U! IS 202302539971 000 cu») United States 2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2023/0253997 AL NOTARI et al. (43) Pub. Date: Aug. 10, 2023 (54) MILLIMITER-WAVE ANTENNA SYSTEM Mose 706 (2006.01) FOR RADIOMOBILE COMMUNICATIONS ‘HOIO 132 (2006.01) IN VEHICLES aa IQ 21728 (2006.01) (71) Applicant: ASK INDUSTRIES SOCIETA’ PER Hose 1/00 (2006.01) AZIONI, Monte San Vito (AN) (IT) (52) US.CL aye ey yar Pc HOSB 1/082 (2013.01); HO4B 1/3822 (72) Inventors: Andrea NOTARE, Viaoo (RE) (IT); 70617 ( ) $iecarde MAGGIORA Sn shore 12283 C0180), HIB 17275 C0180 Monferrato (AL) (I) Fabio CASOLL, . ig Wars C ei Preset HOIQ 21/28 (2013.01), HO4B 1/0096 tego Esmilia (IT): Tiziano NILL Paar Reggio Emilia (IT) Ce) (21) Appl. Nox 18/004,324 67) ABSTRACT (22) PCT Filed: Aug. 3, 2021 (86) PCT No: PETP2021071682 An antenna system for radio mobile communications in f vehicles having at least one remote antenna module con- $371 (€X0) Poke eee elas nected with a cable to a central control unit; the remote antenna module having: a plurality of radiant elements, an G0) Foreign Application Priority Data [RF frontend and a contol interface; the ental contol ait having: a signal processor, and 2 control interface; the Aug. 10,2020. (7) 102020000019876 control interface Of the remote aatenns module aad the cconrol interface of the central control unit are suitably Beeston lesen ‘configured for transmitting the input/output data signals and G1) Inet the control signals over the enble in otder to conto) the HosB 108 (2006.01) ‘control interface and the RF frontend ofthe remote antenna ose 1/3822 (2006.01), ‘module 300 Ey E 2 ~ hasina module 7) ‘Antenna module N 2 af n | Fegueney convener || “Gbeowsyen 3» zo |L_uemowocen | | ‘24 Cental conto unt Convo! dees ereapsitoniecapsatin) | | ‘Signal ProcessingModem 10Patent Application Publication Aug. 10, 2023 Sheet 1 of 13. US 2023/0253997 AL 100 2 on 200 2 | FIG. 1Patent Application Publication Aug. 10,2023 Sheet 2 of 13 US 2023/0253997 Al 2a 2b Phase shifting muttiple Phase shifting multiple oo elements (analogic) elements (digital) 20 Verible beam radiant elements Verible beam radiant elements 21 21 Digital complex RF Fronted ‘Analogic complex RF Frontend 22 22 Control interface for cable Control interface for cable } 3 I : FIG. 2 Central Control Unit Control interface 12 Signal Processing |Patent Application Publication Aug. 10,2023 Sheet 3 of 13 US 2023/0253997 Al 20 Antenna Module 1 Radiant element Antenna 21 Module N RF Front-end =f ----- 23 | Frequency converter (UP/DOWN) (IF1) ] DC }-+-- Control device a (DOWN/UP) (IF2) 100 Central control unit cranes] Control device 12 (UP/DOWN) (IF2) 16 DAVAD converters DAVAD AD Cone) Signal Processing/Modem 46 FIG. 3Patent Application Publicatio Aug. 10,2023 Sheet 4 of 13 US 2023/0253997 Al So _St ws 20 Remote Antenna Module | 2 Radiant element 21 Soj [St - RF Frontend 4 So] fst 23 + + Frequency converter $2 22 (UP/DOWN) (IF1) } ¥ ¥ | So] |st S1 25. $4, , a DC reel Control device (DOWN/UP) (IF2) T 1 { ' i|A \ 3a I So} |St $4} §5)S1/S2 ! I i ' ' Central control unit 15. | Control device (DOWN/UP) (IF2) $ at 16. | S4 12 DAJAD converters} 55S1/S2 So} | St ’ t 10 Signal Processing/Modem FIG. 3APatent Application Publication Aug. 10,2023 Sheet 5 of 13 US 2023/0253997 Al 300 21 23. 26 124 Antenna module 1 Radiant element RF Front-end Antenna module N 22 Frequency converter (UP/DOWN) (IF1) 3b DAVAD Converter Control device | (encapsulation/decapsulation)| | Se 3b. 12 Central contro unit 414 Control device (encapsulation/decapsulation) Signal Processing/Modem 10 FIG. 4 1Patent Application Publication Aug. 10,2023 Sheet 6 of 13 US 2023/0253997 Al a 23 22 26 12 20 So ~ Sst = = 300 Remote antenna module Radiant element F So St ¥ RF Front-end $2 ¥ So} St st Frequency converter (UP/DOWN) (IF1)*—_ ¥ So. St y DAVAD Converter So fst S4:.-: Control Device (encapsulation/decapst S3 c1 c2 ~ | Central control unit 114 fion/decapsulation) silts [sa ts Signal Processing/Modem FIG. 44 _Patent Application Publication Aug. 10,2023 Sheet 7 of 13. US 2023/0253997 AL 20. Antenna FIG. 5Patent Application Publication Aug. 10,2023 Sheet 8 of 13 US 2023/0253997 Al Freq. 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IN VEHICLES {0001} The present invention relates to a mobile wireless ‘communication system installed in a vehicle, which uses & plurality of millimeter-wave antenna modules, and, in par ticular, to a method that allows the central unit to select and ‘contol in rel time the antenna or the antennas withthe best ‘conditions of the transceiver chanel 0002] "Currently, 2 communication system called 4G is used for wireless data trafic. In order 10 meet the growing ‘demand for wireless data trafic, efforts are being made to ‘develop a more advanced communication system known as 5G, In order to achieve higher data transmission rates, millimeter-wave (mm) bands have been allocated t0 5G ‘communication systems. However, in such a frequency range, the attenuation due to the propagation of the radio ‘waves ina fre space oto the presence of obstacles is very high. I is therefore necessary to increase the gain of the transceiver antennas in onder to compensate forthe losses ‘and increase the transmission distance of the radio waves, (coverage). For this purpose, different techniques can be used for conditioning the multiple inputs and outputs, such fas beamforming (dynamic modification of the transceiver beam) andor beamsteering (dynamic addressing of the ttansceiver beam), MIMO (Muliple Input Maltiple Out- Put) as Well as other solutions related to coding, modulation, 10003) In vohicles, such as cars, the presence of the Vehicle itself, whiel is typically made of or eouted with metal, causes an impenetrable shielding to electromagnetic waves, and es 10004) U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,767,793 and 6,034,641 disclose nilimeterwave radar antennas for vehicles suitable for detecting the presence of obstacles. However, in such a case, the radar does not need to communicate with «radio base station (BS); therefore no decision is required. as to which radar antenna is to be used because all radar antennas ‘operate simultaneously to detect the presence of obstacles in theie visible range, 0005] In devices that are typically much smaller than @ vehicle, such as, for example, mobile phones (smarphones), handheld devices (tablets), portable electronic computers (notebooks) et, several antennas placed in diferent loca- tions are used and one or more antennas with the best ‘channel quality are chosen, [0006] W02019156468-A1 and VS202000443 14 disclose sensors installed in @ device to select the antenna, such as SGeaxes sensors or touch sensors (capacitive sensors or n= sors with other technologies). However, in these applica- tions, the distance between the control unit and the antennas to be selected andor controled is short (afew centimeter), therefore a communication with the antennas ia a single ‘eleciconi hoard is possible by mun of dedicated traces and sianals with litle oF no compleaity 10007] Tastead, ia vehicles, the length of the connection cables between the central control i ‘antenna modules is sueh (typically more th Aug. 10, 2023 ferent types of solutions are required forthe communi- ‘ation and the selection of the antcanas, [0008] US2018/260015 discloses a conventional antenna system for vehicles, which comprises a plurality f antenna modules. Each module comprises only one antenna of conventional type and not a millimeter wave antenna. Since the modole comprises only one anteans, obviously the sdule does not have an RF Front end capable of executing ‘1 beamfoming or beamsteering to vary the pointing of the ‘beam of the antennas. Without varying the pointing, the antenna gain will be too poor 0 ensure an adequate com- nunieation connestion du tothe high path attenuation that ‘occurs with millimeter-wave signals and not in bands with a lower frequency. Such an antenna system provides for remotely contolling a single phase anda single gain ofeach ‘module, The module does not have aa RF oat end with ‘beamforming that simultansously controls the phase and the agin of several antennas in the module. Such an antenna system opertes at low frequencies, which do not require a Frequency conversion ia order to remotely trasnit analogie signals, as it is necessary for millimeter waves. The system executes an upsdown conversion at an intermediate fe- quency (lower than the frequency of the cartier) for the purpose of @ partial mexlulaion/demodulation in onder 10 redice the necessary transmission and reception band and ‘ot to avercome signal losses de to very high frequencies Such # document discloses a phase and amplitude variation between the diferent antenna modiles located in the vehicle and does aot provide for a beamforming, varying the phase ‘nd amplitude of several anteanas in the same antenna ‘module, 0009} US2018/288763 discloses a millimeter-wave ‘antenna system base on timing for the selection of aa antenna. The individual antenna has no ability to change its beamforming and therefore no control over the antenna module is required. Such a system provides for a switch between the available antennas without any control of the beam of each individaol antenna, without phasing, and ‘without front end capable of executing the beamforming. Despite being mentioned, the beamforming isnot supported by a description of how the beanforming ean be remotely regulated from the central control unit. The antenna modules are elose to eaeh othe, can be easily selected by means of switch (including a mechanical switch) and are close to the ‘contol unit that conteols the modules very’ simply with rect digital connection, Therefore US2018/288763 does not deal with the issue of establishing a control communi- cation from the central ito remote modules connected via coaxial or digital eables (eg: Ethernet). [010] 1S2006/172712 discloses vebicle-mounted non- millimeter wave antenna system. [011] US2019393883 dlscloses a vehicle-mounted digi- fal antenna system. The system does not comprise milime- ter ave antennas, oF a module with an antenna aay, oF an IRF front end capable of executing a beamforming between the antennas of a module, Such a document describes aa analogie control circuitry of the antenna in an anaogic! ital converter that can be placed remotely fom the fntenna array, that is to sy’ after an analogie connection. Sueh a solution is not compatible with millimeter waves because the losses between the antenna structure and the amplifiers contained in the analogie/igital eonverter would be excessive and would severely impair the performance of the mmW system.US 2023/0253997 Al 10012] The purpose ofthe present invention isto eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art by providing an antenna system for radio communications in vehicles that is capable ‘of selecting and controlling, in real time, the antenna oF ‘antennas withthe best conditions of the transceiver channel. [0013] "Another purpose isto provide an antenna system that 18 eficent, effective, reliable, versatile and easy 10 tal [0014] These purposes are achieved according to the ‘invention with the characteristics ofthe independent claims. [0015] Advantageous embodiments of the invention appear from the dependent claims. [0016] |The present invention relates fo an antenna system {or SG communication in vehicles capable of supporting & higher data transmission rete compared t0 a 4G system, as swells 10017] The antenna system according wo the invention ‘comprises at least one antenna module. Hach antenna mod= lle comprises a plurality of radiant elements that use a millimeter wave band. The antenna modules are positioned remotely from a central unit, The radiant elements have @ variable hear, Pach antenna module has an RF front end ‘capable of exccutin.a beamforming on the radiant elements ‘ofa module, The antenna modules can be installed on the vehicle remotely fiom the central contol unit, precisely because of the communication and control system of the modules described in the present patent application. [0018] The ceniral unit is capable of selecting in eal time at least one ridiant clement with the hest conditions of the teansoeiver chanel 10019] In such a way, the selected radiant element can receive and transmit signals with improved performance based on the detection ofthe quality of the signal received from the central nit [0020] Additional fetures of the invention will appear ‘manifest from the following detailed description, which refers to a merely illustrative, nt limiting embodiment, as shown in the appended figures, wherein: [0021] FIG. 1 isa schematic view ofthe antenna system according tothe invention, illustrating a central control unit ‘connected to remote antenna modules located in various parts of a vehicle; 10022] FIG. 2 shows four block diagrams of possible ‘ructures of «remote antenna module ofthe antens system seconding to the invention; 10023] FIG. 24 illustrates a block diagram of a central ‘control unit of the antenna system according to the iaven- tion: 10024] FIG. 3 is a block diguram, illustrating the antenna syslem according to the invention inthe ease of connection between the remote antenna modules and the central control unit via coaxial cables: 10025] FIG. 3A isa block diagram as FIG, 3 illustrating the direction ofthe signals managed by the antenna system ‘acconling to the invention: [0026] FIG. 4 is a block diagram, illustrating the antenna system according tothe invention inthe ease of eonnestion between the remote antenna modi and the central control nit via high-speed digital eables; Aug. 10, 2023 [0027] FIG, 4 is a block diagram as FIG. 4, illustrating the ditcton of the signal managed by the antenna system according tothe invention; [0028] FIG. 5 is a block diagram, illustrating a minimum auvhilectue in the cate ofa igle millimeter wave rant element [0029] FIG. 6 is a block diagram, illustrating the control devices of the system oF FIG. 3 in deal (0030) FIG, 7s Block diagram as FIG , isting the ono devige of the central cont nit in deta [0031] FIG. 7A is a block diagram as FIG. 7, illustrating 4 variant ofthe contol device ofthe cet ont i (0032) FIG. 8 isa Hock diagram, ilustatng in detail dhe oto devices ofthe eenal nit and ofa remote antenna during dal transisson fom the central ni othe emote senna; {0033} "FIGS. 9nd 10 arewo eek diagrams illustrating {wo possible connestioncoafipuraons of remote antennas {othe cent unit in the ease of digital transnsson (0034) With eference to the Figues, the antenna system aecoring tothe invention is disclosed, which i generally indicated with reference numeral (100). (0035) With reference o FIG. 1, the system (100) com rites a central control ait (1) connected ta plurality of Feioteatenna modules 2) leat in various postions in a vehicle (200) and connected to the central control unit (1) ‘in conta or digital cables. [0036] |The system (100) is installed on the vehicle (200), therefore sof gna transite fom the system (100) tora base radio salon (oplink) and ows of signal trans mitted from the base radio station to the system (100) (Govwalink) are consider [0037] The future mobile communication technology, ‘which s commonly kaown as 6 (an evolution of the LTE through he 3GPP boy), provides for wsing limeter-vave tends in onder to incense the bandwidis available for ‘assve data transmission, Specially the FR2 band covers 2425 GHz 10 52.6 GHz, At these freuencis, the path tnuation of the milimeter waves inthe Tee space Is extremely high. [0038] Therefore, the remote antenna modules (2) com- Prise highrasin antes with narrow Boum tht can be Synamically addressed using special echnigues, ste asthe beam [0040] The remote antenna modules (2) can use types of Antenna with different radiative charaUS 2023/0253997 Al ‘ther full horizon field antennas (2") located in an area with a wide view of the horizon, sueh as for example a central part of the vehicle rot [00d] With reference wo FIG. 2, the remote antenna modules (2) may comprise different types of antenna mod- ules (2a, 26). Fach antenna module comprises: [0042] a plurality of radiant elements (20) suitable for receiving and transmitting a millimeter wave signal: [0043] an RF front end (21) comprising a circuitry for ‘managing the signal transmitted or received by the radiant element andthe beamsteoring beamforming functionality of the radiant elements (20); 044) a control interface (22) for connecting the antenna module 2) to an electrical cable (3), such as 2 coaxial ora digital eable 10045] Advantageously, the radiant elements (20) of each moddole are aranged in an aray. The radiant elements (20) have a variable bean [0046] The antenna modules (2a, 26) have several radiant ‘elements (20) that ean he powered in such a way to vary the ‘module and phase ofthe radiation beams. In such acase, the RF front ends (21) are complex because they must be ‘capable of handling a beamforming/beamstering [0047] The antenna module (2a) has an RF front end (21) that handles a beamforming/beamstecring of analog ‘ype: instead, the antenna module (24) has an RF front end (21) that handles a beam foming/beamsteering of digital typ. [0048] Moreover, the remote antenna modules (2) may ‘comprise antenna modes provided with RP front ends for handing a hybrid beamforming/beamsteering realized with 2 mixed digitalanalogie method 10049] | With reference to FIG. 24, the central control unit (1) comprises a signal processor (10), sue as a modem connected to 4 control interface (12) for connecting the ‘central contol tnt (1) to the electri cable (3) 10050] Due to the distance between the remote antenna ‘modules (2) and the central contol unit (1), a number of measures are required on the control interfaces (12, 22) of the central control unit (1) and of the remote antenna modules (2). In particular, the contol interfaces (12, 22) are ‘configured in such a way to permit a ansmission, over the ‘locrical cable (3), of input and output data signals and of ‘control signals suitable for coniroling the control interface (22) and the RF front end 21) ofthe remote antenna mode. 10051} _ FIG. 3 shows the anteana system (100) wherein the ‘connection between the remote antenna modules (2) and the ‘entral control unit (1) is via coaxial eables (8a). 10052] The contra contol unit (1) comprises signal processor (10), such asa modem, and control interface (12) ‘connected t0 the signal processor (10) and to the coaxial ‘ables (3a) connected t the remote antenna modules 2), 10083] The remote antenna module 2) comprises 0054] a plurality of radiant elements (20) with variable ‘eam an of millimeter wave Type, [0058] an RF front end (21) capable of executing a ‘beamforming between the radiant elements, and [0056] control interface (22) 10057] The control interface (22) comprises a frequency ‘converter (23) and a control device (24), [0058] "The frequency converter (23) is connected wo the RF front end (21) and to the control device (24). 10089] "The frequency converter (23) allows forthe trans- mission via the coaxial eable (3a) of an input data signal (S0) (FIG. 3A) received from the antenna module. In Lact, Aug. 10, 2023 the coaxial cable (Ba) can be very long (more than ‘wo smeters) and, consequently, it can introduce a considerable attenvation on signals in the frequency band of the mil ricer waves, while i will introduce @ much lower atten: ation on signals at an intermediate frequency (IF) of a few Gt. [0060] Adtionally, the frequency converter (23) converts the frequency of an output data signal (St) (FIG. 3A) that will be transmitted by the antenna module, [0061] Therefore, the frequency converter (23) converts ‘an inp data signal (SO) (FIG. 3A) at millimeter frequencies received by the radiant clement (20) into data signal t a fist intermediate frequency (IF1) comprised between 1 GHiz and 6 Gllz depending on the signal bandwith and converts ‘an output data sigoal (Si) from the signal processor (10) at the fist intermediate frequency (IPA), or at anotber IF within the same frequency band, into a data signal at millimeter frequencies in order to be an, [0062] In addition tothe input and output data sins ($0, Si) coming fiom and directed to the drequency converter (23), control signals ($1, 82) coming from the signal pro- cessor (10) of the central contol unit are conveyed on the same evaxial cable (3a) in order to conteol the frequency converter (23) and the RF front end (21), respectively. The control signals (S1, $2) comprise low complexity signals fad high complexity signals. [0063] The low complexity signals are used to choose between a power amplifier (PA) in transmission and a low ‘noise amplifier (LNA) in reception, as shown in FIG. 5. [0064] Instead, the high complexity signals are used to control an RF frontend (21) capable of handling an analogic beamforming, such as in the case of the antenna module (Qa), of an RF front end (21) capable of handing digital beamforming, such as in the ease of the antenns module @y [065] In the case of an analogie beamforming, the high ‘complexity contol signals are used to control a network of phase shifters and power amplifiers (PA) or low noise Amplifiers (LNA) that are necessary for the analogic beam- {forming functionality [0066] In case oa digital beamforming, the high com- plexity control signals are used to control digital beam- Torming stage that typically comprises controllable phase shifters, amplitude (weight) controls of the signals eaming from each sub-antenna in the aay, frequency converters, DIA and A/D converters, clack control, adaptive filters. ee [0067] ‘The control interface (12) ofthe central contol unit (1) comprises a contol device (14) that communicates with ‘a control device (24) provided in the control interface (22) ‘ofthe remote antenna module (2) to cary the contol signals (GI, $2) on the same coaxial cable (3a) whereon also the Input and output data signals (SO, St) converted at the frst intermediate frequency (IFH) are transmitted. [0068] ‘The contol device (14) of the central contro! unit ‘onssis of a frequeacy converter of UP type capable of ‘converting the control signals (S1, $2) at second interme- awe frequency (IF2) different from the first intermediate Frequency (IF1) used forthe transmission ofthe data signals (80, S0. For illustrative purposes, the second intermediate frequency (IF2) can be comprised in the range between 0.1 GHz anal 1 GH. in such a way. no interference is generated between the inpt and output date signals (SO, St) and the control signals (S1, $2)US 2023/0253997 Al [0069] The control deviee (14) ofthe central contol unit (1) comprises a transceiver (41) for converting the control signals coming from the signal processor (10) into the second intermediate feyuency IF2 10070] The contro device (24) of the antenna module (2) js. a DOWN frequency converter suitable for converting the ‘contol signals (S1, $2) from the second intermediate fre ‘quency (IF2) to a lower frequeney in order to control the Jrequency converter (23) and the RF front end (21), More- ‘over, the contr deviee (24) of the antenna module inter- pres the contol signals (S1, $2) and acts accordingly on the frequency converter (23) and the RF front end (21), Par this purpose, the control device (24) of the antenna module ‘Comprises a transceiver that converts the signals fom the second intermediate frequency IF2 and a loge deview, such fs a microcontroller or an ASIC or an FPGA. 10074] Additionally, the remote antenna modules (2) must be electrically powered via the same coaxial cable (3a) used Tor the passage of data and contol signals. Therefore, the ‘entra contol unit (1) andthe remote antenna module (2) ‘comprise respective power supply blocks (1S, 25) that are in ‘communication with each other via the coaxial cable (32) ‘The power supply block (28) of the antenna module is ‘capable of recovering the diet current (DC) power from the coaxial able 3a), without disturbing the high frequency signals (SO, St, SI. 2) that travel on the coaxial eable atthe Jntermediate frequencies IPL and IF2 10072] The eonieol interface (12) ofthe central control unit (1) comprises a plurality of DAVAD converter units (16) ‘wherein each DAVAD converter unit (16) is connected to 3 respective remote antenna module (2). Fach DAYAD con- verter assembly (16) comprises an digital analogie (DA) ‘converter and an analogic digital (AD) converter. 10073] Since the system (100) comprises several remote antenna modules (2), its possible to select a single remote Antenna module at time, or to combine the signal received fom sever emote antenna modules by means of digital or analogie methods, i. antenna array or diversity or MIMO techniques of various type (amplitude andlor phase mixing ‘of several signals cared out in analogieor digital via DSP), In its simplest version, the selection of an antenna is performed by detecting the signal level (RSSI) of each ‘antenna and obviously choosing the antenna thit provides, the highest signal level (at the highest power). 10074) With reference to FIG. 3A, during reception, the ‘input data signal ($0) picked up by the radiant element (20) ist be sont tothe signal processor (10). For this purpose, the radiant element (20) picks up a millimeter-wave input data signal (S0) that s amplified and routed on a corect path by the RF front end (21), The input data signal (SO) i seat to the frequency converter (23) inorder to be converted to the first intermediate frequency (IF1) and introduced onto the coaxial cable (3a) that cartes the input data signal (SO) wan AD converter of the converter unit (16) ofthe eental ‘control unit which digitzes the input data signal (SO) and fends it to the signal processor (10). Obviously, the con- verter (16) must be eapable of sampling the input data signal (S0) atthe frst intermediate frequency. [0075] During transmission, the output data signal (St) From the signal processor (10) must be sent tothe radiant ‘element (20) in order to be iransmitod in the ethor. For this purpose, the signal processor (10) outputs the output data fignal (St) in a digital format, The converter unit (16) ‘converts the output data signal (St) from digital to analouie Aug. 10, 2023 ata first intermediate frequency IF, Obviously, the eon- Yerter unit (16) must have a DA converter capable of making te conversion atthe fis intermediate frequency (IF). The ‘output data signal (Seat the fist intermediate frequency IPL is transmitted over the coaxial cable (3a) and reaches the frequency coaverier (28) of the remote antenna module 2) tat converts it a millimeter frequeneies. The output data signal (St) at msilimetee frequencies is amplified and routed by the RF front end to the radiant element (20) which transmits it into the eer [0076] ‘The contol signals ($1, $2) are generated by the signal processor (10) and are sent tothe control device (14) Of the ental contol mit which converts them toa second intermediate frequency (IF2) and introduces them in the coaxial eable (8a). The contol signals (1, $2) atthe second Intermediate frequency (IF2) each the control device (24) of te remote antenna module and are converted 10 a lower Frequency suitable for controlling the fequency converter (23) and the RF frontend (21, respectively. [0077] _ power supply signal (A) is sent on the coaxial Cable (34) from the power supply block (18) to the power supply block (28) which powers all the ative deviees ofthe remote antenna module (2). [0078] The power block (25) of the remote antenna mod- ‘ule (2) sends diagnostic signal (4) indicating the status of te power block 28) tothe contol device (24). The contol device (24) convers the diagnosis signal (S4) wo the second {termediate frequency 1F2,Insuich a case the control device 24) must have an UP converter 10 transfer the diagnosis signal (S4 to the second intermediate frequency (IF2). The agnosis signal ($4) at the second intermediate frequency (QF is sent via the coaxial eable (3a) to the contro! device (18) ofthe central contol unit (1) which converts iC 10 a ower frequency and sends it to the signal processor (10) hich deteots any anomalies ofthe power supply. Therefore the control device (14) of the central contol unit must provide fora DOWN frequency converter in onder to lower the frequency of the diagnosis signal ($4). [0079]. The control signals that travel from the central control unit (1) tothe remote antenna module (2) comprise 4 power contol signal ($8) which must reach the power block (25) ofthe remote antenna module, The power contol signal (SS) follows the same path a the contol signals (SL $2) and travels from the contol unit (24) to the power block 5), [0080] With reference to FIG. 6 the control device (4) of the contal control unit comprises Togie device (40) which receives the contol signals (S1, $2, $8) coming from the signal processor (10). The logie device (40) processes and encepstlates the contol signals (St, $2, SS) into an encape Sulated signal (C3) that is sent toa transceiver (41) which ouverts this encapsulated signal (C3) to the second inter ‘mediate Fequency (1F2). The encapsulate signal (C3) athe second intermediate frequency (IF2) pases trough a low pass filter (42) suitable for blocking the first intermediate frequency IFT present on the coaxial cable (3a) and is then sont to mixer (43) where itis mixed with the output data signal (St) atthe fist intermediate frequency (IF1). Option- ally, the contol devive (14) of the central control unit comprises high-pass filter (44) suitable for blocking the second intermediate frequency 1F2 present on the coaxial ‘able (3a) before reaching the converter unit (16). [0081] "A mixed signal (M) comprising the encapsulated ‘inal (C3) and the output data signal (St s output frm theUS 2023/0253997 Al nixer (48). Such a mixed sigs sent on the coaxial eable (Ga) and reaches deminer (80) provided inthe contol unit (24) of the emote antenna module {0082} The demixer (80) separates the encopsutd signal (C3) atthe second intermodiate fequeney (1F2) from the ‘pot data signal (St) at the fit intermediate froguency “The encapsulated signal (C3) atthe second intermediate frequency (F2) fom the deminer (50) posses throwah Jow:pis filer (2) which blocks the fst intermediate regency IFT and reoches a tamciver (58) ofthe contol device of the anteana mode. The tanseeiver ($3) retums the eneapeulated signal (C3) tote baseband and seas ito a logie device (84) which decapsulats the conte! signals (st, 82,85). 10083} Oprionlly, the conto! device (24 ofthe emote antenna modle may comprise high-pass filer (1) to block the second intermediate frequency IF tthe outpot of the deminer (30) 10084] Wi reference t FIG. 7, in ease of more than one Femote antenna modules (2), the encapsulated signal (3) at the second intermediate frequeney (12) from the only transceiver (41) ofthe contol device ofthe central contol unit is mixed withthe ouput data signal (St) atthe fist Jntermediate frequency (IF1) from each DA converter of the ‘converter Unit (16) sd Uke mixed signal (M) 8 seat on the respotive coal cable Ba) conneta 1 the respective ‘atenna. In sich a case there will be a numberof low-pass fers (42) and of mixers (48) equal to the number of sautennas 2) 10085} FIG. 7A itlstraes a contol device (4) of the ‘ena conto nit comprising number of tansovivers $1) ‘equal to the mmber of antennas (2). Each tanseeiver (41) ‘tru the encapsulated signal (C3) atthe soond itenme> ‘ite frequency (1F2) which is mined withthe outpat data Sianal (St) atthe fist intermediate fegueney (FI) fom ‘each DA converter of the converter unit (16) 10086) FIG. 4 iusvates a second embodiawent of an antenna system (300) based onthe transmission of signals ‘over digital cables (3), such as, for example, Biheret Cables. Fach remote anteana module (2) comprises at east ‘oe adn element (20), an RF oat end (21) and consol dnterface (22) 10087] The consol interface 22) comprises a feguency ‘converter (23), a DAVAD converter unit 26) and 2 contol device (124). [0088] The DAJAD converter unit (26) comprises di talto-analogic (DA) converter and an snafogic toil (AD) converter suitable for making the analogc signals suitable fora digital transmission and vice ves 10089] The central control wit (1) comprises signal processor (10) and a conto interlace (12) comprising & eontol device (14). 10090] The contol device (124) ofthe antenna module s ‘table for including als the diagnostic signal (S8) ofthe stausof the contol deviee (124 in thew of the inp data Signi (S0). The compl device (114) ofthe cena eongol Uniti suitable for incloig also the contol signals SI, S2, 4) used to contol the frequency converter (23), the RE Frontend (21) andthe DAVAD converte unit in the lw of the ouput daa signal (8 10091] The cont device (124) ofthe antenna module is able wo separate the output data signal (8) fem the consol Aug. 10, 2023 signals (S1, $2, 82), The contol device (14) ofthe ental contol unis ableto separate the pt data signal (S0) fom the diagnosis signal 4) [0092] For socha purpose, the contol device (124) ofthe nteana module comprincs digital transmission conte Seralizeridesriaizer capable of eacapslaingdecapat- lating snd digi signals, and & computing tit (em a conte, ASIC oe FPGA) for managing the devices the ants move {0093} The contol device (114) ofthe central conto wit comprises digital teansmission conelles and soriaizors! escilizers capable of encapsulating dscpsnlating digital siunals. {0094} ‘The input data signal ($0), the output data signal (Si the contol signals (SI, S2, $3) and the diognoss signal (G4 travel on he digital eable (94) and are ranseeived from the remote antenna mode (2) to te ental contol wn by means of a diect communication between the to conto devices (114 124) othe emote antenna modi and fF the central contol 10095] "The contol device (114 of the eental cont uit Js icetly connected wit the signal processor (10). [0096]. In the case of connection of the antenna modules {2)to the central eon unit by means of digital eables (3) Some poles of thedigitaleable (3) ean be dicate to carry the DC power supply, avoiding the need for the power supply blocks (28, 18) shown in FIG. 3. [0097] With reference to FIG. 4A, daring eception, tho {put data signal (S0) picked up by te radi element (20) rust bo seu to the sgl processor (10) Foe such a purpose, {he input dae signal (S0) st millimeter frequency is piked upby the radiot element (20) ands set othe RF frontend {2a whic amplitis an souts it. The input data signal (80) Js converted by the frequency converter (23) Irom the nillimeter frequency 10 an intemediate Irequency’ (FI) comprised berwsen 01 GHizand 6 Giz. Thon hein ta Signal (SO) digitized by an AD coaverter ofthe coaerter unit 26) {0098} The control device (124) encapsulates the input data signal ($0) together with the dans signal ($8) sn a Gait communication protocol, soa to obtain an eacap- sulted signal (C1, {0099} ‘The contol device (124) transmits said encaps- Jnted siynal (C1 Composed ofthe input data signal ($0) nd the diagnosis signal (4) in digital format on the digital cable (40). Thea, te encapsulated signal (C1) in dial Tormat reaches the contol deviee (114) of the central unit ‘which decapaute it 0 obtain th input data signal (80) Thich is set to the signal processor (10) [0100] Dusing transmission, the output dat signal (0) fiom the signal processor (10) mst be sent t the radiant cement (2) in der tobe tse in the ete Fortis Purpose, th signal processor (10) outputs the outpot deta Signal Sina digital format. The conto device (114) ofthe central conto! unit encapsblates the output data signal (S0) ‘withthe contol signals (St, 82, $3) ia onder tw abtain an encapsulated signal (C2) which is tansmited on the cit cable (36) The encapsulated signal (C2) is recived by the contol dovige (124 ofthe remote antenna module and is decapsulated in such a way to obain the output data signal (Sé) in cigital format, The output data signal (St) in itl Tormat is teat a DA converter of the converter Unit 26) which converts itt analogie. The analogie output data Signal (St) is converted millimeter fequeacy by theUS 2023/0253997 Al frequency converter (23). The output data signal (S0) at millinter frequencies is amplified and routed by the RE Froat end 21) to the radiant element (20) which ransanits it into the ether. {0101} The conto signals (SI, S2, $3) are generated by the signal pressor (10) in digital format and ae seat othe eontol device (114) ofthe ental contol unit which encap- sults them together wit the outpt data signal (S) in order to obtsin the eneepvlatd signal (C2) which i transmitted ‘on the digital cable (34). The encapsulated signal (C2) (Comprising the output data signal (St) and the contol Signals (SI, S2, SY) i received bythe contol device 128) ‘ofthe remote antenna mesdle which decapsulates the signal in order wo obain the digital conto signs (S1, $2, $3) to eontrol the frequency converier (23), the RE oat end 21) fan the DAVAD converter unit (26), respectively. {0102} The power signal (A) waves from the contol ‘device (14) ofthe ental contol unit the conte device (024 ofthe remove tenn mole in order w power al he ‘active devices of the romote antenna mes {0103} A diguuosis inal (4) i use to iafonn the signal processor (10) about the status ofthe contr device (128) fad abou the situs of the entire remote anteas module “The diagnosis signal ($4) is of digital ype and is naps Jnted together wih the inp dat signal ($0)by scans ofthe control device (124) ofthe remote antenna mesvle in onder to obtain the encapsulated siznal (C1). Then, the encapsi- Javed signal (C1) is tans via the digital eable (3) and is eveived bythe contol devie (114) ofthe cenal contol Unit which decapsulates i in onder to obtin the disgnosis anal (S4) in dig format which is sent 10 the signal processor (10) todstct the stats ofthe contol device (124) fd the stats ofthe entre remove antenna osule 10104) FIG. 8 illostates s block diagram inthe case of iit teansmission from the contol device (14) of the fexnl contol unit (1) to the comm device (124) of a remove antenaa mosile Q). {0105} The cont! device (14) ofthe central contol unit (1) comprises an encodingldccoding logis (1S) seize! ‘deseilizer (116), a clock recovery/phaselocked. loop (PLL) cineit 117) and line drivers (118). The central onto! uit (1 eomprises a clock generator (119) connected tothe PLL (117) so thi the PLL can generat a clock signal (Se) which is sent tothe serialize (116). 10106) The eon! device (124 of the antenna module 2) ‘compris line devers (128), a desedalizersersizer (126) ‘clock recovery PLL deviee (127) and « decodinglcoding Iogie (25). {0107} The encoding loge (118) ofthe contol device of the cea contol mit receives, processes and encodes the ‘output dats signal (Sand the contol signals (St, 82, 83) ‘eoming fom the signal processor (10). The encoded signals fae sent to the serialize (116) whee they ae queued in @ Single high-speed data flow togetber withthe eloek signal (Se) that at as synchronization time relerence {0108} The queued signals (St, SI, $2, 3) are wansmited by the line driver (118) on the digital eable (30) 10109], The high-speed signal Now is recived and possibly amplified by the fine drivers (128) ofthe contol device of the remote antenna module, and the closk signal (Se) is recovered by the cloek recovery device (127) and sent othe ‘Seserilzer (126) in ode o deserialize the signal Now. The flow of deserialized signals is sent (© the decoding logic Aug. 10, 2023 (125) wherein the output data signal (S0) and the contol signals (S1, 82, $8) are decapsulated and routed on the relevant buses. [0110] The input data signal ($0) and any other control signals may flow in the opposite direction with respect tothe ‘one indicated in FIG. 8, tht is to say. from the contol device (124) of the remote antenna module to the control device (114) of the central contro! unit by reversing the operation of the various devices from the control device (124) of the remote antenna module to the control devive (114). [0111] In such a case the decoding/encoding logic (125) ‘operates as encoding logic, the deserialzerserializer (126) ‘opertes as serializer, the line drivers (128) introduce the signals in the digital cable (3), she line drivers (118) receive the signals from the digital eable (34), the serializerideser- alizer (116) operates as deserializer and the devoding/en- coding logie (115) operates as decoder. [0112] With reference to FIG. 9, all the remote antenna Imoxlules (2) receive the signals (St, Sl, $2, $3, Se) vis respective digital cables (3h) connected to single shared {data bs (R) that comes out ofthe fine drivers (118) of the ‘canto devive (114) ofthe central contol unit, Similarly, all the remote antenna modules (2) transmit the input data signal (S0) and any contrl signals via the respective digital cables (34) on the shared data bus (B). [0113] "In such a case, the various signals traveling on the shared data bus (B) have an addressing (shared band). Hence, the idemificaion of the correct senderireceiver is performed by means of transmission protocol headers inserted by respective contol devices (114, 124) which encapsulate the signals tobe sent on the shared data bus (B). [0114] With reference to FIG. 10, all the remote antenna vodules (2) eeviveltransmit signals via respective digital cables (35) connected to respective dedivated data buses GBI, Bn) coming out of the line divers (118) of the control device (114) of the central control uni [0115] "Insuch a case cach remote antenna module (2) has its own dedicated data bus (dedicated bandwidth). There- ‘ore, there is no ambiguity between the transmitter and the receiver and the bandwidth limitations due to the digital ‘communication protocol for very high speed data signals are avoided. [0116] By means of CST and HESS, the applicant has carried out simulations of the antenna systems (100; 300) ia ‘laboratory and integrated on vehicle pars inorder to assess their performance. The beamforming performances of the IF frontend (21) have been measured and characterized by means of ICs dedicated for this purpose, and the RF front end (21) has been controlled by means of an especially programmed FPGA. [0117]. ‘The simulations have shown that a beamforming of | the radiant elements of module is necessary and that sich beamforming can be controlled by a control signal ($2) ‘coming from the central contol unit (1). 1. Antenna system for midio mobile communications in vehicles comprising at least one remote antenna module connected with a cable toa central contrl unit ‘wherein said remote antenna module comprises ‘at Teast one radiant element suitable for receiving! transmitting an inpuvoutput data signal ‘an RF frontend suitable for amplifying. dephasing and routing sid inpuvouipat data signals; and ‘control interface connected to std RF frontend and to said cableUS 2023/0253997 Al ‘wherein said central contol unit comprises: sigma processor, and 4 control interface connected to said signal processor ‘and Wo said ables ‘wherein said control intrface of the remote antenna ‘module und suid control interface ofthe central control unit are suitably configured to transmit said input! ‘utpat data signals and said control signals over said cable in order to contol sad contol interface ofthe remote anteana module; ‘wherein said remote antenna module comprises plurality ff radiant elements with a variable beara that are Configured for eceiving/ransmitting signals st milli= meter waves (mmW) higher than 20 GHz; and ‘wherein said RF front end is configured for receiving a control signal from the central control unit and execut- ing a beamforming of ssid plurality of radiant elements ofa single remote antenna module 2. The antenna system of elaim 1, wherein said plurality ‘of radiant elements of a remote antenna module eomprises fn array of radiant elements ‘3. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein said contol Jmerface of the remote antenna module comprises a fre- ‘quency converter that receives the input data signal at millimeter waves and converts i nto an input data signal at first intermediate frequeney lower than the millimeter ‘waves in such a way to send it over the cable, and that receives the outpat data signal ata frequency lower than the rillimeter waves and converts it into an output data signal at mmW in such a way o send itt the radiant element. 4. The antenna system of claim 3, wherein said cable isa ‘coaxial eable and sid contol interface ofthe central contol unit eomprises a DAVAD converter unit comprising: ‘an AD converter to convert from analogic to digital said input data signal at said first intermediate frequency coming from the frequency converter and traveling (ver said coaxial cable; and DA converter to coavert from digital to analogie sid ‘tpt data signal coming from said signal processor at ‘sid frst intermediate frequency in order to be sent to Sid frequency converter over the cowxial cable, $. The antenna system of claim 4, wherein suid contol interface of the ceatral control unit comprises @ control device connected with the coaxial cable to a contol device ‘of suid contol interface of the antenna module, wherein the contol device of the central contol unit ‘comprises an UP frequency converter to convert con ‘rol Signals coming ftom said signal processor at a second intermediate frequency diferent from the Fist intermediate frequency, and the contol deviee of the fnteana module comprises « DOWN frequency con verter to convert contol signals coming from said control device of the central control unit into control Signals at @ lower frequency suitable for controlling ‘tid raqueney converter and said RP front end 6. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein said central ‘contol unit comprises a power supply block connected with ‘id coaxial eable to a power supply block of said antenna module that powers the active componeats of said antenna module 7. (canceled) Aug. 10, 2023 8, The antenna system of claims 1, wherein said cable is a igital cable and ssid contol interfaces ofthe cental conto} init and of the remote antenna module comprise conto! ‘devices suitable for encapsulating digital signals in order send them to said digital cable and for decapstlating digital Signals coming from said digital cable, 9. The antenna system of claim 8, wherein said contol interface ofthe remote antenna module comprises & DAAD converter unit connected to said frequency converter and 10 Said contol device, said DA/AD converter unit comprising ‘an AD converter 10 convert ino digital said input data signal atthe frst intermediate frequency coming from the fre- ‘quency converter, and a DA converter to convert into ‘nalogic said output data signal coming from the contol vice of the remote antenna module 10. The antenna system of claim 9, wherein said contol vice of the remote antenna module is suitably configured Tor encapsulating the input data signal with a diagnosis signal coming from said contol deviee in such a way t0 ‘obtain a first encapsulated signal to be sent over the digital ‘able, and ssid control device of the central contol unit is suitably configured for decapsulating sid first encapsulated signal in such @ way to obtain said input data signals and agnosis sina ‘wherein said control device of the central contr unit is suitably configured for encapsulating the output data signal with control signals coming from said signal processor in such a way to obtain a second encapst- lated signal to he sent over the digital eable, and said ‘contol device ofthe remote antenna module is suitably ‘configured for decapsolating said second encapsulated sianal in soch a way to obiain said output data signal and said contol signals in order to control said fre- quency converter, said RF front end and said DAVAD 11, The antenna system of claim, wherein the contol device of the central control unit comprises a coding! casing logic, a serializerdeseralizer, a clock recovery! phase lek loop (PLL) and line divers the central conto] unit comprises a clock generator con- ‘nected t0 the PLL in such a way that the PLL can ‘penerate a clock signal that is sent tothe serializer; and the control device of the antenna module comprises Hine divers, a deserializer/serializer, a clock recovery/PLL device and a decoding/coding logic. 12, The antenna system of claim 5, wherein said central ‘control unit comprises a power supply Block connected with suid coaxial cable toa power supply block of said antenna ‘mode that powers the active components of said antenna ‘module 13. The antenna system of claim 12, wherein suid power supply block of the antenna module is connected t0 said control device of the antenna mode to send a diagnosis Signa indicative ofthe stats of said power supply block of the antenna module, and said control device of the antenna ‘moslale comprises an UP frequency converter to convert said ‘anos signal coming fom the power supply block into a agnosis signal at said second intermediate frequency in ‘order fo be sent aver the eoaxial cable, and the control device fof the central control unit comprises @ DOWN frequency converter f0 convert the diagnosis signal from the second ‘ntemdiate frequency to. stable frequency in onder to be sent to aid signal processor.