WO2016072175A1 - Active antenna system - Google Patents

Abstract

An active antenna system 3 is equipped with: a phase shifter 15 provided in the subsequent stage following a plurality of digital-analog converters 11 for converting a plurality of transmission signals corresponding to each of a first sector S1 and a second sector S2, a plurality of distributors 13 for distributing each of the plurality of transmission signals converted by the plurality of digital-analog converters 11 to plurality, and a plurality of antenna elements 9 for transmitting the plurality of transmission signals distributed by the plurality of distributors 13, the phase shifter adjusting the phase of each of the transmission signals distributed by the distributers 13; and a phase shifter 15 (15a, 15b) provided between the plurality of distributors 13 and the plurality of antenna elements 9, the phase shifter 15 (15a, 15b) adjusting the phase of each of the transmission signals distributed by the distributers 13 so that the first sector S1 and the second sector S2 are formed.

Description

Active antenna system

The present invention relates to an active antenna system used for a base station apparatus or the like of a radio communication system.

In recent years, in wireless communication systems used for mobile phones and the like, the demand for expansion of communication areas and expansion of communication capacity has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the like. Then, utilization of the active antenna system incorporating the function of a high frequency transmitter / receiver to the base station apparatus is examined (for example, refer patent document 1).

The active antenna system includes a plurality of antenna elements and a plurality of transmission / reception units provided corresponding to the plurality of antenna elements. For this reason, the radio signal transmitted / received for each antenna element can be controlled, and the controllability is excellent.
In a base station apparatus using such an active antenna system having excellent controllability, cells formed by the antenna system are divided into a plurality of regions (sectors) by controlling the directivity of transmission / reception signals transmitted and received by the antenna system. ) Can be divided and used.

Special table 2009-544205

The active antenna system described in Patent Document 1 is configured to perform signal processing of transmission / reception signals such as phase adjustment by digital signal processing.
FIG. 8 shows an example of an active antenna system configured to perform signal processing of transmission / reception signals such as phase adjustment by digital signal processing.
As shown in the figure, the active antenna system includes a digital signal processing unit 102 that distributes a baseband signal that is a digital signal provided from a BBU (Base Band Unit) corresponding to each of a plurality of antenna elements 101, and a digital signal. A digital-analog converter (DAC) 103 that is provided corresponding to each baseband signal distributed by the processing unit 102 and performs analog conversion, and a frequency converter 104 that converts the analog-converted baseband signal to a radio frequency signal And a power amplifier 105 for amplifying a radio frequency signal.

The digital signal processing unit 102 is provided with a plurality of baseband signals (two in the example) corresponding to the plurality of sectors from the BBU.
The digital signal processing unit 102 distributes a plurality of digital baseband signals given from the BBU corresponding to the plurality of antenna elements 101. Furthermore, the digital signal processing unit 102 performs phase adjustment on each of the distributed signals so that the directivity of the plurality of antenna elements 101 becomes directivity that can form each sector.

The digital signal processing unit 102 supplies a plurality of signals that have been distributed and subjected to phase shift adjustment to the subsequent digital-analog converter 103.
Each signal supplied to the digital-analog converter 103 is converted into an analog signal, then converted into a radio frequency signal, amplified, and transmitted from the plurality of antenna elements 101.

Radio frequency signals transmitted from the plurality of antenna elements 101 are transmitted so as to form sectors by directivity control by the digital signal processing unit 102.
As described above, the active antenna system divides one cell formed by each antenna element 101 into a plurality of sectors.

However, in the active antenna system shown in FIG. 8, it is necessary to provide a DAC for each antenna element 101, leading to an increase in cost.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an active antenna system capable of reducing the cost.

An active antenna system according to an embodiment is an active antenna system that forms a plurality of sectors, and includes a plurality of digital-analog converters that convert a plurality of transmission signals corresponding to each of the plurality of sectors, A plurality of distributors for distributing each of the plurality of transmission signals converted by the digital-analog converter to a plurality; a plurality of antenna elements for transmitting the plurality of transmission signals distributed by the plurality of distributors; And a phase shifter that adjusts the phase of each of the transmission signals distributed by the plurality of distributors so that the plurality of sectors are formed. ing.

An active antenna system according to an embodiment is an active antenna system that forms a plurality of sectors, each of which includes a plurality of antenna elements and a plurality of reception signals received by the plurality of antenna elements. And a plurality of distributors corresponding to each of the plurality of sectors, and among the received signals distributed by the plurality of distributors, signals corresponding to the same sector are combined. A plurality of combiners for outputting combined reception signals corresponding to the plurality of sectors; a plurality of analog-digital converters for converting combined reception signals corresponding to the plurality of sectors; Between the plurality of distributors and the plurality of combiners, and by the plurality of distributors so as to form the plurality of sectors. And a, a phase shifter that performs distributed received signal respective phase adjustment.

According to the active antenna system of the present invention, the cost can be reduced.

It is a figure which shows a part of base station apparatus provided with the antenna system which concerns on one Embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows a part of area where the some base station apparatus was installed, and has shown typically the structure of the cell which a base station apparatus forms. (B) is a figure which shows the sector which one antenna main body forms. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the transmission part of the antenna main body which the antenna system which concerns on 1st Embodiment has. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the receiving part of the antenna main body which the antenna system which concerns on 1st Embodiment has. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the receiving part of the antenna main body which the antenna system which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment has. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the transmission part of the antenna main body which the antenna system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment has. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the antenna main body which the antenna system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment has. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the active antenna system comprised so that the signal processing of a transmission / reception signal might be performed by digital signal processing.

[Description of Embodiment]

(1) An active antenna system according to an embodiment is an active antenna system that forms a plurality of sectors, and a plurality of digital-analog converters that convert a plurality of transmission signals corresponding to each of the plurality of sectors; A plurality of distributors for distributing each of the plurality of transmission signals converted by the plurality of digital-analog converters to a plurality; a plurality of antenna elements for transmitting the plurality of transmission signals distributed by the plurality of distributors; A phase shifter that is provided between the plurality of distributors and the plurality of antenna elements and adjusts the phase of each of the transmission signals distributed by the plurality of distributors so that the plurality of sectors are formed; It is equipped with.

According to the active antenna system configured as described above, the plurality of digital / analog converters are provided in front of the plurality of distributors. For this reason, the digital-analog converter may be provided corresponding to each of a plurality of sectors, and the number of digital-analog converters can be reduced as compared with an active antenna system in which a digital-analog converter is provided for each of a plurality of antenna elements. it can. As a result, the cost can be reduced.

(2) In the active antenna system described above, when a plurality of antenna elements are provided for each transmission signal distributed by the distributor, a necessary number of antenna elements in one sector may need to be provided for each sector.
In this regard, in the active antenna system, when the plurality of distributors are configured to distribute each of the plurality of transmission signals output from the plurality of digital-analog converters corresponding to each of the plurality of antenna elements. A plurality of combiners that are provided between the phase shifter and the plurality of antenna elements and combine signals corresponding to the same antenna element among the transmission signals distributed by the plurality of distributors; You may have.
In this case, since signals corresponding to each of a plurality of sectors can be combined with signals corresponding to the same antenna element by a plurality of combiners, if a necessary number of antenna elements are provided in one sector, A plurality of antenna elements can be shared to transmit a transmission signal to each sector. As a result, it is possible to transmit a transmission signal to each sector without increasing the number of antenna elements more than necessary.

(3) Further, in the active antenna system, it is preferable that a power amplifier that amplifies a transmission signal after the phase shifter performs phase adjustment is further provided at a stage subsequent to the phase shifter.
In this case, a transmission signal before amplification is given to the phase shifter. Since the transmission signal before amplification has lower power compared to the transmission signal after amplification, it is possible to use a phase shifter having a relatively low value of signal power that can be handled. As a result, it is possible to use a smaller and lower cost phase shifter, and it is possible to reduce the cost and reduce the size.

(4) The active antenna system may further include a power amplifier that amplifies a transmission signal after the phase shifter performs phase adjustment after the plurality of combiners.
For example, when a power amplifier is provided before the combiner, it is necessary to provide a power amplifier for each signal distributed by a plurality of distributors. On the other hand, if a power amplifier that amplifies the received signal after the phase shifter performs phase adjustment is provided at the subsequent stage of the plurality of combiners, a plurality of combiners provided corresponding to each of the plurality of antenna elements is provided. It is sufficient to provide power amplifiers corresponding to the units, and the number of power amplifiers can be reduced as compared with the case where the power amplifiers are provided in the previous stage of the combiner.

(5) For example, when the frequency converter is provided in the subsequent stage of the distributor, a large number of frequency converters are required, and each of the signals distributed by the distributor is individually frequency-converted. Frequency synchronization may be difficult between signals.
Therefore, in the active antenna system, a frequency converter that is provided between the plurality of digital-analog converters and the plurality of distributors and performs frequency conversion of the frequency of the transmission signal from a baseband frequency to a radio frequency Is preferably further provided.
In this case, since it is only necessary to provide frequency converters corresponding to a plurality of digital-analog converters provided corresponding to a plurality of sectors, it is not necessary to provide more frequency converters than necessary.
In addition, since the number of frequency converters can be minimized, frequency synchronization between signals converted by the frequency converters can be facilitated.

(6) Moreover, the active antenna system which is one Embodiment is an active antenna system which forms a some sector, Comprising: A plurality of antenna elements and each of the some received signal which the said some antenna element receives are said plurality. A plurality of distributors that distribute corresponding to each of the sectors, and a plurality of signals that are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of sectors and that correspond to the same sector among the received signals distributed by the plurality of distributors And a plurality of combiners for outputting combined reception signals corresponding to the plurality of sectors, and a plurality of analog-digital converters for converting the combined reception signals corresponding to the plurality of sectors, The plurality of distributors are provided between the plurality of distributors and the plurality of combiners, so that the plurality of sectors are formed. It includes a phase shifter, the performing distributed received signal respective phase adjustment I.

According to the active antenna system configured as described above, the analog-to-digital converter is provided after the plurality of combiners. For this reason, the analog-digital converter may be provided corresponding to each of a plurality of sectors, and the number of analog-digital converters is compared with an active antenna system in which an analog-digital converter is provided for each of a plurality of antenna elements. Can be reduced. As a result, the cost can be reduced.

(7) The active antenna system may further include an amplifier that amplifies a received signal after the phase shifter performs phase adjustment after the plurality of combiners.
For example, when an amplifier is provided in the previous stage of the combiner, it is necessary to provide an amplifier for each of a plurality of antenna elements or for each signal distributed by a plurality of distributors. On the other hand, if an amplifier that amplifies the received signal after the phase shifter performs phase adjustment is provided at the subsequent stage of the plurality of combiners, it corresponds to a combiner provided corresponding to each of the plurality of sectors. Thus, the number of amplifiers can be reduced as compared with the case where amplifiers are provided in the previous stage of the combiner.

(8) Further, in the active antenna system, the frequencies of the plurality of synthesized reception signals provided between the plurality of synthesizers and the plurality of analog-digital converters and synthesized by the plurality of synthesizers. There may be further provided a frequency converter that performs frequency conversion from a radio frequency to a baseband frequency.
In this case, since it is only necessary to provide frequency converters corresponding to the plurality of analog-digital converters provided corresponding to the plurality of sectors, it is not necessary to provide more frequency converters than necessary.
In addition, since the number of frequency converters can be minimized, frequency synchronization between signals converted by the frequency converters can be facilitated.

[Details of the embodiment]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Overall configuration of base station]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a part of a base station apparatus including an antenna system according to an embodiment. In the figure, a base station apparatus 1 is used as a base station apparatus in a wireless communication system for a mobile phone to which LTE (Long Term Evolution) is applied, for example, and is a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone (not shown). It has a function of performing wireless communication.
As shown in the figure, the base station apparatus 1 includes a baseband unit (BBU) 2 and an active antenna system 3.

The baseband unit 2 is connected to an active antenna system 3 (hereinafter also simply referred to as an antenna system 3) by a signal transmission path (optical transmission path or electrical transmission path) 4 extending from the baseband unit 2.

The baseband unit 2 has a function of generating a transmission baseband signal that is a digital signal by performing digital modulation processing on transmission data given from a higher-level network.
The baseband unit 2 gives a transmission baseband signal (I / Q signal) obtained by modulating transmission data to the antenna system 3 via the signal transmission path 4.

The baseband unit 2 acquires a reception baseband signal (I / Q signal) that is a digital signal given from the antenna system 3 via the signal transmission path 4, and performs digital demodulation processing on the reception baseband signal. And has a function of generating received data.
The baseband unit 2 gives the received data obtained by demodulating the received baseband signal to the upper network.

As described above, the baseband unit 2 has a function of performing processing such as digital modulation / demodulation processing on data and baseband signals transmitted and received by wireless communication.

The antenna system 3 includes a plurality of antenna main bodies 6 (three antenna main bodies 6 in the illustrated example) supported upward by support columns 5.
Each antenna body 6 is set as an area in which one area when the area around the base station apparatus 1 is divided into three can be communicated with the terminal apparatus.
The antenna system 3 includes the three antenna bodies 6, thereby forming a cell that is an area capable of communicating with the terminal device around the antenna system 3.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a part of an area where a plurality of base station apparatuses 1 are installed, and schematically illustrates a configuration of a cell formed by the base station apparatus 1.
In FIG. 2A, an antenna system 3 is installed at a point P. Each base station apparatus 1 installed at each point P forms a cell C in the surrounding area.
Each cell C is configured as a sector cell including a plurality of sectors S. Each sector S is formed by three antenna bodies 6.

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a sector formed by one antenna body 6.
As shown in the figure, each antenna body 6 can communicate with one terminal area R when the area around the base station apparatus 1 (point P) in the cell C is divided into three areas. As a region. In the present embodiment, the cell C includes three regions R.
In this specification, the “cell” indicates a region R formed by the antenna body 6 as a part of the cell C in addition to the case where the antenna system 3 indicates the cell C formed around the antenna system 3. There is a case.

Furthermore, a region R formed by the antenna body 6 includes a first sector S1 that is a region near the base station device 1 (point P) and a second sector that is a region farther from the base station device 1 than the first sector S1. S2.
That is, the antenna body 6 divides the region R (cell) into the first sector S1 and the second sector S2.

As will be described later, each antenna body 6 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of antenna elements constituting an array antenna, and the antenna body 6 is adjusted by adjusting the phase of each signal transmitted and received by each antenna element. It is possible to control the tilt angle (directivity).
As a result, each antenna body 6 can form a plurality of regions (sectors) for transmitting and receiving signals at different tilt angles along the direction away from the antenna body 6, and the region R is composed of a plurality of sectors. Can do.
Each antenna body 6 can be divided by configuring the region R with a plurality of sectors.
Note that the tilt angle is an angle with respect to the horizontal direction of a beam formed by radio signals transmitted and received from a plurality of antenna elements.

As shown in FIG. 1, each antenna body 6 transmits a plurality of transmission signals having different tilt angles (two transmission signals in the illustrated example), thereby a plurality of sectors along the direction away from the antenna body 6. (First sector S1 and second sector S2) are formed.
Thereby, each antenna body 6 divides the region R formed by the antenna body 6 into the first sector S1 and the second sector S2.

[Configuration of antenna system transmitter]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a transmission unit of the antenna main body 6 included in the antenna system 3 according to the first embodiment. Note that the transmission units of the three antenna bodies 6 included in the antenna system 3 have the same configuration.
In the figure, the antenna body 6 includes a transmission unit 8, a digital signal processing unit 10, and a plurality of antenna elements 9 (six in the illustrated example).
The plurality of antenna elements 9 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction and constitute an array antenna.

The transmission unit 8 of the antenna body 6 converts the transmission baseband signal given from the baseband unit 2 into a radio frequency signal, and distributes the converted radio frequency signal to each of the plurality of antenna elements 9.
Further, the transmission unit 8 of the antenna body 6 divides the region R formed by the transmission signals transmitted from each of the plurality of antenna elements 9 into the first sector S1 and the second sector S2.

The transmission unit 8 includes a plurality of digital-to-analog converters (DAC: Digital to Analog Converter) 11, a plurality of up-converters 12, and a plurality of distributors 13.

The digital signal processing unit 10 is provided with a plurality of transmission baseband signals (two in the illustrated example) from the baseband unit 2. The two transmission baseband signals correspond to the first sector S1 and the second sector S2 formed by the antenna body 6.
Hereinafter, the transmission baseband signal corresponding to the first sector S1 is also referred to as a first transmission baseband signal, and the transmission baseband signal corresponding to the second sector S2 is also referred to as a second transmission baseband signal.

The digital signal processing unit 10 performs digital signal processing on the first transmission baseband signal and the second transmission baseband signal as necessary, and then converts the transmission baseband signal into a plurality of digital / analog conversions included in the transmission unit 8. Give to vessel 11.

A pair of digital-analog converters 11 is provided corresponding to each of the first sector S1 and the second sector S2. The first transmission baseband signal is given to one digital-analog converter 11a, and the second transmission baseband signal is given to the other digital-analog converter 11b.

The digital-analog converter 11a has a function of converting the first transmission baseband signal, which is a digital signal given from the digital signal processing unit 10, into an analog signal. The digital-analog converter 11b has a function of converting the second transmission baseband signal, which is a digital signal given from the digital signal processing unit 10, into an analog signal.
The digital-analog converter 11 (11a, 11b) supplies the first transmission baseband signal and the second transmission baseband signal converted into analog signals to the up-converter 12.

A pair of up-converters 12 are provided corresponding to each of the first sector S1 and the second sector S2 (corresponding to each of the pair of digital-analog converters 11). One upconverter 12a is supplied with a first transmission baseband signal converted into an analog signal, and the other upconverter 12b is supplied with a second transmission baseband signal converted into an analog signal.

The up-converter 12a multiplies the first transmission baseband signal by the radio frequency local signal generated by the oscillator 14 to convert the first transmission baseband signal into a radio frequency signal (first radio frequency signal) (up-conversion). ) Function.
The up-converter 12b multiplies the second transmission baseband signal by the radio frequency local signal generated by the oscillator 14 to convert the second transmission baseband signal into a radio frequency signal (second radio frequency signal) (up-conversion). ) Function.

In addition, the 1st radio frequency signal respond | corresponds to 1st sector S1, like the 1st transmission baseband signal. Further, the second radio frequency signal corresponds to the second sector S2 like the second transmission baseband signal.

The up-converter 12 (12a, 12b) is a first radio frequency signal obtained by frequency converting the first transmission baseband signal and a second radio frequency signal obtained by frequency converting the second transmission baseband signal. Is fed to the distributor 13.

A pair of distributors 13 is provided corresponding to each of the first sector S1 and the second sector S2 (corresponding to each of the pair of digital-analog converters 11). One distributor 13a is supplied with the first radio frequency signal from the up converter 12a, and the other distributor 13b is supplied with the second radio frequency signal from the up converter 12b.

The distributor 13a distributes the first radio frequency signal into a plurality of parts corresponding to the plurality of antenna elements 9 respectively.
Further, the distributor 13b distributes the second radio frequency signal into a plurality of parts corresponding to the plurality of antenna elements 9 respectively.
In the present embodiment, since the antenna body 6 includes six antenna elements 9, the distributors 13a and 13b distribute the radio frequency signal provided from the up-converter 12 to six.
In some cases, the distributors 13a and 13b distribute the number to a number smaller than the number of the plurality of antenna elements 9.

The transmission unit 8 further includes a plurality of phase shifters 15, a plurality of combiners 16, a plurality of power amplifiers 17, and a plurality of circulators 18.
The plurality of combiners 16 are provided in the subsequent stage of both distributors 13. A power amplifier 17 is connected to the subsequent stage of the plurality of combiners 16. The plurality of power amplifiers 17 amplify the power of the combined signal output from the plurality of combiners 16.
A plurality of circulators 18 are connected to the subsequent stage of the plurality of power amplifiers 17. The circulator 18 has a function for sharing the antenna element 9 between the transmitter 8 and a receiver described later.

A plurality of (six) synthesizers 16, power amplifiers 17, and circulators 18 are provided corresponding to the plurality of antenna elements 9. Therefore, each combiner 16 is connected to the corresponding antenna element 9 via the power amplifier 17 and the circulator 18.

Each combiner 16 is connected to each distributor 13 through a plurality of phase shifters 15.
The radio frequency signals distributed by both distributors 13 are given to the phase shifter 15 and phase-adjusted, and then given to the synthesizer 16.

Each synthesizer 16 is provided with radio frequency signals distributed corresponding to the same antenna elements among the radio frequency signals distributed by the distributors 13a and 13b.
Each combiner 16 is configured to combine radio frequency signals distributed corresponding to the same antenna element.

For example, in FIG. 3, the synthesizer 16 located at the uppermost position on the paper surface is provided corresponding to the antenna element 9 located at the uppermost position on the paper surface. In the synthesizer 16 located on the uppermost side of the paper surface, the distributor 13a is allocated to the antenna element 9 located on the uppermost side of the paper surface, and the distributor 13b is located on the uppermost side of the paper surface. And a radio frequency signal distributed corresponding to the antenna element 9 to be transmitted.

Thus, each synthesizer 16 is provided with the radio frequency signal from the distributor 13a and the radio frequency signal from the distributor 13b, which are signals corresponding to the same antenna element 9.
Each combiner 16 combines the radio frequency signals corresponding to these same antenna elements 9 and outputs the combined signal.

The combined signal output from each combiner 16 is supplied to the power amplifier 17, amplified by the power amplifier 17, and then supplied to the circulator 18.
The circulator 18 has a function of giving a signal given from the power amplifier 17 to the antenna element 9 and giving a reception signal given from the antenna element 9 to a receiving unit described later. Therefore, when the circulator 18 is supplied with the combined signal amplified from the power amplifier 17, the circulator 18 supplies the combined signal to the antenna element 9.
The combined signal given from each circulator 18 to each antenna element 9 is radiated into the space from each antenna element 9 and transmitted as a radio signal.

The plurality of phase shifters 15 are provided after the distributor 13 and between the distributor 13 and the combiner 16. The plurality of phase shifters 15 are connected between the plurality of first phase shifters 15 a connected between one distributor 13 a and each combiner 16, and between the other distributor 13 b and each combiner 16. And a plurality of second phase shifters 15b.

The first radio frequency signals distributed by one distributor 13a are given to the plurality of first phase shifters 15a.
The plurality of first phase shifters 15a perform phase adjustment on each of the first radio frequency signals distributed by the distributor 13a. Accordingly, the plurality of first phase shifters 15a can control the tilt angle (directivity) of the antenna element 9 when the first radio frequency signal is transmitted from each of the plurality of antenna elements 9.

The plurality of first phase shifters 15a have a tilt angle at which the tilt angle when transmitting the first radio frequency signal from the plurality of antenna elements 9 can form the first sector S1 corresponding to the first radio frequency signal. Adjust the phase so that

The plurality of second phase shifters 15b are given the second radio frequency signal distributed by the other distributor 13b.
The plurality of second phase shifters 15b perform phase adjustment on each of the second radio frequency signals distributed by the distributor 13b. Thus, the plurality of second phase shifters 15b can control the tilt angle (directivity) of the antenna element 9 when the second radio frequency signal is transmitted from each of the plurality of antenna elements 9.

The plurality of second phase shifters 15b have a tilt angle at which the tilt angle when transmitting the second radio frequency signal from the plurality of antenna elements 9 can form the second sector S2 corresponding to the second radio frequency signal. Adjust the phase so that

As described above, the first sector S1 is an area closer to the antenna body 6, and the second sector S2 is an area farther from the antenna body 6 than the first sector S1 (FIG. 2B). Therefore, the tilt angles of the plurality of antenna elements 9 when the first radio frequency signal is transmitted from the plurality of antenna elements 9 and the plurality of the plurality of antenna elements 9 when the second radio frequency signal is transmitted from the plurality of antenna elements 9. The tilt angle of the antenna element 9 is set to be different from each other.

Thus, the phase shifter 15 performs phase adjustment for each of a plurality of transmission signals (first radio frequency signal and second radio frequency signal). As a result, the phase shifter 15 corresponds the tilt angle (directivity) for each of the plurality of transmission signals (first radio frequency signal and second radio frequency signal) in the plurality of antenna elements 9 to each of the plurality of transmission signals. The tilt angle is such that each sector S1, S2 can be formed.

As described above, the first radio frequency signal distributed by the distributor 13a and the second radio frequency signal distributed by the distributor 13b are a plurality of first phase shifters 15a and a plurality of second phase shifters. After being phase-adjusted by 15b, it is given to each synthesizer 16.
Each combiner 16 combines the first radio frequency signal and the second radio frequency signal corresponding to these same antenna elements 9 and outputs a combined signal.

The combined signal output from each combiner 16 is given to each antenna element 9 through the power amplifier 17 and the circulator 18 and is transmitted from each antenna element 9 as a radio signal.

The transmission unit 8 transmits the first radio frequency signal and the second radio frequency signal by transmitting a combined signal obtained by synthesizing the first radio frequency signal and the second radio frequency signal from each antenna element 9. Can do.

The first radio frequency signal corresponding to the first sector S1 transmitted from each antenna element 9 is transmitted so as to form the first sector S1 by controlling the tilt angle by the plurality of first phase shifters 15a. The
In addition, the second radio frequency signal corresponding to the second sector S2 transmitted from each antenna element 9 forms the second sector S2 by controlling the tilt angle by the plurality of second phase shifters 15b. Sent.

Accordingly, when transmitting a signal, the transmission unit 8 of the antenna body 6 forms the first sector S1 and the second sector S2, and the region R formed by the antenna body 6 is defined as the first sector S1 and the second sector S2. Divide into S2.

[Configuration of antenna system receiver]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a receiving unit of the antenna body 6 included in the antenna system 3 according to the first embodiment. The receiving units of the three antenna main bodies 6 included in the antenna system 3 have the same configuration.

The receiving unit 20 of the antenna body 6 converts the received signals received by the plurality of antenna elements 9 into baseband signals and gives them to the baseband unit 2.
In addition, the receiving unit 20 of the antenna body 6 receives signals from each of the plurality of antenna elements 9 to divide the region R shown in FIG. 2B into the first sector S1 and the second sector S2.

4, the receiving unit 20 includes a plurality of low noise amplifiers 21, a plurality of distributors 22, a plurality of phase shifters 23, and a plurality of combiners 24.

The low noise amplifier 21 is connected to the circulator 18 (FIG. 3). Therefore, the reception signal received by each antenna element 9 is given to each low noise amplifier 21.
The low noise amplifier 21 amplifies the received signal and gives it to the distributor 22.
The plurality of distributors 22 distribute the reception signal provided from the low noise amplifier 21 corresponding to each of the plurality of sectors (first sector S1 and second sector S2).

In this way, the low noise amplifier 21 and the distributor 22 are provided for each antenna element 9, and the received signal received by each antenna element 9 is amplified by each low noise amplifier 21 and then distributed to each antenna element 9. A phase shifter 23 is provided to the first sector S1 and the second sector S2, and is then phase-adjusted by a plurality of phase shifters 23.

A plurality of synthesizers 24 (two in the illustrated example) are provided at the subsequent stage of the plurality of distributors 22. The plurality of combiners 24 are provided corresponding to each of the first sector S1 and the second sector S2. One synthesizer 24a is provided with a received signal distributed corresponding to the first sector S1 by each distributor 22, and the other synthesizer 24b corresponds to the second sector S2 by each distributor 22. Distributed reception signals are provided.

One combiner 24a combines the received signals distributed by the distributors 22 corresponding to the first sector S1 and outputs a first combined signal corresponding to the first sector S1.
The other combiner 24b combines the received signals distributed by the distributors 22 corresponding to the second sector S2 and outputs a second combined signal corresponding to the second sector S2.

As described above, the plurality of combiners 24 combine the signals corresponding to the same sector among the reception signals distributed by the plurality of distributors 22, and combine the first combined signal and the first received signal that are combined signals. 2 The composite signal is output.
The first combined signal is a combination of the received signals distributed by the distributors 22 corresponding to the first sector S1, and corresponds to the first sector S1.
The second combined signal is a combination of the received signals distributed by the distributors 22 corresponding to the second sector S2, and corresponds to the second sector S2.

The receiving unit 20 further includes a down converter 25 and an analog / digital converter 26.
A pair of down converters 25 is provided corresponding to each of the first sector S1 and the second sector S2. One down converter 25a is supplied with a first combined signal output from the combiner 24a, and the other down converter 25b is supplied with a second combined signal output from the combiner 24b.

The down-converter 25a has a function of converting (down-converting) the first synthesized signal into a baseband signal (first received baseband signal) by multiplying the first synthesized signal by the baseband frequency local signal generated by the oscillator 27. have.
The down-converter 25b has a function of converting (down-converting) the second synthesized signal into a baseband signal (second received baseband signal) by multiplying the second synthesized signal by the baseband frequency local signal generated by the oscillator 27. have.

The down converter 25 (25a, 25b) analogizes the first reception baseband signal obtained by frequency-converting the first combined signal and the second reception baseband signal obtained by frequency-converting the second combined signal. The digital converter 26 is given.

A pair of analog-digital converters 26 is provided corresponding to each of the first sector S1 and the second sector S2. One analog-to-digital converter 26a is supplied with the first reception baseband signal from the down converter 25a, and the other analog-digital converter 26b is supplied with the second reception baseband signal from the down-converter 25b.

The analog-to-digital converter 26a has a function of converting the analog first reception baseband signal supplied from the down converter 25a into a digital signal. The analog-digital converter 26b has a function of converting the analog second reception baseband signal given from the down converter 25b into a digital signal.
The analog-digital converter 26a and the analog-digital converter 26b supply the first reception baseband signal and the second reception baseband signal converted into digital signals to the digital signal processing unit 10.

The digital signal processing unit 10 performs digital signal processing on the first reception baseband signal and the second reception baseband signal supplied from the analog-digital converter 26 as necessary, and then converts the reception baseband signal to the baseband unit. Give to 2.

The plurality of phase shifters 23 are provided between the plurality of distributors 22 and the plurality of combiners 24. The plurality of phase shifters 23 include a plurality of third phase shifters 23a connected between the plurality of distributors 22 and one combiner 24a, and between the plurality of distributors 22 and the other combiner 24b. And a plurality of fourth phase shifters 23b connected to each other.

The plurality of third phase shifters 23a are provided with received signals distributed by the distributors 22 corresponding to the first sector S1.
The plurality of third phase shifters 23a adjust the phase of each received signal distributed by each distributor 22 corresponding to the first sector S1. As a result, the plurality of third phase shifters 23 a can control the tilt angle (directivity) of the antenna element 9 when a reception signal is received by the plurality of antenna elements 9.

The plurality of third phase shifters 23a adjust the phase so that the tilt angle when the reception signals are received by the plurality of antenna elements 9 becomes the tilt angle that can form the first sector S1.
As a result, the intensity of the received signal component of the signal transmitted from the first sector S1 included in the first combined signal can be made relatively larger than other signal components, and the first combined signal is substantially reduced. The signal transmitted from the first sector S1 can be a received signal received.

The plurality of fourth phase shifters 23b are provided with received signals distributed by the distributors 22 corresponding to the second sector S2.
The plurality of fourth phase shifters 23b perform phase adjustment on each of the received signals distributed by the distributors 22 corresponding to the second sector S2. Accordingly, the plurality of fourth phase shifters 23b can control the tilt angle (directivity) of the antenna element 9 when the reception signal is received by the plurality of antenna elements 9.

The plurality of fourth phase shifters 23b adjust the phase so that the tilt angle when the reception signals are received by the plurality of antenna elements 9 becomes the tilt angle that can form the second sector S2.
As a result, the intensity of the received signal component of the signal transmitted from the second sector S2 included in the second synthesized signal can be made relatively larger than other signal components, and the second synthesized signal is substantially reduced. The signal transmitted from the second sector S2 can be a received signal received.

Thus, the phase shifter 23 performs phase adjustment for each of the sectors S1 and S2 to which the received signal distributed by the distributor 22 corresponds. Thereby, the phase shifter 23 sets the tilt angle (directivity) for each of the plurality of combined reception signals (first combined signal and second combined signal) in the plurality of antenna elements 9 to the plurality of combined reception signals. The tilt angle is set so that each sector S1, S2 corresponding to each can be formed.

The received signals distributed by the plurality of distributors 22 and further phase-adjusted by the phase shifters 23 (23a, 23b) are given to the combiner 24 (24a, 24b).
The combiner 24 (24a, 24b) combines the received signals corresponding to the same sector as described above, and corresponds to the first combined signal corresponding to the first sector S1 and the second sector S2. The second synthesized signal is output.

The first combined signal corresponding to the first sector S1 is substantially a received signal of the signal transmitted from the first sector S1.
Further, the second combined signal corresponding to the second sector S2 is substantially a received signal of the signal transmitted from the second sector S2.
Accordingly, when receiving a signal, the receiving unit 20 of the antenna body 6 forms the first sector S1 and the second sector S2, and the region R formed by the antenna body 6 is defined as the first sector S1 and the second sector S2. Divide into S2.

Thereafter, the first synthesized signal and the second synthesized signal output from the synthesizer 24 (24a, 24b) are supplied to the down converter 25 as described above, and the first received baseband signal and the second received baseband signal are supplied. And supplied to the analog-digital converter 26.
The first received baseband signal corresponds to the first sector S1 as in the first combined signal, and the second received baseband signal also corresponds to the second sector S2 as in the second combined signal. Yes.

The first reception baseband signal and the second reception baseband signal given to the analog-digital converter 26 are converted into digital signals, further given to the digital signal processing unit 10 and then given to the baseband unit 2. .

As described above, the receiving unit 20 of the antenna body 6 gives the first received baseband signal corresponding to the first sector S1 to the baseband unit 2 and the second corresponding to the second sector S2. The received baseband signal is given to the baseband unit 2.

[Effect]
The antenna system 3 (antenna body 6) having the above-described configuration is an active antenna system 3 (antenna body 6) that forms a plurality of sectors (first sector S1 and second sector S2), and includes the first sector S1 and the second sector S2. A plurality of digital-analog converters 11 (11a, 11b) for converting a plurality of transmission signals (first transmission baseband signal and second transmission baseband signal) corresponding to each of the sectors S2, and a plurality of digital-analog converters 11 A plurality of distributors 13 (13a, 13b) that distribute each of a plurality of transmission signals (first radio frequency signal and second radio frequency signal) converted by the plurality of signals, and a plurality of distributors 13 distributed by the plurality of distributors 13 A plurality of antenna elements 9 for transmitting transmission signals, and a first sector provided between the plurality of distributors 13 and the plurality of antenna elements 9; Includes a first and a phase shifter 15 for each of the phase adjustment transmission signal distributed by a plurality of distributors 13 as the second sector S2 is formed (15a, 15b), the.

According to the active antenna system 3 (antenna main body 6) configured as described above, the plurality of digital / analog converters 11 are provided in front of the plurality of distributors 13. For this reason, the digital / analog converter 11 may be provided corresponding to each of the first sector S1 and the second sector S2, and the digital / analog conversion is performed more than the active antenna system in which the digital / analog converter is provided for each of the plurality of antenna elements. The number of vessels can be reduced. As a result, the cost can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of distributors 13 are configured to distribute each of the plurality of transmission signals output from the plurality of digital-to-analog converters 11 corresponding to each of the plurality of antenna elements 9, and the phase shifter 15 and a plurality of antenna elements 9, and further includes a plurality of combiners 16 that combine signals corresponding to the same antenna element 9 among transmission signals distributed by the plurality of distributors 13. Yes.

For this reason, since signals corresponding to both sectors S1 and S2 can be combined with signals corresponding to the same antenna element 9 by a plurality of combiners 16, a necessary number of antenna elements 9 in one sector can be combined. If provided, the plurality of antenna elements 9 can be shared to transmit a transmission signal to each of the sectors S1 and S2. As a result, a transmission signal can be transmitted to each of the sectors S1 and S2 without increasing the number of antenna elements 9 more than necessary.

Further, in the present embodiment, a transmission signal (a synthesized signal obtained by synthesizing the first radio frequency signal and the second radio frequency signal) after the phase shifter 15 performs phase adjustment is amplified after the phase shifter 15. A power amplifier 17 is provided.
In this case, a transmission signal (a first radio frequency signal and a second radio frequency signal) before amplification is given to the phase shifter 15. Since the transmission signal before amplification has lower power compared to the transmission signal after amplification, it is possible to use a phase shifter having a relatively low value of signal power that can be handled. This makes it possible to use a phase shifter that is smaller and lower in cost, and can be further reduced in cost and size.

In the present embodiment, a power amplifier 17 is provided in the subsequent stage of the combiner 16 to amplify the transmission signal after the phase shifter 15 performs phase adjustment.
For example, when a power amplifier is provided in the previous stage of the combiner 16, it is necessary to provide a power amplifier for each transmission signal distributed by the plurality of distributors 13. On the other hand, if a power amplifier is provided in the subsequent stage of the plurality of combiners 16, a power amplifier may be provided corresponding to the plurality of combiners 16 provided corresponding to each of the plurality of antenna elements 9. The number of power amplifiers can be reduced as compared with the case where a power amplifier is provided in front of the device 16.

Further, for example, when the up-converter 12 is provided at the subsequent stage of the distributor 13, a large number of up-converters 12 are required, and each of the signals distributed by the distributor 13 is individually frequency-converted. Frequency synchronization may be difficult between signals.
If a large number of up-converters 12 are required, the cost will increase. Further, if the signals distributed by the distributor 13 are not frequency-synchronized, the tilt angle control of the plurality of antenna elements 9 cannot be performed with high accuracy.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the frequency of the transmission signal (the first transmission baseband signal and the second transmission baseband signal) is provided between the plurality of digital-analog converters 11 and the plurality of distributors 13. Is further provided with an up-converter 12 (12a, 12b) that performs frequency conversion from a baseband frequency to a radio frequency and outputs a first radio frequency signal and a second radio frequency signal.

In this case, since the up converter 12 may be provided corresponding to the pair of digital-analog converters 11 (11a, 11b) provided corresponding to the plurality of sectors S1, S2, the number of up converters is more than necessary. There is no need to provide it.
In addition, since the number of up-converters can be minimized, frequency synchronization between signals converted by the up-converters is facilitated.

The antenna system 3 (antenna body 6) having the above-described configuration is an active antenna system 3 (antenna body 6) that forms a plurality of sectors (first sector S1 and second sector S2), and includes a plurality of antenna elements 9. A plurality of distributors 22 for distributing a plurality of received signals received by the plurality of antenna elements 9 corresponding to the sectors S1 and S2, respectively, and a plurality of distributors 22 corresponding to the sectors S1 and S2, respectively. Of the received signals distributed by the distributor 22, the signals corresponding to the same sector are synthesized, and the synthesized received signals corresponding to each of the sectors S1 and S2 (first synthesized signal and second synthesized signal). And a plurality of synthesizers 24 (24a, 24b), and synthesized received signals (first synthesized signal and second synthesized signal) corresponding to each of the sectors S1, S2. Are provided between a plurality of analog-to-digital converters 26 (26a, 26b), a plurality of distributors 22 and a plurality of combiners 24, and a plurality of sectors S1 and S2 are formed. And phase shifters 23 (23a, 23b) for adjusting the phase of each of the received signals distributed by the distributor 22.

According to the above configuration, the plurality of analog-digital converters 26 are provided in the subsequent stage of the plurality of synthesizers 24. Therefore, the analog-digital converter 26 may be provided corresponding to each of the first sector S1 and the second sector S2, and compared with an active antenna system that employs a configuration in which an analog-digital converter is provided for each of the plurality of antenna elements 9. Thus, the number of analog-digital converters can be reduced. As a result, the cost can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the frequencies of the first synthesized signal and the second synthesized signal that are provided between the plurality of synthesizers 24 and the plurality of analog-digital converters 26 and synthesized by the plurality of synthesizers 24 are defined as radio frequencies. Further, a down converter 25 (25a, 25b) that performs frequency conversion from the baseband frequency to the baseband frequency may be further provided.
In this case, it is only necessary to provide the down converter 25 corresponding to the plurality of analog-digital converters 26 provided corresponding to the sectors S1 and S2, so that it is not necessary to provide more down converters 25 than necessary. .
Further, since the number of down converters 25 can be minimized, frequency synchronization between signals converted by the down converter 25 is facilitated.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the first sector S1 and the second sector S2 illustrated in FIG. 2B are formed in both the case of transmitting a signal and the case of receiving a signal is illustrated. The size and shape of the first sector S1 and the second sector S2 can be set differently when transmitting a signal and when receiving a signal.

That is, in this embodiment, the phase shifter 15 of the transmission unit 8 and the phase shifter 23 of the reception unit 20 can be adjusted independently. Therefore, the first sector S1 and the second sector S2 formed by the transmission unit 8 and the first sector S1 and the second sector S2 formed by the reception unit 20 can be set to have different sizes and shapes. .
Thereby, the magnitude | size and shape of 1st sector S1 and 2nd sector S2 can be appropriately set according to a situation in both the case where a signal is transmitted and the case where a signal is received.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a receiving unit of the antenna body 6 included in the antenna system 3 according to the modification of the first embodiment.
In this modified example, the low-noise amplifier 21 is between the plurality of combiners 24 (24a, 24b) and the down converter 25 (25a, 25b), and in the subsequent stage of the plurality of combiners 24 (24a, 24b). It is different from the receiving unit 20 of the first embodiment in that it is provided.

In this modification, the received signal received by each antenna element 9 is given to each distributor 22, and is distributed corresponding to each of the first sector S1 and the second sector S2. Thereafter, each received signal distributed by the distributor 22 is phase-adjusted by a plurality of phase shifters 23 (23a, 23b) provided corresponding to the first sector S1 and the second sector S2, respectively. It is synthesized by the synthesizer 24 (24a, 24b).

The first synthesized signal output from one synthesizer 24a corresponding to the first sector S1 is given to the low noise amplifier 21 provided in the subsequent stage, amplified, and given to the down converter 25a.
The second synthesized signal output from the other synthesizer 24b corresponding to the second sector S1 is given to the low noise amplifier 21 provided in the subsequent stage, amplified, and given to the down converter 25b.
The subsequent processing is the same as that of the receiving unit 20 of the first embodiment.

For example, when the low noise amplifier 21 is provided before the synthesizer 24 (24a, 24b), it is necessary to provide a low noise amplifier for each of the plurality of antenna elements 9 or for each signal distributed by the plurality of distributors 22. Arise.
On the other hand, as in this modified example, the received signal after the phase shifter 23 performs the phase adjustment after the plurality of combiners 24 and the combined signal synthesized by the combiner 24 is amplified. If the noise amplifier 21 is provided, the low noise amplifier 21 may be provided corresponding to the synthesizer 24 provided corresponding to each sector. Compared with the case where the low noise amplifier is provided in the previous stage of the synthesizer 24. Thus, the number of low noise amplifiers can be reduced.

[Other Embodiments]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the transmission unit 8 of the antenna body 6 included in the antenna system 3 according to the second embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the power amplifier 17 and the antenna are not provided for each of the radio frequency signals distributed by the distributor 13 (13a, 13b) in that the antenna body 6 of the first embodiment does not include the plurality of combiners 16. The element 9 is provided. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment.

In the figure, the power amplifier 17 includes a plurality of (six in the example) first power amplifiers 17a to which the first radio frequency signal distributed by the distributor 13a is provided, and a second radio frequency distributed by the distributor 13b. A plurality of (six in the illustrated example) second power amplifiers 17b to which signals are applied.

The plurality of antenna elements 9 are provided with a plurality of (six in the illustrated example) first antenna elements 9a to which the first radio frequency signal distributed by the distributor 13a is provided, and the second wireless elements distributed by the distributor 13b. And a plurality of (six in the illustrated example) second antenna elements 9b to which frequency signals are applied. Therefore, the antenna body 6 of this embodiment includes twelve antenna elements 9.

The plurality of first antenna elements 9a are connected corresponding to each of the plurality of first power amplifiers 17a.
The plurality of second antenna elements 9b are connected corresponding to the plurality of second power amplifiers 17b, respectively.

The first radio frequency signal distributed by the distributor 13a is phase-adjusted by the first phase shifter 15a, then supplied to the first power amplifier 17a, amplified, supplied to the first antenna element 9a, and It is transmitted as a radio signal from one antenna element 9a.

The second radio frequency signal distributed by the distributor 13b is phase-adjusted by the second phase shifter 15b, then supplied to the second power amplifier 17b, amplified, and supplied to the second antenna element 9b. And transmitted as a radio signal from the second antenna element 9b.

As a result, the transmission unit 8 of the present embodiment transmits the first radio frequency signal using the plurality of first antenna elements 9a and transmits the second radio frequency signal using the plurality of second antenna elements 9b. Can do.

In the present embodiment, the power amplifier 17 (17a, 17b) and the antenna element 9 (9a, 9b) are provided for each radio frequency signal distributed by the distributor 13 (13a, 13b). In comparison, more antenna elements 9 and power amplifiers 17 are provided.

However, since the plurality of digital-analog converters 11 are provided in the preceding stage of the distributor 13, since it is the same as in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a digital-analog converter for each of the plurality of antenna elements. As a result, a plurality of digital / analog converters 11 may be provided corresponding to each of the first sector S1 and the second sector S2, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, a transmission signal (first radio frequency signal and second radio frequency signal) after the phase shifter 15 performs phase adjustment at the subsequent stage of the phase shifter 15. Is provided with a power amplifier 17 (17a, 17b).
For this reason, it is possible to use a phase shifter having a relatively low value of signal power that can be handled, and it is possible to reduce the cost and reduce the size.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the point that the up converter 12 is provided between the plurality of digital-analog converters 11 and the plurality of distributors 13 is the same as in the first embodiment, and the number of up converters is more than necessary. In addition, since the number of up-converters can be minimized, frequency synchronization between signals converted by the up-converter is facilitated.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the antenna body 6 included in the antenna system 3 according to the third embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the phase shifter that controls the tilt angles (directivity) of the plurality of antenna elements 9 is configured to adjust the phase of both the transmission signal and the reception signal. Is different.

The antenna body 6 of the present embodiment includes a plurality (six in the illustrated example) of antenna elements 9 and a plurality (six in the illustrated example) of first distribution combiners provided corresponding to the plurality of antenna elements 9. 31, a second distribution synthesizer 32 (32 a, 32 b) provided in pairs corresponding to each of the first sector S 1 and the second sector S 2, a first transmission / reception unit 33, a second transmission / reception unit 34, And a signal processing unit 10.

The first transmission / reception unit 33 is supplied with a first transmission baseband signal, which is a digital signal corresponding to the first sector S1, from the digital signal processing unit 10.
The first transmitting / receiving unit 33 converts the first transmission baseband signal given from the digital signal processing unit 10 into an analog signal, and converts the first transmission baseband signal converted into the analog signal into a radio frequency signal. Upconverter 12a that converts the signal (first radio frequency signal), power amplifier 35a that amplifies the power of the first radio frequency signal converted by upconverter 12a, and the first radio frequency that is amplified by the power amplifier 35a And a circulator 36a to which a signal is given.

The circulator 36a is connected to the second distribution synthesizer 32a. The circulator 36a supplies the first radio frequency signal supplied from the power amplifier 35a to the second distribution synthesizer 32a and the first distribution signal from the second distribution synthesizer 32a. Is given below).

The first transmitter / receiver 33 further includes a low-noise amplifier 37a that amplifies the first combined signal from the second distribution synthesizer 32a provided to the circulator 36a, and a first band signal that is amplified by the low-noise amplifier 37a. A down-converter 25a that converts the first received baseband signal into a first received baseband signal; and an analog-to-digital converter 26a that converts the first received baseband signal converted by the downconverter 25a into a digital signal.

The analog-to-digital converter 26a provides the digital signal processing unit 10 with the first reception baseband signal converted into a digital signal.
The digital signal processing unit 10 provides the first transmission baseband signal provided from the baseband unit 2 to the first transmission / reception unit 33 and the first reception baseband signal provided from the first transmission / reception unit 33 to the baseband unit 2. give.

As described above, the first transmission / reception unit 33 converts the first reception baseband signal given from the baseband unit 2 into the first radio frequency signal which is a radio frequency signal, and gives it to the second distribution synthesizer 32a. The first radio frequency signal is transmitted as a radio signal by the plurality of antenna elements 9 as will be described later.
The first transmitter / receiver 33 converts the first combined signal supplied from the second distributor / combiner 32a into a first received baseband signal and supplies the first received baseband signal to the baseband unit 2. As will be described later, the first combined signal is a signal obtained by combining the received signals received by the plurality of antenna elements 9.

As described above, the first transmission / reception unit 33 performs transmission / reception processing of signals related to the wireless communication corresponding to the first sector S1 between the baseband unit 2 and the second distribution synthesizer 32a.

The second transmitter / receiver 34 includes a digital-analog converter 11b, an up-converter 12b, a power amplifier 35b, a circulator 36b, a low-noise amplifier 37b, a down-converter 25b, and an analog-digital converter 26b.

The second transmission / reception unit 34 is supplied with a second transmission baseband signal, which is a digital signal corresponding to the second sector S2, from the digital signal processing unit 10. The second transmitter / receiver 34 is given a second combined signal corresponding to the second sector S2 from the second distributor / combiner 32b.
The second transmitter / receiver 34 has the same configuration as the first transmitter / receiver 33 except that signals to be processed are different.

The second transmitter / receiver 34 converts the second received baseband signal given from the baseband unit 2 into a second radio frequency signal which is a radio frequency signal, and gives the second radio frequency synthesizer 32b. The second radio frequency signal is transmitted as a radio signal by the plurality of antenna elements 9 as will be described later.
In addition, the second transmitting / receiving unit 34 converts the second combined signal supplied from the second divider / combiner 32 b into a second received baseband signal and supplies the second received baseband signal to the baseband unit 2. As will be described later, the second combined signal is a signal obtained by combining the received signals received by the plurality of antenna elements 9.

As described above, the second transmission / reception unit 34 performs transmission / reception processing of signals related to the wireless communication corresponding to the second sector S2 between the baseband unit 2 and the second distribution synthesizer 32b.

Each antenna element 9 is connected to a corresponding first distributor / combiner 31.
Each of the plurality of first distribution synthesizers 31 is connected to both the second distribution synthesizer 32a and the second distribution synthesizer 32b.
A plurality of phase shifters 40 are provided between the plurality of first distribution synthesizers 31 and the second distribution synthesizer 32. The plurality of phase shifters 40 include a plurality of first distribution synthesizers 31, a plurality of fifth phase shifters 40a connected between one second distribution synthesizer 32a, and a plurality of first distribution synthesizers. 31 and a plurality of sixth phase shifters 40b connected between the other second distribution synthesizer 32b.

When the radio frequency signals from the first transmission / reception unit 33 and the second transmission / reception unit 34 are supplied to the second distribution synthesizer 32, the second distribution synthesizer 32 (32a, 32b), the plurality of first distribution synthesizers 31, and The plurality of phase shifters 40 (fifth phase shifter 40a and sixth phase shifter 40b) are the distributor 13 (13a, 13b), the plurality of combiners 16, and the plurality of components shown in the first embodiment. The phase shifter 15 (the first phase shifter 15a and the second phase shifter 15b) is configured to perform the same processing.

That is, the second distribution synthesizer 32 performs the same process as the distributor 13 in the first embodiment, and the first distribution synthesizer 31 performs the same process as the synthesizer 16 in the first embodiment.
In addition, the plurality of phase shifters 40 perform processing related to the control of the tilt angle (directivity) of the antenna element 9 in the same manner as the plurality of phase shifters 15 in the first embodiment.

Therefore, the first radio frequency signal distributed by the second distribution synthesizer 32a and the second radio frequency signal distributed by the second distribution synthesizer 32b are a plurality of fifth phase shifters 40a and a plurality of sixth phase shifters. After the phase is adjusted by the phase shifter 40b, it is given to each first distribution synthesizer 31.
Each first divider / combiner 31 synthesizes the first radio frequency signal and the second radio frequency signal corresponding to the same antenna element 9 and outputs a synthesized signal.
The combined signal output from each first distributor / combiner 31 is given to each antenna element 9 and transmitted from each antenna element 9 as a radio signal.

As a result, the antenna body 6 of the present embodiment transmits a synthesized signal obtained by synthesizing the first radio frequency signal and the second radio frequency signal from each antenna element 9, whereby the first radio frequency signal and the second radio frequency signal are transmitted. A frequency signal can be transmitted.

The first radio frequency signal corresponding to the first sector S1 transmitted from each antenna element 9 is transmitted so as to form the first sector S1 by controlling the tilt angle by the plurality of fifth phase shifters 40a. The
Also, the second radio frequency signal corresponding to the second sector S2 transmitted from each antenna element 9 forms the second sector S2 by controlling the tilt angle by the plurality of sixth phase shifters 40b. Sent.
Thus, when transmitting a signal, the antenna body 6 forms the first sector S1 and the second sector S2, and the area R formed by the antenna body 6 is divided into the first sector S1 and the second sector S2. To do.

When reception signals received by the plurality of antenna elements 9 are given to the first transmission / reception unit 33 and the second transmission / reception unit 34, the plurality of first distribution synthesizers 31, the second distribution synthesizers 32 (32a, 32b), and the plurality The phase shifter 40 (the fifth phase shifter 40a and the sixth phase shifter 40b) includes the plurality of distributors 22, the combiner 24, and the plurality of phase shifters 23 (shown in the first embodiment). The third phase shifter 23a and the fourth phase shifter 23b) are configured to perform the same processing.

That is, the plurality of first distributor / synthesizers 31 perform the same processing as the plurality of distributors 22 in the first embodiment, and the second distributor / synthesizer 32 performs the same processing as the combiner 24 in the first embodiment.
In addition, the plurality of phase shifters 40 perform processing related to the control of the tilt angle (directivity) of the antenna element 9 in the same manner as the plurality of phase shifters 15 in the first embodiment. That is, in the present embodiment, the plurality of phase shifters 40 are configured to perform phase adjustment for both the transmission signal and the reception signal.

Therefore, the received signals received by the plurality of antenna elements 9 are given to the first distribution / combining units 31 and distributed corresponding to the first sector S1 and the second sector S2, respectively.
The received signal distributed by the first distribution synthesizer 31 is phase-adjusted by the phase shifter 23 (23a, 23b), and then supplied to the second distribution synthesizer 32 (32a, 32b).
The second distributor / synthesizer 32 (32a, 32b) combines received signals corresponding to the same sector, and corresponds to the first combined signal corresponding to the first sector S1 and the second sector S2. The second combined signal is supplied to the first transmission / reception unit 33 and the second transmission / reception unit 34.

The first combined signal corresponding to the first sector S1 is substantially a received signal of the signal transmitted from the first sector S1.
Further, the second combined signal corresponding to the second sector S2 is substantially a received signal of the signal transmitted from the second sector S2.
Thereby, when receiving the signal, the antenna body 6 of the present embodiment forms the first sector S1 and the second sector S2, and the region R formed by the antenna body 6 is defined as the first sector S1 and the second sector. Divide into S2.

As described above, the antenna body 6 of the present embodiment shares the plurality of phase shifters 40 both when transmitting signals and when receiving signals, and the region R formed by the antenna body 6 is the first sector. Dividing into S1 and second sector S2.

In this embodiment, when transmitting a signal, the digital / analog converters 11a and 11b are provided in front of a plurality of second distribution synthesizers 32 that distribute radio frequency signals corresponding to the plurality of antenna elements 9, respectively. It has been.
Therefore, as in the first embodiment, there is no need to provide a digital / analog converter for each of the plurality of antenna elements. As a result, the digital / analog converter 11 may be provided corresponding to each of the first sector S1 and the second sector S2, and the cost can be reduced.

In the case of receiving a signal, the analog- digital converters 26a and 26b output the combined signals (first combined signal and second combined signal) corresponding to the respective sectors. It is provided in the latter part. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, there is no need to provide an analog-digital converter for each of the plurality of antenna elements. As a result, the analog-digital converter 26 may be provided corresponding to each of the first sector S1 and the second sector S2, and the cost can be reduced.

[Others]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the case where the region R (cell) formed by one antenna body 6 is divided into two, the first sector S1 and the second sector S2, is exemplified. It may be divided.
In this case, the signal transmitted from the plurality of antenna elements 9 is a signal obtained by synthesizing a larger number of radio frequency signals according to the number of divisions.
Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the number of antenna elements 9 is six is exemplified, but the number may be larger or fewer than six as long as the tilt angle (directivity) can be controlled.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the meanings described above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Base station apparatus 2 Baseband unit 3 Active antenna system 4 Signal transmission path 5 Support | pillar 6 Antenna main body 8 Transmitter 9 Antenna element 9a First antenna element 9b Second antenna element 10 Digital signal processor 11, 11a, 11b Digital analog conversion Device 12, 12a, 12b Upconverter 13, 13a, 13b Divider 14 Oscillator 15 Phase shifter 15a First phase shifter 15b Second phase shifter 16 Synthesizer 17 Power amplifier 17a First power amplifier 17b Second power amplifier 18 Circulator 20 Receiver 21 Low noise amplifier 22 Divider 23 Phase shifter 23a Third phase shifter 23b Fourth phase shifter 24, 24a, 24b Synthesizer 25, 25a, 25b Down converter 26, 26a, 26b Analog to digital converter 27 Oscillator 31 Formula 1 Generator 32, 32a, 32b Second distribution synthesizer 33 First transmitter / receiver 34 Second transmitter / receiver 35a Power amplifier 35b Power amplifier 36a Circulator 36b Circulator 37a Low noise amplifier 37b Low noise amplifier 40 Phase shifter 40a Fifth phase shifter 40b Sixth phase shifter R region S1 first sector S2 second sector

Claims (8)

1. An active antenna system forming a plurality of sectors,
   A plurality of digital-to-analog converters for converting a plurality of transmission signals corresponding to each of the plurality of sectors;
   A plurality of distributors for distributing each of the plurality of transmission signals converted by the plurality of digital-analog converters into a plurality;
   A plurality of antenna elements for transmitting the plurality of transmission signals distributed by the plurality of distributors;
   A phase shifter that is provided between the plurality of distributors and the plurality of antenna elements and adjusts the phase of each of the transmission signals distributed by the plurality of distributors so as to form the plurality of sectors;
   Active antenna system equipped with.
2. The plurality of distributors distribute each of the plurality of transmission signals output from the plurality of digital-analog converters corresponding to each of the plurality of antenna elements,
   A plurality of combiners that are provided between the phase shifter and the plurality of antenna elements, and combine signals corresponding to the same antenna element among transmission signals distributed by the plurality of distributors; The active antenna system according to claim 1.
3. The active antenna system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a power amplifier that amplifies a transmission signal after the phase shifter performs phase adjustment after the phase shifter.
4. The active antenna system according to claim 2, further comprising a power amplifier that amplifies a transmission signal after the phase shifter performs phase adjustment after the plurality of combiners.
5. A frequency converter provided between the plurality of digital-analog converters and the plurality of distributors, further converting a frequency of the transmission signal from a baseband frequency to a radio frequency. The active antenna system according to claim 1.
6. An active antenna system forming a plurality of sectors,
   A plurality of antenna elements;
   A plurality of distributors for distributing each of a plurality of received signals received by the plurality of antenna elements corresponding to each of the plurality of sectors;
   A plurality of signals are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of sectors, and signals corresponding to the same sector are synthesized among the received signals distributed by the plurality of distributors, and synthesized corresponding to each of the plurality of sectors. A plurality of synthesizers for outputting received signals;
   A plurality of analog-to-digital converters for converting the combined received signal corresponding to each of the plurality of sectors;
   A phase shifter that is provided between the plurality of distributors and the plurality of combiners, and adjusts the phase of each of the received signals distributed by the plurality of distributors so that the plurality of sectors are formed;
   Active antenna system equipped with.
7. The active antenna system according to claim 6, further comprising an amplifier that amplifies a reception signal after the phase shifter performs phase adjustment after the plurality of combiners.
8. Provided between the plurality of synthesizers and the plurality of analog-digital converters, and converts the frequency of the plurality of synthesized reception signals synthesized by the plurality of synthesizers from a radio frequency to a baseband frequency. The active antenna system according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a frequency converter for performing the operation.

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