JP2023045478A - Wireless communication system and wireless communication control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress a reduction in the reliability of automatic gain control performed by a plurality of repeaters connected in series.SOLUTION: A plurality of repeaters 3 are connected in series. Each of the plurality of repeaters 3 has a function of performing automatic gain control using a time constant. An external device P1 performs setting processing for setting, to each of the repeaters 3, the time constant to be used by the repeaters 3 on the basis of status information indicating the implementation status of the automatic gain control by each of the plurality of repeaters 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system and a wireless communication control method including a repeater having a function of performing automatic gain control.

To realize long-distance communication, there is an LCX wireless communication system using LCX (Leakage Coaxial Cable) as a cable. LCXs are laid, for example, along train tracks. In the radio communication system, radio communication is performed by radiating radio waves leaked from the LCX to a mobile station provided on a train or the like while the LCX is transmitting signals.

When a signal passes through the LCX, attenuation of the signal level occurs. Therefore, in the wireless communication system, a repeater that amplifies the signal level is provided for each predetermined distance. In the wireless communication system, a plurality of repeaters are connected in series by LCX. Each of the plurality of repeaters has an AGC (Auto Gain Control) function. AGC is, for example, control for automatically maintaining a constant level of a signal output from a repeater when the level of a signal input to the repeater fluctuates.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a configuration of an LCX wireless communication system using a plurality of repeaters connected in series (hereinafter also referred to as “related configuration A”). In related configuration A, each repeater autonomously changes the time constant of the repeater in response to a disturbance such as a sudden change in input level. In related configuration A, depending on the behavior of the AGC of multiple repeaters connected in series, a situation may arise in which the divergence of the transient response characteristics of the repeaters cannot be sufficiently prevented.

For example, when the time constant of a certain repeater becomes short due to disturbance, the change in the input level to the repeater in the succeeding stage of that repeater also becomes large. Therefore, there is a possibility that the time constant of the subsequent repeater will also be shortened. In related configuration A, if such a change in time constant occurs repeatedly in a plurality of repeaters connected in series, divergence of transient response characteristics may occur.

Also, in related configuration A, the algorithm for determining the time constant may not be appropriate in a disturbed environment.

JP 2010-124031 A

In the related configuration A above, each of the multiple repeaters connected in series independently changes the time constant without considering the AGC implementation status of the other repeaters. Therefore, the time constant of each of the plurality of repeaters may become an inappropriate value, and the reliability of the automatic gain control performed by the plurality of repeaters may decrease.

The present disclosure is made to solve such problems, and provides a wireless communication system etc. that can suppress the deterioration of the reliability of automatic gain control performed by a plurality of repeaters connected in series. intended to

To achieve the above object, a wireless communication system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of repeaters for transmitting signals, and an external device that communicates with the plurality of repeaters, each of the repeaters has a function of amplifying a radio signal used for wireless communication, the plurality of repeaters are connected in series, and each of the plurality of repeaters has a time constant The external device is used by each of the repeaters based on status information indicating the implementation status of the automatic gain control by each of the plurality of repeaters. A setting process is performed to set the time constant in the repeater.

According to the present disclosure, multiple repeaters are connected in series. Each of the plurality of repeaters has a function of performing automatic gain control using a time constant. The external device is configured to set the time constant to be used by each of the repeaters based on status information indicating the implementation status of the automatic gain control by each of the plurality of repeaters. process.

As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in reliability of automatic gain control performed by a plurality of repeaters connected in series.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a radio communication system according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 5 is a flowchart of time constant setting control processing; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a radio communication system according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a table according to Embodiment 2; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a table according to modification 1; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a radio communication system according to Embodiment 3; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the format of a radio signal; 1 is a block diagram showing a characteristic functional configuration of a radio communication system; FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware configuration of a radio|wireless communications system. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the hardware configuration of a radio communication system;

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals. Components with the same reference numerals have the same names and functions. Therefore, detailed descriptions of some of the components denoted by the same reference numerals may be omitted.

<Embodiment 1>
(composition)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of radio communication system 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. The radio communication system 100 is an LCX radio communication system. The wireless communication system 100 has a multistage relay configuration as a signal transmission configuration.

As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system 100 includes a base station 10, multiple repeaters 3, multiple LCXs 2, and a termination 4. In FIG. FIG. 1 shows three repeaters 3 as an example.

Note that the number of repeaters 3 included in the wireless communication system 100 is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more. FIG. 1 also shows four LCXs 2 as an example. Note that the number of LCXs 2 included in the radio communication system 100 is not limited to four, and may be two, three, or five or more.

A base station 10 is provided remotely from the three repeaters 3 . The base station 10 includes an external device P1. The external device P1 is provided in the base station 10 . The external device P1 is a terminal operated by an operator. The external device P1 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). The external device P has a display (not shown) for displaying information. Hereinafter, the operator's operation on the external device P1 is also referred to as "operation M". The operation M is an operation using a keyboard, mouse, etc. (not shown) of the external device P1.

The external device P<b>1 is provided remotely from the three repeaters 3 . The external device P<b>1 is a host device that manages the three repeaters 3 . The external device P1 monitors the AGC behavior of three repeaters 3, for example. The external device P1 is connected to three repeaters 3 via a monitoring line L1. The monitoring line L1 is a communication cable. The external device P1 communicates with a plurality of repeaters 3 via the monitoring line L1.

External device P1 includes transmitter 11 and AGC parameter manager 12 . Hereinafter, a signal used for wireless communication using the LCX2 is also referred to as a "radio signal". The transmitter 11 transmits radio signals.

The three repeaters 3 are devices for transmitting signals. Three repeaters 3 are connected in series by LCX2. LCX2 is a cable for transmitting radio signals. The LCX2 is laid, for example, along train tracks. Three repeaters 3, four LCXs 2, and a termination 4 constitute a multi-stage repeater configuration. A multistage relay configuration is a configuration for transmitting radio signals. Termination 4 is a component for preventing reflection of radio signals. Termination 4 converts the radio signal into heat.

In the radio communication system 100, radio communication is performed by radiating radio waves leaked from the LCX 2 to a mobile station provided on a train or the like while the LCX 2 is transmitting a radio signal. LCX2 functions as an antenna that radiates the radio waves.

Each repeater 3 is an amplifier having a function of amplifying the signal level. Each repeater 3 has a function of amplifying a radio signal. Each repeater 3 performs processing to transmit the amplified radio signal to the repeater 3 in the subsequent stage of the repeater 3 . Further, each repeater 3 has a function of performing automatic gain control (hereinafter also referred to as "AGC") using a time constant.

Each repeater 3 includes an amplifier section 31 and an AGC function section 32 . The AGC function unit 32 controls the amplification unit 31 and the like. The AGC function section 32 has a function of monitoring fluctuations in the input level of the amplification section 31 . The input level of the amplification section 31 is the level of the signal input to the amplification section 31 . Hereinafter, the input level of the amplifier section 31 is also simply referred to as "input level". The output level of the amplifier 31 is the level of the signal output by the amplifier 31 .

Also, the AGC function unit 32 has a function of transmitting an amplified value to the amplification unit 31 . Specifically, the AGC function section 32 sets the gain for the amplification section 31 . The gain set for the amplifier 31 is hereinafter also referred to as "set gain".

Also, the AGC function unit 32 holds a time constant and a correction level. The correction level is the gain adjustment unit in AGC. That is, the correction level is a gain correction unit in AGC. The correction level is, for example, 0.1 dB. In this embodiment, the correction level is a fixed value. The correction level is used in AGC performed by each repeater 3 . That is, each repeater 3 has a function of performing AGC using the correction level.

When the repeater 3 performs AGC, the AGC function unit 32 operates with a time constant, the AGC function unit 32 controls the amplifier unit 31, and the AGC is performed. Specifically, AGC is performed in which the AGC function unit 32 adjusts the gain of the amplification unit 31 so that the output level of the amplification unit 31 is constant. Therefore, the set gain of the amplifier 31 changes.

Gain adjustment in AGC is performed in correction level units. If the correction level is, say, 0.1 dB, the gain adjustment in AGC is done in 0.1 dB units. When AGC is performed, the amplifier 31 operates with a time constant.

The amplifier 31 has a function of amplifying the radio signal according to the set gain. The amplifier 31 outputs the amplified radio signal.

Hereinafter, the maximum value of the input level for a certain period of time is also referred to as "input maximum level". In this specification, the constant time is a time sufficiently longer than the time constant. The certain period of time is, for example, a period of time within a range from 30 seconds to 300 seconds. Also, hereinafter, the minimum value of the input level for a certain period of time is also referred to as "minimum input level".

Also, hereinafter, the difference between the maximum input level and the minimum input level is also referred to as "input change level". The input change level over a certain period of time is medium- to long-term information regarding AGC. The input change level is also information indicating the behavior of AGC in the repeater 3 .

Also, hereinafter, the number of times of AGC performed by the repeater 3 in a certain period of time is also referred to as "the number of times of AGC". The number of times of AGC is the number of times the repeater 3 has performed AGC in a certain period of time. The number of times of AGC corresponds to the implementation status of AGC by the repeater 3 . The AGC count, which is the number of times of AGC performed by the repeater 3 in a certain period of time, is medium- to long-term information regarding AGC. In addition, the number of times of AGC is also information indicating the behavior of AGC in the repeater 3 .

By monitoring the state of the amplifier 31, the AGC function unit 32 constantly grasps the maximum input level, minimum input level, input change level, and AGC count.

In the radio communication system 100 , the three repeaters 3 each have three amplifiers 31 . The three amplifiers 31 are connected in series by LCX2. Also, the three repeaters 3 each have three AGC function units 32 .

In the following, the three repeaters 3 are also referred to as repeater 3a, repeater 3b, and repeater 3c, respectively. The three amplifiers 31 are hereinafter also referred to as an amplifier 31a, an amplifier 31b, and an amplifier 31c, respectively. Also, hereinafter, the three AGC function units 32 are also referred to as an AGC function unit 32a, an AGC function unit 32b, and an AGC function unit 32c, respectively. In the following, the four LCX2 are also referred to as LCX2a, LCX2b, LCX2c and LCX2d, respectively.

The external device P1 is connected to the amplifier 31a through the LCX2a. The amplifying section 31a is connected to the amplifying section 31b through the LCX2b. The amplifier 31b is connected to the amplifier 31c through the LCX2c. The amplifier 31c is connected to the terminal 4 by LCX2d. LCX2a, amplifier 31a, LCX2b, amplifier 31b, LCX2c, amplifier 31c, LCX2d and termination 4 constitute a communication path. A communication path is a path for transmitting a signal.

The AGC parameter management unit 12 has a function of managing AGC parameters. An AGC parameter is a time constant or the like. The AGC parameter management unit 12 communicates with multiple repeaters 3 via the monitoring line L1. Specifically, the AGC parameter management unit 12 communicates with the AGC function units 32 of the multiple repeaters 3 via the monitoring line L1.

Hereinafter, the time constant used by the repeater 3 is also referred to as "time constant t1" or "t1". A time constant t<b>1 is a time constant to be set in the repeater 3 . Also, hereinafter, the time constant t1 used by the repeater 3a is also referred to as "time constant t1a" or "t1a." Further, hereinafter, the time constant t1 used by the repeater 3b is also referred to as "time constant t1b" or "t1b". Also, hereinafter, the time constant t1 used by the repeater 3c is also referred to as "time constant t1c" or "t1c".

The AGC function unit 32a of the repeater 3a in which the time constant t1a is set holds the time constant t1a. Also, the AGC function unit 32b of the repeater 3b in which the time constant t1b is set holds the time constant t1b. In addition, the AGC function unit 32c of the repeater 3c in which the time constant t1c is set holds the time constant t1c.

For example, the relay device 3a for which the time constant t1a is set performs AGC using the time constant t1a when it is necessary to perform AGC.

Hereinafter, the time constant t1 set in the repeater 3 is also referred to as "set time constant". For example, the time constant t1a held by the AGC function unit 32a of the repeater 3a to which the time constant t1a is set is the set time constant.

A situation in which divergence of the transient response characteristic described above is likely to occur is a situation in which the following characteristic divergence relational expression holds. The characteristic divergence relational expression is "time constant t1a>time constant t1b>time constant t1c".

(motion)
Next, the operation of the radio communication system 100 will be described using FIG. First, a radio signal transmitted from the transmitter 11 of the external device P1 of the base station 10 is transmitted through a communication path. A radio signal passes through the communication path in the order of LCX 2a, amplifier 31a, LCX 2b, amplifier 31b, LCX 2c, amplifier 31c, LCX 2d, and termination 4. FIG. For example, while the LCX 2a is transmitting a radio signal, radio waves leaked from the LCX 2a are used for radio communication.

Hereinafter, a period during which a signal is transmitted through a communication path is also referred to as a “signal transmission period”. A signal transmission period is a period during which a radio signal is transmitted on a communication path.

Here, as an example, processing in the repeater 3a will be described. The AGC function unit 32a of the repeater 3a sets a gain corresponding to the amount of signal attenuation in the LCX 2a to the amplifier 31a. The setting of the gain by the AGC function unit 32a is performed in advance, for example, before the radio signal is transmitted.

In the signal transmission period, the amplifier 31a that receives the radio signal from the LCX 2a amplifies the level of the radio signal according to the set gain. The amplifier 31a outputs the amplified radio signal.

Here, it is assumed that the input level, which is the level of the radio signal input to the amplifier 31a, changes during the signal transmission period. In this case, AGC is performed by the AGC function section 32a adjusting the gain of the amplification section 31a so that the output level of the amplification section 31a is constant.

Repeaters 3b and 3c also perform the above process in the same manner as the repeater 3a.

In the present embodiment, in the wireless communication system, processing for setting the time constant of each of the plurality of repeaters 3 (hereinafter also referred to as "time constant setting control processing") is performed.

Next, the time constant setting control process will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of time constant setting control processing.

Information about AGC is hereinafter also referred to as "AGC information". The AGC information is status information indicating the status of AGC performed by the repeater 3 . Also, hereinafter, the parameters related to AGC are also referred to as "AGC parameters". An AGC parameter is, for example, a time constant. The AGC information indicates the number of times of AGC corresponding to the implementation status of AGC by the repeater 3 .

Specifically, the AGC information includes a time constant, which is an AGC parameter, level information, and the number of times of AGC. Level information of AGC information includes an input maximum level, an input minimum level and an input change level.

In this embodiment, the level information of the AGC information includes the input change level for simplification of explanation, but the present invention is not limited to this. The level information may not include the input change level, and the external device P1 may obtain the input change level by calculating the difference between the input maximum level and the input minimum level.

First, the flow of processing in the time constant setting control process will be briefly described, and a specific example of the time constant setting control process will be described later.

In the time constant setting control process, first, an AGC information acquisition process is performed (step S110). In the AGC information acquisition process, each repeater 3 transmits the AGC information of the repeater 3 to the external device P1. Thereby, the external device P<b>1 acquires the AGC information of each of the multiple repeaters 3 .

Next, in step S120, time constant identification processing is performed. In the time constant identification process, a time constant for use by each repeater 3 is identified. Hereinafter, the time constant used by each repeater 3 is also referred to as a "target time constant". That is, in the time constant identification process, the target time constant is identified.

Next, in step S130, the external device P1 performs time constant setting processing based on a plurality of pieces of AGC information, which is status information. The time constant setting process is a setting process for setting a target time constant for use by each repeater 3 to the repeater 3 .

In the time constant setting process, first, the AGC parameter management unit 12 of the external device P1 transmits a target time constant for use by each repeater 3 to the repeater 3 in question. Upon receiving the target time constant, the AGC function unit 32 of the repeater 3 holds the target time constant as the time constant t1. This completes the setting of the target time constant. Thus, the time constant setting control process ends.

After completing the setting of the target time constant, the repeater 3 performs AGC using the target time constant as the time constant t1 when it is necessary to perform AGC.

Next, a specific example of the time constant setting control process of FIG. 2 will be described. In order to facilitate understanding of an example of the time constant setting control process, the time constant setting control process performed under the following premise Pm1 will be described.

Hereinafter, the AGC information corresponding to the repeater 3a is also referred to as "AGC information Ga". The AGC information Ga includes the time constant t1a set in the repeater 3a, level information corresponding to the repeater 3a, and the number of times of AGC corresponding to the repeater 3a. The level information includes input maximum level, input minimum level and input change level.

Further, hereinafter, the AGC information corresponding to the repeater 3b is also referred to as "AGC information Gb". The AGC information Gb includes the time constant t1b set in the repeater 3b, level information corresponding to the repeater 3b, and the number of times of AGC corresponding to the repeater 3b.

Also, hereinafter, the AGC information corresponding to the repeater 3c is also referred to as "AGC information Gc". The AGC information Gc includes the time constant t1c set in the repeater 3c, level information corresponding to the repeater 3c, and the number of times of AGC corresponding to the repeater 3c.

The AGC information Ga is status information indicating the number of times of AGC corresponding to the implementation status of AGC by the repeater 3a. The AGC information Gb is status information indicating the number of times of AGC, which corresponds to the status of implementation of AGC by the repeater 3b. The AGC information Gc is status information indicating the number of times of AGC corresponding to the implementation status of AGC by the repeater 3c.

In premise Pm1, time constant setting control processing is performed in the configuration of the wireless communication system 100 in FIG. Further, in the premise Pm1, the target time constant is specified by the operator who operates the external device P1. Further, in the premise Pm1, the AGC function unit 32 of each repeater 3 uses the time constant t1 set in the repeater 3, the level information corresponding to the repeater 3, and the AGC corresponding to the repeater 3. I know how many times.

For example, the AGC function unit 32a of the repeater 3a grasps the time constant t1a set in the repeater 3a, the level information corresponding to the repeater 3a, and the number of times of AGC corresponding to the repeater 3a. The level information corresponding to repeater 3a includes an input maximum level, an input minimum level and an input change level. For example, the maximum input level corresponding to the repeater 3a is the maximum value of the input level of the amplifying section 31a for a certain period of time. The input minimum level corresponding to the repeater 3a is the minimum value of the input level of the amplifier 31a for a certain period of time.

The number of times of AGC corresponding to the repeater 3a is the number of times of AGC performed by the repeater 3a in a certain period of time.

The time constant setting control process in the above premise Pm1 will be described. In the time constant setting control process of the premise Pm1, first, the AGC information acquisition process of step S110 is performed. In the AGC information acquisition process, each repeater 3 transmits the AGC information of the repeater 3 to the external device P1 using the monitoring line L1. The AGC information includes time constant t1 as an AGC parameter, level information, and AGC count.

Specifically, each of AGC function units 32a, 32b, and 32c transmits AGC information to AGC parameter management unit 12 of external device P1 via monitoring line L1. The AGC function units 32a, 32b and 32c transmit AGC information Ga, Gb and Gc to the AGC parameter management unit 12, respectively.

As a result, the AGC parameter management unit 12 of the external device P1 acquires the AGC information Ga, Gb, and Gc, which are status information. That is, the AGC parameter management unit 12 stores time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c, which are set time constants, corresponding to the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c, respectively, and level information corresponding to each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c. , and the number of times of AGC corresponding to each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c.

Next, in the time constant specifying process of step S120 in the premise Pm1, the operator who operates the external device P1 determines the repeaters 3a, 3b based on the AGC information Ga, Gb, Gc displayed on the display of the external device P1. , 3c of interest.

Specifically, in the time constant specifying process in the premise Pm1, first, the AGC information Ga, Gb, and Gc are displayed on the display of the external device P1. For example, the display shows time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c corresponding to the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c, respectively, and the number of AGC times corresponding to each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c.

The operator considers the information displayed on the display and specifies the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c so that the characteristic divergence relational expression "time constant t1a>time constant t1b>time constant t1c" does not hold. If the characteristic divergence relational expression holds, there is a high possibility that transient response characteristic divergence will occur.

Therefore, the operator specifies the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as the target time constants of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c so that "time constant t1a>time constant t1b>time constant t1c" does not hold.

For example, the operator specifies the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as the target time constants of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c such that "time constant t1a<time constant t1b<time constant t1c".

Next, in step S130 in the premise Pm1, the external device P1 performs time constant setting processing according to the operator's operation M on the external device P1 based on the AGC information Ga, Gb, and Gc, which is the situation information. In addition, the external device P1 uses the monitoring line L1, which is a communication cable, to perform time constant setting processing.

Specifically, in the time constant setting process in the premise Pm1, first, the operator performs the transmission operation on the external device P1. The transmission operation is operation M for transmitting the target time constants of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c specified by the operator based on the AGC information Ga, Gb, and Gc to the corresponding repeaters. The target time constant is the AGC parameter.

The AGC parameter management unit 12 of the external device P1 transmits the target time constant of each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c to the corresponding repeater via the monitoring line L1 according to the transmission operation described above.

For example, the AGC parameter management unit 12 of the external device P1 transmits the time constant t1a as the target time constant of the repeater 3a to the repeater 3a via the monitoring line L1. Upon receiving the time constant t1a as the target time constant, the AGC function unit 32a of the repeater 3a holds the time constant t1a as the target time constant. This completes the setting of the target time constant for the repeater 3a.

The setting of the time constants t1b and t1c as the target time constants of the repeaters 3b and 3c is performed in the same manner as the setting of the time constant t1a as the target time constant of the repeater 3a.

As described above, the time constant setting control process in the premise Pm1 is completed. As a result, the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c respectively set for the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c are time constants in which the characteristic divergence relational expression "time constant t1a>time constant t1b>time constant t1c" does not hold. .

Each repeater 3 whose target time constant has been set performs AGC using the target time constant set in the repeater 3 when it is necessary to perform AGC. For example, the repeater 3a performs AGC using the time constant t1a as the target time constant set in the repeater 3a.

(summary)
As described above, according to this embodiment, the plurality of repeaters 3 are connected in series. Each of the repeaters 3 has a function of performing automatic gain control using a time constant. The external device P1 performs setting processing for setting a time constant for each repeater 3 to be used by each repeater 3 based on status information indicating the implementation status of automatic gain control by each of the plurality of repeaters 3. I do.

That is, in the present embodiment, as in the related configuration A, each of the plurality of repeaters connected in series sets the time constant independently without considering the AGC implementation status of the other repeaters. no action is taken. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress a decrease in reliability of automatic gain control performed by a plurality of repeaters connected in series due to the above processing performed by the external device P1.

Further, according to the present embodiment, an external device P1 is provided as a host device that monitors the AGC behavior of each repeater 3 . The external device P1 is provided in the base station 10 . The external device P<b>1 performs processing for setting the time constant of each repeater 3 in consideration of the AGC behavior of each repeater 3 . Specifically, the following processing is performed.

First, the external device P1 acquires AGC information Ga, Gb, and Gc from the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c, respectively. AGC information Ga, Gb, and Gc are displayed on the display of the external device P1. Therefore, the operator can confirm the AGC information of each repeater in a bird's-eye view from a remote location of each repeater.

Also, based on the confirmed AGC information, the operator manually performs an operation for setting the time constant of each repeater so that "time constant t1a>time constant t1b>time constant t1c" does not hold. Do it for P1.

Specifically, the operator manually operates to set the time constant t1a, t1b and t1c are set. That is, the optimum time constant is set for each repeater remotely from each repeater. Therefore, even if AGC using the set time constant is performed by each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c during the signal transmission period, divergence of the transient response characteristic occurs in the wireless communication system having a multistage repeater configuration. The effect of being able to suppress is obtained.

By the way, in the related configuration A described above, each repeater autonomously changes the time constant according to the fluctuation of the input level. Therefore, depending on the behavior of the AGC of multiple repeaters connected in series, the signal level may be excessively amplified. In this case, the transient response characteristics of the repeater may diverge.

Specifically, in the related configuration A, when a disturbance is applied to the LCX existing upstream of a certain repeater and the output of the amplifier unit of the repeater fluctuates, the time constant of the repeater decreases autonomously. . As the time constant becomes smaller, it becomes easier for the AGC of the relay to correct the signal level. When AGC is performed at appropriate timing, correction is performed on a signal that has undergone level fluctuation. As a result, the level of the signal is subtracted and the level fluctuation becomes smaller.

However, in related configuration A, AGC may not be performed at appropriate timing depending on the type of disturbance. In this case, there is a possibility that the signal with the level fluctuation will be further corrected by AGC, and an event that increases the level fluctuation will occur.

When this event occurs, the input level of the subsequent repeater fluctuates even more. Therefore, the subsequent repeater also senses the change in the input level and autonomously reduces the AGC time constant. In addition, the same movement occurs in further rear-stage repeaters, and if these operations occur repeatedly, the closer the repeater is to the end among the plurality of repeaters, the smaller the time constant of the repeater. Therefore, the output level of the repeater is likely to fluctuate, and there is a possibility that the level fluctuation in the repeater will diverge.

As a result, the characteristic divergence relational expression "time constant of the first repeater > time constant of the second repeater > ... > time constant of the last repeater" is established, and the transient response of the repeater There is a problem that characteristic divergence can occur.

Therefore, radio communication system 100 of the present embodiment has a configuration for achieving the above effects. Therefore, the above problem can be solved by the wireless communication system 100 of this embodiment.

<Embodiment 2>
(composition)
The configuration of this embodiment is a configuration that automatically sets a time constant for each repeater. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a radio communication system 100A according to Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. The radio communication system 100A differs from the radio communication system 100 of FIG. 1 in that the external device P1 further includes a parameter identification unit 13. The rest of the configuration of radio communication system 100A is the same as that of radio communication system 100 in FIG. 1, so detailed description will not be repeated.

The parameter identification unit 13 holds a table T1. Table T1 is a table for specifying the target time constant of each repeater 3 . Although the details will be described later, the parameter specifying unit 13 specifies the target time constant of each repeater 3 by a predetermined algorithm using the table T1. That is, the target time constant of each repeater 3 is automatically specified. The parameter identification unit 13 transmits the identified target time constant to the AGC parameter management unit 12 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of table T1 according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the time constants that are candidates for the target time constant are also referred to as “candidate time constants”. Table T1 defines a plurality of different candidate time constants. In the table T1 of FIG. 4, time constant a to time constant i are defined as nine candidate time constants for easy understanding of the explanation.

Note that the configuration of the table T1 is not limited to the configuration in FIG. For example, the number of candidate time constants defined in table T1 is not limited to 9, and may range from 2 to 8, or may be 10 or more.

Each of the time constants a to i, which are candidate time constants, defined in the table T1 is specified by the input change level and the number of times of AGC included in the aforementioned AGC information, which is the situation information. That is, the table T1 defines candidate time constants based on the AGC information, which is the situation information. A candidate time constant based on the AGC information is a candidate time constant corresponding to the AGC information.

In table T1, the larger the AGC count, the smaller the candidate time constant corresponding to the AGC count. For example, time constant i is less than time constant h. Further, in the table T1, the larger the input change level, the smaller the candidate time constant corresponding to the input change level. For example, time constant f is smaller than time constant i. In the table T1, the time constant c is the smallest among the time constants a to i.

(motion)
In the radio communication system 100A of the present embodiment, the time constant setting control process of FIG. 2 is performed. Next, the time constant setting control process in this embodiment will be described. Here, the time constant setting control process performed under the following premise Pm2 will be described.

In premise Pm2, time constant setting control processing is performed in the configuration of the radio communication system 100A of FIG. Further, in the premise Pm2, the AGC function unit 32 of each repeater 3 uses the time constant t1 set in the repeater 3, the level information corresponding to the repeater 3, and the AGC corresponding to the repeater 3. I know how many times.

The time constant setting control process in the above premise Pm2 will be described. In the time constant setting control process in the premise Pm2, first, the AGC information acquisition process of step S110 is performed. In the AGC information acquisition process in premise Pm2, each of the AGC function units 32a, 32b, and 32c transmits AGC information to the AGC parameter management unit 12 of the external device P1 via the monitoring line L1. The AGC function units 32a, 32b and 32c transmit AGC information Ga, Gb and Gc to the AGC parameter management unit 12, respectively.

The AGC parameter management unit 12 transmits the received AGC information Ga, Gb, and Gc to the parameter identification unit 13 .

Thereby, the parameter specifying unit 13 acquires the AGC information Ga, Gb, and Gc, which are the status information. That is, the parameter specifying unit 13 includes time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c that are set time constants corresponding to the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c, respectively; level information corresponding to each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c; AGC numbers corresponding to each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c are acquired. Level information of AGC information includes an input maximum level, an input minimum level and an input change level.

In this embodiment, the level information of the AGC information includes the input change level for simplification of explanation, but the present invention is not limited to this. The level information may not include the input change level, and the external device P1 may obtain the input change level by calculating the difference between the input maximum level and the input minimum level.

Next, in the time constant identification process of step S120 in the premise Pm2, the parameter identification unit 13 determines the target time constant of each repeater 3 based on the AGC information Ga, Gb, and Gc, which are the situation information, and the table T1. Identify.

Here, as an example, the process of specifying the time constant t1a as the target time constant of the repeater 3a will be described. The parameter identifying unit 13 identifies the target time constant of the repeater 3a based on the AGC information Ga, which is the acquired status information, and the table T1. The acquired AGC information Ga includes the time constant t1a, which is a set time constant set in the repeater 3a, the number of AGC times of the repeater 3a, and the input change level of the repeater 3a.

Specifically, the parameter specifying unit 13 selects the candidate time constant specified by the number of times of AGC of the relay device 3a and the input change level of the relay device 3a among the nine candidate time constants of the table T1. 3a is identified as the target time constant.

Here, it is assumed that the AGC count of the repeater 3a is the AGC count corresponding to the candidate time constant time constant f, and the input change level of the repeater 3a corresponds to the candidate time constant time constant f. Assume that the input change level is In this case, the parameter specifying unit 13 specifies the time constant f, which is the candidate time constant, as the time constant t1a as the target time constant of the repeater 3a.

The time constants t1b and t1c as target time constants for the repeaters 3b and 3c are also specified in the same manner as the method for specifying the time constant t1a as the target time constant for the repeater 3a. Thereby, the parameter identification unit 13 identifies the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as the target time constants of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c.

When the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c specified by the parameter specifying unit 13 are time constants that satisfy "time constant t1a<time constant t1b<time constant t1c", the time constant specifying process in step S120 in premise Pm2 is finish. The relational expression "time constant t1a<time constant t1b<time constant t1c" is a relational expression in which the characteristic divergence relational expression "time constant t1a>time constant t1b>time constant t1c" does not hold.

On the other hand, when the specified time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c are not time constants that satisfy "time constant t1a<time constant t1b<time constant t1c", time constant re-specifying processing is performed.

In the time constant re-specifying process, the parameter specifying unit 13 replaces some of the specified time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c with the set time constants so that "time constant t1a<time constant t1b<time constant t1c" holds. are replaced with a part of the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c.

In the replacement process, for example, the identified time constant t1a is replaced with the set time constant t1a. The time constant t1, which is the replaced set time constant, is not set in the repeater 3 holding the set time constant in this time constant setting control process. That is, the set time constant of the repeater 3 holding the set time constant is not updated.

Here, it is assumed that the identified time constant t1a is replaced with the set time constant t1a by the replacement process. In this case, the time constant t1a of the repeater 3a for which the time constant t1a, which is the set time constant, is set is not updated in this time constant setting control process.

By the way, even if the replacement process in the time constant re-specification process is performed, there are cases where "time constant t1a<time constant t1b<time constant t1c" cannot be established. In this case, the replacement process is performed so that at least the characteristic divergence relational expression "time constant t1a>time constant t1b>time constant t1c" does not hold. In the replacement process, the parameter specifying unit 13 replaces some of the specified time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c with the set time constant so that at least "time constant t1a>time constant t1b>time constant t1c" does not hold. It replaces some of the time constants t1a, t1b, t1c.

In the time constant re-specifying process, the parameter specifying unit 13 specifies the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c after the replacement process is performed as target time constants. As a result, the time constant re-specifying process ends, and the time constant specifying process of step S120 in the premise Pm2 ends. In the time constant identification process of step S120 in the premise Pm2, the parameter identification unit 13 sets the target time of each repeater 3 so that the characteristic divergence relational expression "time constant t1a>time constant t1b>time constant t1c" does not hold. Identify constants.

After the time constant specifying process of step S120 is completed, in step S130 of the premise Pm2, the external device P1 performs a process for setting the time constant t1 as the target time constant specified in step S120 to each repeater 3. Perform time constant setting processing. In addition, the external device P1 uses the monitoring line L1, which is a communication cable, to perform time constant setting processing.

Specifically, in the time constant setting process of premise Pm2, the parameter specifying unit 13 transmits time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as target time constants to the AGC parameter management unit 12 .

When all of the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as target time constants are not set time constants, the AGC parameter management unit 12 sets the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c to the corresponding repeater via the monitoring line L1. Send to

For example, the AGC parameter management unit 12 of the external device P1 transmits the time constant t1a as the target time constant of the repeater 3a to the repeater 3a via the monitoring line L1. Upon receiving the time constant t1a as the target time constant, the AGC function unit 32a of the repeater 3a holds the time constant t1a as the target time constant. This completes the setting of the target time constant for the repeater 3a.

The setting of the time constants t1b and t1c as the target time constants of the repeaters 3b and 3c is performed in the same manner as the setting of the time constant t1a as the target time constant of the repeater 3a.

By the way, when the aforementioned replacement processing is performed and some of the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as the target time constants are set time constants, processing for setting the time constant t1, which is the set time constant is not performed. As a result, the time constant t1 of the repeater 3 to which the time constant t1, which is the set time constant, is set is not updated in this time constant setting control process.

As described above, the time constant setting control process in the premise Pm2 is completed. As a result, the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c respectively set for the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c are time constants in which the characteristic divergence relational expression "time constant t1a>time constant t1b>time constant t1c" does not hold. . Each repeater 3 whose target time constant has been set performs AGC using the target time constant set in the repeater 3 when it is necessary to perform AGC.

(summary)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the optimum time constant can be automatically set for each repeater 3 remotely from each repeater 3 . Specifically, the time constants t1a, t1b, t1b, t1b, t1c is set.

Therefore, even if each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c performs AGC using the set time constant during the signal transmission period, it is possible to suppress divergence of transient response characteristics in the wireless communication system. You can get the effect that you can. Further, it is possible to stabilize the output levels of the amplifiers 31a, 31b, and 31c in a situation where AGC using the set time constant is performed by each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately change the parameters such as the time constant of each repeater based on the input change level and the number of times of AGC indicating the behavior of the AGC of each repeater.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the optimum time constant for each repeater is specified based on the input change level and the number of times of AGC, which are medium- to long-term information regarding AGC in each repeater. That is, in the present embodiment, the time constant of each repeater is not specified based on the short-term level fluctuation in each repeater. Also, the identified optimal time constant is set for each repeater. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the effect that the accuracy of AGC in each repeater can be optimized.

By the way, in the related configuration A described above, the time constant is determined based only on the information of the input level fluctuation in a short period of time. Therefore, in the short term, parameters suitable for repeaters may be set. However, related configuration A has a problem that optimal parameters are not always set for the repeater in the medium to long term.

Therefore, the radio communication system 100A of the present embodiment has a configuration for achieving the above effect. Therefore, the above problem can be solved by the radio communication system 100A of the present embodiment.

<Modification 1>
(composition)
The configuration of this modified example is configured to automatically set the time constant and the correction level to each repeater 3 . The configuration of this modification is applied to the second embodiment.

As described above, the correction level is the gain correction unit in AGC. In this modification, the correction level is a variable parameter. Gain adjustment in AGC is performed in correction level units.

The radio communication system of this modification is the radio communication system 100A in FIG. Also, in this modified example, a table T2 is used. The parameter identification unit 13 holds a table T2. Hereinafter, the correction level used by each repeater 3 is also referred to as "target correction level". Table T2 is a table for specifying the target time constant and target correction level of each repeater 3 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the table T2 according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a time constant that is a candidate for the target correction level is also referred to as a “candidate correction level”.

Although the details will be described later, the parameter specifying unit 13 specifies the target time constant and the target correction level of each repeater 3 using the table T2. That is, the target time constant and target correction level of each repeater 3 are automatically specified.

The table T2 defines nine candidate time constants based on the AGC information, which is the situation information, similarly to the table T1 of FIG. Description of time constant a to time constant i, which are nine candidate time constants, is omitted.

In addition, nine candidate correction levels are further defined in table T2. In the table T2 of FIG. 5, correction level a to correction level i are defined as nine candidate correction levels for easy understanding of the explanation.

Note that the configuration of the table T2 is not limited to the configuration in FIG. For example, the number of candidate correction levels defined in table T2 is not limited to 9, but may range from 2 to 8, or may be 10 or more.

Each of correction level a to correction level i, which are candidate correction levels, defined in table T2 is specified by the input change level and the number of times of AGC included in the aforementioned AGC information, which is the situation information. That is, in addition to the candidate time constants, the table T2 defines candidate correction levels based on the AGC information, which is the situation information. A candidate correction level based on the AGC information is a candidate correction level corresponding to the AGC information. That is, the table T2 defines candidate time constants and candidate correction levels based on the AGC information, which is the situation information.

In table T2, the larger the AGC count, the smaller the candidate correction level corresponding to the AGC count. For example, correction level i is less than correction level h. Further, in the table T2, the larger the input change level, the larger the candidate correction level corresponding to the input change level. For example, correction level f is greater than correction level i. In table T2, correction level i is the smallest among correction levels a to i.

(motion)
In the radio communication system 100A of this modified example, the time constant setting control process of FIG. 2 is performed. Next, the time constant setting control process in this modified example will be described. Here, the time constant setting control process performed under the following premise Pm3 will be described.

In premise Pm3, time constant setting control processing is performed in the configuration of the wireless communication system 100A of FIG. Further, in the premise Pm3, the AGC function unit 32 of each repeater 3 uses the time constant t1 set in the repeater 3, the level information corresponding to the repeater 3, and the AGC corresponding to the repeater 3. I know how many times.

The time constant setting control process in the above premise Pm3 will be described. In the time constant setting control process in the premise Pm3, first, the AGC information acquisition process of step S110 is performed. In the AGC information acquisition process in premise Pm3, each of the AGC function units 32a, 32b, and 32c transmits AGC information to the AGC parameter management unit 12 of the external device P1 via the monitoring line L1. The AGC function units 32a, 32b and 32c transmit AGC information Ga, Gb and Gc to the AGC parameter management unit 12, respectively.

The AGC parameter management unit 12 transmits the received AGC information Ga, Gb, and Gc to the parameter identification unit 13 .

Thereby, the parameter specifying unit 13 acquires the AGC information Ga, Gb, and Gc, which are the status information. That is, the parameter specifying unit 13 includes time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c that are set time constants corresponding to the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c, respectively; level information corresponding to each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c; AGC numbers corresponding to each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c are acquired. Level information of AGC information includes an input maximum level, an input minimum level and an input change level.

In this modified example, the level information of the AGC information includes the input change level in order to simplify the explanation, but the present invention is not limited to this. The level information may not include the input change level, and the external device P1 may obtain the input change level by calculating the difference between the input maximum level and the input minimum level.

Next, in the time constant identification process of step S120 in premise Pm3, the parameter identification unit 13 determines the target time constant and Identify the target correction level.

Here, as an example, the process of specifying the time constant t1a as the target time constant of the repeater 3a and the target correction level of the repeater 3a will be described. The parameter specifying unit 13 specifies the target time constant and the target correction level of the repeater 3a based on the AGC information Ga, which is the acquired situation information, and the table T2. The acquired AGC information Ga includes the time constant t1a, which is a set time constant set in the repeater 3a, the number of AGC times of the repeater 3a, and the input change level of the repeater 3a.

Specifically, the parameter specifying unit 13 selects the candidate time constant specified by the number of times of AGC of the relay device 3a and the input change level of the relay device 3a among the nine candidate time constants of the table T2. 3a is identified as the target time constant. Further, the parameter specifying unit 13 selects the candidate correction level specified by the number of times of AGC of the repeater 3a and the input change level of the repeater 3a among the nine candidate correction levels of the table T2 as the target of the repeater 3a. Identifies as correction level.

Here, it is assumed that the AGC count of the repeater 3a is the AGC count corresponding to the time constant f that is the candidate time constant and the correction level f that is the candidate correction level. Further, it is assumed that the input change level of the repeater 3a is an input change level corresponding to the candidate time constant f and the candidate correction level correction level f.

In this case, the parameter specifying unit 13 specifies the time constant f, which is the candidate time constant, as the time constant t1a as the target time constant of the repeater 3a, and sets the correction level f, which is the candidate correction level, to the repeater 3a. specified as the target correction level for

The time constants t1b and t1c as target time constants for the repeaters 3b and 3c are also specified in the same manner as the method for specifying the time constant t1a as the target time constant for the repeater 3a. The target correction levels of the repeaters 3b and 3c are also specified in the same manner as the method of specifying the target correction level of the repeater 3a.

Thereby, the parameter identification unit 13 identifies the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as the target time constants of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c. Also, the parameter specifying unit 13 specifies the target correction levels of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c.

When the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c specified by the parameter specifying unit 13 are time constants that satisfy "time constant t1a<time constant t1b<time constant t1c", the time constant specifying process in step S120 in premise Pm3 is finish. The relational expression "time constant t1a<time constant t1b<time constant t1c" is a relational expression in which the characteristic divergence relational expression "time constant t1a>time constant t1b>time constant t1c" does not hold.

On the other hand, when the specified time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c are not time constants that satisfy "time constant t1a<time constant t1b<time constant t1c", time constant re-specifying processing is performed.

In the time constant re-specifying process, the parameter specifying unit 13 replaces some of the specified time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c with the set time constants so that "time constant t1a<time constant t1b<time constant t1c" holds. are replaced with a part of the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c. Since the time constant re-specification processing in premise Pm3 is the same as the time constant re-specification processing in premise Pm2, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

By the way, even if the replacement process in the time constant re-specification process is performed, there are cases where "time constant t1a<time constant t1b<time constant t1c" cannot be established. In this case, the replacement process is performed so that at least the characteristic divergence relational expression "time constant t1a>time constant t1b>time constant t1c" does not hold.

In the time constant re-specifying process in the premise Pm3, the parameter specifying unit 13 specifies the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c after the replacement process is performed as target time constants. As a result, the time constant re-specifying process ends, and the time constant specifying process of step S120 in the premise Pm3 ends. In the time constant identification process of step S120 in the premise Pm3, the parameter identification unit 13 sets the target time of each repeater 3 so that the characteristic divergence relational expression "time constant t1a>time constant t1b>time constant t1c" does not hold. Identify constants.

After the time constant specifying process of step S120 is finished, in step S130 of the premise Pm3, the external device P1 sends the time constant t1 as the target time constant and the target correction level specified in step S120 to each repeater 3. Perform time constant setting processing for setting. In addition, the external device P1 uses the monitoring line L1, which is a communication cable, to perform time constant setting processing. In the time constant setting process in the premise Pm3, in addition to setting the time constant, setting of the correction level is also performed.

Specifically, in the time constant setting process in the premise Pm3, the parameter specifying unit 13 sets the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as target time constants and the target correction levels of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c to the AGC parameter Send to the management unit 12 .

Next, the setting of the target time constant and the setting of the target correction level are performed. Setting of the target time constant and setting of the target correction level are performed in parallel. Here, in order to make the explanation easier to understand, the setting of the target time constant and the setting of the target correction level will be described separately.

First, the setting of the target time constant will be described. In setting the target time constants, if all of the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as the target time constants are not set time constants, the AGC parameter management unit 12 sets the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c to the monitoring line L1. and send it to the corresponding repeater.

For example, the AGC parameter management unit 12 of the external device P1 transmits the time constant t1a as the target time constant of the repeater 3a to the repeater 3a via the monitoring line L1. Upon receiving the time constant t1a as the target time constant, the AGC function unit 32a of the repeater 3a holds the time constant t1a as the target time constant. This completes the setting of the target time constant for the repeater 3a.

The setting of the time constants t1b and t1c as the target time constants of the repeaters 3b and 3c is performed in the same manner as the setting of the time constant t1a as the target time constant of the repeater 3a.

By the way, when the aforementioned replacement processing is performed and some of the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as the target time constants are set time constants, processing for setting the time constant t1, which is the set time constant is not performed. As a result, the time constant t1 of the repeater 3 to which the time constant t1, which is the set time constant, is set is not updated in this time constant setting control process.

Next, setting of the target correction level will be described. Here, as an example, a method of setting the target correction level of the repeater 3a will be described. The AGC parameter management unit 12 of the external device P1 transmits the target correction level of the repeater 3a to the repeater 3a via the monitoring line L1. The AGC function unit 32a of the repeater 3a that has received the target correction level holds the target correction level. As a result, the correction level already held by the AGC function unit 32a is updated to the target correction level. Thus, setting of the target correction level for the repeater 3a is completed.

The setting of the target correction level of the repeaters 3b and 3c is also performed in the same manner as the setting of the target correction level of the repeater 3a.

As described above, the time constant setting control process in the premise Pm3 is completed. As a result, the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c respectively set for the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c are time constants in which the characteristic divergence relational expression "time constant t1a>time constant t1b>time constant t1c" does not hold. . Each repeater 3 whose target time constant has been set performs AGC using the target time constant set in the repeater 3 when it is necessary to perform AGC.

Further, each repeater 3 whose target correction level has been set performs AGC using the target correction level set in the repeater 3 when it is necessary to perform AGC. Gain adjustment in AGC is performed in units of set target correction levels.

(summary)
As described above, according to this modification, the time constant is set in the same manner as in the second embodiment, so that the same effects as in the second embodiment can be obtained. For example, it is possible to suppress divergence of transient response characteristics in a wireless communication system. Further, it is possible to stabilize the output levels of the amplifiers 31a, 31b, and 31c in a situation where AGC using the set time constant is performed by each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c.

Further, according to this modification, the correction levels of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c can be changed to appropriate levels based on the input change level and the number of times of AGC, which are medium- to long-term information regarding AGC. That is, the gain adjustment unit in AGC can be changed to an appropriate value. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the effect that the gain adjustment in AGC can be performed with high accuracy.

In addition, since the correction levels of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c can be changed, it is also possible to change the width of gain variation in AGC. Therefore, for example, it is possible to cope with a situation where a large gain adjustment in AGC is required.

<Embodiment 3>
(composition)
The configuration of the present embodiment is a configuration in which information is transmitted and received using radio signals without using the monitoring line L1 (hereinafter also referred to as "radio signal information communication configuration"). The radio signal information communication configuration is applied to all or part of the configuration of the first embodiment, the configuration of the second embodiment, and the configuration of the first modification.

As an example, a configuration in which the radio signal information communication configuration is applied to the configuration of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a radio communication system 100B according to Embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. The configuration of FIG. 6 is a configuration in which the radio signal information communication configuration is applied to the configuration of FIG.

The wireless communication system 100B differs from the wireless communication system 100A in FIG. 3 in that the external device P1 further includes a wireless signal communication unit 33, each repeater 3 further includes a wireless signal communication unit 33, and the monitoring The difference is that the line L1 does not exist. The rest of the configuration of radio communication system 100B is the same as radio communication system 100A in FIG. 3, so detailed description will not be repeated.

As described above, the LCX 2a, the amplifier 31a, the LCX 2b, the amplifier 31b, the LCX 2c, the amplifier 31c, the LCX 2d and the termination 4 constitute a communication path. Hereinafter, the direction from the LCX 2a to the terminal 4 on the communication path is also referred to as "direction A". Also, hereinafter, the direction from the terminal 4 to the LCX 2a in the communication path is also referred to as "direction B".

The amplifying unit 31 of each repeater 3 has a function of transmitting a signal traveling in the direction A in the direction A and a function of transmitting a signal traveling in the direction B in the direction B. As shown in FIG.

The radio signal communication unit 33 has a function of adding information to a radio signal and a function of acquiring information from the radio signal. The radio signal communication unit 33 has a function of modulating a radio signal and a function of demodulating the radio signal. Also, the radio signal communication unit 33 in each repeater 3 has a function of communicating with the amplifier unit 31 of the repeater 3 .

Each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c includes three radio signal communication units 33. As shown in FIG. The three radio signal communication units 33 are hereinafter also referred to as a radio signal communication unit 33a, a radio signal communication unit 33b, and a radio signal communication unit 33c, respectively. The repeaters 3a, 3b and 3c respectively include radio signal communication units 33a, 33b and 33c.

The radio signal communication unit 33a is configured to be able to receive a signal traveling in direction A from the LCX 2a. The radio signal communication unit 33b is configured to be able to receive a signal traveling in direction A from the LCX 2b. The radio signal communication unit 33c is configured to be able to receive a signal traveling in direction A from the LCX 2c.

The external device P1 according to the present embodiment includes one wireless signal communication unit 33 (hereinafter also referred to as "wireless signal communication unit 33d"). The radio signal communication unit 33d can communicate with the communication path described above.

The radio signal of this embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the format of a radio signal. As shown in FIG. 7, there are periods during which the radio signal contains normal data and periods during which the radio signal contains information data. Normal data is data to be transmitted to a mobile station by wireless communication using LCX2. The information data includes the aforementioned AGC information, target time constant, target correction level, and the like. Hereinafter, a radio signal including information as information data is also referred to as "radio signal A" or "radio signal B".

Hereinafter, the period in which the radio signal contains normal data is also referred to as "normal communication period". During the normal communication period, wireless communication using LCX2 is performed. Also, hereinafter, a period in which a radio signal contains information data is also referred to as an "information communication period". During the information communication period, processing using the AGC information, the target time constant, the target correction level, etc. is performed. The normal communication period and the information communication period occur in a time division manner.

(motion)
In the wireless communication system 100B of the present embodiment, the time constant setting control process of FIG. 2 is performed. Next, the time constant setting control process in this embodiment will be described. Here, the time constant setting control process performed under the following premise Pm4 will be described.

In premise Pm4, the processing of the configuration in which the radio signal information communication configuration is applied to the configuration of the second embodiment is performed. That is, in premise Pm4, a process for setting the time constant is performed using table T1. Further, in premise Pm4, time constant setting control processing is performed in the configuration of the wireless communication system 100B in FIG.

Further, in the premise Pm4, the AGC function unit 32 of each repeater 3 includes the time constant t1, which is the set time constant set in the repeater 3, the level information corresponding to the repeater 3, the repeater 3 and the number of AGC corresponding to 3 are grasped. The level information includes input maximum level, input minimum level and input change level.

The time constant setting control process in the above premise Pm4 will be described. In the time constant setting control process in the premise Pm4, first, the AGC information acquisition process of step S110 is performed. In the AGC information acquisition process in premise Pm4, each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c uses a radio signal to transmit AGC information including the time constant t1, which is the set time constant, level information, and the number of times of AGC to an external device. A transmission control process for transmission to the device P1 is performed.

Here, in the transmission control process in the premise Pm4, as an example, a process in which the relay device 3b uses a radio signal to transmit the AGC information Gb of the relay device 3b to the external device P1 will be described.

First, the radio signal communication unit 33b of the repeater 3b transmits time constant t1b, which is a set time constant set in the repeater 3b, level information corresponding to the repeater 3b, and AGC corresponding to the repeater 3b. and the number of times are obtained from the AGC function unit 32b.

Next, the radio signal communication unit 33b generates a radio signal A including the acquired time constant t1b, which is the set time constant, level information, and AGC information Gb including the number of times of AGC. Specifically, the radio signal communication unit 33b modulates the radio signal so that the AGC information Gb is included in the radio signal. Thereby, the radio signal A including the AGC information Gb is generated.

Next, the radio signal communication unit 33b transmits the radio signal A including the AGC information Gb to the external device P1 during the information communication period. The radio signal A reaches the external device P1 via the amplifier 31b, LCX2b, amplifier 31a, and LCX2a.

The radio signal communication unit 33d of the external device P1 demodulates the radio signal A received by the external device P1 and acquires the AGC information Gb included in the radio signal A. The radio signal communication unit 33 d transmits the acquired AGC information Gb to the AGC parameter management unit 12 . Thereby, the AGC parameter management unit 12 acquires the AGC information Gb.

The processing of transmitting the AGC information Ga of the relay device 3a to the external device P1 and the processing of transmitting the AGC information Gb of the relay device 3c to the external device P1 are also performed by transmitting the AGC information Gb of the relay device 3b to the external device P1. It is performed in the same way as the sending process.

As a result, the AGC parameter management unit 12 of the external device P1 acquires the AGC information Ga, Gb, and Gc, which are status information, using radio signals. The AGC parameter management unit 12 transmits the acquired AGC information Ga, Gb, and Gc to the parameter identification unit 13 .

Thereby, the parameter specifying unit 13 acquires the AGC information Ga, Gb, and Gc, which are the status information. That is, the parameter specifying unit 13 includes time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c that are set time constants corresponding to the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c, respectively; level information corresponding to each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c; AGC numbers corresponding to each of the repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c are obtained.

The time constant identifying process in step S120 in premise Pm4 is the same as the time constant identifying process in step S120 in premise Pm2 described above, so description thereof will be omitted. Time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as target time constants are specified by the time constant specifying process in premise Pm4.

After the time constant identification process of step S120 is finished, in step S130 of premise Pm4, the external device P1 uses a radio signal to transmit the time constant t1 as the target time constant identified in step S120 to each relay. A time constant setting process for setting the machine 3 is performed.

Specifically, in the time constant setting process of premise Pm4, first, the parameter specifying unit 13 transmits time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as target time constants to the AGC parameter management unit 12 .

Here, as an example, the processing when all of the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as the target time constants are not set time constants will be described. When all of the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as target time constants are not set time constants, the AGC parameter management unit 12 sets the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c to the corresponding repeater using radio signals. Perform transmission setting processing to send to. The transmission setting process is a process for setting the target time constant of the repeater 3 .

Here, in the transmission setting process in the premise Pm4, setting of the target time constant of the repeater 3b will be described as an example.

First, the AGC parameter management unit 12 of the external device P1 transmits the time constant t1b as the target time constant of the repeater 3b to the radio signal communication unit 33d.

The radio signal communication unit 33d generates a radio signal B including a time constant t1b as a target time constant of the repeater 3b and an identification ID. The identification ID used in setting the target time constant of the relay device 3b is identification information indicating that the information included in the radio signal B is the information addressed to the relay device 3b.

Specifically, the radio signal communication unit 33d modulates the radio signal so that the radio signal includes the time constant t1b as the target time constant and the identification ID. Thereby, the radio signal B including the time constant t1b as the target time constant and the identification ID is generated.

The radio signal communication unit 33d transmits the radio signal B to the communication path during the information communication period. The communication path is composed of LCX2a, amplifier 31a, LCX2b, amplifier 31b, LCX2c, amplifier 31c, LCX2d and termination 4. FIG.

Radio signal B passes through the communication path in the order of LCX2a, amplifier 31a, LCX2b, amplifier 31b, LCX2c, amplifier 31c, LCX2d and termination 4. FIG. At this time, the radio signal B output from the LCX 2a is also transmitted to the radio signal communication section 33a. The radio signal B output from the LCX 2b is also transmitted to the radio signal communication section 33b. The radio signal B output from the LCX 2c is also transmitted to the radio signal communication section 33c.

Each of the radio signal communication units 33a, 33b, and 33c demodulates the received radio signal B and confirms the identification ID. The identification ID used in setting the target time constant of the repeater 3b indicates that the target time constant included in the radio signal B is information addressed to the repeater 3b. Therefore, only the radio signal communication unit 33b performs processing for setting the target time constant. Specifically, the radio signal communication unit 33b transmits the time constant t1b as the target time constant included in the radio signal B to the AGC function unit 32b. The AGC function unit 32b holds the time constant t1b as the target time constant. This completes the setting of the target time constant for the repeater 3b.

The setting of the time constants t1a and t1c as the target time constants of the repeaters 3a and 3c is also performed using radio signals in the same manner as the above-described setting of the time constant t1b as the target time constant of the repeater 3b. This completes the transmission setting process, the time constant setting process, and the setting of the time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as the target time constants.

As described above, the time constant setting control process in the premise Pm4 is completed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the target time constant of each of repeaters 3a, 3b, and 3c can be set using radio signals without using monitoring line L1. The time constant setting control process in premise Pm4 is a process in a configuration in which the radio signal information communication configuration is applied to the configuration of the second embodiment. Therefore, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained by the time constant setting control process in the premise Pm4.

The radio signal information communication configuration can also be applied to the configuration of the first embodiment and the configuration of the first modification. In the time constant setting control process in the configuration in which the radio signal information communication configuration is applied to the configuration of Embodiment 1, the radio communication system 100B in FIG. The processing used is performed. For example, AGC information acquisition processing in premise Pm1 using a radio signal, time constant specifying processing in step S120 in premise Pm1, and time constant setting processing in step S130 in premise Pm1 using a radio signal are performed.

In the AGC information acquisition process in premise Pm1 using a radio signal, the AGC information of each repeater 3 is acquired using a radio signal. Further, in the time constant identification process of step S120 in the premise Pm1, the target time constant of each repeater 3 is identified. In the time constant setting process of step S130 in the premise Pm1 using radio signals, time constants t1a, t1b, and t1c as target time constants are set using radio signals. Therefore, even with the configuration in which the radio signal information communication configuration is applied to the configuration of the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in the time constant setting control process in the configuration in which the radio signal information communication configuration is applied to the configuration of Modified Example 1, the radio communication system 100B in FIG. is processed using For example, AGC information acquisition processing in premise Pm3 using a radio signal, time constant specifying processing in step S120 in premise Pm3, and time constant setting processing in step S130 in premise Pm3 using a radio signal are performed.

In the AGC information acquisition process in premise Pm3 using a radio signal, the AGC information of each repeater 3 is acquired using a radio signal. Further, in the time constant specifying process of step S120 in the premise Pm3, the target time constant and target correction level of each repeater 3 are specified. Also, in the time constant setting process of step S130 in the premise Pm3 using a radio signal, the radio signal is used to set the target time constant and to set the target correction level. Therefore, even with the configuration in which the radio signal information communication configuration is applied to the configuration of Modification 1, the same effect as that of Modification 1 can be obtained.

(Functional block diagram)
Hereinafter, the wireless communication system according to the present technology will also be referred to as “wireless communication system Hs1”. The radio communication system Hs1 is one of the radio communication system 100, the radio communication system 100A, and the radio communication system 100B.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a characteristic functional configuration of the radio communication system Hs1. In other words, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing main functions related to the present technology among the functions of the wireless communication system Hs1.

The wireless communication system Hs1 functionally includes a plurality of repeaters BL2 and an external device BL1. The multiple repeaters BL2 are devices for transmitting signals. Each repeater BL2 corresponds to the repeater 3 .

The external device BL1 communicates with a plurality of repeaters BL2. The external device BL1 corresponds to the external device P1.

Each of the multiple repeaters BL2 has a function of amplifying a radio signal used for radio communication. A plurality of repeaters BL2 are connected in series. Each of the repeaters BL2 has a function of performing automatic gain control using a time constant.

The external device BL1 sets the time constant for use by each of the repeaters BL2 to the repeaters BL2 based on status information indicating the implementation status of the automatic gain control by each of the plurality of repeaters BL2. setting processing.

(Hardware configuration example of wireless communication system)
In the following, the main device related to the present technology, which is included in the wireless communication system Hs1, is also called "main device". A wireless communication system Hs1 includes one main unit. For example, one main device according to Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, Modification 1, or Embodiment 3 corresponds to the external device P1.

Each of FIGS. 9 and 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the radio communication system Hs1. The function of one main device included in the wireless communication system Hs1 is realized by one processing circuit 70 shown in FIG. 9, for example. That is, the wireless communication system Hs1 includes a processing circuit 70 as a main component related to the present technology.

The processing circuit 70 performs setting processing for setting a time constant to be used by each repeater based on status information indicating the implementation status of automatic gain control by each of the plurality of repeaters.

Processing circuitry 70 may be dedicated hardware. Moreover, the processing circuit 70 may be configured using a processor that executes a program stored in a memory. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like.

Hereinafter, the situation where the processing circuit 70 is dedicated hardware is also referred to as "situation St1". Further, hereinafter, a situation in which the processing circuit 70 is configured using a processor is also referred to as "situation St2".

In situation St1, the processing circuit 70 is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or any of these. A combination is applicable.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the radio communication system Hs1 in the situation St2 in which the processing circuit 70 is configured using a processor. The configuration of FIG. 10 is a configuration in which the processing circuit 70 of FIG. 9 is realized by a processor 71 and a memory 72.

In situation St2, software A implements the function of one main device included in the wireless communication system Hs1. Software A is software or firmware. Also, the software A may be composed of a combination of software and firmware. Software A is written as a program and stored in memory 72 .

In situation St2, the processor 71 reads out the program stored in the memory 72 and executes the program, thereby realizing the function of one main device included in the wireless communication system Hs1. That is, the memory 72 stores the following programs.

The program performs a setting process for setting a time constant to be used by each repeater based on status information indicating the implementation status of automatic gain control by each of a plurality of repeaters. , is a program for the processor 71 to execute.

The program also causes a computer to execute the processing performed by one main device, the method of executing the processing, and the like.

Here, the memory 72 is a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, or the like. Also, the memory 72 is, for example, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD, or the like. Also, the memory 72 may be any storage medium that will be used in the future.

As described above, the wireless communication system Hs1 can implement the functions described above by means of hardware or software A. FIG.

Also, the present technology may be implemented as a wireless communication control method in which operations of characteristic components included in the wireless communication system Hs1 are performed as steps. Also, the present technology may be implemented as a program that causes a computer to execute each step included in such a wireless communication control method.

Also, the present technology may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium that stores such a program. Also, the program may be distributed via a transmission medium such as the Internet. A wireless communication control method according to the present technology corresponds to, for example, the processing in FIG.

(Other modifications)
In addition, it is possible to freely combine each embodiment and modifications, and to modify or omit each embodiment and modifications as appropriate.

For example, wireless communication system 100, wireless communication system 100A, or wireless communication system 100B may not include all of the components shown in the figures. That is, the radio communication system 100, the radio communication system 100A, or the radio communication system 100B only needs to include minimum components that can achieve the effects of the present technology.

Further, for example, in Embodiment 2 or Modification 1, the elements for specifying the target time constant are not limited to the two elements of the input change level and the AGC count. The factor for specifying the target time constant may be, for example, only the AGC count.

Further, for example, in Modification 1, the elements for specifying the target correction level are not limited to the two elements of the input change level and the AGC count. The factor for specifying the target correction level may be, for example, only the number of AGC.

2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d LCX, 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, BL2 repeater, 10 base station, 12 AGC parameter management unit, 13 parameter identification unit, 31, 31a, 31b, 31c amplification unit, 32, 32a, 32b, 32c AGC function unit 33, 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d radio signal communication unit 70 processing circuit 71 processor 72 memory 100, 100A, 100B, Hs1 radio communication system BL1, P1 external device, L1 supervisory line.

Claims (9)

A wireless communication system,
a plurality of repeaters for transmitting signals;
An external device that communicates with the plurality of repeaters,
each of the plurality of repeaters has a function of amplifying a radio signal used for radio communication,
The plurality of repeaters are connected in series,
Each of the plurality of repeaters has a function of performing automatic gain control using a time constant,
The external device is configured to set the time constant to be used by each of the repeaters based on status information indicating the implementation status of the automatic gain control by each of the plurality of repeaters. process,
wireless communication system. The external device is a terminal operated by an operator,
The external device performs the setting process according to the operator's operation of the external device based on the situation information.
A wireless communication system according to claim 1 . The external device is
a parameter identification unit that identifies the time constant to be used by each relay based on the situation information and a table that defines the time constant based on the situation information;
The external device performs the setting process for setting the specified time constant to be used by each repeater in the repeater.
A wireless communication system according to claim 1 . Each repeater has a function of performing the automatic gain control using a correction level that is a gain correction unit in the automatic gain control,
The external device is
Parameter specification for specifying the time constant and the correction level for use by each repeater based on the situation information and a table defining the time constant and the correction level based on the situation information having a department,
The external device performs the setting process for setting the specified time constant and the correction level for use by each of the repeaters in the repeater.
A wireless communication system according to claim 1 . the external device uses the wireless signal to obtain the context information;
A radio communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The external device uses the wireless signal to perform the setting process.
A radio communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The external device uses a monitoring line, which is a communication cable, to perform the setting process.
A radio communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. the status information includes the number of times each repeater has performed the automatic gain control over a period of time;
A radio communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A radio communication control method performed by a radio communication system,
The wireless communication system includes:
a plurality of repeaters for transmitting signals;
An external device that communicates with the plurality of repeaters,
each of the plurality of repeaters has a function of amplifying a radio signal used for radio communication,
The plurality of repeaters are connected in series,
Each of the plurality of repeaters has a function of performing automatic gain control using a time constant,
In the wireless communication control method, the external device sets the time constant for use by each of the plurality of repeaters based on status information indicating the implementation status of the automatic gain control by each of the plurality of repeaters. perform setting processing for setting to the machine,
Wireless communication control method.

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