WO2017179265A1 - Reception device - Google Patents

Reception device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017179265A1
WO2017179265A1 PCT/JP2017/002727 JP2017002727W WO2017179265A1 WO 2017179265 A1 WO2017179265 A1 WO 2017179265A1 JP 2017002727 W JP2017002727 W JP 2017002727W WO 2017179265 A1 WO2017179265 A1 WO 2017179265A1
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Prior art keywords
signal
frequency
amplifier
frequency signal
unit
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PCT/JP2017/002727
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
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中島　健介
新司 山浦
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株式会社デンソー
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Publication of WO2017179265A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017179265A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/06—Receivers
    • H04B1/16—Circuits
    • H04B1/26—Circuits for superheterodyne receivers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B17/00—Monitoring; Testing
    • H04B17/20—Monitoring; Testing of receivers
    • H04B17/29—Performance testing

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a receiving apparatus having a function of mixing a received signal with a local frequency signal and converting the received signal into an intermediate frequency signal.
  • Non-patent document 1 is known as a related art relating to a receiving apparatus that mixes a received signal with a local frequency signal and converts it into an intermediate frequency signal.
  • the BIST (Bilt-In-Self-Test) signal in the millimeter wave band is a signal having the same frequency that is generated from the same signal source as the local signal of the transceiver, and is down-converted by the local signal at the receiver.
  • the converted signal is converted into a DC signal having only a DC component. This is a so-called direct conversion system.
  • the present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a receiving apparatus capable of testing frequency characteristics of a circuit block in an intermediate frequency band regardless of the frequency of a signal to be converted.
  • the low frequency signal generation unit generates a low frequency signal having a frequency lower than that of the local frequency signal used for conversion to the intermediate frequency signal
  • the test signal generation unit includes the low frequency signal.
  • the test signal is generated by mixing the signal and a signal having the same frequency as the local frequency signal. Then, the test signal and the input portion of the amplifier that amplifies the reception signal are coupled by a coupler, and the control unit tests the operation of the reception unit including the amplifier, the frequency conversion unit, and the intermediate frequency band amplifier using the test signal.
  • the signal converted and output by the frequency conversion unit has the frequency of the low frequency signal. That is, since a signal having a predetermined frequency can be obtained at the time of the test, the operation of the receiving unit can be tested regardless of the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal converted by the frequency converting unit.
  • FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of an IC in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific numerical example of each frequency signal in the receiving unit and the receiving BIST unit, and a power spectrum.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle millimeter wave radar system.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of the BIST process by the control unit.
  • FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the IC in the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the IC in the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of an IC in the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific numerical example of each frequency signal in the receiving unit and the receiving BIST unit, and a power spectrum.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle millimeter wave radar system.
  • FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the IC in the fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the IC in the fifth embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the IC in the sixth embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the IC in the seventh embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of an IC in the eighth embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the IC in the ninth embodiment.
  • the in-vehicle millimeter wave radar system 1 includes an IC 2 and a control unit 3 that performs signal processing and controls the IC 2.
  • the control unit 3 transfers data to and from the control unit 4 that performs vehicle safety control.
  • the control unit 4 communicates with other control units arranged in each part of the vehicle by an in-vehicle LAN or the like.
  • the reference clock signal fclk generated by the reference clock generation unit 5 is input to IC2.
  • the reference clock signal fclk is given to an internal PLL (Phase Locked Loop) frequency synthesizer 6.
  • the name of a signal may indicate the frequency of the corresponding signal.
  • the frequency synthesizer 6 generates a signal fLO / N obtained by dividing the frequency of the local frequency signal fLO used in the IC 2 by N and outputs it to each unit as described below.
  • the IC 2 includes a circuit control register 7, and the control unit 3 controls each unit of the IC 2 through the circuit control register 7. Data is transferred between the control unit 3 and the circuit control register 7 according to a communication standard such as SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), but the communication standard used is not limited to these.
  • a communication standard such as SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit)
  • SPI Serial Peripheral Interface
  • I2C Inter-Integrated Circuit
  • the IC 2 includes a transmission unit 11, a reception unit 12, and a reception BIST unit 13.
  • the transmitter 11 multiplies the signal fLO / N by N by receiving the signal fLO / N, and inputs the signal of the frequency fLO to the power amplifier 16 via the phase shifter 15.
  • the power amplifier 16 amplifies the input signal and outputs the amplified signal to the transmission antenna 17, and the transmission antenna 17 transmits a radio signal having the frequency fLO to the outside.
  • the radio wave signal transmitted by the transmitter 11 as described above is reflected by a target 18 such as another vehicle, and the reflected wave is received by the receiving antenna 19.
  • the receiving unit 12 amplifies the signal received by the receiving antenna 19 by the low noise amplifier 20 and inputs the amplified signal to the mixer 21.
  • the signal fLO / N is also multiplied by N by the multiplier 22 in the receiver 12 to generate a local frequency signal having the frequency fLO.
  • the local frequency signal fLO is input to the mixer 21 and mixed with the signal amplified by the low noise amplifier 20.
  • the signal output from the mixer 21 is an intermediate frequency signal, and the intermediate frequency signal is amplified by the intermediate frequency band amplifier 23 having a variable amplification gain and input to the control unit 3.
  • the intermediate frequency signal is A / D converted by an A / D converter (not shown) built in the control unit 3 and read.
  • the actual receiving unit 12 includes a plurality of, for example, four receiving channels (1) to (4).
  • the control unit 4 and the transmission unit 11 are not shown.
  • the reception BIST unit 13 divides the reference clock signal fclk by the test signal generator 24 to generate the low frequency signal fIF in order to generate the test signal ftest used for testing the frequency characteristic of the reception unit 12. .
  • the reception BIST unit 13 multiplies the frequency-divided signal fLO / N generated by the frequency synthesizer 6 by N by the multiplier 25 to generate a signal having the same frequency as the local frequency signal fLO. These signals are input to the mixer 26 and mixed to generate a test signal ftest.
  • the test signal ftest is input to the input terminal of the low noise amplifier 20 via the coupler 27.
  • the mixer 26 corresponds to a test signal generation unit.
  • the frequency fclk of the reference clock signal is set to 52 MHz
  • the frequency fLO of the local frequency signal is set to 80 GHz.
  • the frequency synthesizer 6 generates a signal fLO / 2 having a frequency of 40 GHz using the reference clock signal.
  • the signal fLO / 2 is doubled by the multiplier 22 to become a local frequency signal fLO.
  • the signal fLO / 2 is doubled by the multiplier 25 to generate a signal fLO whose frequency is equal to the local frequency signal.
  • the frequency of the signal transmitted from the transmission unit 11 is 80 GHz, and the frequency of the local frequency signal fLO input to the mixer 21 of the reception unit 12 is 80 GHz. Therefore, the IC 2 that is a transceiver constituting the millimeter wave radar system 1 employs a direct conversion method in which the intermediate frequency signal output from the mixer 21 is only a DC component.
  • the radar modulation signal (FMCW) generated by the frequency synthesizer 6 is reflected by the target 18.
  • the intermediate frequency signal output from the mixer 21 when the reflected wave is received by the receiving unit 12 is down-converted with a radar modulation signal having a different frequency by a time difference corresponding to the distance, and a frequency component corresponding to the time difference. Only can be obtained.
  • the reception BIST unit 13 divides the reference clock signal fclk by 1000 by the low frequency signal generator 24 to generate a low frequency signal fIF having a frequency of 52 kHz.
  • the frequency of the generated test signal ftest is (80 GHz ⁇ 52 kHz). Therefore, if only the test signal ftest is input to the receiving unit 12, the frequency of the signal output from the mixer 21 is 52 kHz.
  • the level of the local frequency signal component fLO can be suppressed as shown in FIG.
  • the control unit 3 turns on the reception BIST unit 13 from the state of the reception mode in which the frequency synthesizer 6 and the reception unit 12 are ON, and shifts to the BIST mode (S1) to set the test items. (S2).
  • S1 the state of the reception mode in which the frequency synthesizer 6 and the reception unit 12 are ON
  • S2 shifts to the BIST mode (S1) to set the test items.
  • S2 An example of test items is shown below.
  • the voltage amplitude of the intermediate frequency signal fIF which is the output of the receiving unit 12 is within an allowable range of desired characteristics when the test signal ftest is input to the receiving unit 12.
  • the voltage amplitudes of the intermediate frequency signals fIF of the channels 12 (1) to 12 (4) are all within the allowable range of the desired characteristics. . -Is the frequency characteristic of the voltage amplitude of the intermediate frequency signal fIF within an allowable range of the desired frequency characteristic? That is, are the desired filter characteristics and cut-off frequency obtained?
  • the frequency synthesizer 6 is set according to the test item, and the local frequency signal LO used in the BIST is set (S3).
  • the frequency of the signal is set, and in the case of a radar modulation signal (FMCW), a modulation frequency range and a modulation period are set.
  • FMCW radar modulation signal
  • the receiving BIST circuit 13 is configured.
  • the low frequency signal generator 24 is set (S5).
  • the frequency band characteristic of the intermediate frequency band amplifier 23 can be self-tested by setting the frequency fIF of the low frequency signal to the same value as the frequency of the signal output from the mixer 21 of the receiving unit 12.
  • BIST is started (S6). That is, the control unit 3 determines whether or not the intermediate frequency signal or the reception signal obtained via the reception unit 12 satisfies a desired characteristic. If the determination result of this test is bad (S7, NO), it is determined whether or not improvement is possible by changing the setting parameter of each circuit block constituting the receiving unit 12 and whether or not the circuit adjustment is possible (S11). If adjustment is possible (YES), the parameter setting is changed (S14), and the process returns to step S2. As a result, not only the occurrence of a failure in the receiving unit 12 but also the millimeter wave signal receiving characteristics (gain, frequency) are determined, and the desired millimeter wave signal receiving characteristics can be obtained using the adjustment function of each circuit block of the receiving unit 12. Calibrate and adjust to obtain.
  • step S11 if circuit adjustment is not possible in step S11 (NO), the failure test item / condition and the test result are stored (S12), and it is determined whether the necessary test items are completed (S13). If the necessary test items are not completed (NO), the process returns to step S2.
  • step S7 if the test determination result is good (YES), the good test item / condition and the test result are stored (S8), and it is determined whether the required test item is completed (S9). ). If the necessary test items are not completed (NO), the process returns to step S2.
  • step S9 or S13 if the necessary test items are completed (YES), the reception BIST circuit 13 is turned off to end the reception BIST (S10) and return to the reception mode.
  • the low frequency signal generator 24 generates the low frequency signal fIF having a frequency lower than that of the local frequency signal fLO used for the conversion to the intermediate frequency signal, and the mixer 26
  • the test signal ftest is generated by mixing the low frequency signal fIF and a signal having the same frequency as the local frequency signal fLO.
  • the test signal ftest and the input part of the amplifier 20 that amplifies the received signal are coupled by a coupler 27, and the control unit 3 has an amplifier 20, a mixer 21, and an intermediate frequency band amplifier 23 using the test signal ftest. The operation of the receiving unit 13 is tested.
  • the signal converted and output by the mixer 21 has the frequency of the low-frequency signal fIF. That is, since a signal having a predetermined frequency fIF can be obtained during the test, it is possible to test the operation of the receiving unit 13 regardless of the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal converted by the mixer 21 in the normal communication operation. Become.
  • IC2 is replaced with IC32.
  • the IC 32 includes an A / D converter 34 at the output unit of the intermediate frequency band amplifier 23 in the receiving unit 33. Therefore, the control unit 35 can acquire the received signal as digital data from the IC 32 without incorporating an A / D converter.
  • the IC 32 in the system 31 of the second embodiment is replaced with an IC.
  • the IC 42 is configured by the reception BIST unit 43 in which the low frequency signal generator 24 is replaced with a programmable frequency divider 44.
  • the control unit 35 appropriately sets a frequency division ratio in the programmable frequency divider 44.
  • the receiving BIST unit 43 includes the programmable frequency divider 44, the frequency of the low frequency signal fIF can be arbitrarily changed.
  • the millimeter wave radar system 41 ⁇ / b> A of the fourth embodiment has a frequency synthesizer in which the clock signal input to the programmable frequency divider 44 in the system 41 of the third embodiment is changed to the reference clock signal fclk. 6 is a signal fLO / N output from 6. In this case, if an example of each frequency is the same as that shown in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, the frequency division ratio set in the programmable frequency divider 44 may be (13/10000000).
  • the clock signal input to the programmable frequency divider 44 is changed to the signal fLO / N output from the frequency synthesizer 6 in place of the reference clock signal fclk, thereby generating a frequency higher than the reference clock signal fclk frequency. can do.
  • the IC 32 in the system 31 of the second embodiment is replaced with an IC 52.
  • the IC 52 is configured by a reception BIST unit 53 in which the low frequency signal generator 24 is replaced with a PLL frequency synthesizer 54.
  • the PLL frequency synthesizer 54 can set the low frequency signal fIF more flexibly.
  • the IC 32 in the system 31 of the second embodiment is replaced with an IC 62.
  • the reception BIST unit 63 switch circuits 64 (1) to 64 (4) are arranged between the mixer 26 and the reception channels 33 (1) to 33 (4).
  • the switch circuit 64 is configured by an analog switch or the like, for example, and the control unit 35 can control ON / OFF thereof via the circuit control register 65.
  • the switch circuit 64 corresponds to an output stop unit.
  • the isolation between (4) can be increased. For example, when the switch circuits 64 (1) to 64 (4) are not provided, the isolation between the reception channels 12 (1) to 12 (4) is almost determined by the coupling amount of the two couplers 27.
  • the switch circuit 64 may be connected in series to the line through which the test signal ftest is transmitted, as shown in FIG. 9, or connected in parallel to the ground via a DC cut capacitor and coupled.
  • the input terminal of the device 27 may be dropped to the ground level to prevent the input of the signal.
  • the IC 62 in the system 61 of the sixth embodiment is replaced with an IC 72.
  • the reception BIST unit 73 includes amplifiers 74 (1) to 74 (4) instead of the switch circuits 64 (1) to 64 (4).
  • the amplifier 74 is configured such that the control unit 35 can stop the amplification operation via the circuit control register 65, and corresponds to an output stop unit.
  • the amplifiers 74 (1) to 74 (4) By arranging the amplifiers 74 (1) to 74 (4) in this way, attenuation is caused by the loss of the connection line from the mixer 26 to each of the reception channels 33 (1) to 33 (4) and the loss of the coupler 27.
  • the test signal ftest can be amplified.
  • the control unit 35 turns off the amplifier 74 in the normal operation of the millimeter wave radar system 1 as in the sixth embodiment, so that the isolation between the reception channels 33 (1) to 33 (4) is achieved. Can be increased.
  • the IC 72 in the system 71 of the seventh embodiment is replaced with an IC 82.
  • the reception 83 includes a high-pass filter 84 between the mixer 21 and the intermediate frequency amplifier 23.
  • the IC 82 in the system 81 of the eighth embodiment is replaced with an IC 82A.
  • the IC 82A is different from the eighth embodiment only in the connection position of the amplifier 74 in the reception BIST unit 73A.
  • four amplifiers 74 (1) to 74 (4) are connected in series to the output terminal of the mixer 26, and correspond to the output terminals of the amplifiers 74 (1) to 74 (4).
  • the input terminals of the couplers 27 (1) to 27 (4) are connected to each other. According to 9th Embodiment comprised as mentioned above, the effect similar to 8th Embodiment is acquired.
  • the number of reception channels is not limited to “4”, but may be “3” or less or “5” or more, for example, 8 channels or 16 channels. Further, it is not always necessary to provide a plurality of reception channels. If “NO” is determined in the step S7, the step S14 may be executed as necessary.
  • the present invention is not limited to the direct conversion method and can be applied. Further, the present invention is not limited to the one applied to the in-vehicle millimeter wave radar system, but can be applied to any receiving device that performs down-conversion in the receiving system. What is necessary is just to change suitably the specific numerical value of a frequency according to an individual design.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Superheterodyne Receivers (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

The disclosed reception device is equipped with: an amplifier (20) that amplifies a received signal received with a reception antenna (19); a frequency signal generation unit (5, 6, 22) that generates a local-frequency signal; a frequency conversion unit (21) that mixes the signal amplified by the amplifier and the local-frequency signal, converting these to an intermediate-frequency signal; an intermediate-frequency band amplifier (23) that amplifies the intermediate-frequency signal; a low-frequency signal generation unit (24, 44, 54) that generates a low-frequency signal the frequency of which is lower than the local-frequency signal; a test signal generation unit (26) that mixes the low-frequency signal and a signal of the same frequency as the local-frequency signal to generate a test signal; couplers (27) coupling the input unit of the amplifier and the test signal; and a control unit (3, 35) that uses the test signal to test the operation of a reception unit (12, 33, 83) having the amplifier, the frequency conversion unit, and the intermediate-frequency band amplifier.

Description

受信装置Receiver 関連出願の相互参照Cross-reference of related applications
　本出願は、２０１６年４月１３日に出願された日本出願番号２０１６－８０３２６号に基づくもので、ここにその記載内容を援用する。 This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-80326 filed on April 13, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
　本開示は、受信信号をローカル周波数信号と混合して中間周波数信号に変換する機能を備えた受信装置に関する。 The present disclosure relates to a receiving apparatus having a function of mixing a received signal with a local frequency signal and converting the received signal into an intermediate frequency signal.
　受信信号をローカル周波数信号と混合して中間周波数信号に変換する受信装置に関する従来技術として、非特許文献１がある。この技術では、ミリ波帯のBIST（Bilt-In-Self-Test）信号が、送受信機のローカル信号と共通の信号源から生成された同じ周波数を有する信号であり、受信機でローカル信号によりダウンコンバートされた信号は、直流成分しか持たないＤＣ信号に変換される。これは所謂ダイレクトコンバージョン方式である。 Non-patent document 1 is known as a related art relating to a receiving apparatus that mixes a received signal with a local frequency signal and converts it into an intermediate frequency signal. In this technology, the BIST (Bilt-In-Self-Test) signal in the millimeter wave band is a signal having the same frequency that is generated from the same signal source as the local signal of the transceiver, and is down-converted by the local signal at the receiver. The converted signal is converted into a DC signal having only a DC component. This is a so-called direct conversion system.
　しかしながら、ダウンコンバートされた信号が直流成分しか持たない場合、中間周波数帯の回路ブロックについては、周波数特性をテストすることができないという問題があった。 However, when the down-converted signal has only a DC component, there is a problem that the frequency characteristic cannot be tested for the circuit block in the intermediate frequency band.
　本開示は、上記事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、変換される信号の周波数に関わらず、中間周波数帯の回路ブロックについて周波数特性をテストできる受信装置を提供することを目的とする。 The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a receiving apparatus capable of testing frequency characteristics of a circuit block in an intermediate frequency band regardless of the frequency of a signal to be converted.
　本開示の一態様によれば、低周波信号生成部は、中間周波数信号への変換に使用されるローカル周波数信号よりも周波数が低い低周波信号を生成し、テスト信号生成部は、その低周波信号と、ローカル周波数信号と同じ周波数の信号とを混合してテスト信号を生成する。そして、テスト信号と受信信号を増幅する増幅器の入力部とを結合器により結合させ、制御部は、テスト信号を用いて増幅器，周波数変換部及び中間周波数帯増幅器を有する受信部の動作をテストする。 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the low frequency signal generation unit generates a low frequency signal having a frequency lower than that of the local frequency signal used for conversion to the intermediate frequency signal, and the test signal generation unit includes the low frequency signal. The test signal is generated by mixing the signal and a signal having the same frequency as the local frequency signal. Then, the test signal and the input portion of the amplifier that amplifies the reception signal are coupled by a coupler, and the control unit tests the operation of the reception unit including the amplifier, the frequency conversion unit, and the intermediate frequency band amplifier using the test signal. .
　このように構成すれば、結合器を介してテスト信号を入力した際に、周波数変換部により変換されて出力される信号は、前記低周波信号の周波数を有するものとなる。つまり、テスト時には既定の周波数の信号が得られるようになるので、周波数変換部により変換される中間周波数信号の周波数に関わらず、受信部の動作をテストすることが可能になる。 With this configuration, when the test signal is input through the coupler, the signal converted and output by the frequency conversion unit has the frequency of the low frequency signal. That is, since a signal having a predetermined frequency can be obtained at the time of the test, the operation of the receiving unit can be tested regardless of the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal converted by the frequency converting unit.
　本開示についての上記目的およびその他の目的、特徴や利点は、添付の図面を参照しながら下記の詳細な記述により、より明確になる。その図面は、
図１は、第１実施形態において、ＩＣの構成を中心に示す機能ブロック図であり、 図２は、受信部及び受信ＢＩＳＴ部における各周波数信号の具体数値例，及びパワースぺクトルを示す図であり、 図３は、車載ミリ波レーダシステムの構成を示す図であり、 図４は、制御部によるＢＩＳＴ処理の内容を示すフローチャートであり、 図５は、第２実施形態において、ＩＣの構成を中心に示す機能ブロック図であり、 図６は、第３実施形態において、ＩＣの構成を中心に示す機能ブロック図であり、 図７は、第４実施形態において、ＩＣの構成を中心に示す機能ブロック図であり、 図８は、第５実施形態において、ＩＣの構成を中心に示す機能ブロック図であり、 図９は、第６実施形態において、ＩＣの構成を中心に示す機能ブロック図であり、 図１０は、第７実施形態において、ＩＣの構成を中心に示す機能ブロック図であり、 図１１は、第８実施形態において、ＩＣの構成を中心に示す機能ブロック図であり、 図１２は、第９実施形態において、ＩＣの構成を中心に示す機能ブロック図である。 The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of an IC in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific numerical example of each frequency signal in the receiving unit and the receiving BIST unit, and a power spectrum. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle millimeter wave radar system. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of the BIST process by the control unit. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the IC in the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the IC in the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the IC in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the IC in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the IC in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the IC in the seventh embodiment. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of an IC in the eighth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram mainly showing the configuration of the IC in the ninth embodiment.
　　（第１実施形態）
　図３に示すように、本実施形態の車載ミリ波レーダシステム１は、ＩＣ２，信号処理を行うと共にＩＣ２を制御する制御部３を備えている。制御部３は、車両の安全制御を行う制御ユニット４との間でデータの転送を行う。制御ユニット４は、車両の各部に配置されている他の制御ユニットとの間で、車載ＬＡＮ等により通信を行う。 (First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 3, the in-vehicle millimeter wave radar system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an IC 2 and a control unit 3 that performs signal processing and controls the IC 2. The control unit 3 transfers data to and from the control unit 4 that performs vehicle safety control. The control unit 4 communicates with other control units arranged in each part of the vehicle by an in-vehicle LAN or the like.
　ＩＣ２には、基準クロック生成部５により生成された基準クロック信号ｆｃｌｋが入力されている。基準クロック信号ｆｃｌｋは、内部のＰＬＬ（Phase Locked Loop）周波数シンセサイザ６に与えられている。尚、以下において、信号の名称は、対応する信号の周波数を示すことがある。周波数シンセサイザ６は、ＩＣ２において使用するローカル周波数信号ｆＬＯの周波数をＮ分周した信号ｆＬＯ／Ｎを生成し、以下に述べるよう各部に出力する。 The reference clock signal fclk generated by the reference clock generation unit 5 is input to IC2. The reference clock signal fclk is given to an internal PLL (Phase Locked Loop) frequency synthesizer 6. In the following, the name of a signal may indicate the frequency of the corresponding signal. The frequency synthesizer 6 generates a signal fLO / N obtained by dividing the frequency of the local frequency signal fLO used in the IC 2 by N and outputs it to each unit as described below.
　また、ＩＣ２は回路制御レジスタ７を備えており、制御部３は、回路制御レジスタ７を介してＩＣ２の各部を制御する。制御部３と回路制御レジスタ７との間では、例えばＳＰＩ（Serial Peripheral Interface）やＩ２Ｃ（Inter-Integrated Circuit）などの通信規格によりデータを転送するが、用いる通信規格はこれらに限ることはない。 The IC 2 includes a circuit control register 7, and the control unit 3 controls each unit of the IC 2 through the circuit control register 7. Data is transferred between the control unit 3 and the circuit control register 7 according to a communication standard such as SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), but the communication standard used is not limited to these.
　ＩＣ２は、送信部１１，受信部１２及び受信ＢＩＳＴ部１３を備えている。送信部１１は、信号ｆＬＯ／Ｎを逓倍器１４により受けることでＮ逓倍し、周波数ｆＬＯの信号を、移相器１５を介してパワーアンプ１６に入力する。パワーアンプ１６は、入力された信号を増幅して送信アンテナ１７に出力し、送信アンテナ１７は、周波数ｆＬＯの電波信号を外部に送信する。 The IC 2 includes a transmission unit 11, a reception unit 12, and a reception BIST unit 13. The transmitter 11 multiplies the signal fLO / N by N by receiving the signal fLO / N, and inputs the signal of the frequency fLO to the power amplifier 16 via the phase shifter 15. The power amplifier 16 amplifies the input signal and outputs the amplified signal to the transmission antenna 17, and the transmission antenna 17 transmits a radio signal having the frequency fLO to the outside.
　上記のようにして送信部１１により送信された電波信号は、例えば他の車両などのターゲット１８により反射され、その反射波が受信アンテナ１９により受信される。受信部１２は、受信アンテナ１９により受信された信号を低雑音増幅器２０により増幅してミクサ２１に入力する。 The radio wave signal transmitted by the transmitter 11 as described above is reflected by a target 18 such as another vehicle, and the reflected wave is received by the receiving antenna 19. The receiving unit 12 amplifies the signal received by the receiving antenna 19 by the low noise amplifier 20 and inputs the amplified signal to the mixer 21.
　前記信号ｆＬＯ／Ｎは、受信部１２においても逓倍器２２によりＮ逓倍され、周波数ｆＬＯのローカル周波数信号が生成される。そのローカル周波数信号ｆＬＯはミクサ２１に入力されて、低雑音増幅器２０により増幅された信号と混合される。ミクサ２１より出力される信号は中間周波数信号となり、その中間周波数信号は、増幅利得が可変である中間周波数帯増幅器２３により増幅されて制御部３に入力される。 The signal fLO / N is also multiplied by N by the multiplier 22 in the receiver 12 to generate a local frequency signal having the frequency fLO. The local frequency signal fLO is input to the mixer 21 and mixed with the signal amplified by the low noise amplifier 20. The signal output from the mixer 21 is an intermediate frequency signal, and the intermediate frequency signal is amplified by the intermediate frequency band amplifier 23 having a variable amplification gain and input to the control unit 3.
　中間周波数信号は、制御部３に内蔵されている図示しないＡ／ＤコンバータによりＡ／Ｄ変換されて読み込まれる。尚、図１に示すように、実際の受信部１２は、複数，例えば４つの受信チャネル（１）～（４）を備えて構成されている。また、図１では、制御ユニット４及び送信部１１の図示を省略している。 The intermediate frequency signal is A / D converted by an A / D converter (not shown) built in the control unit 3 and read. As shown in FIG. 1, the actual receiving unit 12 includes a plurality of, for example, four receiving channels (1) to (4). In FIG. 1, the control unit 4 and the transmission unit 11 are not shown.
　受信ＢＩＳＴ部１３は、受信部１２の周波数特性をテストするために使用されるテスト信号ｆｔｅｓｔを生成するため、基準クロック信号ｆｃｌｋをテスト信号生成器２４により分周して低周波数信号ｆＩＦを生成する。また受信ＢＩＳＴ部１３は、周波数シンセサイザ６により生成された分周信号ｆＬＯ／Ｎを逓倍器２５によりＮ逓倍し、ローカル周波数信号ｆＬＯと周波数が同一の信号を生成する。これらの信号は、ミクサ２６に入力されて混合されることでテスト信号ｆｔｅｓｔが生成される。テスト信号ｆｔｅｓｔは、結合器２７を介して低雑音増幅器２０の入力端子に入力される。ミクサ２６は、テスト信号生成部に相当する。 The reception BIST unit 13 divides the reference clock signal fclk by the test signal generator 24 to generate the low frequency signal fIF in order to generate the test signal ftest used for testing the frequency characteristic of the reception unit 12. . The reception BIST unit 13 multiplies the frequency-divided signal fLO / N generated by the frequency synthesizer 6 by N by the multiplier 25 to generate a signal having the same frequency as the local frequency signal fLO. These signals are input to the mixer 26 and mixed to generate a test signal ftest. The test signal ftest is input to the input terminal of the low noise amplifier 20 via the coupler 27. The mixer 26 corresponds to a test signal generation unit.
　例えば図２に示すように、基準クロック信号の周波数ｆｃｌｋを５２ＭＨｚとし、ローカル周波数信号の周波数ｆＬＯを８０ＧＨｚとする。この時、周波数シンセサイザ６は、基準クロック信号を用いて周波数４０ＧＨｚの信号ｆＬＯ／２を生成する。信号ｆＬＯ／２は、逓倍器２２で２逓倍されてローカル周波数信号ｆＬＯとなる。また、受信ＢＩＳＴ部１３においても、信号ｆＬＯ／２は、逓倍器２５で２逓倍されて周波数がローカル周波数信号に等しい信号ｆＬＯが生成される。 For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the frequency fclk of the reference clock signal is set to 52 MHz, and the frequency fLO of the local frequency signal is set to 80 GHz. At this time, the frequency synthesizer 6 generates a signal fLO / 2 having a frequency of 40 GHz using the reference clock signal. The signal fLO / 2 is doubled by the multiplier 22 to become a local frequency signal fLO. Also in the reception BIST unit 13, the signal fLO / 2 is doubled by the multiplier 25 to generate a signal fLO whose frequency is equal to the local frequency signal.
　送信部１１より送信される信号の周波数は８０ＧＨｚであり、受信部１２のミクサ２１に入力されるローカル周波数信号ｆＬＯの周波数は８０ＧＨｚである。したがって、ミリ波レーダシステム１を構成する送受信機であるＩＣ２は、ミクサ２１より出力される中間周波数信号が直流成分のみとなるダイレクトコンバージョン方式を採用している。 The frequency of the signal transmitted from the transmission unit 11 is 80 GHz, and the frequency of the local frequency signal fLO input to the mixer 21 of the reception unit 12 is 80 GHz. Therefore, the IC 2 that is a transceiver constituting the millimeter wave radar system 1 employs a direct conversion method in which the intermediate frequency signal output from the mixer 21 is only a DC component.
　例えば、ミリ波レーダシステム１の通常動作では、周波数シンセサイザ６により生成されたレーダ用変調信号（ＦＭＣＷ）がターゲット１８で反射される。その反射波を受信部１２で受信した際にミクサ２１より出力される中間周波数信号は、距離に応じた時間差分だけ周波数が異なるレーダ用変調信号でダウンコンバートされ、その時間差分に応じた周波数成分のみが得られる。 For example, in the normal operation of the millimeter wave radar system 1, the radar modulation signal (FMCW) generated by the frequency synthesizer 6 is reflected by the target 18. The intermediate frequency signal output from the mixer 21 when the reflected wave is received by the receiving unit 12 is down-converted with a radar modulation signal having a different frequency by a time difference corresponding to the distance, and a frequency component corresponding to the time difference. Only can be obtained.
　受信ＢＩＳＴ部１３では、基準クロック信号ｆｃｌｋを低周波信号生成器２４により１０００分周して周波数５２ｋＨｚの低周波数信号ｆＩＦを生成する。ミクサ２６では、信号ｆＬＯと低周波数信号ｆＩＦとが混合されるので、生成されるテスト信号ｆｔｅｓｔの周波数は（８０ＧＨｚ±５２ｋＨｚ）となる。したがって、受信部１２にテスト信号ｆｔｅｓｔのみが入力されていれば、ミクサ２１より出力される信号の周波数は５２ｋＨｚとなる。ここで、アップコンバート用のミクサ２６にダブルバランスミクサを用いれば、図２中に示すようにローカル周波数の信号成分ｆＬＯのレベルを抑圧できる。 The reception BIST unit 13 divides the reference clock signal fclk by 1000 by the low frequency signal generator 24 to generate a low frequency signal fIF having a frequency of 52 kHz. In the mixer 26, since the signal fLO and the low frequency signal fIF are mixed, the frequency of the generated test signal ftest is (80 GHz ± 52 kHz). Therefore, if only the test signal ftest is input to the receiving unit 12, the frequency of the signal output from the mixer 21 is 52 kHz. Here, if a double balance mixer is used for the up-conversion mixer 26, the level of the local frequency signal component fLO can be suppressed as shown in FIG.
　次に、本実施形態の作用について説明する。図４に示すように、制御部３は、周波数シンセサイザ６及び受信部１２がＯＮしている受信モードの状態から、受信ＢＩＳＴ部１３をＯＮにしてＢＩＳＴモードに移行し（Ｓ１）テスト項目を設定する（Ｓ２）。テスト項目の一例を以下に示す。 Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 3 turns on the reception BIST unit 13 from the state of the reception mode in which the frequency synthesizer 6 and the reception unit 12 are ON, and shifts to the BIST mode (S1) to set the test items. (S2). An example of test items is shown below.
　・テスト信号ｆｔｅｓｔを受信部１２に入力した際に、受信部１２の出力である中間周波数信号ｆＩＦの電圧振幅が所望の特性の許容範囲内か。
　・本実施形態のように受信部１２を多チャンネル集積したＩＣ２において、各チャンネル１２（１）～１２（４）の中間周波数信号ｆＩＦの電圧振幅が、所望の特性の許容範囲内で揃っているか。
　・中間周波数信号ｆＩＦの電圧振幅の周波数特性が、所望の周波数特性の許容範囲内か。つまり、所望のフィルタ特性，カットオフ周波数が得られているか。 Whether the voltage amplitude of the intermediate frequency signal fIF, which is the output of the receiving unit 12, is within an allowable range of desired characteristics when the test signal ftest is input to the receiving unit 12.
In the IC 2 in which the receiver 12 is integrated in multiple channels as in the present embodiment, the voltage amplitudes of the intermediate frequency signals fIF of the channels 12 (1) to 12 (4) are all within the allowable range of the desired characteristics. .
-Is the frequency characteristic of the voltage amplitude of the intermediate frequency signal fIF within an allowable range of the desired frequency characteristic? That is, are the desired filter characteristics and cut-off frequency obtained?
　続いて、前記テスト項目に応じた周波数シンセサイザ６の設定を行い、ＢＩＳＴで使用するローカル周波数信号ＬＯを設定する（Ｓ３）。このとき、無変調のＣＷ（Continuous Wave）信号の場合はその信号の周波数を、また、レーダ用変調信号（ＦＭＣＷ）の場合は変調周波数範囲，変調周期を設定する。 Subsequently, the frequency synthesizer 6 is set according to the test item, and the local frequency signal LO used in the BIST is set (S3). At this time, in the case of an unmodulated CW (Continuous Wave) signal, the frequency of the signal is set, and in the case of a radar modulation signal (FMCW), a modulation frequency range and a modulation period are set.
　次に、受信部１２の回路パラメータ，つまり受信部１２を構成する各回路ブロックの利得や周波数特性（フィルタのカットオフ周波数），バイアス値等を設定すると（Ｓ４）、受信ＢＩＳＴ回路１３を構成する低周波信号生成器２４を設定する（Ｓ５）。本実施形態では、低周波信号生成器２４の分周比は固定であるから、ここでは低周波信号の振幅のみを設定する。上述のように、低周波信号の周波数ｆＩＦが受信部１２のミクサ２１より出力される信号の周波数と同じ値になることで、中間周波数帯増幅器２３の周波数帯域特性をセルフテストすることができる。 Next, when the circuit parameters of the receiving unit 12, that is, the gain, frequency characteristics (filter cutoff frequency), bias value, etc. of each circuit block constituting the receiving unit 12 are set (S4), the receiving BIST circuit 13 is configured. The low frequency signal generator 24 is set (S5). In this embodiment, since the frequency division ratio of the low frequency signal generator 24 is fixed, only the amplitude of the low frequency signal is set here. As described above, the frequency band characteristic of the intermediate frequency band amplifier 23 can be self-tested by setting the frequency fIF of the low frequency signal to the same value as the frequency of the signal output from the mixer 21 of the receiving unit 12.
　各種設定が終了したら、ＢＩＳＴを開始する（Ｓ６）。すなわち、中間周波数信号や受信部１２を介して得られる受信信号について、制御部３が所望の特性を満たしているか否かを判定する。このテストの判定結果が不良であれば（Ｓ７，ＮＯ）、受信部１２を構成する各回路ブロックの設定パラメータを変更することで改善可能か否か、回路調整可否を判定する（Ｓ１１）。そして、調整可能であれば（ＹＥＳ）、パラメータ設定を変更して（Ｓ１４）ステップＳ２に戻る。これにより、受信部１２の故障発生の有無だけでなく、ミリ波信号受信特性（利得、周波数）を判定し、受信部１２の各回路ブロックの調整機能を用いて所望のミリ波信号受信特性が得られるように校正，調整する。 When the various settings are completed, BIST is started (S6). That is, the control unit 3 determines whether or not the intermediate frequency signal or the reception signal obtained via the reception unit 12 satisfies a desired characteristic. If the determination result of this test is bad (S7, NO), it is determined whether or not improvement is possible by changing the setting parameter of each circuit block constituting the receiving unit 12 and whether or not the circuit adjustment is possible (S11). If adjustment is possible (YES), the parameter setting is changed (S14), and the process returns to step S2. As a result, not only the occurrence of a failure in the receiving unit 12 but also the millimeter wave signal receiving characteristics (gain, frequency) are determined, and the desired millimeter wave signal receiving characteristics can be obtained using the adjustment function of each circuit block of the receiving unit 12. Calibrate and adjust to obtain.
　一方、ステップＳ１１において回路調整が不可であれば（ＮＯ）、不良テスト項目／条件，及びテスト結果を保存して（Ｓ１２）必要なテスト項目が完了したか否かを判定する（Ｓ１３）。必要なテスト項目が完了していなければ（ＮＯ）ステップＳ２に戻る。また、ステップＳ７において、テストの判定結果が良であれば（ＹＥＳ）、良テスト項目／条件，及びテスト結果を保存し（Ｓ８）、必要なテスト項目が完了したか否かを判定する（Ｓ９）。必要なテスト項目が完了していなければ（ＮＯ）ステップＳ２に戻る。 On the other hand, if circuit adjustment is not possible in step S11 (NO), the failure test item / condition and the test result are stored (S12), and it is determined whether the necessary test items are completed (S13). If the necessary test items are not completed (NO), the process returns to step S2. In step S7, if the test determination result is good (YES), the good test item / condition and the test result are stored (S8), and it is determined whether the required test item is completed (S9). ). If the necessary test items are not completed (NO), the process returns to step S2.
　ステップＳ９又はＳ１３において、必要なテスト項目が完了していれば（ＹＥＳ）、受信ＢＩＳＴ回路１３をＯＦＦすることで受信ＢＩＳＴを終了し（Ｓ１０）、受信モードに戻る。 In step S9 or S13, if the necessary test items are completed (YES), the reception BIST circuit 13 is turned off to end the reception BIST (S10) and return to the reception mode.
　以上のように本実施形態によれば、低周波信号生成器２４は、中間周波数信号への変換に使用されるローカル周波数信号ｆＬＯよりも周波数が低い低周波信号ｆＩＦを生成し、ミクサ２６は、その低周波信号ｆＩＦと、ローカル周波数信号ｆＬＯと同じ周波数の信号とを混合してテスト信号ｆｔｅｓｔを生成する。そして、テスト信号ｆｔｅｓｔと受信信号を増幅する増幅器２０の入力部とを結合器２７により結合させ、制御部３は、テスト信ｆｔｅｓｔ号を用いて増幅器２０，ミクサ２１及び中間周波数帯増幅器２３を有する受信部１３の動作をテストする。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, the low frequency signal generator 24 generates the low frequency signal fIF having a frequency lower than that of the local frequency signal fLO used for the conversion to the intermediate frequency signal, and the mixer 26 The test signal ftest is generated by mixing the low frequency signal fIF and a signal having the same frequency as the local frequency signal fLO. Then, the test signal ftest and the input part of the amplifier 20 that amplifies the received signal are coupled by a coupler 27, and the control unit 3 has an amplifier 20, a mixer 21, and an intermediate frequency band amplifier 23 using the test signal ftest. The operation of the receiving unit 13 is tested.
　このように構成すれば、結合器２７を介してテスト信号ｆｔｅｓｔを入力した際に、ミクサ２１により変換されて出力される信号は、低周波信号ｆＩＦの周波数を有するものとなる。つまり、テスト時には既定の周波数ｆＩＦの信号が得られるようになるので、通常の通信動作においてミクサ２１により変換される中間周波数信号の周波数に関わらず、受信部１３の動作をテストすることが可能になる。 With this configuration, when the test signal ftest is input via the coupler 27, the signal converted and output by the mixer 21 has the frequency of the low-frequency signal fIF. That is, since a signal having a predetermined frequency fIF can be obtained during the test, it is possible to test the operation of the receiving unit 13 regardless of the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal converted by the mixer 21 in the normal communication operation. Become.
　　（第２実施形態）
　以下、第１実施形態と同一部分には同一符号を付して説明を省略し、異なる部分について説明する。図５に示すように、第２実施形態のミリ波レーダシステム３１は、ＩＣ２がＩＣ３２に置き換えられている。ＩＣ３２は、受信部３３において、中間周波数帯増幅器２３の出力部にＡ／Ｄ変換器３４を備えている。したがって、制御部３５は、自身がＡ／Ｄ変換器を内蔵せずとも、ＩＣ３２より受信信号をデジタルデータとして取得することができる。 (Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and different parts will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, in the millimeter wave radar system 31 of the second embodiment, IC2 is replaced with IC32. The IC 32 includes an A / D converter 34 at the output unit of the intermediate frequency band amplifier 23 in the receiving unit 33. Therefore, the control unit 35 can acquire the received signal as digital data from the IC 32 without incorporating an A / D converter.
　　（第３実施形態）
　図６に示すように、第３実施形態のミリ波レーダシステム４１は、第２実施形態のシステム３１におけるＩＣ３２がＩＣ４２に置き換えられている。ＩＣ４２は、受信ＢＩＳＴ部４３が、低周波信号生成器２４をプログラマブル分周器４４に置き換えたもので構成されている。この場合、第１実施形態の図４に示すステップＳ５において、制御部３５がプログラマブル分周器４４に分周比を適宜設定する。以上のように構成される第３実施形態によれば、受信ＢＩＳＴ部４３にプログラマブル分周器４４を備えるので、低周波信号ｆＩＦの周波数を任意に変更することができる。 (Third embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 6, in the millimeter wave radar system 41 of the third embodiment, the IC 32 in the system 31 of the second embodiment is replaced with an IC. The IC 42 is configured by the reception BIST unit 43 in which the low frequency signal generator 24 is replaced with a programmable frequency divider 44. In this case, in step S5 shown in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, the control unit 35 appropriately sets a frequency division ratio in the programmable frequency divider 44. According to the third embodiment configured as described above, since the receiving BIST unit 43 includes the programmable frequency divider 44, the frequency of the low frequency signal fIF can be arbitrarily changed.
　　（第４実施形態）
　図７に示すように、第４実施形態のミリ波レーダシステム４１Ａは、第３実施形態のシステム４１においてプログラマブル分周器４４に入力されるクロック信号が、基準クロック信号ｆｃｌｋに換えて、周波数シンセサイザ６より出力される信号ｆＬＯ／Ｎとなっている。この場合、各周波数の一例が第１実施形態の図２に示すものと同様であれば、プログラマブル分周器４４に設定する分周比を（１３／１０００００００）とすれば良い。 (Fourth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 7, the millimeter wave radar system 41 </ b> A of the fourth embodiment has a frequency synthesizer in which the clock signal input to the programmable frequency divider 44 in the system 41 of the third embodiment is changed to the reference clock signal fclk. 6 is a signal fLO / N output from 6. In this case, if an example of each frequency is the same as that shown in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, the frequency division ratio set in the programmable frequency divider 44 may be (13/10000000).
　このようにプログラマブル分周器４４に入力されるクロック信号を、基準クロック信号ｆｃｌｋに換えて、周波数シンセサイザ６より出力される信号ｆＬＯ／Ｎにすることで、基準クロック信号ｆｃｌｋ周波数より高い周波数を生成することができる。 In this way, the clock signal input to the programmable frequency divider 44 is changed to the signal fLO / N output from the frequency synthesizer 6 in place of the reference clock signal fclk, thereby generating a frequency higher than the reference clock signal fclk frequency. can do.
　　（第５実施形態）
　図８に示すように、第５実施形態のミリ波レーダシステム５１は、第２実施形態のシステム３１におけるＩＣ３２がＩＣ５２に置き換えられている。ＩＣ５２は、受信ＢＩＳＴ部５３が、低周波信号生成器２４をＰＬＬ周波数シンセサイザ５４に置き換えたもので構成されている。以上のように構成される第５実施形態によれば、ＰＬＬ周波数シンセサイザ５４により、低周波信号ｆＩＦの設定をより柔軟に行うことができる。 (Fifth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 8, in the millimeter wave radar system 51 of the fifth embodiment, the IC 32 in the system 31 of the second embodiment is replaced with an IC 52. The IC 52 is configured by a reception BIST unit 53 in which the low frequency signal generator 24 is replaced with a PLL frequency synthesizer 54. According to the fifth embodiment configured as described above, the PLL frequency synthesizer 54 can set the low frequency signal fIF more flexibly.
　　（第６実施形態）
　図９に示すように、第６実施形態のミリ波レーダシステム６１は、第２実施形態のシステム３１におけるＩＣ３２がＩＣ６２に置き換えられている。ＩＣ６２では、受信ＢＩＳＴ部６３において、ミクサ２６と各受信チャネル３３（１）～３３（４）との間に、スイッチ回路６４（１）～６４（４）が配置されている。スイッチ回路６４は例えばアナログスイッチ等で構成され、制御部３５が回路制御レジスタ６５を介してそのＯＮ／ＯＦＦを制御可能となっている。スイッチ回路６４は出力停止部に相当する。 (Sixth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 9, in the millimeter wave radar system 61 of the sixth embodiment, the IC 32 in the system 31 of the second embodiment is replaced with an IC 62. In the IC 62, in the reception BIST unit 63, switch circuits 64 (1) to 64 (4) are arranged between the mixer 26 and the reception channels 33 (1) to 33 (4). The switch circuit 64 is configured by an analog switch or the like, for example, and the control unit 35 can control ON / OFF thereof via the circuit control register 65. The switch circuit 64 corresponds to an output stop unit.
　このようにスイッチ回路６４（１）～６４（４）を配置することで、ミリ波レーダシステム１の通常動作おいて、スイッチ回路６４をＯＦＦにすることで、各受信チャネル３３（１）～３３（４）間のアイソレーションを高めることができる。例えば、スイッチ回路６４（１）～６４（４）がない場合、各受信チャネル１２（１）～１２（４）間のアイソレーションは、２つの結合器２７のカップリング量でほぼ決まる。 By arranging the switch circuits 64 (1) to 64 (4) in this way, in the normal operation of the millimeter wave radar system 1, by turning off the switch circuit 64, each of the reception channels 33 (1) to 33 (33). The isolation between (4) can be increased. For example, when the switch circuits 64 (1) to 64 (4) are not provided, the isolation between the reception channels 12 (1) to 12 (4) is almost determined by the coupling amount of the two couplers 27.
　尚、スイッチ回路６４をテスト信号ｆｔｅｓｔが伝送される線路に対して、図９に示すように直列に接続する方法でも良いし、並列にＤＣカットコンデンサを介してグランドとの間に接続し、結合器２７の入力端子をグランドレベルに落として前記信号の入力を阻止しても良い。 Note that the switch circuit 64 may be connected in series to the line through which the test signal ftest is transmitted, as shown in FIG. 9, or connected in parallel to the ground via a DC cut capacitor and coupled. The input terminal of the device 27 may be dropped to the ground level to prevent the input of the signal.
　　（第７実施形態）
　図１０に示すように、第７実施形態のミリ波レーダシステム７１は、第６実施形態のシステム６１におけるＩＣ６２がＩＣ７２に置き換えられている。ＩＣ７２では、受信ＢＩＳＴ部７３において、スイッチ回路６４（１）～６４（４）に替えて増幅器７４（１）～７４（４）が配置されている。増幅器７４は、制御部３５が回路制御レジスタ６５を介して増幅動作を停止可能に構成されており、出力停止部に相当する。 (Seventh embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 10, in the millimeter wave radar system 71 of the seventh embodiment, the IC 62 in the system 61 of the sixth embodiment is replaced with an IC 72. In the IC 72, the reception BIST unit 73 includes amplifiers 74 (1) to 74 (4) instead of the switch circuits 64 (1) to 64 (4). The amplifier 74 is configured such that the control unit 35 can stop the amplification operation via the circuit control register 65, and corresponds to an output stop unit.
　このように増幅器７４（１）～７４（４）を配置することで、ミクサ２６から各受信チャネル３３（１）～３３（４）までの接続線路の損失や、結合器２７の損失により減衰したテスト信号ｆｔｅｓｔを増幅できる。また、制御部３５が、第６実施形態と同様にミリ波レーダシステム１の通常動作おいて、増幅器７４をＯＦＦさせることで、各受信チャネル３３（１）～３３（４）間のアイソレーションを高めることができる。 By arranging the amplifiers 74 (1) to 74 (4) in this way, attenuation is caused by the loss of the connection line from the mixer 26 to each of the reception channels 33 (1) to 33 (4) and the loss of the coupler 27. The test signal ftest can be amplified. Further, the control unit 35 turns off the amplifier 74 in the normal operation of the millimeter wave radar system 1 as in the sixth embodiment, so that the isolation between the reception channels 33 (1) to 33 (4) is achieved. Can be increased.
　　（第８実施形態）
　図１１に示すように、第８実施形態のミリ波レーダシステム８１は、第７実施形態のシステム７１におけるＩＣ７２がＩＣ８２に置き換えられている。ＩＣ８２では、受信８３において、ミクサ２１と中間周波数増幅器２３との間にハイパスフィルタ８４を備えている。このように構成すれば、ミクサ２１より出力される信号に含まれる不要な低周波成分をハイパスフィルタ８４により除去できる。 (Eighth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 11, in the millimeter wave radar system 81 of the eighth embodiment, the IC 72 in the system 71 of the seventh embodiment is replaced with an IC 82. In the IC 82, the reception 83 includes a high-pass filter 84 between the mixer 21 and the intermediate frequency amplifier 23. With this configuration, an unnecessary low-frequency component included in the signal output from the mixer 21 can be removed by the high-pass filter 84.
　　（第９実施形態）
　図１２に示すように、第９実施形態のミリ波レーダシステム８１Ａは、第８実施形態のシステム８１におけるＩＣ８２がＩＣ８２Ａに置き換えられている。ＩＣ８２Ａでは、受信ＢＩＳＴ部７３Ａにおいて、増幅器７４の接続位置が第８実施形態と異なるだけである。第９実施形態では、ミクサ２６の出力端子に４つの増幅器７４（１）～７４（４）が直列に接続されており、各増幅器７４（１）～７４（４）の出力端子と、対応する結合器２７（１）～２７（４）の入力端子とがそれぞれ接続されている。以上のように構成される第９実施形態によれば、第８実施形態と同様の効果が得られる。 (Ninth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 12, in the millimeter wave radar system 81A of the ninth embodiment, the IC 82 in the system 81 of the eighth embodiment is replaced with an IC 82A. The IC 82A is different from the eighth embodiment only in the connection position of the amplifier 74 in the reception BIST unit 73A. In the ninth embodiment, four amplifiers 74 (1) to 74 (4) are connected in series to the output terminal of the mixer 26, and correspond to the output terminals of the amplifiers 74 (1) to 74 (4). The input terminals of the couplers 27 (1) to 27 (4) are connected to each other. According to 9th Embodiment comprised as mentioned above, the effect similar to 8th Embodiment is acquired.
　　（その他の実施形態）
　受信チャネルの数は「４」に限らず、「３」以下又は「５」以上，例えば８チャネルや１６チャネル等であっても良い。また、必ずしも複数の受信チャネルを備える必要はない。
　ステップＳ７で「ＮＯ」と判断した場合に、ステップＳ１４は必要に応じて実行すれば良い。
　ダイレクトコンバージョン方式を行うものに限らず、適用が可能である。
　また、車載ミリ波レーダシステムに適用するものに限らず、受信系においてダウンコンバートを行う受信装置であれば適用が可能である。
　周波数の具体数値については、個別の設計に応じて適宜変更すれば良い。 (Other embodiments)
The number of reception channels is not limited to “4”, but may be “3” or less or “5” or more, for example, 8 channels or 16 channels. Further, it is not always necessary to provide a plurality of reception channels.
If “NO” is determined in the step S7, the step S14 may be executed as necessary.
The present invention is not limited to the direct conversion method and can be applied.
Further, the present invention is not limited to the one applied to the in-vehicle millimeter wave radar system, but can be applied to any receiving device that performs down-conversion in the receiving system.
What is necessary is just to change suitably the specific numerical value of a frequency according to an individual design.
　本開示は、実施例に準拠して記述されたが、本開示は当該実施例や構造に限定されるものではないと理解される。本開示は、様々な変形例や均等範囲内の変形をも包含する。加えて、様々な組み合わせや形態、さらには、それらに一要素のみ、それ以上、あるいはそれ以下、を含む他の組み合わせや形態をも、本開示の範疇や思想範囲に入るものである。
  Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and structures. The present disclosure includes various modifications and modifications within the equivalent range. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms including only one element, more or less, are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims (12)

  1. 　受信アンテナ（１９）で受信した受信信号を増幅する増幅器（２０）と、
    　ローカル周波数信号を生成する周波数信号生成部（５，６，２２）と、
    　前記増幅器により増幅された信号と前記ローカル周波数信号とを混合して中間周波数信号に変換する周波数変換部（２１）と、
    　前記中間周波数信号を増幅する中間周波数帯増幅器（２３）と、
    　前記ローカル周波数信号よりも周波数が低い低周波信号を生成する低周波信号生成部（２４，４４，５４）と、
    　前記低周波信号と、前記ローカル周波数信号と同じ周波数の信号とを混合してテスト信号を生成するテスト信号生成部（２６）と、
    　前記テスト信号と前記増幅器の入力部とを結合させる結合器（２７）と、
    　前記テスト信号を用いて、前記増幅器，前記周波数変換部及び前記中間周波数帯増幅器を有する受信部（１２，３３，８３）の動作をテストする制御部（３，３５）とを備える受信装置。     An amplifier (20) for amplifying the received signal received by the receiving antenna (19);
    A frequency signal generator (5, 6, 22) for generating a local frequency signal;
    A frequency converter (21) for mixing the signal amplified by the amplifier and the local frequency signal and converting the mixed signal into an intermediate frequency signal;
    An intermediate frequency amplifier (23) for amplifying the intermediate frequency signal;
    A low frequency signal generator (24, 44, 54) for generating a low frequency signal having a frequency lower than that of the local frequency signal;
    A test signal generator (26) for generating a test signal by mixing the low frequency signal and a signal having the same frequency as the local frequency signal;
    A coupler (27) for coupling the test signal and the input of the amplifier;
    And a control unit (3, 35) for testing the operation of the reception unit (12, 33, 83) having the amplifier, the frequency conversion unit, and the intermediate frequency band amplifier using the test signal.
  2. 　前記制御部は、前記テストの結果より、前記受信部の動作が所望の周波数特性を満たしていないと判断すると、前記周波数特性を満たすように周波数調整制御，及び／又は前記増幅器若しくは前記中間周波数帯増幅器の利得調整制御を行う請求項１記載の受信装置。 If the control unit determines that the operation of the receiving unit does not satisfy a desired frequency characteristic from the result of the test, the control unit performs frequency adjustment control and / or the amplifier or the intermediate frequency band so as to satisfy the frequency characteristic. The receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein gain adjustment control of the amplifier is performed.
  3. 　前記中間周波数信号を、Ａ／Ｄ変換して前記制御部に入力するＡ／Ｄ変換器（３４）を備える請求項１又は２記載の受信装置。 The receiving apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an A / D converter (34) for A / D converting the intermediate frequency signal and inputting the signal to the control unit.
  4. 　前記低周波信号生成部は、前記周波数信号生成部に入力される基準クロック信号から、前記低周波信号を生成する周波数シンセサイザ（５４）で構成される請求項１から３の何れか一項に記載の受信装置。 The said low frequency signal generation part is comprised from the frequency synthesizer (54) which produces | generates the said low frequency signal from the reference clock signal input into the said frequency signal generation part. Receiver.
  5. 　前記低周波信号生成部は、前記周波数信号生成部に入力される基準クロック信号を分周する分周比の設定が、前記制御部により変更可能な分周器（４４）で構成される請求項１から３の何れか一項に記載の受信装置。 The low frequency signal generation unit includes a frequency divider (44) in which a setting of a frequency division ratio for dividing a reference clock signal input to the frequency signal generation unit can be changed by the control unit. The receiving device according to any one of 1 to 3.
  6. 　前記低周波信号生成部は、前記周波数信号生成部より出力される信号を分周する分周器で構成される請求項１から３の何れか一項に記載の受信装置。 The receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the low-frequency signal generation unit includes a frequency divider that divides a signal output from the frequency signal generation unit.
  7. 　前記テスト信号生成部と前記結合器との間に、前記テスト信号の出力を停止させる出力停止部（６４，７４）を備える請求項１から６の何れか一項に記載の受信装置。 The receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an output stop unit (64, 74) for stopping the output of the test signal between the test signal generation unit and the coupler.
  8. 　前記受信部は、複数の受信チャネルを備え、
    　前記出力停止部は、前記テスト信号生成部と前記複数の受信チャネルに対応する結合器との間の線路にそれぞれ配置されている請求項７記載の受信装置。     The receiving unit includes a plurality of receiving channels,
    The receiving device according to claim 7, wherein the output stop unit is disposed on a line between the test signal generation unit and a coupler corresponding to the plurality of reception channels.
  9. 　前記出力停止部は、スイッチ（６４）である請求項７又は８記載の受信装置。 The receiving device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the output stop unit is a switch (64).
  10. 　前記出力停止部は、増幅動作を停止可能な増幅器（７４）である請求項７又は８記載の受信装置。 The receiving device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the output stop unit is an amplifier (74) capable of stopping an amplification operation.
  11. 　前記周波数変換部と前記中間周波数帯増幅器との間に、ハイパスフィルタ（８４）を備える請求項１から１０の何れか一項に記載の受信装置。 The receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a high-pass filter (84) between the frequency converter and the intermediate frequency band amplifier.
  12. 　車載ミリ波レーダシステム（１，２１，３１，４１，４１Ａ，５１，６１，７１，８１，８１Ａ）に適用される請求項１から１１の何れか一項に記載の受信装置。
          The receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which is applied to an in-vehicle millimeter wave radar system (1, 21, 31, 41, 41A, 51, 61, 71, 81, 81A).
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US11237249B2 (en) 2018-01-22 2022-02-01 Mediatek Inc. Apparatus and method for applying frequency calibration to local oscillator signal derived from reference clock output of active oscillator that has no electromechanical resonator
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