Method and devices for determining a frequency range of a signal to be transmitted

Translation of description of equivalent WO 2019086703 A1

0001Method and devices for determining a frequency range of a signal to be transmitted

0002background

0003The invention relates to a method for amplifying radio signals between a terminal and an antenna or an antenna terminal and a

0004Circuit arrangement for carrying out such a method. In particular, the gain serves to provide an appearance between the terminal and the antenna

0005To compensate for attenuation of the signal transmission at transmitting and / or receiving signals.

0006Such circuits are, for example, in the operation of

0007Terminals, for example in the form of mobile phones used in motor vehicles. By the circuit arrangement of the reception of the mobile phone is to be improved inside the motor vehicle.

0008In an exemplary scenario, the mobile phone is using the

0009Circuit arrangement and a high-frequency line connected to an external antenna of the motor vehicle. In that case, it is necessary to compensate for the attenuation of the signal transmission between the mobile telephone and the external antenna of the motor vehicle. The connection of the mobile phone to the external antenna can be wired as well as wireless. In the wired connection, the attenuation of the cable, the high-frequency line and possibly other components of the circuit arrangement or components connected to it must be compensated.

0010Usually, this attenuation is known and / or uniquely determined. In the wireless connection, the attenuation that occurs on the air interface must also be considered. This is usually variable and requires an adaptive adjustment of the gain. It is also conceivable an exemplary scenario in which it is the task of the circuit arrangement to amplify signals of the mobile phone, within the limits of performance, which provides for the respective mobile radio standard. Modern mobile phones usually support a variety of

0011Communication standards in different frequency ranges, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile

0012Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc., which use different transmission methods. In order to provide reliable operation using different communication standards, the circuitry must meet these different standards and / or

0013Support carrier frequencies. This means that the circuitry for the different frequency ranges must provide specific matched amplifiers. However, since activated amplifiers may disturb the frequency range of another amplifier, it is usually necessary to amplify only the frequency range currently used by the terminal. In addition, the power consumption is another aspect. The amplifiers of the unused frequency ranges should therefore not be activated. It can be said in general that preferably only the amplifier paths just required are switched on in order to minimize the circuit complexity, mutual interference and power consumption. It is also possible to switch off the signal path (s) that are not required by means of appropriate upstream and / or downstream switches.

0014In order for the correct amplification circuit to be activated for the required frequency range, the circuit arrangement must thus be able to recognize in which frequency range is transmitted, that is to say which standard and / or which carrier frequency is currently being used. Only then can the circuit arrangement be configured for this frequency range. The detection of the frequency range, for example, by detection units that analyze the signal to be amplified and then determine the corresponding frequency range. On the basis of this determined frequency range, the circuit arrangement can then be configured, for example by switching of respective signal branches which contain amplifiers for the corresponding frequency range. In general, for the

0015Determining the corresponding frequency range evaluated by a signal sent from the terminal. The amplification circuits are then configured for both transmit and receive operation. In the case where no transmission signal of the terminal is detected, there is no amplification of specific frequency ranges of transmission signals. Instead, in the case

0016preferably amplifies all supported receive bands from the antenna toward the terminal, with deactivated transmission path. This can be done, for example, with the aid of a preset amplification, which may be suitable for several frequency ranges. It is also conceivable to transmit the received signals transparently, that is to say without amplification from the antenna to the terminal.

0017In the German patent application DE 10 2006 010 963 Ai is a

0018Circuit arrangement described, the detection of a corresponding

0019Frequency range and an associated configuration of the amplification circuit allows. Detection is based on several detectors designed for specific frequency ranges. In particular, separate detectors are used for the GSM technology as well as for the UMTS technology. However, the use of multiple detectors, especially in multi-band systems, has the disadvantage that the circuit arrangement is complex and less flexible for expansion with respect to the detection of transmission signals of newer radio standards.

0020In order to remedy this disadvantage, German published patent application DE 10 2009 027358 Ai proposes introducing a "polling mode" which is intended to reduce the circuitry complexity by using only a single detector This makes the use of a single detector unique to all

0021Frequency ranges, for example, different mobile standards allows.

0022However, a major disadvantage of the polling operation described in this document is that modern handover methods, such as inter-band handover or inter-frequency handover are insufficiently supported. In such a handover, for example, the mobile phone changes during a running

0023Communication in another frequency range. Also, modern mobile phones are able to switch between several communication standards, for example, by a so-called Inter-RAT handover (RAT = Radio Access Technology), which may also take place a change to another frequency band. Handover methods in which the mobile telephone, for example, changes to a different frequency range during ongoing communication, are referred to below uniformly as "interband handover." The circuit arrangement disclosed in the cited published patent application DE 10 2009 027 358 Ai is not suitable for this purpose the

0024Although detection unit permanently monitors a detected signal, but persists in the specific gain configuration as long as a usable signal is detected in the signal branch. Thus, a signal used by the mobile phone in another frequency range is not detected or only very late.

0025However, a reliable operation of the circuit arrangement requires a reliable determination of the active band, ie the frequency range. Thus, the circuitry must be able to provide signal power levels in the individual

0026Frequency ranges constantly, so even during an ongoing transmission to monitor and compare. In practice, it has proven to be difficult for the circuit arrangement to detect a band change during the ongoing transmission since the required frequency decoupling of the filters here must be very large. Alternatively, it would first be necessary in the circuit arrangement of German laid-open specification DE 10 2009 027358 Ai to introduce a separate detector unit for each frequency range since the evaluation by means of a single detector unit presupposes the continuous continuation of the polling operation, which, however, would lead to an interruption of the signal transmission. However, the introduction of multiple detector units alone would not provide a sufficient solution, since each switching interrupts the RF path, ie

0027New arrangements required. In addition, the provision of several

0028Detector units in turn lead to the undesirable circuit complexity, as it is in the document DE 10 2006 010 963 Ai lead.

0029A further disadvantage of the abovementioned circuit arrangement is that, in the absence of a transmission signal, the various signal branches which correspond to different frequency ranges are continuously switched through and thus synchronization to the start time of the transmission signal is not possible. The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a circuit arrangement and a corresponding method for amplifying radio signals between a terminal and an antenna, which recognize the said modern handover method during operation without significant delay and

0030support. In particular, therefore, the possibility of a permanent monitoring of all supported frequency ranges should be provided, without being in the current

0031Intervene gain mode and increase without the circuit complexity.

0032Summary

0033The task is performed by the procedure as well as the circuit of the independent

0034Claims solved. Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the subclaims.

0035The inventive method for amplifying radio signals between a terminal and an antenna or an antenna terminal using a

0036Circuit arrangement comprises an amplification unit and a detector unit, the signal branches formed for different frequency ranges and a

0037A power detector comprises, and comprises receiving a transmission signal from the terminal, dividing the transmission signal into at least a first signal part and a second signal part, applying the first signal part to the signal branches of the detector unit, determining a frequency range of the first signal part by temporally successive application the signal branches of the detector unit to the power detector for evaluating a power of the first signal part, adjusting the signal routing for the second signal part in the amplification unit based on the frequency range determined by the detector unit and amplifying at least the second signal part by means of the amplification unit.

0038Due to the division into at least two signal parts, it is possible to

0039Detector unit to be arranged independently of the amplification unit. Thus, a determination of the frequency range by means of the detector unit, during an ongoing transmission, so while the amplification unit transmitting and

0040Reception signals amplified, performed. Thus, the terminal is allowed to use handover techniques such as inter-band handover while optimally gaining through the circuitry. In addition, it is thus possible that during amplification interference signals, which may couple the useful frequency branches of the detector unit under certain circumstances, and inter-band carrier aggregation of the terminal (two uplink signals in different frequency bands) can be detected. In this case, the use of only one detector unit is preferably sufficient for the arrangement according to the invention, ie, the circuit complexity that would arise when using a plurality of detector units is avoided. The independence of the detector unit from the amplification unit also has the advantage that the

0041Detector unit can examine both other frequency ranges as well as a larger number of frequency ranges, as the amplification unit is to reinforce. Thus, a reliable determination of useful signals and interfering signals can take place.

0042Preferably, the transmission signal of the terminal is received via a radio interface. For this purpose, the circuit arrangement via a

0043Signal coupling device, so a transmission unit, which receives the wireless radio transmission signals of the terminal and coupled for further processing in a high-frequency line and / or receive signals of the terminal, which are received for example from the antenna of the car and are routed via a high-frequency line and the circuitry to the wireless Disconnects transmission in the direction of the terminal. The elimination of a wired connection between the terminal and the circuitry and thus the antenna provides greater spatial flexibility and added convenience.

0044Alternatively, the terminal can also be connected via a cable to the circuit arrangement, which avoids interference that occurs in a radio link.

0045Preferably, the splitting of the transmission signal comprises splitting one

0046Transmission signal power using at least one directional coupler or splitter.

0047The first signal part of the transmission signal of the terminal preferably has a lower power than the second signal part. Thus, only a small proportion of the power is used for the detection and the second signal part can be forwarded to the amplification circuit and / or the antenna without much power loss. This thus supports the while performing the

0048Frequency domain detection continuous transmission and offers advantages in the further processing of the high-frequency signal, such as lower component requirements for the amplifier.

0049Preferably, the trained for different frequency ranges

0050Signal branches each have at least one bandpass filter. The use of the bandpass filter allows the signal to be filtered to the frequency range of the signal to be evaluated by the power detector.

0051Preferably, the determined frequency range corresponds to a frequency range of a radio standard, in particular a mobile radio standard and / or a standard for local wireless networks. Thus, by different signal branches with different frequency ranges different standards or

0052Carrier frequencies are supported. In addition, new standards can be implemented relatively easily by adding a further signal branch in the detection unit as well as an associated amplification circuit in the amplification unit which is suitable for the

0053Frequency range of the new standard are complemented.

0054Preferably, the determination of a frequency range of the first signal part is carried out continuously. This allows you to respond quickly to an incoming signal, as the discovery is always running.

0055Alternatively, the determination of a frequency range of the first signal part is started on the basis of a triggering event. This can be done for example by a triggering event that corresponds to a transmission signal. It recognizes, for example, the

0056Control unit with the aid of the detection unit, which is in its initial state in which the signal is broadband, for example, without bandpass filter, passed through, a threshold value exceeding the transmission power, whereby the determination of the frequency range can begin. This will be a temporal

0057Synchronization of the determination of the frequency range to the star t of the transmission signal possible. The signal branches of the detector unit designed for different frequency ranges preferably each include at least one or a common high-frequency amplifier for dynamically expanding the power measurement. It can also be provided that one or more of the signal branches each have at least one high-frequency amplifier, while two or more of the signal branches share a common high-frequency amplifier. In any case, such a configuration allows a more reliable determination of the used

0058Frequency range.

0059Preferably, determining a frequency range of the first signal part comprises comparing the signal power of at least one of the temporally successive applied to the power detector signals with a threshold power. The threshold comparison can be used to determine whether a signal is present in the frequency range and, accordingly, the amplification unit should amplify this frequency range.

0060Alternatively or additionally, the determination of a frequency range of the first signal part includes a comparison of the signal power of a first of the time

0061successively applied to the power detector signals with at least a second of the temporally successive applied to the power detector signals. Thus, it is the circuit arrangement possible to determine the frequency range resulting from the signal branch with the maximum signal power.

0062Preferably, the temporally successive applied to the power detector signals are each converted into a DC voltage. The above

0063The comparison described is then preferably carried out using the converted signals and thus simplifies the subsequent processing of the signals.

0064Preferably, adjusting the signal routing for the second signal part in the amplification unit comprises switching signal branches having one or more amplifiers designed for the determined frequency range.

0065The amplifiers designed for different frequency ranges can be switched on

0066be located in different signal branches. So the setting of the

0067Amplification unit to the determined frequency range by simply switching the signal branch done. This embodiment as a different switchable

0068Signal branches also has the advantage that the circuit can easily incorporate new signal branches, which in turn cover new frequency ranges.

0069Preferably both signals transmitted by the terminal and signals received by the antenna are amplified by means of the amplification unit.

0070The circuit arrangement thus also allows the signals received at the antenna to be amplified in the determined frequency range. In particular, transmission methods according to a TDD (Time Division Duplex) or FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) method can be supported, wherein the TDD method at a time only transmit or receive signals are amplified, while in the FDD method transmit and receive signals simultaneously be strengthened.

0071Preferably, the gain of at least the second signal part by means of the amplification unit is designed such that an attenuation of the signal transmission between the terminal and the antenna is compensated. The circuit arrangement can thus take into account the fact that the terminal is not outdoors, but is located inside a motor vehicle and is coupled to an external antenna.

0072The method according to the invention is preferably further configured after adjusting the signal routing for the second signal part in the amplification unit and in amplifying at least the second signal part by means of the

0073Amplification unit, receiving a further transmission signal from the terminal, dividing the further transmission signal at least in a first further signal part and a second further signal part, applying the first further signal part to at least one signal branch of the signal branches of the detector unit, and determining a frequency range of the first further signal part by time

0074successively applying the at least one signal branch of the detector unit to the power detector for evaluating a power of the first further

0075Signal part to include. All or only a subset of the available signal branches and therefore a subset of frequency ranges can be used for the evaluation. In this case, the selection of the frequency ranges to be analyzed when applying to the signal branches, when applying to the power detector or both. Thus, depending on the situation, for example depending on the currently set amplification, different frequency ranges can be used for the detection.

0076The detector unit is thus able to perform handover methods such as inter-band handover, inter-frequency handover or inter-RAT handover, while optimally gaining through the circuitry. In particular, the ongoing transmission is not continuous

0077Frequency range determination interrupted by the detector unit. In addition, it is thus possible that interference signals, which may be the Nutzfrequenzzweige the

0078Over-coupling detector unit, and inter-band carrier aggregation of the terminal (two uplink signals in different frequency bands) can be detected.

0079Preferably, the temporal successive application of the signal branches of the detector unit by switching the signal branches of the detector unit to the

0080Power detector running. This ensures that only one

0081Signal branch for evaluation is applied to the power detector.

0082Furthermore, it is possible in a preferred embodiment to detect interference signals. This is done in that the detector unit compares a power at an applied signal branch with at least one bandpass filter with a power at an applied broadband signal branch, preferably without bandpass filter. Noise signals can be detected by the fact that the power detector has a significantly lower power level when a signal branch with band-pass filter is applied than when a signal branch without a band-pass filter is applied. This improves the accuracy of the frequency range determination performed.

0083The circuit arrangement according to the invention for amplifying radio signals between a terminal and an antenna has a transmission unit which is set up to receive a transmission signal from the terminal

0084A division means which is set up to divide the transmission signal into at least a first signal part and a second signal part, a detector unit which has a power detector for different frequency ranges formed signal branches, and is adapted to apply the first signal part to the signal branches of the detector unit and a frequency range of the first Signal part by temporally successive application of the signal branches of the detector unit to the power detector for evaluating a power of the first signal part to determine a control unit which is adapted to adjust the signal routing for the second signal part in the gain unit based on the frequency range determined by the detector unit and a Reinforcement unit that is set upin order to amplify at least the second signal part, on.

0085The circuit arrangement according to the invention makes it possible to achieve the advantages already explained with regard to the method.

0086drawings

0087Further examples and embodiments are described below with reference to FIG

0088Drawing described in which:

00891 is a block diagram of a system of a circuit arrangement for

0090Amplification of radio signals between a terminal and a

0091FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed circuit arrangement for amplifying. FIG

0092Radio signals between a terminal and an antenna according to a

0093Embodiment of the invention shows

00943 is a flowchart of a method for amplifying radio signals between a terminal and an antenna according to a

0095Embodiment of the invention shows

00964a to 4c, the detailed circuit arrangement of FIG. 2 at a

0097Frequency range determination and amplification in a determined frequency range,

0098FIG. 5a shows the detailed circuit arrangement according to FIG. 2 with a gain in the absence of a transmission signal according to an embodiment of the present invention

0099Invention shows, and

0100Fig. 5b shows the detailed circuit arrangement according to Fig. 2 at a gain in the absence of a transmission signal according to another embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

0101Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system showing a circuit arrangement for amplifying radio signals between a terminal and an antenna according to an embodiment of the invention.

0102The circuit arrangement 8 shown in FIG. 1 connects a terminal 1 to an antenna 2. The terminal 1 is preferably an electronic device capable of performing wireless communications, such as a

0103Mobile phone, a smartphone, a modem or a wireless module. The antenna 2 is, for example, an antenna externally mounted on a motor vehicle or an antenna terminal. The terminal l and the antenna 2 are not themselves part of the circuit arrangement.

0104The circuit arrangement 8 serves to amplify the signals sent by the terminal l, also called transmission signals, and / or the signals received by the antenna 2, also called receive signals. The gain of the circuit 8 can be designed so that it compensates for the attenuation of the signal power between the antenna 2 and the terminal l.

0105The circuit arrangement 8 preferably comprises a detector unit 4, a

0106Amplification unit 5 and a control unit 3. The detector unit 4 is used to determine the frequency range to be amplified. The control unit 3 makes it possible to configure the amplification circuit, if necessary, based on the frequency range determined by the detector unit 4, and the amplification unit 5 amplifies signals in the determined frequency band, eg transmit and receive signals simultaneously in the FDD method.

0107The circuit arrangement 8 preferably receives with the aid of a transmission unit 10 the transmission signals of the terminal for line-based further processing with the aid of the circuit arrangement and transmits the reception signals of the antenna 2 to the terminal 1 after further processing by the circuit arrangement. The transmission unit 10 does not necessarily form part of the circuit arrangement. In the transmission signal direction, the transmission unit 10 is followed by a

0108Coupling unit 9, which serves to divide the transmission signal of the terminal in (at least) a first signal part and a second signal part and to supply the first signal part of the detector unit 4 and the second signal part of the amplification unit 5. The circuit arrangement 8 can furthermore be designed such that reception signals of the antenna 2 are also conducted via the coupling unit 9.

0109The amplification unit 5 is preferably designed to amplify both receive and transmit signals. However, the detection of the frequency range is carried out in the preferred embodiment by means of the transmission signals.

0110Fig. 2 shows a detailed circuit arrangement for amplifying radio signals between a terminal and an antenna according to an embodiment of the invention.

0111The detailed illustration of the circuit arrangement 8 has a detector unit 4, an amplification unit 5, a transmission unit 10, a coupling unit 9 and a control unit 3. The control unit 3 is shown as a separate unit, but it can also form a control and detector unit with the detector unit 4.

0112As already mentioned above, the transmission unit 10 forms the interface to the terminal and the coupling unit 9 serves to divide a transmission signal of the terminal into a first signal part and a second signal part and to supply the first signal part to the detector unit 4 and the second signal part to the amplification unit 5.

0113The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 shows a dividing the received transmission signal into a first signal part, a second signal part by a coupler.

0114The transmission signal received by the terminal can be received at the transmission unit 10 either via a radio interface or a cable. The waiver of a wired connection between the terminal and the

0115Circuitry and thus the antenna allows a variety of

0116Support end devices without a common cable interface, as well as greater spatial flexibility and added convenience. Thus, the user does not have to first connect the terminal to the vehicle with the external antenna when entering the car, but can use it without further ado due to the wireless technology. A cable in turn has the advantage that interference that can occur on the radio interface can be avoided.

0117The coupling unit 9 comprises, for example, a directional coupler or splitter. Also, more than one coupler can be used to extract signal portions, which can then be fed to different signal branches for detection of a frequency range in the detector unit. The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 includes only a coupler.

0118The coupling unit 9 enables a decoupling, wherein the first signal part of the transmission signal of the terminal preferably has a lower power than the second signal part. Thus, only a small proportion of the power is used for the detection and the second signal part can be forwarded to the amplification circuit and / or the antenna without much power loss. This thus supports the ongoing transmission while performing the

0119Frequency range determination.

0120As already mentioned above, the first signal part is directed to the detector unit 4. This includes, for example, a first signal splitting unit 41 (such as a switch, power divider or crossover), which directs the first signal part to different signal branches 42a to 42c and possibly signal branch 45. The signal branches 42a to 42c are each for different frequency ranges and / or different

0121Transmission method designed. The signal branch 45, if present, can be configured as broadband.

0122The different frequency ranges correspond to the example

0123Frequency ranges of different radio standards. Such radio standards may in particular be mobile radio standards and / or standards for local wireless networks. Also, different frequency ranges can cover different carrier frequencies of the same standard. In the present embodiment, three different signal branches 42a to 42c are shown. However, fewer or more than three signal branches may be used, depending on how many different frequency ranges the

0124Circuit arrangement should support. New frequency ranges, as they may occur when introducing new radio standards, can be easily supplemented by adding another signal branch in the detection unit.

0125But this also adds an addition of appropriate

0126Gain circuit in the amplification unit, as will be explained in detail later.

0127The number of signal branches 42a to 42c is independent of the number of frequency ranges to be amplified. For example, the number of frequency ranges to be detected may exceed that of the frequency ranges to be amplified.

0128A trained for a frequency range signal branch, such as

0129Signal branch 42a, the signal part in the frequency range for which it is designed, such as 900 or 1800 MHz, filter out. This can be done using a bandpass filter 52a.

0130The signal branches 42a to 42c are preferably via a second

0131Signal splitting unit 43, in particular a switch, connected to a power detector 44. Used as the first for the supply of the first signal part

0132Signal splitter 41 already uses a switch, the connection of the signal branches 42a to 42c with the power detector 44 via a second

0133Signal division unit 43 carried out, which is designed for example as a crossover.

0134It is crucial that the circuit arrangement provides means to switch the signal branches 42a to 42c. The second signal division unit 43 (or the first

0135Signal division unit (switch) 41 in combination with the second

0136Signal division unit (crossover) 43) sequentially applies the various signal branches 42a to 42c to the power detector. The temporally successive application can be periodic or controlled by an event. Thus, in each case only the signal part of a signal branch is fed to the power detector 44. The other signal branches are not connected to the power detector 44 at the moment. This spinning through of different ones

0137Signal branches allows only one power detector for a variety of

0138To use signal branches. Thus, the circuit complexity can be reduced and components can be saved.

0139If, when the first signal part was applied to the different signal branches, a switch and not a frequency divider was used as the first signal splitting unit 41, it must be ensured that this is synchronous with the switch used in the second signal splitting unit 43 (hereinafter also briefly: switch 43). This is necessary to provide a closed signal path between the coupling unit 9 and the receiver of the

0140Terminal transmitted signal and the power detector 44 to ensure.

0141The determination of a frequency range of the first signal part can be carried out continuously or started by a triggering event. Accordingly, the switch 43 can either constantly switch through the individual signal branches or only begin to switch with the input of a triggering event.

0142A continuous switching through the individual signal branches has the advantage that it can be quickly responded to an incoming signal, without having to

0143the corresponding triggering event must be maintained. The use of a

0144Trigger event, however, has the advantage that a temporal

0145Synchronization of the determination of the frequency range to the start of the transmission signal is possible.

0146Such a triggering event can be realized by a

0147Power detector is determined whether a transmission signal has been received from a terminal. This can be done by not using any during operation

0148Transmit signal is received, the switch 43 is connected to a transmitting branch 45, which is not designed for a particular frequency range, but at least as broadband dimensioned that all supported transmission frequency ranges are passed to the power detector 44. For this purpose, the transmitting branch 45, in

0149Contrary to those designed for each specific frequency range

0150Signal branches 42a to 42c, have no bandpass filter, or a bandpass filter, which is designed to pass frequencies of all evaluated frequency ranges (useful bands).

0151The power detector 44 may then in a next step that of the

0152different signal branches received signal into a DC signal, which allows a simple evaluation and easy comparison with other values, such as a threshold.

0153The power detector 44 passes the converted signal to the control unit 3, which can then analyze the signal. The control unit 3 can then use this signal to determine the corresponding frequency range or, if the signal was transmitted via the signal path 45, the presence of a signal.

0154This can be done either by comparing the signal received at the control unit 3 with a threshold value and / or with previously detected values. The comparison with previously acquired values ​​requires that these values ​​be saved. For example, the last detected values ​​of each signal branch can be stored. By comparing with previously acquired values, the frequency range that includes the highest signal power can be determined and amplified. This is particularly advantageous if signal power is also present in frequency ranges which does not correspond to the carrier frequency of the transmitted transmission signal but results from noise, interference or the like. Preferably, the

0155Detecting such spurious signals by comparing a power at an applied signal branch with at least one bandpass filter with a power at an applied broadband signal branch. Noise can be detected by the fact that the power detector with applied signal branch with

0156Bandpass filter has a significantly lower power level than when applied signal branch without bandpass filter.

0157In various embodiments, multiple frequency ranges may also be amplified if the signals of the respective signal branches are all above a predetermined threshold. In addition to determining the frequency range, the detector unit may be configured together with the control unit to measure the absolute signal power level and to analyze the signal time profile (continuous or time-discrete).

0158For example, this can be determined for example by means of a comparator in the control unit 3, whether transmit signals above a threshold are present, and if so, the time can be determined (eg microcontroller clocks) in which the transmission signal is present. From this, the duration and also the period of discrete-time signals (TDD) can be determined.

0159The time course as well as the frequency range can be used to determine the

0160Radio standards are used. The power measurement, however, can the

0161Gain adjustment and transmit power control serve.

0162On the basis of the determined frequency range or the determined

0163Frequency ranges can be set to a signal routing, which makes it possible to amplify the second signal part using the amplification unit. Also can be taken into account when setting the signal management of the time determined by the detector unit timing of the transmission signal. This setting of the signal routing can be performed by the control unit 3, for example. For example, if the control unit 3 has determined that the frequency range corresponding to the signal branch 42a is being used and is therefore to be amplified, it may switch an associated amplification circuit, such as the amplification circuit 63a. This switching can be performed by means of a signal splitting unit 61 for the signals transmitted from the terminal to the antenna and another

0164Signal division unit 62 for the transmitted from the terminal to the antenna signals. The signal split units 61 and 62 each include, for example, one or more switches, couplers and / or crossovers. An amplifying circuit, such as the amplifying circuit 63a, may include other signal dividing units 71a and 74a each including, for example, one or more switches, couplers for dividing transmission signals and reception signals. However, the division into transmission signals and received signals can also be superordinate for all or some

0165Reinforcement circuits take place. This means that the signal is already in

0166Transmit signals and received signals is divided before it is passed to the corresponding amplification circuit. The amplification circuit 63a may further include a transmission amplifier 72a and a reception amplifier 73a designed for the specific frequency range of the amplification circuit. Accordingly, both transmit signals and receive signals are detected in the

0167Frequency range amplified. The exact configuration of the amplification circuit may vary depending on the standard and / or transmission method used, such as the duplex method, eg frequency duplex (FDD) or time division duplex (TDD). For example, the transmit amplifiers 72a and receive amplifiers 73a may also be controlled via control lines from the control unit 3 (not shown in FIG. 2), eg, on or off or configured.

0168The modular design of the amplification circuits, which can be controlled accordingly by the control unit 3, makes it possible, without great effort, to supplement further amplification circuits for additional frequency ranges or mobile radio standards.

0169Further, the control unit 3 may amplify the transmission amplifier 72a and / or the reception amplifier 73a in accordance with that of the detector unit

0170control performance measurement.

0171In the case in which no transmission signal is transmitted from the terminal to the antenna and therefore no frequency range is determined, reception signals and / or transmission signals from the antenna to the terminal can in one embodiment be passed over the signal branch 64, which does not amplify. In another embodiment, in the case where no transmission signal is transmitted from the terminal to the antenna, all the reception amplification circuits may be active so that each supported reception frequency range is increasingly transmitted to the terminal.

0172The gain of at least the second signal part using the

0173Amplification unit may be designed such that a damping of

0174Signal transmission between the terminal and the antenna is compensated.

0175Accordingly, the circuit arrangement allows to take into account the fact that the terminal is not located outdoors, but inside a

0176Motor vehicle is coupled to an external antenna. Alternatively, the amplification unit can amplify the signal beyond the compensation and thereby cause an extension of the range by signal amplification.

01773 shows a flow diagram of a method for amplifying radio signals between a terminal and an antenna according to an embodiment of the invention.

0178At step 301, a transmission signal from the terminal 1 is received at the circuit 8. This is done for example via a cable or a radio interface. This is followed in step 302 by splitting the transmission signal into a first signal part and a second signal part. The division can be done by a directional coupler, a splitter or other component that can split high-frequency signals in the performance.

0179The first signal part is then connected to signal branches at step 303

0180Detector unit, which are designed for different frequency ranges applied. The application of the first signal part to the different signal branches can be effected by means of a first signal splitting unit 41, for example by means of a switch (for example in combination with the second signal splitting unit 43, for example one

0181Crossover or a power divider), or by using a first

0182Signal splitting unit 41, which is designed as a crossover or power divider (eg in combination with the second signal splitting unit 43, which is designed as a switch), take place. At step 304, a frequency range of the first

0183Signal part by temporally successive application of the signal branches of the

0184Detector unit determined to the power detector. The temporally successive application can take place with the aid of the second signal splitting unit 43, in particular a switch. If the application of the first signal part to different

0185Signal branches with the aid of a designed as a switch signal splitting unit 41, the second signal splitting unit 43 designed as a switch, as already mentioned with reference to FIG. 2, must be switched synchronously with the switch 43. The determination of the frequency range can, as explained in detail above, be made by means of comparisons with threshold values ​​or previously recorded powers. If the frequency range is determined, the signal routing for the second signal part in the amplification unit can be adjusted based on the determined frequency range at step 305. This is done, for example, by switching signal branches having amplifiers for the determined frequency range. Finally, at step 306, at least the second signal portion is amplified using the gain unit set to the frequency range. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the frequency ranges of the signal branches of the detector units 42a to 42c do not have to coincide with the frequency ranges supported by the amplification unit. For example, it may be advantageous to attach a larger number of signal branches of different frequency ranges in the detector unit 4. Thus, for example, a precise determination of useful and interference signals can be ensured. The frequency ranges of the signal branches of the detector unit 42a to 42c may also overlap. the frequency ranges of the signal branches of the detector units 42a to 42c need not coincide with the frequency ranges supported by the amplification unit. For example, it may be advantageous to attach a larger number of signal branches of different frequency ranges in the detector unit 4. Thus, for example, a precise determination of useful and interference signals can be ensured. The frequency ranges of the signal branches of the detector unit 42a to 42c may also overlap. the frequency ranges of the signal branches of the detector units 42a to 42c need not coincide with the frequency ranges supported by the amplification unit. For example, it may be advantageous to attach a larger number of signal branches of different frequency ranges in the detector unit 4. Thus, for example, a precise determination of useful and interference signals can be ensured. The frequency ranges of the signal branches of the detector unit 42a to 42c may also overlap. Thus, for example, a precise determination of useful and interference signals can be ensured. The frequency ranges of the signal branches of the detector unit 42a to 42c may also overlap. Thus, for example, a precise determination of useful and interference signals can be ensured. The frequency ranges of the signal branches of the detector unit 42a to 42c may also overlap.

0186FIGS. 4a to 4c show the detailed circuit arrangement according to FIG. 2 with a frequency range determination as well as with a gain in a determined one

0187Frequency range.

0188In Fig. 4a, the determination of the frequency range by the detector unit 4 takes place. While the determination of the frequency range by the detector unit 4 takes place, the amplifier unit can remain unchanged. For example, if no previously detected band is present, preferably the receive amplifiers are active and remain active during the duration of the determination. After successful determination, as shown in the figure, the signal branch 42a is traversed, which in this case is detected by the control unit 3 as the frequency range used.

0189In Fig. 4b is then applied by means of the control unit 3 to the signal branch 42a associated amplification circuit 63a. Incoming send and

0190Received signals are now amplified by the gain circuit 63a (as occurs in an FDD-based transmission method).

0191As shown in FIG. 4c, the second signal splitting unit 43 (switch), with current transmission and amplification by means of the amplification circuit 63a, can apply the different signal branches 42a to 42c to the power detector 44 consecutively in time. In the picture, for example, is just the

0192Signal branch 42 c applied to the power detector 44. An ongoing transmission thus does not hinder the simultaneous determination of a new frequency range. This is particularly relevant in cases in which, due to an inter-band handover, the frequency range used changes during an ongoing transmission or if interference signals reach the detector. In addition, this can be done with an inter-band carrier aggregation of the terminal (two uplink signals in different

0193Frequency bands).

0194It is not necessary for the same time during the reinforcement

0195detection, all signal branches 42a to 42c are applied to the power detector. Rather, it may be advantageous only a subset

0196different signal branches to be considered in the detection. For example, this subset may be at or adjacent to the frequency range currently adjacent to the currently amplified frequency range

0197Frequency ranges be limited.

0198The detection of interference signals is preferably carried out by comparing the powers detected by the power detector 44 when the signal branches 42a to 42c are applied to the detected power when the signal branch 45 is applied.

0199Useful signals can be recognized by the fact that the detected power levels are approximately equal or have a known power difference depending on the realized circuit. Noise signals can be detected by the fact that the power detector with applied signal branches 42a to 42c significantly lower

0200Power level than when applied signal branch 45 detects, which is due to the filtering effect of the band pass used in the signal branches 42a to 42c. Thus, for example, it may be sufficient to determine the maximum power level from the power levels detected at applied signal branches 42a to 42c and to compare this with the power level when signal leg 45 is applied. If this maximum power level is approximately the same as the power level when signal branch 45 is applied, or if both differ only by a power difference known as a function of the implemented circuit, the circuit arrangement can process the detected signal as a useful signal. Is this maximum

0201Power level significantly lower than the power level when applied signal branch 45, or both differ by more than one depending on the realized circuit known power difference, the circuit arrangement can determine the detected signal as an interference signal. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to set all power levels for applied signal branches 42a to 42c at the power level when applied

0202Signal branch 45 to compare to make the detection of interference or useful signals.

0203If a useful signal has been detected in a signal branch which has no direct relation to the frequency range which is currently amplified, the control unit 3 can be set up to set the amplification unit 5 to the new frequency range. However, the control unit 3 may additionally use other parameters, such as the duration or the strength of the useful signal, for the assessment of whether a switchover is to be performed. Furthermore, the control unit 3 evaluations of others

0204Consider frequency ranges. For example, the control unit 3 can determine whether there continues to be a useful signal on the frequency range to which the gain unit 5 is currently set. If this is the case, for example, an inter-band carrier aggregation of the terminal can be present and the control unit 3 can recognize this. If the amplification unit 5 is arranged to have a plurality of

0205Can amplify frequency ranges simultaneously, for example, by activating different, equipped with band-pass filter amplification signal branches, the control unit 3, the amplification unit 5 configure so that a plurality of detected frequency ranges are amplified.

0206If, on the other hand, the amplification unit 5 is set up such that it can amplify only one frequency range at a time, the control unit 3 must decide on a frequency range to be amplified. This can be done according to different criteria. For example, one main frequency range may still be used for

0207Reinforcement can be selected. In the example of 5G (fifth generation mobile communication standard), in which in addition to the sG communication, there is also a 4G connection at the same time, the 4G connection can be prioritized and amplified since it may be required for the connection to the base station.

0208FIG. 5a shows the detailed circuit arrangement according to FIG. 2 with a gain in the absence of a transmission signal according to an embodiment of the invention. According to this embodiment, preferably in the absence of a transmission signal, and thus in the absence of a detected frequency range, no amplification of the received signal is performed. The received signal can be transmitted in this case via the signal branch 64 without amplification to the terminal 1.

0209Fig. 5b shows the detailed circuit arrangement according to Fig. 2 with a gain in the absence of a transmission signal according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, all or at least several

0210Receive amplifier be active when no specific frequency range was determined based on a transmission signal. Thus, the received signal can be amplified in all or more frequency ranges in which an amplification circuit is present.

0211Reference numeral Overview

02121 terminal / mobile phone

02132 antenna

02143 control unit

02154 detector unit

021641 First signal splitting unit (eg crossover, power splitter and / or switch)

021742a to 42c signal branches for frequency ranges a to c

021843 Second signal splitting unit (eg crossover, power dividers and / or switches)

021944 power detector

022045 broadband signal branch

022152a bandpass filter

02225 reinforcement unit

022361 Signal splitting unit (eg crossover, power dividers and / or switches)

022462 Signal distribution unit (eg crossover, power dividers and / or switches) 63a to 63c amplification circuits for frequency ranges a to c

022571a Signal splitting unit (eg crossover, power dividers and / or switches) 72a Receive amplifier

022673a transmission amplifier

022774a Signal distribution unit (eg crossover, power dividers and / or switches)

02288 circuit arrangement

02299 couplers

023010 transmission unit