WO2005094154A2 - Procede et dispositif de detection d'une antenne externe - Google Patents
Procede et dispositif de detection d'une antenne externe Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2005094154A2 WO2005094154A2 PCT/DK2005/000191 DK2005000191W WO2005094154A2 WO 2005094154 A2 WO2005094154 A2 WO 2005094154A2 DK 2005000191 W DK2005000191 W DK 2005000191W WO 2005094154 A2 WO2005094154 A2 WO 2005094154A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- antenna
- low frequency
- frequency electrical
- electrical signal
- external antenna
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
- H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
- H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of radio frequency (RF) antenna devices. More specifically the invention relates to a method and a device for detection of the presence of an external antenna connected to an external antenna connector. Furthermore, the invention relates to a consumption meter with a built-in antenna for wireless transmission of a measured consumed quantity, wherein the consumption meter has an antenna switch adapted to switch between the internal antenna and an optional external antenna upon connection of such external antenna.
- RF radio frequency
- the above mentioned object is complied with by providing in a first aspect a method for detecting if an associated external antenna having a first and a second conductor is connected to a transmitter, the method comprising the steps of: a) applying a first low frequency electrical signal to the first conductor, b) sensing a second low frequency electrical signal on the second conductor, and c) comparing the first and second low frequency electrical signals.
- the step c) comprises a step of comparing a first magnitude of the first low frequency electrical signal to a second magnitude of the second low frequency electrical signal.
- the first and second magnitudes may comprise a step of comparing a ratio between the first and second magnitudes with a predetermined value.
- the first low frequency electrical signal has a frequency spectral content within the frequency range 0-10000 Hz, preferably within the frequency range 0-100 Hz.
- the first low frequency electrical signal may be a pure tone.
- the first low frequency electrical signal is a DC signal.
- the invention provides an antenna detector adapted to detect if an external antenna having a first and a second conductor is connected to a transmitter, the detector comprising
- - detection signal means for providing a first low frequency electrical signal to the first conductor, - a sensor for sensing the first low frequency electrical signal at the first conductor and a second low frequency electrical signal at the second conductor, and
- - detecting means for comparing the first and second low frequency electrical signals and for generating a detector signal upon detection of the external antenna using a result of the comparison of the first and second low frequency electrical signals.
- the senor may be adapted to sense a first magnitude of the first low frequency electrical signal and a second magnitude of the second low frequency electrical signal.
- the detecting means may be adapted to compare the first and second magnitudes.
- the detecting means may be adapted to compare a ratio between the first and second magnitudes with a predetermined value.
- the detection signal means may be adapted to generate a first low frequency electrical signal exhibiting a frequency spectral content within the range 0-10000 Hz, preferably within the range 0-100 Hz.
- the detection signal means may be adapted to generate a first low frequency electrical signal being a pure tone.
- the detection signal means is adapted to generate a first low frequency electrical signal being a DC signal.
- the antenna detector further comprises antenna selector means for establishing RF contact between the transmitter and
- the antenna selector means preferably comprises an electronic switch.
- the invention provides a consumption meter for measuring a quantity value corresponding to a consumed quantity and transmitting said quantity wirelessly to an associated remote receiver, the consumption meter comprising:
- - transmitter means for generating a RF signal according to the measured quantity value
- the internal antenna is a dual band antenna.
- the associated external antenna may be a dual band antenna.
- the transmitter means for generating the RF signal may be adapted to generate frequency diversity signals so as to provide frequency diversity communication using a dual band antenna.
- the consumption meter may be adapted to measure an amount of liquid, such as water, heat, electricity, gas, or a combination of two or more of these consumption quantities.
- Fig. 1 shows a diagram representing a first method of detecting an external antenna
- Fig. 2 shows a diagram representing a second method of detecting an external antenna
- Fig. 3 shows a diagram representing a third method of detecting an external antenna
- Fig. 4 shows a consumption meter with an automatic antenna switch that allows automatic switching between an internal antenna and an external antenna. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
- Fig. 1 shows a diagram illustrating a first method of detecting the presence of an external antenna 4 connected to a connector 1 having a first conductor 2 and a second conductor 3.
- the connector may be a socket for receiving a plug connected to a coaxial cable.
- a DC voltage source 5 applies a voltage VI to the first conductor 2.
- a DC voltage sensor 6 senses a voltage V2 at the second conductor 3.
- the external antenna 4 is connected to the connector 1, i.e. the external antenna is in electrical contact with both the first conductor 2 and the second conductor 3, then the external antenna will substantially short-circuit the first conductor 2 and the second conductor 3. Consequently, the voltage sensor 6 will sense a DC voltage V2 being substantially equal to the voltage VI. If the external antenna 4 is not connected to the connector 1, then the first conductor 2 and the second conductor 3 are not in electrical contact, and consequently the voltage sensor 6 will sense a DC voltage V2 of zero, or at least V2 will be very low.
- V2 can be compared to a predetermined voltage level set up as a criterion for determining if an external antenna 4 is connected to the connector 1 or not.
- the criterion for V2 for detecting the external antenna 4 could be a percentage of VI, such as 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of VI. If V2 is above the predetermined level then an external antenna 4 is detected, and if V2 is below the predetermined level, then no external antenna 4 is detected.
- Fig. 2 shows a diagram illustrating a second method of detecting the presence of an external antenna 14 connected to a connector 11 having a first conductor 12 and a second conductor 13.
- a DC voltage source 15 applies a voltage V to the first conductor 12.
- a current sensor 16 connected between the voltage source 15 and the second conductor 13 senses a current I in the circuit between the first conductor 12 and the second conductor 13.
- the voltage source 15 is a high impedance type. If a low impedance type voltage source 15 is applied, then a resistor (not shown) may be inserted in the circuit so as to reduce the current when an external antenna 14 is connected.
- the sensed current I may be compared to a predetermined current level set up as a criterion for determining if an external antenna 14 is connected to the connector 11 or not. If I is above the predetermined current level, then an external antenna 14 is detected, and if I is below the predetermined current level, then no external antenna 14 is detected.
- Fig. 3 shows a diagram illustrating a third method of detecting the presence of an external antenna 24 connected to a connector 21 having a first conductor 22 and a second conductor 23.
- a resistance sensor 25 is connected between the first conductor 22 and the second conductor 23 so as to sense a resistance R between the conductors 22, 23.
- the sensed resistance R will depend on the presence of the external antenna 24. If the external antenna 24 is connected to the connector 21, then the sensed resistance R will be very small, such as close to zero, since the conductors 22, 23 will be short-circuited. In case there is no external antenna 24 connected to the connector 21, then the sensed resistance R will be very large.
- sensing a resistance between the conductors 22, 23 will include applying a DC voltage to the conductors 22, 23, additionally sense a resulting current, and finally apply Ohm's first law for calculating the resistance.
- the sensed resistance R may be compared to a predetermined resistance level set up as a criterion for determining if an external antenna 24 is connected to the connector 21 or not. If R is below the predetermined resistance level, then an external antenna 24 is detected, and if R is above the predetermined resistance level, then no external antenna 24 is detected.
- the first, second and third methods described, and other methods as well may be applied using an AC voltage instead of a DC voltage for detection of the external antenna.
- a sinusoidal voltage with a frequency of 1 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 kHz or even higher, as long as the frequency is low enough so as not to interfere with the RF signals for which the external antenna is to be used.
- a DC voltage since filtering becomes simpler than by using an AC voltage for detection.
- a DC voltage is used to power supply electronic means in equipment where an antenna detector is relevant.
- the power supply DC voltage is used as signal generator for the detection signal thus eliminate the need for separate signal generator electronics which would otherwise be required in case of an AC voltage as detection signal.
- the principles of detecting an external antenna connected to a transmitter via an external antenna connector may advantageously be utilised for integration with an automatic antenna selector.
- the detector principles according to the invention enables a simple and low cost automatic antenna selector that is capable of routing a RF signal from a transmitter to an active antenna being either an internal antenna or an external antenna, if such external antenna is connected to the transmitter via an external antenna connector.
- an automatic antenna selector or automatic antenna switch is described integrated into a consumption meter adapted for wireless reading.
- Fig. 4 illustrates an electrical diagram sketch of a consumption meter 30 adapted for wireless reading.
- the consumption meter 30 has a measuring module 31 for measuring a consumption quantity, for example a quantity of electricity, gas, liquid, such as water, or heat supplied by a supplier via a supplier network to a consumer.
- a radio transmitting module 32 is adapted to generate a RF signal corresponding to a consumption quantity value determined by the measuring module 31.
- the RF signal from the radio transmitting module 32 is provided to an input of an automatic switch 33 adapted to route the RF signal to an internal antenna 35 or to an external antenna connector 36 positioned on an exterior surface of the consumption meter 30.
- the automatic switch 33 operates according to a detection of the presence of an external antenna 37 connected to the external antenna connector 36.
- the automatic switch 33 has detecting means 34 operating according to one of the described first, second or third methods.
- the detecting means 34 of the automatic switch 33 then controls a two- position switch of the automatic switch 33 according to the detection of an external antenna 37 connected to the connector 35. If the detecting means 34 has detected an external antenna 37 connected to the connector 35 the two-position switch is set to route the RF signal to the connector 35 and thus to the external antenna 37. If the detecting means 34 has detected that there is no external antenna 37 connected to the connector 35, then the two-position switch is set to route the RF signal to the internal antenna 34.
- controllable two-position switch of the automatic switch 33 is an electronic switch. However, if preferred it could be implemented by mechanical means such as with a relay etc.
- the automatic switch 33 has an electronic two-position switch that is by default set to route an RF signal from the transmitting module 32 to the internal antenna 35.
- the detecting means 34 is adapted to generate a signal that forces the two-position switch to route the RF signal from the transmitting module 32 to the external antenna connector 36 if a control input of the detecting means 34 is connected to a DC voltage source, for example a general DC supply voltage of the consumption meter 30.
- This DC voltage source is connected to a first conductor of the external antenna connector 36, and the control input of the detecting means 34 is then connected to a second conductor of the external antenna connector 36.
- the detecting means 34 may be designed to force the switch to select the external antenna if a detected DC voltage at the control input exceeds a predetermined voltage level, such predetermined voltage level being determined from a percentage of the DC voltage applied to the first conductor of the external antenna connector 36. In case the external antenna 37 is not connected to the external antenna connector 36, then the switch will remain in its default position thus selecting the internal antenna 35.
- the internal antenna 35 as well as the associated external antenna 37 may be dual band antennas, and the transmitter module 32 may be adapted to transmit RF signals using either a first or a second frequency band for transmission.
- the consumption meter 30 may be designed to transmit a read value at a first band of 434 MHz, i.e. the ISM band, and a second band of 910 MHz, i.e. the GSM band.
- the transmitter module 32 may be designed to utilise the two bands for frequency diversity transmission.
- a consumption meter 30 designed for wireless reading may be installed indoors in a consumer's dwelling. Due to different mounting positions and locations of buildings and other obstacles transmission conditions will be different among the consumers. However, one single type of consumption meter 30 may be installed at all consumers coupled to a supplier's supply net. Most preferably the internal antenna 35 is to be used to transmit in the ISM band. If no reliable contact can be established in this way, the internal antenna 35 may be tested in the GSM band. If this does not result in a reliable contact, then an external antenna must 37 be installed, such as mounted on an exterior surface of the consumer's house, and connected to the external antenna connector 36.
- an automatic switch 33 has the advantage that an installation person only needs to mount the external antenna 37 and connect it to the external antenna connector 36 thus leaving no opportunity for erroneous switch settings that may cost another service visit at the consumer.
- the external antenna detector principles have been described in relation to connection between RF transmitters and antennas. It is to be understood, however, that the principles apply for connection between RF receivers and antennas as well.
- the same antenna may be used for both transmitting and receiving RF signals, such as if it is connected to a combined transmitter/receiver module.
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- Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
- Measuring Volume Flow (AREA)
Abstract
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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DKPA200400515 | 2004-03-31 | ||
DKPA200400515 | 2004-03-31 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2005094154A2 true WO2005094154A2 (fr) | 2005-10-13 |
WO2005094154A3 WO2005094154A3 (fr) | 2005-12-15 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/DK2005/000191 WO2005094154A2 (fr) | 2004-03-31 | 2005-03-22 | Procede et dispositif de detection d'une antenne externe |
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WO (1) | WO2005094154A2 (fr) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2008010861A1 (fr) * | 2006-07-21 | 2008-01-24 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Interface de communications sans fil pour dispositif électronique portable |
US8330669B2 (en) | 2010-04-22 | 2012-12-11 | Itron, Inc. | Remote antenna coupling in an AMR device |
WO2013089553A1 (fr) | 2011-12-16 | 2013-06-20 | Mimos Berhad | Un système et un procédé de détection d'antennes internes et externes et de commutation entre celles-ci |
CN103983941A (zh) * | 2014-05-21 | 2014-08-13 | 国家电网公司 | 一种用户电能表检测方法及系统 |
EP2923185A4 (fr) * | 2012-11-21 | 2016-08-10 | Kamstrup As | Boîtier de compteur de consommation avec borne pour équipement de communication extérieur |
US20180138966A1 (en) * | 2016-11-16 | 2018-05-17 | Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd. | Vehicle-mounted communication apparatus |
WO2019032977A3 (fr) * | 2017-08-11 | 2019-03-21 | Cellphone-Mate, Inc. | Amplificateurs de signal radiofréquence |
CN111614819A (zh) * | 2020-06-01 | 2020-09-01 | 上海众链科技有限公司 | 一种外接有外置天线的智能终端 |
CN111999553A (zh) * | 2020-07-27 | 2020-11-27 | 北京智芯微电子科技有限公司 | 确定中继器电表的方法、通信装置、电表及金属电表箱 |
EP3789781A1 (fr) * | 2019-09-06 | 2021-03-10 | Valeo Comfort and Driving Assistance | Système d'antennes |
CN113009240A (zh) * | 2019-12-19 | 2021-06-22 | 萨基姆通讯能源及电信联合股份公司 | 适配成检测外部天线的存在的电气装备 |
FR3114162A1 (fr) * | 2020-09-17 | 2022-03-18 | Delta Dore | Procede et dispositif de detection de la presence d’une antenne externe et de connexion de l’antenne externe a un module radio |
Citations (3)
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WO2001052357A1 (fr) * | 2000-01-07 | 2001-07-19 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Circuit de detection et antenne rf |
WO2002037128A2 (fr) * | 2000-11-02 | 2002-05-10 | Michael Graham Miller | Systeme de verification |
WO2003049228A1 (fr) * | 2001-12-03 | 2003-06-12 | Atheros Communications, Inc. | Procede et appareil pour garantir l'integrite d'une antenne pourvue de connecteurs |
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JPH1013365A (ja) * | 1996-06-21 | 1998-01-16 | Kyocera Corp | アンテナ破損検出装置 |
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2005
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WO2001052357A1 (fr) * | 2000-01-07 | 2001-07-19 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Circuit de detection et antenne rf |
WO2002037128A2 (fr) * | 2000-11-02 | 2002-05-10 | Michael Graham Miller | Systeme de verification |
WO2003049228A1 (fr) * | 2001-12-03 | 2003-06-12 | Atheros Communications, Inc. | Procede et appareil pour garantir l'integrite d'une antenne pourvue de connecteurs |
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Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2008010861A1 (fr) * | 2006-07-21 | 2008-01-24 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Interface de communications sans fil pour dispositif électronique portable |
US8330669B2 (en) | 2010-04-22 | 2012-12-11 | Itron, Inc. | Remote antenna coupling in an AMR device |
WO2013089553A1 (fr) | 2011-12-16 | 2013-06-20 | Mimos Berhad | Un système et un procédé de détection d'antennes internes et externes et de commutation entre celles-ci |
EP2923185A4 (fr) * | 2012-11-21 | 2016-08-10 | Kamstrup As | Boîtier de compteur de consommation avec borne pour équipement de communication extérieur |
US9714858B2 (en) | 2012-11-21 | 2017-07-25 | Kamstrup A/S | Consumption meter housing with feed through for external communication equipment |
CN103983941A (zh) * | 2014-05-21 | 2014-08-13 | 国家电网公司 | 一种用户电能表检测方法及系统 |
US20180138966A1 (en) * | 2016-11-16 | 2018-05-17 | Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd. | Vehicle-mounted communication apparatus |
US10911130B2 (en) | 2017-08-11 | 2021-02-02 | Cellphone-Mate, Inc. | Radio frequency signal boosters |
US11496206B2 (en) | 2017-08-11 | 2022-11-08 | Cellphone-Mate, Inc. | Radio frequency signal boosters |
WO2019032977A3 (fr) * | 2017-08-11 | 2019-03-21 | Cellphone-Mate, Inc. | Amplificateurs de signal radiofréquence |
EP3789781A1 (fr) * | 2019-09-06 | 2021-03-10 | Valeo Comfort and Driving Assistance | Système d'antennes |
FR3105609A1 (fr) * | 2019-12-19 | 2021-06-25 | Sagemcom Energy & Telecom Sas | Equipement électrique adapté à détecter la présence d’une antenne externe |
CN113009240A (zh) * | 2019-12-19 | 2021-06-22 | 萨基姆通讯能源及电信联合股份公司 | 适配成检测外部天线的存在的电气装备 |
EP3840113A1 (fr) * | 2019-12-19 | 2021-06-23 | Sagemcom Energy & Telecom SAS | Equipement electrique adapte a detecter la presence d'une antenne externe |
CN113009240B (zh) * | 2019-12-19 | 2023-11-07 | 萨基姆通讯能源及电信联合股份公司 | 适配成检测外部天线的存在的电气装备 |
US11817658B2 (en) | 2019-12-19 | 2023-11-14 | Sagemcom Energy & Telecom Sas | Electrical equipment adapted to detect the presence of an external antenna |
CN111614819A (zh) * | 2020-06-01 | 2020-09-01 | 上海众链科技有限公司 | 一种外接有外置天线的智能终端 |
CN111614819B (zh) * | 2020-06-01 | 2022-07-26 | 上海众链科技有限公司 | 一种外接有外置天线的智能终端 |
CN111999553A (zh) * | 2020-07-27 | 2020-11-27 | 北京智芯微电子科技有限公司 | 确定中继器电表的方法、通信装置、电表及金属电表箱 |
FR3114162A1 (fr) * | 2020-09-17 | 2022-03-18 | Delta Dore | Procede et dispositif de detection de la presence d’une antenne externe et de connexion de l’antenne externe a un module radio |
EP3971597A1 (fr) * | 2020-09-17 | 2022-03-23 | Delta Dore | Procede et dispositif de detection de la presence d'une antenne externe et de connexion de l'antenne externe a un module radio |
Also Published As
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---|---|
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