installation angle of the beam radiation surface by controlling the rotation mechanism.

  Here, for example, the planar antenna corresponds to the multi-element antenna 191, and the control device corresponds to the eNB 193.

  According to this configuration, the above problems can be solved and the above effects can be obtained.

Embodiment 6
In the sixth embodiment, the rotation of the antenna is realized by electrical control instead of mechanical control as described in the fifth embodiment. Specifically, an element to be used is selected from among a plurality of antenna elements by electrical control, and control equivalent to mechanical rotation of the antenna is provided by controlling selection of the antenna element. This also makes it possible to control the direction of the side lobes.

  In the following, an example corresponding to rotating an 8 × 8 multi-element antenna with two antennas arranged in the orientation shown in FIG. 20 will be described. For this purpose, an antenna of 11 × 11 elements as shown in FIG. 23 is used.

  When two antennas transmit beams to the same terminal, as shown in FIG. 23, only 8 × 8 elements out of 11 × 11 elements are selectively used (in other words, 8 out of 11 × 11 elements). Only the x8 element is activated in terms of electrical circuit), and the remaining elements are not used. However, the remaining elements may be used as necessary.

  On the other hand, when the two antennas transmit beams to different terminals, antenna elements are selected as shown in FIG. 24 so that side lobes do not interfere between the antennas. That is, in the example of FIG. 24, an antenna element that exists in a range obtained by rotating the range of the antenna element to be used shown in FIG. 23 by 45 ° is selected. The arrangement of the antenna elements selected in the example of FIG. 24 corresponds to the arrangement of the antenna elements in the antenna installed as shown in FIG. Control that is equivalent to changing the installation angle of the antenna can be realized by the eNB 201 selecting the antenna element to be used in an electric circuit according to the position of the terminal. Thereby, the direction of the side lobe can be adjusted, and the throughput can be improved.

  According to the sixth embodiment, for example, the following configuration is provided.

  A communication device is provided that includes a planar antenna and a control device that controls beam radiation from the antenna. The antenna has a beam radiation surface in which a plurality of antenna elements are arranged in a planar shape. The control device sets an effective beam radiation area in the beam radiation surface by selecting an antenna element group to be used for beam radiation from the plurality of antenna elements. The control device controls the beam radiation direction by controlling the setting of the effective beam radiation area.

  Here, for example, the planar antenna corresponds to a multi-element antenna, and the control device corresponds to the eNB 201.

  According to this configuration, the above problems can be solved and the above effects can be obtained.

  Each of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof are merely examples of the present invention, and each of the embodiments and modifications thereof can be freely combined within the scope of the present invention. In addition, arbitrary components of each embodiment and its modification examples can be appropriately changed or omitted.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail, the above description is illustrative in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations that are not illustrated can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  101, 102, 120 Substrate, 103, 111-113, 121, 161, 162, 191 Multi-element antenna, 110, 160, 193, 201 eNB, 123 Antenna installation member, 1010-1013, 1020-1023 connector, 1201-1204 , 1211-1214 Screw holes (connection points).

Claims (7)

An antenna device comprising a planar antenna and a substrate on which the antenna is mounted,
The board has a plurality of connectors used for connection with other antenna devices, and is configured to output a signal indicating an arrangement direction of the own connector as seen from the position of the antenna from each connector. ,
Antenna device. Each of the communication devices includes a plurality of planar antennas and a control device that controls beam radiation from the plurality of antennas,
Each antenna transmits a signal for position investigation to the control device,
The control device measures a measurement object quantity for position investigation with respect to the signal for position investigation received from each antenna, and based on a difference between measurement values generated in the measurement object quantity according to a distance from the control apparatus. And estimating a relative distance from the control device for the plurality of antennas,
Communication device. An antenna device comprising a planar antenna and a substrate on which the antenna is mounted,
The substrate has a plurality of substrate side connection points,
The antenna has a plurality of antenna side connection points electrically connected to the plurality of substrate side connection points,
The plurality of antenna side connection points are:
A first antenna-side connection point configured to control the potential of the connection-side substrate-side connection point to a first potential;
A second antenna side connection point configured to control the potential of the connection destination on the substrate side to a second potential different from the first potential;
Antenna device. An antenna device comprising a planar antenna and a substrate on which the antenna is mounted,
An installation member for supporting the antenna by being connected to the substrate;
The substrate has a plurality of substrate side connection points,
The installation member has a plurality of installation member side connection points that are electrically connected to the plurality of board side connection points,
The plurality of installation member side connection points are:
A first installation member side connection point configured to control the potential of the connection side substrate side connection point to the first potential;
A second installation member side connection point configured to control the potential of the connection destination on the substrate side to a second potential different from the first potential;
Antenna device. Each of the communication devices includes a plurality of planar antennas and a control device that controls beam radiation from the plurality of antennas,
The control device transmits a position survey signal from one of the plurality of antennas, receives the position survey signal by the remaining antennas of the plurality of antennas, and performs position survey on the received signal. Measuring a measurement target amount, and estimating a relative distance from the control device for the plurality of antennas from a difference between measurement values generated in the measurement target amount according to a distance from the control device.
Communication device. A communication device comprising a planar antenna and a control device for controlling beam radiation from the antenna,
The antenna has a beam radiation surface in which a plurality of antenna elements are arranged in a plane,
The communication device includes a rotation mechanism that rotates the antenna around a direction perpendicular to the beam radiation surface,
The control device controls an installation angle of the beam radiation surface by controlling the rotation mechanism;
Communication device. A communication device comprising a planar antenna and a control device for controlling beam radiation from the antenna,
The antenna has a beam radiation surface in which a plurality of antenna elements are arranged in a plane,
The control device sets an effective beam radiation area in the beam radiation surface by selecting an antenna element group used for beam radiation from the plurality of antenna elements, and sets the effective beam radiation area. Control the beam radiation direction by controlling the
Communication device.

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