Diagnostic method and system for a receiving antenna

Abstract

The present invention relates to a diagnostic method for an antenna (3) configured as a receiving antenna and installed in a vehicle component of a vehicle, the method being implemented by means of a radio tuner module (4) having at least one receiver (9) and a digital interface configured as a digital signal generator (5) that generates at least one specified test signal having at least one fundamental frequency, the test signal being directed to an antenna (2) configured as a transmitting antenna and installed in a vehicle component of a vehicle, the transmitting antenna being electromagnetically coupled to an antenna (3) configured as a receiving antenna connected to the receiver (9), wherein the receiver (9) and the digital signal generator (5) are controlled by a microcontroller (15) or a microprocessor (15) such that the receiver (9) receives the test signal from the signal generator (5) via the antenna (3) and measures its amplitude, thereby evaluating the function of the antenna (3) configured as a receiving antenna, and optionally evaluating the function of the antenna (2) configured as a transmitting antenna and / or the electromagnetic coupling between these antennas (2,3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a diagnostic method for an antenna configured as a receiving antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, and a system according to the preamble of claim 4, the system comprising two antennas and a radio tuner module mounted in a vehicle component of the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] EP 0 816 859 A2 describes a diagnostic method and system for a vehicle antenna glass having at least one antenna, particularly antennas adapted for diversity operation, each selected by a diversity processor and connected to a receiver, wherein, for diagnostic purposes, a test signal is applied to these antennas via a transmitting antenna, and the resulting antenna signal is evaluated. To diagnose the antenna quickly, reliably, and economically, a test signal is generated via a transmitting antenna integrated into the antenna glass, and the antenna signal generated in one and / or other antennas due to this test signal is evaluated.

[0003] DE 200 19 677 U1 describes an antenna system having: a plurality of antennas capable of being connected in a predetermined combination to at least two receivers via a combination unit; a signal processing unit for evaluating the output signals of the receivers; and a control unit by means of which at least one of the antennas can be switched to transmit operation to perform a self-test, wherein the antenna transmits test signals at a predetermined test frequency via a first receiver, the test signals being coupled into at least one additional antenna connected via a combination device to a second receiver, the frequency of the second receiver being matched with the test frequency, and wherein, in order to perform the self-test, the received level of the second receiver is detected as an actual value and compared with a predetermined set value.

[0004] DE 10 2017 108 638 A1 describes a tuner for receiving high-frequency signals while moving in a vehicle, the tuner having: a housing formed by a first housing component and at least one additional housing component; and a circuit board disposed in the housing, wherein at least one heat-sensitive electronic component for performing at least part of the functions of the tuner is disposed on the circuit board, wherein at least one region of the housing component is composed of a thermally conductive material having high thermal conductivity, and the at least one heat-sensitive electronic component is thermally conductively connected to the region. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel diagnostic method for an antenna configured as a receiving antenna for a vehicle, and a novel system comprising two antennas and a radio tuner module mounted in a vehicle component.

[0006] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a diagnostic method for an antenna configured as a receiving antenna for a vehicle, having the features of claim 1, and a system having the features of claim 4, the system comprising two antennas and a radio tuner module mounted in a vehicle component of the vehicle.

[0007] Advantageous designs of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] According to the present invention, a diagnostic method is provided for an antenna configured as a receiving antenna and mounted in a vehicle component. This method is implemented using a radio tuner module having at least one receiver and a digital interface configured as a digital signal generator that generates at least one specified test signal having at least one fundamental frequency. The test signal is directed to an antenna configured as a transmitting antenna and mounted in the vehicle component, coupled to an antenna configured as a receiving antenna connected to the receiver. A microcontroller or microprocessor controls the receiver and the digital signal generator such that the receiver receives the test signal from the signal generator via the antenna and measures its amplitude, thereby evaluating the function of the antenna configured as a receiving antenna and optionally evaluating the function of the antenna configured as a transmitting antenna and / or the electromagnetic coupling between the antennas. An antenna used as a receiving antenna in addition to its diagnostic function can also be used as a transmitting antenna, due to the approximate reciprocity of antennas.

[0009] In one implementation, a specified test signal is generated by a digital signal generator, which also has at least one harmonic.

[0010] In one embodiment, two receivers are provided, each connected to a corresponding antenna in the antenna array. Initially, both receivers are muted. In one loop, for each of a plurality of specified test frequencies, the receivers are set to the current test frequency, and a field strength value is read from the receiver as a reference measurement result and stored. Then, a test signal is activated, optionally amplified, and transmitted to the antenna. In another loop, for each of the plurality of specified test frequencies, the receivers are set to the test frequency, and a field strength value is read from the receiver as a diagnostic measurement result and stored. Subsequently, the test signal is deactivated, the value of the diagnostic measurement result is evaluated, and compared and evaluated with the value of the reference measurement result.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, a system is proposed comprising: an antenna configurable as a receiving antenna and mounted in a vehicle component of a vehicle; an antenna configurable as a transmitting antenna and mounted in a vehicle component of a vehicle, the transmitting antenna being electromagnetically coupled to the antenna configured as a receiving antenna; a radio tuner module having at least one receiver connected to the antenna configured as a receiving antenna, and a digital interface configurable as a digital signal generator to generate at least one specified test signal having at least one fundamental frequency and to direct the test signal to the antenna configured as a transmitting antenna; and a microcontroller or microprocessor. The microcontroller or microprocessor is configured to control the receiver and the digital signal generator and to perform the methods described above. The radio tuner module is disposed at or near at least one antenna in the antenna and may be miniaturized.

[0012] In one embodiment, an additional receiver is disposed within the radio tuner module or in another control unit connected to the radio tuner module via a communication interface. This additional receiver may be connected to an antenna configured as a transmitting antenna.

[0013] In one implementation, the digital signal generator is part of one of the receivers, or part of a microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0014] In one embodiment, the vehicle component in which at least one of the antennas is located is a windshield, particularly a front windshield, rear window, or side window.

[0015] In one implementation, the two antennas are arranged in the same vehicle component, or alternatively in different vehicle components.

[0016] In one embodiment, an amplifier is arranged for amplifying the test signal and / or impedance matching the signal generator with the antenna. Additionally, a bandpass filter may be arranged for signal shaping and / or impedance matching and / or limiting the frequency range of the test signal. Furthermore, an antenna amplifier may be arranged between the antenna configured as a receiving antenna and its connected receiver.

[0017] In one implementation, the microcontroller or microprocessor can be configured to execute the diagnostic method only when the diagnostic mode is activated.

[0018] Motor vehicles can be, for example, passenger cars, commercial vehicles, or buses.

[0019] According to the present invention, antenna functionality testing is performed as follows: a high-frequency spectrum of a specified test signal is generated using an existing digital interface, and the test signal is processed and coupled to the antenna. Furthermore, a method for measuring and evaluating the coupling of this test signal with another antenna is described.

[0020] The present invention solves the problem of antenna diagnosis as follows: a test signal is generated using the digital interface of the radio receiver integrated circuit contained in the receiver, the test signal is applied to the antenna to transmit the test signal, and a second antenna is used to receive the test signal.

[0021] The solution according to the invention enables the diagnostics of antenna functionality without the need for external devices for signal generation or evaluation. Another advantage is the ability to generate antenna test signals using an idle interface, particularly because it saves the cost of additional devices (e.g., frequency synthesizers, comb generators, step recovery diodes, or similar devices) used to generate high-frequency signals.

[0022] Unlike the prior art described above, in the solution according to the invention, miniaturization makes it possible to mount the receiver directly at the antenna, thereby eliminating additional components, such as the signal generator controlled by a diversity processor as described in the prior art.

[0023] Miniaturization makes it possible to integrate the complete radio receiver directly into the antenna structure (the so-called remote tuner module), thereby enabling antenna diagnostics to be performed using the functionality present in conventional radio receiver integrated circuits. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] in:

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic view of a motor vehicle windshield showing two antennas and a radio tuner module connected to the antennas is shown.

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic graph showing digital signals within a time range.

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic graph showing digital signals across a frequency range is provided.

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart illustrating the diagnostic method is shown.

[0030] Corresponding parts in all the accompanying figures are labeled with the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of the windshield 1 (e.g., rear window) of a motor vehicle. The windshield 1 has two antennas 2 and 3, which are introduced into or applied to the windshield 1 as conductive lines. A radio tuner module 4 connected to the antennas 2 and 3 is also shown; this radio tuner module can also be used for diagnosing the antennas 2 and 3.

[0032] In another embodiment, the windshield 1 may have only one antenna 2, 3, while the second antenna 2, 3 is installed in another windshield 1 or another component of the same motor vehicle.

[0033] The radio tuner module 4 has at least one signal generator 5, particularly a digital signal generator 5. For example, two or more signal generators 5 may be provided. One of the signal generators 5 may optionally be connected to one of the antennas 2 via an amplifier 6, at least one bandpass filter 7, and / or a switch 8 to apply a test signal to it. The radio tuner module 4 has two receivers 9, 14, particularly radio receivers, each connected to one of the antennas 2, 3. Receiver 9 is connected to antenna 3, which receives the test signal transmitted by antenna 2, and the test signal can then be evaluated by receiver 9. In another embodiment, the radio tuner module 4 may have only one receiver 9, 14, wherein the other receivers 9, 14 are arranged in a control unit (not shown), which is connected to the radio tuner module 4 via a communication interface.

[0034] The signal strength of the test signal received by receiver 9 provides information about the function of antenna 3, which is used as a receiving antenna.

[0035] According to the present invention, the radio tuner module 4 is miniaturized and / or directly mounted at the antenna 3. This eliminates the need for additional components. The antenna 3 can be connected to the receiver 9 via plugs 10, 11 and an optional antenna amplifier 12. The antenna 2, used as a transmitting antenna, can also be connected to the signal generator 5 and / or receiver 14 via plug 13.

[0036] Miniaturization makes it possible to integrate the complete radio receiver directly into antennas 2 and 3 (the so-called remote tuner module or radio tuner module 4), thereby enabling antenna diagnostics to be performed using the functions present in conventional radio receiver integrated circuits.

[0037] For example, a radio tuner module 4, designed as an integrated circuit, is controlled by a microprocessor 15 or a microcontroller 15, which performs diagnostic and control functions. The microprocessor 15 can be integrated inside the radio tuner module 4 or designed as a stand-alone device.

[0038] The radio tuner module 4 and the microprocessor 15 may have digital interfaces that can output digital clock and data signals. For example, such interfaces may be included in the radio tuner module 4 for transmitting digital audio signals in I²S, SPDIF, or TDM formats. Interfaces for transmitting digital baseband signals may also be included.

[0039] Furthermore, the radio tuner module 4 may include a general-purpose digital interface (GPIO) suitable for this purpose. In particular, in the latter case, the signal waveform can often be improved by other functions that may be included in the component, such as PLL modules, FLL modules, timer / counter modules, PWM modules, etc.

[0040] Not all of these digital interfaces included in the radio tuner module 4 are used in the actual primary application, and therefore can be used for other purposes. Therefore, the present invention proposes using at least one of the unused digital interfaces of the radio tuner module 4 to generate a high-frequency signal, which can be used to test the functionality of at least one antenna 3 connected to the receiver 9. The antenna 2 used to transmit the high-frequency signal should be connected as directly as possible to the radio tuner module 4, such as the receiver 14. The antenna 3 used to receive the signal can be connected directly or indirectly (e.g., via antenna amplifier 12) to the receiver 9.

[0041] Figure 2 It is a schematic graph of a digital signal over a time range, in which the amplitude U(t) is plotted as a function of time t.

[0042] It is known that the waveform of a digital signal within a time range can be converted into its corresponding spectrum through Fourier transform.

[0043] Figure 3 It is a schematic graph of a digital signal in a frequency range, in which the amplitude U(f) is plotted as a function of frequency.

[0044] Digital signals approximately correspond to trapezoidal signal waveforms, which have a spectrum consisting of a fundamental wave and multiple harmonics in a frequency range.

[0045] Here, specifically the period duration T and the rise time τ of the signal edge are used. Rise (like Figure 2 As shown), the fall time τ of the signal edge Fall (like Figure 2 (as shown) and the pulse duty cycle or intermittent ratio τ / T defines the spectrum.

[0046] The period duration T of a digital signal and the pulse duty cycle or interval ratio τ / T can change during operation within the limits of the interface.

[0047] It can be accessed via an interface or amplifier 6 (such as...) Figure 1 The circuit connection for driving strength (as shown) and / or setting adjust the rise time τ of the signal edge. Rise and descent time τ Fall .

[0048] Furthermore, the interface can have other possibilities for changing the signal waveform, depending on the possibilities of the interface and its modules used.

[0049] By selecting such parameters, a signal with a spectrum consisting of a fundamental frequency and harmonics can be generated within the boundaries of the selected interface, the spectrum corresponding to the antenna 3 to be diagnosed (e.g., Figure 1 The reception range (as shown) is suitable for the diagnosis of antenna 3.

[0050] In the context of this invention, the interface having the above parameters is referred to as a digital signal generator 5 (e.g., Figure 1 (as shown) (DSG). The digital signal generator 5 can be the radio tuner module 4 (such as... Figure 1 (as shown) a portion of one of two or more receiving paths, wherein each receiving path contains receivers 9, 14 (as shown) Figure 1 (as shown) is one of the receivers. The digital signal generator 5 can also be part of the microcontroller 15 or the microprocessor 15.

[0051] With the help of control by microcontroller 15 or microprocessor 15, the base frequency of digital signal generator 5 can be changed so that the uncovered frequency range can be covered and diagnosed in multiple iterations.

[0052] To diagnose antenna functionality, the received signal strength at a pre-selected frequency is compared to a reference value. If the reference value is within a pre-defined threshold, the antenna is considered to be functioning correctly. Otherwise, an error report is generated. Fault diagnosis and repair measures can then be initiated.

[0053] Reference values ​​for comparison can be determined in several ways, such as by simulating and calculating the signal spectrum and taking into account the expected coupling attenuation between antennas 2 and 3, or by measuring a reference vehicle. These reference values ​​can be stored as a table in the control software of receiver 9.

[0054] Since the signals used to test antenna functionality can also be received within a certain radius around the vehicle under test and thus constitute interference signals for other systems, the test must be performed in a defined diagnostic mode that should be activated only in a controlled environment whenever possible.

[0055] Similarly, if an external signal source can be received at the frequency to be detected, then the environmental interference around the vehicle can be measured.

[0056] Therefore, zero-point measurement should be performed first with signal generator 5 disabled. The measurement results of the reference point should be stored in the memory of microprocessor 15.

[0057] The test signal can be adapted to the target impedance of the antenna system by amplifier 6, especially a buffer amplifier or transimpedance amplifier.

[0058] The amplifier 6 should have the highest possible return loss and should also be implemented as switchable, for example, by means of a switch 8 (such as...). Figure 1 (as shown), so as to avoid affecting the reception quality outside of the diagnostic modes mentioned above.

[0059] With the help of at least one bandpass filter 7 (such as Figure 1 (As shown) Signal shaping of the test signal can be advantageous in order to avoid undesirable effects on other unaffected systems.

[0060] Measurements of antenna 3, which serves as the receiving antenna, can be performed using a method with the following procedure:

[0061] First, a so-called ambient null measurement is performed to detect ambient signals in the receiving path. For this purpose, the receiver 9 detects and stores the received field strength of the antenna 3 within the measurement range at each defined test frequency.

[0062] In the next step, the signal generator 5 is activated under the selected signal parameters, in particular the test signal output terminal of the receiver 14 connected to the antenna 2 used as the transmitting antenna, and if the amplifier 6 is present, it is also activated.

[0063] Then, connect antenna 2 to the test signal output of signal generator 5, specifically receiver 14. This can be done via a suitable switch 8, such as a high-frequency switching switch or an on / off switch. This is necessary because, during normal operation, the test signal itself and interference from the digital interface should be minimized from coupling to antenna 2 to avoid interference between receivers 9 and 14.

[0064] In order to perform the measurement, the receiver 9, which is connected to the antenna 3 used as the receiving antenna 3, is set to the first frequency of the test signal spectrum, and the signal strength is measured.

[0065] Repeat the measurement a limited number of times at other previously determined test frequencies. Where appropriate, also adjust the fundamental frequency of the test signal to reach any uncovered frequency range.

[0066] If a predetermined number of measurements, after subtracting the zero-point measurement at each test frequency, are higher than a specific, pre-specified threshold, then antenna 3 can be evaluated as functionally normal.

[0067] Figure 4 Here is a schematic flowchart of an exemplary diagnostic method:

[0068] In step S1, the two receivers 9 and 14 (e.g.) are connected. Figure 1 (As shown) Set to mute.

[0069] In step S2, if phase diversity is active, it is deactivated.

[0070] In loop L1, for each of the multiple specified test frequencies, in step S3, the receiver 9 is set to the current test frequency, in step S4, the field strength value is read from the receiver 9 as a reference measurement result, and in step S5, the field strength value of the reference measurement result is stored in the storage unit allocated to the current test frequency.

[0071] After loop L1 ends, the test signal is activated in step S6, for example by activating signal generator 5 (e.g. Figure 1 (As shown).

[0072] In step S7, if amplifier 6 is present, it is activated. In step S8, if switch 8 is present (e.g., ... Figure 1 (As shown), then close it.

[0073] In loop L2, for each of the multiple specified test frequencies, the fundamental frequency of the test signal is adjusted in step S9 if necessary. In step S10, receiver 9 is set to the test frequency. In step S11, the field strength value is read from receiver 9 as a diagnostic measurement result, and in step S12, the field strength value of the diagnostic measurement result is stored in the storage unit allocated to the current test frequency.

[0074] After loop L2 ends, the test signal is disabled in step S13. In step S14, if switch 8 is present, it is turned off. In step S15, if amplifier 6 is present (e.g.... Figure 1 (As shown) and if it has been activated beforehand, then deactivate it.

[0075] In step S16, the value of the diagnostic measurement result is evaluated and compared with the value of the reference measurement result. A report indicating whether the corresponding value is normal or abnormal is generated here.

[0076] In step S17, the original receiving frequency of receiver 9 or receivers 9 and 14 is restored.

[0077] In step S18, phase diversity is reactivated.

[0078] In step S19, the mute functions of receivers 9 and 14 are deactivated.

Claims

1. A diagnostic method for an antenna (3) configured as a receiving antenna and mounted in a vehicle component of a vehicle, the method being implemented by means of a radio tuner module (4) having at least one receiver (9) and a digital interface configured as a digital signal generator (5) generating at least one specified test signal having at least one fundamental wave, directing the test signal to an antenna (2) configured as a transmitting antenna and mounted in a vehicle component of the vehicle, the transmitting antenna being electromagnetically coupled to the antenna (3) configured as a receiving antenna, the receiving antenna being connected to the receiver (9), wherein the receiver (9) and the digital signal generator (5) are controlled by a microcontroller (15) or a microprocessor (15) such that the receiver (9) receives the test signal from the signal generator (5) via the antenna (3) and measures its amplitude, thereby evaluating the function of the antenna (3) configured as a receiving antenna and the function of the antenna (2) optionally configured as a transmitting antenna, and / or the electromagnetic coupling between the antennas (2, 3).

2. The diagnostic method according to claim 1, Its features are, The specified test signal generated by the digital signal generator (5) also has at least one harmonic.

3. The diagnostic method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, Two receivers (9, 14) are configured, each connected to a corresponding antenna in the antennas (2, 3). Initially, both receivers (9, 14) are muted. In one loop (L1), for each of a plurality of specified test frequencies, receiver (9) is set to the current test frequency, and a field strength value is read from receiver (9) as a reference measurement result and stored. Subsequently, a test signal is activated, optionally amplified, and transmitted to antenna (2). In one loop (L2), for each of a plurality of specified test frequencies, receiver (9) is set to the test frequency, and a field strength value is read from receiver (9) as a diagnostic measurement result and stored. Subsequently, the test signal is deactivated, the value of the diagnostic measurement result is evaluated, and it is compared and evaluated with the value of the reference measurement result.

4. A system comprising: An antenna (3) that can be configured as a receiving antenna and installed in a vehicle component of a vehicle; an antenna (2) that can be configured as a transmitting antenna and installed in a vehicle component of the vehicle, wherein the transmitting antenna is electromagnetically coupled to the antenna (3) configured as a receiving antenna; and a radio tuner module (4), the radio tuner module having at least one receiver (9) connected to the antenna (3) configured as a receiving antenna, and a digital interface that can be configured as a digital signal generator (5) to generate at least one specified test signal having at least one fundamental wave and to direct the test signal to the antenna (2) configured as a transmitting antenna; and a microcontroller (15) or microprocessor (15). The microcontroller (15) or microprocessor (15) is characterized in that it is configured to control the receiver (9) and the digital signal generator (5) and to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radio tuner module (4) is arranged at or near at least one of the antennas (2, 3).

5. The system according to claim 4, Its features are, Another receiver (14) is arranged in the radio tuner module (4) or in another control unit, which is connected to the radio tuner module (4) via a communication interface.

6. The system according to claim 4 or 5, Its features are, The digital signal generator (5) is part of one of the receivers (9, 14) or part of the microprocessor (15) or microcontroller (15).

7. The system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, Its features are, At least one of the antennas (2, 3) is located in a vehicle component that is a windshield (1), particularly a front windshield, rear window, or side window.

8. The system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, Its features are, The two antennas (2, 3) are arranged in the same vehicle component or in different vehicle components.

9. The system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, Its features are, An amplifier (6) is arranged for amplifying the test signal and / or impedance matching the signal generator (5) with the antenna (2), and / or a bandpass filter (7) is arranged for signal shaping and / or impedance matching and / or limiting the frequency range of the test signal, and / or an antenna amplifier (12) is arranged between the antenna (3) configured as a receiving antenna and the receiver (9) connected to it.

10. The system according to any one of claims 4 to 9, Its features are, The microcontroller (15) or microprocessor (15) is configured to execute the diagnostic method only when the diagnostic mode is activated.

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