Antenna, in particular mobile phone antenna

Abstract

The present invention relates to an antenna, in particular a mobile phone antenna, in particular for a mobile radio base station, having at least one emitter, a data acquisition unit, a memory and having at least one sensor for detecting a mechanical and/or electrical and/or thermal stress of the antenna, wherein the data acquisition unit aquires measurement data of the at least one sensor and temporarily stores them in the memory. It is provided here that the data acquisition unit generates data packets based on a plurity of measurement data stored in the memory and transmits them to an external data base.

Claims

1. An antenna, wherein the antenna is for a mobile radio base station, and the antenna comprising: at least one emitter, a memory, at least one sensor for detecting a mechanical and/or electrical and/or thermal stress of the antenna, and a data acquisition unit configured to: acquire measurement data of the at least one sensor and temporarily store the acquired measurement data in the memory, generate data packets based on the acquired measurement data stored in the memory, and transmit the data packets to an external database; wherein the data acquisition unit performs a data reduction of the acquired measurement data, wherein the data reduction comprises an evaluation of the acquired measurement data of the at least one sensor with respect to maximum values, minimum values, and cycles and a generation of a spectrum of the maximum values, the minimum values, and the cycles, wherein the spectrum is divided into bands.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein the data acquisition unit at least partially deletes the acquired measurement data stored in the memory after transmitting the data packets to the external database.

3. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein the data acquisition unit is further configured to: transmit the data packets at predetermined intervals and/or on request by an external entity, and/or acquire the measurement data of the at least one sensor at a predefined frequency, and/or transmit to the external database at a predefined interval of more than 1 minute, and/or generate the data packets based on a plurality of temporally successive measurement data.

4. The antenna according to claim 3, wherein the data acquisition unit acquires the measurement data of the at least one sensor at a frequency greater than 0.001 Hz, and wherein the transmission of the data packets to the external database takes place at a predefined interval of more than 10 minutes, and/or wherein the data acquisition unit generates the data packets based on a plurality of temporally successive measurement data of a same sensor, and wherein the data acquisition unit generates the data packets based on more than 10 consecutive measurement data.

5. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein the data acquisition unit performs the data reduction of the acquired measurement data stored in the memory to generate the data packets which are transmitted to the external database, and/or wherein the data acquisition unit stores the acquired measurement data acquired at a predetermined frequency only after the data reduction of the acquired measurement data has been performed.

6. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one sensor comprises a plurality of different sensors for detecting the mechanical and/or electrical and/or thermal stress on the antenna, the measurement data acquired by the data acquisition unit are temporarily stored in the memory, and the data packets transmitted by the data acquisition unit comprise the acquired measurement data from the plurality of different sensors, and the acquired measurement data are transmitted together to the external database in a form of a matrix.

7. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein the antenna comprises the at least one sensor, and the at least one sensor is at least one of the following sensors: one or more sensors for measuring mechanical loads of the antenna, one or more acceleration sensors, one or more temperature sensors, and one or more sensors for detecting antenna power.

8. The antenna according to claim 7, wherein the at least one sensor is provided on a fastening element of the antenna for fastening the antenna to a mast; wherein the one or more acceleration sensors are provided which detect all 6 degrees of freedom; wherein the one or more temperature sensors for measuring temperature of a component of the antenna, which is heated by operation of the antenna, is provided at an electronic component and/or a solder joint and/or a port of the antenna, and/or wherein the one or more temperature sensors for measuring temperature of an environment and/or the antenna is provided; wherein the antenna power is individually measured and/or stored for each port of a plurality of ports of the antenna, and/or wherein the one or more sensors for detecting the antenna power takes place by at least one directional coupler and/or by the one or more temperature sensors and/or wherein the one or more sensors for detecting the antenna power takes place by passive recording of requested power.

9. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein the data packets further comprise antenna data, wherein the antenna data includes at least one identifier and/or geographic location data and/or data on an orientation of the antenna and/or antenna configuration data.

10. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein the data acquisition unit is further configured to acquire the measurement data of the at least one sensor during storage, transport and/or during operation, wherein the antenna temporarily stores the acquired measurement data during the storage and/or the transport, and transmits the data packets generated based on the acquired measurement data to the external database only during or after commissioning.

11. The antenna according to claim 10, wherein the antenna comprises an autonomous energy supply for electrical energy, wherein the autonomous energy supply forms a separate element, which is connectable to a terminal of the antenna in order to supply the antenna with energy, wherein the autonomous energy supply is connectable to a port of the antenna, and/or wherein the autonomous energy supply is integrated into the antenna, and/or wherein the data acquisition unit recognizes a connected autonomous energy supply and/or recognizes that there is no external energy supply, and does not transmit data and/or change parameters of the data acquisition unit.

12. The antenna according to claim 11, wherein the autonomous energy supply is a battery, capacitor or an accumulator.

13. A method for monitoring at least one antenna for a mobile radio base station, the at least one antenna comprising: at least one emitter, a memory, at least one sensor for detecting a mechanical and/or electrical and/or thermal stress of the at least one antenna, and a data acquisition unit configured to: acquire measurement data of the at least one sensor and temporarily store the acquired measurement data in the memory, generate one or more data packets based on the acquired measurement data stored in the memory, and transmit the one or more data packets to a central database, wherein the one or more transmitted data packets are collected in the central database for the at least one antenna and evaluated by an evaluation unit to monitor the at least one antenna; wherein the data acquisition unit performs a data reduction of the acquired measurement data, wherein the data reduction comprises an evaluation of the acquired measurement data of the at least one sensor with respect to maximum values, minimum values, and cycles and a generation of a spectrum of the maximum values, the minimum values, and the cycles, wherein the spectrum is divided into bands.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the evaluation unit determines a change in electrical and/or mechanical properties and/or a damage value and/or a residual service life value of the at least one antenna, wherein the evaluation unit compares at least one value generated from the one or more data packets transmitted by the at least one antenna with a characteristic curve stored in the evaluation unit for a corresponding antenna type, wherein the characteristic curve is a fatigue characteristic curve, and/or wherein, on a basis of an evaluation by the evaluation unit, preventive measures for maintenance and/or for replacement of antennas are taken.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the data acquisition unit performs the transmission of the one or more data packets at predetermined intervals and/or upon request by an external entity.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

(1) The present invention is now described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and figures.

(2) Shown are in:

(3) FIG. 1—a first exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention having an exemplary embodiment of an antenna according to the invention,

(4) FIG. 2—an exemplary embodiment for the power supply of the data acquisition unit of the antenna during transport and/or storage of the antenna,

(5) FIG. 3—a diagram describing a first step of data reduction performed by means of an exemplary embodiment of a data acquisition unit;

(6) FIG. 4—a diagram describing a second step of data reduction performed by means of an exemplary embodiment of a data acquisition unit;

(7) FIG. 5—an exemplary embodiment of a data matrix transmitted according to the invention having entries for the measurement values of a plurality of sensors, and

(8) FIG. 6—a diagram illustrating an evaluation by an exemplary embodiment of an evaluation unit according to the invention.

(9) FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an antenna according to the invention and of a system according to the invention.

(10) The system according to the invention comprises an antenna 1, a database 16 and an evaluation unit 17, which are operated by an entity 15. The communication between the antenna 1 and the database 16 is preferably carried out through the cloud 14. The system typically comprises a plurality of antennas communicating with the database 16. The antennas are usually distributed on a plurality of locations.

(11) In the exemplary embodiment, the antenna 1 is a mobile radio antenna for a mobile radio base station. The antenna has a housing (not shown in detail) and fastening elements for mechanical fastening, for example, to a mast.

(12) The antenna has a plurality of emitters 2, of which only two emitters are shown schematically in FIG. 1. Preferably, the emitters are arranged in a plurality of columns and/or rows and form one or more emitter arrays. In this case, preferably at least the tilt angle of one or more emitter arrays is adjustable, in particular via the adjustment of one or more phase shifters, not shown. For this purpose, a drive 6 designated as FlexRet is provided in the exemplary embodiment, which adjusts the phase shifter by means of an electric motor.

(13) The antenna has one or more ports 3 for supplying the emitters 2 with HF signals. In the exemplary embodiment, energy is supplied simultaneously via the ports to the components of the antenna, in particular a power supply of the electric drive 6 and/or the data acquisition unit 8. For this purpose, a signal separator is provided at the port 3, which separates a DC component applied to the port 3 from the HF signal and makes it available to the drive 6 and the data acquisition unit 8 via a line 5.

(14) Furthermore, there can be communication with the base station and/or the system components via the port 3, for example, via AISG. For this purpose, the data acquisition unit 8 is functionally communicated to the port 3 via the OOK splitter 7. Alternatively or additionally, a communication with the system components can also take place via a wireless data communication unit 13. Preferably, the communication between the data acquisition unit 8 and the external database 16 is independent of the base station(s) that supply the antenna with HF signals.

(15) According to the present invention, the antenna 1 has a data acquisition unit 8, a memory 8′ and at least one sensor 9, 10, 11 for detecting a mechanical and/or electrical and/or thermal stress on the antenna. In this case, measurement values are recorded on or in the antenna, processed and, for example, transmitted via the cloud 14 to a database 16. Preferably, these data can be made available to third parties independent of the manufacturer of the base station and/or an OEM network supplier.

(16) According to the invention, the transmission of sensor data in real time is avoided by temporarily storing the sensor data in the antenna 1. To reduce the amount of data to be transmitted, the sequential measurement data are reduced to a spectrum. The transmission of the data to the database 16 takes place according to a defined time interval and/or on request. In the database 16, the evaluation of the measurement values is carried out by an evaluation unit 17 for the purposes of third parties.

(17) Preferably, the acquired and determined data enable the construction of a life cycle control system. For this purpose, the determined data of the antenna 1 are compared with the respective fatigue life curve of this antenna type, whereby a prediction of the service life of the antenna is possible. Furthermore, one can use this information for preventive maintenance measures such as antenna replacement. Furthermore, a database is created on the loads of the antennas at the respective locations, in particular worldwide. This can be used for dimensioning and/or optimizing the antennas and/or for defining the severity levels of the validation tests. It is also possible to draw conclusions about the network performance. The transmission and recording of software updates for the electronics in the antenna 1 is possible through the cloud 14.

(18) In the context of the present invention, therefore, conclusions are drawn on the mechanical and electrical parameters of the antenna from the mechanical and/or electrical and/or thermal stress or the operating state of an antenna 1. For this purpose, there is initially a measurement and a preparation of values of the antenna, wherein the measurement is preferably carried out in the warehouse, during transport and in use. By comparison with empirical values such as a fatigue life curve, conclusions can be drawn about the changes in the electrical and mechanical properties of the antenna and its service life.

(19) These variables must be acquired on or in the antenna for this. The acquired variables are collected in and at the antenna, processed in the antenna and temporarily stored in data packets in the antenna. The data packets are provided with the location data and antenna-inherent data, such as serial number, etc., so that the acquired variables can be assigned to the antennas and locations. These data packets are sent to an entity 15 outside the antenna, for example, via various services through a cloud 14. This entity 15 stores the data packets in a database 16 and further processes the data through an evaluation unit 17.

(20) Specifically, in the embodiment, loads, accelerations, temperatures and/or the electrical power that is applied to the antenna are detected via sensors 9, 10, 11. Spectra are determined by a calculation software of the data acquisition unit 8 from the acquired measurement values. The data acquisition unit preferably comprises a microcontroller on which runs a software which implements the functions of the data acquisition unit. The measurement values and/or load spectra are temporarily stored in a memory 8′ of the antenna. At a predetermined interval, data packets comprising the load spectra are provided with the location data and antenna-inherent data, such as serial number, etc., so that the acquired quantities can be assigned to the antennas and locations, and transmitted to the database 16.

(21) An evaluation unit 17 makes a comparison with a mechanical, electrical and/or thermal service life or Wöhler curve, and a calculation of the material fatigue of mechanical, electrical and thermal quantities and their influence on the function of the antenna (electrical parameters). A Wöhler curve determined in the test, assuming a certain spectrum, which is stored in the evaluation unit, makes it possible to calculate the service life of the antenna. Conclusions can thus be made on the change or deterioration of the mechanical and electrical parameters of the antenna.

(22) The specific embodiment of the individual components and steps according to the present invention are illustrated in more detail below with reference to the figures. The individual aspects can be achieved both independently of each other, and in combination:

(23) Data Acquisition

(24) The following values are acquired by sensor applications 9, 10, 11 in the antenna:

(25) Application of strain gauges 11 on fastening elements of the antenna on the mast and on internal points. These positions are determined based on FEM analyses and the effectiveness of the signals is proven by means of a test. Load cells or calibrated structures such as fastening elements can also be used.

(26) Application of accelerometers 9 on a suitable location or integrated into the board, which detects the accelerations of the antenna as best as possible.

(27) Application of temperature sensors 10 on critical boards, solder joints or components and on the outside of the antenna; for example, phase shifters etc.

(28) Detection of the antenna power by electronics or temperature measurement at suitable locations in the antenna

(29) A data acquisition unit 8 and the antenna monitoring unit (AMU) 12 with GPS sensor are additionally located in the antenna. The GPS sensor calculates the position of the location of the antenna. The data acquisition unit 8 and the AMU must not be located in the antenna, but can also be one or more externally mounted modules.

(30) Control

(31) A virtual CCU to control the individual sensors and their communication within the antenna is located in the AMU. The virtual CCU is software. The communication module (hardware) can also be located outside the antenna. It is then referred to as a ComModule. In the exemplary embodiment, the control functions are splitted as follows: The data acquisition unit 8 processes the sensor data and bundles the data into packets and provides them. The control of the data acquisition unit 8 and the external communication to the server is effected by the virtual CCU and/or the ComModule. The power supply inside the antenna is provided by the FlexRet 6.
Data Generation

(32) The following sensors/sensor types can be used, for example:

(33) TABLE-US-00001 Parameter Place Measurement signal Temperature PT100 Installed on the measuring Ohm, ° C. board or with cable in a hot spot Antenna power Detecting the power of each Volts, amps, watts port with directional coupler. Acceleration Installed on the measurement pF board when placed close to a mast mount Antenna power Ports, phase shifters ° C.

(34) The antenna power can also be detected by logging the requested power.

(35) Data Storage

(36) The data are acquired using a frequency to be determined and stored in the data acquisition unit 8.

(37) Temperature: between 0.01 Hz and 1 Hz; for example, about 0.1 Hz

(38) Antenna power: between 0.01 Hz and 1 Hz; for example, about 0.1 Hz

(39) Acceleration: between 10 Hz and 10,000 Hz; for example, about 1,000 Hz

(40) Depending on the memory size, the data acquisition time is, for example, 1 h to 1 week or 1 month.

(41) If the memory is filled to a predetermined value, the data stored as a sequence are compressed into a spectrum and added and stored in a matrix. Exemplary values for such a matrix are illustrated in FIG. 5. The frequency of values in the matrix increases over time.

(42) Only the amount of data of the spectrum which is substantially reduced with respect to the measured sequence is transferred to the database 16 via the cloud.

(43) Spectrum Creation

(44) The creation of a spectrum is illustrated in more detail with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4:

(45) The measurement data are first acquired sequentially. Since this amount of data is much too large for a data transfer, it must be characteristically compressed. For this purpose, minima 23, 26 and maxima 24, 25 and cycles or half-cycles therefrom are first determined from the sequential measurement data. The cycles correspond in each case to a load change Δσ. Preferably, cycles are selected according to a predetermined rule. The selection and determination of the cycles preferably takes place according to the Rainflow method.

(46) A real spectrum 28 of such load changes Δσ is shown in FIG. 4. According to a given reasonable gradation Δσ.sub.1 to Δσ.sub.5, the cycles are sorted into a plurality of bands having a predetermined bandwidth, and the number n.sub.1 to n.sub.5 of the cycles per band in the matrix described above is added for a period to be defined. The spectrum is calculated by a microcontroller internal to the antenna.

(47) Data Transmission

(48) The data acquisition unit 8 bundles the data into packets and provides them.

(49) The control of the data acquisition unit 8 and the communication to the outside of the server is effected by the virtual CCU and/or the ComModule.

(50) The transmission of the data, in particular the content of the matrix together with the antenna-specific data such as serial number, takes place at a fixed, repetitive point of time. After the data transmission, the sequential measurement data and the content of the matrix in the data acquisition unit 8 are deleted.

(51) The virtual CCU controls the time of data acquisition and its transfer to the server in the entity. The deletion of the transmitted data in the memory of the data acquisition unit 8 is also controlled by the virtual CCU.

(52) Database/Evaluation Unit

(53) A file is created for each antenna in the database, in which database the data of the antenna such as name, location, azimuth, etc. are stored. The individual matrices are stored ordered by sending date in this file. In addition, the data of the individual matrices are added into a total matrix of this antenna.

(54) A fatigue characteristic curve determined from tests is stored for each type of antenna, preferably for the following values:

(55) Temperature

(56) Performance

(57) Wind load/Vibration

(58) The temperature fatigue and the performance fatigue can, for example, according to Miner rule, be calculated directly from the acquired spectrum and the fatigue characteristic curve. However, there are other methods.

(59) The measured acceleration and/or the measured forces can be converted by means of a transfer function into a wind load. The basis for this are tests which determine a correlation between the signal of the acceleration and/or force sensors and the wind load/vibration. It is then possible to calculate structural fatigue therefrom for defined locations in the antenna and/or determine location-dependent wind loads.

(60) The calculation of the service life is preferably carried out according to the method of linear damage accumulation, which is illustrated in FIG. 6. To calculate the service life, the amplitude collective is divided (stepped) into individual rectangular collectives having constant amplitude S.sub.a and a partial load cycle number n.sub.i. According to the method of linear damage accumulation, a partial damage is calculated for each partial collective by dividing the partial load cycle number by the maximum sustainable number of load cycles N.sub.i at S.sub.a the service life characteristic curve. The partial damages of all partial collectives are summed up and result in the total damage D of the component.

(61) $D=.Math.\frac{n_i}{N_i}$

(62) If the damage exceeds the value 1, a break or crack in the component, a thermal failure or a performance failure is to be expected under the considered load collective. For example, a characteristic curve according to Liu-Zenner, Miner or Halbach can be used as the service life characteristic curve, which are shown in more detail in FIG. 6.

(63) Power Supply of the Electronics

(64) In order to be able to acquire data also during the storage, transport and installation of the antenna, which data suggest the handling of the antenna in this phase, the electronics in the antenna should be supplied with power by an additional battery module and/or one or more capacitors.

(65) The battery module is plugged onto a port on the antenna, supplying power to the electronics in the antenna. The interface is a 4.3-10 Kenya plug. On the one hand, the battery is charged via the plug before application to the antenna and, on the other hand, the sensors and data storage and processing are supplied with energy in the state plugged into the antenna.

(66) After mounting the antenna, the battery module should be sent back to the manufacturer for reuse. The battery module is part of the packaging.

(67) Alternatively or additionally, the antenna can have a built-in energy storage, for example, a capacitor, which is charged before delivery.

(68) If the battery module is connected and/or the antenna is disconnected from the external power supply, this is recognized by the electronics in the antenna, the AMU does not transmit the data to the outside. The sensor data continues to be processed and temporarily stored in the AMU and/or in the collector unit/data dispatcher. If the antenna is set up, the battery module is removed and supplied with current via the Flexret, the collected and compressed data of the memory is sent.

(69) Advantages of the Solution According to the Invention

(70) From antenna manufacturers, OEM network suppliers and third-party independent data management for network operators.

(71) Network operator can decide which third parties (for example, OEM, antenna manufacturers, service providers) can access antenna data that is stored in the cloud.

(72) Data can be used for site mapping and SON applications and can be managed in a centralized manner.

(73) Conclusions can be drawn about antenna parameters from the mechanical and thermal stress of the antenna.

(74) Generation of a comprehensive database about the location and the mechanical, thermal and electrical load. This is the basis for future antenna developments.

(75) The manufacturer can generate and offer service applications, for example, offer or perform the exchange by monitoring antenna parameters before, for example, mechanical failures and VSWR alarms occur.