CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. National Phase of International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/EP2018/053906 entitled “ANTENNA, IN PARTICULAR MOBILE RADIO ANTENNA,” filed on Feb. 16, 2018. International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/EP2018/053906 claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2017 001 543.0 filed on Feb. 16, 2017. The entire contents of each of the above-referenced applications are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an antenna having at least one emitter, a data acquisition unit, a memory and at least one sensor for detecting a mechanical and/or electrical and/or thermal stress on the antenna, the data acquisition unit storing measurement data determined by the sensor in the memory.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Such an antenna is known from U.S. Pat. No. 9,177,184 B2. The antenna has an RFID chip having a memory in which the data acquisition unit stores operating data of the antenna. The down-tilt angle of the individual frequency bands supported by the antenna is mechanically adjustable by a replaceable motor unit having an RFID reader for reading the data from the RFID chip. The operating data therefore in particular comprise configuration data for the down-tilt angles of the antenna, which are required by the motor unit. Furthermore, the RFID chip can be used as a logbook in which data on temperature changes, extreme temperatures, adjustment cycles and accelerations are stored.

Furthermore, a device near the antenna is known from DE 198 82 702 B3, which device has a test and monitoring function, which is performed periodically, and the results of which stored in a database of the device near the antenna and further communicated to a radio transmitter or receiver device.

Further antennas are known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,830,307 B2, 8,423,201 B2, 8,354,959 B2, 8,676,266 B2, 9,306,278 B2, US 2013127666 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 9,046,601 B2, WO 2014042444 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 9,276,329 B2, US 2014242930 A1, WO 2014143678 A9, U.S. Pat. No. 9,177,184 B2, EP 2804260 A1, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,332,441 B2, 8,896,497 B1, 9,246,559 B2, US 2015034785 A1, EP 2838158 A1, WO 2015082000 A1, EP 2894896 A1, WO 2015131835 A1 and EP 2940791 A1.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved antenna and an improved system and method for monitoring an antenna.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The present invention comprises an antenna 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 acquires measurement data of the at least one sensor and temporarily stores them in the memory. Preferably, the antenna comprises a plurality of sensors for detecting the mechanical and/or electrical and/or thermal stress of the antenna, wherein the data acquisition unit acquires measurement data of the sensors and temporarily stores them in the memory. According to the invention, it is provided that the data acquisition unit generates data packets based on a plurality of measurement data stored in the memory and transmits them to an external database. The transmission of the data packets to the external database allows an evaluation of the measurement data, by which conclusions can be drawn on a change in the electrical and/or mechanical properties of the antenna and/or its service life. There is no need for constant communication with the external database due to the temporary storing of the measurement data and generating of the data packets based on a plurality of measurement data.

In particular, the antenna can be a mobile radio antenna, in particular an antenna for a mobile radio base station. However, the present invention can be used with any type of antenna.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the antenna comprises a plurality of emitters. Preferably, the emitters are arranged in a plurality of columns and/or rows and/or form one or more emitter arrays.

Preferably, at least one tilt angle of one or more emitter arrays is adjustable, preferably electrically adjustable, in particular via the adjustment of one or more phase shifters. Preferably, the one or more phase shifters are adjustable by means of an electric motor.

Preferably, the antenna has one or more ports for supplying the antenna with HF signals. Preferably, energy supply of components of the antenna is effected simultaneously via the ports, in particular an energy supply of an electric drive for adjusting a tilt angle and/or the data acquisition unit.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, communication with one or more base stations can be effected via one or more ports.

Preferably, the external database and/or the communication of the data acquisition unit with the external database is independent of the base station(s) that supply the antenna with HF signals.

Preferably, the external database is assigned a plurality of antennas, which are arranged at different locations and/or assigned to different base stations.

Preferably, the data acquisition unit at least partially deletes the measurement data from the memory after the transmission of the data packets to the external database. The storage space requirements are reduced by at least partially deleting the data. Preferably, the measurement data is completely deleted.

In a preferred embodiment, the data acquisition unit performs the transmission of the data packets at predetermined intervals and/or on request by an external entity, in particular by the database.

In a first possible embodiment and/or a first operating mode, the data acquisition unit automatically initiates the transmission of the data packets.

In a second possible embodiment, a transmission of the data packets is initiated by the data acquisition unit receiving a corresponding request. In this case, the external entity can be configured, for example, in such a way that it polls all the antennas connected to the system in succession.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the data acquisition unit acquires the measurement data at a predetermined frequency. The predetermined frequency can be different for at least two sensors if a plurality of sensors are present. The frequency with which the data acquisition unit acquires the measurement data of a sensor can be constant or can vary, and in one possible embodiment depend on the acquired values and/or the variation of the acquired values. Preferably, the data acquisition unit acquires the measurement data of at least one and preferably several or all sensors at a frequency greater than 0.001 Hz, more preferably at a frequency greater than 0.01 Hz.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the transmission to the external database takes place at a predetermined interval of more than 1 minute. More preferably, the transmission takes place at a minimum interval of more than 10 minutes, more preferably of more than 30 minutes. The interval can be specified by the data acquisition unit and/or the external entity.

The interval at which the transmission occurs can be constant or vary, and in one possible embodiment, can depend on the acquired values and/or the variation of the acquired values and/or the number of stored values and/or the storage capacity still available.

Preferably, the interval in which a transmission of data packets takes place is greater than the interval at which measurement values are acquired.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the data acquisition unit generates the data packets based on a plurality of temporally successive measurement data. Preferably, the generation of the data packets takes place at least based on a plurality of temporally successive measurement data of the same sensor. Preferably, the data acquisition unit generates the data packets based on more than 10 consecutive measurement data, preferably based on more than 100 consecutive measurement data.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the data acquisition unit performs a data reduction of the acquired measurement data. This reduces the amount of data that has to be stored and/or transmitted.

Preferably, the data reduction includes an evaluation of the measurement data with regard to maximum values, minimum values and/or cycles. Alternatively or additionally, a spectrum can be generated, preferably a spectrum of maximum values, minimum values and/or cycles. More preferably, the data acquisition unit performs a division of the spectrum into bands. Preferably, the bands are defined and/or stored in the data acquisition unit. The data acquisition unit determines how many of the measurement values are present in one band. It is also possible to store measurement values which are composed of individual measurement points.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the data acquisition unit stores the measurement data in the memory sequentially. In particular, the data acquisition unit can acquire and store the measurement data at the predetermined frequency. The measurement data can be stored as unprocessed measurement values. Furthermore, it can be provided that all acquired measurement data are stored and/or the measurement data are stored at the same frequency with which they are acquired.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the data acquisition unit performs a data reduction of the measurement data stored in the memory to generate the data packets which are transmitted to the external database. According to the invention, therefore, the data packets are respectively processed by processing the stored data, which reduces the amount of data. In particular, the data reduction in this embodiment preferably takes place only when the data packets are generated from the stored data.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the data acquisition unit stores the measurement data acquired at a predetermined frequency only after a data reduction has been performed. In particular, in one possible embodiment, prior to the storage of the measurement data, a processing of the acquired measurement data can take place, which reduces the amount of data. As a result, in certain embodiments, it is no longer necessary to store all acquired measurement data and/or to store the measurement data at the same frequency with which they are acquired. For example, it can be provided that the storage only takes place when a acquired measured value constitutes a maximum value, minimum value and/or cycle end. In this embodiment, the measurement values which are stored are therefore usually processed measurement values.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the antenna comprises a plurality of different sensors for detecting a mechanical and/or electrical and/or thermal stress on the antenna, the measurement data of which are temporarily stored in the memory. Preferably, in this case, the data packets transmitted by the data acquisition unit comprise measurement data from a plurality of sensors, which data packets are transmitted together to the external database. Preferably, the data are transmitted in the form of a matrix.

The antenna according to the present invention preferably comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of the following sensors, the measurement data of which are acquired by the data acquisition unit:One or more sensors for measuring mechanical stress on the antenna structure. For example, such a sensor can comprise one or more strain gauges. Alternatively or additionally, an optical system can be provided. Furthermore, a load cell constructed from strain gauges can be used. Preferably, at least one sensor for measuring mechanical stress on a fastening element of the antenna is provided and/or assigned thereto, in particular a fastening element for fastening the antenna to a mast.One or more acceleration sensors. These can be arranged on a measuring board. In particular, a plurality of acceleration sensors can be provided, which preferably detect all 6 degrees of freedom. In one possible embodiment, forces are derived from the accelerations.One or more temperature sensors. In particular, at least one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of a component of the antenna, which is heated by the operation of the antenna, can be provided. Preferably, the temperature sensor measures the temperature at an electronic component and/or a solder joint and/or a port of the antenna. Alternatively or additionally, at least one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the environment and/or the antenna structure can be provided. Preferably, a plurality of sensors is provided. The sensor(s) should be applied to one or more characteristic locations which provide information about the thermal stress of the antenna.Determining the antenna power either by measurement by means of a sensor or by passive recording of the requested power. Preferably, the antenna power is individually measured and/or stored for each port of the antenna. The detection of the antenna power can take place, for example, by at least one directional coupler and/or by at least one temperature sensor. The power can also supply the existing electronics of the antenna.

In one possible embodiment, the antenna can further have one or more sensors for detecting the geographic position and/or for detecting the orientation of the antenna.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the data packets comprise, in addition to data generated from the measurement data, further antenna data. In particular, the further antenna data comprise at least one identifier, such as, for example, the serial number. Alternatively or additionally, the data packets can comprise geographic location data and/or antenna configuration data. The identifier is preferably used for the correct assignment of the data in the database.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the data acquisition unit acquires the measurement data during storage, transport and/or during operation of the antenna.

Preferably, the data acquisition unit acquires the measurement data at least during storage and/or transport. Also, the storage and transport have an influence on the state of the antenna and its service life, and thus can be considered according to the invention. More preferably, an acquisition of the measurement data also takes place during the operation of the antenna.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the measurement data are temporarily stored during storage and/or transport, and data packets generated based on these measurement data are transmitted to the external database only during or after commissioning. Therefore, no data transmission may take place during storage and/or transport.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the antenna has an autonomous power supply, in particular a storage for electrical energy, in particular a battery, a capacitor or an accumulator. Preferably, the autonomous power supply allows operation of the data acquisition unit during storage and/or transportation, that is, during periods in which the antenna is not powered by an external power supply.

In one possible embodiment, the autonomous power supply forms a separate element, which is connectable to a terminal of the antenna in order to supply the antenna with energy. Preferably, the autonomous power supply to a port of the antenna is connectable. As a result, no additional connections have to be provided on the antenna for the energy supply during storage and transport.

In a further embodiment, the autonomous power supply is installed in the antenna. In particular, an electrical energy store, in particular a capacitor, which supplies the data acquisition unit and/or sensor system with energy, is provided in the electronics of the antenna. This is charged before packaging. This has the advantage that there is no battery and the customer avoids associated transport problems, costs, garbage and errors.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the data acquisition unit recognizes that there is no external power supply and, in this state, does not transmit data and/or change the parameters of the data acquisition. For example, the data acquisition unit can omit the acquisition and/or storage of measurement data on an electrical load and/or reduce the frequency at which measurement data is acquired for one or more sensors.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the antenna has a communication interface via which the data are transmitted to the external database. The communication interface can be configured wireless and/or wired. In one possible embodiment, the communication between the antenna and the database can take place via the Internet.

The present invention further comprises a system of a plurality of antennas as have been described above, a central external database and an evaluation unit.

Preferably, based on the data transmitted by the antennas, the evaluation unit determines a change in the electrical and/or mechanical properties and/or a damage value and/or a residual service life value of the antennas.

Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation unit determines changes in the position and orientation of the antennas based on the data transmitted by the antennas.

Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation unit determines data related to antenna location for the mechanical and/or electrical and/or thermal stress of the antennas based on the data transmitted by the antennas. This creates a database for locations worldwide. For example, data related to antenna location for vibration, power and/or ambient temperatures can be determined.

Preferably, for each antenna, the evaluation unit compares at least one value generated from the data packets transmitted by the antenna with a characteristic curve stored in the evaluation unit for the corresponding antenna type. In particular, the characteristic curve can be a fatigue characteristic curve. Preferably, a plurality of characteristic curves are stored in the evaluation unit. Preferably, at least one characteristic curve and preferably several characteristic curves are stored for each monitored antenna type.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the data packets transmitted by the antennas at predetermined intervals are collected in the database for the respective antennas. For this purpose, the database preferably comprises a memory section for each monitored antenna, in which memory section the data packets and/or data generated based on the data packets are collected. Preferably, the database comprises a corresponding database control.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the data transmitted by an antenna comprise a spectrum, which is preferably divided into bands, wherein the evaluation unit preferably adds the spectra transmitted at different times by the antenna in order to generate an overall spectrum. Furthermore, the evaluation can be carried out based on the entirety of the data packets transmitted by the antenna.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, data generated from the measurement data of one or more sensors and transmitted by the antenna is converted by the evaluation unit into parameters for which one or more characteristic curves are stored in the evaluation unit. Preferably, the conversion is carried out by a transfer function.

For example, data relating to a measured acceleration and/or relating to measured forces can be converted into a wind load. A wind load profile of the location can be calculated therefrom.

Furthermore, the forces can be calculated based on the accelerations and the mass properties to determine damage to the antenna. Alternatively, a direct measurement of the forces is possible.

The present invention further comprises a method for monitoring at least one antenna, wherein the antenna has at least one emitter, a data acquisition unit, a memory and at least one sensor, wherein the data acquisition unit acquires measurement data determined by the sensor and stores it in the memory. According to the invention, it is provided that the data acquisition unit generates one or more data packets at predetermined intervals based on a plurality of measurement data stored in the memory and transmits them to the central database, wherein the transmitted data packets are collected in the database for the antenna and evaluated by the evaluation unit to monitor the antenna.

Preferably, a plurality of antennas are monitored. Furthermore, the antenna or antennas can be a mobile radio antenna, in particular a mobile radio antenna of a mobile radio base station.

Preferably, the evaluation unit determines a change in the electrical and/or mechanical properties and/or a damage value and/or a residual service life value of the antenna.

In particular, the evaluation unit can compare at least one value generated from the data packets transmitted by the antenna with a characteristic curve stored in the evaluation unit for the corresponding antenna type, which characteristic curve is preferably a fatigue characteristic curve and/or a correlation curve. In particular, it can be a correlation curve between acceleration and forces at the antenna, by which correlation curve forces are determined from the accelerations.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the data acquisition unit performs a data reduction of the acquired measurement data, wherein the data reduction preferably comprises an evaluation of the measurement data with respect to maximum values, minimum values and/or cycles and/or a generation of a spectrum, in particular a spectrum of maximum values, minimum values and/or cycles, wherein more preferably the spectrum is divided into bands.

Preferably, the method is carried out as already described in detail above with regard to the antenna according to the invention and/or the system according to the invention.

The method is a method for monitoring at least one antenna as described above. Alternatively or additionally, the method is carried out using a system as described in more detail above.

