Antenna device, integrated communication device, and wireless communication device

Abstract

The antenna device (100) includes a plurality of antenna elements (130) for a plurality of communication systems and a single housing that houses the plurality of antenna elements (130), and includes a digital signal processing circuit (140). The digital signal processing circuit is connected to some of the plurality of antenna elements (130) and performs demodulation processing or both demodulation processing and modulation processing. The demodulation processing is a process of demodulating an analog signal received by the connected antenna element to obtain a digital signal, and the modulation processing is a process of modulating a digital signal into an analog signal and outputting the modulated analog signal to the connected antenna element. Some of the plurality of antenna elements (130) communicate with the outside of the device via a signal line connected to the antenna element using an analog signal.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019 - 156091 filed on August 28, 2019, and the entire content of the basic application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] Relates to an antenna device including a plurality of antenna elements, an integrated communication device including the antenna device, and a wireless communication device included in the integrated communication device. Background art

[0004] There is known an antenna device including a plurality of antenna elements used in a plurality of communication systems in one housing. In Patent Document 1, an antenna device is disclosed in which an antenna element for GNSS, an antenna element for mobile body communication using a telephone line, an antenna element for in - vehicle communication, etc. are housed in one housing.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6314277 Gazette

[0006] If an antenna device that houses a plurality of antenna elements in one housing is too large, the meaning of housing in one housing is lost, so miniaturization is required. If the antenna device is miniaturized, there is a concern that radio waves radiated from the antenna elements housed in the housing and the signal lines connected to the antenna elements flow into the signal paths for other communication systems, causing radio interference.

[0007] Even if the antenna elements are separated from each other to reduce radio interference between the plurality of antenna elements, this alone cannot sufficiently suppress radio interference. It is also necessary to suppress radio interference caused by radio wave radiation from the signal lines connected to the antenna elements. In the case of suppressing radio interference caused by radio wave radiation from the signal lines, separating the signal lines from each other is also considered. However, the more the signal lines are separated from each other, the larger the opening provided in the antenna device for the communication lines used for external communication to pass through. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present disclosure has been made based on this situation, and an object thereof is to provide an antenna device, an integrated communication device, and a wireless communication device that can suppress radio interference, can reduce the opening provided in the antenna device for the communication line to pass through, and can also suppress enlargement.

[0009] The above object is achieved by a combination of the features described in the independent claims. In addition, the dependent claims define more advantageous specific examples. The reference numerals in parentheses described in the claims indicate the correspondence with the specific units described in the embodiments described later as one mode, and do not limit the technical scope disclosed.

[0010] One disclosure of an antenna device for achieving the above object is an antenna device including:

[0011] a plurality of antenna elements for a plurality of communication systems; and

[0012] a housing that houses the plurality of antenna elements,

[0013] The above antenna device includes a digital signal processing circuit that is connected to some of the plurality of antenna elements and performs demodulation processing or both demodulation processing and modulation processing. The demodulation processing is a process of demodulating an analog signal received by the connected antenna element to obtain a digital signal, and the modulation processing is a process of modulating a digital signal into an analog signal and outputting the modulated analog signal to the connected antenna element.

[0014] Some of the plurality of antenna elements communicate with the outside of the device via a signal line connected to the antenna element using an analog signal.

[0015] The antenna device includes a plurality of antenna elements, and some of the antenna elements are connected to the digital signal processing circuit. The signal path including the antenna element connected to the digital signal processing circuit digitizes the signal within the antenna device. For the digitized signal, there is less concern about it flowing into the signal path of other communication systems and causing radio interference. Moreover, by connecting the digital signal processing circuit to some of the antenna elements, the number of coaxial cables extending from outside the antenna device into the antenna device can be reduced compared to the case where signals of all antenna elements are led out of the antenna device through coaxial cables. As a result, the opening provided in the antenna device for passing communication lines such as coaxial cables for external communication can be reduced.

[0016] Furthermore, some of the antenna elements communicate with the outside of the antenna device via a signal line using an analog signal. Therefore, the digital signal processing circuit for some of the antenna elements does not need to be inside the housing. Since the digital signal processing circuit for some of the antenna elements is not inside the housing, the enlargement of the antenna device can also be suppressed compared to the case where digital signal processing circuits for all antenna elements are provided in the antenna device.

[0017] One disclosure of an integrated communication device for achieving the above object is an integrated communication device including:

[0018] the above antenna device; and

[0019] a wireless communication device connected to the antenna device,

[0020] The wireless communication device includes:

[0021] A signal processing circuit on the main body side, which receives an analog signal received by at least one antenna element from an antenna device via a signal line, and performs demodulation processing or both demodulation processing and modulation processing. The above-mentioned demodulation processing is a process of demodulating the input analog signal to obtain a digital signal, and the above-mentioned modulation processing is a process of modulating a digital signal into an analog signal and outputting the modulated analog signal to the antenna device; and

[0022] An input unit, which is input with the digital signal demodulated by the antenna device.

[0023] One disclosure of a wireless communication device for achieving the above object is the wireless communication device included in the above integrated communication device. That is,

[0024] The wireless communication device includes:

[0025] A digital signal processing circuit, which receives an analog signal received by at least one antenna element via a signal line, and performs demodulation processing or both demodulation processing and modulation processing. The above-mentioned demodulation processing is a process of demodulating the input analog signal to obtain a digital signal, and the above-mentioned modulation processing is a process of modulating a digital signal into an analog signal and outputting the modulated analog signal to the outside; and

[0026] An input unit, which is input with the digital signal obtained by demodulating the analog signal received by at least one antenna element. Description of the Drawings

[0027] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall structure of the integrated communication device 10 of the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the electrical structure of the antenna device 100 and the wireless communication device 200.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a conceptual diagram for explaining the arrangement of components and pattern lines in the substrate 121. Detailed Embodiments

[0030] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described based on the drawings. Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall structure of the integrated communication device 10 of the present embodiment. The integrated communication device 10 is mounted on the vehicle 1. More specifically, the integrated communication device 10 is provided on the roof 2 of the vehicle 1.

[0031] The integrated communication device 10 has a structure including an antenna device 100 and a wireless communication device 200. The antenna device 100 is provided on the outer surface of the roof 2. In addition, other components such as a waterproof sealing member may be interposed between the antenna device 100 and the roof 2.

[0032] The wireless communication device 200 is housed between the roof 2 and the inner lining panel 3. The inner lining panel 3 is the part that forms the ceiling inside the vehicle compartment. The antenna device 100 and the wireless communication device 200 are electrically connected through a pair of board-to-board connectors (hereinafter, simply referred to as connectors) 110 and 210.

[0033] The antenna device 100 includes a housing 120. The housing 120 is made of resin. The shape of the housing 120 can be designed arbitrarily. For example, the shape of the housing 120 can be a shape such as a shark fin type, with a streamlined horizontal cross-section and a substantially triangular vertical cross-section.

[0034] Inside the housing 120, a substrate 121 and the like are housed. The substrate 121 is arranged to be substantially parallel to the roof 2 when installed on the vehicle 1. On the substrate 121, Figure 2 the antenna element 130 and the digital signal processing circuit 140 shown are arranged. In addition, Figure 1 in, the components installed on the substrate 121 are omitted. Similarly, for the wireless communication device 200, it also includes Figure 2 the various components shown, but in Figure 1 the detailed structure of the wireless communication device 200 is omitted.

[0035] The connector 110 included in the antenna device 100 is provided on the substrate 121. By providing an opening 122 in the housing 120, the connector 110 can be visually confirmed from the outside of the antenna device 100. In Figure 1 the state shown, the connector 110 is inserted into the opening 2a formed in the roof 2. The connector 110 can be engaged with and disengaged from the connector 210 provided on the wireless communication device 200.

[0036] Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the electrical structures of the antenna device 100 and the wireless communication device 200. Using Figure 2 to explain the electrical structures of the antenna device 100 and the wireless communication device 200.

[0037] [Electrical Structure of Antenna Device 100]

[0038] In this embodiment, the antenna device 100 includes five antenna elements 131, 132, 133, 134, and 135. When not distinguishing the five antenna elements 131, 132, 133, 134, and 135, they are referred to as antenna element 130. The first telephone antenna element 131 is an antenna for a public telephone communication system. The second telephone antenna element 132 is also an antenna for a public telephone communication system. The first telephone antenna element 131 and the second telephone antenna element 132 transmit and receive radio waves of different frequencies. The first telephone antenna element 131 is an element capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves in the frequency range of 699 MHz to 4900 MHz. The second telephone antenna element 132 is an element capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves in the frequency range of 1710 MHz to 4900 MHz. In the case of carrier aggregation, etc., the first telephone antenna element 131 transmits and receives radio waves in the 2.5 GHz band. The second telephone antenna element 132 transmits and receives radio waves in the 2.1 GHz band.

[0039] The shared antenna element 133 is an antenna element that receives radio waves for two communication systems. Specifically, the shared antenna element 133 receives radio waves for a short-range wireless communication system, i.e., an in-vehicle communication system, and radio waves for a BLE system together. BLE is an abbreviation for Bluetooth Low Energy. In addition, Bluetooth is a registered trademark. The operating frequency of the in-vehicle communication system is the 5.9 GHz band, and the operating frequency of BLE is the 2.4 GHz band. Since 5.9 GHz is more than twice that of 2.4 GHz, it can be shared by one antenna element.

[0040] The SXM antenna element 134 is an antenna element for an SXM radio system. The SXM radio system is a system that uses the 2.3 GHz band and conducts digital radio broadcasting using communication satellites.

[0041] The GNSS antenna element 135 is an antenna that receives radio waves transmitted by positioning satellites included in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). The frequency band of the radio waves used by GNSS is, for example, 1.5 GHz.

[0042] The ends of these antenna elements 130 are directly or indirectly connected to the pattern lines provided on the substrate 121. The pattern lines are formed of copper foil or the like and are signal lines through which power signals flow.

[0043] The pattern line 151 connected to the first telephone antenna element 131 and the pattern line 152 connected to the second telephone antenna element 132 are both connected to the connector 110. A duplexer 160 is connected to the pattern line 153 connected to the common antenna element 133. The duplexer 160 is a demultiplexer that demultiplexes an analog signal representing the radio wave received by the common antenna element 133 into two pattern lines 154 and 155. The pattern line 154 is connected to the connector 110. The other pattern line 155 is connected to a BLE communication circuit 141 which is a digital signal processing circuit 140.

[0044] The pattern line 156 connected to the SXM antenna element 134 is connected to an SXM receiving circuit 142 which is a digital signal processing circuit 140 via a low-noise amplifier 180. The pattern line 157 connected to the GNSS antenna element 135 is connected to the connector 110 via a low-noise amplifier 181.

[0045] A pattern line 158 is also connected to the BLE communication circuit 141. The other end of the pattern line 158 is connected to the connector 110. The BLE communication circuit 141 performs modulation processing and demodulation processing. The modulation processing performed by the BLE communication circuit 141 is a process of modulating the digital signal supplied from the wireless communication device 200 via the pattern line 158 into an analog signal and outputting the modulated analog signal to the common antenna element 133 via the duplexer 160.

[0046] The demodulation processing performed by the BLE communication circuit 141 is a process of demodulating the analog signal representing the radio wave received by the common antenna element 133 to obtain a digital signal.

[0047] The SXM receiving circuit 142 performs demodulation processing of demodulating the analog signal received by the SXM antenna element 134 and input via the low-noise amplifier 180 to obtain a digital signal. The SXM receiving circuit 142 is connected to the digital connector portion 112 of the connector 110 via the pattern line 159. The SXM receiving circuit 142 outputs the digital signal obtained through the demodulation processing to the connector 110 via the pattern line 159.

[0048] Among the pattern lines of the above structure, the pattern lines 158 and 159 are signal lines for digital signals to flow. In addition, the pattern line 151, the pattern line 152, and the pattern line 157 are signal lines for outputting analog signals to the outside of the antenna device 100.

[0049] [Electrical Structure of Wireless Communication Device 200]

[0050] In addition to the above-mentioned connector 210, the wireless communication device 200 further includes a plurality of wireless circuits 220, a CPU 230, a backup battery 240, etc. These structures are provided on the same substrate 201.

[0051] The wireless communication device 200 is connected to various devices provided in the vehicle 1 via the in-vehicle LAN. Devices connected to the wireless communication device 200 via the in-vehicle LAN include an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). In addition, the wireless communication device 200 is connected to the ECU by a direct line. A power supply line +B and an ignition signal IG are also input to the wireless communication device 200.

[0052] Specifically, the multiple wireless circuits 220 included in the wireless communication device 200 are a telephone communication circuit 221, a V2X communication circuit 222, a radio reception circuit 223, a GNSS reception circuit 224, and a Wi-Fi communication circuit 225. In addition, Wi-Fi is a registered trademark.

[0053] The telephone communication circuit 221, the V2X communication circuit 222, and the GNSS reception circuit 224 among the multiple wireless circuits 220 are electrically connected to the antenna device 100. These telephone communication circuit 221, V2X communication circuit 222, and GNSS reception circuit 224 are signal processing circuits on the main body side that convert the analog signal from the antenna device 100 into a digital signal, that is, digital signal processing circuits.

[0054] The telephone communication circuit 221 is connected to the first telephone antenna element 131 and the second telephone antenna element 132 of the antenna device 100 via the pattern lines on the substrate 201, connectors 210, 110, pattern line 151, and pattern line 152. The signal flowing between the first telephone antenna element 131, the second telephone antenna element 132, and the telephone communication circuit 221 is an analog signal. In addition, the telephone communication circuit 221 is connected to the third telephone antenna element 301 via the pattern lines on the substrate 201 and a coaxial cable 311. In addition, the telephone communication circuit 221 is connected to the fourth telephone antenna element 302 via the pattern lines on the substrate 201 and a coaxial cable 312.

[0055] The third telephone antenna element 301 and the fourth telephone antenna element 302 are antenna elements for the same frequency as the first telephone antenna element 131 and the second telephone antenna element 132, or antenna elements for a frequency different from that of the first telephone antenna element 131 and the second telephone antenna element 132. For example, the third telephone antenna element 301 transmits and receives radio waves of 800 MHz, and the fourth telephone antenna element 302 receives radio waves of 1.8 GHz.

[0056] A digital signal to be transmitted to the outside of the vehicle 1 is input from an ECU or the like provided in the vehicle 1 to the telephone communication circuit 221. The telephone communication circuit 221 performs modulation processing to modulate the digital signal into an analog signal. The modulated analog signal is an analog signal for transmitting radio waves from any one of the first telephone antenna element 131, the second telephone antenna element 132, the third telephone antenna element 301, and the fourth telephone antenna element 302. The telephone communication circuit 221 inputs and outputs the modulated analog signal to any one of the first telephone antenna element 131, the second telephone antenna element 132, the third telephone antenna element 301, and the fourth telephone antenna element 302.

[0057] The telephone communication circuit 221 also performs demodulation processing to acquire radio waves received by the first telephone antenna element 131, the second telephone antenna element 132, the third telephone antenna element 301, and the fourth telephone antenna element 302 with an analog signal and demodulate the analog signal.

[0058] The V2X communication circuit 222 is connected to the common antenna element 133 of the antenna device 100 via the pattern line, connectors 210, 110, and pattern line 154 on the substrate 201. The signal flowing between the common antenna element 133 and the V2X communication circuit 222 is an analog signal. The V2X communication circuit 222 is also connected to the V2X sub-antenna element 303 via the pattern line on the substrate 201 and the coaxial cable 313.

[0059] A digital signal for vehicle-to-vehicle communication to be transmitted to the outside of the vehicle 1 is input from an ECU or the like provided in the vehicle 1 to the V2X communication circuit 222. The V2X communication circuit 222 performs modulation processing to modulate the digital signal into an analog signal. The modulated analog signal is an analog signal for transmitting radio waves from any one of the common antenna element 133 and the V2X sub-antenna element 303. The V2X communication circuit 222 outputs the modulated analog signal to any one or both of the common antenna element 133 and the V2X sub-antenna element 303.

[0060] The V2X communication circuit 222 also performs demodulation processing to acquire radio waves received by the common antenna element 133 and the V2X sub-antenna element 303 with an analog signal and demodulate the analog signal. The demodulated digital signal is output to the in-vehicle LAN or the like.

[0061] Four radio antenna elements 304, 305, 306, and 307 are respectively connected to a radio receiving circuit 223 via coaxial cables 314, 315, 316, 317 and signal lines on a substrate 201. The four radio antenna elements 304, 305, 306, and 307 respectively receive radio waves for different frequencies. The radio waves received by some of the radio antenna elements 304, 305, 306, and 307 are radio waves for digital radio. The radio receiving circuit 223 acquires an analog signal representing the radio waves received by the radio antenna elements 304, 305, 306, and 307. The radio receiving circuit 223 demodulates the acquired analog signal.

[0062] The GNSS receiving circuit 224 is connected to the GNSS antenna element 135 of the antenna device 100 via pattern lines, connectors 210, 110, and pattern line 157 on the substrate 201. The signal flowing between the GNSS antenna element 135 and the V2X communication circuit 222 is an analog signal. The GNSS receiving circuit 224 performs a demodulation process of demodulating the received analog signal.

[0063] Two antenna elements 308 and 309 are connected to a Wi-Fi communication circuit 225 via signal lines on the substrate 201. A digital signal is input to the GNSS receiving circuit 224. The GNSS receiving circuit 224 performs a modulation process of modulating the digital signal into an analog signal. In addition, the GNSS receiving circuit 224 performs a demodulation process of acquiring the radio waves received by the antenna elements 308 and 309 with an analog signal and demodulating the analog signal.

[0064] The CPU 230 is a control unit that controls the telephone communication circuit 221, the V2X communication circuit 222, the radio receiving circuit 223, and the GNSS receiving circuit 224. The CPU 230 inputs digital signals to be transmitted to the outside to the telephone communication circuit 221 and the V2X communication circuit 222. In addition, the CPU 230 acquires the digital signals demodulated by the telephone communication circuit 221, the V2X communication circuit 222, the radio receiving circuit 223, and the GNSS receiving circuit 224. The CPU 230 transmits the acquired digital signals to the devices mounted on the vehicle 1 specified according to the type of the signals.

[0065] In the case where the power supply from the main battery mounted on the vehicle 1 is cut off, the backup battery 240 supplies power to various electronic components included in the integrated communication device 10.

[0066] [Configuration on Substrate 121]

[0067] Figure 3 It is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of components and pattern lines in the substrate 121. In addition, Figure 3The shown figure is the surface on the side opposite to the wireless communication device 200, that is, the lower surface. When viewed from above, the substrate 121 is rectangular.

[0068] Among the radio waves transmitted and received by the multiple antenna elements 130 included in the antenna device 100, the radio waves that are likely to interfere with each other are the following three. That is, the radio waves in the 2.5 GHz band transmitted and received by the first telephone antenna element 131, the radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band for the BLE system transmitted and received by the common antenna element 133, and the radio waves for 2.3 GHz transmitted and received by the SXM antenna element 134. These three radio waves have relatively closer frequencies compared to the remaining three bands among the six bands transmitted and received by the antenna elements 130 included in the antenna device 100, that is, the 1.5 GHz, 2.1 GHz, and 5.9 GHz bands. Therefore, it can be said that these three bands are likely to interfere with each other. In addition, from the perspective of the BLE system and the SXM radio system, the public communication system that uses the radio waves transmitted and received by the first telephone antenna element 131 is the communication system to be interfered with.

[0069] To avoid mutual interference, the first telephone antenna element 131 among the antenna elements that transmit and receive the above three bands is arranged near one end in the long side direction of the substrate 121, and is near the left end in Figure 3 this case. The pattern line 151 connected to the first telephone antenna element 131 extends along the central direction of the long side direction of the substrate 121 and is connected to the analog connector part 111a of the connector 110.

[0070] The connector 110 includes four analog connector parts 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d. When not distinguishing these four analog connector parts 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d, it is recorded as the analog connector part 111. The analog connector part 111 includes a coaxial line. The coaxial line is a communication line that, like a coaxial cable, has an inner conductor and an outer conductor.

[0071] In addition, a digital connector part 112 is formed in the connector 110. The opening of the digital connector part 112 is rectangular. The analog connector part 111a and the analog connector part 111d are arranged sandwiching the digital connector part 112 near one end in the long side direction of the digital connector part 112. The analog connector part 111b and the analog connector part 111c are arranged sandwiching the digital connector part 112 near the other end of the digital connector part 112.

[0072] In the connector 210 included in the wireless communication device 200, connector parts that are respectively fitted to the four analog connector parts 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d and the digital connector part 112 are formed. Since the connector 210 is formed with a connector part that fits to the digital connector part 112, it becomes an input part for inputting the digital signal demodulated by the antenna device 100.

[0073] In Figure 3 Figure 3 , the antenna elements 131, 132, 134, 135 denote the portions where these antenna elements 131, 132, 134, 135 are connected to the substrate 121. The antenna elements 131, 132, 134, 135 may also be provided on the upper surface of the substrate 121. In addition, the duplexer 160, the BLE communication circuit 141, and the SXM receiving circuit 142 may also be provided on the upper surface of the substrate 121. Furthermore, in Figure 3 Figure 3 , the BLE communication circuit 141 and the SXM receiving circuit 142 are configured as one module. Alternatively, the BLE communication circuit 141 and the SXM receiving circuit 142 may be independent of each other.

[0074] The duplexer 160 is disposed at an end in the long side direction on the side opposite to the side where the first telephone antenna element 131 is disposed in the substrate 121. Therefore, the common antenna element 133 for transmitting and receiving BLE radio waves is disposed at an end of the substrate 121 on the side opposite to the first telephone antenna element 131.

[0075] Further, an analog signal representing radio waves for the BLE system is input to the BLE communication circuit 141 via the pattern line 155 and becomes a digital signal. The pattern line 158 through which this digital signal flows extends toward the first telephone antenna element 131 and is connected to the digital connector portion 112 of the connector 110. Therefore, the pattern line 158 is close to the pattern line 151 at the portion connected to the connector 110. However, since the signal flowing in the pattern line 158 is a digital signal, signal interference can be suppressed even if the pattern line 158 is close to the pattern line 151.

[0076] In addition, the BLE communication circuit 141 is disposed close to the duplexer 160. Therefore, the BLE communication circuit 141 is disposed closer to the common antenna element 133 than the first telephone antenna element 131. In addition, the pattern line 155 connecting the BLE communication circuit 141 and the duplexer 160 is also disposed closer to the common antenna element 133 than the first telephone antenna element 131.

[0077] The SXM antenna element 134 is disposed near the center in the long side direction of the substrate 121. The SXM receiving circuit 142 is integrated with the BLE communication circuit 141 and is disposed at an end of the substrate 121 on the same side as the duplexer 160. Therefore, the pattern line 156 connecting the SXM antenna element 134 and the SXM receiving circuit 142 extends in a direction away from the first telephone antenna element 131 and is connected to the SXM receiving circuit 142.

[0078] One end of the pattern line 154 connected to the duplexer 160 is connected to the analog connector portion 111b of the connector 110. The second phone antenna element 132 and the GNSS antenna element 135 are arranged near the center in the long side direction of the substrate 121. In other words, these second phone antenna elements 132 and GNSS antenna elements 135 are arranged between the first phone antenna element 131 or the connector 110 and the BLE communication circuit 141 and the SXM receiving circuit 142.

[0079] The pattern line 152 connected to the second phone antenna element 132 extends linearly at one end and is connected to the analog connector portion 111c at the other end. The pattern line 157 connected to the GNSS antenna element 135 extends linearly at one end and is connected to the analog connector portion 111d at the other end.

[0080] When the antenna device 100 having this structure is electrically connected to the wireless communication device 200, the antenna device 100 is provided on the vehicle roof 2. At this time, the connector 110 can be visually confirmed from the opening 122. In this state, the operator moves the wireless communication device 200 to a position where the connector 210 provided on the wireless communication device 200 faces the connector 110. After that, if the wireless communication device 200 is moved upward, the connector 110 and the connector 210 are engaged. Thereby, the antenna device 100 and the wireless communication device 200 are electrically connected. As Figure 1 shown, the cable 250 of the wireless communication device 200 extends. Through this cable 250, signals are transmitted and received between various devices mounted on the vehicle 1 and the wireless communication device 200.

[0081] [Summary of the Embodiment]

[0082] The integrated communication device 10 of the present embodiment described above includes five antenna elements 130. The BLE communication circuit 141 and the SXM receiving circuit 142, which are digital signal processing circuits 140, are connected to the common antenna element 133 and the SXM antenna element 134 among the five antenna elements 130.

[0083] In the antenna device 100, the signal path including the antenna element 130 connected to the digital signal processing circuit 140 digitizes the signal. For the digitized signal, there is less concern about the signal flowing into the signal path of other communication systems and generating radio wave interference. In addition, compared with the case of using coaxial cables to lead out the signals of all the antenna elements 130 to the outside of the antenna device 100, the number of coaxial cables extending from the outside of the antenna device 100 to the inside of the antenna device 100 can be reduced. Thereby, the opening 122 provided in the antenna device 100 for allowing communication lines such as coaxial cables to pass through to the outside can be reduced. In addition, in the case where the antenna device 100 and the wireless communication device 200 are provided sandwiching the vehicle roof 2 as in the present embodiment, the opening 2a provided in the vehicle roof 2 can also be reduced.

[0084] Furthermore, the signal paths of the first telephone antenna element 131, the second telephone antenna element 132, and the common antenna element 133 connected to the pattern line 154 and the GNSS antenna element 135 communicate with the outside of the antenna device 100 using analog signals. Therefore, a part of the digital signal processing circuit 140 for the antenna elements does not need to be inside the housing 120. Since a part of the digital signal processing circuit 140 for the antenna elements is not inside the housing 120, the enlargement of the antenna device 100 can be suppressed compared with the case where all the digital signal processing circuits 140 are prepared in the antenna device 100.

[0085] In addition, in the present embodiment, three frequency bands with relatively close frequencies among the six frequency bands received by the five antenna elements 130 are set as the frequency bands where radio wave interference is likely to occur. The digital signal processing circuit 140, specifically the BLE communication circuit 141 and the SXM receiving circuit 142, process the signals of the communication systems using the radio waves of these frequency bands where radio wave interference is likely to occur, and make the signals flowing in the pattern line 158 and the pattern line 159 into digital signals.

[0086] In this way, the antenna device 100 processes a part of the communication systems using radio waves in the frequency bands where radio wave interference is likely to occur between transmission and reception through the digital signal processing circuit 140 provided inside the antenna device 100. Thereby, the enlargement of the antenna device 100 can be suppressed, and furthermore, the radio wave interference inside the antenna device 100 can be suppressed.

[0087] In addition, the antenna device 100 aggregates digital signals through a connector 110 and outputs them to the outside of the device. Thereby, the part for outputting digital signals to the outside of the device can be miniaturized. In addition, the connector 110 includes an analog connector portion 111 to which analog signals from the first telephone antenna element 131, the second telephone antenna element 132, the common antenna element 133, and the GNSS antenna element 135 are input. In other words, the connector 110 inputs and outputs digital signals and analog signals integrally. With such a structure, the connector 110 can be miniaturized.

[0088] In addition, the analog connector portion 111a and the analog connector portion 111d are arranged with the digital connector portion 112 interposed therebetween, and the analog connector portion 111b and the analog connector portion 111c are also arranged with the digital connector portion 112 interposed therebetween. With this structure, by arranging a plurality of analog connector portions 111 in one connector 110, miniaturization of the connector 110 can be achieved, and radio wave interference in the connector 110 can be suppressed.

[0089] In addition, in the antenna device 100, the BLE communication circuit 141 is arranged near the common antenna element 133 that transmits and receives radio waves of the BLE system, which is closer to the BLE system than the first telephone antenna element 131 where radio wave interference is likely to occur between the transceiver and the BLE system. Therefore, the pattern line 155 connecting the BLE communication circuit 141 and the common antenna element 133 can also be arranged away from the first telephone antenna element 131. By arranging the pattern line 155 away from the first telephone antenna element 131, radio wave interference can also be suppressed.

[0090] In addition, the antenna device 100 includes a common antenna element 133. The pattern lines 154 and 155 through which two types of analog signals demultiplexed by the duplexer 160 connected to the common antenna element 133 flow are also likely to interfere with each other due to radio wave radiation from them. However, in the present embodiment, the BLE communication circuit 141 is connected to one pattern line 155, and the analog signal flowing in the pattern line 155 is converted into a digital signal by the BLE communication circuit 141. The mutual interference between the digital signal flowing in the pattern line 158 connecting the BLE communication circuit 141 and the connector 110 and the analog signal flowing in the pattern line 154 is less. Therefore, radio wave interference can also be suppressed compared to connecting the pattern line 155 to the connector 110.

[0091] As described above, the embodiments have been explained, but the disclosed technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The following modification examples are also included in the disclosed scope, and various changes can be made and implemented within the scope without departing from the gist. In addition, in the following description, unless otherwise specifically mentioned, elements with the same reference numerals as those used previously are the same as the elements with the same reference numerals in the previous embodiments. Also, when only a part of the structure is described, the previously described embodiments can be applied to the other parts of the structure.

[0092] <Modification Example 1>

[0093] In the embodiment, all the signals input to and output from the antenna device 100 passed through the connector 110. However, it is not necessarily required to set the input / output paths of all signals to the paths passing through the connector 110. A coaxial cable can also be connected to the antenna device 100. Additionally, digital signals can be output from the antenna device 100 through the cable.

[0094] <Modification Example 2>

[0095] In the embodiment, two of the three frequency bands that are likely to cause radio wave interference with each other in the antenna device 100 were digitized. However, it is also possible to digitize the radio waves of only one of the three frequency bands in the antenna device 100. Additionally, the number of antenna elements 130 provided in the antenna device 100 and the number of antenna elements 130 connected to the digital signal processing circuit 140 are not limited to the numbers disclosed in the above-described embodiment.

Claims

1. An antenna device, comprising: a plurality of antenna elements for a plurality of communication systems; and a housing that houses the plurality of antenna elements, the antenna device includes a digital signal processing circuit that is connected to some of the plurality of antenna elements and performs demodulation processing or performs the demodulation processing and modulation processing, wherein, the demodulation processing is a process of demodulating an analog signal received by the connected antenna element to obtain a digital signal, and the modulation processing is a process of modulating a digital signal into an analog signal and outputting the modulated analog signal to the connected antenna element, some of the plurality of antenna elements communicate with the outside of the device via a signal line connected to the antenna element by an analog signal, the antenna device includes a plurality of the antenna elements as follows: the antenna elements that communicate with the outside of the antenna device via the signal line by an analog signal and are antenna elements of different communication systems, the digital signal processing circuit performs signal processing on a signal of a communication system that is more likely to cause interference between other communication systems than at least any one of the communication systems that communicate with the outside of the antenna device via the signal line by an analog signal.

2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein, the antenna device includes a connector that is connected to the digital signal processing circuit and outputs a digital signal to the outside of the device.

3. The antenna device according to claim 2, wherein, the connector includes: a digital connector portion that is electrically connected to a signal line extending from the digital signal processing circuit; and an analog connector portion that is connected to the signal line.

4. The antenna device according to claim 3, wherein, a plurality of the analog connector portions are provided, one of the analog connector portions is arranged with the other analog connector portions sandwiching the digital connector portion.

5. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein, the digital signal processing circuit is arranged closer to the antenna element to which the digital signal processing circuit is connected than the antenna element of the interference target communication system, where the interference target communication system is a communication system that is likely to cause radio interference between the communication systems of the signals processed by the digital signal processing circuit.

6. The antenna device according to claim 5, wherein, the signal line connecting the digital signal processing circuit and the antenna element is arranged at a position farther from the antenna element used by the interference target communication system than the digital signal processing circuit.

7. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, the antenna device includes: a common antenna element that receives radio waves for a plurality of the communication systems; and a demultiplexer that demultiplexes the radio waves received by the common antenna element, a part of the signal lines connected to the demultiplexer is connected to the digital signal processing circuit.

8. An antenna device, comprising: A plurality of antenna elements for a plurality of communication systems; and A housing that houses the plurality of antenna elements above, The above antenna device is provided with a digital signal processing circuit, which is connected to a part of the plurality of antenna elements above, and performs demodulation processing or performs the above demodulation processing and modulation processing, Wherein, The above demodulation processing is a process of demodulating an analog signal received by the connected above antenna element to obtain a digital signal, and the above modulation processing is a process of modulating a digital signal into an analog signal and outputting the modulated analog signal to the connected above antenna element, A part of the above antenna elements among the plurality of above antenna elements communicates with the outside of the device based on a signal line connected to the antenna element through an analog signal, The above antenna device is provided with a connector, and the connector is connected to the above digital signal processing circuit and outputs a digital signal to the outside of the device, The above connector includes: A digital connector part that is electrically connected to a signal line extending from the above digital signal processing circuit; and An analog connector part that is connected to the above signal line.

9. The antenna device according to claim 8, Wherein, A plurality of the above analog connector parts are provided, One of the above analog connector parts is arranged with the other above analog connector parts sandwiching the above digital connector part.

10. The antenna device according to claim 8 or 9, Wherein, The above antenna device includes: A common antenna element that receives radio waves for a plurality of the above communication systems; and A demultiplexer that demultiplexes the radio waves received by the above common antenna element, A part of the signal lines among the signal lines connected to the above demultiplexer is connected to the above digital signal processing circuit.

11. An antenna device, comprising: A plurality of antenna elements for a plurality of communication systems; and A housing that houses the plurality of antenna elements above, The above antenna device is provided with a digital signal processing circuit, which is connected to a part of the plurality of antenna elements above, and performs demodulation processing or performs the above demodulation processing and modulation processing, Wherein, The above demodulation processing is a process of demodulating an analog signal received by the connected above antenna element to obtain a digital signal, and the above modulation processing is a process of modulating a digital signal into an analog signal and outputting the modulated analog signal to the connected above antenna element, A part of the above antenna elements among the plurality of above antenna elements communicates with the outside of the device based on a signal line connected to the antenna element through an analog signal, The above antenna device includes: A common antenna element that receives radio waves for a plurality of the above communication systems; and A demultiplexer that demultiplexes the radio waves received by the above common antenna element, A part of the signal lines among the signal lines connected to the above demultiplexer is connected to the above digital signal processing circuit.

12. The antenna device according to claim 11, Wherein, The above antenna device is provided with a connector, and the connector is connected to the above digital signal processing circuit and outputs a digital signal to the outside of the device.

13. An integrated communication device, comprising: The above antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and A wireless communication device, connected to the above antenna device, The above wireless communication device includes: A signal processing circuit on the main body side, which receives the analog signal received by at least one of the above antenna elements through a signal line from the above antenna device, and performs demodulation processing or performs the above demodulation processing and modulation processing, Wherein, The above demodulation processing is a process of demodulating the input analog signal to obtain a digital signal, and the above modulation processing is a process of modulating a digital signal into an analog signal and outputting the modulated analog signal to the above antenna device; And An input unit, to which the digital signal demodulated by the above antenna device is input.

14. The integrated communication device according to claim 13, Wherein, The above integrated communication device is mounted on a vehicle, The above antenna device is provided on the outer surface of the above vehicle, The above wireless communication device is provided inside the above vehicle.

15. The integrated communication device according to claim 13, Wherein, The above integrated communication device is mounted on the roof of a vehicle.

16. The integrated communication device according to claim 15, Wherein, The above antenna device is provided on the outer surface of the roof of the above vehicle, The above wireless communication device is arranged at a position sandwiching the above roof together with the above antenna device.

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