Phased array antenna module and method of setting beam pattern

Abstract

A phased array antenna module includes a plurality of antenna elements, a storage region, a temporary parameter store, an address generation unit, and a setting unit. The storage region is configured to store more than 256 items for at least one of intensity setting values and phase setting values. The temporary parameter store temporarily store a part of an address of the storage region. The address generation unit is configured to generate an address of the storage region according to the first address bitgroup stored in the temporary parameter store and the second address bit-group. The setting unit is configured to read at least one of the intensity setting values and the phase setting values by using the address of the storage region. The setting unit is configured to set an intensity and a phase to be set in each of the antenna elements.

Description

[DESCRIPTION] [Title of Invention] PHASED ARRAY ANTENNA MODULE AND METHOD OF SETTING BEAM PATTERN[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a phased array antenna module and a method of setting a beam pattern.[Background Art]

[0002] A phased array antenna is an antenna that can freely change a beam pattern (antenna directivity) by adjusting at least one of an intensity and a phase of signals (transmission signals) supplied to a plurality of antenna elements or signals (reception signals) supplied from the plurality of antenna elements. In recent years, such phased array antennas have been used in a field of automotive, a field of communication, and various other fields.

[0003] Conventional phased array antenna modules are disclosed in Patent Document 1 to 3 and Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 below. The phased array antenna module includes a plurality of antenna elements (phased array antennas), a plurality of intensity and phase controllers, and a memory that stores intensity setting values and phase setting values for a plurality of intensity and phase controllers (beam table). By setting the plurality of the intensity setting values and the plurality of the phase setting values stored in the memory to the intensity and phase controllers, a plurality of intensities and a plurality of phases of signals supplied from the plurality of antenna elements (or to the plurality of antennas) are adjusted, and therefore a necessary beam pattern is formed. [Citation List] [Patent Literature]

[0004] [Patent Literature 1]United States Patent No. 11018747 [Patent Literature 2]SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )PCT International Publication No. WO 2022 / 169463[Patent Literature 3]United States Patent No. 10439284[Non-Patent Literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Literature 1]Bodhisatwa Sadhu et al., “The More (Antennas), the Merrier: A Survey of Silicon- Based mm-Wave Phased Arrays Using Multi-IC Scaling,” IEEE Microwave Magazine, pp.32-50, No. 12, 2019.[Non-Patent Literature 2]Alberto Valdes-Garcia et al., “A Fully Integrated 16-Element Phased-Array Transmitter in SiGe BiCMOS for 60-GHz Communications,” IEEE J. Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 45, No. 12, pp. 2757-2773, Dec. 2010.[Summary of Invention][Techmeal Problem]

[0006] In conventional phased array antenna modules, switching of a beam pattern has been instructed by a command, and the beam pattern to be switched has been specified by a beam index. Therefore, if data specifying the beam index is 8 bits, the number of the setting values that can be stored in the memory are limited to 256 types at most, and beam patterns that can be specified are restricted.

[0007] Here, if a bit width of a communication transaction between a higher-level controller and the phased array antenna module is increased according to a size of the memory, the number of types of setting values that can be stored in the memory can be increased. However, increasing the bit width of the communication transaction will increase a time required for the communication, and this goes against a requirement of switching a beam pattern at high speed.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an objective of the present invention is to provide a phased array antenna module capableSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )of switching a larger number of beam patterns than that in conventional cases simply and at high speed, and a method of setting a beam pattern.[Solution to Problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, a phased array antenna module according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a plurality of antenna elements; a storage region configured to store at least one of a plurality of intensity setting values and a plurality of phase setting values, the intensity setting values and the phase setting values being adopted for signals transmitted to and received by each of the antenna elements, the number of the intensity setting values being more than 256 and / or the number of the phase setting values being more than 256; a temporary parameter store configured to temporarily store a first address-bit group, the first address-bit group forming a part of an address of the storage region; an address generation unit configured to generate the address of the storage region according to the first address-bit group and a second address-bit group, the first address-bit group being stored in the temporary parameter store, the second address-bit group forming another part of the address of the storage region; and a setting unit configured to read at least one of the plurality of the intensity setting values and the plurality of the phase setting values by using the address of the storage region generated by the address generation unit, the setting unit being configured to set an intensity and a phase to be set in each of the antenna elements.

[0010] The phased array antenna module according to one aspect of the present invention temporarily stores the first address-bit group in the temporary parameter store. Here, the first address-bit group forms a part of the address of the storage region. The second address-bit group forms another part of the address of the storage region. The address of the storage region is generated according to the first address-bit group and the second address-bit group. The setting values stored in the generated address is read to set the intensity and the phase to be set in each of the antenna elements. Here, the setting values are the intensity setting values and the phase setting values. Therefore, a beam pattern can be switched simply by changing the second address-bit group. Also, the address of the storage region is generated using a plurality of address-bit groups.SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )Therefore, a larger number of types of beam patterns than that in conventional cases can be specified.

[0011] Also, in the phased array antenna module according to one aspect of the present invention, the storage region may be divided into a plurality of banks, the first addressbit group may be used to determine the banks, and the second address-bit group may be used to determine one address within each of the banks.

[0012] Also, in the phased array antenna module according to one aspect of the present invention, the temporary parameter store include a register having a bit width of M, a bit width of the first address-bit group may be M bits, a bit width of the second address-bit group may be N bits, and a bit width of the address of the storage region may be the sum of M bits and N bits.

[0013] Also, in the phased array antenna module according to one aspect of the present invention, the first address-bit group may be a bit group on a most significant bit side of the address of the storage region, and the second address-bit group may be a bit group on a least significant bit side of the address of the storage region.

[0014] A method of setting a beam pattern according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a step of storing a first address-bit group in a temporary parameter store, the first address-bit group forming a part of an address of a storage region, the storage region being configured to store at least one of a plurality of intensity setting values and a plurality of phase setting values, the intensity setting values and the phase setting values being adopted for signals transmitted to and received by each of a plurality of antenna elements, the number of the intensity setting values being more than 256 and / or the number of the phase setting values being more than 256; a step of generating a second address-bit group on the basis of a specified beam specifying parameter, the second address-bit group forming another part of the address of the storage region; a step of generating the address of the storage region according to the first address-bit group stored in the temporary parameter store and the generated second address-bit group; and a step of reading at least one of the plurality of the intensity setting valuesSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )and the plurality of the phase setting values by using the generated address of the storage region, and setting an intensity and a phase to be set in each of the antenna elements.

[0015] Also, in a case in which the beam specifying parameter is newly specified, the method of setting a beam pattern according to one aspect of the present invention may include: a step of newly generating a second address-bit group on the basis of the newly specified beam specifying parameter; a step of newly generating an address of the storage region according to the first address-bit group stored in the temporary parameter store and the newly generated second address-bit group; and a step of newly reading at least one of the plurality of the intensity setting values and the plurality of the phase setting values by using the newly generated address of the storage region, and setting an intensity and a phase to be set in each of the antenna elements.

[0016] Also, in the method of setting a beam pattern according to one aspect of the present invention, the storage region may be divided into a plurality of banks, the first addressbit group may be used to determine the banks, and the second address-bit group may be used to determine one address within each of the banks.

[0017] Also, in the method of setting a beam pattern according to one aspect of the present invention, the temporary parameter store include a register having a bit width of M, a bit width of the first address-bit group may be M bits, a bit width of the second address-bit group may be N bits, and a bit width of the address of the storage region may be the sum of M bits and N bits.

[0018] Also, in the method of setting a beam pattern according to one aspect of the present invention, the first address-bit group may be a bit group on a most significant bit side of the address of the storage region, and the second address-bit group may be a bit group on a least significant bit side of the address of the storage region.[Advantageous Effects of Invention]

[0019] SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )According to the present invention, there is an effect that a larger number of beam patterns than that in conventional cases can be switched simply and at high speed. [Brief Description of Drawings]

[0020] [FIG. 1]FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of a phased array antenna module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.[FIG. 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a beamformer IC provided in the phased array antenna module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.[FIG. 3]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an address generation circuit provided in an RF frontend of the beamformer IC.[FIG. 4]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an analog circuit provided in the RF frontend of the beamformer IC.[FIG. 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a beam table used in the first embodiment of the present invention.[FIG. 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a beam table used in a second embodiment of the present invention.[FIG. 7]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a beamformer IC provided in a phased array antenna module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.[FIG. 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a beam table used in the third embodiment of the present invention.[Description of Embodiments]

[0021] SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )Hereinafter, a phased array antenna module and a method of setting a beam pattern according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] (First Embodiment)A phased array antenna module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is provided in, for example, a wireless communication device using a millimeter waveband and capable of carrying out beamforming that can freely change a beam pattern. The phased array antenna module includes, for example, a plurality of integrated circuits (ICs) mounted on one surface of a circuit board such as a known printed circuit board, and an antenna array mounted on the other surface of the circuit board.

[0023] The plurality of ICs and the antenna array constituting the phased array antenna module are formed using known materials and using known methods. Also, an electrical connection structure between the plurality of ICs and an electrical connection structure between the ICs and the antenna array are not particularly limited. A known connection structure is employed as the electrical connection structure.

[0024] (Phased Array Antenna Module)FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of the phased array antenna module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a phased array antenna module 1 includes eight beamformer ICs 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H (hereinafter referred to as beamformer ICs 10A to 10H), an antenna array 20, a frequency conversion IC 30, and an RF signal coupler / splitter 40.

[0025] The phased array antenna module 1 is connected to a control device 50 via a signal line 51, a control line 52, and a power line 53. An RF signal of an intermediate frequency (IF) is transmitted and received between the control device 50 and the phased array antenna module 1 via the signal line 51. A communication message related to control is transmitted and received between the control device 50 and the phased array antennaSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )module 1 via the control line 52. Power is supplied from the control device 50 to the phased array antenna module 1 via the power line 53.

[0026] The beamformer ICs 10A to 10H are ICs that control a beam pattern of the antenna array 20. A plurality of antenna elements 21 forming the antenna array 20 are connected to the beamformer ICs lOAto 10H. For example, eight horizontally polarized antenna elements 21 and eight vertically polarized antenna elements 21 are connected to each of the beamformer ICs 10A to 10H. That is, the antenna array 20 is formed of a total of 128 of the antenna elements 21 including 64 horizontally polarized antenna elements 21 and 64 vertically polarized antenna elements 21. Further, details of the beamformer ICs 10A to 10H will be described later.

[0027] The frequency conversion IC 30 is an IC that performs frequency conversion between the RF signal of an IF signal frequency and the RF signal of a frequency transmitted or received by the beamformer ICs 10A to 10H and the antenna array 20.

[0028] The RF signal coupler / splitter 40 splits the RF signal output from the frequency conversion IC 30 and distributes to the beamformer ICs 10A to 10H. Also, the RF signal coupler / splitter 40 couples the RF signals received by the beamformer ICs 10A to 10H and inputs them into the frequency conversion IC 30.

[0029] (Beamformer IC)FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the beamformer IC provided in the phased array antenna module 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The eight beamformer ICs 10A to 10H have the same configuration as each other. Therefore, in the following description, one of the beamformer ICs 10A to 10H, that is, a beamformer IC 10, may be described. Description of the other seven beamformer ICs may be omitted.

[0030] The beamformer IC 10 includes 16 RF frontends 5 A to 5P and a digital circuit 6. The 16 RF frontends 5 A to 5P have the same configuration as each other. Therefore, in the following description, one of the 16 RF frontends 5A to 5P, that is, an RF frontend 5,SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )may be described. Description of the other 15 RF frontends may be omitted. Further, the RF frontend 5 corresponds to a “setting unit” of the present invention.

[0031] In one beamformer IC 10 shown in FIG. 2, the 16 RF frontends 5 A to 5P are connected to 16 antenna elements 21 A to 21P so that one antenna element 21 and one RF frontend 5 have a one-to-one correspondence. Of the 16 antenna elements 21 A to 21P, eight antenna elements (for example, antenna elements 21 A to 21H) are horizontally polarized antenna elements, and the remaining eight antenna elements (for example, antenna elements 211 to 21P) are vertically polarized antenna elements.

[0032] The 16 antenna elements 21 A to 21P have the same or similar configurations as each other. Therefore, in the following description, one of the 16 antenna elements 21 A to 21P, that is, the antenna element 21 may be described. Description of the other 15 antenna elements may be omitted. The antenna elements 21 A to 21P may have the same configuration as each other. Regarding configurations of the antenna elements 21 A to 2 IP, a configuration of the horizontally polarized antenna element and a configuration of the vertically polarized antenna element may be slightly different.

[0033] As described above, in one beamformer IC 10, the 16 RF frontends 5 A to 5P are connected to the 16 antenna elements 21A to 21P to have a one-to-one correspondence. Therefore, in the entire phased array antenna module 1 having the eight beamformer ICs 10A to 10H, 128 antenna elements 21 forming the antenna array 20 are connected to the 16 RF frontends 5 A to 5P in each of the eight beamformer ICs 10A to 10H.

[0034] The 128 antenna elements 21 forming the antenna array 20 are divided into 64 antenna elements 21 for transmitting and receiving horizontally -polarized radio waves and 64 antenna elements 21 for transmitting and receiving vertically-polarized radio waves. The eight beamformer ICs 10A to 10H control transmission and reception of horizontally-polarized radio waves in the 64 antenna elements 21, and control transmission and reception of vertically -polarized radio waves in the 64 antenna elements 21. For each of the horizontally-polarized radio waves and the vertically- polarized radio waves, the beamformer ICs 10A to 10H set a gain and a phase of each ofSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )the 64 antenna elements 21 so that directions of combined radio waves transmitted or received from the 64 antenna elements 21 are in a predetermined direction.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the RF frontend 5 includes a digital circuit 11 and an analog circuit 12. The digital circuit 11 performs transmission and reception of the communication message related to control between itself and the control device 50 via the control line 52 shown in FIG. 1. The digital circuit 11 controls the RF frontend 5 on the basis of the communication message transmitted from the control device 50.

[0036] In the present embodiment, transmission and reception of the communication message related to control are performed by parallel communication between the phased array antenna module 1 and the control device 50. That is, the digital circuit 11 performs transmission and reception of the communication message related to control by parallel communication between itself and the control device 50. Further, the communication performed between the phased array antenna module 1 and the control device 50 is not limited to the parallel communication. Serial communication such as SPI or I2C may be used.

[0037] A single communication transaction transmitted from the control device 50 to the phased array antenna module 1 includes additional information, a command, and data. The communication transaction has a fixed bit length. The command is a register address when instructing to write to a register or read from the register. Alternatively, the command is a numerical value that denotes an operation instruction to the beamformer IC 10 or the RF frontend 5. The command and the data have fixed lengths. In the present embodiment, the command is 8 bits and the data is 8 bits.

[0038] The digital circuit 11 includes a storage region 13 and a temporary parameter store 14. The storage region 13 stores a beam table used for beamforming. The beam table is a look-up table. The look-up table has a plurality of combinations of phase shift amount setting values and gain setting values. The phase shift amount setting values and the gain setting values are set according to beam patterns of the antenna array 20 to be controlled, and are stored in the look-up table. In the present embodiment, a beam tableSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )(beam table with 1024 items) is stored in the storage region 13. In the beam table, 1024 combinations of the phase shift amount setting values and the gain setting values are defined. The beam table is written to or read from the storage region 13 using a 10-bit address. Further, details of the beam table will be described later.

[0039] The storage region 13 is realized using, for example, a static random access memory (SRAM). The storage region 13 is preferably realized using an SRAM. The storage region 13 may be realized using a register, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a flash memory, or a read only memory (ROM).

[0040] Also, the storage region 13 may be realized using one SRAM or a plurality of SRAMs according to a size of the beam table, the number of bits of the phase shift amount setting value, the number of bits of the gain setting value, and the like. When the storage region 13 is realized using a plurality of SRAMs, for example, the phase shift amount setting values of the beam table may be stored in a first SRAM, and the gam setting values of the beam table may be stored in a second SRAM

[0041] The temporary parameter store 14 temporarily stores parameters for generating an address used to access the storage region 13 The temporary parameter store 14 is realized using, for example, one or more registers. The temporary parameter store 14 is preferably realized using the register. The temporary parameter store 14 may be realized using an SRAM, a DRAM, or a flash memory.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of an address generation circuit provided in the RF frontend of the beamformer IC. An address generation circuit 15 shown in FIG. 3 is a circuit that generates an address used for accessing the storage region 13. The address generation circuit 15 is provided in the digital circuit 11 m the RF frontend 5 of the beamformer IC 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the address generation circuit 15 includes a digital interface 16, the temporary parameter store 14, and an address computation unit 17. Further, the address computation unit 17 corresponds to an “address generation unit” of the present invention.

[0043] SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )The digital interface 16 is a circuit to which the communication message related to control transmitted from the control device 50 shown in FIG. 1 via the control line 52 is input. The digital interface 16 outputs parameters for generating an address used for accessing the storage region 13 on the basis of the input communication message.

[0044] The temporary parameter store 14 may include a first temporary parameter store 14a and a second temporary parameter store 14b. The first temporary parameter store 14a and the second temporary parameter store 14b temporarily store parameters output from the digital interface 16. The first temporary parameter store 14a and the second temporary parameter store 14b are realized using, for example, registers. Further, in the present embodiment, for example, a case in which the temporary parameter store 14 includes the first temporary parameter store 14a and the second temporary parameter store 14b will be described. Either one of the first temporary parameter store 14a and the second temporary parameter store 14b may be omitted.

[0045] The address computation unit 17 calculates an address used for accessing the storage region 13 using the parameters stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a and the second temporary parameter store 14b. Alternatively, the address computation unit 17 calculates an address used for accessing the storage region 13 using parameters stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a or the second temporary parameter store 14b and parameters separately output from the digital interface 16. The address calculated by the address computation unit 17 is 10 bits.

[0046] The analog circuit 12 is a circuit that outputs an RF signal to the antenna element 21 connected to the RF frontend 5 and receives an RF signal output from the antenna element 21. The analog circuit 12, under the control of the digital circuit 11, adjusts a gam and a phase of RF signals transmitted to and received by the antenna element 21 connected to the RF frontend 5.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the analog circuit 12 provided in the RF frontend 5 of the beamformer IC. The RF frontends 5A to 5P provided in the beamformer IC 10 have the same configuration as each other.SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )Therefore, in the following description, one of the analog circuits 12 provided in the 16 RF frontends 5 A to 5P, that is, the analog circuit 12 provided in the RF frontend 5 may be described. Description of the analog circuits 12 provided in the other 15 RF frontends may be omitted.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the analog circuit 12 includes a transmitting circuit 61, a phase shifter 62, a variable gain amplifier 63, a power amplifier 64, a switch 65, a low noise amplifier 66, a variable gain amplifier 67, a phase shifter 68, and a receiving circuit 69 Further, the storage region 1 provided in the digital circuit 11 of the RF frontend 5 is also shown in FIG. 4.

[0049] The transmitting circuit 61, the phase shifter 62, the variable gain amplifier 63, and the power amplifier 64 are provided on a transmission path R1. The low noise amplifier 66, the variable gain amplifier 67, the phase shifter 68, and the receiving circuit 69 are provided on a reception path R2. The transmission path R1 is a path through which the RF signal output to the antenna element 21 passes. The reception path R2 is a path through which the RF signal input from the antenna element 21 passes. The switch 65 switches whether to connect the transmission path R1 or connect the reception path R2 with respect to the antenna element 21 at a specified time interval. Therefore, the phased array antenna module 1 can perform transmission and reception of high frequency signals as a time division multiplexing system.

[0050] The transmitting circuit 61 outputs a source RF signal which is adjusted and transmitted as radio waves from the antenna element 21 The phase shifter 62 adjusts a phase shift amount of the RF signal passing through the transmission path R1 according to the phase shift amount setting value of the beam table read from the storage region 13. The variable gain amplifier 63 adjusts an intensity of the RF signal passing through the transmission path R1 according to the gain setting value of the beam table read from the storage region 13. The power amplifier 64 amplifies the RF signal passing through the transmission path R1 with a predetermined amplification factor. A beam pattern of radio waves transmitted from the phased array antenna module 1 can be changed bySUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )adjusting the phase shift amount and the intensity of RF signal passing through the transmission path Rl.

[0051] The low noise amplifier 66 amplifies the RF signal input from the switch 65 with a predetermined amplification factor. The variable gain amplifier 67 adjusts an intensity of RF signal passing through the reception path R2 according to the gain setting value of the beam table read from the storage region 13. The phase shifter 68 adjusts a phase shift amount of the RF signal passing through the reception path R2 according to the phase shift amount setting value of the beam table read from the storage region 13. The receiving circuit 69 receives the RF signal passing through the reception path R2. A beam pattern of radio waves received by the phased array antenna module 1 can be changed by adjusting the phase shift amount and the intensity of RF signal passing through the reception path R2.

[0052] (Beam Table)FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a beam table used in the first embodiment of the present invention. Further, in FIG. 5, a parameter Pl for determining an address of the storage region 13 and a parameter P2 specifying a beam pattern are shown in association with a beam table BT stored in the storage region 13.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, in the beam table BT stored in the storage region 13, 1024 combinations of phase shift amount setting values and gain setting values are defined. For example, the beam table BT is a beam table with 1024 items. For example, at an address “0” of the storage region 13, a phase shift amount setting value “P0000” and a gain setting value “G0000” are stored. At an address “1023” of the storage region 13, a phase shift amount setting value “P1023” and a gain setting value “G1023” are stored.

[0054] The storage region 13 is used to be divided into a plurality of banks with different sizes for each beam mode. Therefore, the beam table is also used to be divided into a plurality of banks (hereinafter referred to as “beam table banks”) with different sizes for each beam mode. The reason why the beam table is used to be divided into a plurality of beam table banks in this way is for utilizing the storage region 13 efficiently.SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )

[0055] For example, if the beam mode is “1,” there are four beam table banks “1” to “4”. A size of each beam table bank is 64 items in the beam table. If the beam mode is “2,” there are three beam table banks “1” to “3”. A size of each beam table bank is 256 items in the beam table.

[0056] Here, as described above, the data included in one communication transaction transmitted from the control device 50 to the phased array antenna module 1 is 8 bits. If this data is used to specify a beam index, a beam table that can be used is limited to data stored in addresses “0” to “255”. In the present embodiment, the parameter P2 shown in FIG. 5 is specified by the following three communication transactions.- A communication transaction specifying the beam mode- A communication transaction specify ing the beam table bank- A communication transaction specify ing the beam indexThereby, all the beam tables stored in the storage region 13 (data stored at addresses “0” to “1023’) are made available to be utilized.

[0057] Here, in the communication transaction specifying the beam table bank, a value of a first address-bit group is directly specified as data The first address-bit group is a bit group on a most significant bit side of the address of the storage region 13 (hereinafter referred to as “MSB”).

[0058] A communication transaction specifying the beam index specifies parameters for determining the beam index, and at the same time, serves as a command for instructing execution of beam pattern switching. A beam index value obtained from the parameters specified in the communication transaction is used as a second address-bit group. The second address-bit group is a bit group on a least significant bit side of the address of the storage region 13 (hereinafter referred to as “LSB”).

[0059] For example, it is assumed that a bit width of the address of the storage region 13 is L (L is an integer of 2 or more). It is assumed that a bit width of the MSB is M. It isSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )assumed that a bit width of the LSB is N. The bit width M of the MSB is an integer that satisfies 1 < M < L. The bit width N of the LSB is an integer that satisfies N = L-M

[0060] A 10-bit address of the storage region 13 is calculated from the MSB specified by the communication transaction specifying the beam table bank and the LSB obtained by the communication transaction specify ing the beam index. Therefore, the enti re of the beam table BT can be utilized.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 5, if the beam mode is “1,” a bit width of the MSB is 4 bits and a bit width of the LSB is 6 bits. Because the bit width of the MSB is 4 bits, it is possible to determine four beam table banks “1” to “4” when the beam mode is “1”. Also, since the bit width of the LSB is 6 bits, it is possible to determine “0” to “63” as the beam index.

[0062] Also, when the beam mode is “2,” a bit width of the MSB is 2 bits and a bit width of the LSB is 8 bits Because the bit width of the MSB is 2 bits, it is possible to determine three beam table banks “1” to “3” when the beam mode is “2”. Also, since the bit width of the LSB is 8 bits, “0” to “255” can be determined as the beam index.

[0063] (Method of Setting Beam Pattern)(First Step)In a first step, the control device 50 transmits a communication message with a fixed bit length to the RF frontend 5 via the control line 52 in the communication transaction specifying the beam mode. The communication message contains information specifying the beam mode. The RF frontend 5 receives the communication message transmitted from the control device 50. The address generation circuit 15 (see FIG. 3) provided in the digital circuit 11 of the RF frontend 5 determines the number of MSB bits to be referenced and the number of LSB bits to be referenced according to the specified beam mode.

[0064] (Second Step)SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )In a second step, the control device 50 transmits a communication message with a fixed bit length to the RF frontend 5 via the control line 52 in the communication transaction specifying the beam table bank. A first address-bit group is contained in the communication message as data. The first address-bit group is MSB, which is a bit group on a most significant bit side of an address of the storage region 13. The RF frontend 5 receives the communication message transmitted from the control device 50. The digital interface 16 (see FIG. 3) provided in the digital circuit 11 of the RF frontend 5 stores the MSB contained in the received communication message in, for example, the first temporary parameter store 14a.

[0065] (Third Step)In a third step, the control device 50 transmits a communication message with a fixed bit length to the RF frontend 5 via the control line 52 in the communication transaction specifying the beam index. Parameters for determining the beam index are contained in the communication message as data. Further, the communication message may specify parameters for determining the beam index, and at the same time, serve as a command for instructing execution of beam pattern switching. The RF frontend 5 receives the communication message transmitted from the control device 50. The digital interface 16 (see FIG. 3) provided in the digital circuit 11 of the RF frontend 5 obtains a second address-bit group from the parameters contained in the received communication message. The second address-bit group is LSB, which is a bit group on a least significant bit side of the address of the storage region 13. The digital interface 16 outputs the obtained LSB to, for example, the address computation unit 17.

[0066] (Fourth Step)In a fourth step, the address computation unit 17 generates an address used for accessing the storage region 13 using the MSB stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a and the LSB output from the digital interface 16 shown in FIG. 3. The RF frontend 5 reads the phase shift amount setting value and the gain setting value of the beam table stored in the storage region 13 using the address generated by the address computation unit 17.

[0067] SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )(Fifth Step)In a fifth step, the RF frontend 5 sets the read phase shift amount setting value and gain setting value to the phase shifter 62 and variable gain amplifier 63 of the transmission path Rl, respectively. Alternatively, the RF frontend 5 sets the read phase shift amount setting value and gain setting value to the phase shifter 68 and variable gain amplifier 67 on the reception path R2, respectively. Therefore, a beam pattern of the phased array antenna module 1 is set.

[0068] If the beam pattern set by the above-described processing is to be changed, the following sixth to eighth steps are performed.

[0069] (Sixth Step)In a sixth step, the control device 50 performs only the communication transaction specifying the beam index. In the communication transaction, the control device 50 transmits a communication message with a fixed bit length to the RF frontend 5. In the communication message, parameters for determining the beam index are contained as data. The RF frontend 5 receives the communication message transmitted from the control device 50. The digital interface 16 (see FIG. 3) provided in the digital circuit 11 of the RF frontend 5 obtains the second address-bit group (LSB) from the parameters contained in the received communication message, and outputs it to the address computation unit 17.

[0070] (Seventh Step)In a seventh step, the address computation unit 17 newly generates an address used for accessing the storage region 13 using the MSB stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a and the LSB output from the digital interface 16 shown in FIG. 3. The RF frontend 5 newly reads the phase shift amount setting value and gain setting value of the beam table stored in the storage region 13 using the address newly generated by the address computation unit 17.

[0071] (Eighth Step)SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )In an eighth step, the RF frontend 5 sets the newly read phase shift amount setting value and gain setting value to the phase shifter 62 and the variable gain amplifier 63 of the transmission path Rl, respectively. Alternatively, the RF frontend 5 sets the newly read phase shift amount setting value and gain setting value to the phase shifter 68 and variable gain amplifier 67 of the reception path R2, respectively. Therefore, the beam pattern of the phased array antenna module is changed.

[0072] Thereafter, similarly, each time the control device 50 performs the communication transaction specifying the beam index, the above-described sixth to eighth steps are performed, and thereby the beam pattern is changed sequentially.

[0073] For example, it is assumed that the control device 50 first specified the beam mode as “1” in the communication transaction specifying the beam mode. Then, a case in which the control device 50 specifies “1” as the first address-bit group to specify the beam table bank as “2” in the communication transaction specifying the beam table bank, and specifies the beam index as ”()" in the communication transaction specifying the beam index may be shown. In this case, a phase shift amount setting value “P0064” and a gam setting value “G0064” of the beam table stored at an address “64” of the storage region 13 are read, and a beam pattern of the phased array antenna module 1 is set.

[0074] Next, it is assumed that the control device 50 specifies the beam index as “1” in the communication transaction specifying the beam index. Then, a phase shift amount setting value “P0065” and a gain setting value “G0065” of the beam table stored at an address “65” of the storage region 13 are read, and a beam pattern of the phased array antenna module 1 is set.

[0075] Next, it is assumed that the control device 50 specifies the beam index as “62” in the communication transaction specify ing the beam index. Then, a phase shift amount setting value “P0126” and a gam setting value “G0126” of the beam table stored at the address “126” of the storage region 13 are read, and a beam pattern of the phased array antenna module 1 is set.

[0076] SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )If switching of the beam table bank is performed, a beam table bank is newly specified in the communication transaction specifying the beam table bank. When such specifying is performed, the MSB stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a shown in FIG. 3 is updated. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, if the beam mode is “1,” specifying “4” to “15” as the MSB will not be performed. Also, if the beam mode is “2,” specifying “0” as the MSB will not be performed. The communication transaction specifying the beam index may directly specify the LSB or indirectly specify the LSB.

[0077] Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example of generating an address used for accessing the storage region 13 using the MSB stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a and the LSB output from the digital interface 16 shown in FIG. 3 has been described However, the address may be generated using the MSB stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a and the LSB stored in the second temporary parameter store 14b after storing the LSB obtained by the digital interface 16 in the second temporary parameter store 14b.

[0078] Also, data transmitted in the communication transaction specifying the beam index may include indirect parameters to be indirectly converted into the LSB through some calculation expression. When the MSB and the LSB are separately specified, a beam table with 1024 items can be stored in the storage region 13, and beam patterns of 1024 types can be utilized.

[0079] As described above, in the present embodiment, the beam table bank (MSB) specified by the control device 50 (specified in the communication transaction specifying the beam table bank) is stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a. Then, an address of the storage region 13 is generated using the beam index (LSB) specified in the communication transaction specify ing the beam index and the beam table bank (MSB) stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a. Here, the bit width (10 bits in the present embodiment) of the generated address is larger than the bit width (8 bits in the present embodiment) of the data contained in the communication transaction.SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )Therefore, in the present embodiment, a larger number of types (1024 types) of beam patterns can be specified than that in conventional cases (256 types).

[0080] Also, in the present embodiment, the beam pattern can be switched simply by changing the beam index (LSB) specified in the communication transaction specifying the beam index. As described above, in the present embodiment, a larger number of beam patterns than that in conventional cases can be switched simply and at high speed.

[0081] (Specific Method of Use)The phased array antenna module 1 of the present embodiment can be used in, for example, 5G mobile base stations. For example, the beam mode “1” can be used for beam searching of a synchronization signal block of synchronization signal burst in a Pl phase in the initial stage. Also, it is conceivable that the beam mode “2” is used for beam refinement by channel state information RS (CSI-RS) of a P2 phase.

[0082] The control device 50 can hold individual correspondence relationships between a beam direction of the beam pattern specified in the Pl phase by the beam mode “1” and a beam direction of the beam pattern specified in the P2 phase by the beam mode “2”.The correspondence relationship between the beam directions may be held in a correspondence relational expression or held in a look-up table. Further, a correspondence relationship between beam directions may be held by an operation system on a cloud server.

[0083] The phased array antenna module 1 of the present embodiment can also be used in, for example, base stations disposed around train stations. Specifically, in a base station, the phased array antenna module 1 can be used for applications such as switching of coverage areas by disposing a plurality of phased array antenna modules 1 close to each other and changing operations of the phased array antenna modules 1 that operate during daytime and nighttime. For example, when there are a large number of people during the daytime, all the phased array antenna modules 1 are powered on to cause each of them to cover a predetermined narrow range. In contrast, when there are fewerSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )people at night, only one phased array antenna module 1 is powered on to cover a wide range, and the other phased array antenna modules 1 are powered down.

[0084] Also, it is conceivable that, if one of the plurality of phased array antenna modules 1 disposed close to each other fails, a mobile service dead zone may occur. In preparation for such a trouble, a backup beam pattern table configured to extend to an area covered by another phased array antenna module 1 may be registered in advance.

[0085] Further, in the phased array antenna module 1 of the present embodiment, a beam table bank for horizontally-polarized waves and a beam table bank for vertically -polarized waves may be provided. For example, it is conceivable that odd-numbered beam table banks of each beam mode are used for horizontally -polarized waves, and even- numbered beam table banks of each beam mode are used for vertically-polarized waves. Therefore, it is possible to perform calibration of the beam table according to charactenstics of the horizontally polarized antenna elements 21 and the vertically polarized antenna elements 21, respectively. It is also possible to set beam patterns with different beam shapes for the horizontally -polarized waves and the vertically-polarized waves. Further, four beam table banks including a beam table bank for a honzontally- polarized wave transmission path, a beam table bank for a horizontally -polarized wave reception path, a beam table bank for a vertically -polarized wave transmission path, and a beam table bank for a vertically-polarized wave reception path may be used.

[0086] (Second Embodiment)(Phased Array Antenna Module)A phased array antenna module according to a second embodiment of the present invention has substantially the same configuration as the phased array antenna module 1 according to the first embodiment. However, the phased array antenna module of the present embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that a size of the beam table stored in a storage region 13 is larger than that of the first embodiment, and a bit width of the address of the storage region 13 is larger than that of the first embodiment. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the storage region 13 stores a beam table of 2048 items, and an address of the storage region 13 is 11 bits.SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )

[0087] (Beam Table)FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a beam table used in the second embodiment of the present invention. Further, in FIG. 6, similarly to FIG. 5, a parameter Pl for determining an address of the storage region 13 and a parameter P2 specifying a beam pattern are shown in association with a beam table BT stored in the storage region 13.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 6, in the beam table BT stored in the storage region 13, 2048 combinations of phase shift amount setting values and gain setting values are defined. For example, the beam table BT is a beam table with 2048 items. For example, at an address “0” of the storage region 13, a phase shift amount setting value “P0000” and a gain setting value “G0000” are stored. At an address "2047" of the storage region 13, a phase shift amount setting value “P2047” and a gain setting value “G2047” are stored.

[0089] In the present embodiment, three beam modes “1” to “3” are prepared. Also, a plurality of beam table banks with different sizes are prepared for each of the three beam modes.

[0090] For example, if the beam mode is “1,” there are four beam table banks “1” to “4”. A size of each beam table bank is 64 items in the beam table. If the beam mode is “2,” there are six beam table banks “1” to “6”. A size of each beam table bank is 128 items in the beam table. If the beam mode is “3,” there are four beam table banks “1” to “4”. A size of each beam table bank is 256 items in the beam table.

[0091] In the example shown in FIG. 6, if the beam mode is “1,” a bit width of the MSB is 5 bits and a bit width of the LSB is 6 bits. Because the bit width of the MSB is 5 bits, it is possible to determine four beam table banks “1” to “4” when the beam mode is “1”. Also, since the bit width of the LSB is 6 bits, it is possible to determine “0” to “63” as a beam index.

[0092] Also, if the beam mode is “2,” a bit width of the MSB is 4 bits and a bit width of the LSB is 7 bits. Because the bit width of the MSB is 4 bits, it is possible to determine sixSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )beam table banks “1” to “6” when the beam mode is “2”. Also, since the bit width of the LSB is 7 bits, it is possible to determine “0” to “127” as the beam index.

[0093] Also, if the beam mode is “3,” a bit width of the MSB is 3 bits and a bit width of the LSB is 8 bits. Because the bit width of the MSB is 3 bits, it is possible to determine four beam table banks “1” to “4” when the beam mode is “3”. Also, since the bit width of the LSB is 8 bits, it is possible to determine “0” to “255” as the beam index.

[0094] In the present embodiment, a beam table bank for a transmission path and a beam table bank for a reception path may be provided. For example, odd-numbered beam table banks of each beam mode are used for the transmission path and even-numbered beam table banks of each beam mode are used for the reception path. When the beam table bank for the transmission path and the beam table bank for the reception path are separated, precise phase adjustment is possible. In the precise phase adjustment, a difference in path length between a transmission path R1 and a reception path R2 is reflected and corrected. Also, when the gam setting values are made different, different beam shapes such as, for example, different beam widths, and beam patterns with different null points can be set for a transmission beam and a reception beam

[0095] When the beam table bank for the transmission path and the beam table bank for the reception path are provided, the parameter P2 shown in FIG. 6 is specified by the following four communication transactions.- A communication transaction specifying the beam mode- A communication transaction specifying the beam table bank for the transmission path- A communication transaction specifying the beam table bank for the reception path- A communication transaction specifying the beam indices for the transmission path and for the reception pathThereby, all the beam tables BT stored in the storage region 13 (data stored at addresses “0” to “2047’) are made available to be utilized.

[0096] (Method of Setting Beam Pattern) (First Step)SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )In a first step, a control device 50 transmits a communication message with a fixed bit length to an RF frontend 5 via the control line 52 in the communication transaction specifying the beam mode. The communication message contains information specifying the beam mode. The RF frontend 5 receives the communication message transmitted from the control device 50. An address generation circuit 15 (see FIG. 3) provided in the digital circuit 11 of the RF frontend 5 determines the number of MSB bits to be referenced and the number of LSB bits to be referenced according to the specified beam mode.

[0097] (Second Step)In a second step, the control device 50 transmits a communication message with a fixed bit length to the RF frontend 5 via the control line 52 in the communication transaction specifying the beam table bank for the transmission path. A first address-bit group is contained in the communication message as data. The first address-bit group is MSB, which is a bit group on a most significant bit side of an address of the storage region 13. The RF frontend 5 receives the communication message transmitted from the control device 50. A digital interface 16 (see FIG. 3) provided in the digital circuit 11 of the RF frontend 5 stores the MSB contained in the received communication message in, for example, a first temporary parameter store 14a.

[0098] (Third Step)In a third step, the control device 50 transmits a communication message with a fixed bit length to the RF frontend 5 via the control line 52 in the communication transaction specifying the beam table bank for the reception path. A first address-bit group is contained in the communication message as data. The first address-bit group is MSB, which is a bit group on a most significant bit side of the address of the storage region 13. The RF frontend 5 receives the communication message transmitted from the control device 50. The digital interface 16 (see FIG. 3) provided in the digital circuit 11 of the RF frontend 5 stores the MSB contained in the received communication message in, for example, a second temporary parameter store 14b.

[0099] (Fourth Step)SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )In a fourth step, the control device 50 transmits a communication message with a fixed bit length to the RF frontend 5 via the control line 52 in the communication transaction specifying the beam index for the transmission path or the reception path. Parameters for determining the beam index for the transmission path or the reception path are contained in the communication message as data. Further, the communication message may specify parameters for determining the beam index for the transmission path or the reception path, and at the same time, serve as a command for instructing execution of beam pattern switching. In the communication transaction specifying the beam index, the same parameters are specified for transmission and reception in the present embodiment, but different parameters can be specified. When different parameters are specified, separate communication transactions are used to specify the beam index for the transmission path and the beam index for the reception path.

[0100] The RF frontend 5 receives the communication message transmitted from the control device 50. The digital interface 16 (see FIG. 3) provided in the digital circuit 11 of the RF frontend 5 obtains a second address-bit group from the parameters contained in the received communication message. The second address-bit group is LSB, which is a bit group on a least significant bit side of the address of the storage region 13. The digital interface 16 outputs the obtained LSB to, for example, an address computation unit 17.

[0101] (Fifth Step)In a fifth step, the address computation unit 17 generates an address (first address) used for accessing the storage region 13 using the MSB stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a and the LSB output from the digital interface 16 shown in FIG. 3. Also, the address computation unit 17 generates an address (second address) used for accessing the storage region 13 using the MSB stored in the second temporary parameter store 14b and the LSB output from the digital interface 16 shown in FIG. 3. The RF frontend 5 reads the phase shift amount setting value and the gain setting value (setting values for the transmission path) of the beam table stored in the storage region 13 using the first address generated by the address computation unit 17. Also, the RF frontend 5 reads the phase shift amount setting value and the gain setting value (settingSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )values for the reception path) of the beam table stored in the storage region 13 using the second address generated by the address computation unit 17.

[0102] (Sixth Step)In a sixth step, the RF frontend 5 sets the read setting values for the transmission path to a phase shifter 62 and a variable gam amplifier 63 of the transmission path Rl, respectively. Also, the RF frontend 5 sets the read setting values for the reception path to a phase shifter 68 and a variable gain amplifier 67 of the reception path R2, respectively. Therefore, a beam pattern when radio waves are transmitted from the phased array antenna module 1 and a beam pattern when radio waves are received by the phased array antenna module 1 are set individually.

[0103] If the beam pattern set by the above-described processing is to be changed, the following seventh to tenth steps are performed.

[0104] (Seventh Step)In a seventh step, the control device 50 performs only the communication transaction specifying the beam index for the transmission path or the reception path. In the communication transaction, the control device 50 transmits a communication message with a fixed bit length to the RF frontend 5. In the communication message, parameters for determining the beam index for the transmission path or the reception path are contained as data. The RF frontend 5 receives the communication message transmitted from the control device 50. The digital interface 16 (see FIG. 3) provided in the digital circuit 11 of the RF frontend 5 obtains the second address-bit group (LSB) from the parameters contained in the received communication message, and outputs it to the address computation unit 17.

[0105] (Eighth Step)In an eighth step, the address computation unit 17 newly generates the first address using the MSB stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a and the LSB output from the digital interface 16 shown in FIG. 3. Also, the address computation unit 17 newly generates the second address using the MSB stored in the second temporarySUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )parameter store 14b and the LSB output from the digital interface 16 shown in FIG. 3. The RF frontend 5 newly reads the setting values for the transmission path of the beam table stored in the storage region 13 using the first address newly generated by the address computation unit 17. Also, the RF frontend 5 newly reads the setting values for the reception path of the beam table stored in the storage region 13 using the second address newly generated by the address computation unit 17.

[0106] (Ninth Step)In a ninth step, the RF frontend 5 sets the newly read setting values for the transmission path to the phase shifter 62 and the variable gain amplifier 63 of the transmission path Rl, respectively. Also, the RF frontend 5 sets the newly read setting values for the reception path to the phase shifter 68 and the variable gain amplifier 67 of the reception path R2, respectively. Therefore, the beam pattern when the radio waves are transmitted from the phased array antenna module 1 and the beam pattern when the radio waves are received by the phased array antenna module 1 are changed individually.

[0107] Thereafter, similarly, each time the control device 50 performs the communication transaction specifying the beam index, the above-described seventh to ninth steps are performed, and thereby the beam pattern is changed sequentially.

[0108] As described above, in the present embodiment, the beam table bank (MSB) for the transmission path specified by the control device 50 (specified in the communication transaction specifying the beam table bank for the transmission path) is stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a. Also, the beam table bank (MSB) for the reception path specified by the control device 50 (specified in the communication transaction specifying the beam table bank for the reception path) is stored in the second temporary parameter store 14b.

[0109] Then, the first address is generated using the beam index (LSB) specified in the communication transaction specify ing the beam index for the transmission path or the reception path and the beam table bank (MSB) stored in the first temporary parameterSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )store 14a Also, the second address is generated using the beam index (LSB) specified in the communication transaction specifying the beam index for the transmission path or the reception path and the beam table bank (MSB) stored in the second temporary parameter store 14b. Here, a bit width of the generated first and second addresses (11 bits in the present embodiment) is larger than a bit width of data (8 bits in the present embodiment) contained in the communication transaction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a larger number of types (2048 types) of beam patterns than those in conventional cases (256 types) can be specified.

[0110] Also, in the present embodiment, the beam pattern can be switched simply by changing the beam index (LSB) specified in the communication transaction specifying the beam index for the transmission path or the reception path. As described above, in the present embodiment, a larger number of beam patterns than that in conventional cases can be switched simply and at high speed.[01 H]Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case in which a beam table bank for a transmission path and a beam table bank for a reception path are provided has been described for example. However, a phase shift amount setting value and a gam setting value in consideration of temperature dependence of analog elements and antenna- related members provided in the phased array antenna module 1 may be prepared in advance. For example, a beam table bank for low temperature environment, a beam table bank for intermediate temperature environment, and a beam table bank for high temperature environment may be prepared according to seasonal changes, change of day and night, or changes in weather. Then, the beam table banks may be selectively used according to a detected temperature of a thermometer installed inside the phased array antenna module or in the base station equipment.

[0112] (Third Embodiment)(Phased Array Antenna Module)A phased array antenna module according to the present embodiment differs from the phased array antenna module 1 according to the first embodiment in a configuration of the beamformer IC and the method of setting a beam pattern. Specifically, the phasedSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )array antenna module of the present embodiment is used to calculate a beam pattern on the basis of parameters specified by a control device 50.

[0113] (Beamformer IC)FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a beamformer IC provided in a phased array antenna module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, components the same as the components shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 7, the phased array antenna module according to the present embodiment includes eight beamformer ICs 70A to 70H. These eight beamformer ICs 70A to 70H have the same configuration as each other. Therefore, in the following description, one of the beamformer ICs 70A to 70H, that is, a beamformer IC 70 may be described. Description of the other seven beamformer ICs may be omitted.

[0114] The beamformer IC 70 includes 16 RF frontends 7A to 7P and a digital circuit 8. The 16 RF frontends 7A to 7P have the same configuration as each other. Therefore, in the following descnption, one of the 16 RF frontends 7A to 7P, that is, an RF frontend 7 may be descnbed. Descnption of the other 15 RF frontends may be omitted. Further, the RF frontend 7 corresponds to a “setting unit” of the present invention

[0115] In one beamformer IC 70 shown in FIG 7, the 16 RF frontends 7A to 7P are connected to 16 antenna elements 21 A to 21P so that one antenna element 21 and one RF frontend 7 have a one-to-one correspondence. The RF frontend 7 includes a digital circuit 18 and an analog circuit 12.

[0116] The digital circuit 18 includes a third calculator 83 in addition to a storage region 13 and a temporary parameter store 14. The third calculator 83, together with a first calculator 81 and a second calculator 82, has a configuration for performing a calculation necessary for setting a beam pattern on the basis of parameters specified by the control device 50. The third calculator 83 has a configuration including, for example, the first temporary parameter store 14a and the address computation unit 17 shown in FIG. 3. The third calculator 83 generates an address for accessing the storageSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )region 13 on the basis of a beam table bank (MSB) stored in the first temporary' parameter store 14a and a calculation result output from the second calculator 82. The third calculator 83 retrieves setting values stored in the storage region 13 using the generated address. The third calculator 83 corresponds to an “address generation unit” of the present invention. Further, the analog circuit 12 has a configuration the same as the configuration described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0117] The digital circuit 8 includes an on-chip beam calculator 9. The on-chip beam calculator 9 is configured to calculate a direction of the beam and includes the second calculator 82. The second calculator 82 performs a calculation necessary for a calculation in the third calculator 83 using a calculation result of the first calculator 81. Further, specific calculations (processing) performed by the first calculator 81, the second calculator 82, and the third calculator 83 will be descnbed later.

[0118] (Calculation for Setting Beam Pattern)As in the first and second embodiments, one communication transaction transmitted from the control device 50 to the phased array antenna module 1 contains additional information, a command, and data. The communication transaction has a fixed bit length. In the present embodiment, the command is 8 bits and the data is 16 bits. In the present embodiment, the control device 50 indirectly specifies a beam pattern by specifying a pair of parameters (0, <)>).

[0119] The following expression (1) is an expression showing a phase delay that should be set in the antenna element 21.[Math. 1]

[0120] 0 and <|> in the above-described expression (1) are angle parameters indicating an azimuth and an elevation in which a beam is directed. An x-axis and a y-axis areSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )conceived as perpendicular to each other, which are set within a plane on which the antenna array 20 is mounted. The angle parameter 0 is, for example, a parameter indicating an angle within a plane including the x-axis and perpendicular to the plane on which the antenna array 20 is mounted. The angle parameter <]> is, for example, a parameter indicating an angle within a plane including the y-axis and perpendicular to the plane on which the antenna array 20 is mounted. Also, dx and dy in the abovedescribed expression (1) are variables indicating distances in an x direction and ay direction of the antenna element 21 from a reference position set within the plane on which the antenna array 20 is mounted. X in the above-described expression (1) is a wavelength of radio waves.

[0121] Here, a distance pitch between the antenna elements 21 is referred to as dpitch to define a and P shown in the following expressions (2) and (3).[Math. 2][Math. 3]

[0122] Then, the above-described expression (1) can be converted into the following expression (4).[Math. 4]

[0123] nx and ny in the above-described expression (4) are integers indicating positions of the antenna elements 21 in the plane on which the antenna array 20 is mounted, nx and ny are stored in the beamformer IC 70 in advance. The beamformer IC 70 can perform specifying of a beam pattern and switching of the beam pattern on the basis of the twoSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26)parameters (a, 0) obtained from a pair of parameters (9, (0) specified by the control device 50.

[0124] (Calculation in First Calculator 81)The first calculator 81 is provided outside of the phased array antenna module. For example, the first calculator 81 is provided in a cloud server or the control device 50. A calculation performed by the first calculator 81 is an offline calculation performed outside of the phased array antenna module 1, and is a calculation for obtaining coefficients (a, 0) from the pair of angle parameters (0, (>) that specify the beam direction. Further, the calculation of the coefficients (a, 0) may be performed using a look-up table in which the angle parameters (9, <|>) and the coefficients (a, 0) are associated with each other in advance. Alternatively, the coefficients (a, 0) may be calculated each time from the angle parameters (9, <|>). The coefficients (a, 0) calculated by the first calculator 81 are broadcast-transmitted from the control device 50 to the eight beamformer ICs 70A to 70H.

[0125] (Calculation in Second Calculator 82)The second calculator 82 calculates a phase delay of each of the 16 RF frontends 7 A to 7P from the coefficients (a, 0) broadcast-transmitted from the control device 50 and the integers (nx, ny) indicating the positions of the antenna elements 21 stored in advance in the beamformer IC 70. 16 sets of integers (nx, ny) are stored in each beamformer IC 70 in advance. Therefore, the second calculator 82 calculates a phase delay of each of the 16 RF frontends 7A to 7P using the above-described expression (4). The phase delays calculated by the second calculator 82 are output to the 16 RF frontends 7A to 7P, respectively.

[0126] (Calculation in Third Calculator 83)The third calculator 83 converts the phase delays calculated by the second calculator 82 into setting values for the phase shifters (phase shifters 62 and 68). Specifically, the third calculator 83 generates an address for accessing the storage region 13 on the basis of the beam table bank (MSB) stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a shown in FIG. 3 and the calculation result output from the second calculator 82. The thirdSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )calculator 83 accesses the storage region 13 using the generated address and acquires a phase shift amount setting value. The third calculator 83 sets the obtained phase shift amount setting value in the phase shifter. Hereinafter, the calculations performed by the second calculator 82 and the third calculator 83 may be referred to as “on-chip calculations”.

[0127] (Beam Table)FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a beam table used in the third embodiment of the present invention. Further, in FIG. 8, similarly to FIGS. 5 and 6, a parameter Pl for determining an address of the storage region 13 and a parameter P2 specifying a beam pattern are shown in association with a beam table BT stored in the storage region 13.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 8, in the beam table BT stored in the storage region 13, 2048 combinations of phase shift amount setting values and gain setting values are defined. For example, the beam table BT is a beam table with 2048 items. Of the beam table BT, 1536 items stored at addresses “0” to “1535” of the storage region 13 are used for the on-chip calculation. Also, the remaining 512 items (items stored at addresses “1536” to “2047” of the storage region 13) are used to perform more precise calibration in the on-chip calculation

[0129] The 1536 items stored at the addresses “0” to “1535” of the storage region 13 are divided into 12 beam table banks “1” to “12”. A bit width of the MSB for accessing these items is 4 bits and a bit width of the LSB is 7 bits. Because the bit width of the MSB is 4 bits, 12 beam table banks can be determined. Also, since the bit width of the LSB is 7 bits, it is possible to determine “0” to “127” as the beam index.

[0130] Also, the 512 items stored at the addresses “1536” to “2047” of the storage region 13 are divided into two beam table banks “1” and “2”. A bit width of the MSB for accessing these items is 3 bits and a bit width of the LSB is 8 bits. Because the bit width of the MSB is 3 bits, two beam table banks can be determined. Also, since the bit width of the LSB is 8 bits, it is possible to determine “0” to “127” as the beam index, and furthermore, calibration setting values for performing precise calibration therebySUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )can be added. Specifically, calibration setting values made to respectively correspond to the items with the LSBs of “0” to “127” used in the on-chip calculation are stored as items with the LSBs of “128” to “255,” and these can be retrieved.

[0131] Sets of on-chip calculation setting values and calibration setting values are stored at the addresses “1536” to “2047” of the storage region 13. Within the same beam table bank, an on-chip calculation setting values stored at address “A” of between 0 and 127 and a calibration setting values stored at address “A+128” of between 128 and 255 form a set. Therefore, precise beam control using calibration is possible.

[0132] A size of the beam table bank in the beam table BT shown in FIG. 8 depends on a phase shift amount setting resolution. For example, a phase shift amount range of 360 degrees is assigned to 128 items. If such assignment is performed, the phase delay calculated by the second calculator 82 is expressed as an integer from “0” to “127” in the phase shift amount range of 360 degrees. Here, the 1536 items stored at the addresses “0” to “1535” of the storage region 13 are divided into 12 beam table banks. Each beam table bank contains 128 items. Therefore, the phase delay calculated by the second calculator 82 can be used as the beam index (LSB) without any change.

[0133] (Method of Setting Beam Pattern)(First Step)In a first step, the control device 50 transmits a communication message with a fixed bit length to the RF frontend 7 via a control line 52 in a communication transaction specifying a method of using the table. The communication message contains information specifying the method of using the table. The RF frontend 7 receives the communication message transmitted from the control device 50. An address generation circuit 15 (see FIG 3) provided in the digital circuit 18 of the RF frontend 7 determines the number of MSB bits to be referenced and the number of LSB bits to be referenced according to the specifying of the method of using the table.

[0134] (Second Step)SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )In a second step, the control device 50 transmits a communication message with a fixed bit length to the RF frontend 7 via the control line 52 in a communication transaction specifying the beam table bank. A first address-bit group is contained in the communication message as data. The first address-bit group is MSB, which is a bit group on a most significant bit side of an address of the storage region 13. The RF frontend 7 receives the communication message transmitted from the control device 50. The digital interface 16 (see FIG. 3) provided in the digital circuit 18 of the RF frontend 7 stores the MSB contained in the received communication message in, for example, the first temporary parameter store 14a.

[0135] (Third Step)In a third step, the control device 50 transmits a communication message with a fixed bit length to the beamformer IC 70 via the control line 52 in a communication transaction specifying the beam direction. The two parameters (a, 0) described above are contained in the communication message as data. Further, the communication message may specify parameters for determining the beam direction, and at the same time, serve as a command for instructing execution of beam pattern switching. The beamformer IC 70 receives the communication message transmitted from the control device 50. The second calculator 82 provided in the digital circuit 8 of the beamformer IC 70 calculates the phase delay of each of the 16 RF frontends 7 A to 7P from the parameters contained in the received communication message using the abovedescribed expression (4). The second calculator 82 outputs the calculated phase delay to each of the 16 RF frontends 7A to 7P.

[0136] (Fourth Step)In a fourth step, the third calculator 83 generates an address used for accessing the storage region 13 using the MSB stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a shown in FIG. 3 and the LSB that is the phase delay output from the second calculator 82. The third calculator 83 reads the phase shift amount setting value of the beam table stored in the storage region 13 using the generated address.

[0137] (Fifth Step)SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )In a fifth step, the RF frontend 7 sets the phase shift amount setting value read by the third calculator 83 in the phase shifter 62 of a transmission path R1 or the phase shifter 68 of a reception path R2. Therefore, a beam pattern of the phased array antenna module 1 is set.

[0138] If the beam pattern set by the above-described processing is to be changed, the following sixth to eighth steps are performed.

[0139] (Sixth Step)In a sixth step, the control device 50 performs only the communication transaction specifying the beam direction. In the communication transaction, the control device 50 transmits a communication message with a fixed bit length to the beamformer IC 70. In the communication message, two new parameters (a, 0) are contained as data. The beamformer IC 70 receives the communication message transmitted from the control device 50. The second calculator 82 provided in the digital circuit 8 of the beamformer IC 70 calculates the phase delay of each of the 16 RF frontends 7 A to 7P from the parameters contained in the received communication message using the abovedescribed expression (4). The second calculator 82 outputs the calculated phase delay to each of the 16 RF frontends 7A to 7P.

[0140] (Seventh Step)In a seventh step, the third calculator 83 newly generates an address used for accessing the storage region 13 using the MSB stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a shown in FIG. 3 and the LSB that is the phase delay newly output from the second calculator 82. The third calculator 83 newly reads the phase shift amount setting value of the beam table stored in the storage region 13 using the newly generated address.

[0141] (Eighth Step)In an eighth step, the RF frontend 7 sets the phase shift amount setting value newly read by the third calculator 83 in the phase shifter 62 of the transmission path R1 or the phase shifter 68 of the reception path R2. Therefore, the beam pattern of the phased array antenna module 1 is changed.SUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )

[0142] Thereafter, similarly, each time the control device 50 performs the communication transaction specifying the beam direction, the above-described sixth to eighth steps are performed, and thereby the beam pattern is changed sequentially.

[0143] As described above, in the present embodiment, first, the control device 50 stores the beam table bank (MSB) specified in the communication transaction specifying the beam table bank in the first temporary parameter store 14a. Next, the second calculator 82 calculates the phase delay of each of the 16 RF frontends 7A to 7B using the two parameters (a, 0) specified in the communication transaction specifying the beam direction and the integers (nx, ny) indicating the positions of the antenna elements 21. Then, the third calculator 83 generates an address used for accessing the storage region 13 using the MSB stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a shown in FIG. 3 and the LSB that is the phase delay output from the second calculator 82 to read the phase shift amount setting value of the beam table. Then, the phase shift amount setting value read by the third calculator 83 is set in the phase shifter 62 of the transmission path R1 or the phase shifter 68 of the reception path R2.

[0144] As described above, in the present embodiment, the beam table bank (MSB) specified by the control device 50 (specified in the communication transaction specifying the beam table bank) is stored in the first temporary parameter store 14a. Then, the phase delay is calculated from the coefficients (a, 0) broadcast-transmitted from the control device 50 and the integers (nx, ny) indicating the positions of the antenna elements 21 stored in advance in the beamformer IC 70, and the LSB is obtained to generate an address. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a larger number of types of beam patterns can be specified compared to a case in which the beam table bank is not used. In addition, a beam table bank to be used can be selected from a beam table bank not containing the calibration setting values and a beam table bank containing the calibration setting values.Also, in the present embodiment, the beam pattern can be switched simply by changing the two parameters (a, 0) specified in the communication transaction specifying theSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )beam direction. As described above, in the present embodiment, a larger number of beam patterns than that in conventional cases can be switched simply and at high speed.

[0145] Although the phased array antenna module and the method of setting a beam pattern according to the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be freely changed within the scope of the present invention. For example, the phased array antenna modules described in the above-described embodiments are used for time division multiplexing systems. However, the phased array antenna module of the present invention may also be used for frequency division multiplexing systems.

[0146] Also, in the above-described embodiments, a case in which one antenna element 21 and one RF frontend 5 (or RF frontend 7) are connected to have a one-to-one correspondence has been described for example. However, in the present invention, two frontends may be connected to a dual-polarized antenna element having a connection terminal for horizontally-polarized radio wave and a connection terminal for vertically-polarized radio wave.

[0147] Further, in the above-described embodiments, a case in which an address used for accessing the storage region 13 is generated from two of the address-bit groups has been described for example. However, in the present invention, an address used for accessing the storage region 13 may be generated from three or more of the address-bit groups.[Reference Signs List]

[0148] 1 Phased array antenna module5, 5 A to 5P RF frontend6 Digital circuit7, 7A to 7P RF frontend8 Digital circuit9 On-chip beam calculator10, lOA to 10H Beamformer ICSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26 )11 Digital circuit12 Analog circuit13 Storage region14 Temporary parameter store14a First temporary parameter store14b Second temporary parameter store15 Address generation circuit16 Digital interface17 Address computation unit18 Digital circuit 0 Antenna array 1, 21 A to 2 IP Antenna element40 RF Signal Coupler / Splitter50 Control device51 RF Signal line52 Control line53 Power line61 Transmitting circuit62 Phase shifter63 Variable gain amplifier64 Power amplifier65 Switch66 Low noise amplifier67 Variable gam amplifier68 Phase shifter69 Receiving circuit70, 70A to 70H Beamformer IC81 First calculator82 Second calculator83 Third calculatorR1 Transmission pathR2 Reception pathSUBSTITUTE SHEET ( RULE 26)

Claims

[CLAIMS]

1. A phased array antenna module comprising: a plurality of antenna elements; a storage region configured to store at least one of a plurality of intensity setting values and a plurality of phase setting values, the intensity setting values and the phase setting values being adopted for signals transmitted to and received by each of the antenna elements, the number of the intensity setting values being more than 256 and / or the number of the phase setting values being more than 256; a temporary parameter store configured to temporarily store a first address-bit group, the first address-bit group forming a part of an address of the storage region; an address generation unit configured to generate the address of the storage region according to the first address-bit group and a second address-bit group, the first addressbit group being stored in the temporary parameter store, the second address-bit group forming another part of the address of the storage region; and a setting unit configured to read at least one of the plurality' of the intensity setting values and the plurality of the phase setting values by using the address of the storage region generated by the address generation unit, the setting unit being configured to set an intensity and a phase to be set in each of the antenna elements.

2. The phased array antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the storage region is divided into a plurality of banks, the first address-bit group is used to determine the banks, and the second address-bit group is used to determine one address within each of the banks.

3. The phased array antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the temporary parameter store includes a register having a bit width of M, a bit width of the first address-bit group is M bits, a bit width of the second address-bit group is N bits, and a bit width of the address of the storage region is the sum of M bits and N bits.

4. The phased array antenna module according to claim 1, whereinthe first address-bit group is a bit group on a most significant bit side of the address of the storage region, and the second address-bit group is a bit group on a least significant bit side of the address of the storage region.

5. A method of setting a beam pattern comprising: a step of storing a first address-bit group in a temporary parameter store, the first address-bit group forming a part of an address of a storage region, the storage region being configured to store at least one of a plurality of intensity setting values and a plurality of phase setting values, the intensity setting values and the phase setting values being adopted for signals transmitted to and received by each of a plurality of antenna elements, the number of the intensity setting values being more than 256 and / or the number of the phase setting values being more than 256; a step of generating a second address-bit group on the basis of a specified beam specifying parameter, the second address-bit group forming another part of the address of the storage region; a step of generating the address of the storage region according to the first address-bit group and the generated second address-bit group, the first address-bit group being stored in the temporary parameter store; and a step of reading at least one of the plurality of the intensity setting values and the plurality of the phase setting values by using the generated address of the storage region, and setting an intensity and a phase to be set in each of the antenna elements.

6. The method of setting a beam pattern according to claim 5, in a case in which the beam specifying parameter is newly specified, comprising: a step of newly generating a second address-bit group on the basis of the newly specified beam specifying parameter; a step of newly generating an address of the storage region according to the first address-bit group and the newly generated second address-bit group, the first addressbit group being stored in the temporary parameter store; anda step of newly reading at least one of the plurality of the intensity setting values and the plurality of the phase setting values by using the newly generated address of the storage region, and setting an intensity and a phase to be set in each of the antenna elements.

7. The method of setting a beam pattern according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the storage region is divided into a plurality of banks, the first address-bit group is used to determine the banks, and the second address-bit group is used to determine one address within each of the banks.

8. The method of setting a beam pattern according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the temporary parameter store includes a register having a bit width of M, a bit width of the first address-bit group is M bits, a bit width of the second address-bit group is N bits, and a bit width of the address of the storage region is the sum of M bits and N bits.

9. The method of setting a beam pattern according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first address-bit group is a bit group on a most significant bit side of the address of the storage region, and the second address-bit group is a bit group on a least significant bit side of the address of the storage region.

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