JP5652061B2 - Antenna, communication module, and communication system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an antenna, a communication module, and a communication system, and is suitable for application to, for example, transmitting and receiving data at high speed.

  Conventionally, in a system for transferring data between devices, for example, a device of several Gbps or more conforming to a standard such as Serial ATA 2 (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment 2: hereinafter referred to as SATA 2) or PCI Express (Peripheral Component Interconnect). When data communication is performed between the apparatuses, the apparatuses are connected by wire, for example, via a cable.

  In such data communication, when the communication speed is as high as several Gbps, the connection terminal of the cable and the connector to which the cable is connected are subjected to, for example, highly conductive gold plating. Enables high-speed communication.

  By the way, in the communication system mentioned above, when one side is a portable media terminal, for example, since the cable is inserted and removed every time data communication is performed, there is a high possibility that the gold plating applied to the connection terminal and the connector is peeled off.

  Once the gold plating is peeled off, the connection status between the connectors deteriorates, and there is a problem that data cannot be transmitted / received stably at high speed, or data cannot be transmitted / received in some cases.

  On the other hand, in recent years, data communication between apparatuses has been performed by wireless communication (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-225265 A

  By the way, it is considered that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by replacing the devices connected by wire with wireless communication and performing high-speed data communication such as several Gbps.

  In addition to high-speed data communication at several Gbps, wireless communication for other purposes can be considered between apparatuses that perform wireless communication.

  In such a case, in each apparatus, a high-speed data communication antenna and an antenna for use in other applications must be separately provided, resulting in a problem that the apparatus becomes large.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and intends to propose an antenna, a communication module, and a communication system that can be miniaturized while performing two different wireless communications.

In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, an antenna is a differential comprising two antenna elements of a predetermined length that are arranged symmetrically with respect to a reference line and are given a voltage of opposite polarity. A flat patch antenna in which a feeding point is provided in a region sandwiched between a linear plane and a plane on which a differential linear antenna is arranged and which passes through an extension line of an antenna element and is perpendicular to the plane. And a conductive shielding frame that is disposed on a plane on which the differential linear antenna is disposed, surrounds the differential linear antenna, and is grounded to the ground, and a part thereof is connected to the shielding frame and the patch antenna, A shielding frame and a shielding pillar formed in a cage shape so as to surround the patch antenna .

In the present invention, the communication module is a differential linear antenna comprising two antenna elements of a predetermined length that are arranged symmetrically with respect to a reference line and are given a voltage of opposite polarity. A flat patch antenna that is arranged in parallel with the plane on which the differential linear antenna is arranged, and that has a feeding point in a region sandwiched between virtual planes that are perpendicular to the plane through the extension line of the antenna element, and differential A conductive shielding frame that is arranged on a plane on which the linear antenna is arranged, surrounds the differential linear antenna, and is grounded to the ground, and a part thereof is connected to the shielding frame and the patch antenna. an antenna and a shield pillars formed in a cage shape so as to surround the patch antenna, so that a differential linear antenna is positioned in an upper layer than the patch antenna, and a substrate on which the antenna is disposed.

Furthermore, in the present invention, there is provided a communication system comprising a storage device and a dock, the storage device being arranged symmetrically with respect to a storage medium for storing data and a reference line, and having a reverse polarity voltage. A differential linear antenna consisting of two antenna elements of a given length and a plane parallel to the plane on which the differential linear antenna is disposed, and sandwiched between virtual planes extending through the antenna element and perpendicular to the plane. A plate-like patch antenna in which a feeding point is provided in the region, a conductive shielding frame disposed on a plane on which the differential linear antenna is disposed, surrounding the differential linear antenna, and grounded to ground, A first antenna having a shielding frame and a patch antenna, a part of which is connected to the shielding frame and a shielding column formed in a cage shape so as to surround the shielding frame and the patch antenna ; It has the same shape as the antenna 2 and a housing portion on which a storage medium is installed so that the first antenna and the second antenna face each other at a very short distance. The differential linear antennas perform non-contact communication, and the patch antennas in the first and second antennas perform non-contact communication.

  As a result, voltages of opposite polarities are fed to the two antenna elements of the differential linear antenna, respectively, so that the polarities have the same effect on the patch antenna, so that they are offset and hardly interfere with each other. Since the radio wave emitted from the patch antenna also affects the two antenna elements almost equally, the influence is offset by obtaining the difference between the voltages received by the two antenna elements. The patch antennas can communicate with each other without interfering with each other.

  As described above, according to the present invention, voltages having opposite polarities are fed to the two antenna elements of the differential linear antenna, respectively, so that the polarities cancel each other because they have the same influence on the patch antenna. Since the radio wave emitted from the patch antenna has almost the same effect on the two antenna elements with almost no interference, the influence of the two antenna elements is canceled by obtaining the difference between the received voltages. In addition, the differential linear antenna and the patch antenna can perform communication without interfering with each other, and thus an antenna, a communication module, and a communication system that can be miniaturized while performing two different wireless communications can be realized.

It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a data transfer system. It is a basic diagram which shows the external appearance structure of a dock. It is a basic diagram which shows the external appearance structure of a memory | storage device. It is a basic diagram which shows the mode of fixation of the communication module in a memory | storage device. It is a basic diagram which shows the external appearance structure of a communication module. It is a basic diagram which shows the positional relationship between communication modules when a memory | storage device is mounted in the dock. It is a basic diagram which shows the basic structure of an antenna. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of an antenna. It is a basic diagram which shows the connection of an antenna and a board | substrate. It is a basic diagram which shows the feed point in embodiment. It is a graph which shows the amount of interference from the differential linear antenna of the antenna in an embodiment to a patch antenna. It is a graph which shows the amount of interference from the patch antenna in an embodiment to a differential linear antenna. It is a basic diagram which shows the feed point provided in the corner of a patch antenna. It is a graph which shows the amount of interference from a differential linear antenna to a patch antenna when a feeding point is provided at a corner of the patch antenna. It is a graph which shows the amount of interference from a patch antenna to a differential linear antenna when a feeding point is provided at a corner of the patch antenna. It is a basic diagram which shows the electric constitution of a personal computer. It is a basic diagram which shows the outline of the electrical constitution of a communication unit. It is a basic diagram which shows the detail of the electrical constitution of a communication unit. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a transmission LSI and a reception LSI. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a differential transmission circuit and a differential reception circuit. It is a basic diagram which shows the received voltage with respect to each position shift of a X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis direction. It is a graph which shows the receiving voltage with respect to each position shift in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions when eight antennas are arranged in the X-axis direction. It is a graph which shows the relationship between an amplification factor and a received voltage. It is a graph which shows an amplification factor and the distance between antennas. It is a basic diagram which shows the functional structure of a microcomputer. It is a graph which shows the relationship between an amplification factor and jitter. It is a flowchart which shows the position control processing procedure by the microcomputer of a dock. It is a flowchart which shows the position control processing procedure by the microcomputer of a memory | storage device. It is a basic diagram which shows the spacer (1) provided between the communication modules in other embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the spacer (2) provided between the communication modules in other embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure (1) of the communication unit in other embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure (2) of the communication unit in other embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of the communication module in other embodiment.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention will be described. The description will be in the following order.
1. Embodiment 2. FIG. Other embodiments

<1. Embodiment>
[1. Data transfer system configuration]
FIG. 1 shows a data transfer system 1 according to the present embodiment. The data transfer system 1 includes a communication unit 2 and a personal computer 3. The communication unit 2 includes a dock 10 and a storage device 20.

  The communication unit 2 is configured so that the storage device 20 can be attached to and detached from the dock 10, and when the storage device 20 is placed (attached) on the dock 10, the dock 10 and the storage device 20 can be connected at high speed by non-contact communication. Communication and low-speed communication can be performed.

The dock 10 and the personal computer 3 are wire-connected via a predetermined cable. Therefore, the personal computer 3 can perform high speed communication and low speed communication with the storage device 20 via the dock 10.

[1-1. (Appearance structure of dock)
As shown in FIG. 2, the dock 10 includes two pairs of fixing portions 12 </ b> A and 12 </ b> B so that two storage devices 20 (FIG. 1) can be placed on the upper surface 11 </ b> A of the substantially rectangular housing 11. It is provided so as to be separated by the same length as the depth length of 20 (the length in the Y-axis direction).

  The fixing portions 12A and 12B are provided at both ends so that the guide 12C is separated by the same length as the lateral width (length in the X-axis direction) of the storage device 20.

  Thereby, when the storage device 20 is placed, the dock 10 can be accurately fixed at a predetermined position between the fixing portions 12A and 12B.

  In the fixing portions 12A and 12B, when the storage device 20 is placed on the upper surface 11A, the actuator mechanism 13 that engages with the fitting portion 24 (FIG. 3) of the storage device 20 protrudes to the opposite side. Provided.

The actuator mechanism 13 is fitted only when the storage device 20 is placed on the upper surface 11A, and is detached from the fitting portion 24 when the storage device 20 is removed from the dock 10. As a result, the storage device 20 can be detached from the dock 10.

  As will be described in detail later, the actuator mechanism 13 can move the storage device 20 placed on the upper surface 11A in a direction (Z-axis direction) orthogonal to the upper surface 11A.

The upper surface 11A of the casing 11, at a predetermined position between the fixed portion 12A and 12B, the communication module 30 ₁ which is fixed in the housing portion 11 the antenna 40 (FIG. 5) is enough to expose all An opening 11C having a size is provided.

Communication module 30 _1, the surface of the antenna 40 is disposed is provided so as to face the storage device 20.

On the front surface 11 </ b> B of the housing unit 11, an indicator 14 made of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) for notifying the user of a connection state and a communication state with the storage device 20 is provided.

[1-2. External configuration of storage device)
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the storage device 20 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped whose interior is covered with a housing portion 21 and a cover 22. Note that in FIG. 3A, the cover 22 is shown as being transparent for the sake of convenience of explanation, but in practice, it may not be transparent or translucent.

Inside the housing portion 21 and the cover 22 are provided SSD (Solid State Drive) 23 (23A, 23B, 23C, and 23D) as four storage media arranged side by side. Data can be stored.

  The front surface 21 </ b> A of the housing portion 21 is provided with a fitting portion 24 that fits with the actuator mechanism 13 when placed on the dock 10. A fitting portion 24 (not shown) that fits the actuator mechanism 13 when placed on the dock 10 is also provided on the rear surface 22A of the cover 22 opposite to the front surface 21A.

On the lower surface 21 </ _b > B of the housing 21, there is an opening 21 </ _b > C that is large enough to expose the antenna 40 (FIG. 5) of the communication module 302, and the opening 11 </ b> C when the storage device 20 is placed on the dock 10. It is provided in the position which opposes.

The communication module 302 is provided such that the antenna 40 is exposed from the opening 11 </ _b > C, and the surface on which the antenna 40 is disposed faces the dock 10 when the storage device 20 is placed on the dock 10.

  A display unit 25 is provided on the side surface 22B of the cover 22 so that the data name, data size, and the like of the data stored in the SDD 23 can be displayed.

  On the front surface 21 </ b> A of the housing unit 21, an indicator 26 made of, for example, an LED for notifying the user of the connection state and communication state with the dock 10 is provided.

Communication module 30 _2, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a screw 27 that part of the side surface of the casing 21 is inserted into the protruding portion 21D formed by being bent inward, the housing section 21 It is sandwiched and fixed via a spring 27A to a base portion 28 disposed at a position facing the upper screw 27. The communication module 30 ₂ is adapted to the communication module 30 ₂ so as to move up and down in the Z axis direction by rotating the screw 27.

  A protective film 29 is provided on the lower surface 21 </ b> B of the housing 21 so as to cover the opening 21 </ b> C so that the antenna 40 can be protected. Similarly, a protective film (not shown) for protecting the antenna 40 is also provided on the upper surface of the dock 10. In addition, if the dielectric constant of the material of the protective film is approximately 10 or less, the communication by the antenna 40 is not affected. Therefore, instead of the film, for example, a resin flat plate may be provided.

  The fitting portion 24 of the housing portion 21 also serves as a connector for receiving power supply from the dock 10. When the storage device 20 is placed on the dock 10 through a connector (not shown) of the dock 10 provided at a position facing the two fitting portions 24, the storage device 20 is connected to the ground and power supply of the power circuit of the dock 10. Connected to each. Thereby, it is possible to stably supply power regardless of the position adjustment described later.

Incidentally, it provided the communication module 30 ₂ provided in the communication module 30 ₁ and the storage device 20 in the dock 10, for convenience of explanation, but are given different numbers are those same actually distinguishes When not explained, it is also simply called the communication module 30. In addition, when each part of the communication module 30 to be described later is described by distinguishing it from the respective communication modules 30 ₁ and 30 ₂ , description will be made by adding subscripts 1 and 2 to the reference numerals of the corresponding parts.

[1-3. Appearance structure of communication module)
As shown in FIG. 5, in the communication module 30, a conversion circuit 32, a power connector 33, a miniSAS connector 34, and a USB connector 35 are arranged near the center on a surface 31A of a flat, substantially H-shaped substrate 31. . Further, on the surface 31A of the substrate 31, a transmission LSI (Large Scale Integration) 36 is disposed on one end side in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis negative direction side), and a reception LSI 37 is disposed on the other end side (Y-axis positive direction side). The

  On the back surface 31B of the substrate 31, transmission antennas 40A to 40D are arranged adjacent to each other on one end side (Y-axis negative direction side) with a predetermined interval (for example, 3 mm), and the transmission antennas 40A to 40D and the transmission LSI 36 are disposed on the substrate 31. It is electrically connected via.

Further, on the back surface 31B of the substrate 31, four receiving antennas 40E to 40H are arranged adjacent to each other on the other end side (Y axis positive direction side) with a predetermined interval (3 mm in this embodiment) in the X axis direction, The receiving antennas 40 E to 40 H and the receiving LSI 37 are electrically connected via the substrate 31. Therefore, the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D and the receiving antennas 40E to 40H are arranged sufficiently apart.

  Note that the transmission antennas 40A to 40D and the reception antennas 40E to 40H have the same structure, and are simply referred to as the antenna 40 when they are described without distinction.

Communication module 30 ₁ (not shown) predetermined cable from a power source provided inside the dock 10 (not shown) and operates by receiving a supply of power via a power connector 33 _1. The communication module 30 ₁ is connected to a RAID (Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks) card 81 (FIG. 18) via a cable conforming to miniSAS connector 34 ₁ and SATA2 standard (not shown). The communication module 30 ₁ is connected to a cable that complies with the USB connector 35 ₁ and the USB standard through the (not shown) such as a USB interface 82 (FIG. 18).

On the other hand, the communication module 30 ₂ is operated by being supplied with power via a predetermined cable and the power connector 33 _2. The communication module 30 ₂ is connected to the SSD23A~23D via a cable conforming to miniSAS connector ₃₄ 2, SATA2 standard (not shown). The communication module 30 ₂ is connected, for example, the display unit 25 via a cable conforming to the USB connector 35 ₂ and the USB standard (not shown).

A communication module 30 ₁ and the communication module 30 _2, as shown in FIG. 6, the storage device 20 is made to face when mounted on the dock 10.

More specifically, opposed apart transmitting antennas 40A ₁ of the communication module 30 ₁ and the receiving antenna 40E ₂ of the communication module 30 ₂ is the reference interval is set to, for example, 1 mm. Similarly, the transmitting antenna _40B 1 ～40D ₁ of the communication module 30 _1, respectively facing away interval of the communication module 30 ₂ receive antennas _40F 2 ～40H ₂ and is very short distance (e.g., 1 mm). The reception antenna _40E 1 ～40H ₁ of the communication module 30 _1, respectively facing away interval of the communication module 30 ₂ transmit antennas _40A 2 ～40D ₂ and is very short distance (e.g., 1 mm).

  And in the communication module 30, the signal output from transmitting antenna 40A-40D is received by receiving antenna 40E-40H distribute | arranged to the position which opposes.

[1-4. Antenna configuration)
[1-4-1. Basic structure〕
The basic structure of the antenna 40 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the antenna 40 is formed by a differential linear antenna 41 in which antenna elements 51 and 52 formed by flat plates elongated in the Y-axis direction are arranged in parallel on the same plane, and a substantially rectangular flat plate. The patch antenna 42 is configured.

  The antenna 40 has a two-layer structure in which a differential linear antenna 41 and a patch antenna 42 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the Z-axis direction. The antenna 40 performs only one of transmission and reception.

  The patch antenna 42 is arranged in parallel with the plane on which the antenna elements 51 and 52 are arranged, and the antenna elements 51 and 52 are sized so as to fit on the extension of the surface.

  The differential linear antenna 41 can perform data communication (high-speed communication) equivalent to the SATA2 standard (up to 6 Gbps), for example, and communicates at approximately 6 to 8 GHz. On the other hand, the patch antenna 42 can perform data communication (low-speed communication) equivalent to the USB standard (maximum 600 Mbps), for example, and communicates at approximately 1 to 2 GHz.

  The patch antenna 42 is provided with holes at positions opposed to both ends of the antenna elements 51 and 52, respectively, and passes through the holes from the both ends of the antenna elements 51 and 52 to the lower side of the patch antenna 42 (Z-axis negative direction). The power feeding parts 53 and 54 and the connection parts 55 and 56 extending in the direction are arranged.

  When the antenna 40 is used for transmission (in the case of the transmission antennas 40A to 40D), the power feeding units 53 and 54 receive signals of opposite polarities, respectively. The input signal is input while a transfer signal having a voltage of 1200 mV of + and − conforming to the SATA2 standard is switched at a high speed of about 6 to 8 GHz.

  In addition, when the antenna 40 is used for reception (in the case of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H), the power feeding units 53 and 54 output voltages of signals received by the connected antenna elements 51 and 52, respectively.

  The connecting portions 55 and 56 are connected via a resistor having a predetermined resistance value.

  In the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmission antennas 40A to 40D, a signal having a reverse polarity is input to the antenna elements 51 and 52 via the power feeding units 53 and 54, and therefore, from one antenna element 51 or 52 to the other antenna element. An electric field is generated at 52 or 51.

  In the differential linear antenna 41 of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H, the antenna elements 51 and 52 are charged by the electric field generated by the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D arranged at a very short distance.

  That is, the antenna elements 51 and 52 of the transmission antennas 40A to 40D are electrostatically coupled to the antenna elements 51 and 52 (52 and 51) of the reception antennas 40E to 40H arranged at positions facing the antenna elements 51 and 52, respectively. Change the voltage.

  As a result, the receiving antennas 40E to 40H are transmitted from the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D by causing the device connected in the subsequent stage to calculate the voltage difference between the charged antenna elements 51 and 52. A signal can be acquired.

  As described above, the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmission antennas 40A to 40D and the differential linear antenna 41 of the reception antennas 40E to 40H communicate at an extremely short distance and at a high frequency. Communication in which the quasi-electrostatic field is superior to the field, that is, communication using the quasi-electrostatic field is performed.

  On the other hand, the patch antenna 42 is provided with a feeding point at one end on the center line between the antenna elements 51 and 52 of the patch antenna 42 as will be described in detail later.

  For the patch antenna 42, when the antenna 40 is used for transmission, a transmission signal of transmission / reception signals compliant with, for example, the USB standard is separated and input to a feeding point. Further, when the antenna 40 is used for reception, the patch antenna 42 outputs a signal received by the antenna from the feeding point to the outside (reception LSI 37).

  Therefore, the patch antennas 42 of the transmission antennas 40A to 40D radiate the signal input to the feeding point as radio waves. The patch antennas 42 of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H can receive the radio waves radiated from the patch antennas 42 of the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D arranged to face each other.

  Note that the patch antenna 42 has directivity in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the patch antenna 42, and thus does not affect other adjacent antennas 40.

The patch antenna 42 also functions as a ground plane that absorbs and mirrors the electric field generated by the antenna elements 51 and 52 of the differential linear antenna 41.

[1-4-2. (Antenna structure)
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the actual antenna 40 has a width (X-axis direction), depth (Y-axis direction), and height (Z-axis direction) of 8 mm, 11 mm, and 1.5 mm, respectively. Formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. Note that the antenna 40 shown in FIG. 8 shows only a metal part, and actually, a ceramic material as a base material is embedded in the inside as shown in FIG.

  The antenna 40 has a four-layer structure, a differential linear antenna 41 is disposed on the uppermost layer, and a patch antenna 42 is disposed on the second layer from the top. Further, the antenna 40 is provided with an impedance adjustment plate 43 formed on the third layer from the top so as to provide a space of a predetermined distance from the power feeding parts 53 and 54 in order to adjust the impedance of the power feeding parts 53 and 54. The lowermost layer is connected to the substrate 31.

  In the antenna 40, a shielding frame 44 is arranged on the same plane (uppermost layer) as the antenna elements 51 and 52 of the differential linear antenna 41 so as to surround the antenna elements 51 and 52.

  The distance between the shielding frame 44 and the antenna elements 51 and 52 is such that the electric field generated between the antenna elements 51 and 52 changes the potential of the antenna elements 51 and 52 of the opposing antenna 40 and is adjacent to the same substrate 31. It is set so as not to affect other antennas 40.

  That is, if the distance between the antenna elements 51 and 52 is too short, the coupling between the antenna element 51 and the antenna element 52 becomes strong, and the range affected by the electric field becomes too narrow. On the other hand, when the distance between the shielding frame 44 and the antenna elements 51 and 52 becomes short, the coupling between the antenna elements 51 and 52 and the shielding frame 44 becomes strong. Therefore, in consideration of these factors, the distance is set so as not to affect other adjacent antennas 40 and to reliably transmit signals to the opposing antennas 40.

  The antennas 40 are arranged at equal intervals in the depth direction so that the shielding pillars 45 having the same height and the predetermined width as the antennas 40 surround the outer periphery of the antenna 40, and five on one surface in the width direction. One at a time is arranged from both ends of the other surface in the width direction. The antenna 40 is provided with a power supply column 46 having the same shape as the shielding column 45 at the center of the other surface in the width direction.

  The shielding column 45 and the power feeding column 46 are connected to the shielding frame 44, the patch antenna 42, and the impedance adjustment plate 43, respectively. The shielding column 45 is grounded via the substrate 31. The power supply column 46 is connected to a power supply line 61 printed on the substrate 31.

Antenna 40, between each of the other side of the feed column 4 6 in the width direction and the shielding column 4 5, the feed column that connects the feed line 62 and 63 printed on substrate 31 and power supply unit 53 and 54 respectively 47 and 48 are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the antenna 40 is fed with a signal having a reverse polarity to the antenna elements 51 and 52 of the differential linear antenna 41 via feed lines 62 and 63 and feed poles 47 and 48. Point 64 is provided.

  In addition, the antenna 40 is provided with a feeding point 65 where a signal is input to the patch antenna 42 via a feeding line 61 and a feeding column 46. Therefore, the patch antenna 42 receives a signal at a connection point with the feed pole 46.

[1-4-3. (Interference between differential linear antenna and patch antenna)
By the way, since the antenna 40 is a single antenna and performs high-speed communication by the differential linear antenna 41 and low-speed communication by the patch antenna 42 by non-contact wireless communication, there is no interference from one to the other. Conceivable.

  Therefore, FIG. 11 shows the amount of interference with the patch antenna 42 of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H arranged at the opposed positions by the signals output from the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D.

  FIG. 12 shows the experimental results of the amount of interference with the differential linear antenna 41 of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H arranged at the opposite positions by the signals output from the patch antennas 42 of the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D.

  In this experiment, signals having the same frequency are input to the differential linear antenna 41 and the patch antenna 42 of the transmission antennas 40A to 40D, respectively.

  For comparison with the experimental results, as shown in FIG. 13, when the feeding point 66 is provided at the corner of the patch antenna 42 via the shielding column 45, the differential lines of the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D are provided. FIG. 14 shows the amount of interference with the patch antenna 42 of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H arranged at opposite positions due to the signal output from the rectangular antenna 41. As shown in FIG.

  In addition, when the feeding point 66 is provided at the corner of the patch antenna 42 via the shielding column 45, the receiving antennas 40E to 40D arranged at opposite positions by the signals output from the patch antennas 42 of the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D. FIG. 15 shows an experimental result of the amount of interference with the 40H differential linear antenna 41.

  As is apparent from FIGS. 14 and 15, when the feeding points 66 are provided at the corners of the patch antenna 42, it can be seen that the respective interference amounts are large and independent communication is difficult. In particular, the amount of interference of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H with respect to the signal output from the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D shown in FIG. 14 is very large.

  On the other hand, as apparent from FIG. 11, the patch antenna 42 of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H is hardly interfered with the signal output from the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D. I understand.

  This is because signals having opposite polarities are input to the antenna elements 51 and 52 of the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D, respectively, and therefore, the antenna elements 51 and 52 of the patch antenna 42 of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H are used. The same amount of electrostatic coupling as that of 52 is made. In addition, since the differential linear antenna 41 is located at the center of the patch antenna 42, the presence of the differential linear antenna 41 does not affect the directivity of the patch antenna 42. Can be combined.

  Therefore, in the patch antenna 42 of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H, the influence of the antenna elements 51 and 52 in the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D cancels each other, so that the total becomes almost zero, and as a result, it is almost interfered. Disappear.

  As can be seen from FIG. 12, the differential linear antenna 41 of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H is hardly interfered with the signal output from the patch antenna 42 of the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D.

  This means that the antenna elements 51 and 52 in the differential linear antenna 41 of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H receive the signals output from the patch antennas 42 of the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D with almost the same magnitude.

  However, as described above, the differential linear antenna 41 of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H receives a signal by taking the difference between the potentials of the antenna elements 51 and 52, so the signal from the patch antenna 42 takes a difference. Is offset by Therefore, the differential linear antenna 41 of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H is hardly interfered with the signal output from the patch antenna 42 of the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D.

  Thus, the communication between the differential linear antennas 41 and the communication between the patch antennas 42 can be isolated by about −20 dB even when the same frequency is used. In practice, since communication between the patch antennas 42 is performed using a frequency of about 1/10 with respect to communication between the differential linear antennas 41, isolation of about −30 dB to −40 dB can be obtained.

[2. Electrical configuration of data transfer system)
Next, the electrical configuration of the data transfer system will be described.

[2-1. Electrical configuration of personal computer)
As shown in FIG. 16, the personal computer 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 73, an operation input unit 74, a display unit 75, a storage unit 76, An interface unit 77 is connected via a bus 78.

  The CPU 71 performs overall control by developing and executing the basic program stored in the ROM 72 in the RAM 73 that functions as a work memory. Further, the CPU 71 executes various programs by expanding and executing application programs stored in the ROM 72 or the storage unit 76 in the RAM 73.

  The operation input unit 74 is a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like. As the display unit 75, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, a cathode ray tube display, or the like is applied. The storage unit 76 is a magnetic disk, a flash memory, or the like.

  The interface unit 77 is connected to the dock 10 of the communication unit 2 via a predetermined cable.

[2-2. Electrical configuration of communication unit)
Communication unit 2, as shown schematically in FIG. 17, RAID cards 81 of the dock 10 and the SSD23 storage device 20 is a non-contact-connected via the communication module 30 ₁ and the communication module 30 _2.

The communication unit 2, and SSD23A~23D the USB interface 82 and the storage device 20 of the dock 10 is a non-contact connected via the communication module 30 ₁ and the communication module 30 _2.

  The RAID card 81 and the USB interface 82 of the dock 10 are connected to the personal computer 3 via a predetermined cable.

  As shown in detail in FIG. 18, the communication unit 2 is provided with microcomputers (hereinafter also referred to as “microcomputers”) 83 and 84 configured by a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, respectively, in the dock 10 and the storage device 20. .

  The microcomputers 83 and 84 control the entire dock 10 and the storage device 20 by developing and executing the basic program stored in the ROM on the RAM, and also developing and executing the program stored in the ROM on the RAM. By doing so, various programs are executed.

The RAID card 81 is a device that constructs a RAID configuration such as RAID0, RAID1, or RAID5 using four SSDs 23A to 23D, has a SATA2 standard interface, and the SSDs 23A to 23D are connected to CH1 to CH4 , respectively. .

  The RAID card 81 and the SSDs 23 </ b> A to 23 </ b> D simultaneously transmit and receive data by non-contact communication in a form compliant with the SATA2 standard.

  As will be described in detail later, the transmission LSI 36 is provided with differential transmission circuits 91 and transmission circuits 93 (FIG. 19) corresponding to the number of channels of the RAID card 81 (four channels in this embodiment). Data can be transmitted simultaneously.

  The reception LSI 37 is provided with differential reception circuits 92 and reception circuits 94 (FIG. 19) corresponding to the number of channels of the RAID card 81 (four channels in this embodiment) so that the data of each channel can be received simultaneously. Has been made.

  When storing the data output from the personal computer 3 in the SSD 23, the RAID card 81 sets which SSD 23 the data output from the personal computer 3 is stored in, and outputs the data to the set SSD 23.

For example, when storing data in the SSD 23A, the RAID card 81 outputs data from CH1 connected to the SSD 23A. Its output signal is input to the transmission LSI 36 ₁ of CH1. Transmission LSI 36 ₁ outputs the input data to the transmission differential linear antenna 41 of the antenna 40A ₁ as a transmission signal to waveform shaping so that it can be transmitted at the transmission antenna 40A ₁ to CH1.

Transmission signal output from the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmitting antennas 40A ₁ is received as the received signal by the differential linear antenna 41 of the receiving antenna 40E ₂ of the storage device 20 is input to the CH1 of the reception LSI 37 _2. Reception LSI 37 ₂ sends the SSD23A and stores the reception signal received by the reception antenna 40E ₂ as to waveform shaping data.

You may store data in SSD23B～23D, as in the case of SSD23A, data is output from the CH2~CH4 of RAID card 81, the difference between the transmitting antenna _{40B 1 ~40D} 1 via the transmission LSI 36 ₁ of CH2 ~ CH4 It is output as a transmission signal by the flow line antenna 41. And it is received as a received signal by the differential linear antenna 41 of the receiving antenna _{40F 2 ~40H} 2 of the storage device 20 and stored in SSD23B~23D through CH2~CH4 reception LSI 37 _2.

  On the other hand, when outputting the data stored in the SSD 23 to the personal computer 3, the RAID card 81 specifies the storage location of the output target data and reads the data from the SSD 23 that is the storage location.

For example, when reading data from SSD23A, the data read from SSD23A, is input to the transmission LSI 36 ₂ of CH1, output as a transmission signal is waveform-shaped to a differential linear antenna 41 of the transmitting antennas 40A _2.

Transmission signal output from the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmitting antennas 40A ₂ is received as a reception signal by the differential linear antenna 41 of the receiving antenna 40E ₁ of the dock 10 is input to the CH1 of the reception LSI 37 _1. The reception LSI 37 ₁ shapes the waveform of the reception signal received by the reception antenna 40E ₁ and transmits it as data to the CH 1 of the RAID card 81. The RAID card 81 reads the data stored in the SSD 23A by receiving the data input from CH1 .

Sometimes reads data stored in the SSD23B～23D, as in the case of SSD23A, data is output from SSD23B～23D, differential line transmission antennas _{40B 2 ~40D} 2 via the transmission LSI 36 ₂ of CH2 ~ CH4 Is output as a transmission signal by the antenna 41. And it is received as a received signal by the differential linear antenna 41 of the receiving antennas 40F _{1 to} 40H ₁ of the dock 10 and inputted to CH 2 to CH 4 of the RAID card 81 through the receiving LSI 37 ₁ .

  Thus, since the RAID card 81 and the SSD 23 perform non-contact communication using the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmission antennas 40A to 40D and the reception antennas 40E to 40H, data can be transmitted and received at a maximum of 6 Gbps. . That is, communication corresponding to the maximum transfer rate of the SATA2 standard can be performed without contact.

Incidentally, the dock 10, when the data to be displayed on the display unit 25 is input from the personal computer 3 via the USB interface 82, the data is input to the conversion circuit 32 _1. Conversion circuit 32 ₁ sends the transmission LSI 36 ₁ to input data as transmission data.

Transmission LSI 36 ₁ outputs the transmission data input to the patch antenna 42 of the transmitting antennas 40A ₁ as a transmission signal to waveform shaping so as to transmit the transmitting antennas 40A _1.

Transmission signal output from the patch antenna 42 of the transmitting antennas 40A ₁ is received as the received signal by the patch antenna 42 of the receiving antenna 40E ₂ of the storage device 20 is input to the reception LSI 37 _2. Reception LSI 37 ₂ sends the received signal received by the patch antenna 42 of the receiving antenna 40E ₂ waveform shaping to the converting circuit 32 ₂ as received data.

Conversion circuit 32 ₂ sends converts the received data input from the receiving LSI 37 ₂ for half-duplex on the display unit 25. The display unit 25 displays a display screen corresponding to the supplied transmission data.

On the other hand, when transmitting data from the display unit 25 to the personal computer 3, data output from the display unit 25 is input to the conversion circuit 32 _2. Conversion circuit 32 ₂ sends the transmission LSI 36 ₂ the input data as transmission data. Transmission LSI 36 ₂ is a transmission data input waveform shaping and outputs the patch antenna 42 of the transmitting antennas 40A ₂ as a transmission signal.

Transmission signal output from the patch antenna 42 of the transmitting antennas 40A ₂ are received by the patch antenna 42 of the receiving antenna 40E ₁ of the dock 10 is input to the CH1 of the reception LSI 37 _1. Reception LSI 37 ₁ sends the received reception signal received by the antenna 40E ₁ waveform shaping to the converting circuit 32 ₁ as the reception data. Conversion circuit 32 ₁ outputs to the personal computer 3 via the USB interface 82 converts the received data input from the receiving LSI 37 ₁ for half-duplex.

  In this way, the personal computer 3 and the display unit 25 transmit and receive data by performing contactless communication using the patch antennas 42 of the transmission antennas 40A to 40D and the reception antennas 40E to 40H.

In this embodiment, USB communication is performed only for one channel. Therefore, the transmission antenna _{40B 1 ~40D} 1 and the receiving antenna _40F 1 and patch antenna 42 of ～40H _1, the patch antenna 42 and the receive antenna _{40F 2} ~40H 2 and the transmission antenna _{40B 2 ~40D} 2 in the storage device 20 in the dock 10 Non-contact communication with is not performed.

[2-3. Configuration of transmission LSI and reception LSI]
As shown in FIG. 19, the transmission LSI 36 includes a differential transmission circuit 91 and a transmission circuit 93 for each channel. The receiving LSI 37 includes a differential receiving circuit 92 and a receiving circuit 94 for each channel. Although not shown, the transmission LSI 36 and the reception LSI 37 include a control circuit for controlling the entire transmission LSI 36 and the reception LSI 37, a register for temporarily storing data, an equalizer for shaping a waveform, an emphasis / de-emphasis circuit, and the like. .

  In FIG. 19, in the transmission LSI 36, only the differential transmission circuit 91 and the transmission circuit 93 for one channel are shown, but the differential transmission circuit 91 and the transmission circuit 93 for the other three channels are actually shown. Are provided. Similarly, in the reception LSI 37, only the differential reception circuit 92 and the reception circuit 94 for one channel are shown, but actually, the differential reception circuit 92 and the reception circuit 94 for the other three channels are provided. ing.

  Further, although the transmission LSI 36 and the reception LSI 37 have the same configuration in terms of circuits, as described later, the transmission LSI 36 and the reception LSI 37 function for transmission and reception based on the control of the microcomputers 83 and 84, respectively. .

  As shown in FIG. 20, the differential transmission circuit 91 of the transmission LSI 36 includes an amplifier circuit 101, an output buffer 102, an automatic gain control circuit (hereinafter also referred to as an AGC circuit) 103, and a signal detection circuit 104.

  The amplifier circuit 101 receives data of a constant voltage (1.2 V) conforming to the SATA2 standard from the RAID card 81 or the SSD 23, so that the function is invalidated, and the input data is directly output to the output buffer 102, AGC. The data is sent to the circuit 103 and the signal detection circuit 104. The function of the AGC circuit 103 is disabled for the same reason as that of the amplifier circuit 101.

  The output buffer 102 sends out the data input from the amplifier circuit 101 when the signal indicating the validity supplied from the signal detection circuit 104 is supplied, and from the amplifier circuit 101 until the signal indicating the validity is supplied. Do not send the input data.

Signal detection circuit 104 detects that the signal from the amplifier circuit 101 is input, sends a signal to that effect to the microcomputer 83 or 84, also the output buffer 10 2 according to the control of the microcomputer 83 or 84 A signal for enabling is sent to the output buffer 102.

  On the other hand, the differential receiving circuit 92 includes an amplifier circuit 111, an output buffer 112, an AGC circuit 113, and a signal detection circuit 114.

  The amplification circuit 111 amplifies the input signal (the reception signal received by the differential linear antenna 41 of the reception antennas 40E to 40H) according to the amplification factor supplied from the AGC circuit 113. Then, the amplifier circuit 111 sends the amplified reception signal to the output buffer 112, the AGC circuit 113, and the signal detection circuit 114.

  The output buffer 112 sends out data supplied from the amplifier circuit 111 when a signal indicating validity supplied from the signal detection circuit 114 is supplied, and from the amplifier circuit 111 until a signal indicating validity is supplied. Do not send the input data.

  The AGC circuit 113 calculates an amplification factor such that the voltage of the reception signal supplied from the amplification circuit 111 becomes a voltage (1.2 V) conforming to a preset SATA2 standard, and stores the amplification factor in a register. The data is stored and sent to the amplifier circuit 111.

  Here, as a method of calculating the amplification factor by the AGC circuit 113, a method of directly measuring the voltage of the reception signal supplied from the amplifier circuit 111 and calculating the amplification factor may be used. In addition, when the voltage cannot be measured at a high frequency such as 6 GHz, a method of optimizing the amplification factor by detecting a time direction shift as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-60415 is used. May be.

Signal detection circuit 114 detects that the signal from the amplifier circuit 111 is input, sends a signal to that effect to the microcomputer 83 or 84, also the output buffer 10 2 according to the control of the microcomputer 83 or 84 A signal for enabling is sent to the output buffer 102.

  By the way, the transmission circuit 93 of the transmission LSI 36 deforms the waveform of the transmission data supplied from the conversion circuit 32 and outputs it as a transmission signal to the patch antenna 42 of the transmission antennas 40A to 40D.

  On the other hand, the reception circuit 94 of the reception LSI 37 amplifies the reception signal received by the patch antennas 42 of the reception antennas 40E to 40H to a constant voltage, shapes the amplified reception signal, shapes the received signal to the conversion circuit 32 as reception data. Send it out.

In this way, the dock 10 and the storage device 20 transmit the high-speed communication between the RAID card 81 and the SSD 23 compliant with the SATA2 standard, and the low-speed communication between the personal computer 3 and the display unit 25 compliant with the USB standard with the transmission antennas 40A to 40D. In addition, the contactless communication is performed via the receiving antennas 40E to 40H.

[3. (Position control processing)
Next, position control processing performed by the microcomputer 83 of the dock 10 and the microcomputer 84 of the storage device 20 will be described.

[3-1. Effect of misalignment between antennas)
Incidentally, as described above, the antenna 40 ₁ which is disposed in the communication module 30 ₁ provided in the dock 10, the antenna 40 ₂ is disposed in the communication module 30 ₂ provided in the storage device 20, and face each other Communicated in a non-contact manner.

  At this time, the differential linear antennas 41 of the antenna 40 communicate with each other by a quasi-electrostatic field in which the intensity of the electric field attenuates in inverse proportion to the cube of the distance. Accordingly, the amount of deviation from the preset distance between the antennas 40 greatly affects the communication state.

  Specifically, the differential linear antennas 41 of the antennas 40 arranged to face each other are set (designed) so as to be in the same position on the XY plane and separated by 1 mm in the Z-axis direction. . Hereinafter, the relative positions of the antennas 40 arranged opposite to each other are the same position on the XY plane, and a position separated by 1 mm in the Z-axis direction is also referred to as a reference position. A distance between the antennas 40 set in advance, that is, a distance 1 mm apart in the Z-axis direction is also referred to as a reference distance.

  Then, the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmission antennas 40A to 40D when the relative position of the antenna 40 arranged opposite to each other is moved (shifted) from the reference position in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, respectively. FIG. 21 shows a simulation result of the voltage (reception voltage) when the transmission signal output from is received by the differential linear antenna 41 of the reception antennas 40E to 40H.

  In FIG. 21, the voltage of the transmission signal input to the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmission antennas 40A to 40D is 1.2V (1200 mV). The limit value of the voltage of the received signal that can be received by the differential linear antenna 41 of the receiving antennas 40E to 40H (hereinafter also referred to as a threshold value) is set to 30 mV.

  In FIG. 21, the amount of deviation from the reference position in the Z-axis direction is the plus direction when the distance between the antennas 40 arranged opposite to each other is the plus direction, and the minus direction is the direction in which the distance is reduced.

  Furthermore, in FIG. 21, the received voltage in the X-axis and Y-axis directions is basically symmetrical with respect to the plus and minus directions because the antenna 40 has a symmetrical structure with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis. Become.

  As can be seen from FIG. 21, when the antennas 40 arranged opposite to each other are located at the reference position, the reception voltage is an optimum value of about 53 mV.

  When the relative position between the antennas 40 arranged opposite to each other is moved from the reference position in the Y-axis direction, the received voltage is less than the threshold even if the movement distance, that is, the deviation amount between the antennas 40 becomes ± 2 mm. There is nothing. Therefore, the deviation amount with respect to the Y-axis direction is practically negligible.

  On the other hand, when the relative position between the antennas 40 arranged opposite to each other is moved from the reference position in the X-axis direction, the received voltage becomes less than the threshold when the deviation amount exceeds about ± 1 mm. Accordingly, the deviation amount with respect to the X-axis direction has an allowable range of ± 1 mm, and can be sufficiently guaranteed with the machine accuracy described later.

  On the other hand, when the distance between the antennas 40 arranged opposite to each other is moved from the reference position (reference distance) in the Z-axis direction, the distance between the antennas 40 exceeds 1.5 mm (+0.5 mm in FIG. 21). The reception voltage is less than the threshold value. In addition, the received voltage increases as the distance between the antennas 40 becomes shorter, but the received voltage increases away from the optimum value (about 53 mV), and the allowable range is up to 0.75 mm (-0.25 mm in FIG. 21). .

Therefore, the allowable range of the distance between the opposing antennas 40 in the Z-axis direction is 0.75 mm to 1.5 mm. This is much narrower than the allowable range of deviation in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and cannot be guaranteed with machine accuracy. Therefore, the antenna 40 ₁ which is disposed in the communication module 30 ₁ provided in the dock 10, the distance it is necessary to adjust the antenna 40 ₂ is disposed in the communication module 30 ₂ provided in the storage device 20 .

  Incidentally, a simulation result similar to that of FIG. 21 in the case where the antenna 40 is reduced to ½ and arranged in the X-axis direction at eight equal intervals on a substrate having the same size as the substrate 31 of the communication module 30. Is shown in FIG.

  As can be seen from FIG. 22, the allowable ranges of the deviation amounts between the antennas 40 arranged opposite to each other in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are ± 0.4 mm, ± 2.0 mm, and 0.5 mm to 1. .2mm.

  Thus, it can be seen that by reducing the size of the antenna, not only the Z-axis direction but also the position accuracy in the X-axis direction becomes severe. When the number of antennas is further increased, the allowable range becomes narrower and the position accuracy becomes stricter.

[3-2. Causes of misalignment between antennas)
An antenna 40 ₁ which is disposed in the communication module 30 ₁ provided in the dock 10, thought the following error factors of misalignment between the antenna 40 ₂ is disposed in the communication module 30 ₂ provided in the storage device 20 It is done.

[3-2-1. Machine error)
The first error is a mechanical error when each part of the dock 10 and the storage device 20 is manufactured. These errors are considered to be about 500 μm as a whole.

[3-2-2. (Distortion error)
As a second error, when the antenna 40 is fixed to the substrate 31 by, for example, solder reflow or the like, the error is generated due to distortion of the shape due to heating.

  In the solder reflow, for example, the antenna 40 is fixed to the substrate 31 by melting the solder by heating to about 250 ° C. Therefore, the substrate 31 is distorted due to the difference in expansion coefficient for each material, and the distortion is caused even after the temperature is lowered. May remain. This error is considered to be about 100 to 200 μm.

[3-2-3. Thermal expansion error during use)
The third error is an error that occurs when the temperature rises and the substrate 31 thermally expands during actual communication. When, for example, the temperature reaches about 40 ° C. during communication, the substrate 31 expands by about 4 μm per 10 mm on the XY plane and expands by about 20 μm in the Z-axis direction.

[3-2-4. (Error as a whole)
Thus, an antenna 40 ₁ which is disposed in the communication module 30 ₁ provided in the dock 10, between the antenna 40 ₂ is disposed in the communication module 30 ₂ provided in the storage device 20, the position deviation of about 750μm in use May occur.

  On the other hand, the allowable range of misalignment in the Z-axis direction between the antennas 40 arranged opposite to each other is 0.75 mm to 1.5 mm, and communication may not be possible when a misalignment of 750 μm occurs. There is sex.

Thus, an antenna 40 ₁ which is disposed in the communication module 30 ₁ provided in the dock 10, the distance it is necessary to adjust the antenna 40 ₂ is disposed in the communication module 30 ₂ provided in the storage device 20 .

[3-3. (Relationship between AGC and antenna distance)
As described above, the reception signal received by the differential linear antenna 41 of the reception antennas 40 </ b> E to 40 </ b> H is amplified to a constant voltage by the amplification circuit 111 in accordance with the AGC signal supplied from the AGC circuit 113. The AGC circuit 113 calculates an amplification factor such that the reception voltage (reception amplitude) of the reception signal supplied from the amplification circuit 111 is a constant voltage (for example, 1200 mV).

  Therefore, the reception voltage of the signal received by the differential linear antenna 41 of the reception antennas 40E to 40H and the amplification factor calculated by the AGC circuit 113 have an inversely proportional relationship as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, the differential linear antenna 41 communicates by a quasi-electrostatic field, and the communication distance is sufficiently close, so there is no radio wave interference that appears in the Fresnel region and is inversely proportional to the distance between the antennas 40. As a result, the received voltage attenuates uniformly.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24, the amplification factor calculated by the AGC circuit 113 and the distance between the antennas 40 arranged opposite to each other are opposite if the amplification factor calculated by the AGC circuit 113 is taken as a logarithm. Thus, the distance between the antennas 40 arranged in a linear manner is represented by a logarithmic amplification factor.

  Based on this relationship, the distance between the antennas 40 arranged to face each other can be estimated based on the amplification factor calculated by the AGC circuit 113.

[3-4. Specific position control process)
As described above, the antenna 40 ₁ which is disposed in the communication module 30 ₁ provided in the dock 10, the distance between the antenna 40 ₂ is disposed in the communication module 30 ₂ provided in the storage device 20 misalignment Occur. However, since the differential linear antennas 41 of the antenna 40 communicate with each other using a quasi-electrostatic field, the distance between the antennas 40 arranged opposite to each other is estimated based on the amplification factor calculated by the AGC circuit 113. it can. Therefore, the microcomputer 83 of the dock 10 and the microcomputer 84 of the storage device 20 execute position control processing, and adjust the distance between the antennas 40 from the estimated distance so as to become the reference distance.

  Specifically, when power is supplied, the microcomputer 83 of the dock 10 and the microcomputer 84 of the storage device 20 execute a position control process by reading a program stored in the ROM and developing it in the RAM.

As shown in FIG. 25, the microcomputer 83 functions as an initialization unit 121, a connection setting unit 122, a distance estimation unit 123, a position control unit 124, a notification setting unit 125, and a communication control unit 126 when executing the position control process. To do. The microcomputer 84 functions as an initialization unit 131, a connection setting unit 132, a distance estimation unit 133, a position control unit 134, a notification setting unit 135, and a communication control unit 136 when executing the position control process.

  Since it is assumed that the dock 10 is always connected to the personal computer 3 and used, for example, power is supplied to the personal computer 3 at the same time as power is supplied.

  The microcomputer 83 executes position control processing when the power supply is supplied.

Transmission LSI 36 ₁ and the reception LSI 37 ₁ disposed in the communication module 30 _1, when the source power is supplied, during a predetermined wait time, the respective units including the register by a reset circuit which is provided inside is initialized .

Initializing unit 121, after the wait time has elapsed since running position control process, to explicitly initialize the transmission LSI 36 ₁ and the reception LSI 37 ₁ register. At that time, the initialization section 121 sets transmission LSI 36 ₁ and the reception LSI 37 ₁ as the transmission and reception, respectively.

The initialization unit 121 is configured to enable the transmission LSI 36 ₁ of the signal detection circuit 104, performs initial setting to enable the AGC circuit 113 and the signal detection circuit 114 of the reception LSI 37 _1.

  By the way, in the SATA2 standard, a burst signal called an OOB (Out of Band) signal is transmitted to each other in order to confirm a connection between a host to which power is supplied and a device.

Therefore the connection setting section 122, if the OOB signal transmitted from the RAID card 81 has been detected by the signal detection circuit 104 of all the channels of transmission LSI 36 _1, transmits the determined a RAID card 81 can communicate with all the channels enable LSI 36 ₁ of the total output buffer 102.

As a result, the dock 10 outputs the OOB signal output from the RAID card 81 as a transmission signal from the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmission antennas 40A _{1 to} 40D ₁ , and the storage device 20 is mounted on the dock 10. This state is maintained until placed.

Connection setting unit 122 on the other hand, if the OOB signal transmitted from the RAID card 81 is not detected by the signal detection circuit 104 of any of the channels of the transmission LSI 36 _1, to the effect that abnormal indicator 14, for example, blinking To notify the user and finish the process.

  This happens when any part of the dock 10 fails or when the connector is disconnected and the RAID card 81 is not connected. In such a case, automatic recovery cannot be performed, so the user is notified of the abnormality. To finish the process.

  On the other hand, the storage device 20 is mounted on the dock 10 to be supplied with power from the dock 10. When the power supply is supplied, the microcomputer 84 executes the position control process after a wait time of 1 to 3 seconds elapses. Since the storage device 20 is placed on the dock 10 by the user's hand, a slightly longer time may be required to stabilize the power supply depending on the placement method, so the wait time is 1 to 3 seconds. Set slightly longer.

Communication module 30 ₂ transmission LSI 36 ₂ and the reception LSI 37 ₂ arranged on, when the source power is supplied, during the wait time, each unit containing a register is initialized by a reset circuit provided therein.

Initializing unit 131 explicitly initialize the transmission LSI 36 ₂ and the reception LSI 37 ₂ registers. At that time, the initialization section 131 sets transmission LSI 36 ₂ and the reception LSI 37 ₂ and for transmission and reception, respectively. The initialization unit 131 is configured to enable the transmission LSI 36 ₂ of the signal detection circuit 104, to enable the AGC circuit 113 and the signal detection circuit 114 of the reception LSI 37 _2.

Connection setting unit 132 notifies the user by OOB signals to be transmitted if not detected by the signal detection circuit 104 of any of the channels of the transmission LSI 36 _1, to blink the indicator 26 to the effect that abnormal, for example, from SSD23 To finish the process.

  This occurs in the case of any failure in the storage device 20 or when the connector is disconnected and the SSD 23 is not connected. In such a case, automatic recovery cannot be performed, so notify the user of the abnormality. The process ends. In particular, the portable storage device 20 is important because failure and connector disconnection are likely to occur.

Connection setting unit 132 on the other hand, if the OOB signal transmitted from SSD23 is detected by the signal detection circuit 104 of all the channels of transmission LSI 36 _2, transmission is determined that SSD23 can communicate with all the channels LSI 36 Enable all ₂ output buffers 102.

In this way the dock 10, and outputs the OOB signal outputted from the RAID card 81 from the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmitting antennas _{40A 2 ~40D} 2.

Dock 10, the storage device 20 is OOB signal from the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmitting antennas _{40A 2 ~40D} 2 is placed on the dock 10 is output, the receive OOB signal antenna 40 _E 1 to 40 received by H _1.

Reception LSI 37 ₁ of the AGC circuit 113, the amplification factor is calculated in accordance with the received voltage of OOB signals received by the receiving antenna 40 _{E 1} ~40 _H 1.

  By the way, the allowable range of the distance between the antennas 40 arranged facing each other is 0.75 mm to 1.5 mm, and the amplification factor corresponding to this range is 18 to 18 when calculated using the linear function shown in FIG. The range is 34 (hereinafter also referred to as a normal operation range). Incidentally, when the distance between the antennas 40 arranged opposite to each other is a reference distance, the amplification factor is an optimum value of 23.

That is, the reception LSI 37 ₁ amplification factor calculated by the AGC circuit 113 is the normal operating range, if sooner bit error rate 0 may communicate with (error-free state), deviates higher error rate rises from there If you keep away from a certain distance, you will not be able to communicate.

  Therefore, the microcomputer 83 sets this normal operating range and a range of 20 to 26 (hereinafter referred to as a normal initialization range) that is set to be narrower than the normal normal range and in which communication between the differential linear antennas 41 is optimally performed. Is also stored in the ROM and is read out as necessary.

  The normal initialization range and the normal operation range are set in a range where communication can be performed in an optimum state depending on the characteristics of the differential linear antenna 41, the distance between the antennas 40, and the characteristics of the amplifier circuit 111. This is because if an ideally attenuated signal is processed by an ideal amplifier circuit, the slew rate is improved and the signal quality such as a jitter component is improved as the amplification factor is increased. However, as an example, as shown in FIG. 26, the relationship between the amplification factor and the jitter is caused by adverse effects such as non-linear distortion of the amplifier circuit and enhancement of the received signal to a DC (Direct Current) offset by amplification. This is because the improvement in signal quality actually reaches its peak.

Connection setting section 122, if the amplification factor calculated by the reception LSI 37 ₁ of AGC circuit 113 is within the normal initialization range on all channels, at range capable communication distance between the antenna 40 disposed opposite Judge that there is. The connection setting section 122, to enable the output buffer 102 of the reception LSI 37 _1, to transmit and receive state capable.

Connection setting unit 122 on the other hand, if the received LSI37 amplification factor calculated by the _first AGC circuit 113 is not within the normal initialization range in either channel, the distance between the antenna 40 which is disposed to face the communication Judge that it is not possible distance. At this time, the distance estimation unit 123 estimates the distance between the opposing antennas using the linear function shown in FIG. 24 based on the amplification factor calculated by the AGC circuit 113.

The position control unit 124 calculates the difference between the distance estimated by the distance estimation unit 123 and the reference distance, and drives the actuator mechanism 13 so that the distance between the antennas 40 arranged facing each other becomes the reference distance. The storage device 20 is moved in the Z-axis direction.

  More specifically, when the distance estimated by the distance estimation unit 123 is larger than the reference distance, the position control unit 124 moves the storage device 20 in a direction approaching the dock 10 by the difference. Further, when the distance estimated by the distance estimation unit 123 is smaller than the reference, the position control unit 124 moves the storage device 20 in a direction away from the dock 10 by the difference.

  When the amplification factor calculated by the AGC circuit 113 is not within the normal initialization range for all channels, the connection setting unit 122, the distance estimation unit 123, and the position control unit 124 repeat the above-described processing, for example, 10 times.

Connection setting unit 122, distance estimating unit 123 and the position control unit 124 is calculated by the AGC circuit 113 of the reception LSI 37 ₁ be repeated processes described above for example 10 times the amplification factor is not within the normal initialization range for all channels In such a case, it is considered that some abnormality has occurred. For example, a metal piece is sandwiched between the antennas 40, the antenna 40 is damaged, the substrate 31 is greatly displaced in the X-axis or Y-axis direction, or the substrate 31 is deformed by the influence of heat or the like. Conceivable.

  In such a case, since the connection setting unit 122, the distance estimation unit 123, and the position control unit 124 are not improved no matter how many times the above-described processing is repeated, the notification setting unit 125 communicates via the indicator 16. The user is notified that the process cannot be started, and the process ends.

On the other hand, the storage device 20 is also mounted on the dock 10 and receives the OOB signal output from the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmission antennas 40A _{1 to} 40D ₁ of the dock 10 by the reception antennas 40 E ₂ to 40 H ₂ . and the amplification factor is calculated by the AGC circuit 113 of the reception LSI 37 _2.

Connection setting section 132, if the amplification factor calculated by the AGC circuit 113 of the reception LSI 37 ₂ are within the normal initialization range in all channels, the distance between the antenna 40 disposed opposite is a possible communication distance Judge. The connection setting section 132, enable the output buffer 112 of the reception LSI 37 _2, to send and receive state capable.

Connection setting unit 132 on the other hand, if the received LSI37 amplification factor calculated by the _second AGC circuit 113 is not within the normal initialization range in either channel, the distance between the antenna 40 which is disposed to face the communication Judge that it is not possible distance.

  In this embodiment, since the storage device 20 is not provided with a mechanism for adjusting the distance between the antennas 40, the distance estimation unit 133 and the position control unit 134 do not function.

Therefore the connection setting section 132, by the dock 10 after a lapse of time the distance between the antenna 40 is to be adjusted, within the normal initialization range again receive LSI 37 ₂ amplification factor of all channels calculated by the AGC circuit 113 It is judged whether it is.

The notification setting unit 135, when receiving LSI37 amplification factor calculated by the _second AGC circuit 113 is not within the normal initialization range on all channels, and notifies the communication via the indicator 16 can not be started in the user process Exit.

Enables all the output buffers 112 of the output buffer 112 and the reception LSI 37 ₂ of the connection setting section 122 and storage connection setting unit 132 receives both LSI 37 ₁ of 20 of the dock 10, at a receiving state capable, the RAID card 81 Data communication with the SSD 23 is started based on the SATA2 standard.

  Here, since communication using the differential linear antenna 41 of the antenna 40 is performed at a very short distance, there is almost no influence of disturbance, so that once communication is started normally, there is almost no abnormality and stable. And can communicate. However, since the user may try to remove the storage device 20 from the dock 10 during communication, the dock 10 and the storage device 20 communicate safely when an abnormality is detected. During this period, the communication is terminated to prevent data corruption.

Or the communication control unit 126 of the dock 10, for example acquires the amplification factor calculated by the reception LSI 37 ₁ of the AGC circuit 103 at predetermined intervals, the gain for all channels is within the normal operating range To monitor.

  The communication control unit 126 ends the communication normally when the amplification factor is not within the normal operation range in any channel. At this time, the notification setting unit 125 notifies the user through the indicator 14 that communication has been terminated because an abnormality has been detected.

Similarly, the communication control unit 136 of the storage device 20 also, for example, acquires the amplification factor calculated by the reception LSI 37 ₂ of the AGC circuit 103 at predetermined intervals, whether the amplification factor in all the channels are within the normal operating range Monitor.

  Then, the communication control unit 136 ends communication normally when the amplification factor is not within the normal operation range in any channel. At this time, the notification setting unit 135 notifies the user through the indicator 26 that communication has been terminated because an abnormality has been detected.

  Thus, the microcomputer 83 of the dock 10 and the microcomputer 84 of the storage device 20 perform position control when non-contact communication is performed by the differential linear antenna 41 of the antenna 40.

[3-5. (Position control processing procedure)
Next, the procedure of the position control process described above will be described using a flowchart.

[3-5-1. (Position control processing procedure by dock microcomputer)
The microcomputer 83 enters from the start step of the routine RT1 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 27, moves to the next step SP1, waits until a predetermined time elapses, and moves to the next step SP2. During this time, the transmission LSI 36 ₁ and the reception LSI 37 ₁ is initialized by a reset circuit provided therein.

The microcomputer 83 in step SP2, the transmission LSI 36 ₁ and the reception LSI 37 ₁ of register Initialize the like is initialized, and proceeds to the next step SP3.

Step microcomputer 83 in SP3 determines whether OOB signal sent from the RAID card 81 is detected by the signal detection circuit 104 of all the channels of transmission LSI 36 _1.

  Here, when the OOB signal of any channel is not detected, the microcomputer 83 moves to step SP4 to notify the user that it is abnormal and ends the process.

The other hand, if it is detected by the OOB signal of all channels, this state until the microcomputer 83 to enable the output buffer 102 of the transmission LSI 36 ₁ proceeds to step SP5, OOB signal from the storage device 20 is transmitted Is maintained and the process proceeds to the next step SP6.

Step microcomputer 83 in SP6, the receiving antenna _40E 1 ～40H amplification factor calculated by the AGC circuit 103 of the reception LSI 37 ₁ based on the received OOB signal ₁ to determine whether it is within the normal initialization range . If the amplification factor is not within the normal initialization range, the microcomputer 83 proceeds to step SP7.

The microcomputer 83 at step SP7 is to estimate the distance between the antenna 40 which is disposed to face the basis of the amplification factor calculated by the reception LSI 37 ₁ of the AGC circuit 113, and proceeds to step SP8.

  In step SP8, the microcomputer 83 moves the storage device 20 in the Z-axis direction so that the distance between the antennas 40 arranged to face each other based on the estimated distance and the reference distance becomes the reference distance. Move to SP9.

  In step SP9, the microcomputer 83 determines whether or not the movement adjustment of the storage device 20 has been performed 10 times in step SP8. If it has not been performed 10 times, the microcomputer 83 returns to step SP6. The user is notified that the communication cannot be started, and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the amplification factor were within the normal initialization range in step SP6, the state where the microcomputer 83 proceeds to step SP10, to enable the output buffer 102 of the reception LSI 37 _1, data communication in compliance with the S ATA2 standard can be started Then, the process proceeds to the next step SP11.

The microcomputer in step SP11 83 includes a RAID card 81 SATA2 state data communication in compliance with the standard is performed between the SSD 23, the normal amplification factor of all channels calculated by the reception LSI 37 ₁ of AGC circuit 113 is Detect if it is within the operating range.

  If the amplification factor is within the normal operating range in all channels in step SP11, the microcomputer 83 repeats step SP11.

  On the other hand, if the amplification factor of any channel is no longer within the normal operating range in step SP11, the microcomputer 83 moves to step SP12, ends communication normally, and returns to step SP2.

[3-5-2. Position control processing procedure by microcomputer of storage device]
The microcomputer 84 enters from the start step of the routine RT2 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 28, moves to the next step SP21, waits until the time set to 1 to 3 seconds elapses, and moves to the next step SP22. During this time, transmission LSI 36 ₂ and the reception LSI 37 ₂ is initialized by a reset circuit provided therein.

The microcomputer 84 in step SP22, the transmission LSI 36 ₂ and the reception LSI 37 ₂ registers Initialize the like is initialized, it proceeds to the next step SP23.

Step microcomputer 84 in SP23 determines whether OOB signal transmitted from SSD23 is detected by the signal detection circuit 114 of all the channels of transmission LSI 36 _2.

  Here, when the OOB signal of any channel is not detected, the microcomputer 84 moves to step SP24 to notify the user that it is abnormal and ends the process.

In contrast, if the OOB signal of all channels is detected, the microcomputer 84 to enable the output buffer 112 of the transmission LSI 36 ₂ moves to step SP25, it proceeds to the next step SP26.

Step microcomputer 84 in SP26, the amplification factor is equal to or within the normal initialization range calculated by the AGC circuit 113 on the basis of the OOB signal received by the receiving antenna _{40E 2 ~40H} 2. If the amplification factor is not within the normal initialization range, the microcomputer 84 moves to step SP27, notifies the user that communication cannot be started, and ends the process.

On the other hand, if the amplification factor were within the normal initialization range in step SP26, the state in which the microcomputer 84 proceeds to step SP28, to enable the output buffer 112 of the reception LSI 37 _2, data communication in compliance with the S ATA2 standard can be started Then, the process proceeds to the next step SP29.

Step microcomputer 84 in SP29 is a state where data communication in conformity with SATA2 standard between the RAID card 81 and SSD23 is being performed, the amplification factor is normal on all channels calculated by the AGC circuit 113 of the reception LSI 37 ₂ Detect if it is within the operating range.

  If the amplification factor is within the normal operating range in all channels in step SP29, the microcomputer 84 repeats step SP29.

  On the other hand, if the amplification factor is not within the normal operating range in any channel in step SP29, the microcomputer 84 moves to step SP30, ends communication normally, and returns to step SP22.

[4. Operation and effect)
Antenna 40 In the above configuration is parallel, the differential linear antenna 41 consisting of the antenna elements 51 and 52 of a predetermined length which is arranged on the same plane by a predetermined distance apart, and a plane antenna elements 51 and 52 are arranged It has a two-layer structure with a patch antenna 42 disposed on the surface.

  In the differential linear antenna 41 of the antenna 40 (transmission antennas 40A to 40D) used for transmission, a voltage having a reverse polarity is fed to the antenna elements 51 and 52, and a magnetic field is generated by the antenna elements 51 and 52.

Differential linear antenna 41 of the antenna 40 (reception antenna 40 E to 40 H) which is used as a receiver which is arranged to face the transmitting antenna 40A~40D is generated in the antenna element 51 and 52 of the transmit antenna 40A~40D The antenna elements 51 and 52 are charged with a reverse polarity by the magnetic field.

Thus the signal output from the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmit antenna 40A~40D is received by the receiving antenna 40 E to 40 H of the differential linear antenna 41. Quasi-electrostatic field at this time is the differential linear antenna 41 and receiving antenna 40 E to 40 H of the differential linear antenna 41 of the transmitting antennas 40A-40D, which attenuates in inverse proportion to the cube of the intensity of the electric field distance Therefore, high-speed communication of several Gbps can be performed.

On the other hand, the patch antenna 42, the feeding point is provided in the region between a virtual face perpendicular with respect to as the patch antenna 42 the extension of the antenna element 51及beauty 52.

  As a result, the antenna 40 has the opposite polarities fed to the antenna elements 51 and 52 in the differential linear antenna 41, and the polarities of the antennas are offset to have the same effect on the patch antenna 42. There is no interference.

  The antenna 40 also cancels the influence of the difference between the voltages received by the antenna elements 51 and 52 because the radio wave emitted from the patch antenna 42 affects the antenna elements 51 and 52 almost equally. .

  Thus, the antenna 40 can perform communication without the differential linear antenna 41 and the patch antenna 42 interfering with each other. As a result, the antenna 40 can be miniaturized because the differential linear antenna 41 and the patch antenna 42 that wirelessly communicate different signals can have a two-layer structure.

In addition, the dock 10 and the storage device 20 estimate the distance between the antennas 40 arranged opposite to each other based on the amplification factor calculated by the AGC circuits 1 0 3 and 1 1 3.

  This is because the differential linear antenna 41 of the antenna 40 has a characteristic that the reception voltage is uniformly attenuated in inverse proportion to the distance between the antennas 40 arranged to face each other. This is because the distance between 40 is represented by a proportional relationship.

  As a result, the dock 10 and the storage device 20 can be estimated without providing a separate device or circuit for measuring the distance between the antennas 40 arranged opposite to each other, and thus the configuration can be simplified.

Further, the dock 10 drives the actuator mechanism 13 based on the estimated distance between the antennas 40 to move the storage device 20 in the Z-axis direction, and communicates the distance between the antennas 40 to a preset optimum. Adjusted to the reference distance that can be done.

  As a result, the dock 10 and the storage device 20 can set the differential linear antenna 41 that communicates using a quasi-electrostatic field, which has a great influence on communication, to an optimum distance interval. Communication between 41 can be performed in an optimal environment.

<2. Other embodiments>
Note in the embodiment described above, with respect to the patch antenna 42 and dealt with the case of the feeding point 6 4 in the corner of the center are provided in the X-axis direction. The present invention is not limited to this, and a feeding point may be provided anywhere as long as it is within a region sandwiched between virtual lines perpendicular to the surface of the patch antenna 42 through the extension lines of the antenna elements 51 and 52. However, in consideration of interference with the differential linear antenna 41, any position on the reference line on which the antenna element 51 and the antenna element 52 are axisymmetric, that is, on the center line in the Y-axis direction of the patch antenna 42 is Better.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the antenna elements 51 and 52 are arranged in parallel has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and it is only necessary that the antenna elements 51 and 52 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the reference line along the direction in which the current flows in the patch antenna 42 at a predetermined interval.

  In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which a plurality of shielding columns 45 are provided at equal intervals on the side surface of the antenna 40 so as to be in contact with the shielding frame 44 and the patch antenna 42. The shielding column 45 is provided to prevent the electric field generated by the antenna elements 51 and 52 from reaching other adjacent antennas 40. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the side surface of the antenna 40 may be covered with a conductive flat plate. Thereby, the same effect as the case where the shielding pillar 45 is provided can be acquired.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the shielding frame 44 is provided on the same plane as the antenna elements 51 and 52 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the shielding frame 44 includes the antenna elements 51 and 52. You may make it provide in the position of different height from. However, when the shielding frame 44 is provided on the same plane as the antenna elements 51 and 52, the electric field generated by the antenna elements 51 and 52 can be prevented from being radiated outside the antenna 40.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the communication between the RAID card 81 and the SSD 23 to which the differential linear antenna 41 of the antenna 40 is connected in conformity with the SATA2 standard has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and the differential linear antenna 41 of the antenna 40 may be configured to make contactless communication between devices connected in accordance with, for example, the PCI Express standard.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the communication between the personal computer 3 to which the patch antenna 42 of the antenna 40 is connected in conformity with the USB standard and the display unit 25 is set to contactless communication has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and the patch antenna 42 of the antenna 40 may be configured to make contactless communication between devices connected in conformity with standards such as RS232C and UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter). Good. Incidentally, since RS232C and UART are standards for full-duplex communication, there is no need to provide a conversion circuit for converting half-duplex and full-duplex. In the case of the UART standard, since no special negotiation is required, communication is possible at any time if the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D and the receiving antennas 40E to 40H face each other at a short distance. It can also be used for confirmation.

Also in the embodiment described above has dealt with the case of not providing anything during a communication of the dock 10 module 30 ₁ and the communication module 30 ₂ of the storage device 20. The present invention is not limited to this, as shown in FIG. 29, during the communication of the dock 10 module 30 ₁ and the communication module 30 ₂ of the storage device 20, and the opposing transmission antenna 40A~40D receive antennas 40E~40H A spacer 150 having a gap of 1 mm may be provided. As a result, the distance between the transmitting antennas 40A to 40D and the receiving antennas 40E to 40H facing each other is always maintained at 1 mm which is the reference distance, so that an optimal communication state can always be maintained.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 30 as another example, providing the communication module 30 ₁ and the protective filter 29 ₁ and between the communication module 30 ₂ and the protective each spacer 151 and 152 between the filter 29 _{and second} storage device 20 of the dock 10 You may do it. The spacers 151 and 152 have a thickness of 1 mm between the opposing transmitting antennas 40A to 40D and receiving antennas 40E to 40H. Thereby, the same effect as the case mentioned above can be acquired.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the actuator mechanism 13 as the adjustment unit is provided in the dock 10 has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and an adjustment unit that adjusts the distance between the antennas 40 arranged to face each other may be provided in the storage device 20. In this case, for example, it can be realized by providing an actuator mechanism inside the storage device 20 that moves only the communication module 302 in the Z-axis direction.

  When the adjustment unit is provided in the storage device 20, the control may be performed by either the position control unit 124 provided in the dock 10 or the position control unit 134 provided in the storage device 20. When the position control unit 124 provided in the dock 10 performs, for example, it can be realized by transmitting a control signal from the dock 10 to the storage device 20 by using an unused patch antenna 42.

Incidentally, when the position control unit 134 performs position control, the distance estimation unit 133 and the position control unit 134 function. Similarly to the position control unit 124, the position control unit 134 calculates the difference between the distance estimated by the distance estimation unit 133 and the reference distance, and the distance between the antennas 40 arranged facing each other becomes the reference distance. Thus, the actuator mechanism 13 is driven to move the storage device 20 in the Z-axis direction.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the actuator mechanism 13 is controlled by the position control unit 124 provided in the dock 10 has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and the actuator mechanism 13 may be controlled by the position control unit 134 provided in the storage device 20. In this case, for example, it can be realized by transmitting a control signal from the storage device 20 to the dock 10 using the patch antenna 42 that is not used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which the distance between the antennas 40 arranged to face each other is adjusted by controlling the actuator mechanism 13 as the adjustment unit by the position control unit 124. The present invention is not limited to this, and the user may manually adjust the distance between the antennas 40.

In the above-described embodiment, the notification setting units 125 and 135 blink the indicators 14 and 26 to notify the user that the communication has not been started and that the communication has been terminated because an abnormality has been detected. Said about the case. The present invention is not limited thereto, and may be turned indicators 14 and 26 in different colors depending on the amplification factor calculated by the reception LSI 37 ₁ of the AGC circuit 103 and the reception LSI 37 ₂ of AGC circuit 113.

For example notification setting unit 125 and 135, it causes the light blue when reception LSI 37 ₁ of the AGC circuit 103 and the reception LSI 37 ₂ amplification factor calculated by the AGC circuit 113 is within the normal operating range. The notification setting units 125 and 135 are lit in green when the amplification factor is outside the normal operation range and within the normal operation range, and are lit red when the amplification factor is outside the normal operation range. Thus, when the user manually adjusts the distance between the antennas 40 opposed to each other, the user can easily adjust the distance by making the indicators 14 and 26 visually visible.

  Incidentally, the indicators 14 and 26 may be provided with LEDs corresponding to RAID channels so that the LEDs are lit separately for each channel.

As another example, the notification setting unit 125 and 135, the reception LSI 37 ₁ of the AGC circuit 103 and the reception LSI 37 amplification factor calculated by the _second AGC circuit 113 is the smallest value (18) smaller than the value of the normal operating range Sometimes the indicators 14 and 26 are lit in red, for example. The notification setting units 125 and 135 turn on the indicators 14 and 26, for example, in orange when the amplification factor is larger than the maximum value (34) of the normal operation range. Thus, when the user manually adjusts the distance between the antennas 40 facing each other, it is possible to easily know which direction to move.

  In the embodiment described above, the case where only the position in the Z-axis direction is adjusted has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the position may also be adjusted in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Good.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 31, the dock 210 of the communication unit 200, the upper surface 211A of the casing 211, Z-axis positive direction at a predetermined position along the Y-axis direction with respect to the communication module 30 ₁ A protruding portion 212 is provided that protrudes from the top.

Storage device 220 of the communication unit 200, the bottom surface 221B of the housing 221, the fitting portion 222 collision detecting section 212 of the dock 210 is fitted is provided. Accordingly, when the storage unit 220 is placed so that the fitting portion 222 is fitted to the protruding portion 212 of the dock 210, the storage device 220 can be rotated and moved on the XY plane with the fitting portion 222 as a rotation center. This makes it possible to adjust the positions in the X-axis and Y-axis directions between the antennas 40 arranged to face each other. The rotational movement of the storage device 220 may be performed by the microcomputer 83 or 84 controlling a separately provided actuator mechanism, or may be performed manually. In addition, regarding the movement in the Z-axis direction, for example, if an actuator mechanism for moving only the communication module 30 is separately provided, the antenna 40 between the antennas 40 arranged to face each other in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions. The distance can be adjusted.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 32 as another example, the dock 310 of the communication unit 300, the upper surface 311A of the casing 311, the rails 312A and 312B along the X-axis direction positioned symmetrically across a communications module 30 ₁ Provided.

  In the storage device 320 of the communication unit 300, rail grooves 322 </ b> A and 322 </ b> B that engage with the rails 312 </ b> A and 312 </ b> B of the dock 310 are provided on the bottom surface 321 </ b> B of the housing unit 321. Accordingly, the storage device 320 can move in the X-axis direction along the rails 312A and 312B when the rail grooves 322A and 322B are placed so as to engage with the rails 312A and 312B of the dock 310. Thereby, the position of the X-axis direction between the antennas 40 arranged to face each other can be adjusted. Note that the rotational movement of the storage device 320 may be performed by controlling a separately provided actuator mechanism by the microcomputer 83 or 84, or may be manually performed. In addition, regarding the movement in the Z-axis direction, for example, if an actuator mechanism for moving only the communication module 30 is provided separately, the distance between the antennas 40 arranged opposite to each other in the X-axis and Z-axis directions is adjusted. can do.

  As another example, as shown in FIG. 33, the position in the X-axis direction may be adjusted by using a communication module 430. The communication module 430 is provided with elongated holes 431A, 431B, 431C, and 431D along the X-axis direction at the four corners of a substantially H-shaped substrate 431. Further, the communication module 430 is provided with magnets 432A to 432D such as neodymium magnets on the surface side where the antennas 40A to 40H are arranged.

  The communication module 430 is attached to the dock 10 and the storage device 20 instead of the communication module 30. At that time, the screw 27 is inserted into the long holes 431A, 431B, 431C, and 431D of the communication module 430, and the communication module 430 is pressed and fixed by the spring 27A.

Thus, the magnet 432A ₁ ～432D ₁ communication module 430 ₁ provided in the dock 10, the position of the XY plane there attracted and magnet 432A ₂ ～432D ₂ communication module 430 ₂ provided within the storage device 20 It can fix so that it may oppose substantially.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where only the position in the Z-axis direction is adjusted has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and if the gain does not fall within the normal operating range even if the position in the Z-axis direction is adjusted, the position may be adjusted in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

In the embodiment described above, the communication control unit 126 acquires the amplification factor calculated by the reception LSI 37 ₁ of the AGC circuit 103 monitors whether the amplification factor in all the channels are within the normal operating range, A case has been described in which communication is terminated normally when the amplification factor is not within the normal operating range in any channel. The present invention is not limited to this, the communication control unit 126 stores in time series the amplification factor calculated by the AGC circuit 103 of the reception LSI 37 ₁ acquired at predetermined intervals. The communication control unit 126 may end the communication before the amplification rate is out of the normal operation range when the amplification rate is changing in a direction approaching the maximum value or the minimum value of the normal operation range.

In the above-described embodiment, the position control unit 124 calculates the difference between the distance estimated by the distance estimation unit 123 and the reference distance, and the distance between the antennas 40 arranged facing each other becomes the reference distance. As described above, the actuator mechanism 13 is driven to move the storage device 20 in the Z-axis direction. The present invention is not limited to this, and the position control unit 124 calculates the difference between the distance estimated by the distance estimation unit 123 and the reference distance, and stores the difference if the difference is within the drive range of the actuator mechanism 13. The device 20 is moved in the Z-axis direction. Further, when the difference is outside the driving range of the actuator mechanism 13, the position control unit 124 may notify the fact via the notification setting unit 125 and the indicator 14, and may not move the storage device 20.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the microcomputers 83 and 84 perform the above-described various processes according to the program stored in the ROM has been described. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the above-described various processes may be performed according to a program installed from a storage medium or downloaded from the Internet. Further, the various processes described above may be performed according to programs installed by various other routes.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the differential linear antenna 41 is provided as the differential linear antenna and the patch antenna 42 is provided as the patch antenna has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and other differential linear antennas and patch antennas having various configurations may be provided.

  The present invention can be used in the field of wireless communication.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Data transfer system, 2 ... Communication unit, 3 ... Personal computer, 10 ... Dock, 11 ... Housing part, 12 ... Fixed part, 13 ... Actuator mechanism, 14 ... Indicator, 20 ... ... Storage device, 21 ... Housing part, 22 ... Cover, 23 ... SSD, 24 ... Fitting part, 25 ... Display part, 26 ... Indicator, 27 ... Screw, 28 ... Base part, 29 …… Protective filter, 30 …… Communication module, 31 …… Substrate, 32 …… Conversion circuit, 33 …… Power connector, 34 …… MiniSAS connector, 35 …… USB connector, 36 …… Transmission LSI, 37 …… Receiving LSI, 40 ... antenna, 41 ... differential linear antenna, 42 ... patch antenna, 43 ... impedance adjusting plate, 44 ... shielding frame, 45 ... shielding pillar, 46, 47, 48 ... supply Electric pole, 51, 52 ... Antenna element, 53, 54 ... Feed section, 61, 62, 63 ... Feed line, 64, 65, 66 ... Feed point, 71 ... CPU, 72 ... ROM, 73 ... ... RAM, 74 ... Operation input unit, 75 ... Display unit, 76 ... Storage unit, 77 ... Interface unit, 78 ... Bus, 81 ... RAID card, 82, USB interface, 83, 84 ... Microcomputer 91 ... Differential transmission circuit, 92 ... Differential reception circuit, 93 ... Transmission circuit, 94 ... Reception circuit, 101, 111 ... Amplification circuit, 102, 112 ... Output buffer, 103, 113 ... Gain control circuit, 104, 114... Signal detection circuit, 121, 131... Initialization unit, 122, 132... Connection setting unit, 123, 133 ... Distance estimation unit, 124, 134. , 13 ...... notification control unit, 126 and 136 ...... communication control unit.

Claims (6)

A differential linear antenna composed of two antenna elements of a predetermined length that are arranged symmetrically apart from a reference line and are given a voltage of opposite polarity;
A flat patch antenna that is arranged in parallel with a plane on which the differential linear antenna is arranged, and in which a feeding point is provided in a region sandwiched between virtual planes that are perpendicular to the plane through an extension line of the antenna element ;
A conductive shielding frame disposed on a plane on which the differential linear antenna is disposed, surrounding the differential linear antenna, and grounded to a ground;
An antenna having a shielding column formed in a basket shape so as to surround the shielding frame and the patch antenna, a part of which is connected to the shielding frame and the patch antenna. The patch antenna
The antenna according to claim 1, wherein a feeding point is provided at a position equidistant from the two antenna elements of the differential linear antenna. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein the differential antenna has the two antenna elements arranged in parallel. The antenna is
The antenna according to claim 3 , wherein a plurality of antenna elements are arranged adjacent to each other in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the antenna element. A differential linear antenna composed of two antenna elements of a predetermined length that are arranged symmetrically apart from a reference line and are given a voltage of opposite polarity, and a plane on which the differential linear antenna is arranged A flat patch antenna in which a feeding point is provided in a region sandwiched between virtual planes perpendicular to the plane passing through an extension line of the antenna element, and a plane on which the differential linear antenna is disposed A conductive shielding frame that is disposed on the ground, surrounds the differential linear antenna, and is connected to the ground, and a part of the conductive shielding frame is connected to the shielding frame and the patch antenna so as to surround the shielding frame and the patch antenna. An antenna having a shield post formed in a basket shape ;
And a substrate on which the antenna is arranged so that the differential linear antenna is positioned above the patch antenna. A communication system comprising a storage device and a dock,
The storage device
A storage medium for storing data;
A differential linear antenna composed of two antenna elements of a predetermined length that are arranged symmetrically apart from a reference line and are given a voltage of opposite polarity, and a plane on which the differential linear antenna is arranged A flat patch antenna in which a feeding point is provided in a region sandwiched between virtual planes perpendicular to the plane passing through an extension line of the antenna element, and a plane on which the differential linear antenna is disposed A conductive shielding frame that is disposed on the ground, surrounds the differential linear antenna, and is connected to the ground, and a part of the conductive shielding frame is connected to the shielding frame and the patch antenna so as to surround the shielding frame and the patch antenna. A first antenna having a shielding pillar formed in a basket shape ,
The dock is
A second antenna having the same shape as the first antenna;
A housing portion on which the storage medium is installed so that the first antenna and the second antenna face each other at an extremely short distance;
A communication system in which the differential linear antennas in the first and second antennas perform non-contact communication, and patch antennas in the first and second antennas perform non-contact communication.

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