WO2022190228A1

WO2022190228A1 - Transmission device, reception device, transmission device calibration method, and reception device calibration method

Info

Publication number: WO2022190228A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/009399
Authority: WO
Inventors: 誠松木; 一成紀平; 徹深沢
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2021-03-10
Filing date: 2021-03-10
Publication date: 2022-09-15
Also published as: JPWO2022190228A1

Abstract

This transmission device comprises: an array antenna; transmitters (103a-n_k) that perform transmission processings of signals inputted thereto; a signal generation unit (106a) that generates calibration signals; an injection unit that injects the signals generated by the signal generation unit (106a) into the transmitters (103a-n_k) of transmission systems used for transmission and into one transmitter (103a-n_k) of the transmission systems not used for transmission; receivers (113a-k) that perform reception processings of signals inputted thereto; a switching unit that sends the signals the transmission processings of which have been performed by the transmitters (103a-n_k) of the transmission systems used for transmission to the receivers (113a-k) of the corresponding systems and that sends the signals the transmission processings of which have been performed by the transmitters (103a-n_k) of the transmission systems not used for transmission to the respective receivers (113a-k); a signal processing unit (114a) that calculates amplitude correction values and phase correction values on the basis of the signals the reception processings of which have been performed by the receivers (113a-k); and a DBF unit (102a) that adjusts, on the basis of the results of the calculations by the signal processing unit (114a), the amplitudes and phases of the signals to be sent to the transmitters (103a-n_k).

Description

Transmitter, receiver, transmitter calibration method, and receiver calibration method

The present disclosure relates to a transmitting device, a receiving device, a transmitting device calibration method, and a receiving device calibration method that include an array antenna.

A device equipped with an array antenna having multiple antenna elements requires a calibration technique that corrects the phase and amplitude of the signal passing through the device according to the transmission characteristics of the device connected to the antenna element.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a calibration technique for an array antenna receiving apparatus having an array antenna having a plurality of antenna elements. In this array antenna receiving apparatus, first, a calibration signal is injected into each of the antenna radio receiving sections connected to the antenna elements by the calibration radio transmitting section. Then, the array antenna receiving apparatus extracts the calibration signal that has passed through each antenna radio reception section, and obtains correction information of the phase and amplitude of the signal that has passed through the antenna radio reception section from each of the calibration signals. Based on the correction information, the array antenna reception apparatus corrects the phase and amplitude of the signal that has passed through the antenna radio reception section.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-023742

The array antenna receiver disclosed in Patent Document 1 has one calibration radio transmitter. On the other hand, in the array antenna receiving apparatus, when a plurality of systems of array antennas are provided, a plurality of systems of radio transmission units for calibration are also provided. In this case, in the array antenna receiving apparatus, it is necessary to take into account the influence of the pass characteristics of each radio transmission section for calibration.
In the above description, a receiving apparatus equipped with an array antenna has been described as an example, but a transmitting apparatus equipped with an array antenna also has the same problem as described above.

The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and in a transmission device equipped with multiple systems of calibration equipment, a transmission device capable of calibration in consideration of the pass characteristics of each calibration equipment. is intended to provide

A transmission device according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of array antennas having antenna elements provided for each of a plurality of transmission systems, a transmitter provided for each transmission system and performing transmission processing on an input signal, A signal generation unit that generates a signal for calibration, and the signal generated by the signal generation unit is transmitted to a transmission system transmitter used for transmission and a transmission system transmitter that is not used for transmission. One of the transmitters includes an injection unit for injection, a receiver provided for each system and performing reception processing on the input signal, and a transmitter of the transmission system used for transmission among the transmitters. The signal that has undergone transmission processing by is sent to the receiver of the corresponding system among the receivers, and the signal that has undergone transmission processing by the transmitter of the transmission system that is not used for transmission among the transmitters, A switching unit for transmitting to each receiver, a signal processing unit for calculating an amplitude correction value and a phase correction value based on a signal that has undergone reception processing by the receiver, and a transmission based on the calculation result by the signal processing unit and a DBF section for adjusting the amplitude and phase of the signal sent to the machine.

According to the present disclosure, since it is configured as described above, it is possible to calibrate in consideration of the pass characteristics of each calibration device in a transmission device equipped with multiple systems of calibration devices.

2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a transmission device according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an operation example of the transmission device according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a transmission device according to Embodiment 2; 9 is a flow chart showing an operation example of a transmission device according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a transmission device according to Embodiment 3; 11 is a flow chart showing an operation example of a transmission device according to Embodiment 3; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an operation example of a calibration path switching unit according to Embodiment 3; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a calibration signal obtained by a calibration path switching section according to Embodiment 3; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving device according to Embodiment 4; 14 is a flow chart showing an operation example of a receiving device according to Embodiment 4; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving device according to Embodiment 5; 14 is a flow chart showing an operation example of a receiving device according to Embodiment 5; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving device according to Embodiment 6; FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation example of a receiving device according to Embodiment 6; FIG. 15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating hardware configuration examples of signal processing units according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The transmitting device is a transmitting device having K array antennas that perform digital beamforming. The array antenna includes antenna elements 105a-n _k (n=1, 2, . . . , N; k=1, 2, . . . , K) provided for each of N transmission systems. have.

Also, the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 1 is a transmitting apparatus having a redundant system (standby system). Hereinafter, among the transmission apparatuses, a transmission system that executes transmission processing for each system is called an active system, and a transmission system that is on standby without executing transmission processing is called a standby system. Among the transmitting apparatuses, a transmission system that is activated first as an active system is called an active system, and a transmission system that is activated first as a standby system is called a redundant system. That is, the active system and the redundant system are not changed, but the active system and the standby system may be changed by system switching.

As shown in FIG. 1, the transmitting apparatus includes a signal processing unit 101a, a DBF (Digital Beam Forming) unit 102a, transmitters 103a-n _k (n=1, 2, . . . , N+1; k=1, 2, . . , K), redundant system switching units 104a-k (k=1, 2, . . . , K), antenna elements 105a-n _k (n=1, 2, . , 2, . . . , K), signal generator 106a, injection units 107a-n _k (n=1, 2, . . . , N+1; k=1, 2, . −n _k (n=1, 2, . . . , N+1; k=1, 2, . , K), dividers 111a, combiners 112a-k (k=1, 2, . . . , K), receivers 113a-k (k=1, 2, . . . , K), and signal A processing unit 114a is provided. That is, the transmitters 103a-n _k , the injection units 107a-n _k and the extraction units 108a-n _k have redundant systems as transmission systems in addition to active systems.
The signal processor 114a also has a signal extractor 115a and a calibration value calculator 116a.

The signal processing unit 101a generates a signal for transmission (transmission signal). The transmission signal is a baseband signal (digital modulated signal). Then, the signal processing unit 101a sends the generated transmission signal to the DBF unit 102a.
The signal processing unit 101a is, for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit or It is composed of a one-chip microcomputer or the like.

DBF section 102a, when a transmission signal is input, divides the transmission signal into the number of elements (N× _K ) of antenna elements 105a-nk. Then, the DBF section 102a adjusts the amplitude and phase of the divided transmission signal based on the calculation result of the calibration value calculation section 116a. Then, the DBF section 102a sends the adjusted transmission signal to the transmitter 103a- _nk of the corresponding transmission system. At this time, the DBF unit 102a sends a transmission signal to the active transmitters 103a- _nk . On the other hand, the DBF section 102a does not send a transmission signal to the standby transmitters 103a- _nk .

When a signal is input, the transmitters 103a-n _k perform transmission processing on the signal. That is, the transmitters 103a- _nk perform D/A (Digital to Analog) conversion of the signals from digital values to analog values, and frequency-convert the signals to RF (Radio Frequency) band signals (data signals). Transmitters 103a-n _k then power amplify the frequency-converted signals. Then, the transmitters 103a-nk send the power-amplified signals to the redundant system switching units 104a- _k of the corresponding systems.

Redundant system switching units 104a- _k switch signals transmitted by active transmitters 103a-nk among signals transmitted by transmitters 103a- _nk to corresponding antenna elements 105a- _nk of the transmitter system. send to

When a signal is input, the antenna elements 105a-n _k radiate the signal into space.

The signal generator 106a generates a calibration signal (calibration signal). A calibration signal is a signal of an arbitrary symbol pattern. Then, the signal generator 106a transmits (injects) the generated calibration signal to the transmitter 103a- _nk of the corresponding transmission system via the injection section 107a- _nk of the corresponding transmission system. At this time, the signal generator 106a sends a calibration signal to the active transmitter 103a-n _k and one of the standby transmitters 103a-n _k among the redundant transmitters 103a-n _k . do.
Further, the signal generation unit 106a sends information (calibration signal information) indicating what kind of calibration signal is generated to the calibration value calculation unit 116a.

When the injection unit 107a-n _k receives the calibration signal, it injects the calibration signal into the transmitter 103a-n _k of the corresponding transmission system.

Note that the signal generation unit 106a and the injection units 107a- _nk "transmit the signal generated by the signal generation unit An injection unit that injects a signal generated by a signal generation unit into one of the transmitters of the system, the transmitter of the active system, and the transmitter of the redundant system It functions as an injection unit that injects into one standby transmitter.

The extraction units 108a-n _k extract the signals sent by the transmitters 103a-n _k of the corresponding transmission system. Then, the active system extractor 108a-nk sends the extracted signal to the corresponding system calibration path switcher 110a- _k . Further, the redundant system extraction units 108a- _nk send the extracted signals to the calibration path switching unit 109a.

The calibration path switching unit 109a transmits to the distributor 111a a signal corresponding to the calibration signal that has passed through the standby system among the signals transmitted by the redundant system extraction units 108a- _nk .
Further, the calibration path switching section 109a transmits the signal transmitted by the redundant system extraction section 108a-nk to the calibration path switching section 110a- _k of the corresponding system.

The calibration path switching unit 110a- _k selects the signal sent by the working system extraction unit 108a-nk and the signal sent by the calibration path switching unit 109a from the active system extraction unit 108a- _nk . The combined signals are sent to combiners 112a-k.

When a signal is input, the distributor 111a divides the signal into the number of systems (K). The splitter 111a then sends the split signals to the combiners 112a-k, respectively.

The synthesizer 112a-k synthesizes the signal sent by the calibration path switching section 110a-k and the signal sent by the distributor 111a. Then, the combiners 112a-k send the combined signals to the corresponding system receivers 113a-k.

Note that the extracting units 108a-n _k , the calibration path switching units 109a, the calibration path switching units 110a-k, the distributors 111a, and the combiners 112a-k are configured as follows: Transmit the signal that has undergone transmission processing to the receiver of the corresponding system among the receivers, and receive the signal that has undergone transmission processing by the transmitter of the transmission system that is not used for transmission among the transmitters. A switching unit (a signal that has undergone transmission processing by the transmitter of the active system of the transmitters, is sent to the receiver of the corresponding system of the receivers, and the redundant system of the transmitters It also functions as a "switching unit" that transmits signals that have been subjected to transmission processing by the standby transmitter to the receivers.

When a signal is input, the receivers 113a-k perform reception processing on the signal. That is, receivers 113a-k detect the signals emitted by combiners 112a-k. The signal detected by receivers 113a-k is a mixture of the transmitted signal and the calibration signal. The receivers 113a-k then send the detected signals to the signal extractor 115a of the signal processor 114a.

The signal processing unit 114a calculates the relative amplitude phase error calculated from the signal that has passed through the active system and the relative amplitude phase error that has been calculated from the signal that has passed through the redundant and standby systems, among the signals transmitted by the receivers 113a-k. The error is used to calculate the calibration value. The calibration values include an amplitude correction value for correcting the amplitude of the signal and a phase correction value for correcting the phase of the signal.

The signal extraction unit 115a extracts the calibration signal from the signals sent by the receivers 113a-k. Then, the signal extractor 115a sends the extracted calibration signal to the calibration value calculator 116a.

The calibration value calculation unit 116a calculates a calibration value based on the calibration signal sent by the signal extraction unit 115a.

At this time, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 106a, the calibration value calculation unit 116a selects the redundant and standby transmitters 103a- _nk among the calibration signals sent by the signal extraction unit 115a. A relative amplitude phase error (first relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the calibration signal that has passed through. The above processing by the calibration value calculator 116a corresponds to the calculation of the relative amplitude phase error between the receivers 113a-k.

Further, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 106a, the calibration value calculation unit 116a calculates the calibration signal that has passed through the active transmitters 103a- _nk among the calibration signals sent by the signal extraction unit 115a. A relative amplitude phase error (second relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the signal.

Then, the calibration value calculator 116a calculates a calibration value based on the first relative amplitude-phase error and the second relative amplitude-phase error.
Then, calibration value calculation section 116a sends data indicating the calculated calibration value to DBF section 102a. After that, the DBF section 102a adjusts the amplitude and phase of the transmission signal based on the data indicating the calibration values.

Next, an example of calibration operation of the transmission device according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the flow of calibration signals will be mainly described.

In addition, in the transmitting device, the conditions related to the calibration process are set in advance. Specifically, the transmitter determines the configuration of the calibration signal. The configuration of the calibration signal may be an arbitrary modulated signal such as a phase-modulated wave or a frequency-modulated wave, or may be a continuous wave (CW wave). The calibration signal is desirably a modulated wave with low correlation (high orthogonality) in the time direction with respect to the transmission signal.
Further, in the transmitting apparatus, one standby transmitter 103a- _nk into which the calibration signal is to be injected is selected in advance from among the redundant transmitters 103a- _nk .

In the calibration operation example of the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 2, signal generation section 106a first generates a calibration signal (step ST201). At this time, the signal generator 106a generates the calibration signal according to the condition setting. Then, signal generating section 106a transmits (injects) the generated calibration signal to transmitter 103a- _nk of the corresponding transmission system via injection section 107a- _nk of the corresponding transmission system (step ST202). At this time, the signal generator 106a sends a calibration signal to the active transmitter 103a-n _k and one of the standby transmitters 103a-n _k among the redundant transmitters 103a-n _k . do.
Further, the signal generation unit 106a sends information (calibration signal information) indicating what kind of calibration signal is generated to the calibration value calculation unit 116a.

In FIG. 1, for ease of understanding, injection sections 107a- _nk are used as physical structures, and the transmission signal and the calibration signal are shown separately. However, this part can be done by adding digital data. Therefore, in practice, instead of switching the physical path, it is only necessary to replace the signal sent to the transmitters 103a-n _k with the sum of the transmission signal and the calibration signal. Therefore, there is no possibility that the frequency characteristics or the like inherent in hardware such as switches or directional couplers will affect the calibration accuracy.

After that, the calibration signal is D/A converted from a digital value to an analog value by the transmitters 103a- _nk , frequency-converted to an RF band signal, and then power-amplified.

Next, extraction sections 108a-n _k extract calibration signals sent by transmitters 103a-n _k of the corresponding transmission system (step ST203). Then, the active system extractor 108a-nk sends the extracted calibration signal to the corresponding system calibration path switcher 110a- _k . Further, the redundant system extraction units 108a- _nk send the extracted calibration signals to the calibration path switching unit 109a.

Since the calibration signals sent by the transmitters 103a- _nk are analog signals in the RF band, they can be extracted by the extraction units 108a- _nk comprising hardware such as directional couplers (couplers) or switches. be.

After that, the calibration path switching unit 109a sends the calibration signal sent by the standby extraction units 108a- _nk to the distributor 111a.
Further, the calibration path switching section 109a transmits the calibration signal transmitted by the redundant system extraction section 108a-nk to the calibration path switching section 110a- _k of the corresponding system.

Further, the calibration path switching unit 110a-k selects between the calibration signal sent by the active system extraction unit 108a-nk and the calibration signal sent by the calibration path switching unit 109a, the active system extraction unit 108a- _k The calibration signals emitted by nk are sent to combiners 112a- _k .

Also, when the calibration signal is input, the distributor 111a divides the calibration signal into the number of systems (K). The distributor 111a then sends the divided calibration signals to the combiners 112a-k, respectively.

Next, the synthesizer 112a-k synthesizes the calibration signal sent by the calibration path switching section 110a-k and the calibration signal sent by the distributor 111a (step ST204). Then, the combiners 112a-k send the combined calibration signals to the corresponding system receivers 113a-k.

Next, the transmitter (receiver 113a-k and signal extractor 115a) detects the calibration signal sent by combiner 112a-k (step ST205). Specifically, the transmission device converts the calibration signals extracted by the active system extraction units 108a- _nk and the calibration signals extracted by the redundant and standby system extraction units 108a- _nk into an A/D converter. (Analog to Digital) conversion to obtain a baseband digital signal. Then, the transmission device sends the detected calibration signal to the calibration value calculator 116a.

Next, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 106a, the calibration value calculation unit 116a selects the redundant and standby transmitters 103a- _nk among the calibration signals sent by the signal extraction unit 115a. A relative amplitude phase error (first relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the passed calibration signal (step ST206). The above processing by the calibration value calculator 116a corresponds to the calculation of the relative amplitude phase error between the receivers 113a-k.

Further, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 106a, the calibration value calculation unit 116a calculates the calibration signal that has passed through the active transmitters 103a- _nk among the calibration signals sent by the signal extraction unit 115a. A relative amplitude phase error (second relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the signal (step ST207).

Next, calibration value calculation section 116a calculates a calibration value based on the first relative amplitude phase error and the second relative amplitude phase error (step ST208). That is, the calibration value calculator 116a calculates the amplitude correction value and the phase correction value from the following equations (1) and (2). In equations (1) and (2), A _k denotes the first relative amplitude phase error, B _nk denotes the second relative amplitude phase error, C _{nk_amp} denotes the amplitude correction value, and C _{nk_phs} denotes the phase correction. indicate a value.
Then, calibration value calculation section 116a sends data indicating the calculated calibration value to DBF section 102a.
_{Cnk_amp} =1/| _Bnk / _Ak | (1)
C _{nk_phs} =−arg(B _nk /A _k ) (2)

After that, DBF section 102a adjusts the amplitude and phase of the transmission signal based on the calibration values calculated by calibration value calculation section 116a (step ST209). By periodically performing this series of processes, the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 1 can ensure the soundness of the transmitters 103a- _nk .

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the transmitting apparatus includes a plurality of array antennas having antenna elements 105a- _nk provided for each of a plurality of transmission systems, and a plurality of systems of array antennas provided for each transmission system. Transmitters 103a-n _k that perform transmission processing on the generated signals, signal generators 106a that generate signals for calibration, and signals generated by the signal generators 106a are sent to the transmitters 103a-n _k . and one transmitter 103a-n _k among the transmitters 103a-n _k of the transmission system used for transmission and the transmitters 103a-n _k of the transmission system not used for transmission. , receivers 113a-k provided for each system to perform reception processing on an input signal, and transmission processing by transmitters 103a-n _k of the transmission system used for transmission among the transmitters 103a-n _k . is sent to the receivers 113a-k of the corresponding system among the receivers 113a-k, and the transmitters 103a-n of the transmission system not used for transmission among the transmitters 103a-n _k A switching unit that outputs signals subjected to transmission processing by _k to the receivers 113a-k, respectively, and an amplitude correction value and a phase correction value are calculated based on the signals subjected to reception processing by the receivers 113a-k. and a DBF unit 102a for adjusting the amplitude and phase of the signals sent to the transmitters 103a- _nk based on the calculation result of the signal processing unit 114a. That is, the transmitting apparatus acquires the error between the receivers 113a- _k using the redundant system and calculates the pass amplitude phase error, which is the characteristic variation between the antenna elements 105a-nk, by adding the error. can be calibrated, and all calibration values can be obtained simultaneously. As a result, the transmission apparatus according to Embodiment 1 can perform calibration in consideration of the pass characteristics of each calibration device (receivers 113a-k). Moreover, the transmitting apparatus according to the first embodiment can be calibrated not only before shipment but also after installation, flexibly during operation or rest, so that more reliable calibration is possible.

Embodiment 2.
In the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 1, a configuration in which a redundant system is provided is shown. On the other hand, in the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 2, a configuration in which no redundant system is provided will be shown.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 2. In FIG. The transmitting device is a transmitting device having K array antennas that perform digital beamforming. The array antenna is composed of antenna elements 105b-n _k (n=1, 2, . . . , N; k=1, 2, . Configured.
Also, the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 2 is a transmitting apparatus that does not have a redundant system (standby system).

As shown in FIG. 3, the transmitting device includes a signal processing unit 101b, a DBF unit 102b, a transmitter 103b-n _k (n=1, 2, . . . , N; k=1, 2, . ), antenna elements 105b-n _k (n=1, 2, . . . , N; _k =1, 2, . (n = 1, 2, ..., N; k = 1, 2, ..., K), extraction unit 108b-n _k (n = 1, 2, ..., N; k = 1, 2 , K), calibration path switching unit 110b-k (k=1, 2, . , K), a receiver 113b-k (k=1, 2, . . . , K), and a signal processing unit 114b.
Further, the signal processing section 114b has a signal extraction section 115b and a calibration value calculation section 116b.

The signal processing unit 101b generates a signal for transmission (transmission signal). The transmission signal is a baseband signal (digital modulated signal). Then, the signal processing unit 101b sends the generated transmission signal to the DBF unit 102b.
The signal processing unit 101b also generates transmission signal generation information. The transmission signal generation information includes, for each system, information about effective channels that are transmission systems used for transmission and free channels that are transmission systems that are not used for transmission. Then, the signal processing section 101b sends the generated transmission signal generation information to the channel detection section 117b.
The signal processing unit 101b is configured by, for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit mounting a CPU, a one-chip microcomputer, or the like.

DBF section 102b, when a transmission signal is input, divides the transmission signal into the number of antenna elements 105b- _nk (N×K). Then, the DBF section 102b adjusts the amplitude and phase of the divided transmission signal based on the calculation result of the calibration value calculation section 116b. Then, the DBF section 102b sends the adjusted transmission signal to the corresponding transmitter 103b- _nk of the transmission system. At this time, the DBF section 102b sends a transmission signal to the transmitter 103b- _nk of the effective channel. On the other hand, the DBF section 102b does not send a transmission signal to the transmitters 103b- _nk of the empty channels.

When a signal is input, the transmitter 103b- _nk performs transmission processing on the signal. That is, the transmitters 103b- _nk convert the above signal from a digital value to an analog value by D/A conversion and frequency-convert it into an RF band signal (data signal). Also, the transmitters 103b- _nk power-amplify the frequency-converted signals. Transmitters 103b- _nk then transmit the power-amplified signals to corresponding antenna elements 105b- _nk .

When a signal is input, the antenna elements 105b- _nk radiate the signal into space.

The channel detection unit 117b detects effective channels and empty channels based on the transmission signal generation information sent by the signal processing unit 101b.

The signal generator 106b generates a calibration signal (calibration signal). A calibration signal is a signal of an arbitrary symbol pattern. Then, based on the detection result of the channel detection unit 117b, the signal generation unit 106b applies the generated calibration signal to the corresponding transmission system transmitter 103b- _nk via the corresponding transmission system injection unit 107b- _nk . send out (inject) to At this time, the signal generator 106b sends the calibration signal to one of the transmitters 103b- _{n k} _of the active channel and the transmitters 103b-n _k of the idle channel.
Further, the signal generating section 106b sends information (calibration signal information) indicating what kind of calibration signal is generated to the calibration value calculating section 116b.

When the calibration signal is input, the injection unit 107b- _nk injects the calibration signal into the corresponding transmitter 103b- _nk .

Note that the signal generation unit 106b and the injection unit 107b- _nk "transmit the signal generated by the signal generation unit An injection part (a signal generated by a signal generation part based on a detection result by a channel detection part) to be injected into one transmitter of the transmitters of the system, a transmitter of an effective channel, and an injector that injects into one of the transmitters of the idle channel).

The extractor 108b-nk extracts the signal sent by the transmitter _103b-nk _of the corresponding transmission system. Then, the extractor 108b-nk sends the extracted signal to the calibration path switcher 110b- _k of the corresponding system.

Based on the detection result of the channel detection unit 117b, the calibration path switching unit 110b- _k selects the signal output by the empty channel extraction unit 108b- _nk among the signals output by the extraction unit 108b-nk as It is sent to the calibration path switching unit 109b.
Further, the calibration path switching unit 110b-k sends the signal sent by the extraction unit 108b- _nk to the combiner 112b-k of the corresponding system.

The calibration path switching section 109b transmits a signal corresponding to the calibration signal among the signals transmitted by the calibration path switching section 110b-k to the distributor 111b.

When a signal is input, the distributor 111b divides the signal into the number of systems (K). Then, the splitter 111b sends the split signals to the combiners 112b-k, respectively.

The synthesizer 112b-k synthesizes the signal sent by the calibration path switching section 110b-k and the signal sent by the distributor 111b. Then, combiner 112b-k sends the combined signal to receiver 113b-k of the corresponding system.

Note that the extraction unit 108b-n _k , the calibration path switching unit 109b, the calibration path switching unit 110b-k, the distributor 111b, and the combiner 112b-k are configured as follows: Transmit the signal that has undergone transmission processing to the receiver of the corresponding system among the receivers, and receive the signal that has undergone transmission processing by the transmitter of the transmission system that is not used for transmission among the transmitters. Based on the detection result by the switching unit (channel detection unit), the signal that has undergone transmission processing by the transmitter of the effective channel among the transmitters is sent to the receiver of the corresponding system among the receivers function as a switching unit that transmits signals that have been subjected to transmission processing by the transmitters of the empty channels among the transmitters to the receivers, respectively.

When a signal is input, the receiver 113b-k performs reception processing on the signal. That is, receiver 113b-k detects the signal sent by combiner 112b-k. The signal detected by receiver 113b-k is a mixture of the transmitted signal and the calibration signal. Then, receiver 113b-k sends the detected signal to signal extraction section 115b of signal processing section 114b.

The signal processing unit 114b uses the relative amplitude phase error calculated from the signal that has passed through the effective channel and the relative amplitude phase error that has been calculated from the signal that has passed through the empty channel, among the signals transmitted by the receiver 113b-k. to calculate the calibration value. The calibration values include an amplitude correction value for correcting the amplitude of the signal and a phase correction value for correcting the phase of the signal.

The signal extractor 115b extracts the calibration signal from the signal sent by the receiver 113b-k. Then, the signal extractor 115b sends the extracted calibration signal to the calibration value calculator 116b.

The calibration value calculation unit 116b calculates a calibration value based on the calibration signal sent by the signal extraction unit 115b.

At this time, based on the calibration signal information transmitted by the signal generation unit 106b, the calibration value calculation unit 116b determines whether the calibration signal transmitted by the signal extraction unit 115b has passed through the transmitter 103b- _nk of the empty channel. A relative amplitude phase error (first relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the calibration signal. The above processing by the calibration value calculator 116b corresponds to the calculation of the relative amplitude phase error between the receivers 113b-k.

Further, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 106b, the calibration value calculation unit 116b selects, among the calibration signals sent by the signal extraction unit 115b, the calibration values that have passed through the transmitters 103b- _nk of the effective channels. A relative amplitude phase error (second relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the signal.

Then, the calibration value calculator 116b calculates a calibration value based on the first relative amplitude-phase error and the second relative amplitude-phase error.
Then, calibration value calculation section 116b sends data indicating the calculated calibration value to DBF section 102b. After that, the DBF section 102b adjusts the amplitude and phase of the transmission signal based on the data indicating the calibration values.

Next, an example of calibration operation of the transmitter according to Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the flow of calibration signals will be mainly described.

A transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 2 is a transmitting apparatus that does not have a redundant system, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. In such a transmission device, not all antenna elements 105b-nk radiate signals into space, but some antenna elements 105b-n _k may be used to radiate signals into space, which may not _be used for transmission. A transmission system (empty channel) may exist.
Therefore, in the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 2, channel detection section 117b uses transmission signal generation information from signal processing section 101b to grasp valid channels and empty channels. Then, the signal generation section 106b injects the calibration signal into an arbitrary empty channel using the information grasped by the channel detection section 117b.

It should be noted that, in the transmitting device, the conditions related to the calibration process are set in advance. Specifically, the transmitter determines the configuration of the calibration signal. The configuration of the calibration signal may be an arbitrary modulated signal such as a phase-modulated wave or a frequency-modulated wave, or may be a continuous wave (CW wave). The calibration signal is desirably a modulated wave with low correlation (high orthogonality) in the time direction with respect to the transmission signal.

In the calibration operation example of the transmission apparatus according to Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. Channels and empty channels are detected (step ST401).

Next, signal generation section 106b generates a calibration signal (step ST402). At this time, the signal generator 106b generates the calibration signal according to the condition setting. Then, based on the detection result of the channel detection unit 117b, the signal generation unit 106b applies the generated calibration signal to the corresponding transmission system transmitter 103b- _nk via the corresponding transmission system injection unit 107b- _nk . (step ST403). At this time, the signal generator 106b sends the calibration signal to one of the transmitters 103b- _{n k} _of the active channel and the transmitters 103b-n _k of the idle channel.
Further, the signal generating section 106b sends information (calibration signal information) indicating what kind of calibration signal is generated to the calibration value calculating section 116b.

In FIG. 3, for ease of understanding, injection units 107b- _nk are used as a physical structure, and the transmission signal and the calibration signal are shown separately. However, this part can be done by adding digital data. Therefore, in practice, instead of switching the physical path, it is only necessary to replace the signal sent to the transmitter 103b- _nk with a signal obtained by adding the transmission signal and the calibration signal. Therefore, there is no possibility that the frequency characteristics or the like inherent in hardware such as switches or directional couplers will affect the calibration accuracy.

Thereafter, the calibration signal is D/A-converted from a digital value to an analog value by the transmitter 103b- _nk , frequency-converted to an RF band signal, and then power-amplified.

Next, extraction section 108b-nk extracts the calibration signal sent by transmitter 103b- _nk of the corresponding transmission system (step _ST404 ). Then, the extractor 108b-nk sends the extracted calibration signal to the calibration path switcher 110b- _k of the corresponding system.

Since the calibration signal sent by the transmitter 103b- _nk is an RF band analog signal, it can be extracted by the extractor 108b- _nk comprising hardware such as a directional coupler (coupler) or a switch. be.

After that, based on the detection result of the channel detection unit 117b, the calibration path switching unit 110b- _k selects the calibration signal sent by the empty channel extraction unit 108b-nk among the calibration signals sent by the extraction unit 108b- _nk . A calibration signal is sent to the calibration path switching unit 109b.
Further, the calibration path switching unit 110b-k sends the calibration signal sent by the extraction unit 108b- _nk to the combiner 112b-k of the corresponding system.

Further, the calibration path switching section 109b sends the calibration signal sent by the calibration path switching section 110b-k to the distributor 111b.

Also, when the calibration signal is input, the distributor 111b divides the calibration signal into the number of systems (K). Then, the distributor 111b sends the divided calibration signals to the combiners 112b-k, respectively.

Next, the synthesizer 112b-k synthesizes the calibration signal sent by the calibration path switching section 110b-k and the calibration signal sent by the distributor 111b (step ST405). The synthesizer 112b-k then sends the synthesized calibration signal to the receiver 113b-k of the corresponding system.

Next, the transmitting device (receiver 113b-k and signal extraction section 115b) detects the calibration signal sent from combiner 112b-k (step ST406). Specifically, the transmitting device A/D-converts the calibration signal extracted by the effective channel extraction unit 108b- _nk and the calibration signal extracted by the empty channel extraction unit 108b- _nk , It is a baseband digital signal. Then, the transmitting device sends the detected calibration signal to the calibration value calculating section 116b.

Next, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 106b, the calibration value calculation unit 116b selects the calibration signal that has passed through the transmitter 103b- _nk of the idle channel among the calibration signals sent by the signal extraction unit 115b. A relative amplitude phase error (first relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the signal (step ST407). The above processing by the calibration value calculator 116b corresponds to the calculation of the relative amplitude phase error between the receivers 113b-k.

Further, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 106b, the calibration value calculation unit 116b selects, among the calibration signals sent by the signal extraction unit 115b, the calibration values that have passed through the transmitters 103b- _nk of the effective channels. A relative amplitude phase error (second relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the signal (step ST408).

Next, calibration value calculation section 116b calculates a calibration value for the transmission signal based on the first relative amplitude-phase error and the second relative amplitude-phase error (step ST409). That is, the calibration value calculator 116b calculates the amplitude correction value and the phase correction value from equations (1) and (2).
Then, calibration value calculation section 116b sends data indicating the calculated calibration value to DBF section 102b.

Thereafter, DBF section 102b adjusts the amplitude and phase of the transmission signal based on the calibration values calculated by calibration value calculation section 116b (step ST410). By periodically performing this series of processes, the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 2 can ensure the soundness of the transmitters 103b- _nk .

As described above, according to the second embodiment, even a transmission apparatus having no redundant system can receive signals using empty channels with respect to the passing amplitude phase error, which is the characteristic variation among the antenna elements 105b- _nk . It is possible to acquire the error between the machines 113b-k, calculate and calibrate the error after taking into account the error, and acquire all the calibrated values at the same time. As a result, the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 2 can perform calibration in consideration of the pass characteristics of each calibration device (receiver 113b-k). In addition, the transmitter according to the second embodiment can be calibrated not only before shipment but also after installation flexibly during operation or rest, so that more reliable calibration is possible.

Embodiment 3.
In the transmission device according to Embodiment 1, the configuration in which the distributor 111a is used is shown. On the other hand, in the transmission apparatus according to Embodiment 3, a configuration in which the distributor 111a is not used is shown.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a transmission device according to Embodiment 3. FIG. In the transmitting apparatus according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the distributor 111a is removed from the transmitting apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 109a, calibration path switching units 110a-k, combiners 112a-k, signal extraction unit 115a, and calibration value calculation unit 116a. Other configurations of the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 5 are the same as those of the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG.

The calibration path switching unit 109a sends signals corresponding to the calibration signals out of the signals sent by the redundant extraction units 108a-nk to the calibration path switching units 110a- _k , respectively.

The calibration path switching units 110a- _k time-divisionally switch some of the signals transmitted by the working system extraction units 108a-nk and the signals transmitted by the calibration path switching unit 109a, It is sent to the combiner 112a-k of the corresponding system.

The synthesizers 112a-k synthesize the signals sent by the calibration path switching units 110a-k. Then, the combiners 112a-k send the combined signals to the corresponding system receivers 113a-k.

The signal extraction unit 115a extracts the calibration signal from the signals sent by the receivers 113a-k. The signal extraction unit 115a then sends the extracted calibration signal to the signal recording unit 118a.

The signal recording unit 118a records the calibration signal sent by the signal extraction unit 115a.
Here, as the signal recording unit 118a, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductors such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically EPROM), etc. A memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or the like corresponds to this.

The calibration value calculation unit 116a calculates a calibration value based on the calibration signal recorded in the signal recording unit 118a.

At this time, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 106a, the calibration value calculation unit 116a selects one of the calibration signals recorded in the signal recording unit 118a from the redundant and standby transmitters 103a- _nk . A relative amplitude phase error (first relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the calibration signal that has passed through. The above processing by the calibration value calculator 116a corresponds to the calculation of the relative amplitude phase error between the receivers 113a-k.

Further, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 106a, the calibration value calculation unit 116a selects the calibration signal that has passed through the active transmitters 103a- _nk among the calibration signals recorded in the signal recording unit 118a. A relative amplitude phase error (second relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the signal.

Next, an example of calibration operation of the transmission device according to Embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the flow of calibration signals will be mainly described.

Here, in the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 1, the case where the relative amplitude phase error between the receivers 113a-k is calculated by using the calibration signal divided by the splitter 111a is shown. However, not limited to this, without using the distributor 111a, for example, by switching the connection of the calibration path (the calibration signal to be sent) by the calibration path switching units 110a-k in a time division manner, each calibration path can be passed. It is also possible to obtain all calibration signals that

The processing from steps ST601 to ST603 in FIG. 6 is the same as the processing from steps ST201 to ST203 in FIG. 2, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the _calibration operation example of the transmission apparatus according to Embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 5, as shown in FIG. They are respectively sent to the path switching units 110a-k.

Next, the calibration path switching units 110a- _k select some of the calibration signals sent by the active system extraction units 108a-nk and the calibration signals sent by the calibration path switching unit 109a. While switching by division, it is sent to the combiner 112a-k of the corresponding system (step ST604).

Next, the synthesizer 112a-k synthesizes the calibration signals sent by the calibration path switching units 110a-k (step ST605). Then, the combiners 112a-k send the combined calibration signals to the corresponding system receivers 113a-k.

Next, the transmitting device (receiver 113a-k and signal extractor 115a) detects the calibration signal sent by combiner 112a-k (step ST606). Then, the transmitting device sends the detected calibration signal to the signal recording section 118a.

Next, the signal recording section 118a records the calibration signal sent by the signal extracting section 115a (step ST607).

Next, the transmitting apparatus determines whether calibration path switching sections 110a-k have been switched a desired number of times (step ST608). Here, the number of times of switching is the total number of transmission systems in all systems+the number of initial states, which is N×K+1.
In step ST608, if the transmitter determines that the number of times of switching has not been reached, the sequence returns to step ST604. After that, the transmission device combines, detects, and records the calibration signal while switching to a different combination of calibration paths by the calibration path switching units 110a-k.

Here, FIG. 7 shows an example of switching of calibration signals to be sent by time and calibration path switching units 110a-k (an example of switching of calibration paths).
In FIG. 7, t0 is the time in the initial state, and the calibration signal ( _Scal ) extracted by the extraction units 108a-nk in the redundant system is not to be sent. Then, in the transmitting apparatus, first, based on the switching state at t0, the calibration signals extracted by the extracting units 108a- _nk of the working system are synthesized and detected. Then, the signal recording unit 118a records the calibration signal.
After that, the calibration path switching section 110a-k repeats the switching of the calibration signal at each time (setting of the calibration path from t1 ₁ to tN _K ) until a desired number of switching times is satisfied. FIG. 8 shows the calibration signal obtained at each time. In FIG. 8, S−n _k (tn _k ) denotes the calibration signal sent by the calibration path switching section 110a-k at time (tn _k ).

On the other hand, in step ST608, when it is determined that the transmission device has reached the number of times of switching, calibration value calculation section 116a performs calibration signal information recorded in signal recording section 118a based on the calibration signal information sent by signal generation section 106a. Of the calibration signals, the relative amplitude phase error (first relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the calibration signals that have passed through the redundant and standby transmitters 103a- _nk (step ST609). The above processing by the calibration value calculator 116a corresponds to the calculation of the relative amplitude phase error between the receivers 113a-k.

Further, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 106a, the calibration value calculation unit 116a selects the calibration signal that has passed through the active transmitters 103a- _nk among the calibration signals recorded in the signal recording unit 118a. A relative amplitude phase error (second relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the signal (step ST610). Here, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of Sn _k exist in the same calibration path. , to calculate the relative amplitude phase error. Alternatively, the calibration value calculation section 116a may calculate the relative amplitude phase error using the average value of the overlapping calibration signals for the overlapping calibration signals.

Next, calibration value calculation section 116a calculates a calibration value based on the first relative amplitude phase error and the second relative amplitude phase error (step ST611). That is, the calibration value calculator 116a calculates the amplitude correction value and the phase correction value from equations (1) and (2).
Then, calibration value calculation section 116a sends data indicating the calculated calibration value to DBF section 102a.

Thereafter, DBF section 102a adjusts the amplitude and phase of the transmission signal based on the calibration values calculated by calibration value calculation section 116a (step ST612). By periodically performing this series of processes, the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 3 can ensure the soundness of the transmitters 103a- _nk .

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the transmission apparatus switches the calibration path in a time-division manner without using the distributor 111a for the pass amplitude phase error, which is the characteristic variation among the antenna elements 105a- _nk . Thus, the error between the receivers 113a-k can be obtained using the redundant system, and the error can be taken into account for calculation and calibration, and all calibration values can be obtained at the same time. As a result, the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 3 can perform calibration in consideration of the pass characteristics of each calibration device (receivers 113a-k). In addition, the transmitting device according to the third embodiment can be calibrated not only before shipment but also after installation, flexibly calibrating during operation or rest, so that more reliable calibration is possible.

Embodiment 4.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 4. In FIG. The receiving device is a receiving device having K-system array antennas that perform digital beamforming. The array antenna includes antenna elements 201a-n _k (n=1, 2, . . . , N; k=1, 2, . . . , K) provided for each of N receiving systems. have.

Also, the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 4 is a receiving apparatus having a redundant system (backup system). Hereinafter, among the receiving apparatuses, for each system, a receiving system that executes the receiving process will be referred to as an active system, and a receiving system that is on standby without executing the receiving process will be referred to as a standby system. Among the receiving apparatuses, a receiving system that is activated first as an active system is called an active system, and a receiving system that is activated first as a standby system is called a redundant system. That is, the active system and the redundant system are not changed, but the active system and the standby system may be changed by system switching.

As shown in FIG. 9, the receiving apparatus includes antenna elements 201a-n _k (n=1, 2, . . . , N; k=1, 2, . . . , K), redundant system switching units 202a-k (k=1, 2, . . . , K), receivers 203a-n _k (n=1, 2, . . . , N+1; k=1, 2, . Signal processor 205a, signal generator 206a, transmitter 207a-k (k=1, 2, . . . , K), distributor 208a-k (n=1, 2, . . . , N; k=1 , 2, . . . , K), synthesizer 209a, calibration path switching units 210a- _k (k=1, 2, . 1, 2, . . . , N+1; _k =1, 2, . , K) and a signal processing unit 214a. That is, the receivers 203a-n _k , the injection units 212a-n _k and the extraction units 213a-n _k have a redundant system as a receiving system in addition to the active system.
The signal processor 214a also has a signal extractor 215a and a calibration value calculator 216a.

Antenna elements 201a-n _k receive signals propagating in space (data signals). Then, the antenna elements 201a-n _k transmit the received signals to the redundant system switching units 202a-k of the corresponding system.

Redundant system switching units 202a- _k transmit signals transmitted by antenna elements 201a-nk to receivers 203a- _nk of the corresponding receiving system. At this time, the redundant system switching unit 202a- _k sends a signal to the active system receiver 203a-nk. On the other hand, the redundant switching units 202a- _k do not send signals to the standby receivers 203a-nk.

Receivers 203a-n _k , when receiving a signal, perform reception processing on the signal. That is, receivers 203a-n _k detect the signals. Receivers 203a- _nk then send the detected signals to DBF section 204a.

When a signal is input, the DBF section 204a adjusts the amplitude and phase of the signal based on the calculation result of the calibration value calculation section 216a. Then, the DBF section 204a sends the adjusted signal to the signal processing section 205a.

The signal processing unit 205a performs desired processing on the signal sent from the DBF unit 204a.
The signal processing unit 205a is configured by, for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit mounting a CPU, a one-chip microcomputer, or the like.

The signal generator 206a generates a calibration signal (calibration signal). A calibration signal is a signal of an arbitrary symbol pattern. Signal generator 206a then sends the generated calibration signals to transmitters 207a-k, respectively.
Further, the signal generator 206a sends information (calibration signal information) indicating what kind of calibration signal is generated to the calibration value calculator 216a.

When the calibration signal is input, the transmitters 207a-k perform transmission processing on the calibration signal. That is, the transmitters 207a-k D/A-convert the calibration signal from a digital value to an analog value and frequency-convert it to an RF band signal (data signal). Transmitters 207a-k then power-amplify the frequency-converted signals. Then, the transmitters 207a-k send the power-amplified signals to the distributors 208a-k of the corresponding system.

When a signal is input, the distributors 208a-k divide the signal into the number of active systems and redundant systems (N+1). Then, the distributors 208a-k send the divided signals to the combiner 209a and the calibration path switching units 210a-k of the corresponding system.

The combiner 209a combines the signals sent out by the distributors 208a-k. Then, the combiner 209a sends the combined signal to the calibration path switching section 211a.

The calibration path switching units 210a-k deliver the signals sent by the distributors 208a-k to the active and active injection units 212a- _nk and the calibration path switching units 211a.

The calibration path switcher 211a sends the signal sent by the combiner 209a and the signal sent by the calibration path switchers 210a- _k to the injection parts 212a-nk of the redundant system. At this time, the calibration path switching unit 211a causes the redundant and active injection units 212a-n _{k and one standby injection unit 212a-n k} _of the redundant injection units 212a-n _k to Send a signal.

Note that the distributors 208a-k, the combiner 209a, the calibration path switching units 210a-k, and the calibration path switching unit 211a "transmit a signal that has been subjected to transmission processing by the transmitter to the corresponding system of the injection units and the reception A switching unit (transmission by a transmitter) that transmits a signal that has undergone transmission processing by a transmitter to one of the injection units in the reception system that is not used for reception. The processed signal is sent to the injection part of the corresponding system and active system among the injection parts, and the signal subjected to transmission processing by the transmitter is sent to the injection part of the redundant system of the injection parts. It functions as a switching unit that sends out to the injection unit of one standby system.

When a signal is input, injection section 212a-n _k injects the signal into receiver 203a-n _k of the corresponding receiving system.

The extraction units 213a-n _k extract signals sent by the corresponding receivers 203a-n _k . The signals extracted by the extraction units 213a-n _k are signals obtained by mixing signals for reception (received signals) and calibration signals. Then, the extraction units 213a- _nk send the extracted signals to the signal extraction unit 215a of the signal processing unit 214a.

The signal processing unit 214a calculates the relative amplitude phase error calculated from the signal that has passed through the active system and the relative amplitude phase error that has been calculated from the signal that has passed through the standby system, among the signals sent by the extracting units 213a- _nk . to calculate the calibration value. The calibration values include an amplitude correction value for correcting the amplitude of the signal and a phase correction value for correcting the phase of the signal.

The signal extractor 215a extracts the calibration signal from the signals sent by the extractors 213a- _nk . Then, the signal extractor 215a sends the extracted calibration signal to the calibration value calculator 216a.

The calibration value calculation unit 216a calculates a calibration value based on the calibration signal sent by the signal extraction unit 215a.

At this time, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 206a, the calibration value calculation unit 216a selects the redundant and standby receivers 203a- _nk among the calibration signals sent by the signal extraction unit 215a. A relative amplitude phase error (first relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the calibration signal that has passed through. The above processing by the calibration value calculator 216a corresponds to the calculation of the relative amplitude phase error between the transmitters 207a-k.

Further, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 206a, the calibration value calculation unit 216a calculates, among the calibration signals sent by the signal extraction unit 215a, the calibration values that have passed through the active receivers 203a- _nk . From the signal, a relative amplitude phase error (second relative amplitude phase error) is calculated for each system.

Then, the calibration value calculator 216a calculates a calibration value based on the first relative amplitude-phase error and the second relative amplitude-phase error.
Then, the calibration value calculation unit 216a sends data indicating the calculated calibration value to the DBF unit 204a. After that, the DBF unit 204a adjusts the amplitude and phase of the signal based on the data indicating the calibration values.

Next, an example of calibration operation of the receiver according to Embodiment 4 shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the flow of calibration signals will be mainly described.

In addition, in the receiving device, the conditions related to the calibration process are set in advance. Specifically, in the receiving device, the configuration of the calibration signal is determined. The configuration of the calibration signal may be an arbitrary modulated signal such as a phase-modulated wave or a frequency-modulated wave, or may be a continuous wave (CW wave). The calibration signal is desirably a modulated wave with low correlation (high orthogonality) in the time direction with respect to the received signal.
Further, in the receiving apparatus, one standby receiver 203a- _nk into which the calibration signal is injected is selected in advance from among the redundant receivers 203a- _nk .

In the calibration operation example of the transmitting apparatus according to Embodiment 4 shown in FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 10, signal generation section 206a first generates a calibration signal (step ST1001). At this time, the signal generator 206a generates the calibration signal according to the condition setting. Signal generator 206a then sends the generated calibration signals to transmitters 207a-k, respectively.
Further, the signal generator 206a sends information (calibration signal information) indicating what kind of calibration signal is generated to the calibration value calculator 216a.

Next, when the calibration signal is input, the transmitters 207a-k D/A-converts the calibration signal from a digital value to an analog value and frequency-converts it into an RF band signal. Transmitters 207a-k then power-amplify the frequency-converted calibration signals. Transmitter 207a-k then sends the power-amplified calibration signal to distributor 208a-k of the corresponding system (step ST1002).

Next, when the calibration signal is input, the distributors 208a-k divide the calibration signal into the number of active systems and redundant systems (N+1). Then, distributors 208a-k send the divided calibration signal to combiner 209a and calibration path switching section 210a-k of the corresponding system (step ST1003).

The combiner 209a then combines the calibration signals sent by the splitters 208a-k. Then, the combiner 209a sends the combined calibration signal to the calibration path switching section 211a.

Further, the calibration path switching units 210a-k transmit the calibration signals transmitted by the distributors 208a-k to the active and active injection units 212a- _nk and the calibration path switching unit 211a.

Further, the calibration path switching section 211a transmits the calibration signal transmitted by the synthesizer 209a and the calibration signal transmitted by the calibration path switching sections 210a- _k to the injection sections 212a-nk of the redundant system. At this time, the calibration path switching unit 211a causes the redundant and active injection units 212a-n _{k and one standby injection unit 212a-n k} _of the redundant injection units 212a-n _k to Send a calibration signal.

Next, when the calibration signal is input, injection section 212a- _nk injects the calibration signal into corresponding receiver 203a- _nk (step ST1004).

Note that the calibration signals input to the injection units 212a- _nk are analog signals in the RF band, and therefore can be injected by the injection units 212a- _nk comprising hardware such as directional couplers (couplers) or switches. be.

Next, receivers 203a-n _k detect the calibration signal when the calibration signal is input (step ST1005). Specifically, the receivers 203a- _nk A/D convert the calibration signal into a baseband digital signal. Receivers 203a- _nk then send the detected calibration signal to DBF section 204a.

Next, the receiving device (extracting section 213a- _nk and signal extracting section 215a) extracts the calibration signal sent by the receiver 203a-nk (step _ST1006 ). Then, the receiving device sends the extracted calibration signal to calibration value calculation section 216a.

In FIG. 9, for ease of understanding, the extraction units 213a- _nk are used as a physical structure, and the received signal and the calibration signal are shown separately. However, this part can be done by separating the digital data. Therefore, in practice, processing can be performed without physical route switching. Therefore, there is no possibility that the frequency characteristics or the like inherent in hardware such as switches or directional couplers will affect the calibration accuracy.

Next, at this time, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 206a, the calibration value calculation unit 216a selects the redundant and standby receiver 203a- A relative amplitude phase error (first relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the calibration signal that has passed through nk (step _ST1007 ). The above processing by the calibration value calculator 216a corresponds to the calculation of the relative amplitude phase error between the transmitters 207a-k.

Further, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 206a, the calibration value calculation unit 216a calculates, among the calibration signals sent by the signal extraction unit 215a, the calibration values that have passed through the active receivers 203a- _nk . From the signal, a relative amplitude phase error (second relative amplitude phase error) is calculated for each system (step ST1008).

Next, calibration value calculation section 216a calculates a calibration value based on the first relative amplitude phase error and the second relative amplitude phase error (step ST1009). That is, the calibration value calculator 216a calculates the amplitude correction value and the phase correction value from the following equations (3) and (4). In equations (3) and (4), _Dk denotes the first relative amplitude phase error, _{Enk denotes the second relative amplitude phase error, Fnk_amp} _denotes the amplitude correction value, and _{Fnk_phs} denotes the phase correction. indicate a value.
Then, the calibration value calculation unit 216a sends data indicating the calculated calibration value to the DBF unit 204a.
_{Fnk_amp} =1/| _Enk / _Dk | (3)
F _{nk_phs} =−arg(E _nk /D _k ) (4)

After that, DBF section 204a adjusts the amplitude and phase of the received signal based on the calibration values calculated by calibration value calculation section 216a (step ST1010). The receiver according to Embodiment 4 can ensure the soundness of the receivers 203a- _nk by periodically performing this series of processes.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the receiving apparatus includes a plurality of system array antennas having antenna elements 201a- _nk provided for each of a plurality of receiving systems, and a signal for generating a signal for calibration. A generator 206a, a transmitter 207a-k provided for each system and performing transmission processing on the signal generated by the signal generator 206a, and a receiver 207a-k provided for each reception system and performing reception processing on the input signal. transmission processing is performed by receivers 203a- _nk that perform transmission processing, injection units 212a-nk that are provided for each receiving system and inject an input signal into the receivers 203a- _nk , and transmitters 207a- _k . 207a- _k are sent to the injection units 212a-nk of the receiving system used for reception, and the signals subjected to transmission processing by the transmitters 207a- _k are sent to the injection units 212a-nk. _212a - _nk , which is not used for reception, and a switching unit provided for each receiving system, and receiving processing is performed by the receiver 203a- _nk . Extraction units 213a-n _{k for extracting signals, signal processing units 214a for calculating amplitude correction values and phase correction values based on the signals extracted by the extraction units 213a-n k} _, and calculation results by the signal processing units 214a and a DBF unit 204a for adjusting the amplitude and phase of the signals that have been received and processed by the receivers 203a-n _k , based on: That is, the receiving apparatus acquires the error between the transmitters 207a- _k using the redundant system and calculates the pass amplitude phase error, which is the characteristic variation between the antenna elements 201a-nk, by adding the error. can be calibrated and all calibration values can be obtained simultaneously. As a result, the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 4 can perform calibration in consideration of the pass characteristics of each calibration device (transmitters 207a-k). Moreover, the receiver according to the fourth embodiment can be calibrated not only before shipment but also flexibly during operation or rest after installation, so that more reliable calibration is possible.

Embodiment 5.
In the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 4, a configuration in which a redundant system is provided is shown. On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 5, a configuration in which no redundant system is provided will be shown.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 5. In FIG. The receiving device is a receiving device having K-system array antennas that perform digital beamforming. The array antenna is composed of antenna elements 201b-n _k (n=1, 2, . . . , N; k=1, 2, . Configured.
Also, the receiver according to Embodiment 5 is a receiver that does not have a redundant system (standby system).

As shown in FIG. 11, the receiving apparatus includes antenna elements 201b-n _k (n = 1, 2, ..., N; k = 1, 2, ..., K), receivers 203b-n _k ( n = 1, 2, ..., N; k = 1, 2, ..., K), DBF unit 204b, signal processing unit 205b, channel detection unit 217b, signal generation unit 206b, transmitter 207b-k k=1, 2, . . . , K), distributors 208b-k (n=1, 2, . . . , N; k=1, 2, . switching unit 211b, calibration path switching unit 210b-k (k=1, 2, . . . , K), injection unit 212b-n _k (n=1, 2, . , K), an extractor 213b-n _k (n=1, 2, . . . , N; k=1, 2, . . . , K), and a signal processor 214b.
Further, the signal processing section 214b has a signal extraction section 215b and a calibration value calculation section 216b.

Antenna elements 201b-n _k receive signals (data signals) propagating in space. Then, the antenna element 201b- _nk transmits the received signal to the corresponding receiver 203b- _nk of the receiving system.

When receiving a signal, the receiver 203b- _nk performs reception processing on the signal. That is, the receivers 203b- _nk detect the above signals. Then, receiver 203b- _nk sends the detected signal to DBF section 204b.

When a signal is input, the DBF section 204b adjusts the amplitude and phase of the signal based on the calculation result of the calibration value calculation section 216b. Then, the DBF section 204b sends the adjusted signal to the signal processing section 205b.

The signal processing unit 205b performs desired processing on the signal sent from the DBF unit 204b.
The signal processing unit 205b also generates received signal generation information. The received signal generation information includes, for each system, information on effective channels that are reception systems used for reception and information on free channels that are reception systems that are not used for reception. Then, the signal processing section 205b sends the generated reception signal generation information to the channel detection section 217b.
The signal processing unit 205b is configured by, for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit mounting a CPU, a one-chip microcomputer, or the like.

The channel detection unit 217b detects effective channels and empty channels based on the received signal generation information sent by the signal processing unit 205b.

The signal generator 206b generates a calibration signal (calibration signal). A calibration signal is a signal of an arbitrary symbol pattern. Signal generator 206b then sends the generated calibration signals to transmitters 207b-k, respectively.
Further, the signal generator 206b sends information (calibration signal information) indicating what kind of calibration signal is generated to the calibration value calculator 216b.

When the calibration signal is input, the transmitter 207b-k performs transmission processing on the calibration signal. That is, the transmitter 207b-k performs D/A conversion of the calibration signal from a digital value to an analog value, and frequency-converts it into an RF band signal (data signal). Transmitters 207b-k then power-amplify the frequency-converted signals. Transmitter 207b-k then sends the signal after power amplification to distributor 208b-k of the corresponding system.

When a signal is input, the distributor 208b-k divides the signal into the number of active systems and redundant systems (N+1). Then, the distributor 208b-k sends the divided signal to the combiner 209b and the calibration path switching section 210b-k of the corresponding system.

The combiner 209b combines the signals sent by the distributors 208b-k. Then, the combiner 209b sends the combined signal to the calibration path switching section 211b.

The calibration path switching section 211b sends the signal sent by the synthesizer 209b to the calibration path switching sections 210b-k, respectively.

The calibration path switching section 210b-k transmits the signal transmitted by the distributor 208b-k to the injection section 212b- _nk of the effective channel based on the detection result of the channel detection section 217b.
Further, based on the detection result of the channel detection unit 217b, the calibration path switching unit 210b- _k switches the signal sent by the calibration path switching unit 211b to one of the injection units 212b-nk of the empty channel. 212b- _nk .

Note that the distributor 208b-k, the combiner 209b, the calibration path switching unit 210b-k, and the calibration path switching unit 211b "transmit a signal that has been subjected to transmission processing by the transmitter to the corresponding system of the injection unit and the reception unit. A switching unit (by a channel detection unit) that outputs a signal that has undergone transmission processing by the transmitter to one of the injection units in the reception system that is not used for reception. Based on the detection result, the signal that has undergone transmission processing by the transmitter is sent to the injection section of the corresponding system and effective channel among the injection sections, and the signal that has undergone transmission processing by the transmitter is sent to the injection section. It functions as a switching unit that sends out to one injection unit of one of the empty channels.

When a signal is input, the injection unit 212b- _nk injects the signal into the corresponding receiver 203b- _nk of the reception system.

The extractor 213b- _nk extracts the signal sent by the corresponding receiver 203b- _nk . The signal extracted by the extractor 213b-n _k is a signal obtained by mixing the signal for reception (received signal) and the calibration signal. Then, the extractor 213b- _nk sends the extracted signal to the signal extractor 215b of the signal processor 214b.

The signal processing unit 214b calculates the relative amplitude phase error calculated from the signal that passed through the effective channel and the relative amplitude phase error calculated from the signal that passed through the empty channel among the signals sent by the extraction unit 213b- _nk . to calculate the calibration value. The calibration values include an amplitude correction value for correcting the amplitude of the signal and a phase correction value for correcting the phase of the signal.

The signal extractor 215b extracts the calibration signal from the signal sent by the extractor 213b- _nk . Then, the signal extractor 215b sends the extracted calibration signal to the calibration value calculator 216b.

The calibration value calculation unit 216b calculates a calibration value based on the calibration signal sent by the signal extraction unit 215b.

At this time, based on the calibration signal information transmitted by the signal generation unit 206b, the calibration value calculation unit 216b determines whether the calibration signal transmitted by the signal extraction unit 215b has passed through the empty channel receiver 203b- _nk . A relative amplitude phase error (first relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the calibration signal. The above processing by the calibration value calculator 216b corresponds to calculation of the relative amplitude phase error between the transmitters 207b-k.

Further, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 206b, the calibration value calculation unit 216b calculates the calibration signal that has passed through the receiver 203b- _nk of the effective channel among the calibration signals sent by the signal extraction unit 215b. From the signal, a relative amplitude phase error (second relative amplitude phase error) is calculated for each system.

Then, the calibration value calculator 216b calculates a calibration value based on the first relative amplitude-phase error and the second relative amplitude-phase error.
Then, the calibration value calculation unit 216b sends data indicating the calculated calibration value to the DBF unit 204b. After that, the DBF section 204b adjusts the amplitude and phase of the signal based on the data indicating the calibration values.

Next, an example of calibration operation of the receiver according to Embodiment 5 shown in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the flow of calibration signals will be mainly described.

A receiver according to Embodiment 5 is a receiver without a redundant system, as shown in FIG. 11, for example. In such a receiving apparatus, there are cases where signals are received from the space using some of the antenna elements 201b-n _k instead of all the antenna elements 201b-n _k , and reception is not used for reception. A system (empty channel) may exist.
Therefore, in the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 5, channel detection section 217b uses received signal generation information from signal processing section 205b to grasp effective channels and empty channels. Then, the calibration path switching section 210b-k injects the calibration signal into an arbitrary empty channel using the information grasped by the channel detection section 217b.

It should be noted that, in the transmitting device, the conditions related to the calibration process are set in advance. Specifically, the transmitter determines the configuration of the calibration signal. The configuration of the calibration signal may be an arbitrary modulated signal such as a phase-modulated wave or a frequency-modulated wave, or may be a continuous wave (CW wave). The calibration signal is desirably a modulated wave with low correlation (high orthogonality) in the time direction with respect to the received signal.

In the calibration operation example of the receiver according to Embodiment 5 shown in FIG. 11, as shown in FIG. Channels and empty channels are detected (step ST1201).

The signal generator 206b then generates a calibration signal. A calibration signal is a signal of an arbitrary symbol pattern (step ST1202). Signal generator 206b then sends the generated calibration signals to transmitters 207b-k, respectively.
Further, the signal generator 206b sends information (calibration signal information) indicating what kind of calibration signal is generated to the calibration value calculator 216b.

Next, when the calibration signal is input, the transmitter 207b-k D/A-converts the calibration signal from a digital value to an analog value and frequency-converts it into an RF band signal. Transmitters 207b-k then power-amplify the frequency-converted calibration signal. Transmitter 207b-k then transmits the power-amplified calibration signal to distributor 208b-k of the corresponding system (step ST1203).

Next, when the calibration signal is input, the distributor 208b-k divides the calibration signal into the number of active systems and redundant systems (N+1). Then, distributor 208b-k sends the divided calibration signal to combiner 209b and calibration path switching section 210b-k of the corresponding system (step ST1204).

The synthesizer 209b then synthesizes the calibration signals sent by the distributors 208b-k. Then, the combiner 209b sends the combined calibration signal to the calibration path switching section 211b.

Further, the calibration path switching section 211b sends the calibration signal sent by the synthesizer 209b to the calibration path switching sections 210b-k, respectively.

Further, the calibration path switching section 210b-k transmits the calibration signal transmitted by the distributor 208b-k to the injection section 212b- _nk of the effective channel based on the detection result by the channel detection section 217b.
Further, based on the detection result of the channel detection unit 217b, the calibration path switching unit 210b- _k transfers the calibration signal sent by the calibration path switching unit 211b to one of the injection units 212b-nk of the idle channel. 212b- _nk .

Next, when the calibration signal is input, injection section 212b-nk injects the calibration signal into corresponding receiver 203b- _nk of the receiving system (step _ST1205 ).

Since the signal input to the injection unit 212b- _nk is an RF band analog signal, it can be injected by the injection unit 212b- _nk comprising hardware such as a directional coupler (coupler) or a switch. .

Next, receivers 203b-nk, upon receiving the calibration signal, detect the calibration signal (step _ST1206 ). Specifically, the receiver 203b- _nk performs A/D conversion on the calibration signal to obtain a baseband digital signal. Then, the receivers 203b- _nk send the detected calibration signal to the DBF section 204b.

Next, the receiving device (extracting section 213b- _nk and signal extracting section 215b) extracts the calibration signal sent from receiver 203b-nk (step _ST1207 ). Then, the receiving device sends the extracted calibration signal to calibration value calculation section 216b.

In FIG. 11, for ease of understanding, the extraction units 213b- _nk are used as physical structures, and the received signal and the calibration signal are shown separately. However, this part can be done by separating the digital data. Therefore, in practice, processing can be performed without physical route switching. Therefore, there is no possibility that the frequency characteristics or the like inherent in hardware such as switches or directional couplers will affect the calibration accuracy.

Next, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 206b, the calibration value calculation unit 216b calculates the calibration signal that has passed through the receiver 203b- _nk of the idle channel among the calibration signals sent by the signal extraction unit 215b. A relative amplitude phase error (first relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the signal (step ST1208). The above processing by the calibration value calculator 216b corresponds to calculation of the relative amplitude phase error between the transmitters 207b-k.

Further, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 206b, the calibration value calculation unit 216b calculates the calibration signal that has passed through the receiver 203b- _nk of the effective channel among the calibration signals sent by the signal extraction unit 215b. From the signal, a relative amplitude phase error (second relative amplitude phase error) is calculated for each system (step ST1209).

Next, calibration value calculation section 216b calculates a calibration value based on the first relative amplitude phase error and the second relative amplitude phase error (step ST1210). That is, the calibration value calculator 216b calculates the amplitude correction value and the phase correction value from equations (3) and (4).
Then, the calibration value calculation unit 216b sends data indicating the calculated calibration value to the DBF unit 204b.

After that, DBF section 204b adjusts the amplitude and phase of the received signal based on the calibration value calculated by calibration value calculation section 216b (step ST1211). The receiver according to Embodiment 5 can ensure the soundness of the receivers 203b- _nk by periodically performing this series of processes.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, even in a receiving apparatus having no redundant system, the transmission amplitude phase error, which is the characteristic variation among the antenna elements _201b to 201b, can be corrected using an empty channel. It is possible to acquire the error between the machines 207b-k, calculate and calibrate after considering the error, and acquire all the calibrated values at the same time. As a result, the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 5 can perform calibration in consideration of the pass characteristics of each calibration device (transmitters 207b-k). Moreover, the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 5 can be calibrated not only before shipment but also after installation, flexibly during operation or rest, so that more reliable calibration is possible.

Embodiment 6.
In the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 4, the configuration in which combiner 209a is used is shown. On the other hand, in the transmission apparatus according to Embodiment 6, a configuration in which combiner 209a is not used is shown.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a receiving device according to Embodiment 6. FIG. In the receiver according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the combiner 209a is removed from the receiver according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. k, calibration path switching units 210a-k, calibration path switching unit 211a, signal extraction unit 215a, and calibration value calculation unit 216a. Other configurations of the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 6 shown in FIG. 13 are the same as those of the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 4 shown in FIG.

When a signal is input, the distributors 208a-k divide the signal into the number of active systems and redundant systems (N+1). Then, the distributors 208a-k send the divided signals to the calibration path switching units 210a-k of the corresponding system.

The calibration path switching units 210a-k switch part of the signals output from the distributors 208a-k in a time-sharing manner, while switching between the active and active injection units 212a-n _k and the calibration path switching units. 211a.

The calibration path switching unit 211a transmits the signal sent by the calibration path switching unit 210a- _k to the redundant injection unit 212a-nk. At this time, the calibration path switching unit 211a causes the redundant and active injection units 212a-n _{k and one standby injection unit 212a-n k} _of the redundant injection units 212a-n _k to Send a signal.

The signal extractor 215a extracts the calibration signal from the signals sent by the extractors 213a- _nk . The signal extraction unit 215a then sends the extracted calibration signal to the signal recording unit 218a.

The signal recording section 218a records the calibration signal sent by the signal extracting section 215a.
Here, as the signal recording unit 218a, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, mini disk, DVD, etc. is applicable.

The calibration value calculation unit 216a calculates a calibration value based on the calibration signal recorded in the signal recording unit 218a.

At this time, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 206a, the calibration value calculation unit 216a selects the redundant and standby receivers 203a-nk among the calibration signals recorded in the signal recording unit _218a . A relative amplitude phase error (first relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the calibration signal that has passed through. The above processing by the calibration value calculator 216a corresponds to the calculation of the relative amplitude phase error between the transmitters 207a-k.

Further, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 206a, the calibration value calculation unit 216a selects the calibration signal that has passed through the active receivers 203a- _nk among the calibration signals recorded in the signal recording unit 218a. From the signal, a relative amplitude phase error (second relative amplitude phase error) is calculated for each system.

Next, an example of calibration operation of the receiver according to Embodiment 6 shown in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the flow of calibration signals will be mainly described.

Here, in the receiver according to Embodiment 4, the case where the relative amplitude phase error between the transmitters 207a-k is calculated by using the calibration signal synthesized by the synthesizer 209a is shown. However, not limited to this, without using the synthesizer 209a, for example, by switching the connection of the calibration path (the calibration signal to be sent) by the calibration path switching units 210a-k in a time division manner, each calibration path can be passed. It is also possible to obtain all calibration signals that

The processing from steps ST1401 to ST1403 in FIG. 14 is the same as the processing from steps ST1001 to ST1003 in FIG. 10, and the description thereof will be omitted. Note that the distributors 208a-k send the divided calibration signals to the calibration path switching units 210a-k of the corresponding systems.

In the calibration operation example of the receiver according to Embodiment 6 shown in FIG. 13, as shown in FIG. are sent to the injection units 212a- _nk and the calibration path switching unit 211a of the working and active systems while switching the calibration signals in a time division manner (step ST1404).

After that, the calibration path switching unit 211a transmits the calibration signal transmitted by the calibration path switching unit 210a- _k to the injection unit 212a-nk of the redundant system. At this time, the calibration path switching unit 211a causes the redundant and active injection units 212a-n _{k and one standby injection unit 212a-n k} _of the redundant injection units 212a-n _k to Send a calibration signal.

Next, when the calibration signal is input, injection section 212a- _nk injects the calibration signal into corresponding receiver 203a- _nk (step ST1405).

Next, receivers 203a-n _k detect the calibration signal when the calibration signal is input (step ST1406). Receivers 203a- _nk then send the detected calibration signal to DBF section 204a.

Next, the receiving device (extracting section 213a- _nk and signal extracting section 215a) extracts the calibration signal sent by receiver 203a-nk (step _ST1407 ). Then, the receiving device sends the extracted calibration signal to the signal recording section 218a.

Next, the signal recording section 218a records the calibration signal sent by the signal extracting section 215a (step ST1408).

Next, the receiving apparatus determines whether calibration path switching sections 210a-k have been switched a desired number of times (step ST1409). Here, the number of times of switching is the total number of receiving systems in all systems+the number of initial states, which is N×K+1.
In step ST1409, if the receiver determines that the number of times of switching has not been reached, the sequence returns to step ST1404. After that, the receiver injects, detects, extracts, and records the calibration signal while switching to a different combination of calibration paths by the calibration path switching units 210a-k.

On the other hand, in step ST1409, when the receiving apparatus determines that the number of times of switching has been reached, calibration value calculation section 216a performs calibration signal information recorded in signal recording section 218a based on the calibration signal information sent by signal generation section 206a. Of the calibration signals, the relative amplitude phase error (first relative amplitude phase error) is calculated from the calibration signals that have passed through the redundant and standby receivers 203a-nk (step _ST1410 ). The above processing by the calibration value calculator 216a corresponds to the calculation of the relative amplitude phase error between the transmitters 207a-k.

Further, based on the calibration signal information sent by the signal generation unit 206a, the calibration value calculation unit 216a selects the calibration signal that has passed through the active receivers 203a- _nk among the calibration signals recorded in the signal recording unit 218a. From the signal, a relative amplitude phase error (second relative amplitude phase error) is calculated for each system (step ST1411). Here, a plurality of Sn _k exist in the same calibration path, but the calibration value calculation unit 216a uses one of the overlapping calibration signals for the overlapping calibration signals to calculate the relative amplitude phase error Calculate Alternatively, the calibration value calculation section 216a may calculate the relative amplitude phase error using the average value of the overlapping calibration signals for the overlapping calibration signals.

Next, calibration value calculation section 216a calculates a calibration value based on the first relative amplitude phase error and the second relative amplitude phase error (step ST1412). That is, the calibration value calculator 216a calculates the amplitude correction value and the phase correction value from equations (3) and (4).
Then, the calibration value calculation unit 216a sends data indicating the calculated calibration value to the DBF unit 204a.

Thereafter, DBF section 204a adjusts the amplitude and phase of the received signal based on the calibration values calculated by calibration value calculation section 216a (step ST1413). The receiver according to Embodiment 6 can ensure the soundness of the receivers 203a- _nk by periodically performing this series of processes.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the receiving apparatus switches the calibration path in a time division manner without using the combiner 209a for the pass amplitude phase error, which is the characteristic variation among the antenna elements 201a- _nk . Thus, the error between the transmitters 207a-k can be obtained using the redundant system, and the error can be taken into account for calculation and calibration, and all calibration values can be obtained at the same time. As a result, the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 6 can perform calibration in consideration of the pass characteristics of each calibration device (transmitters 207a-k). Moreover, the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 6 can be calibrated flexibly not only before shipment but also during operation or rest after installation, so that more reliable calibration is possible.

Finally, a hardware configuration example of the signal processing unit 114a according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Although only the hardware configuration example of the signal processing unit 114a in the first embodiment will be described below, the hardware configuration examples of the signal processing units in the second to sixth embodiments are the same.
Each function of the signal extraction unit 115a and the calibration value calculation unit 116a in the signal processing unit 114a is realized by the processing circuit 501. FIG. The processing circuit 501 may be dedicated hardware as shown in FIG. 15A, or may be a CPU 502 that executes a program stored in a memory 503 as shown in FIG. 15B.

When the processing circuit 501 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 501 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate). Array), or a combination thereof. The functions of the signal extraction unit 115a and the calibration value calculation unit 116a may be implemented individually by the processing circuit 501, or the functions of the respective units may be collectively implemented by the processing circuit 501. FIG.

When the processing circuit 501 is the CPU 502, the functions of the signal extraction unit 115a and the calibration value calculation unit 116a are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 503 . The processing circuit 501 reads out and executes a program stored in the memory 503 to realize the function of each unit. That is, the signal processing unit 114a includes a memory 503 for storing a program that, when executed by the processing circuit 501, results in execution of the steps shown in FIG. 2, for example. It can also be said that these programs cause a computer to execute the procedures and methods of the signal extraction unit 115a and the calibration value calculation unit 116a. Examples of the memory 503 include nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM, magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidisks, DVDs, and the like. do.

It should be noted that the functions of the signal extraction unit 115a and the calibration value calculation unit 116a may be partially realized by dedicated hardware and partially realized by software or firmware. For example, the function of the signal extraction unit 115a is realized by a processing circuit 501 as dedicated hardware, and the calibration value calculation unit 116a is implemented by the processing circuit 501 reading out and executing a program stored in the memory 503. It is possible to realize the function.

In this way, the processing circuit 501 can implement each function described above by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

It should be noted that it is possible to freely combine each embodiment, modify any component of each embodiment, or omit any component from each embodiment.

The transmission device according to the present disclosure enables calibration in consideration of the pass characteristics of each calibration device, and is suitable for use in transmission devices equipped with array antennas.

101a, 101b signal processing units, 102a, 102b DBF units, 103a-n _k , 103b-n _k transmitters, 104a-k redundant system switching units, 105a-n _k , 105b-n _k antenna elements, 106a, 106b signal generation section, 107a-n _k , 107b-n _k injection section, 108a-n _k , 108b-n _k extraction section, 109a, 109b calibration path switching section, 110a-k, 110b-k calibration path switching section, 111a, 111b distribution device, 112a-k, 112b-k combiner, 113a-k, 113b-k receiver, 114a, 114b signal processor, 115a, 115b signal extractor, 116a, 116b calibration value calculator, 117b channel detector, 118a Signal recording unit, 201a-n _k , 201b-n _k antenna element, 202a-k Redundant system switching unit, 203a-n _k , 203b-n _k receiver, 204a, 204b DBF unit, 205a, 205b Signal processing unit, 206a , 206b signal generators, 207a-k, 207b-k transmitters, 208a-k, 208b-k distributors, 209a, 209b combiners, 210a-k, 210b-k calibration path switching units, 211a, 211b calibration path switching section, 212a-n _k , 212b-n _k injection section, 213a-n _k , 213b-n _k extraction section, 214a, 214b signal processing section, 215a, 215b signal extraction section, 216a, 216b calibration value calculation section, 217b channel detector, 218a signal recorder;

Claims

a plurality of system array antennas having antenna elements provided for each of a plurality of transmission systems;
a transmitter that is provided for each transmission system and performs transmission processing on an input signal;
a signal generator that generates a signal for calibration;
The signal generated by the signal generation unit is injected into one of the transmitters of the transmitters of the transmission system used for transmission and the transmitters of the transmission system not used for transmission. an injection part that
a receiver that is provided for each system and performs reception processing on an input signal;
A signal subjected to transmission processing by a transmitter of a transmission system used for transmission among the transmitters is sent to a receiver of a corresponding system among the receivers, and used for transmission among the transmitters. a switching unit that transmits signals that have been subjected to transmission processing by a transmitter of a transmission system that cannot be transmitted to the receivers;
a signal processing unit that calculates an amplitude correction value and a phase correction value based on a signal that has undergone reception processing by the receiver;
A transmission device comprising: a DBF section that adjusts the amplitude and phase of a signal to be sent to the transmitter based on the calculation result of the signal processing section.
The transmission system has a working system and a redundant system,
The injection unit injects the signal generated by the signal generation unit into one of the active transmitters and one of the standby transmitters of the redundant transmitters of the transmitters. ,
The switching unit outputs a signal subjected to transmission processing by a transmitter of an active system among the transmitters to a receiver of a corresponding system of the receivers, and a redundant system of the transmitters. 2. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: transmitting to each of the receivers the signal that has been subjected to transmission processing by a standby-system transmitter.
A channel detection unit that detects effective channels and empty channels in the transmission system,
The injection unit distributes the signal generated by the signal generation unit to one of the active channel transmitters and one of the empty channel transmitters among the transmitters, based on the detection result of the channel detection unit. Inject into one transmitter,
Based on the detection result by the channel detection unit, the switching unit transmits a signal that has been subjected to transmission processing by the transmitter of the effective channel among the transmitters to the receiver of the corresponding system among the receivers. 2. The transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the signals subjected to transmission processing by the transmitters of the empty channels among the transmitters are respectively transmitted to the receivers.
3. The transmitting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the switching unit transmits the signal, which has undergone transmission processing by the transmitter, to the receiver while switching in a time division manner.
The signal processing unit calculates the relative amplitude phase error calculated from the signal that has passed through the transmission system used for transmission, among the signals that have undergone reception processing by the receiver, and the signal that has passed through the transmission system that is not used for transmission 2. The transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the amplitude correction value and the phase correction value are calculated using the relative amplitude phase error calculated from the signal.
The transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the signal generator generates a phase-modulated wave as a signal for calibration.
The transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the signal generator generates a frequency-modulated wave as a signal for calibration.
2. The transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the injection unit performs signal injection by adding digital data.
The signal processing unit calculates an amplitude correction value and a phase correction value by using one of the overlapping signals among the signals subjected to reception processing by the receiver, with respect to the overlapping signals. 5. The transmitting device according to claim 4, characterized by:
The signal processing unit calculates an amplitude correction value and a phase correction value using an average value of overlapping signals among the signals subjected to reception processing by the receiver. 5. The transmitting device according to claim 4.
a plurality of system array antennas having antenna elements provided for each of the plurality of receiving systems;
a signal generator that generates a signal for calibration;
a transmitter that is provided for each system and performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the signal generation unit;
a receiver that is provided for each receiving system and performs reception processing on an input signal;
an injection unit provided for each receiving system for injecting an input signal into the receiver;
The signal subjected to transmission processing by the transmitter is sent to the injection unit of the corresponding system of the injection units and the reception system used for reception, and the signal subjected to transmission processing by the transmitter is injected into the injection unit. a switching unit that transmits to one injection unit of the receiving system that is not used for reception among the units;
an extraction unit provided for each receiving system for extracting a signal that has undergone reception processing by the receiver;
a signal processing unit that calculates an amplitude correction value and a phase correction value based on the signal extracted by the extraction unit;
A receiving apparatus comprising: a DBF section that adjusts the amplitude and phase of a signal that has been subjected to reception processing by the receiver, based on a calculation result by the signal processing section.
The receiving system has a working system and a redundant system,
The switching unit sends the signal subjected to transmission processing by the transmitter to the injection unit of the corresponding system and active system of the injection units, and transmits the signal subjected to transmission processing by the transmitter to the injection unit of the corresponding system and active system. 12. The receiving apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the signal is sent to one of the standby injection units of the redundant injection units of the injection units.
Equipped with a channel detection unit that detects effective channels and empty channels in the receiving system,
The switching unit transmits the signal, which has undergone transmission processing by the transmitter, to the injection unit of the corresponding system and effective channel among the injection units based on the detection result of the channel detection unit, and 12. The receiving apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the signal subjected to transmission processing by the receiver is sent to one injection section of an empty channel among the injection sections.
13. The receiving apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the switching unit transmits the signal, which has undergone transmission processing by the transmitter, to the receiver while switching in a time division manner.
Among the signals extracted by the extraction unit, the signal processing unit calculates a relative amplitude phase error calculated from a signal that has passed through a receiving system used for reception, and a signal that has passed through a receiving system that is not used for reception. 12. The receiving apparatus according to claim 11, wherein an amplitude correction value and a phase correction value are calculated using the obtained relative amplitude phase error.
12. The receiving apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the signal generator generates a phase-modulated wave as a signal for calibration.
12. The receiving apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the signal generator generates a frequency-modulated wave as a signal for calibration.
12. The receiving apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the extraction unit extracts the signal by separating digital data.
The signal processing unit calculates an amplitude correction value and a phase correction value using one of the overlapping signals among the signals extracted by the extracting unit. 15. The receiving device according to claim 14.
3. The signal processing unit calculates an amplitude correction value and a phase correction value using an average value of overlapping signals among the signals extracted by the extracting unit, for overlapping signals. 15. The receiving device according to 14.
A method for calibrating a transmission device having a plurality of systems of array antennas having antenna elements provided for each of a plurality of transmission systems,
a step in which a transmitter provided for each transmission system performs transmission processing on an input signal;
a signal generator generating a signal for calibration;
The injection unit transmits the signal generated by the signal generation unit to one of the transmitter of the transmission system used for transmission and the transmitter of the transmission system not used for transmission among the transmitters injecting into the machine;
a step in which a receiver provided for each system performs reception processing on the input signal;
a switching unit for transmitting a signal subjected to transmission processing by a transmitter of a transmission system used for transmission among the transmitters to a receiver of a corresponding system among the receivers; a step of transmitting to each of the receivers signals that have undergone transmission processing by transmitters of a transmission system that are not used for transmission of
a step in which the signal processing unit calculates an amplitude correction value and a phase correction value based on the signal subjected to reception processing by the receiver;
A method of calibrating a transmitter, comprising: a step in which a DBF unit adjusts the amplitude and phase of a signal to be sent to the transmitter based on the calculation result by the signal processing unit.
A method for calibrating a receiving device having a plurality of systems of array antennas having antenna elements provided for each of a plurality of receiving systems,
a signal generator generating a signal for calibration;
a step in which a transmitter provided for each system performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the signal generation unit;
a step in which a receiver provided for each receiving system performs reception processing on an input signal;
a step in which an injection unit provided for each receiving system injects the input signal into the receiver;
The switching unit sends the signal, which has been subjected to transmission processing by the transmitter, to the injection unit of the corresponding system of the injection units and the reception system used for reception, and the transmission processing is performed by the transmitter. a step of sending the signal to one injection part of a receiving system that is not used for reception among the injection parts;
a step in which an extraction unit provided for each receiving system extracts a signal that has undergone reception processing by the receiver;
a signal processing unit calculating an amplitude correction value and a phase correction value based on the signal extracted by the extraction unit;
A method for calibrating a receiver, comprising a step in which a DBF unit adjusts the amplitude and phase of a signal that has undergone reception processing by the receiver, based on a calculation result by the signal processing unit.