U.S. patent application number 11/257917 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-23 for transmission power amplifier unit.
Invention is credited to Ayanori Matsuda, Yutaka Saito.
Application Number | 20060040625 11/257917 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 14236844 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060040625 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saito; Yutaka ; et
al. |
February 23, 2006 |
Transmission power amplifier unit
Abstract
A transmission power amplifier unit of a base-station apparatus
for compensating for non-linear distortion of a transmission power
amplifier by feed-forward control is provided with a gain varying
unit for varying gain of the transmission power amplifier unit. At
start-up of the transmission power amplifier unit, a controller
determines whether the base-station apparatus is in a blossoming
mode or breathing mode, maximizes gain of the transmission power
amplifier unit by controlling the gain varying unit if the mode is
the blossoming mode and increases the gain gradually in proportion
to the passage of time if the mode is the breathing mode.
Inventors: |
Saito; Yutaka; (Sapporo,
JP) ; Matsuda; Ayanori; (Sapporo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KATTEN MUCHIN ROSENMAN LLP
575 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10022-2585
US
|
Family ID: |
14236844 |
Appl. No.: |
11/257917 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10059811 |
Jan 29, 2002 |
|
|
|
11257917 |
Oct 25, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/127.1 ;
455/522; 455/561 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H03F 1/3229 20130101;
H03F 1/32 20130101; H03F 1/3282 20130101; H03F 2201/3233 20130101;
H04W 52/52 20130101; H03G 3/3042 20130101; H03F 2200/105 20130101;
H03F 1/3247 20130101; H04B 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/127.1 ;
455/561; 455/522 |
International
Class: |
H04B 1/04 20060101
H04B001/04; H01Q 11/12 20060101 H01Q011/12; H04B 1/38 20060101
H04B001/38; H04M 1/00 20060101 H04M001/00; H04Q 7/20 20060101
H04Q007/20; H04B 7/00 20060101 H04B007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 1999 |
WO |
PCT/JP99/05358 |
Claims
1. A base station provided with a transmission power amplifier
unit, which has a main amplifier and a sub-amplifier, for
compensating distortion of the main amplifier by feed-forward
control using a signal output from the sub-amplifier, comprising: a
controller for controlling a gain of the transmission power
amplifier unit to be constant at a predetermined value in a
blossoming mode, wherein in the blossoming mode cell radius is
enlarged at a fixed rate by increasing gradually a level of a
signal input to the transmission power amplifier unit, from a value
below a set level.
2. A base station according to claim 1, further comprising: a gain
varying unit for varying gain of the transmission power amplifier
unit, wherein the controller determines whether the base-station
apparatus is in the blossoming mode or breathing mode and increases
the gain of the transmission power amplifier unit gradually if the
mode is breathing mode.
3. A base station according to claim 1, wherein said controller
includes: a detection circuit provided in an input section of the
transmission power amplifier unit for detecting input power; and
means for discriminating mode based upon whether said input is
equal to or greater than a threshold level.
4. A base station according to claim 1, wherein said controller
includes: a detection circuit provided in an output section of the
transmission power amplifier unit for detecting output power; and
means for discriminating mode based upon said output power
value.
5. A base station according to claim 1, wherein the controller
controls the gain of the transmission power amplifier unit to be
constant at the predetermined value in the blossoming mode by
fixing an amount of attenuation of a variable attenuator provided
in said transmission power amplifier unit.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a transmission power amplifier
unit and, more particularly, to a transmission power amplifier
unit, which has a transmission power amplifier, for compensating
for non-linear distortion of the transmission power amplifier by
feed-forward control.
[0002] Frequency resources have become tight in recent years and in
wireless communications there is growing use of high-efficiency
transmission using digital techniques. In instances where
multilevel amplitude modulation is applied to wireless
communications, a vital technique is one which can suppress
non-linear distortion by linearizing the amplitude characteristic
of the power amplifier on the transmitting side and reduce the
leakage of power between adjacent channels. Also essential is a
technique which compensates for the occurrence of distortion that
arises when an attempt is made to improve power efficiency by using
an amplifier that exhibits poor linearity.
[0003] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a CDMA transmitter in a
base-station control apparatus for encoding, multiplexing and
transmitting transmit data of control and user channels.
Spread-spectrum modulators 1.sub.1 to 1.sub.n of respective
channels (control/user channels) each have a serial/parallel (S/P)
converter 1a, spreading circuits 1b, 1c and a spreading code
generator 1d. The S/P converter 1a divides transmit data
alternately one bit at a time to convert the data to two sequences
D.sub.I, D.sub.Q, namely in-phase component (I-component) data and
quadrature-component (Q-component) data, respectively. The
spreading code generator 1d generates a specific spreading code
that conforms to the base station and channel, and the spreading
circuits 1b, 1c multiply the data D.sub.I, D.sub.Q by the spreading
code to apply spread-spectrum modulation to the data.
[0004] A combiner 2.sub.1 outputs an I-component code-multiplexed
signal .SIGMA.V.sub.I by combining I-component spread-spectrum
modulated signals V.sub.I output by the respective spread-spectrum
modulators 1.sub.1-1.sub.n, and a combiner 2.sub.2 outputs a
Q-component code-multiplexed signal .SIGMA.V.sub.Q by combining
Q-component spread-spectrum modulated signals V.sub.Q output by the
respective spread-spectrum modulators 1.sub.1-1.sub.n. DA
converters 3.sub.1, 3.sub.2 subject the outputs of the respective
combiners to a DA conversion, and a quadrature modulator 4 applies
QPSK quadrature modulation to the code-multiplexed signals ZVI,
.SIGMA.V.sub.Q of the I and Q components and outputs a modulated
signal. An IF circuit 5 multiplies the quadrature-modulated signal
and passes signal components of a prescribed intermediate-frequency
band. A frequency converter 6 mixes the intermediate-frequency
signal that is output from the IF circuit with a local-oscillator
signal to effect a frequency conversion to a high-frequency signal
(an IF.fwdarw.RF conversion). An RF circuit 7 amplifies the RF
signal obtained by the frequency conversion, passes signal
components of a prescribed high-frequency band and inputs the
components to a transmission power amplifier 9 via a variable
attenuator (ATT) 8. The transmission power amplifier 9 amplifies
the power of the RF signal output by the variable attenuator 8 and
radiates the amplified signal into space from an antenna 10.
[0005] The transmission power amplifier 9 includes, on a per-sector
basis, one brancher 9a, two or three high-power amplifiers (HPA)
9b.sub.1, 9b.sub.2, 9b.sub.3, and a combiner 9c for combining the
outputs of the high-power amplifiers, and is adapted so as to cover
a cell of a requisite radius. A sector is a divided area obtained
by dividing a 360.degree. area surrounding the base station into a
plurality of zones. For example, if the 360.degree. area is divided
at intervals of 120.degree., three sectors will exist.
[0006] When a new base station is established or base stations are
increased in number, a transmission power controller 11 of the new
base station gradually increases transmission power up to a
stipulated value, as shown in FIG. 13, in accordance with a command
from a monitoring control panel 12, whereby the cell is enlarged at
a fixed rate. More specifically, when a station is established, the
transmission power controller 11 gradually lowers the attenuation
of the variable attenuator 8 from MAX to MIN taking a pre-set time
TS, thereby enlarging the cell radius at a fixed rate. Control for
regulating transmission power to enlarge the cell ratio at a fixed
rate when a station is established is referred to as blossoming
control, and control at the time of ordinary operation following
the completion of blossoming control is referred to as breathing
control. The goals of enlarging a cell at a fixed rate by
blossoming control are as follows: [0007] (1) to avoid
concentration of load in call processing; [0008] (2) to control the
outputs of transmitter and receiver (base station and terminals)
smoothly; and [0009] (3) to mitigate the effects on terminals
within the cell and on other base stations when a station is
established. In other words, if a large amount of power is suddenly
output to enlarge a cell when a station is established, calls from
a large number of terminals concentrate at one time, call
processing cannot keep pace and a variety of problems arise.
Accordingly, the cell is enlarged at a fixed rate to increase the
cell radius gradually.
[0010] In this case, it is necessary that transmittable and
receivable areas be equalized. Otherwise reception will not be
possible even if transmission is or transmission will not be
possible even if reception is. For this reason, by using blossoming
control, the receivable area is increased gradually at the rate at
which the cell (transmittable area) is enlarged by gradually
increasing transmission power. In order to increase the receivable
area gradually, first noise is introduced to the receive port of
the base station and it is so arranged that distant radio waves
cannot be received, then noise is reduced at the rate at which the
transmittable area is enlarged to thereby gradually enlarge the
receivable area.
[0011] The input/output characteristic of the transmission power
amplifier (main amp) constituting the high-power amplifiers
9b.sub.1 to 9b.sub.3 is non-linear, as indicated by the dashed line
in FIG. 14A. Non-linear distortion arises as a result of this
non-linear characteristic, the frequency spectrum in the vicinity
of a transmission frequency f.sub.0 develops side lobes, as
indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 14B, leakage into the adjacent
channel occurs and this causes interference between adjacent
channels. Feed-forward control is known as a technique which
compensates for such non-linear distortion of a transmission power
amplifier.
[0012] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the structure of a high-power
amplifier (HPA) which compensates for non-linear distortion of a
transmission power amplifier by feed-forward control, and FIG. 16
shows the frequency spectra of various portions of the high-power
amplifier in a case where two carrier signals SC.sub.1, SC.sub.2
(denoted collectively by SC) are frequency-multiplexed and
transmitted.
[0013] A control unit (CPU) 20 exercises feed-forward control so as
to compensate for non-linear distortion of the transmission power
amplifier (main amp). When the high-power amplifier starts up
(i.e., when power is introduced), a variable attenuator 21
gradually lowers its attenuation from MAX to MIN (i.e., gradually
raises its gain) under the control of the control unit 20, thereby
making it possible to cancel the distortion promptly. In addition,
this prevents damage caused by input of excessive power to an
auxiliary amplifier (sub-amp), described later.
[0014] A brancher 22 branches the carrier signals SC (A of FIG. 16)
to two signal paths a, b, and a combiner 23 combines the carrier
signals SC with a pilot signal SP of a prescribed frequency (B of
FIG. 16). A variable attenuator 24 and a variable phase shifter 25
adjust attenuation and phase under control of the control unit 20
so as to equalize the gains of the signal paths a and b and invert
phase.
[0015] A main amp 26 amplifies the output of the phase shifter 25.
Noise signals SN.sub.1, SN.sub.2 (C of FIG. 16) appear at the
amplifier output owing to non-linear distortion of the main amp. A
brancher 27 branches, to signal paths c and d, a noise signal and
the carrier signal, which includes the pilot signal, output from
the main amp.
[0016] A combiner 28 combines the signal branched by the brancher
27 with a signal delayed by a delay line 29. Since control is
performed so as to equalize the gains of the signal paths a and b
and so as to invert phase, the combiner 28 outputs the difference
between the signals that arrive via the paths a and b. Since the
signal path b includes only the distortion-free delay line 29, the
combiner 28 outputs the noise components SN.sub.1, SN.sub.2 and the
pilot signal SP (D of FIG. 16), which occur on the signal path a,
in the steady state of feed-forward control.
[0017] A variable attenuator 30 and a variable phase shifter 31
adjust attenuation and phase under control of the control unit 20
so as to equalize the gains of the signal paths c and d and invert
phase. A sub-amp 32 amplifies the output of the variable phase
shifter 31. A combiner 33 combines the signal, which has been
branched by the brancher 27 and delayed by a delay line 34, with
the output signal of the sub-amp. Since control is performed so as
to equalize the gains of the signal paths c and d and so as to
invert phase, the combiner 33 outputs the difference between the
signals that arrive via the paths c and d. The signal path c
includes only the distortion-free delay line 34 so that the noise
signals SN.sub.1, SN.sub.2 and the carrier signals SC inclusive of
the pilot signal SP (C in FIG. 16) enter the combiner 33 as is.
Signal path d, on the other hand, inputs the noise components
SN.sub.1, SN.sub.2 and pilot signal SP to the combiner 33. As a
result, the combiner 33 outputs only the carrier signals SC.sub.1,
SC.sub.2 (E of FIG. 16) in the steady state of feed-forward
control.
[0018] The foregoing is for an ideal case in the steady state. When
feed-forward control is unstable, the carrier signals SC are not
removed and remain in the output of the combiner 28, and the pilot
signal SP is not removed and remains in the output of combiner 33.
A detector 35 detects the carrier-signal components contained in
the output of the sub-amp 32 and inputs these components to the
control unit 20. A detector 36 detects the pilot-signal component
contained in the output of the combiner 33 and inputs this
component to the control unit 20. The latter controls the
attenuation and amount of phase shift of the variable attenuator 24
and variable phase shifter 25 in such a manner that the
carrier-signal components detected by the detector 35 are
minimized, and controls the attenuation and amount of phase shift
of the variable attenuator 30 and variable phase shifter 31 in such
a manner that the pilot-signal component detected by the detector
36 becomes zero. By thenceforth executing such feed-forward
control, an amplified signal from which noise signals ascribable to
non-linear distortion have been eliminated can be output from the
combiner 33.
[0019] It is required that the high-power amplifier (HPA) having
the above-described feed-forward control function be started up by
turning on a power supply when the amplifier board is replaced
during operation and at the time of maintenance. At start-up, an
input signal (carrier signal) the level of which is near the rated
level enters. Further, in feed-forward control, considerable time
is required for the carrier signal contained in the output of the
combiner 28 to decrease. As a consequence, there are instances
where the signal having the level close to the rated level enters
the sub-amp 32 and destroys the sub-amp when power is introduced.
Further, in feed-forward control, a comparatively long period of
time is required to settle in the steady state if a large signal is
suddenly applied.
[0020] With the conventional high-power amplifier (HPA), therefore,
the attenuation of the variable attenuator 21 is set to MAX at
introduction of power in order to prevent destruction of the
sub-amp and exercise distortion cancellation control quickly.
Following the introduction of power, the attenuation of the
variable attenuator 21 is reduced gradually from MAX to MIN (=0),
under control of the control unit 20, from the moment the
input-signal level surpasses the set level (=V.sub.FCC) near the
rated level.
[0021] The high-power amplifier starts up upon introduction of
power when a station is established. The above-mentioned
attenuation control by the control unit 20 therefore is carried out
in parallel with blossoming control at the time of station
establishment, and output power S.sub.OUT of the high-power
amplifier (HPA) loses its linearity at time td, which is the time
at which the input power S.sub.IN surpasses the set level
V.sub.FCC, as opposed to the input power S.sub.IN (see FIG. 17)
that varies linearly owing to blossoming control. If the
transmission power S.sub.OUT of the base station ceases varying
linearly with respect to time, then it is no longer possible to
exercise the original control that attempts to enlarge the cell
(the transmit area) gradually in proportion to time. Ideally, it is
required that control be performed in such a manner that the
transmission power of the base station will be as indicated by the
dashed line S.sub.IDL.
[0022] If original power control can no longer be exercised, as
mentioned above, the above-mentioned goals of blossoming control
when a station is established can no longer be attained. A
particular problem is that since the base station that establishes
the link is changed over owing to the reception power of the mobile
terminal, the base station that establishes the link will be
changed over frequently unless transmission power control of the
base station is performed smoothly when a station is set up. A
further problem is that a difference develops between the
transmittable area and receivable area so that, depending upon the
region, transmission is possible but reception is not, or vice
versa.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Accordingly, an object of the present invention increase the
transmission power of a high-power amplifier linearly with time
when a station is established.
[0024] Another object of the present invention is to so arrange it
that when power is introduced to a high-power amplifier (i.e., when
the amplifier is started up), an excessive current will not enter a
sub-amp and cause destruction of the sub-amp, and to so arrange it
that non-linear distortion of a main amp can be compensated for
quickly.
[0025] A transmission power amplifier unit of a base-station
apparatus for compensating for non-linear distortion of a
transmission power amplifier by feed-forward control is provided
with (1) a gain varying unit for varying gain of the transmission
power amplifier unit, and (2) a controller for controlling the gain
varying unit. At start-up of (introduction of power to) the
transmission power amplifier unit, the controller determines
whether the base-station apparatus is in a blossoming mode or
breathing mode, maximizes gain of the transmission power amplifier
unit if the mode is the blossoming mode and increases the gain of
the transmission power amplifier unit gradually if the mode is the
breathing mode.
[0026] The gain varying unit is an attenuator the attenuation of
which is variable. The controller increases the gain of the
transmission power amplifier unit gradually by gradually decreasing
the attenuation of the attenuator. Further, the controller detects
input power to or output power from the transmission power
amplifier unit and determines whether the mode is the blossoming
mode or breathing mode based upon whether or not the detected value
is equal to or greater than a threshold value.
[0027] If the above arrangement is adopted, the transmission power
amplifier unit holds the gain constant at establishment of a
station because the base station will be in the blossoming mode.
When a station is established, therefore, output power
(transmission power) of the transmission power amplifier unit can
be increased linearly with time. Further, when power is introduced
to a transmission power amplifier unit replaced for the sake of
testing or maintenance, the base station is in the breathing mode
and, hence, the transmission power amplifier unit gradually raises
gain. As a result, it can be so arranged that a sub-amp will not be
destroyed owing to input of excessive power. Moreover, non-linear
distortion of a main amp can compensated for quickly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are diagrams useful in describing
control of the gain of a high-power amplifier according to the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a high-power
amplifier according to a first embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure a level
detector;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of processing for discriminating mode
and controlling attenuation of a variable attenuator;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a diagram useful in describing level setting for
mode discrimination;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the structure of a high-power
amplifier according to a second embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the structure of a level
detector provided on an output side;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a diagram useful in describing problems regarding
non-linear input;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the structure of a high-power
amplifier according to a third embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a correspondence table of correspondence between
elapsed time and ideal values of transmission power;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of processing for controlling
transmission power according to the third embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the structure of a CDMA
transmitter in a base-station apparatus;
[0040] FIG. 13 is a diagram useful in describing useful in
describing control of transmission power when a station is
established;
[0041] FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are input/output characteristic
diagrams of a transmission power amplifier;
[0042] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a feed-forward control
arrangement;
[0043] FIG. 16 is a diagram useful in describing spectra at various
portions in FIG. 15; and
[0044] FIG. 17 is a diagram useful in describing an input signal
and an output signal.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERED EMBODIMENTS
(A) Overview of the Present Invention
[0045] The present invention (1) holds the gain of a high-power
amplifier constant (at full gain) and increases output power in
proportion to the passage of time when a station is established (at
the time of blossoming), and (2) gradually raises gain of the
high-power amplifier so that excessive voltage will not enter a
sub-amp, thereby protecting the same, when the high-power amplifier
is replaced during operation (breathing).
[0046] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are diagrams useful in describing
control of the gain of a high-power amplifier according to the
present invention.
[0047] When a station is established (i.e., at the time of
blossoming), input power S.sub.IN to a high-power amplifier
increases linearly from a lower limit to an upper limit of a rated
input level, as indicated in FIG. 1A. This gradual increase in
input power is equivalent to a gradual increase in gain of the
high-power amplifier. When a station is established (i.e., at the
time of blossoming), therefore, it is unnecessary to gradually
increase the gain of the high-power amplifier from low gain to full
gain; the amplifier can be set to full gain immediately. As a
result, output power S.sub.OUT of the high-power amplifier also
increases in proportion to the passage of time in a manner similar
to that of the input power. Initially, the high-power amplifier
performs amplification without applying feed-forward control and
starts control from a point at which a distortion guarantee is
required. For example, the amplifier executes feed-forward control
from a time td at which the level of input power S.sub.IN exceeds a
set level V.sub.FCC.
[0048] At the time of operation (i.e., at breathing), the input
power S.sub.IN to the high-power amplifier is fairly large, as
indicated in FIG. 1B. When the high-power amplifier is replaced
during operation (breathing), therefore, the gain of the high-power
amplifier is lowered to protect the sub-amp, then gain is raised
gradually from low gain to full gain. Further, since the input
power S.sub.IN is greater than the set level V.sub.FCC,
feed-forward control is executed from the start. If this
arrangement is adopted, excessive power is not input to the
sub-amp, thereby making it possible to protect the same, when
feed-forward control is unstable. The output power S.sub.OUT of the
high-power amplifier increases in accordance with the passage of
time.
[0049] Thus, when the high-power amplifier is started up, the
base-station apparatus determines whether the prevailing mode is
the blossoming mode or the breathing mode, fixes the gain of the
high-power amplifier at full gain if the mode is the blossoming
mode and increases the gain of the high-power amplifier gradually
if the mode is the breathing mode. As for whether the mode is the
blossoming mode or breathing mode, the blossoming mode is in effect
if the input power at start-up (time 0) is less than the set level
and the breathing mode is in effect if the input power is equal to
or greater than the set level, as apparent from FIG. 1A and FIG.
1B.
(B) First Embodiment
[0050] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a high-power
amplifier (HPA) according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0051] An input power detector 51, which is provided on the input
side of the high-power amplifier, detects the input power S.sub.IN
and inputs the result to a control unit 52. FIG. 3 is a diagram
showing the structure of the level detector 51. The input power
S.sub.IN is branched by a coupler 51a such as a unidirectional
coupler, and one branched signal is input to a variable attenuator
53. The other branched signal is input to an RSSI (Receive Signal
Strength Indicator) circuit 51c via an isolator 51b. The RSSI
circuit 51c converts the power of the input signal to voltage and
inputs the voltage to an amplifier 51d, where the signal is
subjected to the necessary amplification and then input to an AD
converter 51e. The AD converter 51e converts the input voltage to a
digital signal and inputs the digital signal to the control unit
52.
[0052] The control unit (CPU) 52 executes feed-forward control and,
at start-up, determines whether the prevailing mode is the
blossoming mode or the breathing mode and controls the gain of the
high-power amplifier in accordance with the mode discriminated.
[0053] In accordance with whether the mode is the blossoming mode
or the breathing mode, the variable attenuator 53 gradually lowers
its attenuation from MAX to MIN, i.e., gradually raises its gain
from MIN to MAX, or fixes its attenuation at MIN (fixes its gain at
MAX) under the control of the control unit 52.
[0054] A brancher 54 branches the carrier signals to two signal
paths a, b, and a combiner 55 combines the carrier signals with a
pilot signal of a prescribed frequency. A variable attenuator 56
and a variable phase shifter 57 adjust attenuation and phase under
control of the control unit 52 so as to equalize the gains of the
signal paths a and b and invert phase.
[0055] A main amp 58 amplifies the output of the phase shifter 57.
Noise signals appear at the amplifier output owing to non-linear
distortion of the main amp. A brancher 59 branches, to signal paths
c and d, a noise signal and the carrier signal, which includes the
pilot signal, output from the main amp.
[0056] A combiner 60 combines the signal branched by the brancher
59 with a signal delayed by a delay line 61. Since control is
performed so as to equalize the gains of the signal paths a and b
and so as to invert phase, the combiner 60 outputs the difference
between the signals that arrive via the paths a and b. Since the
signal path b includes only the distortion-free delay line 61, the
combiner 60 outputs the noise components and the pilot signal,
which occur on the signal path a, in the steady state of
feed-forward control.
[0057] A variable attenuator 62 and a variable phase shifter 63
adjust attenuation and phase under control of the control unit 52
so as to equalize the gains of the signal paths c and d and invert
phase. A sub-amp 64 amplifies the output signal of the variable
phase shifter 63.
[0058] A combiner 65 combines the signal, which has been branched
by the brancher 59 and delayed by a delay line 66, with the output
signal of the sub-amp. Since control is performed so as to equalize
the gains of the signal paths c and d and so as to invert phase,
the combiner 65 outputs the difference between the signals that
arrive via the paths c and d. The signal path c includes only the
distortion-free delay line 66 so that the noise signals and the
carrier signals inclusive of the pilot signal enter the combiner 65
as is. Signal path d, on the other hand, inputs the noise
components and pilot signal to the combiner 65. As a result, the
combiner 66 outputs only the carrier signals in the steady state of
feed-forward control.
[0059] When feed-forward control is unstable, the carrier signals
are not removed and remain in the output of the combiner 60, and
the pilot signal is not removed and remains in the output of
combiner 65. A detector 67 detects the carrier-signal components
contained in the output of the sub-amp 64 and inputs these
components to the control unit 52. A detector 68 detects the
pilot-signal component contained in the output of the combiner 65
and inputs this component to the control unit 52.
[0060] The control unit 52 controls the attenuation and amount of
phase shift of the variable attenuator 56 and variable phase
shifter 57 in such a manner that the carrier-signal components
detected by the detector 67 are minimized, and controls the
attenuation and amount of phase shift of the variable attenuator 62
and variable phase shifter 63 in such a manner that the
pilot-signal component detected by the detector 68 becomes zero. By
thenceforth executing such feed-forward control, an amplified
signal from which noise signals ascribable to non-linear distortion
have been eliminated can be output from the combiner 65.
[0061] When a station is established or a board replaced during
operation, it is required to start up the high-power amplifier by
introducing power thereto. At start-up, the input power detector 51
detects input power and inputs the result to the control unit 52.
On the basis of the input power, the control unit 52 determines
whether the base-station apparatus is in the blossoming mode or
breathing mode and sets the attenuation of the variable attenuator
53 to MIN (minimum) and the gain of the high-power amplifier to MAX
(maximum) if the mode is the blossoming mode. As a result, the
output power S.sub.OUT of the high-power amplifier increases
linearly with the passage of time, as indicated in FIG. 1(a).
Further, when the input power exceeds the set level V.sub.FCC, the
control unit 52 starts feed-forward control to compensate for
non-linear distortion of the main amp.
[0062] If the base-station apparatus is in the breathing mode, on
the other hand, the control unit 52 gradually decreases the
attenuation of the variable attenuator 53 from MAX to MIN, i.e.,
gradually increases the gain from MIN to MAX, at prescribed
increments of time. As a result, the signal input to the
feed-forward control loop gradually increases so that excessive
power will not be input to the sub-amp 64 when feed-forward control
is unstable. Further, the control unit 52 starts feed-forward
control from the outset because input power is greater than the set
level V.sub.FCC at start-up. The output power S.sub.OUT of the
high-power amplifier increases linearly with the passage of time,
as indicated in FIG. 1(b).
[0063] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of processing for discriminating mode
and controlling attenuation when the high-power amplifier of the
first embodiment is started up.
[0064] At start-up, the control unit 52 accepts the input power
S.sub.IN, which has been detected by the input power detector 51,
at prescribed sampling intervals, and checks to see whether the
input power is equal to or greater than a set level (=V.sub.MRL)
(i.e., whether an input signal is present) n times in succession or
whether the input power is less than the set level V.sub.MRL (i.e.,
whether an input signal is absent) n times in succession (steps
101, 102). The processing of steps 101, 102 is continued until the
same decision is rendered n times in succession.
[0065] If the same decision is rendered n times in succession, the
control unit checks to see whether the input power is equal to or
greater than the set level (whether the input signal is present) n
times in succession (step 103). If the decision is "NO", then the
control unit sets a blossoming-mode flag (step 104); if the
decision is "YES", then the control unit sets a breathing-mode flag
(step 108).
[0066] Since the mode is discriminated by thus obtaining the same
results n times in succession, it is possible to obtain highly
reliable mode discrimination results. Further, as shown in FIG. 5,
the set level V.sub.MRL is adopted as a level outside a range
(V.sub.min.about.V.sub.max) in which the level of the input power
S.sub.IN varies in the blossoming mode. If the set level V.sub.MRL
is thus decided, mode discrimination can be carried out with
certainty even during the power control operation.
[0067] If the result of the check at step 103 is that the base
station is in the blossoming bode, the control unit sets the
attenuation of the variable attenuator 53 to MIN and sets the gain
of the high-power amplifier to MAX (step 105). Next, the control
unit checks to see whether the input power level V.sub.in is equal
to or greater than the set level V.sub.FCC (step 106). If the input
signal level rises (see FIG. 1A) and V.sub.in.gtoreq.V.sub.FCC, is
established owing to blossoming control, then the control unit
starts feed-forward control (step 107).
[0068] If the base station is in the breathing mode, on the other
hand, the control unit 52 reduces the attenuation of the variable
attenuator 53 gradually from MAX to MIN. As a result, the gain of
the high-power amplifier rises gradually from MIN to MAX in
proportion to the passage of time. If the mode is the breathing
mode, the input signal level V.sub.in is equal to or greater than
the set level V.sub.FCC and, hence, the control unit starts
feed-forward control at the same time as gain control (step
109).
[0069] Thus, in accordance with the first embodiment, the output
power (transmission power) S.sub.OUT of the high-power amplifier
can be increased in proportion to the passage of time when a
station is established (i.e., at the time of blossoming). Further,
at the time of operation (breathing), the gain of the high-power
amplifier is increased from low to full gain gradually. As a
result, excessive power will not be input to the sub-amp, thereby
making it possible to protect the same, when feed-forward control
is unstable.
(C) Second Embodiment
[0070] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the structure of a high-power
amplifier (HPA) according to a second embodiment of the present
invention. Components identical with those of the first embodiment
of FIG. 2 are designated by like reference characters. This
embodiment differs-from the first embodiment in that: [0071] (1) an
output power detector 71 is provided instead of the input power
detector 51; [0072] (2) the control unit 52 converts the detected
value from the output power detector 71 to input power based upon
the gain of the high-power amplifier; and [0073] (3) mode
discrimination and attenuation control (gain control) are carried
out in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 4 based upon the input
power obtained by the conversion.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 7, the output power detector 71 has a
structure identical with that of the input power detector 51 of the
first embodiment. The output power S.sub.OUT is branched by a
coupler 71a such as a unidirectional coupler, and one branched
signal is input to the antenna side. The other branched signal is
input to an RSSI circuit 71c via an isolator 71b. The RSSI circuit
71c converts the output signal to voltage and inputs the voltage to
an amplifier 71d, where the signal is subjected to the necessary
amplification and then input to an AD converter 71e. The AD
converter 71e converts the input voltage to a digital signal and
inputs the digital signal to the control unit 52.
(D) Third Embodiment
[0075] When the blossoming mode is in effect, there are instances
where the input power S.sub.IN to the high-power amplifier
fluctuates for some reason, as shown in FIG. 8. In such case the
output power S.sub.OUT of the high-power amplifier also will
fluctuate in the manner indicated, the transmission power of the
base station will no longer vary linearly with respect to time and
it will no longer be possible to exercise the original power
control that attempts to enlarge the cell (the transmission area)
gradually in proportion to time. Accordingly, it is necessary to
control the transmission power of the base station in the manner
indicated by the dashed line S.sub.IDL.
[0076] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the structure of a high-power
amplifier according to a third embodiment for controlling
transmission power linearly with respect to a non-linear input.
Components identical with those of the second embodiment of FIG. 6
are designated by like reference characters. This embodiment
differs from the second embodiment in that: [0077] (1) a timer 81
for monitoring elapsed time following the start of blossoming
control is provided; [0078] (2) a memory 82 is provided for storing
the correspondence (see FIG. 10) between elapsed time and ideal
values of transmission power in an ideal transmission power
characteristic (the dashed line in FIG. 8); and [0079] (3) in the
blossoming mode, the control unit 52 exercises control in such a
manner that transmission power is increased in proportion to the
passage of time.
[0080] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of processing for controlling
transmission power according to the third embodiment.
[0081] At time t following the start of blossoming control, the
control unit 52 reads an output-signal level X from the output
power detector 71 (step 201), reads an ideal value A of the
output-signal level at this time from memory and compares the
detected value and the ideal value (step 202). Next, the control
unit checks to see whether the detected level is within an
allowable range, i.e, whether the following equation is satisfied
(step 203): A-.alpha.<X<A+.alpha. (1) If the equation is
satisfied, the control unit 52 does not correct attenuation IATT of
the variable attenuator 53 (step 204).
[0082] If Equation (1) is not satisfied at step 203, then the
control unit checks to see whether (ideal value A)>(detected
value X) holds (step 205). If A>X holds, the control unit
reduces the attenuation (IATT=IATT-A). That is, the gain is raised
so that the detected value X increases (step 206). If A<X holds
(step 207), on the other hand, then the control unit enlarges the
attenuation (IATT=IATT+A). That is, the gain is lowered so that the
detected value X decreases (step 208). As a result of the
foregoing, correction processing is completed and then processing
from step 201 onward is repeated.
[0083] In the foregoing, mode is detected based upon the level of a
signal (input power) input to a high-power amplifier when power is
introduced, and the gain of the high-power amplifier is controlled
(full-gain control, control for raising gain gradually) based upon
the mode. However, it can be so arranged that at the time of a test
or the like, the mode is set based upon an externally applied
command and full-gain control and control for raising gain
gradually is carried out based upon the set mode.
[0084] Thus, in accordance with the present invention, when a base
station is established, transmission power can be controlled
linearly with respect to time and cell radius can be varied
gradually at a fixed amount. As a result, (1) concentration of load
in call processing can be avoided, (2) the outputs of transceivers
(base station and terminals) can be controlled smoothly, and (3) it
is possible to mitigate the effects on terminals within the cell
and on other base stations when a station is established. Further,
a transmittable area and a receivable area can both be enlarged
linearly and equalized.
[0085] Further, in accordance with the present invention, when it
is necessary to replace a high-power amplifier (HPA) during
operation, excessive power will not enter a sub-amp owing to input
attenuator control of the HPA per se even if the input level is
near the maximum value of the rated level, and the high-power
amplifier can be started up by optimum feed-forward control.
* * * * *