Interface device for an active antenna, telematic control unit and vehicle

Abstract

An interface device for an active antenna includes: a power supply module configured to output a power supply current to the active antenna; a diagnostic module configured to detect the magnitude of the power supply current output by the power supply module and output a diagnostic signal indicating whether the active antenna has detached based on the magnitude of the power supply current; and an attenuation module configured to attenuate the AC signal received by the active antenna and output the attenuated AC signal when the active antenna is not detached. The interface device for an active antenna according to embodiments of this disclosure can accurately determine whether the active antenna has detached and control the intensity of the high-frequency signal input to the active antenna within a reasonable range to avoid damage to the signal processing unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electronic circuits, and more particularly to an interface device for an active antenna, a telematics control unit, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The Telematics Control Unit (TCU) in a vehicle is one of the core components of a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) system. The TCU can provide network access such as 4G / 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth; support V2X communication such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-network (V2N); support data collection and transmission such as vehicle data acquisition; support remote control and management functions such as opening and closing doors, windows, trunk, and adjusting the air conditioning; support vehicle tracking and monitoring functions such as location and tracking, driving record and playback; and support emergency calls and rescue.

[0003] Generally, TCUs mostly use external active antennas. External antennas not only pose a risk of detachment, but may also have incompatibility issues with the signal processing units inside the TCU.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to have an interface device for active antennas that can accurately determine whether the antenna has detached, and enable the antenna signal to be better matched with subsequent signal processing units. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this disclosure provide an interface device for an active antenna, comprising: a power supply module configured to output a power supply current to the active antenna; a diagnostic module configured to detect the magnitude of the power supply current output by the power supply module and output a diagnostic signal indicating whether the active antenna has detached based on the magnitude of the power supply current; and an attenuation module configured to attenuate the AC signal received by the active antenna and output an attenuated AC signal when the active antenna has not detached.

[0006] An interface device for an active antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the diagnostic module includes a current detection circuit, a first resistor, and a first capacitor, wherein: the current detection circuit includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, the current detection circuit is configured to: detect the magnitude of the supply current flowing through the first and second terminals of the current detection circuit, and output a sensing current proportional to the magnitude of the supply current through the third terminal of the current detection circuit; the first terminal of the first resistor is connected to the third terminal of the current detection circuit, the second terminal of the first resistor is grounded, the first resistor is configured to convert the sensing current into a sensing voltage as the diagnostic signal, and the first terminal of the first capacitor is connected to the third terminal of the current detection circuit, the second terminal of the first capacitor is grounded.

[0007] An interface device for an active antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the diagnostic module further includes a second resistor and a second capacitor, wherein: a first end of the second resistor is connected to a third end of the current detection circuit, a second end of the second resistor is configured to output the diagnostic signal, a first end of the second capacitor is connected to a second end of the second resistor, and a second end of the second capacitor is grounded.

[0008] An interface device for an active antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a low-pass filter, wherein a first terminal of the low-pass filter is connected to a second terminal of the current detection circuit and the second terminal of the low-pass filter is connected to the active antenna.

[0009] An interface device for an active antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the low-pass filter includes an inductor and a third capacitor, wherein a first terminal of the inductor is connected to a second terminal of the current detection circuit and the second terminal of the inductor is connected to the active antenna, a first terminal of the third capacitor is connected to the first terminal of the inductor and the second terminal of the third capacitor is grounded.

[0010] An interface device for an active antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes an electrostatic suppression element, a first end of which is connected to the active antenna and a second end of which is grounded.

[0011] An interface device for an active antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the attenuation module includes a fourth capacitor and a fifth capacitor and an AC signal attenuation component, a first terminal of the fourth capacitor is connected to the active antenna and a second terminal of the fourth capacitor is connected to a first terminal of the AC signal attenuation component, a first terminal of the fifth capacitor is connected to a second terminal of the AC signal attenuation component and the second terminal of the fifth capacitor is configured to output the attenuated AC signal.

[0012] An interface device for an active antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the AC signal attenuation component attenuation module further includes a third resistor, a fourth resistor, and a fifth resistor, wherein a first end of the third resistor is connected to a second end of the fourth capacitor and configured to receive the AC signal, and a second end of the third resistor is connected to a first end of the fifth capacitor and configured to output the attenuated AC signal; a first end of the fourth resistor is connected to a first end of the third resistor, and a second end of the fourth resistor is grounded; and a first end of the fifth resistor is connected to a second end of the third resistor, and a second end of the fifth resistor is grounded.

[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a remote information processing control unit, including the interface device for an active antenna as described above.

[0014] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a vehicle including the interface device described above or the telematics control unit described above.

[0015] According to the interface device for active antennas, the remote information processing control unit, and the vehicle disclosed herein, it is possible to accurately determine whether the vehicle's active antenna has detached and to control the intensity of the high-frequency signal received by the active antenna within a reasonable range for subsequent processing. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become clearer from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 It is an interface device for an active antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2A It is another interface device for an active antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2B It is another interface device for an active antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3 It is another interface device for an active antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4A It is another interface device for an active antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4B It is another interface device for an active antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5It is a remote information processing control unit (TCU) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6 The vehicle is an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Before proceeding with the detailed description below, it may be advantageous to define certain words and phrases used throughout this disclosure. The terms “comprising” and “including” and their derivatives mean, but are not limited to, any other word. The term “controller” or “control unit” means any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a controller may be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardware and software and / or firmware. The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, local or remote. The phrase “at least one,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and that only one item in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes any one of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, A and B and C.

[0026] Definitions of other specific words and phrases are provided throughout this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that, in many, if not most, cases, such definitions apply to the prior and future use of the words and phrases thus defined.

[0027] The various embodiments of the principles of this disclosure described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of this disclosure can be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device. In some cases, the actions described in this disclosure may be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require a specific order or sequential sequence to achieve the desired result. In certain embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0028] The text and accompanying drawings are provided by way of example only to aid in understanding this disclosure. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims appended to this disclosure in any way. Although certain embodiments and examples have been provided, it will be clear to those skilled in the art, based on the content of this disclosure, that changes can be made to the illustrated embodiments and examples without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 1 It is an interface device for an active antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, the interface device for the active antenna 140 may include a power supply module 110, a diagnostic module 120, and an attenuation module 130.

[0031] The power supply module 110 can be configured to output power current to the active antenna 140. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the power supply module 110 can supply power to the active antenna 140 via a power supply circuit. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the power supply module 110 may include a low dropout regulator (LDO). The power supply module 110 can supply power to unstable direct current (DC) voltages (e.g., V...). in ) is converted into a stable DC output voltage (e.g., V) out While maintaining a low input-output voltage difference, LDO circuits typically offer very low output noise due to their linear operating characteristics. LDO circuits can provide very accurate output voltages, with errors typically between 1% and 2%. LDO circuits can respond quickly to the output supply current (e.g., I0). out The change in voltage maintains the output voltage (e.g., V). out The stability of the power supply module 110 is ensured. The structure of the power supply module 110 is exemplary, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0032] Diagnostic module 120 can be configured to detect the power supply current I output by power supply module 110. out The value, and based on the supply current I out The output value indicates whether the active antenna 140 has detached. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the diagnostic module 120 may include a current sensing element such as a current transformer. When the active antenna 140 is not detached, the output current I... out It can be maintained within the first current range. In the event of active antenna 140 detachment, the output current I... out It can be maintained in a second current range below the first current range. For example, the second current range can be from zero to the first current threshold. The diagnostic module 120 can adjust the supply current I based on the supply current I. out The size of the signal determines whether the active antenna 140 has detached, and a diagnostic signal indicating whether the active antenna 140 has detached is output to the second processing unit 160. The structure of the diagnostic module 120 is exemplary, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0033] The second processing unit 160 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a domain controller (DCU), or other processing units with data processing and / or program execution capabilities, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., and this disclosure is not limited thereto. The second processing unit 160 may or may not be part of the TCU. The second processing unit 160 may determine whether the active antenna 140 is detached based on diagnostic signals. In the event of detachment of the active antenna 140, the second processing unit 160 may control a vehicle alerting component to alert the user that the vehicle's active antenna 140 has detached. For example, the second processing unit 160 may alert the user that the vehicle's active antenna 140 has detached by controlling one or more of a display, speaker, lighting equipment, actuation device, etc.

[0034] The active antenna 140, through its internally integrated active components, provides additional gain and amplification during signal reception and transmission, thereby improving signal strength and quality. In receive mode, the active antenna 140 can receive weak electromagnetic wave signals and convert them into high-frequency AC signals, which are then amplified by the internally integrated amplifier to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity. The structure of the active antenna 140 is exemplary, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 1 As shown, the active antenna 140 can input a high-frequency AC signal into the first processing unit 150 through a high-frequency AC signal input circuit. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the active antenna 140 can be an active antenna for a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0035] The first processing unit 150 may be the signal processing unit of a TCU. The first processing unit 150 may include an analog-to-digital conversion module, a baseband processing module, and an application processing module. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). The analog-to-digital conversion module can convert the analog signal input from the active antenna 140 into a digital signal. The baseband processing module can demodulate and decode the digital signal. The application processing module can determine one or more of the location and time information based on the demodulated and decoded signal. The structure of the first processing unit 150 is exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited thereto. The maximum intensity of the high-frequency AC signal that the first processing unit 150 can withstand may be lower than the intensity of the high-frequency AC signal provided by the active antenna 140. That is, the gain of the active antenna 140 may be too high, and therefore the high-frequency AC signal it provides may damage the first processing unit 150.

[0036] The attenuation module 130 can be configured to attenuate the AC signal received by the active antenna 140 and output the attenuated AC signal when the active antenna 140 is not detached. For example, the attenuation module 130 may include elements such as resistors to attenuate the intensity of the high-frequency AC signal to a range that the first processing unit 150 can tolerate.

[0037] Figure 2A It is another interface device for an active antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2A Zhongyu Figure 1 Components that are identical or similar to those described will not be described again.

[0038] like Figure 2A As shown, the diagnostic module 120 may include a current detection circuit 121, a first resistor R1, and a first capacitor C1.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the current detection circuit 121 may include a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The first terminal of the current detection circuit 121 can be connected to the power supply module 110, the second terminal of the current detection circuit 121 can be connected to the active antenna 140, and the third terminal of the current detection circuit 121 can be connected to the second processing unit 160. The current detection circuit 121 can be configured to detect the supply current I flowing through the first and second terminals of the current detection circuit. out The size, and the generation with the supply current I out The sensing current is proportional to the magnitude of the supply current I. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the current detection circuit 121 can generate a sensing current proportional to the supply current I. out The sensing current I proportional to the coefficient s sense For example, I out =I sense ×s, where s is, for example, a proportionality coefficient greater than 1. The third terminal of the current detection circuit 121 can output a value equal to the supply current I. out The magnitude of the sensing current I is proportional to its size. sense .

[0040] The first terminal of the first resistor R1 can be connected to the third terminal of the current sensing circuit 121, and the second terminal of the first resistor R1 can be grounded. The first resistor R1 can be configured to convert the sensed current into a sensed voltage V as a diagnostic signal. sense In other words, the first resistor R1 can act as a pull-up resistor. For example, the first resistor R1 can pull up the sensed current I. sense Converted to a sensing voltage V that the second processing unit 160 can withstand. sense Sensing voltage V sense =I sense ×R1. According to I sense with I out The numerical relationship can determine V.sense = I out ×R1 / s. The resistance value of the first resistor R1 can be, for example, 10kΩ, or other values.

[0041] The first terminal of the first capacitor C1 can be connected to the third terminal of the current detection circuit, and the second terminal of the first capacitor C1 can be grounded. The first capacitor C1 can be configured to filter out the sensed voltage V. sense The ripples are used to output a stable diagnostic signal to the second processing unit 160.

[0042] Figure 2B It is another interface device for an antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B Zhongyu Figure 2A Components that are identical or similar to those described will not be described again.

[0043] like Figure 2B As shown, the diagnostic module 120 may also include a second resistor R2 and a second capacitor C2.

[0044] The first end of the second resistor R2 can be connected to the third end of the current detection circuit 121, and the second end of the second resistor R2 can be connected to the second processing unit 160 to output a diagnostic signal. The second resistor R2 can limit current. When the active antenna 140 is installed in the vehicle and the power supply module 110 starts to output power supply current, the second resistor R2 can limit the inrush current or surge current transmitted from the current detection circuit 121 to the second processing unit 160 to avoid damaging the second processing unit 160.

[0045] The first terminal of the second capacitor C2 can be connected to the second terminal of the second resistor R2, and the second terminal of the second capacitor C2 can be grounded. The second capacitor C2 can further filter out the sensed voltage V. sense The ripple is reduced to provide a more stable diagnostic signal output to the second processing unit 160. By setting the second capacitor C2, the relatively fluctuating sensing voltage I can be accommodated. sense The current detection circuit 121 is improved, thereby reducing the manufacturing requirements and cost of the current detection circuit 121.

[0046] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the power supply module 110 can supply a voltage of 5V. When the power supply module 110 outputs a 5V supply voltage and the active antenna 140 is disconnected, the load terminal (i.e., the active antenna 140) is open-circuited, and the output current I... out It is 0A. According to V sense = I out From ×R1 / s, we can know that V sense =0V. The second processing unit 160 can determine that the active antenna 140 is in a detached state based on the 0V diagnostic signal output by the diagnostic module 120.

[0047] When the power supply module 110 outputs a normal 5V power supply voltage and the active antenna 140 is not disconnected, the load terminal (i.e., the active antenna 140) is normally connected, and the output current I... out This is the normal current consumed by the active antenna 140. As mentioned above, V serves as the diagnostic signal. sense = I out ×R1 / s. The second processing unit 160 can use the output of the diagnostic module 120 as V. sense The diagnostic signal confirmed that the active antenna 140 was properly connected and had not come loose.

[0048] Figure 3 It is another interface device for an active antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 Components that are the same as or similar to those in Figure 2 will not be described again.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the interface device for the active antenna 140 also includes a low-pass filter 310 and an electrostatic suppression element 320.

[0050] The low-pass filter 310 may include a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the low-pass filter 310 may be connected to the second terminal of the current detection circuit 121, and the second terminal of the low-pass filter 310 may be connected to the active antenna 140. The low-pass filter 310 allows the power supply voltage to be supplied from the power supply module 110 to the active antenna 140, and prevents the high-frequency AC signal received by the active antenna 140 from flowing back into the power supply module 110, and prevents the high-frequency AC signal received by the active antenna 140 from causing signal shunting, which could lead to inaccurate high-frequency AC signal reception and processing by the first processing unit 150. For example, the low-pass filter 310 can prevent the GNSS signal sent by the active antenna 140 to the first processing unit 150 from being inaccurate, resulting in inaccurate or unreachable GNSS positioning.

[0051] The low-pass filter 310 may include an inductor L1 and a third capacitor C3. The first terminal of inductor L1 can be connected to the second terminal of the current detection circuit 121, and the second terminal of inductor L1 is connected to the antenna. Inductor L1 serves to isolate the high-frequency AC signal received by the active antenna 140 from flowing back into the power supply module 110. The first terminal of the third capacitor C1 can be connected to the first terminal of inductor L1, and the second terminal of the third capacitor C3 can be grounded. The third capacitor C1 can further filter the power supply voltage output by the power supply module 110 to filter out voltage ripple in the DC power supply voltage. Although only one third capacitor C1 is shown, more third capacitors C1 can be provided as needed.

[0052] The first terminal of the electrostatic discharge (ESD) suppression element 320 can be connected to the active antenna 140, and the second terminal of the ESD suppression element 320 can be grounded. The ESD suppression element 320 may include one or more of the following: a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode, a multilayer varistor (MLV), a metal oxide varistor (MOV), a polymer ESD protection device, and a glass-ceramic ESD protection device. When the active antenna 140 is plugged in or removed, an electrostatic discharge pulse may be generated. Such an ESD pulse may damage the TCU, causing the components included in the TCU to fail. Furthermore, when the power supply 110 is de-energized or the active antenna 140 is detached, the inductor L1 may also generate an induced pulse, which may similarly cause the components included in the TCU to fail. When an ESD pulse is generated due to the plugging or removing of the active antenna 140, or when an induced pulse is generated by L1 in the event of a power supply 110 failure or the active antenna detachment, the ESD suppression element 320 can operate to discharge the pulse, thereby protecting the components included in the TCU.

[0053] Figure 4A It is another interface device for an active antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4A Zhongyu Figure 3 Components that are identical or similar to those described will not be described again.

[0054] like Figure 4A As shown, the attenuation module 130 may include a fourth capacitor C4 and a fifth capacitor C5, as well as an AC signal attenuation component 131.

[0055] The AC signal attenuation component 131 can be configured to attenuate the high-frequency AC signal provided by the active antenna 140 and output the attenuated high-frequency AC signal to the first processing unit 150.

[0056] The fourth capacitor C4 and the fifth capacitor C5 can isolate DC signals. The first end of the fourth capacitor C4 can be connected to the active antenna 140 and the second end of the fourth capacitor C4 can be connected to the first end of the AC signal attenuation component 131. The first end of the fifth capacitor C5 can be connected to the second end of the AC signal attenuation component 131 and the second end of the fifth capacitor C5 can be configured to output attenuated AC signals.

[0057] The fourth capacitor C4 isolates the DC power supply voltage output by the power supply module 110 to prevent it from being input to the first processing unit 150. In other words, when the power supply module 110 is supplying power normally and the active antenna 140 is not detached, the fourth capacitor C4 filters out the DC power supply voltage and outputs a high-frequency AC signal provided by the active antenna 140 for attenuation by the AC signal attenuation component 131. When the power supply module 110 is supplying power normally and the active antenna 140 is detached, the fourth capacitor C4 filters out the DC power supply voltage and no longer outputs a high-frequency AC signal; therefore, the AC signal attenuation component 131 no longer needs to perform attenuation in this situation.

[0058] The fifth capacitor C5 can isolate the influence of the wiring method of the AC signal attenuation component 131 (e.g., grounding) on ​​the signal receiving end of the first processing unit 150, thereby further improving the accuracy of the high-frequency AC signal received by the first processing unit 150.

[0059] Figure 4B It is another interface device for an active antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4B Zhongyu Figure 4A Components that are identical or similar to those described will not be described again.

[0060] like Figure 4B As shown, the AC signal attenuation component 131 may include a π-type resistor. For example, the AC signal attenuation component 131 may include a third resistor R3, a fourth resistor R4, and a fifth resistor R5. Those skilled in the art will understand that the structure of the AC signal attenuation component 131 is merely exemplary, and other structures of AC signal attenuation components are also possible.

[0061] The first terminal of the third resistor R3 can be connected to the second terminal of the fourth resistor C4 and configured to receive the high-frequency AC signal provided by the active antenna 140. The second terminal of the third resistor R3 is connected to the first terminal of the fifth resistor C5 and configured to output the attenuated high-frequency AC signal to the first processing unit 150. The first terminal of the fourth resistor R4 can be connected to the first terminal of the third resistor R3, and the second terminal of the fourth resistor R4 can be grounded. The first terminal of the fifth resistor R5 can be connected to the second terminal of the third resistor R3, and the second terminal of the fifth resistor R5 can be grounded. In this way, the excessive antenna gain of the active antenna 140 can be mitigated. For example, the attenuation module 130 can attenuate the strength of the high-frequency AC signal output by the active antenna 140 to below the maximum strength that the first processing unit 150 can withstand, thereby enabling the first processing unit 150 to process the high-frequency AC signal provided by the active antenna 140 normally and avoiding damage to the first processing unit 150.

[0062] The fifth capacitor C5 can isolate the grounding of the fifth resistor R5 and the fourth resistor R4 from the signal receiving end of the first processing unit 150, thereby further improving the accuracy of the high-frequency AC signal received by the first processing unit 150.

[0063] Although the interface apparatus according to this disclosure has been described above with separate embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that Figures 1-4B The interface devices in this disclosure can be combined or separated in any form without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0064] Figure 5 It is a remote information processing control unit (TCU) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] The TCU 500 can provide network access such as 4G / 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc., support V2X communication such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-network (V2N), support data collection and transmission such as vehicle data collection, support remote control and management functions such as opening and closing doors, windows, trunk, and adjusting air conditioning, support vehicle tracking and monitoring functions such as positioning and tracking as well as driving record and playback, and support emergency call and rescue, but this disclosure is not limited to these.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, the TCU 500 may include a processor 510 and an interface device 520. The processor 510 may be one or more of the first processing unit 150 and the second processing unit 160 described above, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The interface device 520 may be as described above... Figure 1 - One or more of the interface devices described in Figure 4.

[0067] Figure 6 The vehicle is an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Vehicle 600 may include, but is not limited to, cars, tractor-trailers (with or without trailers), buses, recreational vehicles, minivans, or sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown, vehicle 600 may include electronic device 610, which may be as described above. Figure 1 - The interface device and reference shown in Figure 4 Figure 5 One or more of the TCU 500s described.

[0070] According to the interface device for active antennas, the remote information processing control unit, and the vehicle disclosed herein, it is possible to accurately determine whether the vehicle's active antenna has detached and to control the intensity of the high-frequency signal received by the active antenna within a reasonable range for subsequent processing.

[0071] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to those skilled in the art. This disclosure is intended to cover such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0072] Any description in this invention should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element that must be included within the scope of the claims. The scope of the patent subject matter is defined only by the claims.

Claims

1. An interface device for an active antenna, comprising: The power supply module is configured to output power supply current to the active antenna; The diagnostic module is configured to detect the magnitude of the power supply current output by the power supply module, and output a diagnostic signal indicating whether the active antenna has detached based on the magnitude of the power supply current. as well as The attenuation module is configured to attenuate the AC signal received by the active antenna and output the attenuated AC signal when the active antenna is not detached.

2. The interface device for an active antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The diagnostic module includes a current detection circuit, a first resistor, and a first capacitor, wherein: The current detection circuit includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, and the current detection circuit is configured as follows: The magnitude of the supply current flowing through the first and second terminals of the current detection circuit is detected. The third terminal of the current detection circuit outputs a sensing current that is proportional to the magnitude of the supply current. The first terminal of the first resistor is connected to the third terminal of the current detection circuit, and the second terminal of the first resistor is grounded. The first resistor is configured to convert the sensed current into a sensed voltage as the diagnostic signal. The first terminal of the first capacitor is connected to the third terminal of the current detection circuit, and the second terminal of the first capacitor is grounded.

3. The interface device for an active antenna according to claim 2, wherein, The diagnostic module further includes a second resistor and a second capacitor, wherein: The first terminal of the second resistor is connected to the third terminal of the current detection circuit, and the second terminal of the second resistor is configured to output the diagnostic signal. The first terminal of the second capacitor is connected to the second terminal of the second resistor, and the second terminal of the second capacitor is grounded.

4. The interface device for an active antenna according to claim 2 further includes a low-pass filter, wherein a first end of the low-pass filter is connected to a second end of the current detection circuit and a second end of the low-pass filter is connected to the active antenna.

5. The interface device for an active antenna according to claim 4, wherein, The low-pass filter includes an inductor and a third capacitor, wherein a first end of the inductor is connected to a second end of the current detection circuit and a second end of the inductor is connected to the active antenna, a first end of the third capacitor is connected to a first end of the inductor and a second end of the third capacitor is grounded.

6. The interface device for an active antenna according to claim 1 further includes an electrostatic suppression element, wherein a first end of the electrostatic suppression element is connected to the active antenna and a second end of the electrostatic suppression element is grounded.

7. The interface device for an active antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The attenuation module includes a fourth capacitor and a fifth capacitor, as well as an AC signal attenuation component. A first end of the fourth capacitor is connected to the active antenna, and a second end of the fourth capacitor is connected to a first end of the AC signal attenuation component. A first end of the fifth capacitor is connected to a second end of the AC signal attenuation component, and the second end of the fifth capacitor is configured to output the attenuated AC signal.

8. The interface device for an active antenna according to claim 7, wherein, The AC signal attenuation component includes a third resistor, a fourth resistor, and a fifth resistor, wherein, The first end of the third resistor is connected to the second end of the fourth capacitor and is configured to receive the AC signal; the second end of the third resistor is connected to the first end of the fifth capacitor and is configured to output the attenuated AC signal. The first terminal of the fourth resistor is connected to the first terminal of the third resistor, and the second terminal of the fourth resistor is grounded; and The first end of the fifth resistor is connected to the second end of the third resistor, and the second end of the fifth resistor is grounded.

9. A remote information processing control unit, comprising an interface device for an active antenna as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A vehicle comprising an interface device for an active antenna as described in any one of claims 1-8 or a telematics control unit as described in claim 9.

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