Method for determining the connection state between an antenna amplifier and an antenna structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining a connection state between an antenna amplifier and an antenna structure, wherein the method comprises: applying a first diagnostic voltage (U1) between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure to a connection link and reading out (103) a first voltage value (U1 read ) at a measurement point of the connection link; comparing (105) the first voltage value (U1 read ) with the first diagnostic voltage (U1); applying a second diagnostic voltage (U2) to the connection link, which is different from the first diagnostic voltage (U1), and reading out a second voltage value (U2 read ) at the measurement point of the connection link; comparing (111) the second voltage value (U2 read ) with the second diagnostic voltage (U2); and determining (113) a connection fault between the antenna amplifier (201) and the antenna structure (203) if the first voltage value (U1 read ) corresponds to the first diagnostic voltage (U1) and the second voltage value (U2 read ) corresponds to the second diagnostic voltage (U2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for determining the connection state between an antenna amplifier and an antenna structure. The invention also relates to a diagnostic module for performing the method, and specifically to an antenna amplifier. Background Technology

[0002] When a window heater is used in conjunction with an antenna structure in a vehicle, it is essential to determine whether the antenna amplifier is connected to the antenna structure. For this purpose, diagnostic measurements of the voltage or current at the connection point between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure are known in the prior art. However, to clearly interpret the voltage or current values ​​measured in this way, information about the connection point between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure is required. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved method for determining the connection state between an antenna amplifier and an antenna structure, a diagnostic module for performing the method, and an antenna amplifier including the diagnostic module.

[0004] The object of the present invention is achieved by the method, diagnostic module, and antenna amplifier according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for determining the connection state between an antenna amplifier and an antenna structure, wherein the antenna structure is configured as a window antenna for a vehicle and includes at least one heating wire for a window heater for the vehicle, and wherein the method includes:

[0006] A first diagnostic voltage is applied to the connection link between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure, and a first voltage value is read at the measurement point of the connection link, wherein the first voltage value is determined as the potential difference between the potential at the measurement point of the connection link and the ground potential;

[0007] Compare the first voltage value with the first diagnostic voltage;

[0008] A second diagnostic voltage, different from the first diagnostic voltage, is applied to the connection link, and the second voltage value is read at the measurement point of the connection link, wherein the second voltage value is determined as the potential difference between the potential at the measurement point of the connection link and the ground potential.

[0009] Compare the second voltage value with the second diagnostic voltage; and

[0010] If the first voltage value corresponds to the first diagnostic voltage and the second voltage value corresponds to the second diagnostic voltage, then a connection fault between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure is determined.

[0011] Therefore, it is possible to achieve the technical advantage of providing an improved method for determining the connection state between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure, wherein the antenna structure is configured as a window antenna for a vehicle and includes at least one heating wire for a window heater for a vehicle.

[0012] By using two different diagnostic voltages and comparing the recorded voltage values ​​with the corresponding diagnostic voltages, the connection status between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure can be determined without knowing whether the window heater of the antenna structure is on or off. Using different diagnostic voltages avoids the situation where, accidentally, the diagnostic voltage applied to the connection link to determine the connection status corresponds to the potential of the switching element of the window heater. In this case, where the applied diagnostic voltage corresponds to the potential of the switching element, it is impossible to distinguish whether a faulty connection exists between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure, or whether a fault-free connection exists, but the switching element of the window heater is switched to the closed state, and therefore the potential of the switching element corresponds to the applied diagnostic voltage. In both cases, the corresponding measured voltage values ​​will correspond to the respective applied diagnostic voltages.

[0013] By using two different diagnostic voltages, if the measured voltage values ​​correspond to the two different diagnostic voltages, a faulty connection between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure can be clearly determined. Furthermore, by means of the method according to the invention, the connection status can be determined without knowing the connection point where the antenna amplifier is connected to the antenna structure via a connection link. Therefore, the method according to the invention is applicable to any antenna structure with different connection points, to which the corresponding antenna amplifier can be connected.

[0014] Here, the connection status is indicated by a fault-free connection between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure, or by a faulty connection between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0016] If the first voltage value is different from the first diagnostic voltage and / or the second voltage value is different from the second diagnostic voltage, then a fault-free connection between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure is determined.

[0017] This provides a technical advantage in offering a clear method for determining the connection status between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure. If, based on the aforementioned measurements, at least one of the first or second voltage values ​​differs from the corresponding first or second diagnostic voltage, a fault-free connection between the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure can be determined. By using two different diagnostic voltages again in each case, a fault-free connection can be achieved without knowing the switching state of the window heater's switching elements or the connection point of the antenna amplifier at the antenna structure.

[0018] According to one embodiment, if the antenna amplifier is not connected to the antenna structure via a connecting element, a fault connection is indicated.

[0019] This allows for the technical advantage that, by detecting fault connections, it is possible to detect when an antenna amplifier is not connected to the antenna structure via the corresponding connecting element. Therefore, fault connection detection is not limited to damage to the connection link, but can also detect fault connections in the antenna amplifier.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a first diagnostic voltage and a second diagnostic voltage are applied to the connection link via a diagnostic resistor.

[0021] This allows for the precise determination of the first and second voltage values, or the first and second diagnostic voltages, because the voltage drop across the diagnostic resistor can be tapped. Therefore, accurate and simple measurement of the voltage values ​​becomes possible.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first diagnostic voltage and / or the second diagnostic voltage and / or the first voltage value and / or the second voltage value are DC voltages.

[0023] This allows for a technological advantage: enabling a simple and accurate measurement method to determine the match between the diagnostic voltage and the readout voltage value.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the method is executed cyclically during the operation of the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure.

[0025] This provides the technological advantage of being able to determine the connection status of the antenna amplifier and antenna structure at any time during operation. Therefore, changes in the connection status can be determined at any time.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the method is performed during the turn-on operation of the antenna amplifier and / or antenna structure.

[0027] This provides a technological advantage in providing a connection status during the switching operation of the antenna amplifier or antenna structure.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the antenna structure and window heater can be integrated into the rear window, front window, or side window of the vehicle.

[0029] This provides a technical advantage by offering a method for determining the connection state of an antenna structure that can be integrated with window heaters in the rear, front, or side windows of a vehicle.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the invention, a diagnostic module for determining the connection state between an antenna amplifier and an antenna structure is provided, wherein the diagnostic module is connectable to the antenna amplifier and the antenna structure, wherein the diagnostic module includes a generation unit for generating a diagnostic voltage and a readout unit for reading out a voltage value and comparing the voltage value with the diagnostic voltage, and wherein the diagnostic module is configured to perform a method for determining the connection state between the antenna structure and the antenna amplifier according to one of the foregoing embodiments of the invention.

[0031] This provides the technical advantage of having an improved diagnostic module for determining the connection status between the antenna amplifier and the separation structure, the module being configured to perform the method according to the invention, which has the aforementioned technical advantages.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the generation unit includes a microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller includes a digital-to-analog converter and / or a pulse width modulation output, and wherein the microcontroller is arranged to generate a first diagnostic voltage and a second diagnostic voltage.

[0033] This allows for the technical advantage of being able to provide the first and second diagnostic voltages accurately and reliably.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the readout unit includes an analog-to-digital converter and / or a comparator, wherein the readout unit is configured to compare a first voltage value with a first diagnostic voltage and a second voltage value with a second diagnostic voltage.

[0035] This enables the following technical advantages: accurate and reliable reading of the first and second voltage values, and accurate and reliable comparison of the first and second voltage values ​​with the first and second diagnostic voltages.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the diagnostic module further includes a diagnostic resistor, wherein the resistance of the diagnostic resistor is higher than the resistance of the elements of the antenna structure.

[0037] This allows for the technological advantage of enabling precise voltage measurement. In this case, the antenna structure components may specifically include heating wires for the antenna structure.

[0038] According to a third aspect of the invention, an antenna amplifier is provided, which includes a diagnostic module according to one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the diagnostic module is integrated into the antenna amplifier.

[0039] This enables the provision of an improved antenna amplifier, which includes a diagnostic module according to the invention that possesses the aforementioned technical advantages.

[0040] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an antenna system is provided, comprising an antenna amplifier, an antenna structure wherein the antenna structure is integrated into a heating element for a vehicle window, and a diagnostic module according to one of the foregoing embodiments is provided.

[0041] Therefore, an improved antenna system including a diagnostic module with the aforementioned technical advantages can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following are shown:

[0043] Figure 1 An antenna system including an antenna structure and an antenna amplifier according to one embodiment is schematically depicted.

[0044] Figure 2 An equivalent circuit diagram of an antenna system including an antenna structure and an antenna amplifier according to one embodiment is depicted, and

[0045] Figure 3 A flowchart is depicted for a method for determining the connection state between an antenna amplifier and an antenna structure according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Figure 1 An antenna system 200 including an antenna amplifier 201 and an antenna structure 203 according to one embodiment is schematically depicted.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna system 200 includes an antenna amplifier 201 and an antenna structure 203. In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna structure 203 is integrated into a window heater 207 that includes multiple heating wires 205, wherein the antenna structure 203 includes at least one heating wire 205 of the window heater 207. Alternatively, the antenna structure 203 may include multiple or all of the heating wires 205 of the window heater 207. Therefore, the heating wires 205 serve both as heating elements of the window heater 207 and as elements of the antenna structure 203.

[0048] The heating element 207 also includes a voltage source 217 and a switching element 215, by means of which the heating wire 205 can be energized and the corresponding heating effect can be achieved. Therefore, through the circuit of the switching element 215, the heating wire 205 can be set to the potential of the voltage source 217 or the potential of ground 219.

[0049] The antenna structure 203 also includes two filter elements 213, which are configured, for example, as low-pass filters, and through which high-frequency signals of the antenna structure 203 can be prevented from entering the wiring of the voltage source 217 or the switching element 215 of the window heater 207.

[0050] Antenna amplifier 201 is connected to antenna structure 203 via connecting link 209. For this purpose, connecting link 209 is arranged at connection point P on antenna structure 203 via connecting element 211. Connecting link 209 and connecting element 211 can, for example, be formed as plug elements with conductive connecting wires. Depending on the manufacturer of the antenna structure or window heater 207 used, the provided connection point P can vary along the direction D of heating wire 205. Depending on the positioning of connection point P along direction D, the potential applied to the corresponding connecting element 211 can vary.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna amplifier 201 further includes a diagnostic module 300. The diagnostic module 300 is configured to perform a method according to the invention for determining the connection state between the antenna amplifier 201 and the antenna structure 203.

[0052] Figure 2 An equivalent circuit diagram of an antenna system 200 including an antenna amplifier 201 and an antenna structure 203 according to one embodiment is depicted.

[0053] The equivalent circuit diagram shown describes the circuit based on... Figure 1 Antenna system 200 in the embodiment of the Chinese version.

[0054] Antenna amplifier 201 is connected to antenna structure 203 or window heater 207 via connection link 209. Connection link 209 is connected to antenna structure 203 at connection point P via connection element 211. In the illustrated embodiment, only one heating wire 205 of antenna structure 203 or window heater 207 is shown, but this is not intended to limit the invention. Alternatively, multiple heating wires 205 of window heater 207 can be used as elements of antenna structure 203.

[0055] Current can be supplied to the heating wire 205 via the voltage source 217 and the switching element 215. The heating wire 205 has resistances R1 and R2, which are affected, for example, by the specific material properties and / or length of the heating wire 205. The values ​​of resistances R1 and R2 depend in particular on the position of the connection point P on the respective heating wire 205, through which the lengths of the two segments of the heating wire are affected.

[0056] Furthermore, the antenna signal S of the antenna structure 203 can be output via the capacitor C, and the antenna signal S is amplified accordingly by the antenna amplifier 201.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna amplifier 201 includes a diagnostic module 300 according to the invention. The diagnostic module 300 includes a generation unit 301 and a readout unit 303. By means of the generation unit 301, diagnostic voltages U1 and U2 can be generated and applied to the connection link 209. For this purpose, the generation unit 301 includes a voltage source 221. Here, the first and second diagnostic voltages U1 and U2 are successively applied to the connection link 209 relative to ground potential. For this purpose, the generation unit 301 may, for example, include a microcontroller with a digital-to-analog converter and / or pulse width modulation output (neither of which is included in the output). Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). Through a digital-to-analog converter, different DC voltages can be generated for different sampling frequencies as the first and second diagnostic voltages U1 and U2. Alternatively or additionally, by using an additional low-pass filter ( Figure 2 (Not shown in the image), a DC voltage can be generated from the pulse width modulation signal output by the pulse width modulation. Therefore, by changing the sampling frequency of the pulse width modulation output, different DC voltages can be generated as the first and second diagnostic voltages U1 and U2.

[0058] Readout unit 303 is also configured to sequentially read out voltage value U1 at connection link 209. read U2 read They are then compared with the corresponding manufactured and applied diagnostic voltages U1 and U2. To read the voltage value U1... read U2 read The readout unit 303 is connected to the connection link 209 via the measurement point MP and is configured to read the voltage present at the measurement point MP on the connection link 209. The voltage at the measurement point MP is here determined as the potential difference between the potential at the measurement point MP and the ground potential.

[0059] To compare the read voltage value U1 read U2 read The readout unit 303 may include an analog-to-digital converter and / or a comparator (neither of which is in the readout unit). Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). The voltage value U1 can be read out at the corresponding sampling frequency via an analog-to-digital converter. readU2 read The analog voltage signal is sampled and converted into a digital signal. The digital signal can then be processed by a microcontroller and / or compared with the first or second diagnostic voltages U1 and U2 applied respectively using a comparator.

[0060] The reading unit 303 reads the measurement point MP of the voltage applied to the connection link 209 at which it can be located at the diagnostic resistor R of the diagnostic module 300 connected to the connection link 209. diag Between the connection point P at link 209 and the connection link 209. In this case, the diagnostic resistor R diag The elements of antenna structure 201 must be configured to have resistance values ​​much higher than those of the components R1 and R2 in antenna structure 203. The components of antenna structure 201 can be specifically provided by the heating wire 205 of window heater 207. A diagnostic resistor R is used as a comparison with resistances R1 and R2. diag The higher values ​​of the applied diagnostic voltages U1 and U2 prevent current flow between the diagnostic module 300 and the antenna structure 203. Furthermore, the diagnostic resistor R... diag This allows different voltage values ​​at the measurement point MP to be read based on the voltage applied to the antenna structure 203.

[0061] For reference Figure 1 As described, the connection point P between the antenna amplifier 201 and the antenna structure 203 can vary for different manufacturers along the direction D of the heating line 205, and thus the potential appearing at the corresponding connection element 211 can also present different values.

[0062] To determine the connection status between antenna amplifier 201 and antenna structure 203, indicating whether antenna amplifier 201 is connected to antenna structure 203, a first diagnostic voltage U1 is generated by generation unit 301 of diagnostic module 300 and applied to connection link 209. The corresponding first voltage value U1 is read out at the measurement point via readout unit 303. read This value is then compared with the first diagnostic voltage U1. When the first diagnostic voltage U1 is applied, the first voltage value U1 is read. read .

[0063] If the first voltage value U1 is read read Different from the applied first diagnostic voltage U1, a fault-free connection between the antenna amplifier 201 and the antenna structure 203 can be determined.

[0064] Considering the limiting value, a deviation may occur here, such that if the difference between the corresponding applied diagnostic voltage and the corresponding measured voltage value is greater than the limiting value, then the voltage value U1 read U2 readUnlike the corresponding diagnostic voltages U1 and U2. On the other hand, if the voltage value U1 read U2 read If the difference between the diagnostic voltages U1 and U2 is less than or equal to the limit value, then the voltage value U1 read is... read U2 read Corresponding to the corresponding diagnostic voltages U1 and U2.

[0065] In the circuit shown, special consideration is given to the diagnostic resistor R. diag and arranged in the diagnostic resistor R diag The measurement point MP is connected to the connection point P, and the voltage value U1 relative to the ground potential is determined. read U2 read When the antenna amplifier 201 is connected to the antenna structure 203 without faults via connection point P, the readout unit 303 measures the voltage corresponding to the voltage present at the antenna structure 203 at the measurement point MP. In this case, when the antenna amplifier 201 and the antenna structure 203 are connected without faults, the voltage value U1 read at the measurement point MP is... read U2 read Independent of the corresponding applied diagnostic voltages U1 and U2. In the case of connecting antenna amplifier 201, where there is an electrical connection between antenna amplifier 201 and antenna structure 203, and therefore an electrical connection between measurement point MP and connection point P, the potential at measurement point MP corresponds to the potential at connection point P. Therefore, the voltage measurement at measurement point MP determines the potential at connection point P.

[0066] However, in the event of a faulty connection between antenna amplifier 201 and antenna structure 203, there is no electrical connection between measurement point MP and connection point P. If a voltage is measured at measurement point MP, the potential at measurement point MP is therefore primarily affected by the applied diagnostic voltages U1 and U2.

[0067] In the event of a fault connection, where antenna amplifier 201 is not connected to antenna structure 203, the read voltage value U1 can be expected. read Corresponding to the applied first diagnostic voltage U1. Because R has a significantly higher resistance compared to the resistances R1 and R2 of the antenna structure 203. diag With the circuitry of the measurement point MP arranged as described above, if the antenna amplifier 201 fails to connect to the antenna structure 203 at the measurement point MP, the readout unit 303 mainly measures the corresponding applied diagnostic voltages U1 and U2.

[0068] However, if the first voltage value U1 readCorresponding to the first diagnostic voltage U1, it is not yet clear whether there is a fault connection between the antenna amplifier 201 and the antenna structure 203. This is because, in the case of a fault connection at measurement point MP, the applied diagnostic voltage U1 is read, while in the case of a fault-free connection at the measurement point, the voltage of the antenna structure 203 is read. Therefore, the first voltage value U1... read The correspondence with the first diagnostic voltage U1 may be affected by faulty or fault-free connections, wherein, in the case of a fault-free connection, the voltage applied to the antenna structure additionally matches the diagnostic voltage U1. This is particularly likely to occur during the operation of the window heater 207, where the switching element 215 of the window heater 207 is closed and the heating wire 205 is energized via the voltage source 217. Depending on the design / size of the voltage source 217 and the characteristics of the window heater 207 and the heating wire 205, a voltage drop may exist at the connection point P due to the operation of the window heater, which corresponds to the applied diagnostic voltage U1. Therefore, without knowing the switching state of the switching element 215 or the operating state of the window heater, a clear conclusion cannot be drawn based on the first measurement.

[0069] According to the present invention, in the first voltage value U1 read read Corresponding to the applied first diagnostic voltage, a second diagnostic voltage U2, different from the first diagnostic voltage U1, is therefore generated by the generation unit 301 and applied to the connection link 209. Second voltage value U2 read The corresponding reading is read by the readout unit 303 and compared with the applied second diagnostic voltage U2, wherein the readout is performed again when the second diagnostic voltage U2 is applied.

[0070] If the second voltage value U2 is read read Corresponding to the applied second diagnostic voltage U2, a fault connection between the antenna amplifier 201 and the antenna structure 203 is determined. In this case, the first readout voltage value U1... read Corresponding to the first applied diagnostic voltage U1, and the second readout voltage value U2 read This corresponds to the second applied diagnostic voltage U2. Since the first and second diagnostic voltages U1 and U2 are different, this result is unrelated to the switching state and potential of the switching element 215 of the window heater 207, and may only be caused by a faulty connection between the antenna amplifier 201 and the antenna structure 203. In this case, voltage variations in the antenna structure 203 can be ruled out because the window heater operates at a constant operating voltage, and the connection point P remains unchanged.

[0071] Faulty connections identified in this way can be based on defects or faulty connections, for example, in connection link 209.

[0072] On the other hand, if the second voltage value U2 is read read Unlike the applied second diagnostic voltage U2, a fault-free connection between the antenna amplifier 201 and the antenna structure 203 can be determined. As mentioned above, since the applied diagnostic voltage U2 is primarily measured in the case of a fault connection at measurement point MP, rather than the voltage of the antenna structure, the deviation between the measured voltage value and the corresponding applied voltage can only be explained by a fault-free connection, where, as mentioned above, the voltage of the antenna structure 203 is primarily measured at measurement point MP.

[0073] According to one embodiment, diagnostic voltages U1, U2 and corresponding readout voltage values ​​U1 read U2 read It is configured to DC voltage.

[0074] Antenna structure 203 and window antenna 207 can be specifically integrated into the rear window, front window or side window of the vehicle.

[0075] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method 100 for determining the connection state between an antenna amplifier 201 and an antenna structure 203 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0076] The method 100 for determining the connection state between the antenna amplifier 201 and the antenna structure 203 according to the present invention can be applied to... Figure 1 and 2 The antenna system 200 is executed by the corresponding diagnostic module 300.

[0077] In order to determine the connection status, in the first step 101, a first diagnostic voltage U1 is first applied to the connection link 209.

[0078] In method step 103, the first voltage value U1 is read from the connection link 209. read When the first diagnostic voltage U1 is applied to the connection link 209, the first voltage value U1 read It is read out. In this case, the first voltage value U1 read The reading is taken at measurement point MP on connection link 209 and determined as the potential difference between the potential at measurement point MP and the ground potential.

[0079] In method step 105, the first voltage value U1 read is... read Compare with the applied first diagnostic voltage U1.

[0080] If the comparison result indicates that the first voltage value U1 is read... read Unlike the applied first diagnostic voltage U1, a fault-free connection between the antenna amplifier 201 and the antenna structure 207 is determined in method step 115.

[0081] However, if the comparison result in method step 105 indicates that the first voltage value U1 read is... read Corresponding to the applied first diagnostic voltage U1, in method step 107, a second diagnostic voltage U2, different from the first diagnostic voltage U1, is applied to the connection link 209.

[0082] In method step 109, the second voltage value U2 is read at connection link 209. read Among them, at the measurement point MP, the first voltage value U1 read Similarly, the voltage value is read out, and the voltage value is determined as the potential difference between the potential at the measurement point and the ground potential. When the second diagnostic voltage U2 is applied to the connection link 209, the second voltage value U2... read It was read aloud.

[0083] In step 111 of the method, the read second voltage value U2 is... read Compare with the applied second diagnostic voltage U2.

[0084] If the comparison result in step 111 indicates that the second voltage value U2 has been read... read Unlike the applied second diagnostic voltage U2, a fault-free connection between the antenna amplifier 201 and the antenna structure 203 is determined in method step 115.

[0085] However, if the comparison result in step 111 indicates that the second voltage value U2 has been read... read Unlike the applied second diagnostic voltage U2, a fault-free connection between the antenna amplifier 201 and the antenna structure 203 is determined in method step 113.

[0086] The diagnostic results regarding the connection status based on the results of steps 113 and 115 can be displayed to the user according to the corresponding diagnostic messages or by means of diagnostic signals.

[0087] The method 100 according to the present invention can be cyclically executed during the operation of the antenna amplifier 201 or the antenna structure 203, such that the corresponding connection status of the antenna amplifier 201 and the antenna structure 203 can be continuously displayed to the user via corresponding status messages or corresponding status signals. Alternatively or additionally, by executing the method 100, the corresponding connection status can be displayed to the user during the turn-on operation of the antenna amplifier 201 or the antenna structure 203.

[0088] Unlike the process described above, multiple different diagnostic voltages with their own distinct values ​​can be generated, applied to the connection link 209, and the corresponding voltage values ​​can be read out and compared with the corresponding diagnostic voltages.

[0089] List of reference numerals

[0090] 100 methods

[0091] 101 Apply voltage

[0092] 103 Read voltage value

[0093] 105 Compare voltage values ​​with voltage

[0094] 107 Apply voltage

[0095] 109 Read voltage value

[0096] 111 Compare voltage values ​​with voltage

[0097] 113 Identify Faulty Connection

[0098] 115 confirms fault-free connection

[0099] 200 antenna system

[0100] 201 Antenna Amplifier

[0101] 203 antenna structure

[0102] 205 heating wire

[0103] 207 Window Heater

[0104] 209 connecting cable

[0105] 211 Connecting Components

[0106] 213 filter element

[0107] 215 Switching Components

[0108] 217 voltage source

[0109] 219

[0110] 221 voltage source

[0111] 300 Diagnostic Module

[0112] 301 Generation Unit

[0113] 303 Readout Unit

[0114] U1 First Diagnostic Voltage

[0115] U2 Second Diagnostic Voltage

[0116] U1 read First voltage value

[0117] U2 read Second voltage value

[0118] R diagDiagnostic resistors

[0119] resistor R1

[0120] resistor R2

[0121] C capacitor

[0122] S-antenna signal

[0123] P connection point

[0124] MP measurement points

[0125] D direction

Claims

1. A method (100) for determining the connection state between an antenna amplifier (201) and an antenna structure (203), wherein, The antenna structure (203) is configured as a window antenna for a vehicle and includes at least one heating wire (205) for a window heater (207) for a vehicle, wherein the method (100) includes: A first diagnostic voltage (U1) (101) is applied to the connection link (209) between the antenna amplifier (201) and the antenna structure (203), and a first voltage value (U1) (103) is read at the measurement point (MP) of the connection link (209). read ), wherein the first voltage value (U1) read The potential difference between the potential at the measurement point (MP) of the connection link (209) and the ground potential is determined to be the potential difference between the potential at the measurement point (MP) of the connection link (209). The first voltage value (U1) read The voltage is compared with the first diagnostic voltage (U1) (105); A second diagnostic voltage (U2) different from the first diagnostic voltage (U1) is applied (107) to the connection link (209), and the second voltage value (U2) is read (109) at the measurement point (MP) of the connection link (209). read ), wherein the second voltage value (U2) read The potential difference between the potential at the measurement point (MP) of the connection link (209) and the ground potential is determined to be the potential difference between the potential at the measurement point (MP) of the connection link (209). The second voltage value (U2) read The voltage is compared with the second diagnostic voltage (U2) (111); and If the first voltage value (U1) read The voltage value is equal to the first diagnostic voltage (U1) and the second voltage value (U2) ... second diagnostic voltage (U2). read If the voltage is equal to the second diagnostic voltage (U2), then a fault connection between the antenna amplifier (201) and the antenna structure (203) is determined (113).

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: If the first voltage value (U1) read The voltage value is different from the first diagnostic voltage (U1) and / or the second voltage value (U2). read If the voltage is different from the second diagnostic voltage (U2), then a fault-free connection between the antenna amplifier (201) and the antenna structure (203) is determined (115).

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the antenna amplifier (201) is not connected to the antenna structure (203) via the connecting element (211), a fault connection is indicated.

4. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first diagnostic voltage (U1) and the second diagnostic voltage (U2) are transmitted via a diagnostic resistor (R). diag ) is applied to the connection link (209).

5. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first diagnostic voltage (U1) and / or the second diagnostic voltage (U2) and / or the first voltage value (U1) read ) and / or the second voltage value (U2) read () is DC voltage.

6. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The method is performed cyclically during the operation of the antenna amplifier (201) and the antenna structure (203).

7. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The method (100) is performed during the turn-on operation of the antenna amplifier (201) and / or the antenna structure (203).

8. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The antenna structure (203) and the window heater (207) are integrated into the rear window, front window or side window of the vehicle.

9. A diagnostic module (300) for determining the connection state between an antenna amplifier (201) and an antenna structure (203), wherein, The diagnostic module (300) is connectable to the antenna amplifier (201) and the antenna structure (203), wherein the diagnostic module (300) includes a generation unit (301) for generating diagnostic voltages (U1, U2), and a unit for reading out voltage values ​​(U1, U2). read U2 read ) and the voltage value (U1) read U2 read The diagnostic module (300) is configured to perform a method (100) for determining the connection state between the antenna amplifier (201) and the antenna structure (203) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-8.

10. The diagnostic module (300) according to claim 9, wherein, The generation unit (301) includes a microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller includes a digital-to-analog converter and / or a pulse width modulation output, and wherein the microcontroller is configured to generate the first diagnostic voltage (U1) and the second diagnostic voltage (U2).

11. The diagnostic module (300) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The readout unit (303) includes an analog-to-digital converter and / or a comparator, wherein the readout unit (303) is configured to read the first voltage value (U1) from the input voltage value (U1). read The second voltage value (U2) is compared with the first diagnostic voltage (U1) and the second voltage value (U2) is compared with the first diagnostic voltage (U1). read The voltage is compared with the second diagnostic voltage (U2).

12. The diagnostic module (300) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The diagnostic module (300) also includes a diagnostic resistor (R). diag ), and wherein the diagnostic resistor (R) diag It has a higher resistance than the elements (R1, R2) of the antenna structure (203).

13. An antenna amplifier (201) comprising a diagnostic module (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The diagnostic module (300) is integrated into the antenna amplifier (201).

14. An antenna system (200) comprising an antenna amplifier (201), an antenna structure (203), and a diagnostic module (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The antenna structure (203) is integrated into the window heater (207) for the vehicle window.

Images