RU94101U1 - RADIO STATION WITH PHASED ANTENNA ARRAY - Google Patents

Abstract

 A phased array antenna radio station comprising: an interface unit with terminal equipment, a first processor, a second processor and a first memory unit, connected in series with bi-directional buses; the first high-frequency (HF) block, the input-output group of which is connected by a bi-directional bus to the first group of inputs and outputs of the first programmable logic unit, the second group of input-output units of which by a bi-directional bus is connected to the third group of inputs and outputs of the second processor, and the group of inputs of the first programmable a logical block bus is connected to the group of outputs of the second memory block; in addition, containing a second RF unit, the input-output group of which is connected by a bi-directional bus to the first group of inputs / outputs of the second programmable logic unit, the second group of input / outputs of which a bi-directional bus is connected to the fourth group of inputs and outputs of the second processor, and the group of inputs of the second programmable a logical block bus is connected to the group of outputs of the third memory block; moreover, the first single output of the second processor is connected to the input of the controller, the first and second outputs of which are connected respectively to the single inputs of the first and second RF units; the fifth group of inputs and outputs of the second processor by a bi-directional bus is connected to the first group of inputs and outputs of a computer configured to connect a computer-readable storage medium, the second and third groups of inputs and outputs of the computer by bidirectional buses are connected respectively to the groups of inputs and outputs of the second and third memory blocks; containing also the first �

Description

The utility model relates to radio engineering, in particular, to the creation of equipment for wireless local area networks.

Known radio communication equipment according to US patent No. 7353 012 Н04В 1/06, Н04В 7/00 "Wireless communication equipment and wireless communication method", 2008, containing two antennas and two signal processing units, working in parallel. The system decision module selects which of the paths is preferably used for communication. If both signal processing paths confidently receive the signal, then the equipment switches to the diversity transmission and reception mode with two antennas and the first signal processing unit. Thus, improving the quality of communication is achieved by introducing hardware redundancy. Moreover, most of the time only one signal processing unit works, which can be considered inefficient use of the hardware of the communication system.

Also known is the communication system according to US patent No. 7558335 H04L 27/12 "Communication system modulating / demodulating data using antenna patterns and associated methods", 2009, in which modulation of the transmitted signal is realized by changing the spatial structure of the radiation of the antenna array, capable of forming many different field structures depending on the group of bits of the transmitted information. Due to the uniqueness of the RF characteristics associated with each transmitted field structure, the receiver can demodulate the transmitted bits of information. In this case, smaller constellations of signals are used than with traditional types of modulation at the same information transfer rate. As a result, lower transmit power is required to provide the same error probability.

However, with this modulation method, it is required to periodically transmit the reference (pilot) field structure to correct channel distortions. In a network with many subscribers, such pilot transmissions can make up a significant part of the total transmission volume, especially during the movement of subscribers, which leads to a decrease in the overall network efficiency. In addition, with this modulation method, one of the main advantages of the antenna array is not used - the fight against interference by forming dips in the diagram in the direction of the noise suppressor.

The closest in technical essence to the proposed utility model is the radio station presented in the patent of the Russian Federation for utility model No. 75261 H04Q 7/24 H04Q 11/04 "Radio station with a change in the type of modulation", 2008, adopted as a prototype.

The functional diagram of the prototype device is presented in figure 1, where the following notation is introduced:

1 - terminal block with terminal equipment;

2 - the first processor;

3 - the second processor;

5 - the first block of high frequency (HF);

6 - the first programmable logic unit;

7 - controller;

9 - the second block of the RF;

10 - the second programmable logic unit;

11-13 - the first, second and third memory blocks;

14 - computer;

15 - computer-readable storage medium;

18-19 - the first and second antennas.

The prototype device contains a series of bi-directional buses, an interface unit with terminal equipment 1, a first processor 2, a second processor 3 and a first memory unit 11, as well as a first antenna 18 connected to the input-output of the first high frequency (RF) unit 5, a group of inputs the outputs of which a bi-directional bus is connected to the first group of inputs and outputs of the first programmable logic unit 6, the second group of inputs and outputs of which a bi-directional bus is connected to the third group of inputs and outputs of the second process sora 3, and the group of inputs of the first programmable logic unit 6 is connected via a bus to the group of outputs of the second memory unit 12. In addition, the device contains a second antenna 19 connected to the input-output of the second unit of RF 9, the group of inputs and outputs of which is connected by a bi-directional bus to the first the group of inputs and outputs of the second programmable logic unit 10, the second group of inputs and outputs of which a bi-directional bus is connected to the fourth group of inputs and outputs of the second processor 3, and the group of inputs of the second programmable logic The unit 10 is connected by a bus to the group of outputs of the third memory unit 13. In this case, the single output of the second processor 3 is connected to the input of the controller 7, the first and second outputs of which are connected respectively to the single inputs of the first 5 and second 9 RF units. The groups of inputs and outputs of the second 12 and third 13 memory blocks with bi-directional buses are connected respectively to the first and second groups of inputs and outputs of the computer 14, and the fifth group of inputs and outputs of the second processor 3 is connected to the third group of inputs and outputs of the computer 14, configured to connect machine-readable information carrier 15 containing computer programs for generating electrical circuits inside the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks.

The prototype device operates as follows.

The prototype device is a radio station configured to operate in a wireless network as a base station, subscriber station or relay station.

The central unit of the radio station is the second processor 3, which provides network functions, controls the operation of the remaining blocks of the radio station, performs the necessary data conversions, exchanges data with the first processor 2, with the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks and computer 14.

The first processor 2 provides control of the operation of the interface unit with terminal equipment 1, which contains standard interfaces, such as, for example, RS-232, RS-422, E1, telephone, etc., moreover, unit 1 is configured to simultaneously serve users, connected to different joints.

The prototype device contains two transceiver paths formed respectively by the first antenna 18, the first RF unit 5, the first programmable logic unit 6 and the second antenna 19, the second RF unit 9, the second programmable logic unit 10. Depending on the use of the radio station, the first 18 and the second 19 antennas can be with a circular or narrow radiation pattern.

If the radio station operates as a base station, then through the first programmable logic unit 6, the first RF unit 5 and the first antenna 18 with a circular radiation pattern, communication with subscriber stations of the network, and through the second programmable logic unit 10, the second RF unit 9 and the second an antenna 19 with a narrow radiation pattern communicates with a base station of a remote network.

If the radio station operates as a subscriber, then communication with the base station of this network is via the second programmable logic unit 10, the second high-frequency block 9 and the second antenna 19 with a narrow radiation pattern, and the first programmable logic block 6, the first high-frequency block 5 and the first antenna 18 s Pie patterns can be used, for example, to communicate with a local area network of portable radios.

If the radio operates as a relay station, then depending on the geographic location of the stations and the terrain, both antennas may preferably have a narrow radiation pattern. In this case, through the first programmable logic unit 6, the first RF unit 5 and the first antenna 18, communication with one remote station is performed, and through the second programmable logic unit 10, the second RF unit 9 and the second antenna 19, communication with another remote station. So you can build a chain of several radio stations, providing signal transmission over long distances.

In the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks, channel coding and modulation of transmitted signals, as well as demodulation and decoding of received signals are performed.

The data processor in the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks is controlled by the second processor 3. In addition, the second processor 3 performs the functions of the channel level of the open systems interaction model (BOC) [1]: in the transmission mode, the second processor 3 fills in the service and user packets information and issues these packets to the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks, and in the receive mode, the second processor 3 extracts service and user information from the incoming packets. The second processor 3 processes the control (service) information, in particular, information related to the registration of the terminal, with the properties of the connections. In addition, the second processor 3 issues control commands to the controller 7, which switches the reception-transmission modes of the first 5 and second 9 RF units.

The second 12 and third 13 memory blocks are used to store programs for which, after power is turned on, the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks are programmed (“firmware” of programmable logic integrated circuits (FPGAs) included in these blocks).

Programs for generating FPGA electrical circuits, containing various modulators and demodulators, encoders and decoders [2], as well as other devices necessary for ensuring the interaction of the above-mentioned functional devices with each other and with external units, are contained in a machine-readable medium 17, for example, compact disk, flash memory, etc. Computer 14 must be configured to connect a computer-readable storage medium, i.e. include an appropriate drive, or a USB port, etc.

The computer 14 is connected to the second processor 3, as well as to the second 12 and third 13 memory blocks via joints standard for computer technology. So, as the first and second groups of inputs and outputs of the computer 14, you can use the LPT or USB ports. As the third group of inputs and outputs of computer 14, you can use the RS-232, RS-422 port, etc.

To change the type of modulation and / or coding in the radio station using the computer 14, the corresponding programs are loaded from the computer-readable storage medium 15 into the second 12 and third 13 memory blocks. Then, from the computer 14, the “Reset” command is sent to the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks, after which new electric circuits are formed in the FPGAs contained in the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks in accordance with the programs loaded in the second 12 and third 13 blocks of memory. After that, the radio transmits and receives signals with new types of modulation and coding. Instead of the Reset command, you can use a short-term power off of the station.

If the radio is installed on a maintenance-free facility, then FPGA reprogramming can be done remotely. To do this, the appropriate commands and new FPGA firmware programs are sent to the address of the radio station, which the radio station receives as part of the service information. The second processor 3, after appropriate processing of the commands, selects the FPGA firmware programs, activates the computer 14 and sends the firmware programs to the computer 14, which starts the above procedure of changing the type of modulation and / or coding in the radio station.

The prototype radio station also allows you to change the programs that run the first 2 and second 3 processors, for example, change the protocol or some protocol functions. Corresponding programs, similar to the FPGA reprogramming procedure, can be entered into the second processor 3 from a computer-readable storage medium 15 using a computer 14 [3, 4].

When the network is composed of the described radio stations (prototype), a situation of failure of the base station may occur. In this case, one of the subscriber stations of the network takes over the functions of the base station. This requires a reboot of the station, which becomes the base station, and it may also be necessary to switch antennas (replacing a directional antenna with an omnidirectional one), which leads to a deterioration in the efficiency of network management. In addition, conventional antennas used in the prototype device do not participate in ensuring noise immunity of the communication, for example, they do not allow eliminating impact interference by controlling the radiation pattern [6].

Thus, the disadvantage of the prototype device is the vulnerability to setting targeted deliberate interference.

The utility model solves the problem of protecting the radio station from targeted deliberate interference by forming a minimum antenna pattern in the direction of interference arrival.

The result achieved using the utility model is an increase in the likelihood of delivering information under conditions of directional interference, including targeted deliberate interference.

To solve this problem, a radio station containing an interface unit with terminal equipment connected in series with bi-directional buses, a first processor, a second processor and a first memory unit, as well as a first high-frequency (RF) unit, the input / output group of which is connected to the first group of inputs by a bi-directional bus the outputs of the first programmable logic unit, the second group of inputs and outputs of which a bi-directional bus is connected to the third group of inputs and outputs of the second processor, and the group of inputs of the first of the programmable logic block, the bus is connected to the group of outputs of the second memory block, in addition, containing the second RF unit, the input-output group of which is connected by a bi-directional bus to the first group of inputs and outputs of the second programmable logic unit, the second group of inputs / outputs of which is connected by a bi-directional bus the fourth group of inputs and outputs of the second processor, and the group of inputs of the second programmable logic block is connected via a bus to the group of outputs of the third memory block, moreover, a single output the second processor is connected to the input of the controller, the first and second outputs of which are connected respectively to the single inputs of the first and second RF units, and the fifth group of inputs / outputs of the second processor by a bi-directional bus is connected to the first group of inputs / outputs of a computer configured to connect a computer-readable data carrier, the second and third groups of inputs and outputs of the computer with bidirectional buses are connected respectively to the groups of inputs and outputs of the second and third memory blocks, according to the useful mode whether the first and second modules of the phased antenna array (PAR), the first and second radiation pattern control units are introduced, while the groups of inputs and outputs of the first and second PAR modules are connected by bidirectional buses to the groups of inputs and outputs of the first and second radiation pattern control units, single inputs and outputs of which are connected respectively to single inputs and outputs of the first and second RF units; wherein the second and third outputs of the second processor are connected respectively to the single inputs of the first and second radiation pattern control units.

Functional diagram of the inventive device is presented in figure 2, where the following notation is introduced:

1 - terminal block with terminal equipment;

2 - the first processor;

3 - the second processor;

4, 8 - the first and second control units of the radiation pattern;

5 - the first block of high frequency (HF);

6 - the first programmable logic unit;

7 - controller;

9 - the second block of the RF;

10 - the second programmable logic unit;

11, 12, 13 - the first, second and third memory blocks;

14 - computer;

15 is a computer readable storage medium.

16, 17 - the first and second modules of the phased array antenna (PAR).

The inventive device contains a series-connected bidirectional bus interface unit with terminal equipment 1, a first processor 2, a second processor 3 and a first memory unit 11; as well as a first high frequency (HF) block 5, the group of inputs and outputs of which is connected by a bi-directional bus to the first group of inputs and outputs of the first programmable logic unit 6, the second group of inputs and outputs of which by a bi-directional bus is connected to the third group of inputs and outputs of the second processor 3, and the group of inputs of the first programmable logic unit 6 is connected via a bus to the group of outputs of the second memory unit 12; in addition, it contains a second block VCH9, a group of inputs and outputs of which a bi-directional bus is connected to the first group of inputs and outputs of the second programmable logic unit 10, a second group of inputs and outputs of which a bi-directional bus is connected to the fourth group of inputs and outputs of the second processor 3, and a group of inputs the second programmable logic unit 10 is connected by a bus to the group of outputs of the third memory unit 13; moreover, the first single output of the second processor 3 is connected to the input of the controller 7, the first and second outputs of which are connected respectively to the single inputs of the first 5 and second 9 RF blocks, the fifth group of inputs and outputs of the second processor 3 is connected by a bi-directional bus to the first group of inputs and outputs of the computer 14, configured to connect a computer-readable storage medium 15; the second and third groups of inputs and outputs of the computer 14 bidirectional buses are connected respectively with the groups of inputs and outputs of the second 12 and third 13 memory blocks.

The groups of inputs and outputs of the first 16 and second 17 PHA modules with bidirectional buses are connected respectively to the groups of inputs and outputs of the first 4 and second 8 radiation pattern control units, whose single inputs and outputs are connected respectively to the inputs and outputs of the first 5 and second 9 RF units; the second and third outputs of the second processor 3 are connected respectively to the single inputs of the first 4 and second 8 radiation pattern control units.

The inventive device operates as follows.

The inventive device is a radio station configured to operate in a wireless network as a base station, subscriber station or relay station.

The central unit of the radio station is the second processor 3, which provides network functions, controls the operation of the remaining blocks of the radio station, performs the necessary data conversions, exchanges data with the first processor 2, with the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks, as well as with computer 14.

The first processor 2 provides control of the operation of the interface unit with terminal equipment 1, which contains standard interfaces, such as, for example, RS-232, RS-422, E1, telephone, etc., moreover, unit 1 is configured to simultaneously serve users, connected to different joints.

The inventive device contains two transceiver paths, one of which is formed by the first PAR module 16, the first radiation pattern control unit 4, the first RF unit 5 and the first programmable logic block 6, and the other transceiver path is formed by the second PAR module 17, the second block control radiation pattern 8, the second block of the RF 9 and the second programmable logic block 10.

If the inventive device is used to operate on the network as a base station, then one path, for example, the first PAR module 16, the first radiation pattern control unit 4, the first high frequency unit 5, the first programmable logic unit 6 and the second memory unit 12 provide communication with subscriber stations of the network, and the second PAR module 17, the second radiation pattern control unit 8, the second high-frequency unit 9, the second programmable logic unit 10 and the third memory unit 13 form a path for communication with the base station th remote network or portable stations in the vicinity of the base station.

If the inventive device operates in the network as a subscriber station, then any of the transceiver paths can be used to communicate with the base station, and the other to communicate with portable stations in the vicinity of this subscriber station or with the base station of the remote network.

If the radio operates as a relay station, then both transceiver paths work with the respective neighboring relay stations. A chain of several radio stations can transmit signals over long distances.

The first PAR 16 module together with the first radiation pattern control unit 4 (the second PAR module 17 together with the second radiation pattern control unit 8) form a phased antenna array, which, unlike conventional antennas, can increase the level of radiated power and increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal due to coherent addition, provide a quick (inertia-free) view of the space due to the swing of the beam by electric methods, create “zeros” in the directional pattern in the direction of action extraneous radio stations.

If the proposed radio station uses a digital antenna array [6], then the first PAR 16 module (second PAR 17 module) can be a design of at least three or more printed circuit boards with antenna radiators to provide a circular radiation pattern (one circuit board with emitters can provide a viewing angle of up to 120 °). Phase shifters from semiconductor diodes or varactors can be located on the same boards. Then, through the group of inputs and outputs from the directional beam control unit 4 (8), the phase-shifter control signals and the transmitted signal are transmitted in the transmission mode to the first 16 (second 17) PAR modules. If the phase shifters are located in the first 4 (second 8) radiation pattern control unit, then the group of inputs and outputs is used to summarize the transmitted signals to the emitters and divert the received signals.

The first 4 (second 8) radiation pattern control unit contains a controller that, by commands from the second processor 3, controls the phase shifters, as a result of which a predetermined radiation pattern of the antenna array is formed. In addition, the first 4 (second 8) radiation pattern control unit performs a preliminary analysis of the signals coming from the first 16 (second 17) PAR modules in order to identify directions to subscriber stations of the network and interference sources. Based on the analysis results, the radiation pattern is corrected with the formation of lobes in the directions of the subscriber stations and zeros in the directions of the interference sources.

In transmission mode, the first 4 (second 8) radiation pattern control unit receives a high-frequency signal from the first 5 (second 9) RF unit, in which the signal is converted from a low frequency to a carrier. In reception mode, the first 4 (second 8) beam control unit sends to the first 5 (second 9) RF block the total signal from the nodes of the antenna array, which is converted down to an intermediate frequency and issued to the first 6 (second 10) programmable logic block for further processing. At the same time, under the control of the second processor 3, the corresponding synthesizer frequencies, filter coefficients, etc., are set in the RF units.

In the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks, channel coding and modulation of transmitted signals, as well as demodulation and decoding of received signals are performed.

The data processor in the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks is controlled by the second processor 3. In addition, the second processor 3 performs the functions of the channel level of the open systems interaction model (BOC) [1]: in the transmission mode, the second processor 3 fills in the service and user packets information and issues these packets to the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks, and in the receive mode, the second processor 3 extracts service and user information from the incoming packets. In this case, the second processor 3 exchanges service information with the database of the medium access control sublevel, which is stored in the first memory block 11. The second processor 3 processes the control (service) information, in particular, information related to the registration of the terminal, with connection properties. In addition, the second processor 3 issues control commands to the controller 7, which switches the reception-transmission modes of the first 5 and second 9 RF units.

The second 12 and third 13 memory blocks are used to store programs, according to which, after turning on the power, the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks are programmed (FPGA “firmware” included in these blocks) [5].

Programs for generating FPGA electrical circuits, containing various modulators and demodulators, encoders and decoders [2], as well as other devices necessary for ensuring the interaction of the above-mentioned functional devices with each other and with external units, are contained in a machine-readable medium 15, for example, compact disk, flash memory, etc. Computer 14 must be configured to connect a computer-readable storage medium, i.e. include an appropriate drive, or a USB port, etc.

The computer 14 is connected to the second processor 3, as well as to the second 12 and third 13 memory blocks via joints standard for computer technology. So, as the first and second groups of inputs and outputs of the computer 14, you can use the LPT or USB ports. As the third group of inputs and outputs of computer 14, you can use the RS-232, RS-422 port, etc.

To change the type of modulation and / or coding in the radio station using the computer 14, the corresponding programs are loaded from the computer-readable storage medium 15 into the second 12 and third 13 memory blocks. Then, from the computer 14, the “Reset” command is sent to the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks, after which new electric circuits are formed in the FPGAs contained in the first 6 and second 10 programmable logic blocks in accordance with the programs loaded in the second 12 and third 13 blocks of memory. After that, the radio transmits and receives signals with new types of modulation and coding. Instead of the Reset command, you can use a short-term power off of the station.

If the radio is installed on a maintenance-free facility, then FPGA reprogramming can be done remotely. To do this, the appropriate commands and new FPGA firmware programs are sent to the address of the radio station, which the radio station receives as part of the service information. The second processor 3, after appropriate processing of the commands, selects the FPGA firmware programs, activates the computer 14 and sends the firmware programs to the computer 14, which starts the above procedure of changing the type of modulation and / or coding in the radio station.

The radio station also allows you to change the programs that run the first 2 and second 3 processors, for example, change the protocol or some protocol functions. Corresponding programs, similar to the FPGA reprogramming procedure, can be entered into the second processor 3 from a computer-readable storage medium 15 using a computer 14 [3, 4].

Thus, the claimed radio station provides a technical result - protection of the radio station from targeted deliberate interference by forming a minimum antenna radiation pattern in the direction of arrival of interference and additionally provides gain associated with the properties of the antenna array: an increase in the level of radiated (received) power, the ability to quickly swing a stationary beam antenna module, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio. As a result, the noise immunity of signal reception and the stability of the network as a whole are increased.

Information sources

1. Computer networks. Principles, technologies, protocols / V.G. Olifer, N.A. Olifer. - St. Petersburg: Peter, 2001 .-- 672 p.: Silt

2. Prokis J. Digital Communications. Per. from English - M: Radio and communications, 2000.

3. Smith S.W. The Scientist and Engineer's Guide to Digital Signal Processing. - San Diego, California: California Technical Publishing, 1999.

4. Chassaing R. DSP Applications Using With and the TMS320C6x DSK. - New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2002.

5. “Xilinx ISE 6 Software Manuals”, www.xilinx.com, support.xilinx.com (Xilinx Product Software Manuals)

6. Slyusar V. Digital antenna arrays. GPS GPS Solutions // Electronics: Science, Technology, Business. - 2009. - No. 1. - p. 74-78.

Claims (1)

A phased array antenna radio station comprising: an interface unit with terminal equipment, a first processor, a second processor and a first memory unit, connected in series with bi-directional buses; the first high-frequency (HF) block, the input-output group of which is connected by a bi-directional bus to the first group of inputs / outputs of the first programmable logic unit, the second group of input-output units of which, by a bi-directional bus, is connected to the third group of inputs / outputs of the second processor, and the group of inputs of the first programmable a logical block bus is connected to the group of outputs of the second memory block; in addition, containing a second RF unit, the input-output group of which is connected by a bi-directional bus to the first group of inputs / outputs of the second programmable logic unit, the second group of input / outputs of which a bi-directional bus is connected to the fourth group of inputs and outputs of the second processor, and the group of inputs of the second programmable the logical block bus is connected to the group of outputs of the third memory block; moreover, the first single output of the second processor is connected to the input of the controller, the first and second outputs of which are connected respectively to the single inputs of the first and second RF units; the fifth group of inputs and outputs of the second processor by a bi-directional bus is connected to the first group of inputs and outputs of a computer configured to connect a computer-readable storage medium, the second and third groups of inputs and outputs of the computer by bidirectional buses are connected respectively to the groups of inputs and outputs of the second and third memory blocks; also containing the first and second modules of the phased antenna array, the input-output groups of which bidirectional buses are connected respectively to the input-output groups of the first and second radiation pattern control units, the single input-outputs of which are connected to the input-outputs of the first and second RF units, respectively; wherein the second and third outputs of the second processor are connected respectively to the single inputs of the first and second radiation pattern control units.