Communication units, communication devices, equipment, lighting fixtures, and communication systems

Abstract

To provide a communication unit, a communication device, an apparatus, a lighting fixture, and a communication system that can improve the reliability of wireless communication in one frequency band using a built-in antenna and an external antenna.SOLUTION: A communication unit 1 includes a communication module 11, an external antenna 12, and a switching section 113. The communication module 11 has a built-in antenna 111, and a communication circuit 112 that performs wireless communication. The external antenna 12 is formed separately from the communication module 11. The switching section 113 is configured to be able to switch at least one of the built-in antenna 111 and the external antenna 12 as a selected antenna, and electrically connects the selected antenna to the communication circuit 112. The external antenna 12 and the built-in antenna 111 support the same frequency band. The communication circuit 112 performs wireless communication using the selected antenna.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication unit, a communication device, an apparatus, a lighting fixture, and a communication system.

Background Art

[0002] The communication device of Patent Document 1 includes a first antenna and a second antenna. The first antenna is an antenna that transmits and receives radio wave signals corresponding to a WAN (Wide Area Network), and is built into the main body of the communication device. The second antenna is an antenna that transmits and receives radio wave signals corresponding to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a PAN (Personal Area Network), and is connected to the main body of the communication device via a connection cable. The frequency band in which wireless communication is possible using the second antenna is higher than the frequency band in which wireless communication is possible using the first antenna. That is, in the communication device of Patent Document 1, the frequency band of the first antenna and the frequency band of the second antenna are different from each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A communication device (communication unit) such as that of Patent Document 1 includes a first antenna (built-in antenna) and a second antenna (external antenna). However, the frequency band of the first antenna and the frequency band of the second antenna are different from each other. Therefore, it has not been possible to improve the reliability of wireless communication in one frequency band using the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a communication unit, communication device, equipment, lighting fixture, and communication system that can improve the reliability of wireless communication in a single frequency band using an internal antenna and an external antenna. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a communication module, an external antenna, and a switching unit. The communication module has a built-in antenna and a communication circuit for performing wireless communication. The external antenna is configured separately from the communication module. The switching unit is configured to be switchable between at least one of the built-in antenna and the external antenna as a selectable antenna, and electrically connects the selectable antenna to the communication circuit. The external antenna and the built-in antenna correspond to the same frequency band. The communication circuit performs wireless communication using the selectable antenna. The built-in antenna is a chip antenna. The communication module is mounted on a circuit board. The external antenna is formed on the circuit board on which the communication module is mounted. The switching unit has a first communication mode, a second communication mode, a third communication mode, and a fourth communication mode. In the first communication mode, the antenna with the best radio wave conditions among the built-in antenna and the external antenna is electrically connected to the communication circuit as the selected antenna. In the second communication mode, both the built-in antenna and the external antenna are electrically connected to the communication circuit as the selected antenna. The aforementioned In the third communication mode, the selected antenna is fixed to the external antenna. In the fourth communication mode, the built-in antenna and the external antenna are electrically connected to the communication circuit as the selected antenna alternately at regular time intervals. The switching unit selects one of the first, second, third, and fourth communication modes and operates in the selected communication mode.

[0007] A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the above-described communication unit and a circuit board on which the communication unit is provided.

[0008] An apparatus according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises the above-described communication device and a housing for housing the communication device.

[0009] A lighting fixture according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises the above-described communication device and a housing for the communication device.

[0010] A communication system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises a plurality of the above-mentioned devices, wherein the communication units provided by each of the plurality of devices perform wireless communication with one another. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] As explained above, this disclosure has the effect of improving the reliability of wireless communication in a single frequency band by using an internal antenna and an external antenna. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a communication device equipped with a communication unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the same communication device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the communication module included in the same communication unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a graph showing an example of the frequency characteristics of the VSWR of the external and internal antennas of the same communication unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing equipment equipped with the same communication device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a lighting fixture equipped with the same communication device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a communication system using the same communication unit. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing a communication device equipped with a communication unit according to the first modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The following embodiments generally relate to communication units, communication devices, equipment, lighting fixtures, and communication systems. More specifically, they relate to communication units, communication devices, equipment, lighting fixtures, and communication systems that perform wireless communication.

[0014] Hereinafter, the communication unit, communication device, equipment, lighting fixture, and communication system according to the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each drawing described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio. Note that the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made according to the design and the like as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0015] (1) Overview of the communication unit Generally, a communication module that integrally includes a built-in antenna and a communication circuit may be used for a communication unit that performs wireless communication. However, the built-in antenna included in the communication module may not satisfy the performance of the antenna required for the communication unit due to design constraints such as the size and cost of the communication module itself.

[0016] In addition, the communication unit is incorporated into various devices and used. Specifically, the communication unit is housed in the housing of the device or attached to the bracket of the device, and is used in various installation environments. However, the installation environment affects the performance of the antenna that receives and transmits radio waves for wireless communication. For example, when the communication unit is incorporated into a device, radio wave interference (fading) etc. may occur due to the installation environment. Radio wave interference is a factor of communication failure, and the reliability of wireless communication may decrease.

[0017] Thus, when the communication unit is configured using a communication module, the built-in antenna of the communication module may not satisfy the performance required for the wireless communication of the communication unit.

[0018] In addition, it may be considered to provide two or more built-in antennas in the communication module to reduce the influence of interference. However, the communication module itself becomes larger, and it becomes difficult to incorporate the communication module into a device.

[0019] Therefore, the communication unit 1 of this embodiment has the configuration shown in Figure 1.

[0020] The communication unit 1 comprises a communication module 11, an external antenna 12, and a switching unit 113. The communication module 11 has a built-in antenna 111 and a communication circuit 112. The communication circuit 112 performs wireless communication. The external antenna 12 is configured separately from the communication module 11. The switching unit 113 is configured to be switchable between at least one of the built-in antenna 111 and the external antenna 12 as a selectable antenna, and electrically connects the selectable antenna to the communication circuit 112. The external antenna 12 and the built-in antenna 111 correspond to the same frequency band. The communication circuit 112 performs wireless communication using the selectable antenna.

[0021] The communication unit 1 having the above configuration can improve the reliability of wireless communication in a single frequency band by using the built-in antenna 111 and the external antenna 12.

[0022] Furthermore, by using both the built-in antenna 111 and the external antenna 12, the communication unit 1 is less prone to communication failures even when radio wave interference occurs, thereby improving the reliability of wireless communication.

[0023] Furthermore, since the communication unit 1 is equipped with an external antenna 12 that is configured separately from the communication module 11, flexibility in placement can be ensured when incorporating the communication unit 1 into equipment.

[0024] (2) Details of communication unit and communication device As an example of actual usage, communication unit 1 is used in the communication device 10 shown in Figure 2. The communication device 10 comprises communication unit 1 and a circuit board 2. Communication unit 1 is mounted on the circuit board 2. Communication unit 1 includes a communication module 11 and an external antenna 12.

[0025] (2.1) Substrate Substrate 2 is a printed circuit board, such as a double-sided board or a multilayer board. Substrate 2 is covered with thin-film conductive wiring, which electrically connects the various parts.

[0026] A communication unit 1 is provided on the circuit board 2. Specifically, a communication module 11 is mounted on the circuit board 2, and an external antenna 12, which is a pattern antenna, is formed on the circuit board 2.

[0027] A connector 22 is further mounted on the circuit board 2. The connector 22 is connected to an external device 9 via a cable. The external device 9 includes a power supply that supplies driving power to the communication unit 1, and a computer system that controls the wireless communication of the communication unit 1. The communication unit 1 operates by receiving driving power from the external device 9 via the connector 22 on the circuit board 2. The communication unit 1 also outputs received signal data to the external device 9 via the connector 22. Furthermore, the communication unit 1 may also receive transmitted signal data from the external device 9 via the connector 22.

[0028] (2.2) Communication Unit (2.2.1) Communication module The communication module 11 comprises a built-in antenna 111, a communication circuit 112, and a switching unit 113. As shown in Figure 3, the communication module 11 further comprises a rectangular plate-shaped module substrate 114. The module substrate 114 has a mounting surface 115 and a soldering surface 116 facing each other in the thickness direction. The built-in antenna 111, the communication circuit 112, and the switching unit 113 are mounted on the mounting surface 115 of the module substrate 114 by soldering.

[0029] The built-in antenna 111 is a chip antenna. The built-in antenna 111 is electrically connected to the wiring W1 formed on the module board 114.

[0030] The communication circuit 112 is a single integrated circuit. Specifically, the communication circuit 112 is a wireless communication IC (Integrated Circuit) and has the function of performing wireless communication. The wireless communication is preferably a wireless communication conforming to standards such as Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi®, ZigBee®, or unlicensed low-power wireless communication (specified low-power wireless communication).

[0031] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the data transmitted and received via wireless communication be time-division data. In this case, the communication circuit 112 performs time-division multiplexing (TDM) communication. In time-division multiplexing communication, one communication frame is divided into multiple time slots, and time-division data is used in which different data is stored in each time slot.

[0032] The switching unit 113 is electrically connected to the wirings W1, W2, W3, and W4 formed on the module board 114. The switching unit 113 is equipped with a high-frequency switch, such as an FET (Field Effect Transistor) or MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems). The switching unit 113 can individually switch the electrical connection between wiring W1 and wiring W3, and between wiring W2 and wiring W4, based on instructions from, for example, the communication circuit 112. Wiring W1 is electrically connected to the built-in antenna 111. Wiring W2 is electrically connected to the external antenna 12 via pad P2 on the module board 114 and wiring 21 on board 2. Wirings W3 and W4 are electrically connected to the communication circuit 112, respectively. In other words, the switching unit 113 can individually switch the electrical connection between the built-in antenna 111 and the communication circuit 112 on and off, and the electrical connection between the external antenna 12 and the communication circuit 112 on and off. To put it another way, the switching unit 113 is configured to be switchable between at least one of the built-in antenna 111 and the external antenna 12 as a selectable antenna, and the selectable antenna can be electrically connected to the communication circuit 112.

[0033] A pad P2, as shown in Figure 2, is formed on the solder side 116 (see Figure 3) of the module board 114. The pad P2 is electrically connected to the switching unit 113 via wiring W2 formed on the module board 114. The module board 114 is mounted on the board 2 so that the solder side 116 faces the board 2. The pad P2 on the solder side 116 is electrically connected to the wiring 21 formed on the board 2 by soldering. The pad P2 corresponds to the conductive part electrically connected to the communication circuit 112.

[0034] (2.2.2) External antenna The external antenna 12 is a pattern antenna formed on the substrate 2. That is, the external antenna 12 is made of a thin-film conductor formed on the substrate 2, allowing for a thin design. The external antenna 12 is electrically connected to the wiring 21 on the substrate 2. The wiring 21 is then electrically connected to the pad P2 formed on the module substrate 114 of the communication module 11 by soldering. In other words, the external antenna 12 is electrically connected to the switching unit 113 via the wiring 21, the pad P2, and the wiring W2.

[0035] In this way, the external antenna 12 is electrically connected to the pad P2 by soldering. As a result, the communication unit 1 can shorten the distance between the external antenna 12 and the communication circuit 112 compared to a structure in which the external antenna 12 is connected to the module board 114 using a coaxial connector or the like, thereby simplifying the structure.

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferable that the external antenna 12 be a monopole antenna and that the antenna length of the external antenna 12 be at least 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the radio waves used for wireless communication. In this case, it is possible to achieve a wider bandwidth for the external antenna 12 while miniaturizing it.

[0037] Furthermore, in the communication unit 1, it is preferable that the installation position and direction of the external antenna 12 are different from those of the built-in antenna 111.

[0038] (2.2.3) Wireless communication In the communication unit 1, as described above, the switching unit 113 is configured to be switchable between at least one of the built-in antenna 111 and the external antenna 12 as a selectable antenna, and the selectable antenna is electrically connected to the communication circuit 112. The communication circuit 112 performs wireless communication using at least one of the selectable antennas, the built-in antenna 111 and the external antenna 12.

[0039] Furthermore, the communication circuit 112 performs wireless communication in a single frequency band, conforming to a single communication standard, regardless of whether the selected antenna is the built-in antenna 111 or the external antenna 12. In other words, the communication standard used by the communication circuit 112 for wireless communication when the built-in antenna 111 is the selected antenna is the same as the communication standard used by the communication circuit 112 for wireless communication when the external antenna 12 is the selected antenna. Since the communication unit 1 performs wireless communication conforming to a common communication standard regardless of whether the built-in antenna 111 or the external antenna 12 is used, the configuration can be simplified.

[0040] Furthermore, the communication circuit 112 is a single integrated circuit. That is, the communication circuit 112 is a single wireless communication IC and is configured to enable wireless communication using either the built-in antenna 111 or the external antenna 12. Therefore, the communication unit 1 can be simplified and miniaturized compared to a configuration in which each of the built-in antenna 111 and the external antenna 12 has its own dedicated communication circuit.

[0041] Since the design constraints of the external antenna 12 are less stringent than those of the built-in antenna 111, it is easy to improve the performance of the antenna. Therefore, in the communication unit 1, the external antenna 12 and the built-in antenna 111 are made to correspond to the same frequency band, and the frequency range in which wireless communication can be performed using the external antenna 12 is wider than the frequency range in which wireless communication can be performed using the built-in antenna 111. Furthermore, it is preferable that the frequency characteristics of the external antenna 12 and the frequency characteristics of the built-in antenna 111 have the same center frequency. In other words, it is preferable that the center frequency of the frequency characteristics of the external antenna 12 and the center frequency of the frequency characteristics of the built-in antenna 111 are the same. Here, "the two frequencies are the same" includes not only the state in which the two frequencies perfectly match, but also the state in which, even if the two frequencies are out of sync, the effect of the difference in the two frequencies can be ignored when performing wireless communication.

[0042] The frequency band is the range of frequencies used for wireless communication performed by the communication circuit 112, and is defined, for example, by the wireless communication standards or specifications used by the communication circuit 112. Specifically, the frequency bands used by the communication unit 1 for wireless communication include the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band.

[0043] Furthermore, frequency bands may be allocated by international organization regulations and national laws. Examples of international organization regulations include the Radio Regulations (RR) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In Japan, frequency bands are allocated under the Radio Law.

[0044] Figure 4 shows an example of the frequency characteristics of the VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) of the external antenna 12 and the internal antenna 111. In Figure 4, VSWR characteristic Y1 is the frequency characteristic of the VSWR of the external antenna 12, and VSWR characteristic Y2 is the frequency characteristic of the VSWR of the internal antenna 111. In VSWR characteristics Y1 and Y2, the frequency at which the VSWR of the external antenna 12 and the internal antenna 111 are minimized is fc. Frequency fc is the center frequency of the frequency characteristics of the external antenna 12 and the internal antenna 111, and corresponds to the center of the frequency range in which wireless communication is possible using the external antenna 12 and the internal antenna 111, respectively. Then, if Δf1 is the frequency width at which the VSWR of the external antenna 12 is less than or equal to the specified value K1 in VSWR characteristic Y1, and Δf2 is the frequency width at which the VSWR of the internal antenna 111 is less than or equal to the specified value K1 in VSWR characteristic Y2, then Δf1 > Δf2. In other words, the frequency bandwidth Δf1 over which wireless communication can be performed using the external antenna 12 is wider than the frequency bandwidth Δf2 over which wireless communication can be performed using the built-in antenna 111. The specified value K1 is a value determined by the wireless communication standards or specifications used by the communication circuit 112, and the wider the frequency bandwidth over which the VSWR is less than or equal to the specified value K1, the higher the antenna performance.

[0045] Therefore, the communication unit 1 can improve the reliability of wireless communication by using an external antenna 12, which has better performance than the built-in antenna 111, in conjunction with the built-in antenna 111.

[0046] Furthermore, since the frequency bandwidth Δf1 of the external antenna 12 is wider than the frequency bandwidth Δf2 of the built-in antenna 111, even if the frequency bandwidth Δf1 is narrowed due to the installation environment, there is a higher probability that the performance required for wireless communication of the communication unit 1 will be met.

[0047] For example, suppose the external antenna 12 and the internal antenna 111 support the 2.4GHz frequency band, and the communication unit 1 performs wireless communication in the 2.4GHz band in accordance with the Bluetooth standard. In this case, the VSWR is required to be approximately 3 or less in the frequency bandwidth of 2.402 to 2.480GHz. Therefore, in the communication unit 1, the external antenna 12 is configured such that the frequency bandwidth Δf1, when the specified value K1 is set to 3 in Figure 4, includes 2.402 to 2.480GHz. At this time, it is preferable to configure the external antenna 12 such that the frequency bandwidth Δf1 of the external antenna 12 of the communication unit 1 alone or the communication device 10 alone has as much margin as possible over the frequency bandwidth of 2.402 to 2.480GHz.

[0048] Furthermore, by separating the built-in antenna 111 and the external antenna 12 by more than half a wavelength (half a wavelength) of the radio waves used for wireless communication, the effect of spatial diversity can be obtained. In addition, the polarization direction and directivity of the built-in antenna 111 and the external antenna 12 may be made different from each other.

[0049] The following are examples of the wireless communication modes performed by the communication unit 1, specifically the first to fourth communication modes. The communication unit 1 selects one of these communication modes and operates in the selected mode. The communication unit 1 (communication circuit 112) selects one of the communication modes according to a predetermined procedure, such as that specified by the software executed by the communication module. The communication unit 1 may also select a communication mode in response to instructions from the external device 9.

[0050] (First communication mode) The switching unit 113 electrically connects the communication circuit 112 to the built-in antenna 111 and the external antenna 12, selecting the antenna with the better received and transmitted radio wave conditions (radio wave conditions) as the selected antenna. As a result, the communication circuit 112, operating in the first communication mode, uses the antenna with the better radio wave conditions between the built-in antenna 111 and the external antenna 12 to perform wireless communication, thereby improving the reliability of wireless communication.

[0051] (Second communication mode) The switching unit 113 electrically connects both the internal antenna 111 and the external antenna 12 to the communication circuit 112 as selectable antennas. As a result, the communication circuit 112 operating in the second communication mode can suppress the effects of radio wave interference by combining the outputs of the internal antenna 111 and the external antenna 12, thereby improving the reliability of wireless communication.

[0052] (Third communication mode) The switching unit 113 fixes the selected antenna to the external antenna 12. That is, the communication circuit 112 performs wireless communication using the external antenna 12 instead of the built-in antenna 111. As described above, the performance of the external antenna 12 is higher than that of the built-in antenna 111. Therefore, the communication unit 1 operating in the third communication mode can improve the reliability of wireless communication by using the external antenna 12 instead of the built-in antenna 111.

[0053] Furthermore, in the third communication mode, if a communication failure occurs while wireless communication is being performed using the external antenna 12, the switching unit 113 may temporarily switch the selected antenna to the built-in antenna 111 and perform auxiliary wireless communication using the built-in antenna 111. If the communication unit 1 determines that communication in the third communication mode is impossible if a predetermined number of times occur within a certain period of time when wireless communication using the external antenna 12 becomes impossible, it switches to another communication mode, for example.

[0054] (Fourth communication mode) The switching unit 113 periodically (at regular time intervals) alternately selects the internal antenna 111 and the external antenna 12 as the selected antenna. That is, the internal antenna 111 and the external antenna 12 alternately become the selected antennas and are used for wireless communication performed by the communication circuit 112. The communication unit 1 operating in the fourth communication mode can suppress the effects of radio wave interference by periodically alternating the use of the internal antenna 111 and the external antenna 12, thereby improving the reliability of wireless communication.

[0055] (3) Equipment and lighting fixtures The device 3 shown in Figure 5 comprises the communication device 10 described above and a housing 31 that houses the communication device 10. Device 3 is, for example, a lighting fixture, air conditioning equipment, sensor device, power supply device, or power converter. The communication device 10 of device 3 communicates wirelessly with the communication devices 10 of other devices 3. For example, the communication device 10 transmits monitoring signals that notify the status of device 3 and control signals that control other devices 3, and receives control signals and monitoring signals from other devices 3. Device 3 can operate based on the received control signals.

[0056] As an example of device 3, the lighting fixture 3A shown in Figure 6 is provided. The lighting fixture 3A comprises a light source unit 32 and a housing 31A that supports the light source unit 32.

[0057] The light source unit 32 has a long, box-shaped outer shell and houses a long substrate and numerous LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) mounted on the substrate in a row along its longitudinal direction. The housing 31A is also long in shape, and the light source unit 32 is mounted on the bottom surface of the housing 31A. Furthermore, the housing 31A houses the communication device 10 inside. The housing 31A also includes a pair of reflectors 33 that protrude diagonally upward from both side edges of the light source unit 32 along its longitudinal direction.

[0058] The communication device 10 of lighting fixture 3A communicates wirelessly with the communication devices 10 of other lighting fixtures 3A. Therefore, lighting fixture 3A can adjust the illumination light emitted by the light source unit 32 in conjunction with other lighting fixtures 3A. In other words, pattern control and group control of illumination light using multiple lighting fixtures 3A become possible.

[0059] (4) Communication systems Figure 7 shows the configuration of the communication system 100. The communication system 100 comprises multiple devices 3. Each of the multiple devices 3 is equipped with a communication device 10. The communication devices 10 of each of the multiple devices 3 form a mesh network and communicate wirelessly with the communication devices 10 of other devices 3. For example, the communication device 10 transmits monitoring signals that notify the status of device 3 and control signals that control other devices 3, and receives control signals and monitoring signals from other devices 3. Device 3 can operate based on the received control signals.

[0060] Furthermore, each communication device 10 of the multiple devices 3 may communicate wirelessly with the master controller. In this case, the multiple devices 3 are centrally controlled by the controller.

[0061] (5) First variation Figure 8 shows a modified version of communication unit 1, namely communication unit 1A. Communication unit 1A is used in communication device 10A. Communication device 10A comprises communication unit 1A and circuit board 2A. Communication unit 1A differs from communication unit 1 in that it includes a communication module 11A, and the switching unit 113 is separate from the communication module 11A.

[0062] A communication unit 1A is provided on the circuit board 2A. Specifically, a communication module 11A and a switching unit 113 are mounted on the circuit board 2A, and an external antenna 12, which is a pattern antenna, is formed on the circuit board 2A.

[0063] The communication module 11A includes a built-in antenna 111 and a communication circuit 112. The communication module 11 further includes a module board 114A. The built-in antenna 111 and the communication circuit 112 are mounted on the module board 114A by soldering.

[0064] The switching unit 113 mounted on the circuit board 2A is electrically connected to the wirings 23, 24, 25, and 26 formed on the circuit board 2A. The switching unit 113 can individually switch the electrical connection between wiring 23 and wiring 25 on and off, and between wiring 24 and wiring 26 on and off. Wiring 23 is electrically connected to the built-in antenna 111 via pad P11 and wiring W11 of the module circuit board 114A. Wiring 24 is electrically connected to the external antenna 12. Wiring 25 is electrically connected to the communication circuit 112 via pad P12 and wiring W12 of the module circuit board 114A. Wiring 26 is electrically connected to the communication circuit 112 via pad P13 and wiring W13 of the module circuit board 114A. In other words, the switching unit 113 can individually switch the electrical connection between the built-in antenna 111 and the communication circuit 112 on and off, and the electrical connection between the external antenna 12 and the communication circuit 112 on and off. To put it another way, the switching unit 113 is configured to be switchable between at least one of the built-in antenna 111 and the external antenna 12 as a selectable antenna, and the selectable antenna can be electrically connected to the communication circuit 112.

[0065] The module board 114A is mounted on board 2A. Pad P11 is electrically connected to the switching unit 113 by being electrically connected to the wiring 23 formed on board 2 by soldering. Pad P12 is electrically connected to the switching unit 113 by being electrically connected to the wiring 25 formed on board 2A by soldering. Pad P13 is electrically connected to the switching unit 113 by being electrically connected to the wiring 26 formed on board 2A by soldering. Pads P12 and P13 correspond to the conductive parts electrically connected to the communication circuit 112.

[0066] The communication unit 1A then selects one of the communication modes described above (the first to fourth communication modes) and operates in the selected communication mode.

[0067] (6) Second variation The switching unit 113 may be configured to allow switching between the internal antenna 111 and the external antenna 12 as the selected antenna, and the selected antenna may be electrically connected to the communication circuit 112. In this case, the communication circuit 112 performs wireless communication using only one of the internal antenna 111 or the external antenna 12 as the selected antenna.

[0068] The external antenna 12 does not have to be a pattern antenna, and its type can be any of the following: a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, or an array antenna.

[0069] The communication unit 1 (see Figures 1 and 2) is not limited to a configuration in which the communication module 11 and the external antenna 12 are mounted on a common circuit board 2. For example, the communication module 11 and the external antenna 12 may be provided on separate circuit boards and electrically connected to each other via cables or the like.

[0070] The communication unit 1A (see Figure 8) is not limited to a configuration in which the communication module 11A and the external antenna 12 are mounted on a common circuit board 2A. For example, the communication module 11A and the external antenna 12 may be provided on separate circuit boards and electrically connected to each other via cables or the like.

[0071] The lighting fixture equipped with the communication device 10 or 10A is not limited to the lighting fixture 3A shown in Figure 6, but may also be a downlight, a spotlight, or the like.

[0072] (7) Summary A communication unit (1, 1A) according to the first embodiment comprises a communication module (11, 11A), an external antenna (12), and a switching unit (113). The communication module (11, 11A) has a built-in antenna (111) and a communication circuit (112) for performing wireless communication. The external antenna (12) is configured separately from the communication module (11, 11A). The switching unit (113) is configured to be switchable between at least one of the built-in antenna (111) and the external antenna (12) as a selectable antenna, and electrically connects the selectable antenna to the communication circuit (112). The external antenna (12) and the built-in antenna (111) correspond to the same frequency band. The communication circuit (112) performs wireless communication using the selectable antenna.

[0073] The aforementioned communication units (1, 1A) can improve the reliability of wireless communication in a single frequency band by using an internal antenna (111) and an external antenna (12).

[0074] In the second embodiment of the communication unit (1, 1A), in the first embodiment, the switching unit (113) is configured to be switchable between a built-in antenna (111) and an external antenna (12) as a selectable antenna, and the selectable antenna is electrically connected to the communication circuit (112).

[0075] The aforementioned communication units (1, 1A) can improve the reliability of wireless communication in a single frequency band by using an internal antenna (111) and an external antenna (12).

[0076] In the third embodiment of the communication unit (1, 1A), it is preferable that, in the first or second embodiment, the communication standard for wireless communication performed by the communication circuit (112) when the built-in antenna (111) is a selectable antenna is the same as the communication standard for wireless communication performed by the communication circuit (112) when the external antenna (12) is a selectable antenna.

[0077] The aforementioned communication units (1, 1A) perform wireless communication compliant with a common communication standard whether using the built-in antenna (111) or the external antenna (12), thus simplifying the configuration.

[0078] In the fourth embodiment of the communication unit (1, 1A), in any one of the first to third embodiments, the communication circuit (112) is preferably a single integrated circuit.

[0079] The above-mentioned communication units (1, 1A) can be simplified and miniaturized compared to a configuration in which each of the built-in antenna (111) and the external antenna (12) has its own dedicated communication circuit.

[0080] In the fifth embodiment of the communication unit (1, 1A), it is preferable that in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the switching unit (113) has a communication mode in which the selected antenna is fixed to the external antenna (12).

[0081] The aforementioned communication units (1, 1A) can improve the reliability of wireless communication by using an external antenna (12) instead of a built-in antenna (111).

[0082] In the sixth embodiment of the communication unit (1, 1A), in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, it is preferable that the frequency range (Δf1) in which the external antenna (12) can be used is wider than the frequency range (Δf2) in which the built-in antenna (111) can be used.

[0083] The aforementioned communication units (1, 1A) can improve the reliability of wireless communication by using an external antenna (12).

[0084] In the seventh embodiment of the communication unit (1, 1A), it is preferable that in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the frequency characteristics of the external antenna (12) and the frequency characteristics of the built-in antenna (111) have the same center frequency (fc).

[0085] The aforementioned communication units (1, 1A) can replace the function of the built-in antenna (111) with an external antenna (12).

[0086] In the eighth embodiment of the communication unit (1, 1A), in any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the external antenna (12) is preferably a pattern antenna.

[0087] The aforementioned communication units (1, 1A) can be made thinner.

[0088] In the communication unit (1, 1A) of the ninth embodiment, it is preferable that the data transmitted and received by wireless communication in any one of the first to eighth embodiments is time-division multiplexed data.

[0089] The aforementioned communication units (1, 1A) are capable of wireless communication for transmitting and receiving time-division data.

[0090] A communication device (10, 10A) according to the tenth embodiment comprises a communication unit (1, 1A) according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments, and a circuit board (2, 2A) on which the communication unit (1, 1A) is provided.

[0091] The above-described communication devices (10, 10A) can improve the reliability of wireless communication in a single frequency band by using an internal antenna (111) and an external antenna (12).

[0092] In the communication device (10, 10A) of the 11th embodiment, in the 10th embodiment, the substrate (2, 2A) preferably includes conductive parts (P1, P13) electrically connected to the communication circuit (112). The external antenna (12) is electrically connected to the conductive parts (P1, P13) by soldering.

[0093] The above-mentioned communication devices (10, 10A) allow for a shorter distance between the external antenna (12) and the communication circuit (112), thereby simplifying the structure.

[0094] The twelfth embodiment of the device (3) comprises a communication device (10, 10A) of the tenth or eleventh embodiment and a housing (31) for housing the communication device (10, 10A).

[0095] The above-described device (3) can improve the reliability of wireless communication in a single frequency band by using an internal antenna (111) and an external antenna (12).

[0096] A lighting fixture (3A) according to the 13th embodiment comprises a communication device (10, 10A) according to the 10th or 11th embodiment and a housing (31A) for housing the communication device (10, 10A).

[0097] The aforementioned lighting fixture (3A) can improve the reliability of wireless communication in a single frequency band by using a built-in antenna (111) and an external antenna (12).

[0098] A communication system (100) according to a 14th embodiment comprises a plurality of devices (3) according to the 12th embodiment, and the communication units (1) provided by each of the plurality of devices (3) communicate wirelessly with one another.

[0099] The above-described communication system (100) can improve the reliability of wireless communication in a single frequency band by using an internal antenna (111) and an external antenna (12). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 100 Communication Systems 10, 10A communication equipment 1. 1A Communication Unit 11, 11A communication module 12 External antennas 111 Built-in antenna 112 Communication Circuit 113 Switching section 2, 2A board 3 equipment 3A lighting equipment 31, 31A enclosure fc center frequency Δf1, Δf2 frequency bandwidth P1, P13 pads (conductor parts)

Claims

1. A communication module having a built-in antenna and a communication circuit for wireless communication, An external antenna configured separately from the aforementioned communication module, The system includes a switching unit configured to allow switching between at least one of the built-in antenna and the external antenna as a selectable antenna, and electrically connecting the selectable antenna to the communication circuit. The external antenna and the internal antenna correspond to the same frequency band. The communication circuit performs wireless communication using the selected antenna. The built-in antenna is a chip antenna, and the communication module is mounted on a circuit board. The external antenna is formed on the circuit board on which the communication module is mounted. The aforementioned switching unit is A first communication mode in which the antenna with the best radio wave conditions among the built-in antenna and the external antenna is electrically connected to the communication circuit as the selected antenna, A second communication mode in which both the built-in antenna and the external antenna are electrically connected to the communication circuit as the selected antennas, A third communication mode in which the selected antenna is fixed to the external antenna, A fourth communication mode is provided in which the built-in antenna and the external antenna are electrically connected to the communication circuit as the selected antenna alternately at regular time intervals. Select one of the first, second, third, and fourth communication modes and operate in the selected communication mode. Communication unit.

2. The communication standard for the wireless communication performed by the communication circuit when the built-in antenna is the selected antenna is the same as the communication standard for the wireless communication performed by the communication circuit when the external antenna is the selected antenna. A communication unit according to claim 1.

3. The communication circuit is a single integrated circuit. A communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The frequency range over which the external antenna can be used is wider than the frequency range over which the built-in antenna can be used. A communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The frequency characteristics of the external antenna and the frequency characteristics of the built-in antenna have the same center frequency. A communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The external antenna is a pattern antenna. A communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The data transmitted and received by wireless communication is time-division data. A communication unit according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The communication unit of Claim 1, The circuit board on which the communication unit is provided comprises Communication device.

9. The substrate comprises a conductor portion electrically connected to the communication circuit, The external antenna is electrically connected to the conductor portion by soldering. A communication device according to claim 8.

10. A communication device according to claim 8, The casing comprises a housing for the aforementioned communication device. device.

11. A communication device according to claim 8, The casing comprises a housing for the aforementioned communication device. Lighting fixtures.

12. A plurality of the devices of claim 10, The communication units provided by each of the aforementioned devices perform wireless communication with one another. Communication system.

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