KR20060049719A - Apparatus and method for detecting an external antenna of a mobile terminal making use of digital multimedia broadcasting service - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an external antenna recognition apparatus and method of a mobile terminal for receiving a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) service.

According to the present invention, a mobile terminal having a built-in antenna for receiving a gap filler signal among satellite DMB signals and a detachable external antenna for directly receiving a satellite DMB signal includes detecting whether the external antenna is detached or not. The satellite DMB signal is selectively switched to an optimized reception path among a first path connected to an antenna and a second path connected to the external antenna. In addition, the present invention provides a process of displaying a corresponding message by comparing the strength of the gap filler signal and the satellite DMB signal received by the internal antenna with a reference value.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily recognize whether the external antenna is attached or detached, and to detect whether the external antenna is attached or detached and to optimize the reception path of the broadcast signal with the internal antenna or the external antenna without requiring a separate key operation. . In addition, when receiving the satellite DMB, the received signal may be compared with a predetermined reference value to provide a user with a request message for mounting an external antenna or a guide message for notifying the broadcast reception area.

DMB, Gap Filler, Satellite Broadcast, Pull-Down, Pull-Up, External Antenna

Description

Apparatus and method for recognizing external antenna of mobile terminal using digital multimedia broadcasting service TECHNICAL FIELD

1 is a network diagram of a satellite digital multimedia broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied

2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a satellite antenna recognition apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 3A is a view illustrating an electrical connection structure before coupling the antenna connector and the connector coupling unit shown in FIG.

3B is a view illustrating an electrical connection structure after coupling the antenna connector and the connector coupling unit shown in FIG.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of recognizing an external antenna according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of an external antenna recognition apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention

6 is a flowchart illustrating an external antenna recognition method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a satellite antenna recognition apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention

8A is a state diagram before coupling of the connector coupling unit and the antenna connector;

8B is a state diagram after coupling the antenna connector and the connector coupling unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 9A illustrates a configuration example of a pull-up / pull-down resistor unit for explaining a voltage level applied to a third input terminal before coupling the antenna connector and the connector coupling unit shown in FIG. 8A according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a configuration example of a pull-up / pull-down resistor unit for explaining a voltage level applied to the third input terminal after coupling the antenna connector and the connector coupling unit shown in FIG. 8B according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is another configuration example of the pull-up / pull-down resistor unit for explaining the voltage level applied to the third input terminal before coupling the antenna connector and connector coupling unit shown in FIG. 8A according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10B is another configuration example of the pull-up / pull-down resistor unit for explaining a voltage level applied to the third input terminal after coupling the antenna connector and the connector coupling unit shown in FIG. 8B according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for using an external antenna in a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to an external antenna recognition apparatus and method for a mobile terminal for receiving a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) service. .

In general, digital broadcasting refers to a system that replaces conventional analog broadcasting and provides a user with high quality, high quality CD, and higher service. Digital broadcasting has been developed in two ways, terrestrial and satellite broadcasting. Here, the terrestrial wave refers to a service capable of receiving a broadcast through a terrestrial repeater. On the other hand, satellite broadcasting refers to a method of receiving a broadcast service using a satellite as a repeater. Among the digital broadcasts, there is a DMB service. The DMB service is also divided into two methods, terrestrial DMB and satellite DMB. The terrestrial DMB refers to a method of providing a broadcast service to a user through a terrestrial repeater as described above.

Satellite DMB, on the other hand, provides broadcast services using satellites rather than terrestrial repeaters. Hereinafter, the satellite DMB service will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, a time division multiplexing scheme (TDM) and a reference code 102 of a broadcast signal from a satellite DMB broadcasting center 100 on a satellite through a Ku-band band (12 GHz to 13 GHz) are indicated by reference numeral 102. A code division multiplex (CDM) of 104 is transmitted. Then, the DMB satellite 106 receives the broadcast signal and transmits the received signals 102 and 104 to the gap filler repeater 108 corresponding to the terrestrial receiving terminals 116 or the terrestrial repeater. do.

The DMB satellite 106 converts the received broadcast signal into a CDM signal 112 of the S-band (2 to 3 GHz) and a TDM signal 110 of the Ku-band and transmits it to the ground. The reason why the DMB satellite 106 transmits a broadcast signal to the gap filler repeater 108 is to provide a broadcast signal transmitted by the satellite to a shadow area such as the basement. The gap filler repeater 108 receives the broadcast signal, converts the broadcast signal into an S-band, and provides a service to terminals in a shadow area.

As described above, a mobile terminal that wants to receive satellite DMB service needs at least two antennas, including an antenna capable of receiving a gap filler signal and an antenna capable of directly receiving a satellite signal. Therefore, in order to receive the two signals, the satellite DMB receiving terminal 116 may be provided with an internal antenna and an external antenna for receiving a satellite signal separately, or both antennas may be internally mounted.

However, if both antennas are embedded, the size of the terminal is increased and antenna performance is also deteriorated. Also, when the external antenna for satellite reception is removed, the hardware and software optimization such as changing the reception path of the broadcast signal is recognized. There was no way to make this possible.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for recognizing an external antenna of a mobile terminal for efficiently receiving a broadcast service in a wireless communication system providing a satellite DMB service.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an external antenna recognition apparatus and method for easily detecting detachment of an external antenna for receiving a satellite signal in a wireless communication system providing a satellite DMB service.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an external antenna recognition apparatus and method for providing a guide message for stable service use by detecting whether an external antenna for receiving a satellite signal is coupled in a satellite DMB reception disturbance area.

Accordingly, an apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object is at least one internal antenna for receiving a gap filler signal, an external antenna for directly receiving a satellite signal, an RF unit for transmitting and receiving radio signals, and the built-in An antenna connector for switching a reception path of one of a first path connected to an antenna and a second path connected to the external antenna, and a connector for selecting the reception path according to whether the external antenna is fixed and coupled to the antenna connector And a signal received in the first or second path via the RF unit, and detecting a change in a voltage level signal depending on whether the connector coupling unit and the antenna connector are coupled to each other to determine whether the external antenna is attached or detached. A baseband processor for sensing, a display unit for displaying an operation state of the mobile terminal, A control unit for outputting a message requesting mounting of an external antenna to the display unit when the strength of the gap filler signal is determined to be less than or equal to the reference value when comparing the strength of the gap filler signal with a predetermined reference value when receiving a broadcast using an internal antenna. Include.

The method of the present invention for achieving the above object, the baseband processing unit to determine whether the coupling between the connector coupling portion fixed to the external antenna and the antenna connector connected to the internal antenna, the connector coupling portion and the When the antenna connector is coupled, the process of applying a predetermined voltage level signal to the baseband processing unit, and the baseband processing unit detects the mounting of the external antenna based on the voltage level signal and receives the path through the external antenna Optimizing a path, checking whether the external antenna is mounted when the gap filler signal is less than a reference value, and outputting a mounting request message of the external antenna when the external antenna is separated. to provide.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same components in the figures represent the same numerals wherever possible. Specific details are set forth below, which are provided to aid a more general understanding of the present invention. In describing the present invention, when it is determined that description of related known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an external antenna recognition apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The first built-in antenna 200 and the second built-in antenna 202 of FIG. 2 are internal antennas embedded in the mobile terminal, and in this embodiment, at least two mobile terminals can obtain diversity when receiving a broadcast signal. An example using two antennas is assumed. The first built-in antenna 200 is a dual-band antenna for transmitting and receiving a radio signal of a general mobile communication system or a gap filler signal according to satellite DMB service from a gap filler repeater 108, an RF unit ( 206).

The second built-in antenna 202 is a built-in antenna for receiving a gap filler signal from the gap filler repeater 108, and the first built-in antenna 200 and the second built-in antenna 202 when receiving a gap filler signal. ) Provides diversity that improves the reception performance of the mobile terminal in a multipath fading environment. Meanwhile, when the strength of the gap filler signal transmitted from the gap filler repeater 108 is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, the mobile terminal is provided with an external antenna 212 that can be detached to receive a broadcast satellite signal transmitted directly from a DMB satellite. Should be installed.

To this end, in the present invention, the external antenna 212 is physically and electrically connected to the antenna connector 204 through the connector coupling portion 214, and the connector coupling portion 214 is coupled to the antenna connector 204 or not. Accordingly, the broadcast signal received through the second internal antenna 202 or the broadcast signal received through the external antenna 212 is selectively switched and applied to the RF unit 206. Hereinafter, in the present specification, a broadcast signal transmitted through the DMB satellite 106 will be referred to as a satellite signal, and a signal transmitted through the gap filler repeater 108 will be referred to as a gap filler signal.

The antenna connector 204 and the connector coupling unit 214 may include a reception path to which the second internal antenna 202 and the RF unit 206 are connected, and a reception path to which the external antenna 212 and the RF unit 206 are connected. As the switching block, the antenna connector 204 connects the first and second internal antennas 200 and 202 to the RF unit 206 in a state in which the antenna connector 204 is separated from the connector coupling unit 214, and in the coupled state, the first and second antennas 200 and 202. The internal antenna 200 and the external antenna 212 are configured to connect to the RF unit 206.

Here, a path for receiving the gap filler signal by connecting the first internal antenna 200 and the second internal antenna 202 to the RF unit 206 is referred to as a first path, and the external antenna 212 is referred to as an RF unit 206. ) And a path for directly receiving satellite signals will be referred to as a second path. A detailed description of the internal wiring structure of the antenna connector 204 and the connector coupling portion 214 for the switching operation will be described later.

The broadcast signal received through the antenna connector 204 is input to the RF unit 206. The RF unit 206 includes an RF transmitter for up-converting and amplifying a signal transmitted to a wireless network, and an RF receiver for low noise amplifying and down-converting a received signal. When the gap filler signal is received through the first path, the RF unit 206 receives the received signal from the first internal antenna 200 through the first lead L1. The signal is output to the first input terminal RF1, and the received signal from the second built-in antenna 200 is output to the second input terminal RF2 of the baseband processor 208 through the second lead L2.

The baseband processing unit 208 processes the signal down-converted to the baseband by the RF unit 206 and depends on whether the external antenna 212 is installed, that is, between the connector coupling unit 214 and the antenna connector 204. The external antenna 212 detects whether the external antenna 212 is attached or detached by detecting a change in a voltage level signal applied to a third general purpose input output (GPIO).

In the present embodiment, a pull-up resistor 210 is connected between the antenna connector 204 and the baseband processor 208 to separate the connector coupling part 214 from the antenna connector 204. In the state, a high level signal is applied to the third input terminal GPIO through the pull-up resistor 210, and in the coupled state, the low level signal is connected by connecting the pull-up resistor 210 to the internal ground. It is applied to the third input terminal GPIO.

Accordingly, the baseband processor 208 may detect whether the external antenna 212 is attached or detached by detecting a change in the signal level of the signal applied to the third input terminal GPIO. When the external antenna 212 is connected, unnecessary power consumption may be prevented by turning off the first built-in antenna 200 and / or the second built-in antenna 202 in a controller (not shown).

Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, the baseband processor 208 detects the change of the voltage level of the pull-up resistor 210 to determine whether the external antenna 212 is detached, but whether the external antenna 212 is detached or not. Accordingly, the voltage level signal may be output directly from the antenna connector 204, and the signal may be configured to be sensed by the baseband processor 208.

3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an electrical connection structure before and after the antenna connector and the connector coupling unit shown in FIG. 2, respectively, and will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. I'll do it.

3A illustrates a state before coupling the connector coupling portion 214 and the antenna connector 204. Reference numerals 214a and 214c in the connector coupling unit 214 are ground terminals connected to an internal ground (not shown) of the external antenna recognition apparatus according to the present invention, and reference numeral 214b is a signal input connected to the external antenna 212. The terminal is shown.

In the antenna connector 204, the reference numeral 204a and the reference numeral 204d are kept open so that the connection with the other terminal is disconnected from the connector coupling portion 214, the pull-up resistor 210 in the coupled state ) Is an NC (No Connect) terminal formed to connect one end of the terminal to the internal ground. Also, reference numeral 204b is a first connection terminal connecting the second internal antenna 202 and the RF unit 206 in a state in which the connector coupling unit 214 is separated, and 204c is coupled to the connector coupling unit 214. The second connection terminal is connected to the signal input terminal 214b to connect the external antenna 212 and the RF unit 206.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3A, before the connector coupling part 214 and the antenna connector 204 are coupled, the second internal antenna 202 and the RF unit 206 are connected through the first connection terminal 204b. The baseband processor 208 detects the high level signal applied through the pull-up resistor 210 to recognize that the external antenna 212 is in a separated state.

3B illustrates a state after coupling of the antenna connector and the connector coupling unit illustrated in FIG. 2. The signal input terminal 214b of the connector coupling portion 214 is coupled to the second connection terminal 204c of the antenna connector 204, thereby connecting to the first connection terminal 204b of the connector coupling portion 204. Is blocked. In addition, the internal grounds 214a and 214b of the connector coupling portion 214 are coupled to the NC terminals 204a and 204b of the antenna connector 204, respectively.

Accordingly, after the connector coupling part 214 and the antenna connector 204 are coupled as shown in FIG. 3B, the external antenna 212 and the RF unit 206 are connected through the second connection terminal 204c, and the base The band processor 208 detects a low level signal applied through the pull-up resistor 210 to recognize that the external antenna 212 is coupled.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of recognizing an external antenna according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates a process of recognizing whether the connector coupling unit 214 is detached from the baseband processor 208.

In step 400, the user who wants to receive satellite broadcasting sets the DMB reception mode by key manipulation of the mobile terminal. If the DMB reception mode is set in step 400, the baseband processor 208 optimizes the DMB signal reception path to the first path using the first internal antenna 200 and the second internal antenna 202 in step 402. do. In operation 404, the baseband processor 208 receives a gap filler signal received through the first path, that is, the first and second internal antennas 200 and 202 and the RF unit 206, set in operation 402.

In step 406, the baseband processor 208 detects a change in the voltage level signal applied to the third input terminal GPIO to determine whether the external antenna 212 is mounted. That is, when the external antenna 212 is not mounted, a high level voltage signal is applied to the GPIO terminal through a pull-up resistor 210 connected to the power supply voltage V _dd , and the external antenna 212 is mounted. In this state, the NC terminal of the antenna connector 204 connected to the other end of the pull-up resistor 210 is grounded, and a low level voltage signal is applied to the GPIO terminal.

Therefore, when the external antenna 212 is mounted in step 406, the signal proceeds to step 408 and a low level signal is applied to the GPIO terminal of the baseband processor 208. In step 406, the external antenna 212 is not mounted. If not, the process proceeds to step 404 to perform the corresponding process. In step 410, the baseband processor 208 recognizes that the external antenna 212 is mounted, and optimizes a reception path for a broadcast signal to a second path using the external antenna 212. In operation 412, the baseband processor 208 receives a satellite signal received through the second path, that is, the external antenna 212 and the RF unit 206.

According to the exemplary embodiment, the baseband processor 208 easily detects whether the external antenna is connected through a change in the voltage level signal applied through the pull-up resistor and receives the corresponding gap filler signal or satellite signal. The path can be optimized.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention to detect whether the external antenna is mounted and to display a mounting request message for the external antenna to the user when the strength of the broadcast signal is less than the reference value will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an external antenna recognition apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, reference numerals 500 to 514 denote corresponding elements of FIG. The description will be omitted.

The controller 516 of FIG. 5 performs a function of controlling the overall functions of the mobile terminal. The controller 516 switches the mobile terminal to the DMB reception mode when the DMB reception mode is selected according to an operation of a key input unit (not shown). When the gap filler signal is received through the first path, the controller 516 compares the strength of the gap filler signal with a predetermined reference value and connects the external antenna 512 when the strength of the gap filler signal is lower than the reference value. Provide a user with a predetermined external antenna connection request guide message.

In addition, when the satellite signal is received through the second path, the controller 516 compares the strength of the satellite signal with a predetermined reference value, and when the strength of the satellite signal is lower than the reference value, the controller 516 receives the satellite DMB. The user is provided with a predetermined unacceptable guidance message indicating that the area is not available.

In addition, the external antenna connection request message, a reception disable guide message, and the reference value are stored in the memory 518 of FIG. 5, and the controller 516 detects whether the external antenna 512 is mounted when the connection guide message is provided. The baseband processor 508 checks whether the external antenna 512 is attached or detached, and if it is determined that the external antenna 512 is in a detached state, the message is read from the memory 518 and displayed on the display unit 520. Output through a speaker not shown.

The memory 518 may include a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The memory 518 includes a program for controlling the external antenna recognition and guide operation according to the present invention, and each setting according to whether to use the internal / external antenna checked by the baseband processor 508 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Programs for performing optimized operations are stored.

The display unit 520 visually displays various signals output from the controller 516, and the display unit 520 may use a liquid crystal display (hereinafter, referred to as an LCD). In this case, the display unit 520 may include an LCD controller, a memory capable of storing image data, and an LCD display device. In this case, when the LCD is implemented in the form of a touch screen, the LCD may operate as an input unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an external antenna recognition method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a mobile terminal first receives a broadcast signal using an internal antenna.

In step 600, the mobile terminal receives gap filler signals transmitted through the gap filler repeater 108 to the first and second internal antennas 500 and 502. In step 602, the controller 516 compares the gap filler signal strength with a predetermined reference value at regular intervals, and when the gap filler signal strength is determined to be less than or equal to the reference value, the controller 516 proceeds to step 604. It is checked whether the 512 is mounted, that is, whether the connector coupler 514 is connected.

If the baseband processor 508 recognizes that the connector coupling unit 514 is installed in step 604, the process proceeds to step 608 where the baseband processor 508 connects the receiving path of the broadcast signal to the external antenna. Optimized by path.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 604 that the external antenna 512 is separated, the controller 516 proceeds to step 606 to read a request message for mounting the external antenna 512 from the memory 518 and displays the display unit ( 520) and repeating step 604. In step 604, the method of checking whether the connector coupler 514 is mounted is used in the method described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

After the baseband processor 508 optimizes the reception path of the broadcast signal to the second path in step 608, in step 610, the controller 516 compares the strength of the satellite signal received from the external antenna 512 with a predetermined reference value. . If the strength of the satellite signal is less than the reference value in step 610, the controller 516 proceeds to step 612 and outputs a satellite DMB reception disable guide message to the display unit 520. In contrast, if the strength of the satellite signal checked by the controller 516 in step 610 is greater than the reference value, the baseband processor 508 receives the satellite signal as it is through the second path set in step 608.

Meanwhile, the first and second embodiments described above may detect whether the external antenna is attached or detached according to the embodiment of the present invention only when the NC terminal is provided in the antenna connector. Therefore, an embodiment that can achieve the object of the present invention with respect to the antenna connector without the NC connector will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a satellite antenna recognition apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are used for the same block configuration as in FIG.

As described above with reference to FIG. 7, the antenna connector 704 and the connector coupling part 214 are configured to move the RF unit 206 to the first and second internal antennas 200 and 202 in a state where the antenna connector 704 and the connector coupling part 214 are separated from the second internal antenna 202. ), And in a coupled state, the first internal antenna 200 and the external antenna 212 are connected to the RF unit 206.

Here, a path for receiving the gap filler signal by connecting the first internal antenna 200 and the second internal antenna 202 to the RF unit 206 is referred to as a first path, and the external antenna 212 is referred to as an RF unit 206. ) And a path for directly receiving satellite signals will be referred to as a second path. An internal wiring structure of the antenna connector 204 and the connector coupling part 214 for the switching operation will be described with reference to FIG. 8 to be described later.

The broadcast signal received through the antenna connector 704 is input to the RF unit 206. The RF unit 206 includes an RF transmitter for up-converting and amplifying a signal transmitted to a wireless network, and an RF receiver for low noise amplifying and down-converting a received signal. When the gap filler signal is received through the first path, the RF unit 206 receives the received signal from the first internal antenna 200 through the first lead L1. The signal is output to the first input terminal RF1, and the received signal from the second built-in antenna 200 is output to the second input terminal RF2 of the baseband processor 706 through the second lead L2.

The baseband processing unit 706 processes the signal converted into the baseband by the RF unit 206 and is dependent on whether the external antenna 212 is installed, that is, between the connector coupling unit 214 and the antenna connector 704. It detects whether the external antenna 212 is attached or detached by detecting a change in the voltage level signal applied to the third input terminal GPIO according to the coupling.

In the present embodiment, a pull-down / pull-up resistor 702 is connected between the antenna connector 704 and the baseband processor 706 to connect the connector coupler 214 with the pull-down / pull-up resistor 702. When the antenna connector 704 is separated, a low level signal is applied to the third input terminal GPIO through the pull-down / pull-up resistor unit 702, and in the coupled state, the pull-down / pull-up resistor unit ( The high level signal is applied to the third input terminal GPIO through 702.

Accordingly, the baseband processor 706 may detect whether the external antenna 212 is attached or detached by detecting a change in the signal level of the signal applied to the third input terminal GPIO. When the external antenna 212 is connected, unnecessary power consumption may be prevented by turning off the first built-in antenna 200 and / or the second built-in antenna 202 in a controller (not shown).

8A and 8B illustrate an electrical connection structure before and after the antenna connector and the connector coupling part shown in FIG. 7 are coupled, respectively. Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. I'll explain.

8A illustrates a state before coupling the connector coupling portion 214 and the antenna connector 704. Reference numerals 214a and 214c in the connector coupling unit 214 are ground terminals connected to an internal ground (not shown) of the external antenna recognition apparatus according to the present invention, and reference numeral 214b is a signal input connected to the external antenna 212. The terminal is shown.

In the antenna connector 704, reference numeral 704a is a first connection terminal connecting the second internal antenna 202 and the RF unit 206 in a state in which it is separated from the connector coupling unit 214, and 704b is a connector coupling unit ( The second connection terminal is connected to the signal input terminal 214b in a state coupled with 214 to connect the external antenna 212 and the RF unit 206.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8A, before the connector coupling unit 214 and the antenna connector 704 are coupled, the second internal antenna 202 and the RF unit 206 are connected through the first connection terminal 704a. The baseband processor 706 detects a low level signal applied through the pull up / pull down resistor 702 to recognize that the external antenna 212 is in a separated state.

FIG. 8B illustrates a state after coupling of the antenna connector 704 and the connector coupling part 214 shown in FIG. 7. The signal input terminal 214b of the connector coupling portion 214 is coupled to the second connection terminal 704b of the antenna connector 704 to thereby connect with the first connection terminal 704a of the connector coupling portion 704. Is blocked.

Accordingly, after the connector coupling part 214 and the antenna connector 704 are coupled as shown in FIG. 8B, the external antenna 212 and the RF unit 206 are connected to each other through the second connection terminal 704b. The band processor 706 detects the high level signal applied through the pull up / pull down resistor 702 to recognize that the external antenna 212 is coupled.

FIG. 9A illustrates a pull-up / pull-down resistor unit 702 for explaining a voltage level applied to the third input terminal before coupling the antenna connector and the connector coupling unit shown in FIG. 8A according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. A configuration example.

9A and 9B described below, it is assumed that the impedance of the path between the RF unit 206 and the antenna connector 704 is 50Ω, and the first resistor 702a added according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the RF. It is assumed that a resistor sufficiently larger than the impedance between the unit 206 and the antenna connector 704 is used, and the second resistor 702b is a resistor sufficiently larger than the first resistor 702a. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first resistor 702a uses 1 kΩ and the second resistor 702b uses 1 MΩ.

Before the antenna connector 704 and the connector coupling unit 214 are coupled as shown in FIG. 9A, current flows as shown by reference numeral C1, and a low-level voltage signal is applied to the third input terminal GPIO, thereby providing a baseband processor ( 706 recognizes that the external antenna 212 is not mounted. The baseband processor 706 optimizes the reception path of the broadcast signal to the first path.

FIG. 9B illustrates a pull-up / pull-down resistor unit 702 for explaining a voltage level applied to a third input terminal after coupling the antenna connector and the connector coupling unit illustrated in FIG. 8B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. A configuration example.

After the antenna connector 704 and the connector coupling unit 214 are coupled as shown in FIG. 9B, current flows as shown by reference numeral C2, and a high level voltage signal is applied to the third input terminal GPIO, thereby providing a baseband processor. 706 recognizes that the external antenna 212 is mounted. The baseband processor 706 performs the process after step 410 of FIG. 4 and the process after step 608 of FIG. 6.

However, if the second internal antenna 202, the first resistor 702a and the second resistor 702b are directly connected as described above, the second internal antenna 202 may cause a loss of the broadcast signal received. This exists. For example, a DC component DC may be introduced into a path between the RF unit 206 and the antenna connector 704 from the power supply voltage Vdd, and may receive an AC component received from the second internal antenna 202. A broadcast signal, which is AC, may flow into the first and second resistors 702a and 702b, resulting in loss of the broadcast signal.

Therefore, in order to prevent the above problem, the present invention includes an inductor between the second internal antenna 202 and the first resistor 702a and the second resistor 702b with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Another configuration example is proposed.

FIG. 10A is a pull up / pull down for explaining a voltage level applied to a third input terminal before coupling of the antenna connector 704 and the connector coupling part 214 shown in FIG. 8A according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Another configuration example of the resistor unit 702 is shown.

FIG. 10B is a pull-up / pull-down for explaining the voltage level applied to the third input terminal after the coupling of the antenna connector 704 and the connector coupling part 214 shown in FIG. 8B according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Another configuration example of the resistor unit 702 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 10, another configuration example according to the third embodiment of the present invention is an inductor 1000 (L1) at a point where the first resistor 702a and the second resistor 702b are connected to the second internal antenna 202. ), The problem according to the embodiment described above can be solved. This is because, in general, the inductor has a characteristic of passing a DC component and blocking an AC component. In another configuration example according to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the inductance of the inductor 1000 (L1) is 100 [nH].

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the present invention can prevent a loss caused by the broadcast signal received by the second internal antenna 202 flowing into the pull down / pull-up resistor unit 702.

As described above, the present invention provides a mobile terminal capable of detaching an external antenna for satellite DMB reception, and easily recognizes whether or not the external antenna is detached, and also detects whether the external antenna is detached and does not require a separate key operation. The built-in or external antenna can be used to optimize the reception path of a broadcast signal.

In addition, according to the present invention, it is not only automatically detects whether the external antenna is mounted, but also the user's request message for mounting the external antenna or a guide message for notifying that the broadcast reception area is not available by comparing the strength of the received signal when receiving satellite DMB with a predetermined reference value. And the like can be provided to the user.

In addition, according to the present invention, by detecting whether the satellite antenna is attached or detached using only a simple element regardless of the type of antenna connector, it is possible to reduce unnecessary terminal manufacturing cost and waste of the size of the terminal.

Claims (22)

A mobile terminal for receiving satellite digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), At least one internal antenna for receiving a gap filler signal, A removable external antenna for directly receiving satellite signals, RF unit for transmitting and receiving a radio signal, An antenna connector for switching a reception path of one of a first path connected to the internal antenna and a second path connected to the external antenna; A connector coupling part for fixing the external antenna and selecting the reception path according to whether the external antenna is coupled with the antenna connector; A base for processing a signal received in the first or second path via the RF unit and detecting the detachment of the external antenna by detecting a change in the voltage level signal depending on whether the connector coupling unit and the antenna connector is coupled. And the band processor. The method of claim 1, The built-in antenna is composed of a first and a second built-in antenna, When the antenna connector is separated from the connector coupling unit, the first terminal connected to the second internal antenna and the first terminal connected to the RF unit are shorted. The method of claim 2, wherein the antenna connector, The first terminal connected to the second internal antenna and the second terminal connected to the RF unit are opened when combined with the connector coupling unit. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the antenna connector is configured to switch the reception path to the first path for receiving the gap filler signal when the connector coupling portion and the antenna connector are separated. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the baseband processor optimizes the reception path to the first path. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the antenna connector is configured to switch the signal path to the second path for receiving the satellite signal when the connector coupling unit and the antenna connector are coupled. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the baseband processor optimizes the reception path to the second path. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising at least one pull-up resistor, one end of which is connected to a power supply voltage and the other end of which is connected to a connection node between the baseband processor and the antenna connector. Wherein the voltage level signal is a high level signal applied through the pull-up resistor. The antenna connector of claim 3, further comprising an internal terminal connected to the ground of the mobile terminal when the connector coupler is coupled, wherein the voltage level signal is a low level signal applied through the internal terminal. Said device. The display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a display unit displaying an operation state of the mobile terminal; And a control unit for outputting a message requesting mounting of an external antenna to the display unit when the strength of the gap filler signal is determined to be less than or equal to the reference value when comparing the strength of the gap filler signal with a predetermined reference value when receiving the broadcast using the internal antenna. Said device comprising: a. The display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a display unit displaying an operation state of the mobile terminal; The controller further includes a control unit that outputs a message indicating that the satellite signal reception area is not available to the display unit when the strength of the satellite signal is determined to be less than the reference value when comparing the strength of the satellite signal with a predetermined reference value when receiving the broadcast using the external antenna. The device, characterized in that configured. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pull-up / pull-down resistor connected at one end to a connection node between the antenna connector and the internal antenna and the other end connected to a third input terminal (GPIO) of the baseband processor. Said device. The method of claim 12, And a high level voltage level signal is applied to the third input terminal of the baseband processor through the pull-up / pull-down resistor unit when the antenna connector and the connector coupling unit are coupled to each other. The method of claim 12, And a low level voltage level signal is applied to a third input terminal of the baseband processor through a pull-up / pull-down resistor when the antenna connector and the connector coupling part are separated. The method of claim 12, wherein the pull-up / pull-down resistor unit, And an inductor between the second internal antenna and a general purpose input output (GPIO) terminal of the baseband processor. The method of claim 15, And the voltage level signal is a high level signal when the antenna connector and the connector coupling unit are coupled to each other. The method of claim 15, And the voltage level signal is a low level signal when the antenna connector and the connector coupling part are separated. At least one internal antenna for receiving a gap filler signal from a gap filler repeater relaying a satellite signal transmitted from a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) satellite, an external antenna for receiving the satellite signal directly and a baseband signal processing In the external antenna recognition method of a mobile terminal having a baseband processing unit, Checking whether the baseband processor is coupled between the connector coupling unit to which the external antenna is fixed and the antenna connector to which the internal antenna is connected; Applying a predetermined voltage level signal to the baseband processor when the connector coupling unit and the antenna connector are coupled; And detecting, by the baseband processor, mounting of the external antenna on the basis of the voltage level signal and optimizing a reception path to a path via the external antenna. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the antenna connector switches the reception path to a first path connected to the internal antenna when combined with the connector coupling part. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the antenna connector switches the reception path to a second path connected to the external antenna when the antenna connector is separated from the connector coupling part. Exterior of a mobile terminal having at least one internal antenna for receiving a gap filler signal from a gap filler repeater for relaying satellite signals transmitted from a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) satellite, and an external antenna for directly receiving and detaching the satellite signal. In the antenna recognition method, Comparing the strength of the gap filler signal with a predetermined reference value when receiving the broadcast using the internal antenna; Checking whether the external antenna is mounted when the gap filler signal has a strength lower than or equal to the reference value; And outputting a message requesting mounting of the external antenna when the external antenna is identified to be in a separated state. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: comparing a strength of the satellite signal with a predetermined reference value when receiving the broadcast using the external antenna; And if the strength of the satellite signal is less than or equal to the reference value, outputting a message indicating that the satellite broadcast reception area is not available.

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