Amplifier module and wireless communication system

Abstract

The invention provides an amplifier module and a wireless communication system, which can inform a main body of the connection state of an antenna and have a simple structure. The amplifier module is disposed between an antenna for wireless communication and a main body of a wireless communication device, is connected to the antenna via a first wiring member, and is connected to the main body via a second wiring member, and includes: an antenna-side terminal to which the first wiring member is connected; a main body-side terminal to which the second wiring member is connected; an amplification unit provided between the antenna-side terminal and the main body-side terminal; an impedance detection unit that detects the impedance of the antenna-side terminal; a determination unit that determines the connection state of the antenna with respect to the antenna-side terminal on the basis of the impedance detected by the impedance detection unit; and a control unit that causes the amplifier to output a first state signal indicating the connection state to the main body-side terminal side when the determination unit determines that the connection state is abnormal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an amplifier module and a wireless communication system. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is an amplifier module that is disposed between an antenna for wireless communication and a main body of a wireless communication device and is connected to the antenna and the main body via a wiring member. The amplifier module includes: an antenna-side terminal connected to the antenna; a main body-side terminal connected to the main body; an amplifier circuit disposed between the antenna-side terminal and the main body-side terminal; an antenna detection circuit that detects electrical characteristics of the antenna-side terminal; and a characteristic variable circuit that changes the electrical characteristics of the main body-side terminal based on the electrical characteristics of the antenna-side terminal detected by the antenna detection circuit (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior Art Literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 059172

[0006] However, the conventional amplifier module requires a characteristic variable circuit for changing the electrical characteristics of the main body-side terminal, and there is room for further simplification of the structure. Summary of the invention

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an amplifier module and a wireless communication system which are capable of notifying a main unit of the connection state of an antenna and have a simple structure.

[0008] -Methods for solving problems-

[0009] An amplifier module of an embodiment of the present invention is arranged between an antenna for wireless communication and a main body of a wireless communication device, is connected to the antenna via a first wiring member, and is connected to the main body via a second wiring member, and includes: an antenna side terminal connected to the first wiring member; a main body side terminal connected to the second wiring member; an amplifier arranged between the antenna side terminal and the main body side terminal; an impedance detection unit for detecting the impedance of the antenna side terminal; a determination unit for determining a connection state of the antenna relative to the antenna side terminal based on the impedance detected by the impedance detection unit; and a control unit for causing the amplifier to output a first state signal indicating the connection state to the main body side terminal when the determination unit determines that the connection state is abnormal.

[0010] -Effects of the Invention-

[0011] An amplifier module and a wireless communication system that can notify a main unit of the connection state of an antenna and have a simple structure can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the amplifier module and the wireless communication system according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2A It is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2B It is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the amplifier module according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of a first state signal, a second state signal, and a third state signal.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the MCU of the amplifier module according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a wireless communication system according to a modified example of the embodiment.

[0018] -Description of Reference Numerals-

[0019] 10 Antenna

[0020] 20 Main body

[0021] 20A terminal

[0022] 25 Control Department

[0023] Cables 30, 30A, 30B (cable 30A is an example of a first wiring member, and cable 30B is an example of a second wiring member)

[0024] 30MA wiring (an example of the first wiring member)

[0025] 100 amplifier modules

[0026] 101 Antenna side terminal

[0027] 102 Main body side terminal

[0028] 110 signal amplifier (an example of an amplifier)

[0029] 120HPF

[0030] 130LPF

[0031] 140 power circuit

[0032] 150 Impedance detection unit

[0033] 160RF detector

[0034] 170 Temperature Sensor

[0035] 180MCU

[0036] 181 Judgment Department

[0037] 182 Control Department

[0038] 200, 200M wireless communication system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of an amplifier module and a wireless communication system to which the present invention is applied will be described.

[0040] <Implementation Method>

[0041] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the amplifier module 100 and the wireless communication system 200 according to the embodiment. The vehicle 1 is equipped with an antenna 10 for wireless communication, a main body 20 of the wireless communication device, cables 30 (30A and 30B) for communication, and the amplifier module 100. The wireless communication system 200 includes the antenna 10, the main body 20, the cables 30 (30A and 30B), and the amplifier module 100. The cable 30A is an example of a first wiring member, and the cable 30B is an example of a second wiring member.

[0042] The vehicle 1 is typically a passenger car, but may be any type of vehicle. The antenna 10 is an antenna for C-V2X communication (a general term for vehicle-to-vehicle communication and road-to-vehicle communication using cellular) disposed at the rear end of the roof of the vehicle 1, but is not limited to this type. The cable 30 includes a cable 30A connecting the antenna 10 and the amplifier module 100 and a cable 30B connecting the amplifier module 100 and the main body 20.

[0043] The main body 20 is a part having the main function of the wireless communication device. The main body 20 has a terminal 20A for connecting the cable 30B. The main body 20 is combined with the antenna 10, the cable 30 and the amplifier module 100 to form a wireless communication device. As an example, the main body 20 is a navigation ECU (Electronic Control Unit) with a wireless communication function, and as an example, it is arranged near the dashboard of the vehicle 1. The amplifier module 100 is connected to the antenna 10 via the cable 30A, and is connected to the main body 20 via the cable 30B. The amplifier module 100 is located between the antenna 10 and the main body 20 in the electrical connection relationship via the cables 30A and 30B. As the cable 30, a coaxial cable or the like is used in consideration of the influence of electromagnetic wave noise, but it is not limited to this type.

[0044] As an example, the cable 30A is passed through the back side of the roof of the vehicle 1, and the cable 30B is passed through the inside of the A pillar and the back side of the roof of the vehicle 1. As an example, the cable 30A and the cable 30B have FAKRA plugs, and the antenna 10, the main body 20, and the amplifier module 100 have FAKRA jacks, so they can be easily plugged in and out.

[0045] As an example, the amplifier module 100 is arranged on the back side of the roof of the vehicle 1, more specifically, as an example, it is arranged between the roof panel of the vehicle body and the ceiling panel inside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 1. The amplifier module 100 has an antenna side terminal 101 and a body side terminal 102. The antenna side terminal 101 is connected to the cable 30A, and the body side terminal 102 is connected to the cable 30B.

[0046] The amplifier module 100 is disposed in a narrow space with limited width, such as between the roof panel and the ceiling panel inside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the amplifier module 100 and the antenna 10 are connected by a single cable 30A, and the amplifier module 100 and the main body 20 are also connected by a single cable 30B. This is because the space through which the cables 30A and 30B pass is limited.

[0047] In the wireless communication system 200, power is supplied from the main body 20 to the amplifier module 100 using one cable 30B, and communication signals are transmitted and received between the main body 20, the amplifier module 100, and the antenna 10 using cables 30A and 30B. Furthermore, in the wireless communication system 200, abnormalities such as the connection state of the antenna 10 are notified from the amplifier module 100 to the main body 20 using cables 30A and 30B between the main body 20, the amplifier module 100, and the antenna 10.

[0048] The amplifier module 100 may be disposed between the antenna 10 and the main body 20 (in the middle), and may be disposed at a position where the lengths of the cable 30A and the cable 30B are equal between the antenna 10 and the main body 20. When the lengths of the cable 30A and the cable 30B are equal, the amplifier module 100 is disposed at the midpoint of the length of the cable 30. Such a configuration is suitable for increasing the degree of freedom of the installation of the amplifier module 100 in the vehicle interior space. In addition, considering the loss of the transmission signal and the loss of the reception signal, it is preferable to make the cable 30A shorter than the cable 30B.

[0049] Furthermore, the amplifier module 100 does not necessarily need to be disposed at the midpoint of the length of the cable 30 . The cable 30B may be shorter than the cable 30A, and the amplifier module 100 may be disposed inside the A-pillar.

[0050] Furthermore, the cable 30A may be shorter than the cable 30B. In this case, in the path where the cable 30 is arranged between the antenna 10 and the main body 20, the amplifier module 100 can be arranged closer to the antenna 10 than a point at equal distances from the antenna 10 and the main body 20, and the signal level can be compensated near the antenna 10. Generally, the received signal has a lower signal level than the transmitted signal and is easily affected by electromagnetic wave noise, etc. Therefore, by arranging the amplifier module 100 near the antenna 10, it is easy to suppress the influence of electromagnetic wave noise, etc. on the received signal. Therefore, such a configuration is particularly suitable for the case where it is desired to give priority to suppressing the influence of electromagnetic wave noise, etc. on the received signal.

[0051] The amplifier module 100 determines the connection state of the antenna 10 with respect to the antenna terminal 101 based on the impedance of the antenna terminal 101 while being connected to the main body 20 via the cable 30B.

[0052] For example, there are three connection states of the antenna 10 to the antenna terminal 101. The first state is a state (normal connection state) in which the antenna 10 is normally connected to the antenna terminal 101 via the cable 30A without causing abnormality such as short circuit of the cable 30A.

[0053] The second state is when the antenna 10 and the cable 30A are not connected to the antenna terminal 101 and the antenna terminal 101 is open (open state). The open state also occurs when the cable 30A is connected to the antenna terminal 101 and the antenna 10 is disconnected from the cable 30A.

[0054] The third is a state (short circuit state) where a short circuit occurs between the antenna terminal 101 and the ground potential point due to a different type of antenna than the antenna 10 that should be connected to the cable 30A. Another example of a short circuit state is caused by moisture caused by garbage, condensation, etc.

[0055] The open circuit state and the short circuit state are states in which the connection state of the antenna 10 with respect to the antenna-side terminal 101 is abnormal.

[0056] When the amplifier module 100 determines that the connection state of the antenna 10 relative to the antenna side terminal 101 is abnormal when it is connected to the main body 20 via the cable 30B, the signal amplifier 110 outputs a first state signal indicating the connection state to the main body side terminal 102 side. The first state signal output to the main body side terminal 102 side is transmitted to the main body 20 via the cable 30B. The first state signal indicates whether the connection state of the antenna 10 relative to the antenna side terminal 101 is an open circuit state or a short circuit state. The main body 20 can detect the occurrence of either an open circuit state or a short circuit state based on the first state signal. The details of the first state signal will be described later.

[0057] The amplifier module 100 has a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the amplifier module 100, and determines whether a temperature abnormality of the amplifier module 100 has occurred based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. When the amplifier module 100 determines that a temperature abnormality has occurred, the signal amplifier 110 outputs a second state signal indicating a temperature abnormality to the main body side terminal 102 side. The second state signal output to the main body side terminal 102 side is transmitted to the main body 20 via the cable 30B. The second state signal indicates a temperature abnormality of the amplifier module 100. Since the second state signal is different from the first state signal, the main body 20 can detect that a temperature abnormality of the amplifier module 100 has occurred based on the second state signal. The details of the second state signal will be described later.

[0058] The amplifier module 100 determines whether an abnormality in the amount of current on the transmission side of the signal amplifier 110 has occurred based on the amount of current input from the main body side terminal 102. When an abnormality in the amount of current has occurred, the amplifier module 100 causes the signal amplifier 110 to output a third state signal indicating an abnormality in the amount of current on the transmission side of the signal amplifier 110 to the main body side terminal 102 side. The third state signal output to the main body side terminal 102 side is transmitted to the main body 20 via the cable 30B. The third state signal indicates that an abnormality in the amount of current supplied from the cable 30B to the transmission side of the signal amplifier 110 of the amplifier module 100 via the main body side terminal 102 has occurred. Since the third state signal is different from the first state signal and the second state signal, the main body 20 can detect a situation in which an abnormality in the amount of current on the transmission side of the signal amplifier 110 has occurred based on the third state signal. The details of the third state signal will be described later.

[0059] Figure 2A1 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a wireless communication system 200 . The wireless communication system 200 includes an antenna 10 , an antenna substrate 10A, a main body 20 , cables 30 ( 30A and 30B), and an amplifier module 100 .

[0060] <Antenna 10>

[0061] The antenna 10 is mounted on an antenna substrate 10A. The antenna substrate 10A is a wiring substrate of the FR4 (Flame Retardant type 4) standard or the like. The antenna 10 is connected to a terminal 11 of the antenna substrate 10A. The antenna substrate 10A has a terminal 11 and a resistor 12. The terminal 11 is connected to a cable 30A, and is connected to an antenna-side terminal 101 of the amplifier module 100 via the cable 30A.

[0062] The resistor 12 is branched from between the antenna 10 and the terminal 11 and connected between ground potential points. The resistor 12 is used to detect impedance when the amplifier module 100 determines the connection state of the antenna 10 with respect to the antenna-side terminal 101 .

[0063] <Main body 20>

[0064] The main body 20 includes a terminal 20A, lines 21A and 21B, a filter circuit 22 , a capacitor 23 , a resistor 24 , ADCs (Analog to Digital Converters) 1 and 2 , and a control unit 25 .

[0065] The terminal 20A is connected to the cable 30B, and is connected to the main body side terminal 102 of the amplifier module 100 via the cable 30B. The terminal 20A is connected to the line 21A inside the main body 20. The terminal 20A is a terminal that outputs power and RF (Radio Frequency) signals from the main body 20 to the amplifier module 100, and inputs RF signals from the amplifier module 100. As an example, the RF signal is an RF signal for C-V2X communication.

[0066] Line 21A connects terminal 20A and control unit 25 . Line 21B branching from line 21A is connected to terminal 20A. DC blocking capacitor 23 is inserted in series between the branch point of line 21B and control unit 25 .

[0067] Line 21B is a line connecting a branch point with line 21A and a power source. A coil of filter circuit 22 and resistor 24 are inserted in series into line 21B. The power source is a power source of vehicle 1 and is connected to a battery as an example. The power source supplies DC power.

[0068] The filter circuit 22 is an LPF (Low Pass Filter) having a coil and a capacitor. The coil is inserted in series with the line 21B, and the capacitor is connected between the ground potential point at a position closer to the power supply side than the coil. The filter circuit 22 blocks noise included in the DC power supplied from the power supply and outputs it to the line 21A.

[0069] The resistor 24 is connected in series with the line 21B on the power supply side, and is provided in the amplifier module 100 in order to monitor the current of the main body portion 20 .

[0070] ADC1 and ADC2 are connected to both ends of the resistor 24. ADC1 performs digital conversion on the voltage on the power supply side of the resistor 24, and outputs data indicating the voltage value to the control unit 25. ADC2 performs digital conversion on the voltage on the filter circuit 22 side of the resistor 24, and outputs data indicating the voltage value to the control unit 25. The control unit 25 obtains the amount of current flowing through the line 21B using the voltage value input from ADC1 and the voltage value input from ADC2.

[0071] The control unit 25 is a control unit of the main unit 20, and performs, as an example, a transceiver processing for the wireless communication system 200 to perform transceiver of RF signals in C-V2X communication. In addition, the control unit 25 monitors the amount of current supplied from the main unit 20 to the amplifier module 100 based on the difference in voltage values ​​input from ADC1 and ADC2. As an example, the difference in current value is the difference obtained by subtracting the voltage value of ADC2 from the voltage value of ADC1. This is because the current flows in the direction from the power supply to the filter circuit 22.

[0072] <Amplifier module 100>

[0073] Regarding the amplifier module 100, except Figure 2A In addition, use Figure 2B Provide explanation. Figure 2B 1 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the amplifier module 100 .

[0074] The amplifier module 100 includes an antenna side terminal 101, a main body side terminal 102, a line 103, a signal amplifier 110, a HPF (High Pass Filter) 120, an LPF (Low Pass Filter) 130, a power supply circuit 140, an impedance detection unit 150, an RF detector 160, a temperature sensor 170, and an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 180. The signal amplifier 110 is an example of an amplifier.

[0075] <Antenna-Side Terminal 101 and Body-Side Terminal 102>

[0076] The antenna terminal 101 and the cable 30A (see Figure 2A ) is connected to the antenna 10 via the cable 30A. The main body side terminal 102 is connected to the cable 30B (see Figure 2A ) is connected and is connected to the main body 20 via cable 30B.

[0077] <Line 103>

[0078] The line 103 is a line that connects the antenna-side terminal 101 and the body-side terminal 102 inside the amplifier module 100 .

[0079] <Signal Amplifier 110>

[0080] The signal amplifier 110 is inserted in series into the line 103. As an example, the signal amplifier 110 is an amplifier including a PA (Power Amplifier), an LNA (Low Noise Amplifier), a SW (Switch), an ATT (Attenuator), and the like.

[0081] The PA is an amplifier that amplifies the RF signal for transmission output from the antenna side terminal 101 to the antenna 10. The LNA is an amplifier that amplifies the RF signal received by the antenna 10 and input from the antenna side terminal 101. The SW is a switch that switches between the transmission path including the PA and the reception path including the LNA. The ATT is an attenuator that adjusts so that the signal level of the transmission signal is maintained at an appropriate level suitable for the communication standard.

[0082] As an example, the signal amplifier 110 is a front-end module composed of an IC (Integrated Circuit). The signal amplifier 110 is set to a normal state for performing normal operations by an enable signal (EN) input from the MCU 180, and is set to a sleep state by a disable signal (DEN) input from the MCU 180. The sleep state is a state in which the amplification operation of the signal amplifier 110 is invalid. The signal amplifier 110 is set to a normal state when it is not in the sleep state. The normal state is a state in which the amplification operation of the signal amplifier 110 is valid by waking up from the sleep state.

[0083] In the sleep state, the output from the signal amplifier 110 to the main body terminal 102 side becomes a predetermined low level (hereinafter referred to as L level). In the sleep state, the amplification operation of the signal amplifier 110 is invalid, and the amplification operation of the LNA that amplifies the signal transmitted from the antenna side terminal 101 side to the main body terminal 102 is invalid, so the output level from the signal amplifier 110 to the main body terminal 102 side becomes L level.

[0084] In addition, in the normal state, the output from the signal amplifier 110 to the main body side terminal 102 side becomes a given high level (hereinafter referred to as the H level). The H level is higher than the L level. In the normal state, the amplification operation of the signal amplifier 110 is effective, and the amplification operation of the LNA that amplifies the signal transmitted from the antenna side terminal 101 side to the main body side terminal 102 is effective. Therefore, the output level from the signal amplifier 110 to the main body side terminal 102 side becomes the H level, which is higher than the L level. In the case of transmission, the signal to be transmitted from the main body unit 20 side is input from the main body unit 20 to the main body side terminal 102, so it becomes the H level.

[0085] In addition, the signal amplifier 110 has a function of detecting the amount of current input to the PA of the signal amplifier 110 from the main body side terminal 102, and outputs a digital signal representing the detected amount of current to the MCU 180.

[0086] <HPF 120 and LPF 130>

[0087] The HPF 120 is inserted in the line 103 between the main body side terminal 102 and the signal amplifier 110 inside the amplifier module 100. The LPF 130 is inserted in the line branched from between the main body side terminal 102 and the HPF 120 to the power supply circuit 140 inside the amplifier module 100.

[0088] The HPF 120 and the LPF 130 are provided to separate the RF signal and the DC power input from the main body side terminal 102. The RF signal input from the main body side terminal 102 is transmitted to the signal amplifier 110 through the HPF 120, but does not pass through the LPF 130, so it is not supplied to the power supply circuit 140. The DC power input from the main body side terminal 102 is supplied to the power supply circuit 140 through the LPF 130, but does not pass through the HPF 120, so it is not transmitted to the signal amplifier 110.

[0089] <Power supply circuit 140>

[0090] The power supply circuit 140 is connected to the line branched from the line 103 between the main body side terminal 102 and the HPF 120, and is connected to the main body side terminal 102 via the LPF 130. The power supply circuit 140 supplies DC power to the signal amplifier 110, the impedance detection unit 150, the RF detector 160, the temperature sensor 170, and the MCU 180 through a power supply line (not shown).

[0091] <Impedance detection unit 150>

[0092] The impedance detection unit 150 is inserted into a line branched from the line 103 between the antenna-side terminal 101 and the signal amplifier 110, and has an input terminal connected to the antenna-side terminal 101 and an output terminal connected to the MCU 180.

[0093] The impedance detection unit 150 detects the impedance of the antenna-side terminal 101 and outputs a digital signal representing the impedance to the MCU 180. The impedance of the antenna-side terminal 101 detected by the impedance detection unit 150 differs depending on whether the connection state of the antenna 10 to the antenna-side terminal 101 is a normal state, an open state, or a short state.

[0094] <RF detector 160>

[0095] The RF detector 160 is connected by branching from the line 103 on the output side of the HPF 120. The RF detector 160 has an input terminal connected to the output terminal of the HPF 120 and output terminals connected to the signal amplifier 110 and the MCU 180. The RF detector 160 detects the RF signal output from the HPF 120. When the RF detector 160 detects an RF signal, it outputs a detection signal representing the detected signal to the signal amplifier 110 and the MCU 180.

[0096] As a result, the signal amplifier 110 switches the SW to the transmission path according to the detection signal, and the MCU 180 performs transmission control (such as setting the amplification factor of the PA) according to the detection signal. When no detection signal is input, the signal amplifier 110 switches the SW to the reception path, and the MCU 180 performs reception control (such as setting the amplification factor of the LNA) when no detection signal is input.

[0097] <Temperature sensor 170>

[0098] As an example, the temperature sensor 170 is provided inside the housing of the amplifier module 100 and detects the temperature of the amplifier module 100. The temperature sensor 170 outputs a digital signal representing the detected temperature to the MCU 180. The temperature sensor 170 may also be provided inside the MCU 180.

[0099] <mcu180>

[0100] The MCU 180 is realized by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an input / output interface, an internal bus, and the like.

[0101] MCU180 has a determination unit 181 and a control unit 182. The determination unit 181 and the control unit 182 represent the functions of the program executed by MCU180 as functional blocks. MCU180 has a functional processing unit and a memory other than the determination unit 181 and the control unit 182, but Figure 2B In addition, the memory of MCU180 refers to a memory implemented by RAM, ROM, etc.

[0102] <Determination Unit 181>

[0103] The determination unit 181 determines the connection state (normal state, open state, or short-circuit state) of the antenna 10 with respect to the antenna-side terminal 101 based on the impedance detected by the impedance detection unit 150 .

[0104] Furthermore, the determination unit 181 determines whether a temperature abnormality of the amplifier module 100 has occurred based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 170. The determination unit 181 determines whether a temperature abnormality of the amplifier module 100 has occurred when the temperature indicated by the digital signal input from the temperature sensor 170 is equal to or higher than a given threshold.

[0105] Furthermore, the determination unit 181 determines whether an abnormality occurs in the amount of current input from the body side terminal 102 to the PA of the signal amplifier 110 based on the digital signal input from the signal amplifier 110. The abnormality in the amount of current input to the PA of the signal amplifier 110 is an abnormality in the amount of current on the transmission side of the signal amplifier 110.

[0106] <Control Unit 182>

[0107] When the determination unit 181 determines that the connection state is abnormal, the control unit 182 outputs a first state signal indicating the state of connection with the signal amplifier 110 from the main body side terminal 102 to the cable 30B.

[0108] The control unit 182 outputs a control signal for controlling the amplification factor of the PA and LNA of the signal amplifier 110. In addition, the control unit 182 switches the enable signal (EN) and the disable signal (DEN) output to the signal amplifier 110 in a time-division manner to switch the validity and invalidity of the amplification operation of the signal amplifier 110, so that the signal amplifier 110 outputs a first state signal.

[0109] More specifically, the control unit 182 changes the first period during which the enable signal is output to the signal amplifier 110 and the second period during which the disable signal is output to the signal amplifier 110 according to the type of abnormality in the connection state, thereby causing the signal amplifier 110 to output the first state signal indicating the type of abnormality. Figure 3 Describe its details.

[0110] The types of abnormality include the connection state of the antenna 10 with respect to the antenna-side terminal 101 being open and the connection state of the antenna 10 with respect to the antenna-side terminal 101 being short.

[0111] Furthermore, when the determination unit 181 determines that a temperature abnormality has occurred, the control unit 182 causes the signal amplifier 110 to output a second state signal indicating a temperature abnormality to the main body terminal 102 side.

[0112] Furthermore, when the determination unit 181 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the amount of current input from the body side terminal 102 to the PA of the signal amplifier 110 , the control unit 182 causes the signal amplifier 110 to output a third state signal indicating an abnormality in the amount of current of the signal amplifier 110 to the body side terminal 102 .

[0113] The control unit 182 enables the first state signal, the second state signal and the third state signal output by the signal amplifier 110 to be output signals from the signal amplifier 110 to the main body side terminal 102. The control unit 182 switches the enable signal and the disable signal in time division and outputs them to the signal amplifier 110 so that the signal level is switched to H level and L level in time division.

[0114] The patterns of the signal levels of the first state signal, the second state signal, and the third state signal switching between the H level and the L level in a time-division manner are all different. In addition, the pattern of the signal level of the first state signal switching between the H level and the L level in a time-division manner is different between the short-circuit state and the open-circuit state. Figure 3 Describe its details.

[0115] <First State Signal, Second State Signal, and Third State Signal>

[0116] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of a first state signal, a second state signal, and a third state signal. As an example, the state signals used by the amplifier module 100 are four: a first state signal of an open state, a first state signal of a short-circuit state, a second state signal of a temperature abnormality state, and a third state signal of an abnormal current state.

[0117] exist Figure 3 , an example of the order of the L level and the H level and the duration of each level in the first state signal of the open state, the first state signal of the short-circuit state, the second state signal of the temperature abnormality state, and the third state signal of the current abnormality state is shown. The L level in each state signal is an example of the first signal level, and the H level in each state signal is an example of the second signal level. In addition, the period of the L level in each state signal is an example of the first period, and the period of the H level in each state signal is an example of the second period.

[0118] <First state signal of open circuit state>

[0119] As an example, the first state signal of the open circuit state is a signal that alternately switches between the L level and the H level for 1 second each. Such a first state signal of the open circuit state is output from the signal amplifier 110 to the main body side terminal 102 by the control unit 182, which outputs the disable signal and the enable signal alternately for 1 second each. In this way, the first state signal of the open circuit state has a first period and a second period corresponding to the open circuit state. Therefore, the control unit 25 of the main body 20 can be notified of the occurrence of the open circuit state.

[0120] <First State Signal of Short Circuit State>

[0121] As an example, the first state signal of the short-circuit state is a signal that switches between the L level and the H level alternately for 2 seconds each. Such a first state signal of the short-circuit state is output from the signal amplifier 110 to the main body side terminal 102 by the control unit 182 to output the disable signal and the enable signal alternately for 2 seconds each. In this way, the first state signal of the short-circuit state has a first period and a second period corresponding to the short-circuit state. Therefore, the control unit 25 of the main body 20 can be notified that a short-circuit state has occurred.

[0122] <Second State Signal>

[0123] As an example, the second state signal is a signal that alternately switches between the L level and the H level for 3 seconds each. Such a second state signal is output from the signal amplifier 110 to the main body side terminal 102 by the control unit 182, which outputs the disable signal and the enable signal alternately for 3 seconds each. In this way, the second state signal has a first period and a second period corresponding to the temperature abnormality. Therefore, it is possible to notify the control unit 25 of the main body 20 that the temperature abnormality state has occurred.

[0124] <Third State Signal>

[0125] As an example, the third state signal is a signal that alternately switches between the L level and the H level for 4 seconds each. Such a third state signal is output from the signal amplifier 110 to the main body side terminal 102 by the control unit 182 alternately outputting the disable signal and the enable signal for 4 seconds each. In this way, the third state signal has a first period and a second period corresponding to the abnormality of the current amount on the transmission side of the signal amplifier 110. Therefore, the control unit 25 of the main body 20 can be notified of the occurrence of the abnormal state of the current.

[0126] In addition, as an example, the first state signal of the open state, the first state signal of the short state, the second state signal of the temperature abnormality state, and the third state signal of the current abnormality state may continue for about 10 to 20 seconds.

[0127] In this way, by using a first state signal of an open state in which the durations of the L level and the H level are different, a first state signal of a short-circuit state, a second state signal of an abnormal temperature state, and a third state signal of an abnormal current state, the type of abnormality can be notified from the amplifier module 100 to the main body 20 via the cable 30B.

[0128] In addition, Figure 3 In the embodiment, four state signals are shown as an example, namely, a first state signal of an open circuit state, a first state signal of a short circuit state, a second state signal of an abnormal temperature state, and a third state signal of an abnormal current state, but a state signal for notifying the main body 20 of abnormalities other than these may be further added or used in place of the above four state signals. By changing the combination of the first period and the second period, various abnormalities can be notified to the main body 20.

[0129] In addition, Figure 3 , the signal pattern in which the L level period and the H level period in each state signal are equal is shown, but the L level period and the H level period in at least any state signal may be unequal. For example, in the first state signal in the open state, as an example, the L level for 1 second and the H level for 2 seconds may be switched alternately.

[0130] In addition, Figure 3 , a signal pattern is shown in which the same period is set when the L level period and the H level period are repeated in each state signal, but the period may be different when the L level period and the H level period are repeated in at least one state signal. For example, in the first state signal in the open state, as an example, the L level and the H level may be alternately switched for 2 seconds after the L level and the H level are alternately switched for 1 second.

[0131] Furthermore, in the case where the amplifier module 100 does not include the temperature sensor 170 , the control section 182 does not perform the process of alternately outputting the disable signal and the enable signal in a mode for causing the signal amplifier 110 to generate the second state signal.

[0132] Furthermore, when the amplifier module 100 does not detect an abnormality in the current, the control unit 182 does not perform a process of alternately outputting a disable signal and an enable signal in a mode for causing the signal amplifier 110 to generate the third state signal.

[0133] <Flowchart>

[0134] Figure 4 : is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed by MCU 180. When the process starts, MCU 180 performs the following process.

[0135] The determination unit 181 determines whether an open circuit state has occurred based on the digital signal input from the impedance detection unit 150 (step S1 ).

[0136] When the determination unit 181 determines that an open state has occurred (S1: Yes), the control unit 182 alternately switches the disable signal and the enable signal in a pattern corresponding to the open state and outputs them to the signal amplifier 110 (step S1A). After completing the process of step S1A, the MCU 180 ends a series of processes (end).

[0137] When determining in step S1 that an open circuit state has not occurred ( S1 : No), the determination unit 181 determines whether a short circuit state has occurred based on the digital signal input from the impedance detection unit 150 (step S2 ).

[0138] When the determination unit 181 determines that a short circuit has occurred (S2: Yes), the control unit 182 alternately switches the disable signal and the enable signal in a pattern corresponding to the short circuit and outputs them to the signal amplifier 110 (step S2A). After completing the process of step S2A, the MCU 180 ends a series of processes (end).

[0139] When the determination unit 181 determines in step S2 that the short-circuit state has not occurred ( S2 : No), it determines whether an abnormal temperature state has occurred based on the digital signal input from the temperature sensor 170 (step S3 ).

[0140] When the determination unit 181 determines that the temperature abnormality has occurred (S3: Yes), the control unit 182 alternately switches the disable signal and the enable signal in a pattern corresponding to the temperature abnormality and outputs them to the signal amplifier 110 (step S3A). After completing the process of step S3A, the MCU 180 ends a series of processes (end).

[0141] When it is determined in step S3 that the temperature abnormality has not occurred ( S3 : No), the determination unit 181 determines whether the current abnormality has occurred based on the digital signal input from the signal amplifier 110 (step S4 ).

[0142] When the determination unit 181 determines that an abnormal state of current has occurred (S4: Yes), the control unit 182 alternately switches the disable signal and the enable signal in a pattern corresponding to the abnormal state of current and outputs them to the signal amplifier 110 (step S4A). After completing the process of step S4A, the MCU 180 ends a series of processes (end).

[0143] When the determination unit 181 determines in step S4 that an abnormal state in which electric current is not generated ( S4 : No), the series of processes are terminated (END).

[0144] <Wireless Communication System 200M According to Modification of Embodiment>

[0145] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a wireless communication system 200M according to a modification of the embodiment.

[0146] The wireless communication system 200M includes an antenna 10, an antenna substrate 10MA, a main body 20, a cable 30B, and an amplifier module 100. In the wireless communication system 200M, the antenna 10 and the amplifier module 100 are mounted on the antenna substrate 10MA. The antenna substrate 10MA has a terminal 11 and a resistor 12, and Figure 2A The antenna substrate 10A shown is also a wiring substrate.

[0147] The wireless communication system 200M has Figure 2A The amplifier module 100 of the wireless communication system 200 shown is mounted on the antenna substrate 10MA, and the amplifier module 100 and the antenna 10 are connected by the wiring 30MA. The wiring 30MA is an example of a first wiring member, and the cable 30B is an example of a second wiring member.

[0148] In this way, the wireless communication system 200M having a structure in which the amplifier module 100 is mounted on the antenna substrate 10MA and the amplifier module 100 and the antenna 10 are connected by the wiring 30MA can be used with Figure 2A The wireless communication system 200 shown operates in the same manner and achieves the same effects.

[0149] <Effect>

[0150] The amplifier module 100 is arranged between the antenna 10 for wireless communication and the main body 20 of the wireless communication device, connected to the antenna 10 via the cable 30A (first wiring member), and connected to the main body 20 via the cable 30B (second wiring member), and includes: an antenna side terminal 101 connected to the cable 30A; a main body side terminal 102 connected to the cable 30B; a signal amplifier 110 (amplifier) ​​provided between the antenna side terminal 101 and the main body side terminal 102; an impedance detection unit 150 for detecting the impedance of the antenna side terminal 101; a determination unit 181 for determining the connection state of the antenna 10 relative to the antenna side terminal 101 based on the impedance detected by the impedance detection unit 150; and a control unit 182 for causing the signal amplifier 110 to output a first state signal indicating the connection state to the main body side terminal 102 side when the determination unit 181 determines that the connection state is abnormal. In this way, by causing the signal amplifier 110 to output the first state signal indicating the connection state of the antenna 10 to the main body side terminal 102 side, the connection state of the antenna 10 can be notified to the main body 20. Since the signal amplifier 110 outputs the first state signal to the main body terminal 102 side, there is no need to add a circuit for generating the first state signal.

[0151] Therefore, the connection state of the antenna 10 can be notified to the main body 20, and the amplifier module 100 with a simple structure can be provided. Under the constraint that the amplifier module 100 and the antenna 10 are connected by one cable 30A, and the amplifier module 100 and the main body 20 are also connected by one cable 30B, the connection state of the antenna 10 can be notified to the main body 20 with a simple structure that does not require additional circuits.

[0152] Furthermore, the signal amplifier 110 is configured to be able to switch the validity and invalidity of the amplification operation by means of a disable signal and an enable signal, and the control unit 182 can also switch the validity and invalidity of the amplification operation of the signal amplifier 110 by time-divisionally switching the disable signal and the enable signal output to the signal amplifier 110, thereby causing the signal amplifier 110 to output the first state signal. Therefore, it is possible to output the first state signal composed of the output signal of the main body side terminal 102 in the valid state and the invalid state of the amplification operation of the signal amplifier 110, and it is possible to notify the main body 20 of the connection state of the antenna 10 by the first state signal that can be easily output, and it is possible to provide an amplifier module 100 with a simple structure.

[0153] Furthermore, the control unit 182 may change the first period during which the disable signal is output to the signal amplifier 110 and the second period during which the enable signal is output to the signal amplifier 110 according to the type of abnormality in the connection state, thereby outputting the first state signal indicating the type of abnormality to the signal amplifier 110. By changing the first period and the second period according to the type of abnormality in the connection state, the first state signal indicating the type of abnormality can be easily output.

[0154] Furthermore, the first period and the second period may be equal. When the first period and the second period are equal, the type of abnormality can be indicated by a simpler first state signal.

[0155] In addition, the control unit 182 may alternately switch the disable signal and the enable signal output to the signal amplifier 110 whenever the first period and the second period alternately pass, and the first state signal is a signal that alternately switches between a first signal level corresponding to the disable signal that continues during the first period and a second signal level corresponding to the enable signal that continues during the second period. The type of abnormality can be indicated by the first state signal that alternately switches between the first signal level that continues during the first period and the second signal level that continues during the second period.

[0156] In addition, the types of abnormalities may include an open circuit connection state of the antenna 10 relative to the antenna side terminal 101 and a short circuit connection state of the antenna 10 relative to the antenna side terminal 101. The open circuit state and the short circuit state of the antenna 10 can be notified to the main body 20 by the first state signal indicating the open circuit state of the antenna 10 and the short circuit state of the antenna 10.

[0157] In addition, the temperature sensor 170 for detecting the temperature of the amplifier module 100 may be further included, and the determination unit 181 may determine whether a temperature abnormality of the amplifier module 100 has occurred based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 170. If the determination unit 181 determines that a temperature abnormality has occurred, the control unit 182 causes the signal amplifier 110 to output a second state signal indicating a temperature abnormality to the main body side terminal 102 side. In this way, by causing the signal amplifier 110 to output a second state signal indicating a temperature abnormality of the amplifier module 100 to the main body side terminal 102 side, the temperature abnormality of the amplifier module 100 can be notified to the main body 20. Since the signal amplifier 110 outputs the second state signal to the main body side terminal 102 side, there is no need to add a circuit for generating the second state signal. Therefore, in addition to the connection state of the antenna 10, the temperature abnormality of the amplifier module 100 can be notified to the main body 20, and an amplifier module 100 with a simple structure can be provided.

[0158] Alternatively, the amplifier module 100 may further include a temperature sensor 170 for detecting the temperature of the amplifier module 100, and the determination unit 181 may further determine whether a temperature abnormality of the amplifier module 100 has occurred based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 170. If the determination unit 181 determines that a temperature abnormality has occurred, the control unit 182 switches the disable signal and the enable signal in a time-division manner to switch the validity and invalidity of the amplification operation of the signal amplifier 110, thereby causing the signal amplifier 110 to output a second state signal indicating a temperature abnormality to the main body side terminal 102 side, the second state signal having a first period and a second period corresponding to the temperature abnormality, the first period and the second period of the second state signal being different from the first period and the second period of the first state signal. Therefore, the second state signal composed of the output signal of the main body side terminal 102 in the valid state and the invalid state of the amplification operation of the signal amplifier 110 can be output, and the temperature abnormality of the amplifier module 100 can be notified to the main body 20 by the second state signal that can be easily output, and the amplifier module 100 with a simple structure can be provided. Furthermore, by changing the first period and the second period according to the temperature abnormality of the amplifier module 100 and the abnormality in the connection state of the antenna 10 , the second state signal indicating the temperature abnormality of the amplifier module 100 and the first state signal indicating the abnormality in the connection state of the antenna 10 can be easily output.

[0159] Furthermore, the control unit 182 may alternately switch the disable signal and the enable signal output to the signal amplifier 110 each time the first period and the second period alternately pass, and the second state signal may alternately switch the first signal level corresponding to the disable signal that continues for the first period and the second signal level corresponding to the enable signal that continues for the second period. The temperature abnormality of the amplifier module 100 may be indicated by alternately switching the second state signal that alternately switches the first signal level that continues for the first period and the second signal level that continues for the second period.

[0160] In addition, the determination unit 181 can also determine whether an abnormality in the current amount occurs based on the current amount input from the main body side terminal 102 to the signal amplifier 110. If the determination unit 181 determines that an abnormality in the current amount occurs, the control unit 182 causes the signal amplifier 110 to output a third state signal indicating an abnormality in the current amount to the main body side terminal 102 side. In this way, by causing the signal amplifier 110 to output a third state signal indicating an abnormal state of the current amount to the main body side terminal 102 side, the abnormal state of the current amount can be notified to the main body 20. Since the signal amplifier 110 outputs the third state signal to the main body side terminal 102 side, there is no need to add a circuit for generating the third state signal. Therefore, in addition to the connection state of the antenna 10, the abnormality in the current amount of the signal amplifier 110 can also be notified to the main body 20, and an amplifier module 100 with a simple structure can be provided.

[0161] Alternatively, the determination unit 181 may determine whether an abnormality in the current amount has occurred based on the current amount input from the main body side terminal 102 to the signal amplifier 110. When the determination unit 181 determines that an abnormality in the current amount has occurred, the control unit 182 switches the disable signal and the enable signal in a time-division manner to switch the validity and invalidity of the amplification operation of the signal amplifier 110, thereby causing the signal amplifier 110 to output a third state signal indicating an abnormality in the current amount to the main body side terminal 102 side. The third state signal has a first period and a second period corresponding to the abnormality in the current amount, and the first period and the second period of the third state signal are different from the first period and the second period of the first state signal. Therefore, the third state signal composed of the output signal of the main body side terminal 102 in the valid state and the invalid state of the amplification operation of the signal amplifier 110 can be output, and the abnormality in the current amount can be notified to the main body 20 with the third state signal that can be easily output, and the amplifier module 100 with a simple structure can be provided. In addition, by changing the first period and the second period according to the abnormal current flow of the signal amplifier 110 and the abnormal connection state of the antenna 10, the third state signal indicating the abnormal current flow of the signal amplifier 110 and the first state signal indicating the abnormal connection state of the antenna 10 can be easily output.

[0162] The control unit 182 may alternately switch the disable signal and the enable signal output to the signal amplifier 110 each time the first period and the second period alternately pass, and the third state signal is a signal that alternately switches between a first signal level corresponding to the disable signal that continues the first period and a second signal level corresponding to the enable signal that continues the second period. The abnormality of the current amount of the signal amplifier 110 can be indicated by alternately switching between the first signal level that continues the first period and the second signal level that continues the second period.

[0163] The wireless communication system 200 includes: an antenna 10 for wireless communication; a main body 20 of a wireless communication device; a cable 30A connected to the antenna 10; a cable 30B connected to the main body 20; an amplifier module 100, which is arranged between the antenna 10 and the main body 20, connected to the antenna 10 via the cable 30A, and connected to the main body 20 via the cable 30B, and the amplifier module 100 has: an antenna side terminal 101 connected to the cable 30A; a main body side terminal 102 connected to the cable 30B; a signal amplifier 110, which is arranged between the antenna side terminal 101 and the main body side terminal 102; an impedance detection unit 150, which detects the impedance of the antenna side terminal 101; a determination unit 181, which determines the connection state of the antenna 10 relative to the antenna side terminal 101 based on the impedance detected by the impedance detection unit 150; and a control unit 182, which, when the determination unit 181 determines that the connection state is abnormal, causes the signal amplifier 110 to output a first state signal indicating the connection state to the main body side terminal 102 side. In this way, by causing the signal amplifier 110 to output the first state signal indicating the connection state of the antenna 10 to the main body side terminal 102 side, the connection state of the antenna 10 can be notified to the main body 20. Since the signal amplifier 110 outputs the first state signal to the main body side terminal 102 side, there is no need to add a circuit for generating the first state signal.

[0164] Therefore, the connection state of the antenna 10 can be notified to the main unit, and the wireless communication system 200 with a simple structure can be provided.

[0165] As mentioned above, the amplifier module and the wireless communication system according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0166] Regarding the above-mentioned embodiment, the following supplementary notes are also disclosed.

[0167] (Note 1)

[0168] An amplifier module is arranged between an antenna for wireless communication and a main body of a wireless communication device, connected to the antenna via a first wiring member, and connected to the main body via a second wiring member, the amplifier module comprising: an antenna side terminal connected to the first wiring member; a main body side terminal connected to the second wiring member; an amplifier arranged between the antenna side terminal and the main body side terminal; an impedance detection unit for detecting the impedance of the antenna side terminal; a determination unit for determining a connection state of the antenna relative to the antenna side terminal based on the impedance detected by the impedance detection unit; and a control unit for causing the amplifier to output a first state signal indicating the connection state to the main body side terminal side when the determination unit determines that the connection state is abnormal.

[0169] (Note 2)

[0170] According to the amplifier module described in Appendix 1, wherein the amplifier is configured to be able to switch the validity and invalidity of the amplification action by a disable signal and an enable signal, and the control unit switches the validity and invalidity of the amplification action of the amplifier by time-divisionally switching the disable signal and the enable signal output to the amplifier, thereby causing the amplifier to output the first state signal.

[0171] (Note 3)

[0172] An amplifier module according to Note 2, wherein the control unit changes a first period during which the disable signal is output to the amplifier and a second period during which the enable signal is output to the amplifier according to the type of the abnormality in the connection state, thereby causing the amplifier to output the first state signal indicating the type of the abnormality.

[0173] (Note 4)

[0174] The amplifier module according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the first period is equal to the second period.

[0175] (Note 5)

[0176] An amplifier module according to Note 3, wherein the control unit alternately switches the disable signal and the enable signal output to the amplifier each time the first period and the second period pass alternately, and the first state signal is a signal that alternately switches a first signal level corresponding to the disable signal that continues the first period and a second signal level corresponding to the enable signal that continues the second period.

[0177] (Note 6)

[0178] The amplifier module according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the types of the abnormality include a connection state of the antenna with respect to the antenna-side terminal being open circuit and a connection state of the antenna with respect to the antenna-side terminal being short circuit.

[0179] (Note 7)

[0180] An amplifier module according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, wherein the amplifier module further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the amplifier module, the determination unit further determines whether a temperature abnormality has occurred in the amplifier module based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and when the determination unit determines that the temperature abnormality has occurred, the control unit causes the amplifier to output a second status signal indicating the temperature abnormality to the main body side terminal side.

[0181] (Note 8)

[0182] The amplifier module according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the amplifier module further includes a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the amplifier module, the determination unit further determines whether a temperature abnormality of the amplifier module has occurred based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and when the determination unit determines that the temperature abnormality has occurred, the control unit switches the disable signal and the enable signal in a time-division manner to switch the validity and invalidity of the amplification operation of the amplifier, thereby causing the amplifier to output a second state signal indicating the temperature abnormality to the main body side terminal side, the second state signal having the first period and the second period corresponding to the temperature abnormality, the first period and the second period of the second state signal being different from the first period and the second period of the first state signal.

[0183] (Note 9)

[0184] An amplifier module according to Note 8, wherein the control unit alternately switches the disable signal and the enable signal output to the amplifier each time the first period and the second period pass alternately, and the second state signal is a signal that alternately switches a first signal level corresponding to the disable signal that continues the first period and a second signal level corresponding to the enable signal that continues the second period.

[0185] (Note 10)

[0186] An amplifier module according to any one of Notes 1 to 9, wherein the determination unit determines whether an abnormality in the amount of current has occurred based on the amount of current input from the main body side terminal to the amplifier, and when the determination unit determines that an abnormality in the amount of current has occurred, the control unit causes the amplifier to output a third state signal indicating the abnormality in the amount of current to the main body side terminal.

[0187] (Note 11)

[0188] An amplifier module according to any one of Notes 3 to 9, wherein the determination unit also determines whether an abnormality in the current has occurred based on the current input from the main body side terminal to the amplifier, and when the determination unit determines that an abnormality in the current has occurred, the control unit switches the disable signal and the enable signal in a time-division manner to switch the validity and invalidity of the amplification action of the amplifier, thereby causing the amplifier to output a third state signal indicating the abnormality in the current to the main body side terminal side, the third state signal having the first period and the second period corresponding to the abnormality in the current, and the first period and the second period of the third state signal are different from the first period and the second period of the first state signal.

[0189] (Note 12)

[0190] An amplifier module according to Note 11, wherein the control unit alternately switches the disable signal and the enable signal output to the amplifier each time the first period and the second period alternately pass, and the third state signal is a signal that alternately switches a first signal level corresponding to the disable signal that continues the first period and a second signal level corresponding to the enable signal that continues the second period.

[0191] (Note 13)

[0192] A wireless communication system comprises: an antenna for wireless communication; a main body of a wireless communication device; a first wiring member connected to the antenna; a second wiring member connected to the main body; and an amplifier module, which is arranged between the antenna and the main body, connected to the antenna via the first wiring member, and connected to the main body via the second wiring member, the amplifier module having: an antenna side terminal connected to the first wiring member; a main body side terminal connected to the second wiring member; an amplifier, which is arranged between the antenna side terminal and the main body side terminal; an impedance detection unit, which detects the impedance of the antenna side terminal; a determination unit, which determines the connection state of the antenna relative to the antenna side terminal based on the impedance detected by the impedance detection unit; and a control unit, which, when the determination unit determines that the connection state is abnormal, causes the amplifier to output a first state signal indicating the connection state to the main body side terminal side.

Claims

1. An amplifier module, arranged between an antenna for wireless communication and a main body of a wireless communication device, connected to the antenna via a first wiring member, and connected to the main body via a second wiring member, The amplifier module is characterized by comprising: An antenna-side terminal connected to the first wiring member; a main body side terminal connected to the second wiring member; an amplifier, arranged between the antenna side terminal and the body side terminal; An impedance detection unit, configured to detect the impedance of the antenna-side terminal; a determination unit that determines a connection state of the antenna with respect to the antenna-side terminal based on the impedance detected by the impedance detection unit; as well as The control unit causes the amplifier to output a first state signal indicating the connection state to the main body side terminal side when the determination unit determines that the connection state is abnormal.

2. The amplifier module according to claim 1, wherein: The amplifier is configured to be able to switch between enabling and disabling the amplification operation by a disable signal and an enable signal. The control unit switches the disable signal and the enable signal output to the amplifier in a time-division manner to switch between enabling and disabling the amplification operation of the amplifier, thereby causing the amplifier to output the first state signal.

3. The amplifier module according to claim 2, wherein: The control unit changes a first period during which the disable signal is output to the amplifier and a second period during which the enable signal is output to the amplifier according to the type of the abnormality in the connection state, thereby causing the amplifier to output the first state signal indicating the type of the abnormality.

4. The amplifier module according to claim 3, wherein: The first period is equal to the second period.

5. The amplifier module according to claim 3, wherein: The control unit alternately switches the disable signal and the enable signal output to the amplifier every time the first period and the second period alternately pass. The first state signal is a signal that alternately switches between a first signal level corresponding to the disable signal that lasts the first period and a second signal level corresponding to the enable signal that lasts the second period.

6. The amplifier module according to claim 3, wherein: The types of the abnormality include a connection state of the antenna with respect to the antenna-side terminal being open and a connection state of the antenna with respect to the antenna-side terminal being short.

7. The amplifier module according to claim 1, wherein: The amplifier module further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the amplifier module. The determination unit further determines whether a temperature abnormality of the amplifier module has occurred based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The control unit causes the amplifier to output a second state signal indicating the temperature abnormality to the main body-side terminal side when the determination unit determines that the temperature abnormality has occurred.

8. The amplifier module according to claim 3, wherein: The amplifier module further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the amplifier module. The determination unit further determines whether a temperature abnormality of the amplifier module has occurred based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. When the determination unit determines that the temperature abnormality has occurred, the control unit switches the disable signal and the enable signal in a time-division manner to switch the validity and invalidity of the amplification operation of the amplifier, thereby causing the amplifier to output a second state signal indicating the temperature abnormality to the main body side terminal side. The second state signal has the first period and the second period corresponding to the temperature abnormality, The first period and the second period of the second state signal are different from the first period and the second period of the first state signal.

9. The amplifier module according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit alternately switches the disable signal and the enable signal output to the amplifier every time the first period and the second period alternately pass. The second state signal is a signal that alternately switches between a first signal level corresponding to the disable signal that continues during the first period and a second signal level corresponding to the enable signal that continues during the second period.

10. The amplifier module according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit further determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the amount of current based on the amount of current input from the main body side terminal to the amplifier. The control unit causes the amplifier to output a third state signal indicating the abnormality in the current amount to the main body-side terminal side when the determination unit determines that the abnormality in the current amount has occurred.

11. The amplifier module according to claim 3, wherein: The determination unit further determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the amount of current based on the amount of current input from the main body side terminal to the amplifier. When the determination unit determines that the current amount is abnormal, the control unit switches the disable signal and the enable signal in a time-division manner to switch the amplification operation of the amplifier between validity and invalidity, thereby causing the amplifier to output a third state signal indicating the abnormal current amount to the main body side terminal side. The third state signal has the first period and the second period corresponding to the abnormality of the current amount, The first period and the second period of the third state signal are different from the first period and the second period of the first state signal.

12. The amplifier module according to claim 11, wherein: The control unit alternately switches the disable signal and the enable signal output to the amplifier every time the first period and the second period alternately pass. The third state signal is a signal that alternately switches between a first signal level corresponding to the disable signal that continues during the first period and a second signal level corresponding to the enable signal that continues during the second period.

13. A wireless communication system, comprising: Antennas for wireless communications; A main body of a wireless communication device; a first wiring member connected to the antenna; a second wiring member connected to the main body; as well as an amplifier module, disposed between the antenna and the main body, connected to the antenna via a first wiring member, and connected to the main body via a second wiring member, The amplifier module has: An antenna-side terminal connected to the first wiring member; a main body side terminal connected to the second wiring member; an amplifier, arranged between the antenna side terminal and the body side terminal; An impedance detection unit, configured to detect the impedance of the antenna-side terminal; a determination unit that determines a connection state of the antenna with respect to the antenna-side terminal based on the impedance detected by the impedance detection unit; as well as The control unit causes the amplifier to output a first state signal indicating the connection state to the main body side terminal side when the determination unit determines that the connection state is abnormal.

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