Base station equipment and detection method

Abstract

This technology enables the detection of receiver failures and degradation of reception performance while suppressing an increase in circuit size. [Solution] The base station device 1 includes a receiving unit that converts an amplified radio received signal into a baseband signal and outputs the baseband signal after converting it from an analog signal to a digital signal; a setting unit that sets a reference value for the output of the receiving unit; and a detection unit that acquires the output value of the receiving unit while maintaining a communication-enabled state during reception operation, identifies the output value of a no-signal range where no radio received signal exists based on the output value, and detects a malfunction of the receiving unit based on the output value of the no-signal range and the reference value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a base station device and a detection method.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a radio base station device is installed on the roof of a building or a tower, etc. When the radio base station device fails, etc., a function for the device to notify a failure, etc. is required. Since the receiving-side low-noise amplifier mounted on the radio base station device handles minute signals, it has low power resistance and is vulnerable to external disturbances such as lightning surges, etc., but it is also a part where failure detection is difficult. As technologies related to this, there are inventions disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 below.

[0003] Patent Document 1 below discloses that when a failure occurs in an RFSW (Radio Frequency Switch) or an LNA (Low Noise Amplifier), it is determined based on reference power information stored in a power measurement unit which of the RFSW and the LNA has failed.

[0004] Also, Patent Document 2 discloses that a reception level determination is made by comparing the reception level of the reception system with a preset threshold level, and when it is determined that the reception level is smaller than the threshold level based on this reception level determination, it is judged that the reception level deterioration of the reception system has occurred.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In Patent Document 1, a state similar to a no-signal state is created by selecting an RFSW, and fault detection is performed by comparing signal levels. This requires components such as an RFSW, which increases the circuit size and presents problems.

[0007] Furthermore, in Patent Document 2, reception level determination is performed by comparing the reception level of the receiving system with a preset threshold level. However, Patent Document 2 is a technology applied to a diversity-configured wireless communication system and cannot be directly applied to a wireless base station device.

[0008] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one exemplary objective is to provide a technology that can detect failures in the receiving section and deterioration of receiving performance while suppressing an increase in circuit size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A base station device relating to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure includes: a receiving means that converts an amplified radio received signal into a baseband signal, and converts the baseband signal from an analog signal to a digital signal for output; a setting means that sets a reference value for the output of the receiving means; and a detection means that acquires the output value of the receiving means while maintaining a communication-enabled state during reception operation, identifies an output value in a no-signal range where no radio received signal exists based on the output value, and detects a malfunction of the receiving means based on the output value in the no-signal range and the reference value.

[0010] An exemplary detection method relating to this disclosure includes converting an amplified radio received signal into a baseband signal, converting the baseband signal from an analog signal to a digital signal and outputting it, setting a reference value for the output of the digital signal, acquiring the output value of the digital signal while maintaining a communication-enabled state during reception operation, identifying the output value of a no-signal range where no radio received signal exists based on the output value, and detecting a malfunction in the receiving section of the base station equipment based on the output value of the no-signal range and the reference value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to an illustrative aspect of this disclosure, one exemplary effect is that it is possible to detect failures in the receiving section or deterioration of receiving performance while suppressing an increase in circuit size. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a base station device related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This graph shows the characteristics of the reception level of a wirelessly received signal. [Figure 3] This figure shows the reception level of a wireless received signal and thermal noise. [Figure 4] This graph shows the reception level at the output side of the A / D converter under normal operation, when reception performance is degraded, and when a low-noise amplifier malfunctions. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an example configuration when the base station equipment is in a no-signal state. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the detection method related to this disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a base station device related to this disclosure. [Figure 8] This graph shows the relationship between the temperature inside the base station equipment and the received signal level in a no-signal state. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a temperature compensation table. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for the detection unit. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating the process for updating the reference value (threshold). [Figure 12] This graph shows the change in reception level over time. [Figure 13] This is a diagram to explain resource blocks. [Figure 14] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a base station device related to this disclosure. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing an example of computer hardware. [Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope indicated in the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means employed in the following exemplary embodiments may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Further, embodiments obtained by appropriately omitting a part of the technical means employed in the following exemplary embodiments may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Also, the effects mentioned in the following exemplary embodiments are merely examples of the effects expected in those exemplary embodiments and do not define the scope of the present invention. That is, embodiments that do not exhibit the effects mentioned in the following exemplary embodiments may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0014] [First Exemplary Embodiment] A first exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form for each of the exemplary embodiments described later. Note that the scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure, as long as there are no particular technical obstacles. Also, each technical means shown in the drawings referred to for explaining this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure, as long as there are no particular technical obstacles. <0??00098> (Configuration of Base Station Device 1) The configuration of base station device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of base station device 1. Base station device 1 includes a receiving unit 11, a setting unit 12, and a detecting unit 13.

[0016] The receiver 11 converts the amplified wireless received signal into a baseband signal, and then converts the baseband signal from an analog signal to a digital signal for output. The receiver 11 may include, for example, a bandpass filter, a low-noise amplifier, a receiver converter, an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter, and a baseband circuit, as described later.

[0017] The setting unit 12 sets a reference value for the output of the receiving unit 11. For example, the setting unit 12 may use a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the reception level, which is the output value of the receiving unit 11 in a no-signal state, as the reference value.

[0018] The detection unit 13 acquires the output value of the receiver unit 11 while maintaining a communication-enabled state during reception operation, identifies the output value of the no-signal range where no wireless reception signal exists based on the output value, and detects a malfunction of the receiver unit 11 based on the output value of the no-signal range and a reference value. The output value of the no-signal range may be the lowest output value of the receiver unit 11 within a predetermined time range.

[0019] In other words, the detection unit 13 uses the lowest output value of the receiving unit 11 during a predetermined period as the output value of the receiving unit 11 in a no-signal state, and detects a malfunction of the receiving unit 11 based on the output value of the receiving unit 11 in that no-signal state and a reference value. The predetermined period may be rephrased as a predetermined time range.

[0020] Figure 2 is a graph showing the characteristics of the reception level of a wireless received signal. In Figure 2, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the reception level. As shown in Figure 2, the reception level of a wireless received signal constantly fluctuates depending on the signal received from mobile devices, etc., but the reception level is higher during times when there are many mobile devices used by users and traffic is high.

[0021] On the other hand, during periods when there are very few mobile devices used by users and traffic is low, such as the late-night periods T1 to T3 in Figure 2, the signal state is close to no signal. Such periods are defined as predetermined times, and the lowest output value of the receiver 11 during these predetermined periods is defined as the output value of the receiver 11 in a no-signal state.

[0022] Figure 3 shows the reception level of the wireless reception signal and thermal noise. The reception level in the receiving unit 11 includes the wireless reception signal and thermal noise. As shown in Figure 3, when the signal strength of the wireless reception signal is high, the proportion of thermal noise in the reception level is small, but as the signal strength of the wireless reception signal decreases, the proportion of thermal noise in the reception level increases. In the no-signal state, the entire reception level consists of thermal noise. Thus, in the no-signal state, the reception level consists only of thermal noise, and the detection unit 13 detects a malfunction in the receiving unit 11 in this state.

[0023] For example, as described later, if the receiving unit 11 includes a low-noise amplifier and an A / D converter, the output value of the A / D converter is the value obtained by amplifying the wireless received signal and the thermal noise power of the low-noise amplifier by the gain of the receiving system.

[0024] If the thermal noise power at the input of the low-noise amplifier is kTB (dBm / Hz), the total noise figure of the receiver 11 is NF (dB), and the receiving system gain is G (dB), then the output value (received level) of the A / D converter in the no-signal state is kTB + NF + G. Note that the thermal noise power at room temperature is typically -174 (dBm / Hz).

[0025] Figure 4 is a graph showing the reception level on the output side of the A / D converter under normal conditions, when reception performance is degraded, and when the low-noise amplifier is faulty. As an example of a malfunction in the receiver unit 11, the degradation of the reception performance and failure of the low-noise amplifier will be explained.

[0026] In Figure 4, the solid line shows the received level, which is the output of the A / D converter, when the low-noise amplifier is functioning normally. The dotted line shows the received level, which is the output of the A / D converter, when the receiving performance of the low-noise amplifier deteriorates. The dashed line shows the received level, which is the output of the A / D converter, when the low-noise amplifier fails.

[0027] As shown by the solid line in Figure 4, when the low-noise amplifier is functioning normally, the reception level, which is the output of the A / D converter, will never fall below the reference value, even during late-night hours when there is virtually no signal. On the other hand, as shown by the dotted and dashed lines in Figure 4, when the reception performance of the low-noise amplifier deteriorates or when it malfunctions, the reception level, which is the output of the A / D converter, will fall below the reference value during late-night hours when there is virtually no signal, and this will be determined to be a malfunction of the low-noise amplifier. In the case of a low-noise amplifier malfunction, the reception level will fall below the reference value regardless of the time of day, and this will be determined to be a malfunction of the low-noise amplifier.

[0028] Figure 5 shows an example configuration when the base station device 1 is in a no-signal state. As shown in Figure 5, the terminator 3 is connected to the base station device 1 to prevent the input of a wireless reception signal and create a no-signal state. Then, the output value (reception level) of the receiver 11 in the no-signal state is obtained using the test jig 4, and a predetermined value may be subtracted from this output value to obtain a reference value.

[0029] Furthermore, the output value in the no-signal range may be the output value of the receiver 11 in the frequency range where no resource block is allocated within the wireless received signal.

[0030] In other words, the detection unit 13 may use the output value of the receiver 11 in the band of the wireless reception signal where no resource blocks are allocated as the output value of the receiver 11 in a no-signal state, and detect a malfunction of the receiver 11 based on the output value of the receiver 11 in the no-signal state and a reference value. The band where no resource blocks are allocated can also be said to be the frequency range where no resource blocks are allocated.

[0031] (Effects of base station device 1) As described above, in the base station device 1, the detection unit 13 uses the lowest output value of the receiver unit 11 during a predetermined period as the output value of the receiver unit 11 in a no-signal state, and detects a malfunction of the receiver unit 11 based on the output value of the receiver unit 11 in the no-signal state and a reference value. Therefore, it is possible to detect failures of the receiver unit and deterioration of reception performance while suppressing an increase in circuit size.

[0032] Furthermore, the detection unit 13 uses the output value of the receiver unit 11 in the band of the wireless reception signal where no resource blocks are allocated as the output value of the receiver unit 11 in a no-signal state, and detects a malfunction of the receiver unit 11 based on the output value of the receiver unit 11 in the no-signal state and a reference value. Therefore, it is possible to detect failures of the receiver unit and deterioration of reception performance while suppressing an increase in circuit size.

[0033] (Detection method flow) The flow of detection method S1 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of detection method S1. As shown in Figure 6, detection method S1 includes processes S11 to S14.

[0034] First, the receiver 11 converts the amplified wireless received signal into a baseband signal, and then converts the baseband signal from an analog signal to a digital signal and outputs it (S11). The receiver 11 may include, for example, a bandpass filter, a low-noise amplifier, a receiver converter, an A / D converter, and a baseband circuit, as described later.

[0035] Next, the setting unit 12 sets a reference value for the output of the digital signal (S12). For example, the setting unit 12 may use a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the reception level, which is the output value of the receiving unit 11 in a no-signal state, as the reference value.

[0036] Next, the detection unit 13 sets the lowest value of the output (digital value) of the receiver unit 11 during a predetermined period as the output value (digital value) of the receiver unit 11 in the no-signal state (S13). Finally, the detection unit 13 detects a malfunction in the receiver unit 11 based on the output value of the receiver unit 11 in the no-signal state and a reference value (S14).

[0037] Furthermore, the detection unit 13 may use the output value of the digital signal of the receiver unit 11 in the band of the wireless reception signal where no resource block is allocated as the output value of the digital signal of the receiver unit 11 in a no-signal state, and detect a malfunction of the receiver unit 11 based on the output value of the digital signal in the no-signal state and a reference value.

[0038] (Effect of detection method S1) As described above, in detection method S1, the detection unit 13 uses the lowest value of the output (digital value) of the receiver unit 11 during a predetermined period as the output value of the receiver unit 11 in a no-signal state, and detects a malfunction of the receiver unit 11 based on the output value of the receiver unit 11 in the no-signal state and a reference value. Therefore, it is possible to detect failures of the receiver unit or deterioration of reception performance while suppressing an increase in circuit size.

[0039] Furthermore, the detection unit 13 uses the output value of the digital signal of the receiver unit 11 in the band of the wireless reception signal where no resource blocks are allocated as the output value of the receiver unit 11 in a no-signal state, and detects a malfunction of the receiver unit 11 based on the output value of the receiver unit 11 in the no-signal state and a reference value. Therefore, it is possible to detect failures of the receiver unit and deterioration of reception performance while suppressing an increase in circuit size.

[0040] [Second exemplary embodiment] A second exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same function as those described in the above-described exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment can also be adopted in other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technical means shown in each drawing referenced to describe this exemplary embodiment can also be adopted in other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0041] (Configuration of base station equipment 1A) The configuration of the base station device 1A will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the base station device 1A. The base station device 1A includes a receiving unit 11A, a setting unit 12A, a detection unit 13A, a notification unit 14, a storage unit 15, a timing unit 16, a transmitting unit 17, a temperature sensor 18, and a switch 19. The receiving unit 11A also includes a bandpass filter 21, a low-noise amplifier 22, a receiving converter 23, an A / D converter 24, and a baseband circuit 25.

[0042] Switch 19 connects antenna 2 to either the receiver 11A or the transmitter 17. When antenna 2 is connected to receiver 11A, switch 19 outputs the wireless received signal input from antenna 2 to bandpass filter 21. When antenna 2 is connected to transmitter 17, the high-frequency transmission signal generated by transmitter 17 is transmitted via antenna 2.

[0043] The bandpass filter 21 performs filtering to select only the high-frequency signals within the required bandwidth of the wirelessly received signal input via the antenna 2, and outputs the filtered wirelessly received signal to the low-noise amplifier 22.

[0044] The low-noise amplifier 22 amplifies the filtered radio received signal (high-frequency signal) output from the bandpass filter 21 with a specified gain and outputs the amplified high-frequency signal to the receiving converter 23.

[0045] The receiving converter 23 detects the high-frequency signal amplified by the low-noise amplifier 22 and converts it into an analog baseband signal. The receiving converter 23 then outputs the analog baseband signal to the A / D converter 24.

[0046] The A / D converter 24 converts the analog baseband signal input from the receiving converter 23 from an analog signal to a digital signal. The A / D converter 24 then outputs the digital baseband signal to the baseband circuit 25.

[0047] The baseband circuit 25 performs processes such as fast Fourier transform, inverse discrete Fourier transform, filtering, demapping, demodulation, decoding, MAC (Media Access Control) layer processing, RLC (Radio Link Control) layer processing, and PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) layer processing on the digital baseband signal to generate packet data.

[0048] The transmitting unit 17 performs processes such as channel coding, modulation, mapping, filtering, discrete Fourier transform, inverse fast Fourier transform, pre-decoding, and digital-to-analog conversion on the packet data to be transmitted to generate a baseband signal. Then, the transmitting unit 17 performs processes such as modulation to the radio frequency band, filtering, and amplification on the baseband signal to transmit the generated radio frequency band signal via the switch 19 and antenna 2.

[0049] The setting unit 12A sets a reference value for the output of the receiving unit 11A. For example, the setting unit 12A may use a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the reception level, which is the output value of the receiving unit 11A in a no-signal state, as the reference value.

[0050] The detection unit 13A uses the lowest output value of the receiver unit 11A during a predetermined period as the output value of the receiver unit 11A in a no-signal state, and detects a malfunction of the receiver unit 11A based on the output value of the receiver unit 11A in the no-signal state and a reference value.

[0051] The notification unit 14 notifies the outside if a malfunction in the receiving unit 11A is detected by the detection unit 13A. For example, the notification unit 14 may issue an alarm to notify the outside of the malfunction in the receiving unit 11A, or it may display the malfunction on an externally provided display device to notify the outside of the malfunction in the receiving unit 11A.

[0052] The temperature sensor 18 detects the temperature inside the base station device 1A. The detection unit 13A may also be configured to detect a malfunction in the receiver 11A based on the output value of the receiver 11A in a no-signal state, a reference value, and the temperature inside the base station device 1A.

[0053] Figure 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature inside base station equipment 1A and the received level in a no-signal state. In Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents temperature (°C), and the vertical axis represents the received level (signal thermal level) in a no-signal state. As shown in Figure 8, the temperature (absolute temperature) inside base station equipment 1A and the received level in a no-signal state are approximately proportional.

[0054] Figure 9 shows an example of a temperature correction table. The received level in a no-signal state at room temperature (approximately 25°C), as shown in Figure 8, is used as the reference (correction value = 0), and the difference between the received level in a no-signal state at each temperature and the received level in a no-signal state at room temperature is used as the correction value. As shown in Figure 9, for example, the correction value for the received level in a no-signal state at -20°C is "-12", and the correction value for the received level in a no-signal state at 50°C is "+10". The table that associates the temperature inside the base station device 1A with the correction value is stored in the storage unit 15.

[0055] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the detection unit 13A. The flowchart in Figure 10 mainly shows the process of correcting the received level in a no-signal state according to the temperature inside the base station device 1A.

[0056] First, the detection unit 13A reads the reception level, which is the output value of the receiving unit 11A (A / D converter 24) (S21), and determines whether or not there is no signal (S22). If it is not determined that there is no signal (S22, No), the process ends.

[0057] If it is determined that there is no signal (S22, Yes), the detection unit 13A reads the temperature inside the receiving unit 11A from the temperature sensor 18 (S23). Then, the detection unit 13A refers to the table stored in the storage unit 15 and obtains a correction value corresponding to the temperature inside the receiving unit 11A (S24).

[0058] Finally, the detection unit 13A adds a correction value to the received level, which is the output value of the receiving unit 11A (A / D converter 24) (S25), and terminates the process. The detection unit 13A may use the corrected received level as the reference value (new threshold). In this exemplary embodiment, changes in thermal noise due to temperature fluctuations are corrected, but the reference value may also be corrected by taking into account changes in the gain and NF of the low-noise amplifier 22 due to temperature fluctuations.

[0059] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for updating the reference value (threshold). First, the detection unit 13A reads the corrected reception level calculated by the process shown in Figure 10 (S31) and determines whether it is below the reference value (threshold) (S32). If the corrected reception level is greater than the reference value (threshold) (S32, No), the detection unit 13A terminates the process.

[0060] If the corrected reception level is below the reference value (threshold) (S32, Yes), the detection unit 13A updates the corrected reception level as the reference value (new threshold) (S33) and terminates the process. Thereafter, the corrected reference value (new threshold) is used as the reference value for detecting malfunctions in the reception unit 11A.

[0061] The timing unit 16 measures the time since the base station device 1A was installed. The detection unit 13A may then detect a malfunction in the receiver unit 11A (low-noise amplifier 22) based on the output value of the receiver unit 11A (A / D converter 24) in a no-signal state, a reference value, and a correction value based on the time measured by the timing unit 16.

[0062] Figure 12 is a graph showing the change in the received signal level over time. The low-noise amplifier 22 uses semiconductor devices and, in principle, cannot be made into a feedback amplifier. Therefore, the low-noise amplifier 22 exhibits the inherent (intrinsic) characteristics of the device, and a slight decrease in gain may be observed over the long term. If the threshold of the reference value is reduced by about 1 dB, there is a possibility that the device will be misidentified as having a malfunction in the receiving section 11A, even though there is no problem with the device's function. Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, by updating the reference value in response to changes over time from several months to several years, it is possible to accurately determine the malfunction.

[0063] For example, in Figure 12, the detection unit 13A pre-measures the lowest daily reception level, as shown in Figure 2, over a long period of time and stores it in the storage unit 15. The detection unit 13A may then linearly interpolate the lowest daily reception levels and use the resulting graph to correct the reference value.

[0064] Furthermore, the detection unit 13A pre-measures the lowest daily reception level, as shown in Figure 2, over a long period and stores it in the storage unit 15. The detection unit 13A then linearly interpolates the lowest daily reception levels to predict the current reception level in a no-signal state. If the difference between the predicted value and the actual measured reception level in the current no-signal state is several dB or more, the correction of the reference value due to time changes may be omitted. The minimum reception level may be measured, for example, every week or at other predetermined intervals. The measurement interval may also be changed according to the passage of time. For example, measurements may be taken daily for the first year from the start of measurement, every month from year 1 to year 5, every three months from year 5 to year 20, and so on.

[0065] Furthermore, the storage unit 15 stores a table that associates the time measured by the timing unit 16 with a correction value. The detection unit 13A may then refer to the table to obtain a correction value corresponding to the time measured by the timing unit 16, and correct the reference value according to the obtained correction value.

[0066] (Effects of base station device 1A) As described above, in the base station device 1A, the notification unit 14 notifies the outside when a malfunction in the receiving unit 11A is detected by the detection unit 13A. Therefore, the administrator of the base station device 1A can easily recognize any malfunction in the receiving unit 11A.

[0067] Furthermore, the detection unit 13A detects a malfunction in the receiver unit 11A based on the output value of the receiver unit 11A in a no-signal state, a reference value, and the temperature inside the base station device 1A. Therefore, even if the temperature inside the base station device 1A changes, the malfunction in the receiver unit 11A can be properly detected.

[0068] Furthermore, the detection unit 13A refers to a table stored in the storage unit 15 to obtain a correction value corresponding to the temperature inside the base station device 1A, and corrects the reference value according to the obtained correction value. Therefore, the detection unit 13A can easily obtain a correction value corresponding to the temperature inside the base station device 1A.

[0069] Furthermore, the detection unit 13A detects a malfunction in the receiver unit 11A based on the output value of the receiver unit 11A in a no-signal state, a reference value, and the time measured by the timing unit 16. Therefore, it is possible to properly detect a malfunction in the receiver unit 11A, taking into account the deterioration of the low-noise amplifier 22 due to changes over time.

[0070] Furthermore, the detection unit 13A refers to a table to obtain a correction value corresponding to the time measured by the timing unit 16, and corrects the reference value according to the obtained correction value. Therefore, the detection unit 13A can easily obtain a correction value corresponding to the time-dependent change of the low-noise amplifier 22.

[0071] [Third Exemplary Embodiment] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating resource blocks. In OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) used in base stations such as 5G (5th Generation), as shown in Figure 13, some resource blocks may not be allocated when there are few users. In Figure 13, the signal bandwidth enclosed by the dotted line shows that no resource blocks have been allocated.

[0072] In this exemplary embodiment, the reception level of the receiver in a no-traffic band where no resource blocks are allocated is defined as the reception level of the receiver in a no-signal state.

[0073] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the receiving unit 11B of a base station device according to this exemplary embodiment. The receiving unit 11B comprises an RF unit 31 and a BB (Base Band) unit 32. The BB unit 32 comprises an A / D converter 41 and an L-PHY (Lower Physical Layer) unit 42. Furthermore, the L-PHY unit 42 comprises an IFFT (Inverse Fast Fourier Transform) unit 421.

[0074] The RF unit 31 converts the input signal, which is a high-frequency signal, into an analog baseband signal. The A / D converter 41 converts the analog baseband signal input from the RF unit 31 from an analog signal into a digital signal.

[0075] The L-PHY section 42 primarily performs the process of converting time-domain data sampled by the A / D converter 41 into frequency-domain data. In the FFT section 421, the time-domain signal is converted into a frequency-domain signal for each RB (resource block). In other words, the IFFT section 421 can extract a portion of the frequency band from the entire signal band.

[0076] The receiver 11B sets its reception level in the no-traffic band where no resource blocks are allocated as its reception level in the no-signal state. This makes it possible to isolate the no-signal frequency band and detect base station equipment malfunctions even during the majority of the time when user terminals are communicating.

[0077] [Examples of implementation using software] Some or all of the functions of the base station equipment 1,1A may be implemented by hardware such as integrated circuits (IC chips) or by software.

[0078] In the latter case, the base station devices 1,1A are implemented by a computer that executes instructions for a program, which is software that implements each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in Figure 15. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of computer C, which functions as the base station devices 1,1A.

[0079] Computer C comprises at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. Memory C2 stores a program P for operating computer C as each of the above-mentioned systems. In computer C, the processor C1 reads program P from memory C2 and executes it, thereby realizing each of the base station devices 1 and 1A.

[0080] For processor C1, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), FPU (Floating Point Number Processing Unit), PPU (Physics Processing Unit), TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), quantum processor, microcontroller, or a combination thereof can be used. For memory C2, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination thereof can be used.

[0081] Computer C may also be equipped with RAM (Random Access Memory) for loading program P at runtime and for temporarily storing various data. Furthermore, computer C may be equipped with communication interfaces for sending and receiving data with other devices. Additionally, computer C may be equipped with input / output interfaces for connecting input / output devices such as keyboards, mice, displays, and printers.

[0082] Furthermore, program P can be recorded on a non-temporary, tangible recording medium M that is readable by computer C. Such a recording medium M could be, for example, tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, or programmable logic circuitry. Computer C can acquire program P via such a recording medium M. Program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium could be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. Computer C can also acquire program P via such a transmission medium.

[0083] [Additional Note 1] This disclosure includes the technologies described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the technologies described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0084] (Note 1) A receiving means that converts an amplified wireless received signal into a baseband signal, and converts the said baseband signal from an analog signal to a digital signal and outputs it, A setting means for setting a reference value for the output of the receiving means, The system includes a detection means that acquires the output value of the receiving means while maintaining a communication-enabled state during receiving operation, identifies the output value of a no-signal range where no wireless receiving signal exists based on the output value, and detects a malfunction of the receiving means based on the output value of the no-signal range and a reference value. Base station equipment.

[0085] (Note 2) The output value of the no-signal range is the lowest value of the output value of the receiving means within a predetermined time range. The base station equipment described in Appendix 1.

[0086] (Note 3) The output value in the no-signal range is the output value of the receiving means in the frequency range where no resource block is allocated within the wireless received signal. The base station equipment described in Appendix 1.

[0087] (Note 4) The base station device further includes notification means for notifying the outside if a malfunction of the receiving means is detected by the detection means. A base station device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0088] (Note 5) The base station device further includes a detection means for detecting the temperature inside the base station device. The detection means detects a malfunction of the receiving means based on the output value of the receiving means in the no-signal state, the reference value, and the temperature inside the base station equipment. A base station device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0089] (Note 6) The base station device further includes a storage means for storing a table that associates the temperature within the base station device with a correction value. The detection means obtains a correction value corresponding to the temperature inside the base station device by referring to the table, and corrects the reference value according to the obtained correction value. Base station equipment as described in Appendix 5.

[0090] (Note 7) The base station device further includes a timing means for measuring the time elapsed since the base station device was installed. The detection means detects a malfunction of the receiving means based on the output value of the receiving means in the no-signal state, the reference value, and the time measured by the timing means. A base station device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 6.

[0091] (Note 8) The base station device further includes a storage means for storing a table that associates the time measured by the timing means with a correction value. The detection means refers to the table to obtain a correction value corresponding to the time measured by the timing means, and corrects the reference value according to the obtained correction value. Base station equipment as described in Appendix 7.

[0092] (Note 9) The process involves converting an amplified wireless received signal into a baseband signal, and then converting that baseband signal from an analog signal to a digital signal for output. Setting a reference value for the output of the aforementioned digital signal, This includes acquiring the output value of the digital signal while maintaining a communication-enabled state during reception operation, identifying the output value of the no-signal range where no wireless reception signal exists based on the output value, and detecting a malfunction in the receiving section of the base station equipment based on the output value of the no-signal range and the reference value. Detection method.

[0093] (Note 10) A control program for operating a computer as a base station device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 8, the control program for causing the computer to function as each of the means described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1,1A base station equipment 2 antennas 3 Terminator 4. Test fixtures 11, 11A, 11B Receiver 12,12A setting section 13,13A Detection unit 14 Hochi Department 15 Storage section 16 Timing section 17 Transmitter 18 Temperature sensor 19 switches 21 Bandpass Filter 22 Low-Noise Amplifiers 23 Receiving Converter 24,41 A / D converter 25 Baseband Circuit 31 RF section 32 BB section 42 L-PHY section 421 IFFT section

Claims

1. A receiving means that converts an amplified wireless received signal into a baseband signal, and converts the said baseband signal from an analog signal to a digital signal and outputs it, A setting means for setting a reference value for the output of the receiving means, The system includes a detection means that acquires the output value of the receiving means while maintaining a communication-enabled state during receiving operation, identifies the output value of a no-signal range where no wireless receiving signal exists based on the output value, and detects a malfunction of the receiving means based on the output value of the no-signal range and a reference value. Base station equipment.

2. The output value of the no-signal range is the lowest value of the output value of the receiving means within a predetermined time range. The base station device according to claim 1.

3. The output value in the no-signal range is the output value of the receiving means in the frequency range where no resource blocks are allocated within the wireless received signal. The base station device according to claim 1.

4. The base station device further includes notification means for notifying the outside if a malfunction of the receiving means is detected by the detection means. A base station device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The base station device further includes a detection means for detecting the temperature inside the base station device. The detection means detects a malfunction of the receiving means based on the output value of the receiving means in the no-signal range, the reference value, and the temperature inside the base station equipment. A base station device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The base station device further includes a storage means for storing a table that associates the temperature within the base station device with a correction value. The detection means obtains a correction value corresponding to the temperature inside the base station device by referring to the table, and corrects the reference value according to the obtained correction value. The base station device according to claim 5.

7. The base station device further includes a timing means for measuring the time elapsed since the base station device was installed. The detection means detects a malfunction of the receiving means based on the output value of the receiving means in the no-signal range, the reference value, and the time measured by the timing means. A base station device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The base station device further includes a storage means for storing a table that associates the time measured by the timing means with a correction value. The detection means refers to the table to obtain a correction value corresponding to the time measured by the timing means, and corrects the reference value according to the obtained correction value. The base station device according to claim 7.

9. The process involves converting an amplified wireless received signal into a baseband signal, and then converting that baseband signal from an analog signal to a digital signal for output. Setting a reference value for the output of the aforementioned digital signal, This includes acquiring the output value of the digital signal while maintaining a communication-enabled state during reception operation, identifying the output value of the no-signal range where no wireless reception signal exists based on the output value, and detecting a malfunction in the receiving section of the base station equipment based on the output value of the no-signal range and the reference value. Detection method.

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