Antenna uplink power control to avoid performance degradation

Abstract

In an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle includes antennas in proximity to each other; an amplifier; a computer memory; and a computer processor. The amplifier is coupled to the antenna or a portion of the antenna. The computer memory stores a predetermined case map that lists, for each of a plurality of frequency combinations of the antennas, the predetermined case map specifying for each frequency combination an amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation below a predetermined threshold. The computer processor is configured to retrieve the predetermined case map from the computer memory; determine a current frequency combination of a current plurality of frequencies of the vehicle antennas; and provide instructions to one or more amplifiers to adjust a maximum RF power of one or more antennas to reduce receiver performance degradation between the antennas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of vehicles and, more particularly, to antenna transceiver systems for vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Many vehicles today include multiple antennas (e.g., cellular antennas). In various vehicles, each antenna may transmit an uplink signal simultaneously. However, in some cases, this may result in intermodulation of the signals (e.g., interference and / or other degradation of the signals), which may, for example, affect downlink and uplink throughput.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide systems and methods for controlling an antenna transceiver system of a vehicle, for example, to reduce intermodulation of signals from multiple antennas.Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method is provided, the method comprising: determining, by a processor, a current frequency combination of multiple frequencies for respective antennas of a vehicle; retrieving a predetermined situation mapping from a computer memory, the situation mapping specifying an uplink RF power reduction amount required to reduce degradation to below a predetermined threshold for the multiple antenna frequency combinations; and adjusting the maximum RF power of one or more antennas based on the current frequency combination and the predetermined situation mapping, via instructions provided by the processor to one or more amplifiers of the antennas, thereby reducing receiver performance degradation between the antennas.

[0005] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, a predetermined case map is generated during a development phase, wherein the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation is examined for a number of different frequency combinations.

[0006] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce the degradation is determined by analyzing each different frequency combination using a scientific model.

[0007] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce the degradation is determined through physical testing of each different frequency combination.

[0008] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment of the maximum uplink RF power of the one or more antennas includes reducing the total uplink RF power of the one or more antennas by less than fifty percent.

[0009] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment of the maximum uplink RF power of the one or more antennas includes reducing the total uplink RF power of the one or more antennas by less than twenty-five percent.

[0010] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment of the maximum uplink RF power of the one or more antennas includes reducing the total uplink RF power of the one or more antennas by less than five percent.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, a system is provided, the system comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and a computer processor. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a predetermined situation map, the predetermined situation map listing a predetermined situation map for each of a plurality of frequency combinations for a plurality of antennas of a vehicle, the predetermined situation map specifying for each frequency combination an amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation below a predetermined threshold. The computer processor is coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and is configured to: retrieve the predetermined situation map from the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium; determine a current frequency combination of a current plurality of frequencies for a plurality of antennas of the vehicle; and provide instructions to one or more amplifiers of the antennas to adjust a maximum RF power of the one or more antennas to reduce receiver performance degradation between the antennas.

[0012] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, a predetermined case map is generated during a development phase, wherein the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation is examined for a plurality of different frequency combinations, and wherein for each different frequency combination, the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation is determined through analysis using a scientific model.

[0013] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, a predetermined case map is generated during a development phase, wherein the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation is examined for a plurality of different frequency combinations, and wherein for each different frequency combination the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation is determined by physical testing.

[0014] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment of the maximum uplink RF power of the one or more antennas includes reducing the total uplink RF power of the one or more antennas by less than fifty percent.

[0015] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment of the maximum uplink RF power of the one or more antennas includes reducing the total uplink RF power of the one or more antennas by less than twenty-five percent.

[0016] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment of the maximum uplink RF power of the one or more antennas includes reducing the total uplink RF power of the one or more antennas by less than five percent.

[0017] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided, comprising: a vehicle body; a plurality of antennas; a plurality of amplifiers; a computer memory; and a computer processor. The plurality of antennas are stored adjacent to each other on the vehicle body. The plurality of amplifiers are coupled to the plurality of antennas or portions of the plurality of antennas. The computer memory stores a predetermined situation map, which lists a predetermined situation map for each of a plurality of frequency combinations of the plurality of antennas of the vehicle, the predetermined situation map specifying for each frequency combination an amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation below a predetermined threshold. The computer processor is configured to: retrieve the predetermined situation map from the computer memory; determine a current frequency combination of a current plurality of frequencies of the plurality of antennas of the vehicle; and provide instructions to one or more amplifiers to adjust the maximum RF power of one or more antennas to reduce receiver performance degradation between the antennas.

[0018] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, a predetermined case map is generated during a development phase, wherein the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation is examined for a plurality of different frequency combinations, and wherein for each different frequency combination, the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation is determined through analysis using a scientific model.

[0019] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, a predetermined case map is generated during a development phase, wherein the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation is examined for a plurality of different frequency combinations, and wherein for each different frequency combination the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation is determined by physical testing.

[0020] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment of the maximum uplink RF power of the one or more antennas includes reducing the total uplink RF power of the one or more antennas by less than fifty percent.

[0021] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment of the maximum uplink RF power of the one or more antennas includes reducing the total uplink RF power of the one or more antennas by less than twenty-five percent.

[0022] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment of the maximum uplink RF power of the one or more antennas includes reducing the total uplink RF power of the one or more antennas by less than five percent.

[0023] Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle comprises an autonomous vehicle having a roof; and the plurality of antennas are each disposed on the roof of the autonomous vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 is a simplified diagram of a vehicle including an antenna transceiver system and a control system for controlling the antenna transceiver system with controlled intermodulation according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A top view of a roof of a vehicle depicting a portion of an antenna transceiver system thereof, including four antennas mounted on the roof of the vehicle; and

[0027] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for controlling Figure 1 and 2 Flowchart of the process of a transceiver system including its intermodulation control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or its application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

[0029] Figure 1 A system 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, as described below, the system 100 includes a vehicle 100. However, this may be varied in other embodiments. For example, in certain embodiments, the system 100 may include any number of other types of vehicles and / or any number of other types of mobile and / or non-mobile platforms.

[0030] As described in more detail below, the vehicle 100 includes an antenna transceiver system 101 and a control system 102 for controlling the antenna transceiver system 101, including controlling its intermodulation. In various embodiments, the antenna transceiver system 101 includes a cellular transceiver system that includes antennas for multiple different cellular carriers, for example, each cellular carrier can utilize different uplink signals at different frequencies of different antennas. As also described in more detail below, the control system 102 controls the operation of the antenna transceiver system 101 in a manner that controls its intermodulation.

[0031] In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 includes an automobile. In various embodiments, the vehicle 100 can be any of a variety of different types of automobiles, such as a sedan, a van, a truck, or a sports utility vehicle (SUV), and can be a two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., in some embodiments, a rear-wheel drive or a front-wheel drive), a four-wheel drive (4WD) or an all-wheel drive (AWD), and / or various other types of vehicles. In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 includes an autonomous vehicle. However, this can vary in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 can also include one or more other types of vehicles. In addition, in various embodiments, it will also be understood that the vehicle 100 can include any number of other types of mobile platforms and / or non-mobile platforms.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the body 106 of the vehicle 100 substantially encloses the other components of the vehicle 100. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes a plurality of wheels 108 and a roof 110. Also in the depicted embodiment, the wheels 108 are each disposed near a respective corner of the body 106 to facilitate movement of the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes four wheels 108, although this may vary in other embodiments (e.g., for trucks and certain other vehicles). In certain embodiments, the vehicle 100 includes an autonomous vehicle, such as a semi-autonomous and / or fully autonomous (e.g., self-driving) vehicle 100.

[0033] In various embodiments, the vehicle 100 includes a drive system 116 that drives the wheels 108. The drive system 116 preferably includes a propulsion system. In certain exemplary embodiments, the drive system 116 includes an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor / generator. In certain embodiments, the drive system 116 can vary, and / or two or more drive systems 112 can be used. For example, the vehicle 100 can also incorporate any one or a combination of a variety of different types of propulsion systems, such as gasoline or diesel fueled internal combustion engines, "flexible fuel vehicle" (FFV) engines (i.e., using a mixture of gasoline and alcohol), gaseous compound (e.g., hydrogen and / or natural gas) fuel engines, combustion / motor hybrid engines, and electric motors.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, in various embodiments, the antenna transceiver system 101 includes a plurality of antennas 202. In the depicted embodiment, four antennas 202 are depicted, namely: a first antenna 202(1), a second antenna 202(2), a third antenna 202(3), and a fourth antenna 202(4). However, in various embodiments, the number of antennas 202 may vary.

[0035] refer to Figure 2In various embodiments, the antenna transceiver system 101 includes a plurality of antennas 202 mounted on the body 106 of the vehicle 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the antennas 202 are mounted on the roof 110. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the antenna transceiver system 101 includes four antennas 202. However, as described above, this may also vary in different embodiments. In various embodiments, the antennas of the antenna transceiver system 101 are spaced adjacent to each other on the body 106 of the vehicle 100, which may result in signal degradation (e.g., uplink signal interference and / or other signal degradation), particularly without a control strategy to reduce such degradation.

[0036] Back to Figure 1 In various embodiments, each antenna 202 of the antenna transceiver system 101 includes or is coupled to a transceiver (ie, RF transceiver) 204 and an amplifier 206. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment having four antennas 202: (i) the first antenna 202(1) includes a first transceiver 204(1) and is connected to a first amplifier 206(1); (ii) the second antenna 202(2) includes a second transceiver 204(2) and is connected to a second amplifier 206(2); (iii) the third antenna 202(3) includes a third transceiver 204(3) and is connected to a third amplifier 206(3); and (iv) the fourth antenna 202(4) includes a fourth transceiver 204(4) and is connected to a fourth amplifier 206(4). In various embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth amplifiers 206(1), 206(2), 206(3), and 206(4) amplify the signals of the first, second, third, and fourth antennas 202(1), 202(2), 202(3), and 202(4), respectively. In various embodiments, the number of antennas 202, transceivers 204, and amplifiers 206 may vary. However, regardless of the number of antennas 202, in various embodiments, each antenna 202 has its own dedicated transceiver 204 and amplifier 206.

[0037] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, in various embodiments, each of the amplifiers 206(1), 206(2), 206(3), and 206(4) is controlled by the control system 102 based on a predetermined situation map 153 associated with the corresponding antenna 202(1), 202(2), 202(3), and 202(4).

[0038] Continue to refer Figure 1In various embodiments, the control system 102 controls the operation of the antenna transceiver system 101, including controlling the operation of its antennas 202. In various embodiments, the control system 102 controls degradation, including degradation, including interference (e.g., intermodulation) between the antennas 202 of the antenna transceiver system 101 by selectively controlling the maximum uplink power of the antennas 202, as described below in conjunction with Figure 3 In various embodiments, control system 102 uses data from mapping 153 to control the maximum uplink RF power of each antenna 202 via the corresponding amplifier 206 of each antenna 202 to minimize degradation including interference between antennas 202. In various embodiments, this control is based on Figure 1 The control system 102 and Figure 3 The steps of process 300 described in are provided herein and are described in conjunction therewith below.

[0039] In various embodiments, the control system 102 includes a computer system. In certain embodiments, the control system 102 may also include one or more of the antenna 202, the transceiver 204, the amplifier 206, and / or one or more other components of the antenna transceiver system 101, and / or one or more other vehicle 100 components. In addition, it should be understood that the control system 102 may be different from Figure 1 For example, the control system 102 may be coupled to or otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems, such as as part of one or more of the vehicle devices and systems described above.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the computer system of the control system 102 includes a processor 142, a memory 144, and an interface 146. The processor 142 performs the computational and control functions of the control system 102 and may include any type of processor or multiple processors, a single integrated circuit such as a microprocessor, or any suitable number of integrated circuit devices and / or circuit boards that work together to implement the functions of the processing unit. During operation, the processor 142 executes one or more programs contained in the memory 144 and thereby controls the general operation of the control system 102, typically in performing the processes described herein, such as those described below in conjunction with Figure 3 Process 300 is discussed further.

[0041] The memory 144 may be any type of suitable memory. For example, the memory 144 may include various types of dynamic random access memory DRAM, such as SDRAM, various types of static random access memory SRAM, and various types of non-volatile memory (PROM, EPROM, and flash memory). In some examples, the memory 144 is located and / or co-located on the same computer chip as the processor 142. In the described embodiment, the memory 144 stores the above-mentioned program and one or more predetermined situation mappings 153, and in some embodiments, stores other stored values ​​for controlling the maximum uplink RF power of the antenna 202 of the antenna transceiver system 101, which is based on the following combined Figure 3 The process 300 is further described.

[0042] Also in various embodiments, map 153 includes a list or map of various predetermined cases corresponding to different simultaneous amplifier uplink RF power combinations for various antennas 202. In various embodiments, map 153 is stored in computer memory 144 and retrieved by processor 142 therefrom.

[0043] The interface 146 allows communication, for example, from a system driver and / or another computer system to the computer system of the controller 140, and may be implemented using any suitable method and apparatus. In one embodiment, the interface 146 communicates with the antenna transceiver system 101 and one or more other components and / or systems of the drive system 116 and / or the vehicle 100. The interface 146 may include one or more network interfaces to communicate with other systems or components. The interface 146 may also include one or more network interfaces to communicate with a technician, and / or one or more storage interfaces to connect to a storage device.

[0044] It should be understood that although the exemplary embodiment is described in the context of a fully functional computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the present disclosure can be distributed as a program product having one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable signal-bearing media for storing the program and its instructions and performing its distribution, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium that carries the program and contains computer instructions stored therein for causing a computer processor (e.g., processor 142) to execute and perform the program. Such a program product can take a variety of forms, and the present disclosure applies equally regardless of the specific type of computer-readable signal-bearing medium used to perform the distribution. Examples of signal-bearing media include recordable media such as floppy disks, hard disks, memory cards, and optical disks, as well as transmission media such as digital and analog communication links. It should be understood that cloud-based storage and / or other technologies may also be utilized in certain embodiments. It will also be understood that the computer system controlling the system 102 may also be different from the computer system controlling the system 102. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the computer system controlling the system 102 may be coupled to or may utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems.

[0045] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a process 300 for controlling a transceiver system of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the process 300 is combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The invention is implemented by the vehicle 100, the antenna transceiver system 101, the vehicle 100 and its components.

[0046] In various embodiments, the process 300 starts at 302. Specifically, in various embodiments, the process 300 starts with a first sub-process 301. In various embodiments, the first sub-process 301 occurs at a development stage, such as at a stage of developing a model of the vehicle 100.

[0047] In various embodiments, during the development phase of this subprocess 301, a list of multiple uplink transmission channel combinations for the vehicle's antennas is produced (step 304). Specifically, in various embodiments, during step 304, the full range of possible frequencies is determined for each antenna, and a list of the full set of combinations of various possible frequencies for each antenna is generated. In various embodiments, this is performed by a processor, such as Figure 1 The processor 142. In various embodiments, the frequency range of each antenna corresponds to all uplink frequencies at which the particular antenna is configured to operate, and / or all uplink frequencies of transmissions received by the particular antenna.

[0048] Additionally, in various embodiments, also during the development phase of this subprocess 301, the channel combinations of step 304 are reviewed (step 306). In various embodiments, during step 306, the channel combinations from each antenna of step 304 are reviewed to determine which channel combinations cause degradation, including interference between antennas. In various embodiments, this is performed by a processor, such as Figure 1 Processor 142.

[0049] Additionally, in various embodiments, during the development phase of this subprocess 301, analysis (using one or more scientific models) and / or physical testing is performed to modify channel combinations that may result in degradation (including interference between antennas) (step 308). Specifically, in various embodiments, during step 308, analysis (using one or more scientific models) and / or physical testing (e.g., in a laboratory) is performed to determine the amount of uplink RF power reduction (or backoff) that will result in downlink sensitivity reaching an acceptable level, and that will reduce receiver performance degradation, including interference between antennas, to an acceptable downlink performance. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more scientific models and / or testing are performed for different maximum uplink RF power reductions for the antennas' amplifiers to determine how large a maximum uplink RF power reduction is required for each particular channel combination for different antennas to reduce antenna degradation, including reducing interference to an acceptable level (and, for example, this will reduce such degradation, including below the level stored in the antenna data). Figure 1 In various embodiments, this is performed by a processor, for example Figure 1 Processor 142.

[0050] Additionally, also in various embodiments, during the development phase of this subprocess 301, a predetermined situation map is created (step 310). Specifically, in various embodiments, a predetermined situation map is created for each combination of channel combinations for multiple antenna uplink transmissions to include a required amount of maximum uplink RF power reduction (or backoff) for each antenna required to reduce receiver performance degradation between antennas to an acceptable level. In various embodiments, this is performed by a processor, such as Figure 1 The processor 142 and the resulting map is stored in a computer memory of the vehicle 100, e.g. Figure 1 Memory 144. In various embodiments, the mapping of step 310 includes and / or corresponds to Figure 1 Mapping 153.

[0051] Next, in various embodiments, a second subprocess 311 of process 300 is performed. In various embodiments, second subprocess 311 corresponds to an operational phase, such as after the vehicle is designed, developed, finalized, and sold, and when the vehicle is operated (e.g., autonomously and / or by a user).

[0052] In various embodiments, the second sub-process 311 of the operation phase begins with a step of monitoring a plurality of uplink frequency combinations of the vehicle antenna (step 312). In various embodiments, during step 312, Figure 1 During vehicle operation, various antennas of the monitoring vehicle 100 (including antennas that are very close to each other, such as Figure 2 In various embodiments, this is performed by a processor, for example Figure 1 Processor 142.

[0053] In various embodiments, also during the second sub-process 311 of the operation phase, a determination is made as to whether a maximum power reduction is required (step 314). In various embodiments, this determination is made based on a check of the predetermined situation mapping of step 310 to determine whether a maximum uplink RF power of an amplifier of one or more antennas needs to be reduced to reduce receiver performance degradation, including reducing interference between antennas to an acceptable level (e.g., in an exemplary embodiment, reducing degradation includes reducing interference to less than a level stored in the memory). Figure 1 A predetermined value represented by one or more values ​​in the memory 144 of the computer system 140).

[0054] If it is determined in step 314 that a reduction in maximum power is required, the current amplifier uplink RF power control is adjusted (steps 316 and 318). In various embodiments, during step 316, the maximum amplified uplink RF power of one or more antennas is adjusted via the amplifier via control adjustment instructions provided by one or more controllers and / or processors. For example, in some embodiments, the processor (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 142) controls Figure 1 amplifiers 206(1), 206(2), 206(3) and 206(4) to reduce the power provided by the amplifiers Figure 1 The maximum uplink RF power of the corresponding antennas 200(1), 200(2), 200(3) and 200(4).

[0055] In various embodiments, the adjustment of the maximum uplink RF power is based on a predetermined situation map. Specifically, in various embodiments, the adjustment of the maximum uplink RF power is equal in magnitude to the adjustment required to reduce antenna degradation, including reducing interference to an acceptable level (e.g., such that one or more measurements of antenna signal degradation, including interference, are less than a predetermined threshold amount). In various embodiments, the required embodiments are stored in a predetermined situation map and are previously determined during the development phase 301 through analysis (e.g., using one or more scientific models), experimentation, and / or physical testing (e.g., in steps 308 and 310, as described above).

[0056] Also in various embodiments, the required adjustment to the maximum uplink RF power in steps 316, 318 is relatively small compared to the maximum uplink RF power. For example, in various embodiments, the required adjustment to the maximum uplink RF power is less than fifty percent (50%) of the unadjusted uplink RF power. For example, in one embodiment, the total uplink RF power is equal to fifteen decibel milliwatts (15 dB), and the adjustment to the maximum uplink RF power may be equal to six decibels (6 dB), for example, so that the uplink RF power is still provided to the antenna in an amount of up to nine decibel milliwatts (9 dB).

[0057] As an additional example, in various embodiments, the required adjustment to the maximum uplink RF power is less than twenty percent (20%) of the total uplink RF power of the antenna. For example, in one embodiment, the total uplink RF power of the antenna is equal to twenty decibel milliwatts (20 dB), and the adjustment to the maximum uplink RF power may be equal to one decibel (1 dB), such that the uplink RF power is still provided to the antenna in an amount up to nineteen decibel milliwatts (19 dB).

[0058] In some embodiments, the maximum uplink RF power is reduced for each antenna on the vehicle that is in close proximity to each other (e.g., as set in a predetermined case map). In some embodiments, the maximum uplink RF power is reduced for only one antenna, or for a subset of antennas that are in close proximity to each other on the vehicle (e.g., as set in a predetermined case map).

[0059] In various embodiments, the maximum uplink RF power reduction is performed during two steps. Specifically, in various embodiments, in step 316, a processor (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 142 of the embodiment of the present invention provides instructions for reducing the maximum uplink RF power. Also in various embodiments, the instructions are then implemented in step 318 (e.g., by applying to the processor 142 when implementing the instructions). Figure 1 In various embodiments, process 300 then terminates at step 322 (and in some embodiments subsequently restarts at step 312 in a new operating phase 311 the next time vehicle 100 is operated, etc.).

[0060] If, on the other hand, it is determined in step 314 that a reduction in the maximum RF power is not required, then the current amplifier uplink RF power control is maintained (step 320). In various embodiments, during step 320, standard or "normal" uplink RF power control is provided to the antenna via the amplifier as controlled by one or more controllers and / or processors without any adjustment and / or limitation to the uplink RF power. For example, in some embodiments, a processor (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 142 controls the amplifier (e.g., Figure 1 amplifiers 206(1), 206(2), 206(3), and 206(4)) to allow the antennas (e.g., Figure 1 There is no limitation on the uplink RF power of antennas 200(1), 200(2), 200(3), and 200(4)) (e.g., not limited by the maximum uplink RF power). In various embodiments, process 300 then terminates at step 322 (and in some embodiments, then restarts at step 312 in a new operating phase 311 the next time vehicle 100 is operated, etc.).

[0061] Thus, systems, methods, and vehicles for controlling an antenna transceiver system of a vehicle are provided. In various embodiments, for example where multiple antennas are arranged in close proximity to each other, the maximum amplifier uplink RF power is reduced for one or more antennas when it is necessary to reduce antenna degradation to an acceptable level. In various embodiments, this is achieved by controlling one or more processors in amplifiers coupled to the antennas based on a predetermined situation map stored in a computer memory and previously determined during a development phase by analysis (e.g., using one or more scientific models) experiments and / or physical testing.

[0062] It should be understood that systems, vehicles, methods, applications, and implementations may vary from those depicted in the figures and described herein. For example, in various embodiments, the vehicle 100, antenna transceiver system 101, control system 102, and / or various components thereof and / or other components may vary from Figure 1 and 2 Similarly, it will be appreciated that the steps of process 300 may be different, and / or its various steps may be performed simultaneously and / or in different steps. Figure 3 and / or the above order.

[0063] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been given in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that one or more exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for those skilled in the art to implement one or more exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the attached claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A method comprising: determining, by a processor, a current frequency combination of a plurality of frequencies of each antenna of the vehicle; retrieving a predetermined case map from a computer memory, the predetermined case map specifying, for a plurality of antenna frequency combinations, an amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation below a predetermined threshold; as well as adjusting a maximum RF power of one or more antennas based on a current frequency combination and a predetermined situation mapping, via instructions provided by a processor to one or more amplifiers of the antennas, thereby reducing receiver performance degradation between the antennas; Each of the amplifiers is controlled by a control system based on a predetermined condition map associated with a corresponding antenna; The control system uses the data from the mapping to control the maximum uplink RF power of each antenna via its corresponding amplifier to minimize degradation including interference between antennas.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined case map is generated during a development phase in which the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation is examined for a number of different frequency combinations.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Each different frequency combination is analyzed using scientific models to determine the uplink RF power reduction required to reduce the degradation.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Each different frequency combination was physically tested to determine the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce the degradation.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The adjustment of the maximum uplink RF power of the one or more antennas includes a reduction in power of less than fifty percent of a total uplink RF power of the one or more antennas.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The adjustment of the maximum uplink RF power of the one or more antennas includes a reduction in power of less than twenty-five percent of a total uplink RF power of the one or more antennas.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The adjustment of the maximum uplink RF power of the one or more antennas includes a reduction in power of less than five percent of a total uplink RF power of the one or more antennas.

8. A vehicle comprising: Car body; a plurality of antennas stored adjacent to one another on the vehicle body; a plurality of amplifiers coupled to the plurality of antennas or portions of the plurality of antennas; a computer memory storing a predetermined case map listed for each of a plurality of frequency combinations for a plurality of antennas of the vehicle, the predetermined case map specifying for each frequency combination an amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation below a predetermined threshold; and A computer processor configured to: retrieving a predetermined situation map from a computer memory; determining a current frequency combination of a current plurality of frequencies of a plurality of antennas of the vehicle; as well as providing instructions to one or more amplifiers to adjust maximum RF power to one or more antennas to reduce receiver performance degradation between the antennas; Each of the amplifiers is controlled by a control system based on a predetermined condition map associated with a corresponding antenna; The control system uses the data from the mapping to control the maximum uplink RF power of each antenna via its corresponding amplifier to minimize degradation including interference between antennas.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The predetermined case map is generated during a development phase in which the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation is examined for a plurality of different frequency combinations, and wherein, for each different frequency combination, the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation is determined by analysis using a scientific model.

10. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The predetermined case map is generated during a development phase in which the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation is examined for a plurality of different frequency combinations, and wherein the amount of uplink RF power reduction required to reduce degradation is determined by physical testing for each different frequency combination.

Images