JP2023021652A - Repeater device and control method of repeater device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a repeater device that can quickly perform gain adjustment according to change of an installation environment.SOLUTION: A repeater device comprises: an amplification section; an amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection section; and a control section. The amplification section amplifies a radio signal received by a first antenna using an amplifier, and adjusts gain using an attenuator. The amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection section generates periodic amplitude fluctuation for the radio signal transmitted from a second antenna transmitting the radio signal having gain adjusted using a preset value for the attenuator. The amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection section detects whether or not an electromagnetic wave radiated from the second antenna wraps around the first antenna. The control section reduces gain of the attenuator when it is determined that the electromagnetic wave radiated from the second antenna wraps around the first antenna on the basis of a synchronous detection signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a repeater device and a method of controlling a repeater device.

In a mobile communication system, there is a repeater device for relaying radio waves transmitted and received between a base station and a mobile station.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a radio repeater that amplifies a radio frequency signal received by a receiving antenna with an amplifier and retransmits it from a transmitting antenna at the same frequency as the received radio frequency signal.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200001 describes that abnormal oscillation due to wraparound is detected without deteriorating communication quality. The repeater device of Patent Document 2 includes an amplifier, a detector, and a memory. The amplifier amplifies the received radio frequency signal. A detector measures the input level of the received radio frequency signal. A memory stores a preset overinput threshold. The repeater device stops the amplifier only when the input level measured by the detector during the operation of the amplifier is equal to or higher than the excessive input threshold, and determines whether or not there is an abnormal oscillation.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200002 describes that the service is provided to the user with the maximum gain that does not cause oscillation while suppressing deterioration of the service without complicating the circuit configuration. The repeater device of Patent Document 3 has first and second antennas. A repeater device amplifies a signal received at a first antenna and transmits the amplified signal from a second antenna. Also, the repeater device amplifies the signal received by the second antenna and transmits the amplified signal from the first antenna. The repeater device oscillates based on the power level of the signal received at the second antenna when the power level of the signal received at the first antenna is below a predetermined first threshold. determine whether or not The repeater device determines a new gain when amplifying the signal received by the second antenna according to the determination result.

JP-A-62-141825 JP 2011-015359 A JP 2011-114545 A

Repeater devices are designed so that the gain that is amplified for relaying can follow changes in the environment (radio wave propagation environment) where the device is installed. It is required to prevent

For example, a repeater device is installed in a space where it is difficult for radio waves to reach, such as an underground area, and the repeater device radiates amplified radio waves to expand the communication area. However, problems such as oscillation may occur due to changes in the radio wave environment such as reflection due to changes in the installation environment, for example, adjacent structures. More specifically, radio waves may leak between a first antenna for transmitting/receiving radio waves to/from a base station and a second antenna for transmitting/receiving radio waves to/from a mobile station, resulting in abnormal oscillation.

As a countermeasure for such a problem, directivity is given to the first antenna, and two antennas are installed with a separation distance between the two antennas. Alternatively, when the repeater device is initialized, the gain is adjusted so that abnormal oscillation does not occur, and then the operation of the repeater device is started.

Alternatively, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, the input level of the received signal is measured, and an overinput threshold is set in advance so that the input level measured by the detector during operation of the amplifier is overinput. A countermeasure is taken to detect abnormal oscillation depending on whether or not the threshold value is exceeded. Alternatively, as disclosed in Patent Document 3, it is determined whether or not the level of the downlink signal transmitted from the base station to the mobile station is equal to or less than a threshold, and the gain is adjusted under the condition that the mobile station (user) is not in use. measures have been taken, such as

However, even these techniques are insufficient. For example, in the example of Patent Literature 2, it is possible to detect a defect only in a state of actual abnormal oscillation and excessive input. Moreover, in Patent Document 3, gain adjustment is possible only in the absence of a mobile device, and it is not possible to quickly respond to changes in the installation environment during actual operation.

A main object of the present invention is to provide a repeater device and a control method for the repeater device, which contributes to speedy gain adjustment according to changes in the installation environment.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the gain is A radio signal transmitted from a second antenna that transmits the adjusted radio signal undergoes periodic amplitude fluctuations, and whether or not radio waves radiated from the second antenna wrap around the first antenna. an amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection unit that generates a synchronous detection signal for detecting whether the a controller for reducing the gain of said attenuator.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the amplifier amplifies the radio signal received by the first antenna and adjusts the gain by the attenuator as the radio signal transmitted from the second antenna. In the repeater device, the setting value for the attenuator is used to cause periodic amplitude fluctuations in the radio signal transmitted from the second antenna, and the radio waves radiated from the second antenna are transmitted to the first antenna. generating a synchronous detection signal for detecting whether or not the radio wave is leaking into the first antenna; A method for controlling a repeater device is provided for reducing the gain of the attenuator.

According to each aspect of the present invention, there are provided a repeater device and a control method for the repeater device, which contributes to speedy gain adjustment according to changes in the installation environment. In addition, the effect of this invention is not limited above. Other effects may be achieved by the present invention instead of or in addition to this effect.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a mobile communication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the repeater device according to the first embodiment. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing an example of the internal configuration of an amplifier according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of an amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit according to the first embodiment; 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a control unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection section according to the first embodiment. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the repeater device according to the first embodiment; FIG.

First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. It should be noted that the drawing reference numerals added to this outline are added to each element for convenience as an example to aid understanding, and the description of this outline does not intend any limitation. Also, unless otherwise specified, the blocks shown in each drawing represent the configuration of each function rather than the configuration of each hardware unit. Connecting lines between blocks in each figure include both bi-directional and uni-directional. The unidirectional arrows schematically show the flow of main signals (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. In addition, in the present specification and drawings, elements that can be described in the same manner can be omitted from redundant description by assigning the same reference numerals.

A repeater device 100 according to an embodiment includes an amplifier section 101, an amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 102, and a control section 103 (see FIG. 1). Amplifying section 101 amplifies the radio signal received by the first antenna with an amplifier and adjusts the gain with an attenuator. Amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 102 uses the set value for the attenuator to cause periodic amplitude variation in the radio signal transmitted from the second antenna that transmits the gain-adjusted radio signal. Amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 102 detects whether or not the radio wave radiated from the second antenna has entered the first antenna. The control unit 103 reduces the gain of the attenuator when it is determined based on the synchronous detection signal that the radio wave radiated from the second antenna is leaking into the first antenna.

The repeater device 100 relays radio frequency signals transmitted and received between base stations and mobile stations used in mobile communications such as mobile phones and smart phones. The repeater device 100 has a first antenna for transmitting/receiving radio waves to/from a base station and a second antenna for transmitting/receiving radio waves to/from a mobile station. The repeater device 100 has a function of periodically varying (periodically slightly varying) the gain of a transmission wave directed to a mobile station. Further, the repeater device 100 detects the interference level of the radio wave radiated from the second antenna by performing detection (synchronous detection) at the cycle in which the reception level from the first antenna is changed. By optimizing the transmission gain from the repeater device 100 according to the detected wraparound level, the repeater device 100 can quickly adjust the gain according to changes in the installation environment. That is, the repeater device 100 is provided that enables system operation with no gain from the second antenna.

Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]
The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[System configuration]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a mobile communication system according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the mobile communication system includes a repeater device 10, a base station 30, and a mobile station 40.

The repeater device 10 is a device that amplifies and transmits a radio frequency signal so that mobile communication can be used inside a building, underground, or the like, where it is difficult for radio waves to reach. Repeater device 10 amplifies a downlink radio frequency signal transmitted from base station 30 and transmits the amplified signal to mobile station 40 . The repeater device 10 amplifies an uplink radio frequency signal transmitted from the mobile station 40 and transmits the amplified radio frequency signal to the base station 30 .

A base station 30 is a device for connecting a mobile station 40 to a mobile line.

Examples of the mobile station 40 include mobile terminal devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, game machines, and tablets, computers (personal computers, notebook computers), and the like. Alternatively, the mobile station 40 may be an IoT (Internet of Things) terminal, an MTC (Machine Type Communication) terminal, or the like that transmits radio waves. However, it is not intended to limit the transmission terminals to these examples. A "mobile station" in the present disclosure can be any device that transmits radio waves.

Next, details of devices included in the mobile communication system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[Repeater device]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the repeater device 10 according to the first embodiment. The repeater device 10 receives radio waves for communication with the base station 30 with the antenna 11 (first antenna) on the base station side. Also, the repeater device 10 transmits radio waves from the antenna 11 to the base station 30 . The antenna 11 receives downlink radio signals.

A duplexer 12 connected to an antenna 11 separates transmission and reception radio waves. After the transmission/reception radio wave is separated, the duplexer 12 inputs the radio wave from the base station 30 (hereinafter referred to as a downlink signal or a downlink radio signal) to the amplifier 13 .

The amplifier 13 amplifies the radio wave of the downstream radio signal. The amplifier 13 amplifies the radio signal received by the antenna 11 with an amplifier, which will be described later, and adjusts the overall gain with an attenuator. The amplification unit 13 outputs the amplified downlink radio signal to the duplexer 14 .

The duplexer 14 is connected to an antenna 15 (second antenna) that outputs radio waves directed toward the mobile station 40 . Duplexer 14 outputs the downlink signal received from amplifying section 13 to antenna 15 . The antenna 15 transmits radio waves corresponding to the downlink radio signal whose gain is adjusted by the amplifier 13 .

Antenna 15 receives radio waves from mobile station 40 to base station 30 (hereinafter referred to as uplink signals or uplink radio signals). A received signal corresponding to the radio wave (received radio wave) received by the antenna 15 is input to the duplexer 14 . The duplexer 14 outputs an upstream signal corresponding to the received radio wave to the amplifier 16 .

The amplifier 16 amplifies the upstream signal. The amplifier 16 outputs the amplified uplink signal to the duplexer 12 .

The duplexer 12 transmits from the antenna 11 radio waves corresponding to the upstream signal received from the amplifier 16 .

Here, the internal configurations of the amplifiers 13 and 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing an example of the internal configuration of the amplifying section 13 and the amplifying section 16 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the amplifier section 13 includes an amplifier 201a, an attenuator 202a, and a control circuit 203a. The amplifier 201a receives a signal corresponding to the downstream radio wave from the duplexer 12 and amplifies it with a predetermined amplification factor (gain). Attenuator 202 a attenuates the output of amplifier 201 a and outputs it to duplexer 14 . The control circuit 203a is a circuit that controls the operations of the amplifier 201a and the attenuator 202a.

The control circuit 203a controls the amplifier 201a and the attenuator 202a according to the "amplifier control signal" received from the outside. The amplifier control signal is a signal for controlling the operation of the amplifier 13 .

The amplifier control signal includes information for controlling activation/deactivation of the amplification operation (AMP (Amplifier) control information) and information (ATT (Attenuator) set value) regarding the amplification factor (gain).

The control circuit 203a uses the AMP control information to control activation (ON) and deactivation (OFF) of the amplifier 201a. The control circuit 203a uses the ATT setting value (ATT setting signal) to set the gain of the attenuator 202a. Note that the ATT setting value may be an analog signal or a digital signal. For example, the control circuit 203a switches the internal resistance of the attenuator 202a based on the ATT set value.

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the amplification section 16. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4B, the amplifier section 16 includes an amplifier 201b, an attenuator 202b, and a control circuit 203b. The operation of the amplifying section 16 and the like can be the same as those of the amplifying section 13, so description thereof will be omitted.

Returning to FIG. A detector 17 is a detector for detecting the level of a downstream signal. A detector 17 detects the reception level of the radio signal received by the antenna 11 . The detector 17 outputs a detection signal containing the reception level of the downstream signal. The detector 17 is connected to the control section 18 and the amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 19 .

The amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection unit 19 is a module for performing amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection of the downstream signal. The amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit 19 uses the setting value set in the attenuator 202 a of the amplification unit 13 to cause periodic amplitude variation in the radio signal transmitted from the antenna 15 . Also, the amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit 19 generates a synchronous detection signal for detecting whether or not the radio waves radiated from the antenna 15 are going around the antenna 11 .

The amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection section 19 receives the above-described amplification section control signal from the control section 18 . Among other things, the amplitude variation and synchronous detector 19 receives an amplifier control signal that is supplied to the amplifier 13 that amplifies the downstream signal.

The amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit 19 changes (processes, converts) the ATT setting value of the two control signals (AMP control information and ATT setting value) included in the amplifier control signal. More specifically, the amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit 19 changes the ATT setting value so as to give a minute amplitude variation to the radio waves of the downstream signal. The amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit 19 uses the “reference signal” supplied from the control unit 18 to change the ATT change value included in the amplifier control signal.

In the following description, the ATT set value changed (generated) by the amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 19 is referred to as "amplitude variation ATT set value".

The amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit 19 outputs to the amplification unit 13 an amplifier control signal including an amplitude variation ATT setting value that gives a slight amplitude variation to the downstream signal. The format of the amplifier control signal supplied to the amplifier 13 is the same as that of the amplifier control signal output from the controller 18 . The amplifier control signal supplied to the amplifier 13 differs from the amplifier control signal output by the controller 18 in that it includes an ATT setting signal whose set value changes periodically (changes in a short period of time).

The amplifying unit 13 applies minute amplitude fluctuations to the downstream signal according to the amplitude fluctuation ATT setting value included in the amplifying unit control signal.

Further, the amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection unit 19 outputs to the control unit 18 a reception level (detection output) of the detector 17 and a synchronous detection output (synchronous detection signal) synchronized with the reference signal. That is, the synchronous detection output is a signal synchronized with the reference signal used when changing the ATT set value.

Based on the synchronous detection output, the control unit 18 detects whether or not the radio wave of the downlink signal whose amplitude is slightly fluctuated in the amplification unit 13 is radiated from the antenna 15 and the radiated radio wave enters the antenna 11. do. A more detailed description of the control unit 18 will be given later.

The initial setting unit 20 stores initial setting values and the like of the repeater device 10 . The initial setting unit 20 is configured by a device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory).

The display unit 21 displays (outputs) the state of the repeater device 10 and various setting states. The display unit 21 includes a device (output device) such as a liquid crystal panel. The display unit 21 functions as an "output unit" that outputs the operating state of the device itself (repeater device 10). The display unit 21 may include, for example, a touch panel type operation unit, and may output user operation input to the operation unit to the control unit 18 .

For example, the control unit 18 controls the display mode of the display unit 21 to display the status of the repeater device 10 using at least part of data representing various signals, which will be described later with reference to the example shown in FIG. (operation state) may be presented (output) to the user. In this case, the state display of the repeater device 10 displayed by the display unit 21 is, for example, in the form of each chart illustrated in FIG.

Further, the control unit 18 may readably record various signals related to a memory (for example, a memory 402 to be described later). In this case, the memory records, for example, the various signals in association with time. Then, the control unit 18 may read, from the memory, data indicating the states of the various signals corresponding to the period specified by the user using the operation unit, for example. Furthermore, based on the read data, the control unit 18 may display the state of the various signals in the specified period on the display unit 21 as the operating state of the repeater device 10 . The period specified by the user may be a period in the past or a period in the future.

Next, the configuration of the amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 19 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 19 according to the first embodiment.

The amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit 19 generates a synchronous detection signal based on the detection signal output from the detector 17 and the reference signal. More specifically, the amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 19 uses an adder 301 to generate a synchronous detection signal.

Adder 301 receives an amplifier control signal (a control signal transmitted from controller 18 to amplifier 13 ) and a reference signal from controller 18 . The adder 301 adds a signal to the ATT setting value based on the reference signal in order to cause a slight amplitude fluctuation in the radio wave of the downstream signal.

For example, the adder 301 adds the reference signal to the ATT setting value, or adds a signal generated from the reference signal (for example, a signal obtained by converting the voltage of the reference signal) to the ATT setting value. The amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 19 outputs an amplification section control signal including the output of the adder 301 (amplitude variation ATT set value) to the amplification section 13 .

A high pass filter (HPF) 302 is applied to the output of the detector 17 (demodulated signal or detected signal). A high-pass filter 302 receives the detection signal output by the detector 17 . A high-pass filter 302 cuts the DC component of the detection signal. High-pass filter 302 outputs a detection signal from which the DC component has been removed (reception level and detection level without DC component) to inverting amplifier 303 and switch 304 .

Here, consider a case where a radio wave amplified by an amplitude variation ATT setting value generated using a reference signal is radiated from the antenna 15 and the radio wave wraps around the antenna 11 . In this case, since the reference signal is a signal having a predetermined period, the radio waves received by the antenna 11 contain AC components and pass through the high-pass filter 302 .

The amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection unit 19 generates a synchronous detection signal by switching and outputting the detection signal and the signal obtained by inverting the detection signal based on the reference signal. The amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection section 19 implements the switching using the switch 304 .

The switch 304 outputs the detected signal or the inverted detected signal to a low-pass filter (LPF; Low Pass Filter) 305 . The switch 304 switches inside according to the reference signal (according to the timing of the reference signal) and outputs the detected signal or the inverted detected signal to the low-pass filter 305 .

The low-pass filter 305 outputs the smoothed synchronous detection output to the control section 18 . A low-pass filter 305 smoothes and shapes the synchronous detection output from the switch 304 into a continuous waveform.

Next, the configuration of the control unit 18 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the control section 18 according to the first embodiment.

A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401 is a device for monitoring and controlling the status of the repeater device 10 . The CPU 401 performs various calculations to realize the functions of the repeater device 10 .

The memory 402 stores programs executed by the CPU 401, information necessary for the operation of the repeater device 10, parameters, and the like. In addition, the memory 402 may record data representing various signals related to past operations of the repeater device 10 in a readable manner. In this case, the memory 402 or part thereof may be a removable recording medium such as various memory cards. Further, for example, the repeater device 10 may include an external input/output interface (not shown), and the control section 18 may output data stored in the memory 402 to the outside.

A clock circuit 403 generates clocks and timing signals necessary for the CPU 401 .

The control unit 18 (CPU 401) adjusts the gain of each of the amplification unit 13 and the amplification unit 16 by changing settings of the attenuator 202a included in the amplification unit 13 and the attenuator 202b included in the amplification unit 16. can.

Further, the CPU 401 outputs the amplitude variation described above and the amplifier control signal via the synchronous detection section 19 to the amplification section 13, thereby causing a slight amplitude variation in the downstream signal output from the amplification section 13. be able to.

The control section 18 (CPU 401 ) outputs a first amplification section control signal including the ATT set value to be set in the attenuator 202 a of the amplification section 13 to the amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 19 . The amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit 19 generates an amplitude variation ATT set value whose set value to be set in the attenuator 202a periodically varies based on the ATT set value and the reference signal whose amplitude varies periodically. The amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 19 outputs the second amplification section control signal including the generated amplitude variation ATT set value to the amplification section 13 .

Based on the timing signal generated by the clock circuit 403, the CPU 401 generates a reference signal for generating the amplitude variation. A reference signal is a signal whose amplitude changes periodically. The CPU 401 outputs the generated reference signal to the amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection section 19 .

[Base station, mobile station]
A detailed description of the configurations and operations of the base station 30 and the mobile station 40 is omitted. These devices are obvious to those skilled in the art and are not directly related to the present disclosure.

[Explanation of operation]
First, referring to FIG. 7, the operation of the amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 19 will be described.

The amplitude variation and coherent detection section 19 receives the reference signal 501 generated by the control section 18 . The reference signal 501 is a signal for causing a slight amplitude fluctuation in the radio wave transmitted from the antenna 15 and performing synchronous detection in synchronization with the fluctuation.

Based on the reference signal 501, the amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit 19 generates an ATT setting value for causing a slight amplitude variation in the downstream signal. The amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection unit 19 adds a reference signal (a signal for causing a slight amplitude fluctuation in the downlink radio wave) to the ATT setting value supplied to the amplification unit 13 for the downlink signal, and sets the amplitude fluctuation ATT. generate a value. The amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 19 outputs an amplification section control signal including the generated amplitude variation ATT set value to the amplification section 13 .

The gain of the amplifier 13 causes an amplitude fluctuation 502 due to the amplitude fluctuation ATT set value. That is, the antenna 11 outputs a downstream radio wave with a slight amplitude fluctuation.

The amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit 19 receives the detection output (detection signal 503) from the detector 17. FIG. The wave detector 17 detects radio waves received from the antenna 11 and outputs a detected signal whose reception level changes to the control section 18 and the amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 19 .

Here, when the radio wave radiated from the antenna 15 wraps around the antenna 11, as shown in the detected signal 503 in FIG. 7, an AC component synchronized with the reference signal that is the basis of the slight amplitude fluctuation appears. On the other hand, if the radio wave radiated from the antenna 15 does not wrap around the antenna 11, no AC component as shown in the detected signal 503 in FIG. 7 appears.

The amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 19 passes the detection output from the detector 17 through a high-pass filter 302 to remove the DC component. The result is the HPF output 504 shown in FIG.

Also, the amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit 19 inverts the detection signal (HPF output 504 from which the DC component has been cut) using the inverting amplifier 303 to generate an inversion detection signal 505 . Inverted detection signal 505 is input to switch 304 .

The amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 19 switches between the HPF output 504 and the inverted detection signal 505 using the switch 304 . The switch 304 performs the switching based on the reference signal. Specifically, the switch 304 outputs the upper input (HPF output 504) when the reference signal 501 is "H", and outputs the lower input (inverted detection signal 505) when the reference signal 501 is "L". Output.

The amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection unit 19 inputs the output of the switch 304 to the low-pass filter 305 and smoothes it. The smoothed detection output is output from the amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection section 19 as a synchronous detection signal (synchronous detection output) 506 .

If the radio wave sent from the antenna 15 is leaking into the antenna 11 due to the amplitude fluctuation and the synchronous detection signal output by the synchronous detection unit 19, the control unit 18 can observe (monitor) the amount of leaking.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the radio wave transmitted from the antenna 15 is leaking into the antenna 11, the reception level of the detection signal obtained during the period when the reference signal 501 is "H" increases. On the other hand, if the radio wave sent from the antenna 15 does not reach the antenna 11, the reception level of the detection signal does not rise even if the reference signal 501 is "H". As a result, when the radio wave transmitted from the antenna 15 is directed to the antenna 11, the signal level of the synchronous detection signal 506 rises. On the other hand, if the radio wave sent from the antenna 15 does not reach the antenna 11, the signal level of the synchronous detection signal 506 does not rise. The control unit 18 detects the interference of the radio wave based on the change in the synchronous detection signal 506 caused by whether or not the interference of the radio wave occurs.

Next, the overall operation of the repeater device 10 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the repeater device 10 according to the first embodiment.

After the power is turned on, the repeater device 10 performs initial settings necessary for the operation of the device (step S01). Specifically, the control unit 18 reads various setting values from the initial setting unit 20 .

For example, the control unit 18 makes settings (for example, the amplitude, period, etc. of the signal) related to the amplitude variation and the reference signal necessary for the operation of the synchronous detection unit 19 . Alternatively, the control unit 18 reads out from the initial setting unit 20 a threshold value for determining whether or not the radio wave has leaked from the antenna 15 to the antenna 11 (threshold value for determining whether the radio wave has leaked from the synchronous detection output). In the following description, the threshold value for judging whether or not the radio waves come around is referred to as a "leakage judgment threshold value".

Alternatively, the control unit 18 reads from the initial setting unit 20 threshold values necessary for determining whether the amplification units 13 and 16 are active or inactive (on or off). In the following description, the threshold for determining whether the amplification units 13 and 16 are active or inactive is referred to as an "activation threshold". Alternatively, the control unit 18 reads the gain initial setting values (ATT initial setting values) of the amplifying unit 13 and the amplifying unit 16, the maximum settable gain values, and the like from the initial setting unit 20. FIG.

The wave detector 17 detects the downlink radio wave (downlink signal) received by the antenna 11 from the base station 30, and enables measurement of the reception level of the downlink radio wave (step S02).

The control unit 18 performs threshold processing on the detection output (reception level) detected in step S02 (step S03). Specifically, the controller 18 determines whether or not the detected reception level is equal to or higher than the activation threshold of the amplifier 13 or the like.

When the reception level is equal to or higher than the activation threshold (step S03, Yes branch), the control unit 18 determines that the downlink radio wave has been received from the base station 30, and activates the amplification unit 13 and the amplification unit 16 (step S04). .

On the other hand, if the reception level is lower than the activation threshold (step S03, No branch), the control section 18 deactivates the amplification section 13 and the amplification section 16 (step S05). After that, the control unit 18 returns to the determination process of step S03.

The control unit 18 performs threshold processing on the amplitude variation and the synchronous detection output from the synchronous detection unit 19 (step S06). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the level (magnitude) of the synchronous detection signal is equal to or higher than the interference determination threshold.

If the level of the synchronous detection output is equal to or higher than the interference determination threshold (step S<b>06 , Yes branch), the control unit 18 determines that the radio waves from the antenna 15 are bypassing the antenna 11 . In this case, the control unit 18 reduces the gains of the amplification units 13 and 16 (increases the ATT setting value; step S07).

On the other hand, when the level of the synchronous detection output is smaller than the interference determination threshold (step S<b>06 , No branch), the control unit 18 determines that the radio wave from the antenna 15 has not entered the antenna 11 . In this case, the control unit 18 increases the gains of the amplification units 13 and 16 (decreases the ATT setting value; step S08).

The control unit 18 waits for a predetermined period (step S09). After a predetermined appropriate waiting time has elapsed, the control unit 18 returns to step S02 and repeats the operations from steps S02 to S09.

In this way, when it is determined that the radio wave radiated from the antenna 15 is leaking into the antenna 11 based on the synchronous detection signal, the control unit 18 reduces the gain of the amplification unit 13 (the attenuation amount of the attenuator 202a is reduced to Enlarge). On the other hand, when it is determined that the radio wave emitted from the antenna 15 does not reach the antenna 11 based on the synchronous detection signal, the controller 18 increases the gain of the amplifier 13 (decreases the attenuation of the attenuator 202a). ).

The control unit 18 repeats this process until the radio waves do not wrap around. By repeating this process, the control unit 18 can set the maximum gains for the amplification units 13 and 16 at which no radio wave wraparound occurs. That is, the control unit 18 sets the upper limit gain setting value (ATT setting value) at which the radio wave radiated from the antenna 15 does not flow into the antenna 11 in the attenuator 202a.

Regarding gain setting, the control unit 18 starts from the gain initial setting value in step S01 at the time of initial setting. After that, in the second and subsequent processes, the control unit 18 starts the process from the current set value and sequentially increases or decreases the gain. The control unit 18 obtains the upper limit gain setting value that does not exceed the wraparound determination threshold by searching for a set value that exceeds the wraparound threshold and a set value that does not exceed the wraparound threshold depending on whether the gain is up or down. Alternatively, when the control unit 18 determines that the radio wave does not occur even if the maximum gain value is set, the maximum gain value may be set to the amplification unit 13 and the amplification unit 16 .

Alternatively, the control unit 18 may start processing from the maximum gain value and continue the processing shown in FIG. 8 until the level of the synchronous detection output falls below the wraparound determination threshold value. The control unit 18 may start processing with any set value as long as it can obtain the upper limit gain set value that does not exceed the wraparound determination threshold value.

For stable operation, the control unit 18 may set gains obtained by subtracting a certain margin from the gain setting values determined by the above method to the amplification units 13 and 16 .

The repeater device 10 appropriately monitors the amount of radio waves from the antenna 15 going around to the antenna 11 and adjusts the gains of the amplifiers 13 and 16 by the operation shown in FIG. This adjustment provides the repeater device 10 that enables quick gain setting according to environmental changes.

In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the upstream radio wave amplification section 16 also operates in conjunction with the amplification section 13 . However, by providing a detector or the like for the upstream signal on the antenna 15 side, the repeater device 10 may be implemented with a sleep function or the like that stops amplification of the upstream signal when there is no upstream signal. With the sleep function, the repeater device 10 may control the amplification section 16 so that the gain setting is the same as that for the downlink when there is an uplink radio wave.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the description is based on the premise that the frequencies of uplink radio waves and downlink radio waves are different and can be distinguished from each other, and that the detector 17 can detect waves in the required band. However, it goes without saying that a filter or the like may be used to cut out and detect the required frequency, if necessary.

In the above embodiment, the attenuator 202a built in the amplifier 13 is used to cause amplitude fluctuations in downstream radio waves. However, the generation of the amplitude variation may be realized by other means. For example, the repeater device 10 may generate amplitude variations using an amplitude modulator. However, as described above, the method of generating amplitude fluctuation using the attenuator 202a has many merits in terms of circuit size, simplicity, etc., and is a preferable method.

As described above, the repeater device 10 according to the first embodiment performs synchronous detection of the reception level from the antenna 11 to determine whether or not the radio wave radiated from the antenna 15 is generated. The repeater device 10 can optimize the gain of the amplifying section 16 to a transmission gain that does not cause radio wave interference by determining whether or not the interference occurs. As a result, the gain adjustment can be quickly completed according to changes in the installation environment of the repeater device 10 . Further, the repeater device 10 generates amplitude fluctuations with a simple configuration without using an amplitude modulator or the like. That is, the repeater device 10 can be realized by adding the amplitude variation and synchronous detection section 19 to the existing configuration.

The functions of the repeater device 10 are implemented by the CPU 401 executing a program stored in the memory 402, for example. Also, the program can be recorded in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be non-transitory such as semiconductor memory, hard disk, magnetic recording medium, optical recording medium, and the like. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. Also, the program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the processing module may be realized by a semiconductor chip.

The repeater device 10 is equipped with a computer, and the functions of the repeater device 10 can be realized by causing the computer to execute a program. Further, the repeater device 10 executes the control method of the repeater device 10 by the program.

[Modification]
The configuration, operation, and the like of the repeater device 10 described in the above embodiment are examples, and are not meant to limit the configuration and the like.

For example, in the above embodiment, the attenuator for setting the gain and the attenuator for realizing minute amplitude fluctuations in the amplifier 13 are the same. However, the amplification section 13 may include an attenuator for setting the gain of the amplification section 13 and an attenuator for giving minute amplitude fluctuations.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the "synchronous detection function" of the amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection unit 19 is implemented by hardware. However, the output signal (detection output) of the detector 17 may be subjected to filtering or the like by signal processing (calculation processing by software) to realize synchronous detection. That is, the post-detection arithmetic processing may be realized by software without performing signal extraction by amplitude modulation of an analog circuit or square-law detection circuit.

Furthermore, an operation in which a plurality of repeater devices 10 are continuously connected in multiple stages is also conceivable. In this case, when each repeater device 10 is given a minute amplitude fluctuation of the same period, the repeater device 10 receives a wraparound from the second antenna output of its own device or the second antenna output of another repeater device 10 in the previous stage (closer to the base station side). It is not possible to determine whether it is a fluctuation from the antenna output of In such a case, the repeater device 10 performs synchronous detection with a predetermined cycle of amplitude fluctuation before amplification by the repeater device 10, and changes the cycle of the amplitude fluctuation (for example, halves) when a detection output is obtained. period), the amplifier of the device may be activated. As a result, each repeater device 10 can distinguish between the radio wave from the preceding repeater device 10 and the loopback radio wave, and can detect the loopback amount from the second antenna of its own device by the synchronous detection signal of the changed cycle. .

In the flowcharts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above description, a plurality of steps (processes) are described in order, but the execution order of the steps executed in the embodiment is not limited to the described order. In the embodiment, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed within a range that does not interfere with the content, such as executing each process in parallel.

The above embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and are not intended to require all the configurations described above. Also, when a plurality of embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of the embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of the embodiment. Furthermore, additions, deletions, and replacements of other configurations are possible for some of the configurations of the embodiments.

Although the industrial applicability of the present invention is clear from the above description, the present invention can be preferably applied to a repeater device that relays radio waves.

Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described in the following additional remarks, but are not limited to the following.
[Appendix 1]
an amplifier that amplifies a radio signal received by the first antenna with an amplifier and adjusts the gain with an attenuator;
using the set value for the attenuator to cause periodic amplitude fluctuations in a radio signal transmitted from a second antenna that transmits the gain-adjusted radio signal, and radio waves radiated from the second antenna; an amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit that generates a synchronous detection signal for detecting whether or not the is wraparound to the first antenna;
a control unit that reduces the gain of the attenuator when it is determined that the radio wave radiated from the second antenna is leaking into the first antenna based on the synchronous detection signal;
A repeater device.
[Appendix 2]
1. The control unit increases the gain of the attenuator when it is determined based on the synchronous detection signal that the radio wave radiated from the second antenna does not reach the first antenna. repeater device.
[Appendix 3]
3. The repeater device according to supplementary note 1 or 2, wherein the control unit sets the attenuator to an upper limit gain setting value at which the radio wave radiated from the second antenna does not reach the first antenna.
[Appendix 4]
The control unit outputs a first amplification unit control signal including an ATT (Attenuator) set value to be set in the attenuator to the amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit,
The amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit generates an amplitude variation ATT set value whose set value periodically varies based on the ATT set value and a reference signal whose amplitude varies periodically, and 4. The repeater device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein a second amplifier control signal including a variable ATT setting value is output to the amplifier.
[Appendix 5]
5. The repeater device according to appendix 4, wherein the control section generates the reference signal and outputs the generated reference signal to the amplitude variation and coherent detection section.
[Appendix 6]
6. The repeater device according to appendix 5, wherein the amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit generates the amplitude variation ATT set value by adding the reference signal to the ATT set value.
[Appendix 7]
7. The repeater device according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, further comprising a detector that detects a reception level of the radio signal received by the first antenna.
[Appendix 8]
7. The repeater device according to any one of appendices 4 to 6, wherein the amplitude variation and synchronous detection section generates the synchronous detection signal based on the detection signal output from the detector and the reference signal.
[Appendix 9]
The repeater according to appendix 8, wherein the amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit generates the synchronous detection signal by switching and outputting the detection signal and a signal obtained by inverting the detection signal based on the reference signal. Device.
[Appendix 10]
10. The repeater device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9, further comprising an output unit that outputs an operating state of the repeater device.
[Appendix 11]
11. The repeater device according to appendix 9 or 10, wherein the amplitude variation and synchronous detector applies a high-pass filter to the detected signal.
[Appendix 12]
12. The repeater apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 11, wherein the radio signal is a downlink radio signal from a base station to a mobile station.
[Appendix 13]
A repeater device comprising an amplifying unit that amplifies a radio signal received by a first antenna with an amplifier and adjusts the gain of a radio signal transmitted from a second antenna with an attenuator,
inducing periodic amplitude variations in a radio signal transmitted from the second antenna using the settings for the attenuator;
generating a synchronous detection signal for detecting whether or not the radio wave radiated from the second antenna wraps around the first antenna;
A method of controlling a repeater device, wherein the gain of the attenuator is lowered when it is determined that the radio wave radiated from the second antenna is leaking into the first antenna based on the synchronous detection signal.

It should be noted that the respective disclosures of the cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these embodiments are illustrative only and that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. That is, the present invention naturally includes various variations and modifications that can be made by those skilled in the art according to the entire disclosure including claims and technical ideas.

10 Repeater device 11 Antenna 12 Duplexer 13 Amplifier 14 Duplexer 15 Antenna 16 Amplifier 17 Detector 18 Control unit 19 Amplitude fluctuation and synchronous detection unit 20 Initial setting unit 21 Display unit 30 Base station 40 Mobile station 100 Repeater device 101 Amplifier 102 Amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit 103 control unit 201a amplifier 201b amplifier 202a attenuator 202b attenuator 203a control circuit 203b control circuit 301 adder 302 high-pass filter 303 inverting amplifier 304 switch 305 low-pass filter 401 CPU
402 memory 403 clock circuit 501 reference signal 502 amplitude variation 503 detection signal 504 HPF output 505 inverted detection signal 506 synchronous detection signal

Claims (11)

an amplifier that amplifies a radio signal received by the first antenna with an amplifier and adjusts the gain with an attenuator;
using the set value for the attenuator to cause periodic amplitude fluctuations in a radio signal transmitted from a second antenna that transmits the gain-adjusted radio signal, and radio waves radiated from the second antenna; an amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit that generates a synchronous detection signal for detecting whether or not the is wraparound to the first antenna;
a control unit that reduces the gain of the attenuator when it is determined that the radio wave radiated from the second antenna is leaking into the first antenna based on the synchronous detection signal;
A repeater device. 2. The control unit increases the gain of the attenuator when it is determined based on the synchronous detection signal that the radio wave radiated from the second antenna does not reach the first antenna. Repeater device as described. 3. The repeater device according to claim 1, wherein said control unit sets an upper limit gain setting value in said attenuator at which radio waves radiated from said second antenna do not sneak into said first antenna. The control unit outputs a first amplification unit control signal including an ATT (Attenuator) set value to be set in the attenuator to the amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit,
The amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit generates an amplitude variation ATT set value whose set value periodically varies based on the ATT set value and a reference signal whose amplitude varies periodically, and 4. The repeater device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a second amplifier control signal including a variable ATT setting value is output to said amplifier. 5. The repeater device according to claim 4, wherein said control section generates said reference signal and outputs said generated reference signal to said amplitude variation and coherent detection section. 6. The repeater device according to claim 5, wherein said amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit generates said amplitude variation ATT set value by adding said reference signal to said ATT set value. 7. The repeater device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a detector that detects a reception level of the radio signal received by said first antenna. 7. The repeater device according to claim 4, wherein said amplitude variation and synchronous detection section generates said synchronous detection signal based on a detection signal output from said detector and said reference signal. 9. The amplitude variation and synchronous detection unit according to claim 8, wherein the synchronous detection signal is generated by switching between and outputting the detection signal and a signal obtained by inverting the detection signal based on the reference signal. repeater device. 10. The repeater device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an output section for outputting an operating state of the repeater device. A repeater device comprising an amplifying unit that amplifies a radio signal received by a first antenna with an amplifier and adjusts the gain of a radio signal that is transmitted from a second antenna with an attenuator,
inducing periodic amplitude variations in a radio signal transmitted from the second antenna using the settings for the attenuator;
generating a synchronous detection signal for detecting whether or not the radio wave radiated from the second antenna wraps around the first antenna;
A method of controlling a repeater device, wherein the gain of the attenuator is lowered when it is determined that the radio wave radiated from the second antenna is leaking into the first antenna based on the synchronous detection signal.

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