Method and device for detecting oscillations and signal coupling device

Abstract

A method for detecting oscillations in a signal coupling device comprises at least one oscillation detection step. The oscillation detection step comprises the following steps: in a first step, determining an unattenuated signal level of a signal on a signal path of the signal coupling device; in a second step, reducing the gain of the signal path; in a third step, determining at least once an attenuated signal level of the signal on the signal path and a deviation between the unattenuated signal level and the attenuated signal level. If at least one deviation determined in the third step of the at least one oscillation detection step is greater than or equal to a predetermined oscillation threshold, an oscillation is detected. A device for detecting oscillations in a signal coupling device (1) and a signal coupling device (1) are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for detecting oscillations and a signal coupling device, in particular to a method and a device for detecting oscillations and a signal coupling device for use in a communication network. Background Art

[0002] Signal coupling devices are known that couple signals from a terminal device, such as a mobile device or a tablet computer, to an antenna. Such a signal coupling device may, for example, include an amplification device and / or an attenuation device for amplifying or attenuating a signal sent by the terminal device or received by the antenna. Such a signal coupling device may, for example, be arranged in a vehicle, in particular in a car. In that case, the signal coupling device may couple the terminal device to the vehicle antenna.

[0003] When such a signal coupling device is used, if a communication signal generated by a mobile device, sent to an input interface of the signal coupling device, amplified by the signal coupling device, and then sent through an antenna reaches the signal input interface of the signal coupling device again, for example, signal oscillation may occur. In another case, a signal received by an antenna, amplified by the signal coupling device, and sent from the signal interface of the signal coupling device to a terminal device reaches the antenna again. In such a case, the signal is repeatedly amplified, which may cause undesirable signal oscillation.

[0004] These oscillations can negatively affect the desired signal and / or the time synchronization of the signals. It is therefore desirable to reduce or avoid such signal oscillations. This is true not only for signals sent via the signal coupling device, but also for communication networks in general.

[0005] US Patent Application Publications US2008 / 014862A1 and US2008 / 014863A1 disclose a system and method for optimally adjusting the gain of a network amplifier and substantially reducing oscillations generated by the network amplifier. US2018 / 0102861A1 discloses a technology for a repeater. The repeater can measure a first power level within a passband. The repeater can adjust the gain of the repeater by a selected amount. The repeater can measure a second power level within the passband. The repeater can calculate the difference between the first power level and the second power level. When the difference differs from the selected amount by a predetermined threshold, the repeater can determine that the repeater is approaching oscillation.

[0006] The control circuit determines the optimum value of the amplification factor by analyzing the signal. In the event that oscillations are detected, the control circuit adjusts the amplification factor in such a way that the oscillations are substantially reduced.

[0007] US Patent Application Publication US2011 / 217943A1 discloses an amplifier for optimizing gain. The amplifier determines the optimal gain from inputs including forward link input power and reverse link input power. The optimal gain can be accessed from a lookup table that takes into account the characteristics of the amplifier, cellular phone (or other device), and base station. Summary of the invention

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for detecting oscillations and a signal coupling device, which overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of this general type of methods and devices known to date, wherein the method and the device detect oscillations in a reliable and rapid manner, and wherein the signal coupling device transmits a signal between a terminal-side signal interface and an antenna-side signal interface, thereby reliably and quickly detecting oscillations.

[0009] A method for detecting oscillations in a signal coupling device is proposed. The signal coupling device may be a device for transmitting a signal, in particular a communication signal, between a terminal-side signal interface of a device and an antenna-side signal interface of the device. In particular, the signal coupling device may include at least one uplink signal path for connecting the terminal-side signal interface of the device to the antenna-side signal interface of the device. In addition, the signal coupling device may include at least one downlink signal path for connecting the antenna-side signal interface of the device to the terminal-side signal interface. Through the uplink signal path, a signal generated by a terminal device may be sent to an antenna, wherein the signal generated by the terminal device may also be referred to as an uplink signal. Through the downlink signal path, a signal received by an antenna may be sent to a terminal device, wherein the signal received by an antenna may also be referred to as a downlink signal.

[0010] The terminal device may be, for example, a portable device, such as a mobile phone or a tablet computer. The terminal-side signal interface allows for signal transmission between the signal coupling device and the terminal device, such as by wireless transmission. The antenna-side signal interface allows for signal transmission between at least one antenna and the signal coupling device, such as by hardware connection transmission.

[0011] The signal coupling device can be arranged in a vehicle, in particular in a car. In this case, the at least one antenna can be a vehicle antenna. Such a signal coupling device is usually referred to as a compensator or a compensator. Such a compensator is manufactured, for example, by Laird Dabendorf GmbH in Germany. Such a signal coupling device can pick up a telephone signal by near-field coupling and send the telephone signal to an external vehicle antenna via a cable through the signal coupling device. Such a signal coupling device can, for example, compensate for signal losses, thereby ensuring excellent data and voice transmission and improving call quality.

[0012] In view of the above and other objects, according to the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting oscillations in a signal coupling device, the method comprising at least one oscillation detection step, wherein the oscillation detection step comprises the following (sub) steps:

[0013] - in a first step, determining an unattenuated signal level of a signal on a signal path of the signal coupling device;

[0014] - in a second step, reducing the gain of the signal path;

[0015] - in a third step, determining at least once an attenuated signal level of the signal on the signal path and a deviation (value) between the unattenuated signal level determined in the first step and the attenuated signal level determined in the second step;

[0016] The signal level can be determined, for example, by using a signal level determination device, for example, by a suitable signal level sensor, such as a voltage sensor or a current sensor. The signal path can be an uplink signal path, i.e., a signal path for sending an uplink signal or a TX signal from a terminal-side signal interface to an antenna-side signal interface, and the signal path can also be a downlink signal path, i.e., a signal path for sending a downlink signal or a RX signal from an antenna-side signal interface to a terminal-side signal interface.

[0017] The gain of the signal path can be adjusted, for example, by means of a device for changing the gain of the signal path, in particular reducing the gain of the signal path, such as an amplification device or an attenuation device.

[0018] The deviation can be determined, for example, by using an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit can, for example, include at least one processing unit, for example a microcontroller, or be provided by at least one processing unit, for example a microcontroller.

[0019] Furthermore, an oscillation is detected, for example by the evaluation unit, if the at least one deviation (value) determined in the third step of the at least one oscillation detection step is greater than or equal to a predetermined oscillation threshold value. The predetermined oscillation threshold value can be determined, for example, in a calibration procedure of the signal coupling device or by simulation of the signal coupling device.

[0020] In the fourth step of the oscillation detection procedure, the reduction of the gain performed in the second step may also be canceled.

[0021] Since the proposed method detects oscillations only when the signal level repeatedly tested through the above steps always meets the oscillation criterion, for example, when the signal level or its time course deviates from a predetermined value or course of the oscillation signal to be detected by no more than a predetermined amount, the method advantageously allows robust, reliable and fast detection of signal oscillations.

[0022] In another embodiment, the attenuated signal level and the corresponding deviation value are determined repeatedly, wherein an oscillation is detected if all deviations determined in the third step of the at least one oscillation detection step are greater than or equal to the predetermined oscillation threshold value. In other words, the third step or the sequence of the second step, the third step and the fourth step or the sequence of the first step, the second step, the third step and the fourth step is performed repeatedly, in particular n times, wherein n may be, for example, greater than 1, in particular equal to 100.

[0023] This advantageously improves the robustness of the proposed method.

[0024] In another embodiment, the oscillation detection step is performed repeatedly, wherein an oscillation is detected if at least one or all deviation values ​​determined in the third step of each of the oscillation detection steps are greater than or equal to the predetermined oscillation threshold value. In other words, the deviation between the unattenuated signal level and the attenuated signal level is determined repeatedly. In particular, the oscillation detection step may be performed n times, wherein n may be selected depending on the application, for example, it may be equal to 100. Generally, the number n should not be selected too high to provide a fast oscillation detection, but should not be selected too low to provide a robust oscillation detection.

[0025] This advantageously improves the robustness and reliability of the oscillation detection.

[0026] In another embodiment, oscillation detection is started if the signal level of the signal on the signal path of the signal coupling device is greater than a predetermined start threshold and / or if the time derivative of the signal level is greater than a predetermined derivative threshold. In this case, the signal level on the signal path or the signal levels on a plurality of signal paths, in particular the signal levels on the uplink signal path and the downlink signal path, can be monitored repeatedly or continuously even if the oscillation detection step is not currently being performed. Since the oscillation detection is not performed continuously or repeatedly but only when the predetermined start condition is met, this advantageously reduces the amount of resources, in particular the amount of computing resources, required for the oscillation detection.

[0027] In another embodiment, the unattenuated signal level of the signal on the signal path of the signal coupling device is determined by repeatedly determining the signal level of the signal on the signal path and selecting the unattenuated signal level as the maximum signal level in the group of determined signal levels. The signal can be determined, for example, k times, where k is greater than 1, for example equal to 10 or 100. This means that a group of signal levels is determined in the unattenuated state, where the unattenuated signal level is selected as the maximum signal level in the group of signal levels. This advantageously improves the robustness and reliability of the proposed method.

[0028] In another embodiment, the signal on the signal path is an uplink signal, ie, a TX signal transmitted to an antenna by a terminal device via a signal coupling device.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the signal on the signal path is a downlink signal, ie an RX signal received by the antenna and sent to the terminal device through the signal coupling device.

[0030] This advantageously allows detecting oscillations in both possible modes, in particular in the TX mode and the RX mode of the terminal device.

[0031] In another embodiment, the oscillation threshold is a frequency-specific value or a frequency band-specific value. It is possible that the signal coupling device can transmit signals in different frequency bands, in particular signals in up to 8 or even more signal frequency bands. In order to detect the oscillation of a signal in a specific frequency band, a frequency band-specific oscillation threshold can be selected. It is possible that for all frequency bands, a frequency band-specific oscillation threshold can be selected. It is possible that all frequency band-specific values ​​are different from each other. However, it is also possible that the oscillation thresholds of at least two frequency bands are equal to each other. The frequency band-specific values ​​can be determined, for example, by calibration or by simulation. This advantageously allows robust and reliable detection of oscillations in multiple frequency bands, and therefore improves the operability of the signal coupling device.

[0032] In another embodiment, the oscillation threshold for detecting oscillations of the uplink signal is different from the oscillation threshold for detecting oscillations of the downlink signal, in particular for uplink signals and downlink signals having the same frequency or within the same frequency band. In particular, the oscillation threshold for detecting the uplink signal may be greater than the oscillation threshold for detecting the downlink signal. Since the oscillation dynamics for the uplink signal and the downlink signal may be different from each other, this advantageously allows to improve the reliability and robustness of detecting the oscillations.

[0033] In another embodiment, the gain of the signal path is reduced by reducing the gain of the amplifier in the signal path. Alternatively or additionally, the gain of the signal path is reduced by increasing the attenuation of the attenuation device in the signal path. In such a case, the signal path, such as an uplink path or a downlink path, may include an amplifier, such as an amplifier that can increase the gain. Alternatively or additionally, the signal path may include an attenuation device, such as an amplifier that can reduce the gain. The gain of such an amplifier may be adjustable, such as adjustable by a control unit. The control unit may, for example, provide the above-mentioned analysis and evaluation unit. The attenuation device may, for example, represent an amplifier that only allows the gain to be reduced. The attenuation device may, for example, be an attenuation unit, also referred to as a digital attenuator. Such an attenuation device cannot amplify the signal, but can only attenuate the signal. The attenuation factor of such an attenuation device may be adjustable, such as adjustable by the above-mentioned control unit.

[0034] This allows an easy implementation of the embodiment of the oscillation detection method, since already built-in components of the signal coupling device, in particular existing amplifiers or attenuators, can be used.

[0035] In view of the purpose of the present invention, a device for detecting oscillations in a signal coupling device is also provided. The device comprises at least one device for determining a signal level on a signal path, at least one device for reducing the gain of the signal path, and at least one evaluation unit. In addition, the oscillation detection step that can be performed by the device comprises the following steps:

[0036] - in a first step, determining an unattenuated signal level of a signal on a signal path of the signal coupling device;

[0037] - in a second step, reducing the gain of the signal path;

[0038] In a third step, an attenuated signal level of the signal on the signal path and a deviation (value) between the unattenuated signal level and the attenuated signal level are determined at least once.

[0039] Furthermore, an oscillation is detectable if at least one deviation value determined in a third step of said at least one oscillation detection step is greater than or equal to said predetermined oscillation threshold value.

[0040] The device may further comprise a storage unit for storing one or more than two threshold values. Furthermore, the device may comprise at least one control unit for controlling the adaptability of the gain of the signal path. The control unit may further provide an analysis and evaluation unit.

[0041] The means for determining the signal level on the signal path may be provided, for example, by a signal level sensing means, for example a signal coupling means for decoupling the signal from the signal path and a detection means for detecting the signal level of the decoupled signal. The means for reducing the gain may be provided, for example, by an amplifier and / or a digital attenuator.

[0042] The device is designed so that the proposed device can perform a method according to one of the embodiments described herein. The elements of the device, namely the device for determining the signal level, the at least one device for reducing the gain and the at least one evaluation unit can be elements of a signal coupling device. Thus, a device for detecting oscillations can be provided by already existing elements of such a signal coupling device. Such a device advantageously allows the performance of robust and reliable detection of oscillations.

[0043] In another embodiment, the device comprises at least one amplification device for amplifying the signal on the signal path and / or at least one attenuation device for attenuating the signal on the signal path.This aspect and the corresponding advantages have already been explained above.

[0044] In view of the purpose of the present invention, a signal coupling device is also provided, the signal coupling device is used to transmit a signal between a terminal side signal interface of a device and an antenna side signal interface of the device, wherein the device includes at least one signal path for connecting the terminal side signal interface to the antenna side signal interface. Such a signal coupling device has been described above.

[0045] Furthermore, the device comprises a device for detecting oscillations according to one of the embodiments described herein.This advantageously allows providing a signal coupling device which also allows a reliable and robust detection of oscillations.

[0046] In another embodiment, the signal coupling device comprises at least one uplink signal path for connecting the terminal side signal interface of the device to the antenna side signal interface of the device, wherein the uplink signal path comprises at least one amplifying device for amplifying the uplink signal. In addition, the at least one device for determining the signal level on the signal path is arranged and / or configured so that the signal level of the output signal of the amplifying device is determinable. For example, it is possible that the signal output of the amplifying device is connected to the antenna side signal interface, or to a switching unit that allows different uplink signal paths to be connected to the antenna side signal interface.

[0047] This advantageously allows a robust and reliable determination of oscillations within the signal coupling device.

[0048] In another embodiment, the signal coupling device comprises at least one downlink signal path for connecting the antenna side signal interface of the device to the terminal side signal interface of the device, wherein the downlink signal path comprises at least one amplifying device for amplifying the downlink signal, wherein at least one device for determining the signal level on the signal path is arranged and / or constructed so that the signal level of the output signal of the amplifying device is determinable. It is possible that the signal output of the amplifying device of the downlink signal path is directly connected to the terminal side signal interface or to a switching unit allowing different downlink signal paths to be connected to the terminal side signal interface.

[0049] This advantageously allows for a robust and reliable detection of oscillations within the downlink signal path of the signal coupling arrangement.

[0050] In another embodiment, the device includes at least one amplifying device for amplifying a signal on a signal path for connecting the terminal side signal interface to the antenna side signal interface and / or at least one attenuating device for attenuating a signal on a signal path for connecting the terminal side signal interface to the antenna side signal interface. This case and the corresponding advantages have been described above.

[0051] Furthermore, a computer program carrier having a computer program is described, wherein the computer program comprises software for carrying out a method for detecting oscillations in a signal coupling device according to one of the embodiments described herein, when the computer program is executed by or in an automation system, such as a control unit.

[0052] Also described is: a program running on a computer, which causes the computer to perform one or more than two or all steps of the method for detecting oscillations described in this document; and / or a program storage medium storing (in particular storing in a non-transitory form) the program; and / or a computer comprising a setting program storage medium or a (physical, e.g. electrical, e.g. technologically generated) signal wave, e.g. a digital signal wave, which carries information representing a program, e.g. the above-mentioned program, which, for example, includes code suitable for executing any or all method steps described in this document.

[0053] This means that the method according to the invention is, for example, a computer-implemented method. For example, all steps and / or some steps (i.e., less than the total number of steps) of the method according to the invention can be performed by a computer. An embodiment of a computer-implemented method is to use a computer to perform a data processing method. The computer, for example, comprises at least one processor and, for example, at least one memory, to (technically) process data, for example, electronically and / or optically process data.

[0054] Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

[0055] Although the present invention is shown and described herein as embodied in a method and apparatus for detecting oscillations and a signal coupling apparatus, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the field and range of equivalents of the claims.

[0056] The invention, however, both as to its construction and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a signal coupling device;

[0058] Figure 2 is a schematic flow chart of a method for detecting oscillation according to a first embodiment;

[0059] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart of a method for detection according to another embodiment;

[0060] Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart of the first step of the oscillation detection method;

[0061] Figure 5 According to another embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 and Figure 3 A schematic flow chart of the fourth and fifth steps of the embodiment shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Reference will now be made in detail to the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate elements having the same or similar technical features, firstly, particularly Figure 1 , shows a schematic block diagram of a signal coupling device 1 , wherein the signal coupling device 1 comprises a device for detecting oscillations.

[0063] The signal coupling device 1 is a device for transmitting signals between a terminal-side signal interface 2 of the device 1 and an antenna-side signal interface 3 of the device 1. The terminal-side signal interface 2 may be an interface for transmitting signals between the device 1 and a terminal device 4, such as a portable device, such as a mobile phone, for example, wirelessly. The antenna-side signal interface 3 may be an interface for transmitting signals between the device 1 and an antenna 5, for example, in a hardware-connected manner.

[0064] The signal coupling device 1 comprises at least one signal path for connecting the terminal side signal interface 2 to the antenna side signal interface 3. In particular, the signal coupling device 1 comprises a plurality of uplink signal paths for sending signals from the terminal side signal interface 2 of the device 1 to the antenna side signal interface 3. These uplink signal paths are used to send signals generated by the terminal device 4 to the antenna 5.

[0065] Also shown is a downlink signal path for connecting the antenna side signal interface 3 to the terminal side signal interface 2. The downlink signal path is used to send signals from the antenna 5 to the terminal device 4.

[0066] In addition to the interfaces 2 and 3, the signal coupling device 1 also includes a signal attenuation device 6, which can also be called a digital attenuator. Such an attenuation device can be defined as an amplifier with a variable gain. The attenuation device 6 is connected to the terminal side signal interface 2 and to the terminal side first switching unit 7. By using the first switching unit 7, the signal path connecting the switching unit 7 and the attenuation device 6 can be connected to a plurality of uplink signal path portions 8a, 8b, ... 8n. In addition, the signal path portion connecting the attenuation device 6 and the switching unit 7 can also be connected to a downlink signal path portion 9.

[0067] Furthermore, the signal coupling device 1 comprises uplink signal amplifiers 10a, 10b, ..., 10n. The uplink signal path portions 8a, 8b, ..., 8n comprise these amplifiers 10a, 10b, ..., 10n. The gain of these amplifiers 10a, 10b, ..., 10n may be variable and adjustable.

[0068] The uplink signal path portions 8a, 8b, ... 8n including uplink signal amplifiers 10a, 10b, ... 10n are connected to the antenna-side second switching unit 11. Through the antenna-side second switching unit 11, one of the uplink signal path portions 8a, 8b, ... 8n or the downlink signal path portion 9 can be connected to the signal path portion connecting the second switching unit 11 to the antenna-side signal interface 3. Through different uplink signal path portions 8a, 8b, ... 8n, uplink signals having frequencies set in different frequency bands can be transmitted.

[0069] It is also shown that the downlink signal path portion 9 includes a downlink signal amplifier 12. The gain of the downlink signal amplifier 12 can be variable and adjustable. In addition, the signal coupling device 1 includes a control unit 13, wherein the control unit 13 can, for example, be provided with at least one microcontroller or include at least one microcontroller. The control unit 13 can, for example, control the operation of the attenuation device 6, the uplink signal amplifiers 10a, 10b, ... 10n, the downlink signal amplifier 12, the terminal-side first switching unit 7 and the antenna-side second switching unit 11.

[0070] Furthermore, the signal coupling device 1 comprises a device 14 for determining an uplink signal level. Furthermore, the signal coupling device 1 comprises a device 15 for determining a downlink signal level. These devices 14, 15 for determining a signal level can, for example, comprise signal coupling devices for coupling the signals on the respective signal path portions 8a, 8b, ... 8n, 9 to the respective devices 14, 15. Such a signal coupling device can, for example, be constructed as a power coupler. It is also possible that the device 14 for determining an uplink signal level is connected to the uplink signal path portions 8a, 8b, ... 8n by a so-called daisy chain construction.

[0071] Furthermore, the means 14, 15 may comprise rectifying means, for example, rectifying means configured as rectifiers. By using the means 14, 15 for determining the signal level, for example, a signal, in particular a DC voltage signal, representing the signal level of the signal on the respective uplink signal path portion 8a, 8b, ... 8n or downlink path portion 9 may be generated.

[0072] The devices 14, 15 are connected to the control unit 13 via a signal connection. It is thus possible that the control unit 13 can analyze or evaluate the individual signal levels determined by the devices 14, 15.

[0073] The device for detecting oscillations may comprise a control unit 13 , means 14 , 15 for determining a signal level and an attenuation device 6 and / or uplink signal amplifiers 10 a , 10 b , . . . 10 n and a downlink signal amplifier 12 .

[0074] The device for detecting oscillations can implement the method for detecting oscillations according to one of the embodiments described herein, in particular Figures 2 to 4 The method is shown in an exemplary manner in FIG.

[0075] Figure 2 1 shows a schematic flow chart of a method for detecting oscillation according to the present invention. In a first step S1, an oscillation detection step is started. For example, if the downlink signal path portion 9 (see Figure 1 ) or the signal level of the uplink signal on the uplink signal path section 8a, 8b, ... 8n is greater than a predetermined start threshold, then oscillation detection may be started. For example, it is possible that the control unit 13 (see Figure 1 ) monitors the respective signal levels on the uplink signal path portions 8a, 8b, ... 8n and the downlink signal path portion 9 by using the means 14, 15 for determining the signal level. The predetermined starting threshold value may be determined, for example, by calibration or simulation. The threshold value may be stored, for example, in a memory unit of the control unit.

[0076] If the oscillation detection is started in the first step S1, the unattenuated signal level of the uplink signal or downlink signal is determined on the respective signal path section 8a, 8b, ... 8n, 9. The second step S2 thus corresponds to the first step of the oscillation detection step. The unattenuated signal level can be stored, for example in a memory unit of the control unit.

[0077] In a third step S3, the gain of each signal path 8a, 8b, ... 8n, 9 is reduced. The third step S3 may correspond to the second step of the oscillation detection step. Reducing the gain of the signal path may be achieved, for example, by reducing the gain of the uplink signal amplifier 10a, 10b, ... 10n (see Figure 1 ) or the amplification factor of the downlink signal amplifier 12. Alternatively or additionally, the attenuation device 6 (see Figure 1 Reducing the gain or amplification factor or increasing the attenuation factor can be controlled by the control unit 13, for example.

[0078] In a fourth step S4 corresponding to the third step of the oscillation detection step, the attenuated signal level of each uplink signal or downlink signal on the uplink signal path part 8a, 8b, ... 8n or the downlink signal path part 9 is determined, for example by using the device 14, 15 for determining the signal level.

[0079] Possibly, the attenuated signal level can also be stored in the above-mentioned storage unit. Furthermore, a deviation value between the unattenuated signal level determined in the second step S2 and the attenuated signal level determined in the fourth step S4 is determined, for example, by the control unit 13 .

[0080] In a fifth step S5, an oscillation is detected if the deviation value determined in the fourth step S4 (i.e., the third step of the at least one oscillation detection step) is greater than or equal to a predetermined oscillation threshold value. The oscillation threshold value may be determined, for example, by calibration or simulation, and may also be stored in a memory unit of the control unit.

[0081] If an oscillation is detected in the fifth step S5, a corresponding routine, in particular a corresponding routine for interrupting or terminating the oscillation, can be started or executed. For example, it is possible to reduce the gain of the uplink signal path or the downlink signal path, for example by further reducing the variable gain of the uplink signal amplifier 10a, 10b, ... 10n or the downlink signal amplifier 12 or by switching off or deactivating the amplifier 10a, 10b, ... 10n, 12.

[0082] It is possible that the reduction of the gain in the third step S3 is reversed, for example in the fourth step S4 or the fifth step S5 , after the attenuated signal level is determined and before or simultaneously with the deviation value is determined. This can also be performed by the control unit 13 .

[0083] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method for detecting oscillation according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The steps S1, S2, S3, S4 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 correspond to the first step S1, the second step S2, the third step S3, and the fourth step S4. In the first step S1, the first counter variable n may be initialized, for example, the first counter variable n may be set to a zero value.

[0084] In the fifth step S5, it is first determined whether the deviation value determined in the fourth step S4 is greater than or equal to a predetermined oscillation threshold value (first sub-step).

[0085] If this is not the case, no oscillation is detected and the method terminates.If the deviation is greater than or equal to the predetermined oscillation threshold, the second sub-step of the fifth step S5 is performed.

[0086] In this second sub-step, it is determined whether the first counter variable n is less than a predetermined maximum counter value n_max. If so, in a sixth step S6, the first counter value n is increased by a predetermined increment, for example by one. In a seventh step S7, the gain reduction performed in the third step S3 is canceled and the oscillation detection step comprising the second to fourth steps S2, S3, S4 and the fifth step S5 is performed again. If the first counter variable n is equal to the maximum counter value n_max, the method is terminated and an oscillation is detected.

[0087] Figure 4 Shown according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Schematic flow chart of the second step S2 shown in the embodiment of the present invention, i.e., a schematic flow chart of the first step of the oscillation detection step. In a first sub-step S2_1, the second counter variable m is initialized, for example, the second counter variable m is set to a zero value. In addition, the unattenuated signal level uSL is initialized, for example, the unattenuated signal level uSL is set to a zero value. The unattenuated signal level uSL is stored, for example, in a storage unit. In a second sub-step S2_2, the current signal level SLc, i.e., the current unattenuated signal level, of the signal of the uplink signal path or the downlink signal path of the signal coupling device 1 is determined.

[0088] In a third sub-step S2_3, it is tracked whether the current signal level SLc is greater than the stored unattenuated signal level uSL. If so, the stored unattenuated signal level uSL is set to the current signal level SLc that has been measured in the second sub-step S2_2. If not, no further actions are performed. In a fourth sub-step S2_4, it is compared whether the current counter value of the second counter variable m is less than a maximum counter value m_max, which may be, for example, a predetermined counter value. If so, the counter value is increased by a certain increment, for example, by the value one.

[0089] Then, the sequence of sub-steps starting with the second sub-step S2_2 is executed again. If the counter value of the second counter variable m is greater than the maximum counter value, the second step S2 (ie the first step of the oscillation detection step) is terminated.

[0090] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Schematic flow chart of the fourth step S4 and the fifth step S5 of the embodiment shown in .

[0091] In a first sub-step S45_1, the value of the third counter variable k is initialized, for example, the value of the third counter variable k is set to zero. In a second sub-step S45_2, the attenuated signal level dSL is determined. In a third sub-step S45_3, the absolute value of the difference between the aforementioned (stored) unattenuated signal level uSL and the attenuated signal level dSL is determined and compared with a predetermined oscillation threshold thr.

[0092] If the absolute value of the difference is less than the predetermined oscillation threshold thr, no oscillation is detected and the method is terminated. If the absolute value of the difference is not less than the predetermined oscillation threshold thr, in a fourth sub-step S45_4, the current value of the third counter value k is compared with a predetermined maximum counter value k_max. If the counter value k is less than the maximum counter value k_max, in a fifth sub-step S45_5, the counter value k is increased and the sequence comprising the second sub-step S45_2, the third sub-step S45_3 and the fourth sub-step S45_4 is performed again. If the counter value k is not less than the maximum counter value k_max, an oscillation is detected.

Claims

1. A method for detecting oscillations in a signal coupling device (1), the method comprising the following steps: Performing at least one oscillation detection step, the at least one oscillation detection step comprising: In a first step (S2), an unattenuated signal level (uSL) of a signal on a signal path of a signal coupling device is determined; In a second step (S3), the gain of the signal path is reduced; In a third step (S4), an attenuated signal level (dSL) of the signal on the signal path and a deviation between the unattenuated signal level (uSL) and the attenuated signal level (dSL) are determined at least once; Characterized in that the method further comprises the following steps: determining an unattenuated signal level of a signal on a signal path of a signal coupling device (1) by repeatedly determining the signal levels of the signal on the signal path and selecting the unattenuated signal level (uSL) as the maximum signal level of the determined signal levels, If the at least one deviation determined in the third step (S4) of the at least one oscillation detection step is greater than or equal to a predetermined oscillation threshold value (thr), an oscillation is detected.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The attenuated signal level (dSL) and the deviations are determined repeatedly and an oscillation is detected if all deviations determined in the third step (S4) of the at least one oscillation detection step are greater than or equal to the predetermined oscillation threshold (thr).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The oscillation detection steps are repeatedly performed and if at least one or all deviations determined in the third step (S4) of each of the oscillation detection steps are greater than said predetermined oscillation threshold value (thr), an oscillation is detected.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising starting oscillation detection when at least one of the following occurs: The signal level of the signal on the signal path of the signal coupling device (1) is greater than a predetermined start threshold; The time derivative of the signal level is greater than a predetermined derivative threshold.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The signal on the signal path is set as the uplink signal.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The signal on the signal path is set as a downlink signal.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Set the oscillation threshold (thr) to a frequency-specific value or a frequency-band-specific value.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: An oscillation threshold value (thr) for detecting oscillation of an uplink signal is selected to be different from an oscillation threshold value (thr) for detecting oscillation of a downlink signal.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: For an uplink signal and a downlink signal of the same frequency band, an oscillation threshold value (thr) for detecting oscillation of the uplink signal is selected to be different from an oscillation threshold value (thr) for detecting oscillation of the downlink signal.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The gain of the signal path is reduced by at least one of: reducing the gain of an amplification device (10a, . . . , 10n, 12) within the signal path and increasing the attenuation of an attenuation device (6) within the signal path.

11. A device for detecting oscillations in a signal coupling device (1), the device comprising: at least one device (14, 15) for determining a signal level on a signal path; at least one means for reducing the gain of the signal path; At least one analysis and evaluation unit, which is used to perform an oscillation detection step, the oscillation detection step comprising: In a first step (S2), an unattenuated signal level (uSL) of a signal on a signal path of a signal coupling device (1) is determined; In a second step (S3), the gain of the signal path is reduced; In a third step (S4), an attenuated signal level (dSL) of the signal on the signal path and a deviation between the unattenuated signal level (uSL) and the attenuated signal level (dSL) are determined at least once; Characterized in that the oscillation detection step further comprises: determining an unattenuated signal level (uSL) of a signal on a signal path of a signal coupling device (1) by repeatedly determining the signal levels of the signal on the signal path and selecting the unattenuated signal level (uSL) as the maximum signal level of the determined signal levels, If the at least one deviation determined in the third step (S4) of the at least one oscillation detection step is greater than or equal to a predetermined oscillation threshold value (thr), an oscillation is detected.

12. The device according to claim 11, further comprising at least one of the following: at least one amplification device (10a, ..., 10n, 12) for amplifying the signal on the signal path and at least one attenuation device (6) for attenuating the signal on the signal path.

13. A signal coupling device (1), the signal coupling device (1) being used to transmit a signal between a terminal side signal interface (2) of the device (1) and an antenna side signal interface (3) of the device (1), the signal coupling device (1) comprising: At least one signal path, which is used to connect the terminal side signal interface (2) and the antenna side signal interface (3); A device for detecting oscillations according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The signal coupling device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the signal coupling device (1) further comprises at least one uplink signal path for connecting the terminal side signal interface (2) of the device (1) to the antenna side signal interface (3) of the device (1), wherein the uplink signal path comprises at least one amplifying device (10a, ..., 10n) for amplifying the uplink signal, and the at least one device (14) for determining the signal level on the signal path is arranged and / or configured to be able to determine the signal level of the output signal of the at least one amplifying device (10a, ..., 10n).

15. According to the signal coupling device (1) according to claim 13 or 14, the signal coupling device (1) also includes at least one downlink signal path for connecting the antenna side signal interface (3) of the device (1) to the terminal side signal interface (2) of the device (1), and the downlink signal path includes at least one amplifying device (12) for amplifying the downlink signal, and the at least one device (15) for determining the signal level on the signal path is arranged and / or constructed to be able to determine the signal level of the output signal of the at least one amplifying device (12).

16. The signal coupling device (1) according to claim 13 or 14, the signal coupling device (1) further comprises at least one of the following items: at least one amplifying device (10a, ..., 10n, 12) for amplifying a signal on a signal path for connecting a terminal side signal interface (2) to an antenna side signal interface (3) and at least one attenuating device (6) for attenuating a signal on a signal path for connecting a terminal side signal interface (2) to an antenna side signal interface (3).

17. The signal coupling device (1) according to claim 15, further comprising at least one of the following items: at least one amplifying device (10a, ..., 10n, 12) for amplifying a signal on a signal path for connecting a terminal side signal interface (2) to an antenna side signal interface (3) and at least one attenuating device (6) for attenuating a signal on a signal path for connecting a terminal side signal interface (2) to an antenna side signal interface (3).

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