Radio Assembly Repairability

Abstract

A method, system, and assembly are disclosed, in which the radio assembly includes at least one radio including a radio board, a plurality of filter units, a plurality of clamping elements, and an antenna unit, wherein a subset of the plurality of filter units remains removably attached to the radio board while the remaining plurality of filter units remain removably attached to the antenna unit and the plurality of clamping elements based on whether a second plurality of fastening elements are unlocked from a subset of a plurality of second filter mating elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units, a third plurality of fastening elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units are unlocked from their respective first filter mating elements, and the first plurality of fastening elements associated with the remaining plurality of filter units are unlocked from their respective radio mating elements.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to radio antenna assemblies, and more particularly, to radio assemblies that provide selective detachment of, for example, individual filter units. [Background technology]

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has developed and is developing standards for fourth-generation (4G) wireless communication systems (also known as Long Term Evolution (LTE)), fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication systems (also known as New Radio (NR)), and sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication systems. Such systems provide, among other features, broadband communication between network nodes, such as base stations, and mobile wireless devices (WDs), as well as communication between network nodes and between WDs.

[0003] Some of these systems use Antenna Integrated Radio (AIR) products that are typically built using a common architecture with three main functional blocks: a radio board, a filter, and an antenna.

[0004] These elements / function blocks are connected to each other using bullet connectors. For example, the radio board is connected to the filter using a bullet connector, and the filter is connected to the antenna using a bullet connector. Typically, there are multiple branches (e.g., antenna branches) between the radio and the filter, each requiring a receive and transmit bullet connector for each frequency. Between the filter and the antenna, there is a bullet connector for each branch and for each frequency.

[0005] In one existing system, the AIR3283 system has 16 antenna branches with a dedicated filter unit for each branch. Each filter has four bullet connectors between the radio and the filter and two bullet connectors between the filter and the antenna. This results in 64 bullet connectors between the radio and the filter and 32 bullet connectors between the filter and the antenna. The end result is a total of 96 bullet connectors in the system. However, the large number of bullet connectors can make testing, reconfiguration, and retesting problematic in these existing systems.

[0006] In particular, existing systems, such as the previous AIR system, experience low first-pass production yields caused by in-line passive intermodulation (PIM) generated in the bullet connectors that make the radio frequency (RF) connection between the antenna and the filter. In particular, the connection between the filter and the antenna is highly susceptible to PIM. This, combined with the blind mating of the various (e.g., 32) simultaneous connections between the antenna and the filter, means that there is a high probability of PIM failure on one or more of these connections.

[0007] One way to correct this problem is to identify the individual antenna branch that is producing the PIM and replace the faulty connector or clean the faulty connection. These existing AIR systems require total disassembly of the antenna and therefore disconnection of all bullet connectors on all antenna branches, i.e., disconnecting all antenna branches from all filters. For example, a repair procedure may require removal of the entire antenna to gain access to the faulty connection or to the filter.

[0008] Subsequent reassembly of the antenna onto the radio frequently corrects the faulty antenna branch but may reveal a new fault in one of the other branches that previously met the in-line PIM criteria (e.g., PIM below a predefined threshold). That is, there is a high risk that a previously good connection may fail upon reconnection. For example, the filter / radio interface / connection is not very PIM-sensitive, but the antenna / filter interface / connection is extremely PIM-sensitive. Therefore, reconnecting the antenna to the filter may introduce contamination, mismatch, etc., which may cause the in-line PIM criteria to no longer be met. That is, a good antenna branch that meets the in-line PIM criteria tends to remain good unless the antenna branch is disassembled, but if disassembled and then reassembled, the antenna branch may become faulty, i.e., fail to meet the in-line PIM criteria. This new fault then requires another disassembly, bullet replacement, and reassembly of the system, which may lead to another faulty branch.

[0009] This assembly, testing, and reassembly results in poor first and second pass yields in production, often requiring three to four cycles of disassembly and reassembly to obtain a system that meets in-line PIM criteria. Furthermore, the increasing number of antenna branches in newer systems is causing lower first pass yields, as the recurrence of assembly, testing, and reassembly can be higher. Therefore, larger or higher capacity AIR systems may suffer from more problems during the early assembly and test stages. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, systems, and apparatus for selective isolation of individual filter units, for example, during assembly and testing. Additionally, one or more embodiments advantageously allow access to the RF interconnect connectors for cleaning and / or replacement (burette).

[0011] The present disclosure involves attaching all of the filter units together as one structural element. Because the filter units are attached to the antenna, this allows for removal of the filter-antenna assembly in a single lift while maintaining the connection between the filter units and the antenna. An inter-filter unit attachment mechanism allows for selective separation of individual filter units. Selective filter unit separation allows access to replace a faulty bullet connector without severing a good connection (e.g., between the filter unit and the antenna).

[0012] According to one or more embodiments, a radio assembly is provided. The radio assembly includes at least one radio including a radio board including a plurality of radio mating elements extending from a first side of the radio board. The radio assembly includes a plurality of filter units, each filter unit including a first filter mating element on the first side of the filter unit and at least one extended portion extending from a second side of the filter unit, each extended portion defining a filter via and a second filter mating element, the plurality of filter units being removably attached to the radio board by mating a first plurality of fastening elements through the plurality of filter vias and with the plurality of radio mating elements. The radio assembly includes a plurality of clamp elements, each of the plurality of clamp elements defining a plurality of clamp vias and a plurality of retaining elements, the plurality of clamp elements being removably attached to the plurality of filter units by mating a second plurality of fixing elements through the plurality of clamp vias and into the second plurality of filter mating elements.The radio assembly includes an antenna unit defining a plurality of antenna vias, the antenna unit being removably attached to the plurality of filter units by mating a third plurality of fastening elements through the plurality of antenna vias and to the first filter mating elements, and a subset of the plurality of filter units remaining removably attached to the radio board while the remaining plurality of filter units remain removably attached to the antenna unit and the plurality of clamp elements based on whether the second plurality of fastening elements are unfastened from a subset of the plurality of second filter mating elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units, the third plurality of fastening elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units are unfastened from their respective first filter mating elements, and the first plurality of fastening elements associated with the remaining plurality of filter units are unfastened from their respective radio mating elements.

[0013] According to one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of retaining elements is configured to retain a respective one of the first plurality of securing elements after the respective one of the first plurality of securing elements is unlocked from a respective wireless mating element.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments, the retaining element defines a snap-fit ​​element configured to snap-fit ​​onto a portion of a respective one of the first plurality of fixation elements upon unlocking the respective one of the first plurality of fixation elements from a respective wireless mating element.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments, the snap fit element extends through the clamp element.

[0016] According to one or more embodiments, each clamp element includes a second plurality of retaining elements, each of the second plurality of retaining elements being positioned over a respective clamp via and including a snap-fit ​​portion positioned on one side of the clamp element.

[0017] According to one or more embodiments, each second filter mating element is a blind threaded hole.

[0018] According to one or more embodiments, each second filter mating element extends in the axial direction of one of the threaded blind hole and the threaded through hole, and each filter via extends in the same axial direction as the axial direction of the filter mating element.

[0019] According to one or more embodiments, each of a first subset of the plurality of clamp elements defines a first number of clamp vias and a first number of retaining elements, and each of a second subset of the plurality of clamp elements defines a second number of clamp vias and a second number of retaining elements that is greater than the first number of clamp vias and the first number of retaining elements, such that when the plurality of clamp elements are removably attached to the filter units, they retain a greater number of filter units than each of the first subset of the plurality of clamp elements.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments, the antenna unit includes a plurality of first alignment protrusions extending from a first side of the antenna unit, and the radio board defines a plurality of coarse alignment vias configured to receive the plurality of first alignment protrusions of the antenna unit.

[0021] According to one or more embodiments, the antenna unit includes a plurality of second alignment protrusions extending from a first side of the antenna unit, each of the second alignment protrusions defining a blind hole, and the radio board includes a plurality of alignment pins, each of the plurality of alignment pins configured to mate with a respective blind hole of the plurality of second alignment protrusions.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of filter units includes an alignment shaft extending from a first side of the filter unit, and the antenna unit defines a plurality of slots, each of the plurality of slots configured to receive a respective alignment shaft of the filter unit.

[0023] According to one or more embodiments, the antenna unit defines a plurality of access vias that provide access to the first plurality of fasteners, the second plurality of fasteners, and the third plurality of fasteners through the antenna unit.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments, the plurality of clamping elements define a plurality of tool-mating elements configured to mate with a plurality of lifting tools for lifting the antenna unit and the remainder of the plurality of filter units while a subset of the plurality of filter units remains removably attached to the radio board, and the plurality of access vias are configured to provide access to the plurality of tool-mating elements.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for configuring a radio assembly. The radio assembly includes at least one radio, a plurality of filter units, a plurality of clamp elements, and an antenna unit. The radio includes a radio board, the radio board includes a plurality of radio mating elements extending from a first side of the radio board, each filter unit including a first filter mating element on the first side of the filter unit and at least one extension portion extending from a second side of the filter unit, each extension portion defining a filter via and a second filter mating element, a plurality of clamp elements, each of the plurality of clamp elements defining a plurality of clamp vias and a plurality of retention elements, and the antenna unit defines a plurality of access vias. The plurality of filter units are removably attached to the radio board by mating the first plurality of fixing elements through the plurality of filter vias and with the plurality of radio mating elements. The plurality of clamp elements are removably attached to the plurality of filter units by mating a second plurality of fixation elements through the plurality of clamp vias and with the second plurality of filter mating elements. The antenna unit is removably attached to the plurality of filter units by mating a third plurality of fixation elements through the plurality of access vias and with the first filter mating elements. Passive intermodulation (PIM) performance of a respective interface between each of the plurality of filter units and the antenna unit is determined.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments, a determination is made that a subset of the plurality of filter units cannot meet the PIM criteria. The subset of the plurality of filter units is detached from the antenna unit and the plurality of clamping elements by unlocking the second plurality of fastening elements from the subset of the plurality of second filter mating elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units and unlocking the third plurality of fastening elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units from their respective first filter mating elements. The remaining of the plurality of filter units are detached from the radio board by unlocking the first plurality of fastening elements associated with the remaining plurality of filter units from their respective radio mating elements. The antenna unit is removed from the radio assembly, and the remaining plurality of filter units remain removably attached to the antenna unit and the plurality of clamping elements while the subset of filter units remains removably attached to the radio board. The subset of filter units is replaced with other filter units while maintaining the PIM performance of the respective interfaces between each of the remaining plurality of filter units and the antenna unit.

[0027] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and their attendant advantages and features, will be more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a perspective view of a portion of a radio assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a radio assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1A-1C are perspective views of a portion of a radio assembly during steps in an assembly process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]1 is a perspective view of a portion of a radio assembly during another step in the assembly process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a radio assembly during another step in the assembly process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a portion of an exploded view of a radio assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1A is a diagram of a portion of a radio assembly with a filter unit removably attached to the radio portion via a male fixation element, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a portion of an exploded view of a radio assembly including a perspective view of a clamping element, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a portion of an exploded view of a radio assembly including a perspective view of a clamping element, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a radio assembly during another step in the assembly process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the radio assembly during the mounting step described in FIG. 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 11 is another perspective view of a portion of radio assembly 10 during the mounting step described in FIG. 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 is a side view of a portion of a radio assembly after an antenna unit has been attached to a filter unit, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of a portion of the radio assembly 10 of FIG. 13 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an antenna unit according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a detachable antenna unit separated from a radio portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 1 is a flow diagram of a method for configuring a radio assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] As described above, existing radio antenna systems suffer from various problems, such as during testing and reassembly. One or more embodiments described herein solve one or more of these problems, for example, by attaching all of the filters together as one structural element. Because the filters are attached to the antenna, this allows for removal of the filter-antenna assembly in a single lift while maintaining the connection between the filter and the antenna. The filter-to-filter attachment mechanism allows for selective separation of individual filters, and selective filter separation allows access to replace a faulty bullet connector without disconnecting a good antenna branch. That is, a good antenna branch that meets in-line PIM criteria tends to remain good unless the antenna branch is disassembled; one or more embodiments allow a faulty or failed antenna branch to be repaired / removed / replaced without disassembling the good antenna branch, thereby allowing the good antenna branch to continue to meet in-line PIM criteria and retain its previous calibration.

[0030] Before describing the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be noted that the embodiments reside primarily in the combination of apparatus components and processing steps relating to, for example, a radio assembly that provides selective isolation of individual filter units.

[0031] Accordingly, where appropriate, components will be represented in the drawings by conventional symbols and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments will be shown so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0032] As used herein, relational terms such as “first” and “second,” “upper” and “lower,” etc., may be used merely to distinguish one entity or element from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is merely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” will be understood to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0033] In the embodiments described herein, joining terms such as "in communication with" may be used to indicate electrical or data communication that may be achieved, for example, by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling, or optical signaling. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate and that modifications and variations are possible in achieving electrical and data communication.

[0034] In some embodiments described herein, the terms "coupled," "connected," and the like may be used herein to indicate a connection, although not necessarily a direct connection, and may include a wired and / or wireless connection.

[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, it will be understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0036] The term "network node" as used herein may be any type of network node provided in a wireless network, which may further comprise any of a base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), gNodeB (gNB), evolved node B (eNB or eNodeB), Node B, MSR radio node such as a multi-standard radio (MSR) BS, multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), relay node, donor node controlled relay, radio access point (AP), transmission point, transmitting node, remote radio unit (RRU), remote radio head (RRH), core network node (e.g., mobility management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, coordination node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), external node (e.g., third party node, node outside the current network), node in a distributed antenna system (DAS), spectrum access system (SAS) node, element management system (EMS), etc. A network node may also comprise test equipment. As used herein, the term "wireless node" may also be used to refer to a wireless device (WD) such as a wireless device (WD) or a wireless network node.

[0037] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device (WD) or user equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. A WD herein may be any type of wireless device capable of communicating with a network node or another WD via wireless signals, such as a wireless device (WD). A WD may also be a wireless communication device, a target device, a device-to-device (D2D) WD, a machine-type WD or a WD capable of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, a low-cost and / or low-complexity WD, a sensor equipped with a WD, a tablet, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a laptop embedded equipment (LEE), a laptop mounted equipment (LME), a USB dongle, a customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or a narrowband IoT (NB-IOT) device, etc.

[0038] Also, in some embodiments, the general term "radio network node" is used. The radio network node may be any type of radio network node, which may comprise a base station, a radio base station, a base transceiver station, a base station controller, a network controller, an RNC, an evolved Node B (eNB), a Node B, a gNB, a multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), a relay node, an access point, a radio access point, a remote radio unit (RRU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0039] It should be noted that while terminology from one particular wireless system, such as 3GPP LTE and / or New Radio (NR), may be used in this disclosure, this should not be considered to limit the scope of this disclosure to only the aforementioned systems. Other wireless systems, including but not limited to Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), may also benefit from utilizing the ideas covered within this disclosure.

[0040] It should be further noted that functionality described herein as being performed by a wireless device or network node may be distributed over multiple wireless devices and / or network nodes. In other words, it is contemplated that the functionality of the network nodes and wireless devices described herein is not limited to implementation by a single physical device, but may in fact be distributed among several physical devices.

[0041] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning in accordance with the meaning of those terms in the context of this specification and related art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0042] Some embodiments are directed to radio assemblies that provide, for example, selective isolation of individual filter units.

[0043] Referring to the drawings, wherein like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a radio assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Radio assembly 10 includes a radio portion 12 (including one or more radios), an antenna and filter unit (AFU) portion 14, a heat sink 16, and a radome 18. In particular, radio portion 12 includes at least one radio and is generally removably attached to AFU portion 14, which may include heat sink 16, among other components described herein. Furthermore, AFU portion 14 includes various components, such as an antenna and filter unit, as described herein. Furthermore, one or more embodiments described herein provide for individual removal and replacement of filter units without adversely affecting the remaining filter units, which may already be configured and / or calibrated, as described herein.

[0044] 2 is an exploded view of radio assembly 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Radio portion 12 includes one or more radio boards 19 (collectively referred to as radio boards 19) that include multiple radio mating elements, as described below. Radio board 19 is configured to provide electrical communication from one or more radios (not shown) to one or more filter units 22 via one or more connections.

[0045] The AFU portion 14 includes one or more filter units 22 removably attached to the radio board 19. The filter units 22 are configured to perform one or more filter functions as known in the art, such as filtering one or more radio signals to / from a radio and to / from other portions of the AFU portion 14. The AFU portion 14 includes a liner 20, such as an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) liner, and one or more clamping elements 24 (collectively referred to as clamping elements 24). The clamping elements 24 are configured, at least in part, to provide for individual removal and replacement of the filter units without adversely affecting the remaining filter units, which may already be configured and / or calibrated, as described herein. The AFU portion 14 includes an antenna unit 26, which includes one or more antennas (not shown), and is configured to be removably attachable to the one or more filter units 22. The AFU portion 14 further includes a radome 18 that surrounds the antenna unit 26 to help shield the antenna unit 26 from the external environment.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of radio assembly 10 during a step in an assembly process. In particular, radio portion 12 is shown with liner 20 removably attached thereto, such as via one or more male fastening elements (e.g., screws such as M4 screws). Radio board 19 includes one or more wireless mating elements 28 (collectively referred to as wireless mating elements 28) extending from a first side of radio board 19. For example, wireless mating elements 28 may extend perpendicular to the first side. In one or more embodiments, the first side of radio board 19 is opposite a second side of radio board 19 adjacent heat sink 16. For example, in one or more embodiments, wireless mating element 28 is a female mating element defining a circular thread configured to receive a male fastening element (e.g., a threaded screw). In one or more embodiments, wireless mating element 28 allows one or more components (e.g., filter unit 22) to be removably attached to radio board 19.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the assembly process may generally begin with FIG. 3 and then proceed in the following order: FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG.

[0048] 4 is a perspective view of a portion of radio assembly 10 during another step in the assembly process. Radio assembly 10 includes multiple filter units 22 removably mounted to radio board 19. Once removably mounted, each branch (e.g., each radio and filter unit 22 in electrical communication with each other) can be calibrated according to existing calibration methods. As used herein, "branch" may refer to a receive or transmit path within duplex filter unit 22 to an antenna in antenna unit 26 via a common antenna port.

[0049] The filter unit 22 includes a first filter mating element 29 and a second filter mating element 30. In one or more embodiments, the first filter mating element 29 and the second filter mating element 30 are female mating elements defining a circular thread configured to receive a male fastening element (e.g., a threaded screw). In one or more embodiments, the first filter mating element 29 extends from or is located on a first side of the filter unit 22 and is configured to receive a male mating element for removably attaching the antenna unit 26 to the one or more filter units 22. In one or more embodiments, a first end of the second filter mating element 30 is configured to be in physical contact with the radio board 19, and a second end of the second filter mating element 30 is configured to receive a male mating element. The first end of the second filter mating element 30 is opposite the second end of the second filter mating element 30. In one or more embodiments, each second filter mating element 30 is a blind threaded hole. Additionally, filter unit 22 includes an alignment shaft 46, which is described in detail below.

[0050] The filter unit 22 also includes filter vias 32 configured to allow access to a male mating element removably attached to the wireless mating element 28, as described herein. The filter vias 32 may be defined by a portion of the filter unit 22 extending outwardly from the filter unit 22. In one or more embodiments, the filter vias 32 have an axial direction that is parallel to the axial direction of the wireless mating element 28. Each filter via 32 extends in the same axial direction as the axial direction of the filter mating element.

[0051] 5 is a perspective view of a portion of radio assembly 10 during another step in the assembly process. Individual filter units 22 are aligned to radio board 19 via alignment pins (not shown). Once all filter units 22 are aligned to radio board 19, clamping elements 34 connect all filter units 22 together so that the filter units 22 will fit in the same position upon reassembly of AFU portion 14 to radio portion 12.

[0052] For example, filter unit 22 is removably attached to radio board 19 via male fastening elements removably attached to radio mating element 28, and second filter mating elements 30 are configured to receive the male fastening elements via clamping elements 34 (e.g., clamping elements 34a, 34b). Each second filter mating element 30 extends axially through one of a threaded blind hole and a threaded through hole. Clamping elements 34 define clamping vias (not shown) and a retaining element 36. Clamping elements 34 are removably attached to the plurality of filter units 22 by mating the second plurality of fastening elements through the plurality of clamping vias and to the plurality of second filter mating elements 30.

[0053] Clamping elements 34a-34b are configured to join multiple filter units 22 together by resting on multiple second filter mating elements 30 and receiving male fastening elements via retaining elements 36, such as for removably attaching clamping elements 34 to filter units 22. Clamping elements 34 can be single-row or double-row clamping elements 34. For example, clamping element 34a is a double-row clamp and clamping element 34b is a single-row clamping element 34. That is, each of a first subset of the plurality of clamp elements 34 defines a first number of clamp vias 50 and a first number of retaining elements 36, and each of a second subset of the plurality of clamp elements 34 defines a second number of clamp vias 50 and a second number of retaining elements 36 that is greater than the first number of clamp vias 50 and the first number of retaining elements 36, and when the plurality of clamp elements 34 are removably attached to the filter units 22, they retain a greater number of filter units 22 than each of the first subset of the plurality of clamp elements 34.

[0054] Also installed during assembly is an Antenna CAL / Remote Electrical Tilt (AntCal / RET) bracket 35. The ANT CAL function allows the single transmit / receive branch to be calibrated using a signal that senses the antenna power level through the Antenna CAL connector. The RET function controls a motor that controls the downtilt of the antenna signal. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the retaining elements 36 are configured to retain the male fastening elements as described herein. For example, each of the plurality of retaining elements 36 is configured to retain a respective one of the first plurality of fastening elements after the respective one of the first plurality of fastening elements is unlocked from its respective wireless mating element 28.

[0055] 6 is a diagram of a portion of an exploded view of radio assembly 10. Specifically, in one or more embodiments, second filter mating element 30 of filter unit 22 is cylindrically shaped defining a cavity within which a screw thread is disposed. Additionally, second filter mating element 30 is disposed on a portion of filter unit 22 extending from filter unit 22 with filter via 32. For example, the portion of filter unit 22 extends away or away from filter unit 22 perpendicular to one side of filter unit 22.

[0056] 7 is a diagram of a portion of radio assembly 10 in which filter unit 22 is removably attached to radio portion 12 (i.e., radio board 19) via a male fixation element. A clamping element 34 is configured to make physical contact with second filter mating element 30, and another male fixation element is configured to removably attach clamping element 34 to filter unit 22 via second filter mating element 30. In one or more embodiments, the male fixation element removably attached (e.g., screwed) to the radio mating element is located on one side of clamping element 34, but the male fixation element will pass through filter via 32 and up to retaining element 36 so as to be retained when the male fixation element is removed or loosened.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a portion of an exploded view of radio assembly 10, including a perspective view of a first side of clamp element 34. The first side of clamp element 34 includes a plurality of retaining elements 36a and 36b, with retaining element 36a being different from retaining element 36b. In one or more embodiments, retaining element 36b includes a retaining element mechanism or structure (described herein) for removably retaining a male fixation element. For example, the retaining element structure may be configured to snap-fit ​​onto a head portion of a screw (e.g., a male fixation element), such as when the screw (e.g., a male fixation element) is unlocked / loosened from the fixation element, causing the screw head to move into the retaining element structure. That is, retaining element 36b defines a snap-fit ​​element configured to snap-fit ​​onto a portion of a respective one of the first plurality of fixation elements upon unlocking the respective one of the first plurality of fixation elements from the respective wireless mating element 28. In one or more embodiments, the snap-fit ​​element extends through clamp element 34. The screw may remain retained by the retaining element structure until the screw is re-secured in the fixation element, such as by causing the head of the screw to move from the retaining element structure.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, retaining elements 36a and 36b include the same retaining element structure (as described herein), but the retaining element structure is disposed at different heights on the respective retaining elements 36. For example, the retaining element feature of retaining element 36b may be larger and offset from the first side of clamping element 34 than the retaining element feature of retaining element 36a. In other words, clamping element 34 includes a second plurality of retaining elements 36b, each of which includes a snap-fit ​​portion disposed over a respective clamp via and disposed on one side of clamping element 34.

[0059] FIG. 9 is a diagram of a portion of an exploded view of radio assembly 10, including a perspective view of a second side of clamp element 34 opposite the first side of clamp element 34. The second side may be referred to as the underside of clamp element 34. Notably, clamp via 50 may have two different sized vias 50a and 50b. Clamp via 50a may be sized to receive a mating portion of a male fastening element, such as a threaded portion of a screw, while being sized smaller than the head of a screw, thereby allowing the screw to hold clamp element 34 in place relative to filter unit 22 when mated with second filter mating element 30. In one or more embodiments, clamp via 50b has a larger diameter than clamp via 50a because clamp via 50b is sized to allow a screw to be removably secured to radio mating element 28. That is, a screw (e.g., a male fixation element) is secured to the wireless mating element 28 through the retaining element 36b and the clamp via 50b, with the head of the screw moving out of the retaining element 36b as the screw is being secured. After being removably secured, the screw may rest adjacent the second side of the clamp element 34, as shown in FIG.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of radio assembly 10 during another step in the assembly process. Antenna unit 26 is assembled to radio portion 12 (see FIG. 2) and screwed to filter unit 22 and AntCal / RET bracket 35. In particular, as described with respect to FIG. 5, filter unit 22 is removably attached to radio board 19, and clamp element 34 is removably attached to filter unit 22. Antenna unit 26 includes one or more antennas 38 (collectively referred to as antennas 38), and antenna unit 26 is attached to filter unit 22. To aid in aligning antenna unit 26 with filter unit 22, antenna unit 26 includes first matching protrusion 40 configured to removably mate with rough matching via 42. The predefined location of rough matching via 42 helps ensure that antenna unit 26 will be in electrical contact with filter unit 22 once attachment is complete. Although two first matching protrusions 40 are shown, the antenna unit 26 may include other numbers of first matching protrusions 40 in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. After assembly of the antenna unit 26 into the radio portion 12, the assembly is a KRD that is ready for production testing, including PIM testing that may be performed on various branches. The KRD is a complete top-level assembly product number consisting of the radio and antenna.

[0061] 11 is a perspective view of a portion of radio assembly 10 during the mounting step described in FIG. 10 . For example, first matching protrusions 40 are guided into rough matching vias 42 for rough matching of antenna unit 26 with filter unit 22. In other words, antenna unit 26 includes a plurality of first matching protrusions 40 extending from a first side of antenna unit 26, and radio board 19 defines a plurality of rough matching vias 42 configured to receive the plurality of first matching protrusions 40 of antenna unit 26. In one or more embodiments, first matching protrusions 40 are pre-aligned with liner 20.

[0062] 12 is another perspective view of a portion of radio assembly 10 during the mounting step described in FIG. 10. In particular, antenna unit 26 includes second alignment protrusions 43 configured to receive alignment pins from radio portion 12 and / or radio board 19 to enable intermediate / mid-level alignment. For example, antenna unit 26 includes a plurality of second alignment protrusions 43 extending from a first side of antenna unit 26, each of second alignment protrusions 43 defining a blind hole, and radio board 19 includes a plurality of alignment pins 44. Each of the plurality of alignment pins 44 is configured to mate with a respective blind hole of the plurality of second alignment protrusions 43.

[0063] The antenna unit 26 further includes slots 48 (e.g., PCB slots / vias) that are mateable with the alignment shafts 46 of the filter units 22 to provide a fine level of alignment (i.e., alignment that is more accurate than the intermediate and coarse alignment). For example, each of the plurality of filter units 22 includes an alignment shaft 46 extending from a first side of the filter unit 22, and the antenna unit 26 defines a plurality of slots 48, each configured to receive a respective alignment shaft 46 of the filter unit 22.

[0064] That is, one or more embodiments provide three levels of alignment via three alignment guide systems / structures, each level providing a different level of alignment accuracy, e.g., coarse alignment, medium level alignment, and fine alignment.

[0065] 13 is a side view of a portion of radio assembly 10 after antenna unit 26 has been attached to filter unit 22. In one or more embodiments, a mating tool 39 is used to removably secure male fixation elements (e.g., screws) that are used to removably secure filter unit 22 to radio board 19 and to removably secure clamp element 34 to filter unit 22. For example, antenna unit 26 may have access vias (described with respect to FIG. 15 ) that provide mating tool 39 access to radio portion 12, radio board 19, filter unit 22, retaining element 36, etc., which provide access to the male fixation elements (e.g., screws) for securing and unlocking one or more male fixation elements.

[0066] Figure 14 is a side view of a portion of the radio assembly 10 of Figure 13. In particular, radio cover guide pins 57 provide alignment for each filter unit 22. Additionally, one or more gaskets 56 may be removably attached to one or more gasket mating elements 58, which provide a cushion during assembly to protect the connectors and bullets (described below). Contact may be made by applying torque to a male fastening element (e.g., a screw / setscrew).

[0067] 15 is a plan view of an antenna unit 26 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The antenna unit 26 defines a plurality of access vias 51, as described above with respect to FIG. 13. For example, the antenna unit 26 defines a plurality of access vias 51, and the antenna unit 26 is removably attached to a plurality of filter units 22 by mating a third plurality of fastening elements through the plurality of access vias 51 and into the first filter mating element 29. For example, the antenna unit 26 defines a plurality of access vias 51 that provide access to a first plurality of fasteners, a second plurality of fasteners, and a third plurality of fasteners through the antenna unit 26. While the access vias 51 and other vias described herein are shown as defined by a circular shape, other shapes are equally applicable.

[0068] 13 , once radio assembly 10 is assembled with the various male fixation elements removably secured across and to the radio, filter unit 22, and antenna unit 26 in electrical communication with each other (including calibration), radio assembly 10 may undergo one or more PIM tests. For example, each branch (e.g., each combination of radio, filter unit 22, and antenna 38 in electrical communication with each other) is tested for PIM. If all branches pass the PIM test(s), radio assembly 10 may be ready for use.

[0069] However, as often occurs, at least one branch fails at least one PIM test. In this case, the filter units 22 of the failed branches are unlocked from the clamping elements 34 but remain fixed to the radio board 19. For example, one or more screws associated with the failed filter units 22 that are disposed / located in the respective retaining elements 36a (as shown in FIG. 8 ) are unlocked and held by the respective retaining elements 36a, such as to unlock the failed filter units 22 from the clamping elements 34. However, one or more screws associated with the failed filter units 22 that are disposed below (or on the opposite side of) the respective retaining elements 36b (as shown in FIG. 8 ) are such that the failed filter units 22 remain fixed to the radio board 19. Furthermore, one or more screws associated with the failed filter units 22 are unlocked from the respective first filter mating elements 29, such as to unlock the failed filter units 22 from the antenna unit 26. Thus, the failed filter unit 22 is unsecured from the clamping element 34 and the antenna unit 26 but remains fixed (or removably attached) to the radio board 19 .

[0070] 16 , the filter units 22 that failed remain removably attached to the radio board 19, and the filter unit(s) 22 that passed the PIM test(s) remain removably attached to the antenna unit 26 when the antenna unit 26 is removed / disconnected from the radio portion 12. For example, a subset of the plurality of filter units 22 remains removably attached to the radio board 19 while the remaining plurality of filter units 22 remain removably attached to the antenna unit 26 and the plurality of clamping elements 34 based on whether the second plurality of fastening elements are unlocked from the subset of the plurality of second filter mating elements 30 associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units 22, the third plurality of fastening elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units 22 are unlocked from the respective first filter mating elements 29, and the first plurality of fastening elements associated with the remaining plurality of filter units 22 are unlocked from the respective radio mating elements 28.

[0071] In particular, AFU tool 52 removably mates with clamp element 34 via one or more clamp vias 50 such that a force used to lift or remove antenna unit 26 from radio portion 12 is transmitted to clamp element 34 instead of AFU portion 14. For example, the multiple clamp elements 34 define multiple tool-mating elements configured to mate with multiple lifting tools (i.e., AFU tool 52) for lifting antenna unit 26 and the remaining multiple filter units 22 while a subset of the multiple filter units 22 remains removably attached to radio board 19. The multiple access vias 51 are configured to provide access to the multiple tool-mating elements.

[0072] Further, in one example, the total weight of the AFU portion 14 may be approximately 15.7 kg (34.6 lb), and the force used to lift this weight is transferred to the clamping element 34 instead of to one or more sensitive portions of the antenna unit 26. Thus, access is provided to a failed filter unit 22 for replacement without affecting or substantially affecting previous calibrations performed on the filter unit(s) 22 that remain removably attached to the antenna unit 26.

[0073] A failed filter unit 22 may be remedied, for example, by replacing the failed filter unit 22 with another one (and fastening the new filter unit 22 to the antenna unit 26) or by replacing the connector bullet 54 for the failed filter unit 22. Each filter unit 22 may have one or more bullets for electrically connecting the respective filter unit 22 to the respective antenna 38. After remedying the failed filter unit 22, the antenna unit 26 is lowered onto (i.e., placed back into contact with) the radio portion 12, and the various fastening elements for fastening the new filter unit 22 to be clamped and the antenna unit 26 are refastened. After the radio assembly 10 is reassembled with the new filter unit 22, connectivity and / or calibration are verified, and the radio assembly 10 is again subjected to one or more PIM tests.

[0074] In other words, in some embodiments, the following steps may be performed to repair / replace one or more failed filter units 22 in a failed branch. The filter unit 22 of the failed branch is unfastened from the clamping element 34 using the access via 51 from one side of the antenna unit 26. The other filter units 22 with good branches (ie branches that meet the PIM criteria and / or pass the PIM test) are unfastened from the radio board 19 using the access vias 51 . The clamping element 34 is unfastened from the rejected filter unit 22 using the access via 51. The AFU part 14 is removed, leaving the failed filter units 22 on the radio board 19, while the remaining good filter units 22 remain removably attached to the AFU part 14. A failed filter unit 22 is corrected either by replacing the filter unit 22 or by replacing or cleaning the burette 54. The repaired branch with the repaired / replaced filter unit 22 is calibrated. The AFU part 14 is lowered or placed back into contact with the radio part 12 with the clamping element 34 and the branch filter unit 22 screwed to the clamping element 34 . - The KRD is verified for connectivity and calibration. - The PIM test(s) are repeated.

[0075] 17 is a flowchart of a method for configuring a radio assembly 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The radio assembly 10 includes at least one radio, a plurality of filter units 22, a plurality of clamp elements 34, and an antenna unit 26. The radio includes a radio board 19, which includes a plurality of radio mating elements 28 extending from a first side of the radio board 19. Each filter unit 22 includes a first filter mating element 29 on the first side of the filter unit and at least one extension portion extending from a second side of the filter unit 22, each extension portion defining a filter via 32 and a second filter mating element 30. Each of the plurality of clamp elements 24, 34 defines a plurality of clamp vias 50 and a plurality of retaining elements 36. The antenna unit 26 defines a plurality of access vias 51. The method includes removably attaching a plurality of filter units 22 to the radio board 19 by mating a first plurality of fixation elements through a plurality of filter vias 32 and with a plurality of radio mating elements 28 (block S100). The method includes removably attaching a plurality of clamp elements 34 to the plurality of filter units 22 by mating a second plurality of fixation elements through a plurality of clamp vias 50 and with a plurality of second filter mating elements 30 (block S102). The method includes removably attaching an antenna unit 26 to the plurality of filter units 22 by mating a third plurality of fixation elements through a plurality of access vias 51 and with the first filter mating element 29 (block S104). The method includes determining passive intermodulation (PIM) performance of a respective interface between each of the plurality of filter units 22 and the antenna unit 26 (block S106).

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes determining that a subset of the plurality of filter units 22 fails to meet the PIM criteria. The method further includes separating the subset of the plurality of filter units 22 from the antenna unit 26 and the plurality of clamping elements 34 by unlocking a second plurality of fastening elements from a subset of the plurality of second filter mating elements 30 associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units 22 and unlocking a third plurality of fastening elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units 22 from their respective first filter mating elements 29, and separating the remainder of the plurality of filter units 22 from the antenna unit 26 and the plurality of clamping elements 34 by unlocking a first plurality of fastening elements associated with the remaining plurality of filter units 22 from their respective wireless mating elements 28. removing the antenna unit 26 from the radio assembly 10, wherein the remaining plurality of filter units 22 remain removably attached to the antenna unit 26 and the plurality of clamping elements 34 while the subset of the filter units 22 remains removably attached to the radio board 19; and replacing the subset of the filter units 22 with other filter units 22 while maintaining the PIM performance of the respective interfaces between each of the remaining plurality of filter units 22 and the antenna unit 26.

[0077] Some examples Example 1: A bonding bar (e.g., clamp element 34) that ties all filter units together into one antenna filter assembly (AFU portion 14) that allows for selective removal of AFU portions 14 while leaving behind faulty branch filter units 22, thus enabling the ability to test and repair select branches for PIM faults. This method allows for pre-alignment and calibration of all branches so that antenna and good filter unit assemblies (AFU portions 14) (e.g., filter units 22 that have passed PIM test(s)) can be removed and then replaced without requiring individual filter unit 22 to radio alignment, thus preserving the calibration between the filter units 22 and the radio / antenna 38.

[0078] Example 2: Accessibility access ports (e.g., access vias 51) from the front of the antenna unit 26 for selectively disconnecting the filter unit 22 from the bonding bar, allowing a faulty filter unit 22 to be left behind (e.g., removably attached to the radio board 19) when the AFU portion 14 is lifted or removed from the assembly / radio portion 12.

[0079] Example 3: A plastic guide (e.g., retaining element 36) that allows blind access through the front of the antenna unit 26 to the interior portion of the radio assembly 10 to enable removal of a faulty filter unit 22 from the joining bar / clamp element 34.

[0080] Example 4: A plastic guide allows the screw to be captured within a plastic portion (e.g., a retaining element mechanism) during disassembly of the AFU portion 14. This method holds the screw so that it does not come out or enter the radio cavity of the radio assembly 10, keeping the screw captured in the disassembled position and aligned when the AFU portion 14 is reassembled.

[0081] Example 5: Accessibility access and lifting points via AFU tool 52 to repair the radio and disassemble AFU portions 14 created during assembly. This allows forces to be transferred to the bond bar instead of the antenna.

[0082] Thus, one or more embodiments described herein provide an assembly that allows for the individual removal and replacement of a faulty branch connector without disassembly of the other connectors, thereby allowing, for example, antenna branches that meet PIM criteria to remain assembled. Another benefit of one or more embodiments is that the filter can also be replaced in a single antenna branch without affecting other good antenna branches. Filter replacement can be important because it can be the reason for poor in-line PIM performance.

[0083] Thus, one or more embodiments provide one or more advantages described herein, such as providing a radio assembly that allows for the individual removal and replacement of a faulty branch connector without disassembly of the other connectors. Another advantage is that the filter unit(s) 22 can also be replaced in a single branch without affecting other good branches (i.e., other branches that have passed the PIM test(s)). Replacing the filter unit 22 can be important because in a small percentage of cases, the filter unit 22 itself is the reason for poor in-line PIM performance.

[0084] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as a method, a data processing system, a computer program product, and / or a computer storage medium storing an executable computer program. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, all of which may be generally referred to herein as a “circuit” or “module.” Any process, step, action, and / or function described herein may be performed by and / or associated with a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer-usable storage medium having computer program code embodied in the medium that can be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer-readable medium may be utilized, including a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an electronic storage device, an optical storage device, or a magnetic storage device.

[0085] Some embodiments have been described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems, and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer (to thereby create a special-purpose computer), a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to create a machine, such that the instructions, executing via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams.

[0086] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory or storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory create an article of manufacture that includes instruction means that implement the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0087] Computer program instructions may also be loaded into a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to create a computer-implemented process, whereby the instructions executing on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0088] It should be understood that the functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functions / acts involved. While some of the figures include arrows on communication paths to indicate the primary direction of communication, it should be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to that of the illustrated arrows.

[0089] Computer program code for performing operations of the concepts described herein may be written in an object-oriented programming language such as Python, Java, or C++. However, computer program code for performing operations of the present disclosure may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be to an external computer (e.g., through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0090] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein with reference to the above description and drawings. It will be understood that literally describing and illustrating every combination and subcombination of these embodiments would be unduly repetitive and unclear. Accordingly, all embodiments may be combined in any manner and / or combination, and the specification, including the drawings, should be construed as constituting a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of all combinations and subcombinations of the modes and processes for making and using them, and is intended to support any claim to any such combination or subcombination.

[0091] Abbreviations that may be used in the foregoing description include the following: Abbreviation Description AAS Adaptive Antenna System AFU Antenna Filter Unit AIR Antenna Integrated Radio CAL Calibration FIP Foam-in-Place Gasket FU filter unit KRD Top-level assembly consisting of radio and antenna Part number PIM Passive Intermodulation RET Remote Electric Tilt

[0092] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Further, unless otherwise noted above, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. Various modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A radio assembly (10) comprising: at least one radio including a radio board (19), the radio board (19) including a plurality of radio mating elements (28) extending from a first side of the radio board (19); A plurality of filter units (22), each filter unit (22) comprising: a first filter mating element (29) on a first side of the filter unit (22); at least one extension portion extending from a second side of the filter unit, each extension portion defining a filter via (32) and a second filter mating element (30), and the plurality of filter units (22) being removably attached to the radio board (19) by mating a first plurality of fastening elements through the plurality of filter vias (32) and with the plurality of radio mating elements (28); a plurality of filter units (22) including: a plurality of clamping elements (34), each of the plurality of clamping elements (34) defining a plurality of clamping vias (50) and a plurality of retaining elements (36), the plurality of clamping elements (34) being removably attached to the plurality of filter units (22) by mating a second plurality of fastening elements through the plurality of clamping vias (50) and with the plurality of second filter mating elements (30); an antenna unit (26) defining a plurality of antenna vias (51), said antenna unit (26) being removably attached to said plurality of filter units (22) by mating a third plurality of fixing elements through said plurality of antenna vias (51) and into said first filter mating element (29); Equipped with The subset of the plurality of filter units (22) comprises: the second plurality of fixation elements are unlocked from the subset of the second plurality of filter mating elements (30) associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units (22); or the third plurality of fastening elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units (22) are unlocked from their respective first filter mating elements (29); and The first plurality of fixing elements associated with the remaining plurality of filter units (22) are unlocked from their respective wireless mating elements (28). Based on whether remain removably attached to the radio board (19) while the remaining filter units (22) remain removably attached to the antenna unit (26) and the clamp elements (34). A radio assembly (10).

2. 2. The radio assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of retaining elements (36) is configured to retain a respective one of the first plurality of securing elements after the respective one of the first plurality of securing elements is unlocked from the respective wireless mating element (28).

3. 3. The radio assembly (10) of claim 2, wherein the retaining element defines a snap-fit ​​element configured to snap-fit ​​onto a portion of the respective one of the first plurality of fixation elements upon unlocking the respective one of the first plurality of fixation elements from the respective radio mating element (28).

4. The radio assembly (10) of claim 3, wherein the snap-fit ​​element extends through the clamp element (34).

5. Each clamping element (34) includes a second plurality of retaining elements (36), each of said second plurality of retaining elements (36) comprising: disposed above each clamp via (50); a snap-fit ​​portion disposed on one side of the clamping element (34); A radio assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The radio assembly (10) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each second filter mating element (30) is a blind threaded hole.

7. each second filter mating element (30) extends axially of one of the threaded blind hole and the threaded through hole; The radio assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein each filter via (32) extends in the same axial direction as the axial direction of the filter mating element (30).

8. each of a first subset of the plurality of clamping elements (34) defining a first number of clamping vias (50) and a first number of retaining elements (36); Each of the second subset of the plurality of clamping elements (34) defining a second number of clamp vias (50) and a second number of retaining elements (36) that is greater than said first number of clamp vias (50) and said first number of retaining elements (36); the plurality of clamping elements (34), when removably attached to the filter units (22), hold a greater number of filter units (22) than each of the first subset of the plurality of clamping elements (34). A radio assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the antenna unit (26) includes a plurality of first alignment protrusions (40) extending from a first side of the antenna unit (26); 9. The radio assembly of claim 1, wherein the radio board defines a plurality of roughly matched vias configured to receive the plurality of first matching protrusions of the antenna unit.

10. the antenna unit (26) includes a plurality of second alignment protrusions (43) extending from the first side of the antenna unit (26), each of the second alignment protrusions (43) defining a blind hole; 10. The radio assembly (10) of claim 9, wherein the radio board (19) includes a plurality of alignment pins (44), each of the plurality of alignment pins (44) configured to mate with a respective blind hole of the plurality of second alignment protrusions (43).

11. each of the plurality of filter units (22) includes an alignment shaft (46) extending from the first side of the filter unit (22); 11. The radio assembly (10) of claim 10, wherein the antenna unit (26) defines a plurality of slots (48), each of the plurality of slots (48) configured to receive a respective matching shaft (46) of the filter unit (22).

12. 12. The radio assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the antenna unit (26) defines a plurality of access vias (51) that provide access to a first plurality of fasteners, a second plurality of fasteners, and a third plurality of fasteners through the antenna unit (26).

13. the plurality of clamping elements (34) define a plurality of tool-engaging elements configured to mate with a plurality of lifting tools (52) for lifting the antenna unit and the remaining ones of the plurality of filter units (22) while the subset of the plurality of filter units (22) remains removably attached to the radio board (19); The radio assembly (10) of claim 12, wherein the plurality of access vias (51) are configured to provide access to the plurality of tool-mating elements.

14. A method of configuring a radio assembly (10), the radio assembly (10) including at least one radio, a plurality of filter units (22), a plurality of clamp elements (34), and an antenna unit (26), the radio including a radio board (19), the radio board (19) including a plurality of radio mating elements (28) extending from a first side of the radio board (19), each filter unit (22) being on the first side of the filter unit (22). a first filter mating element (29) and at least one extension portion extending from a second side of the filter unit (22), each extension portion defining a filter via (32) and a second filter mating element (30); a plurality of clamp elements (34), each of the plurality of clamp elements (34) defining a plurality of clamp vias (50) and a plurality of retaining elements (36); an antenna unit (26) defining a plurality of access vias (51); and the method comprising: Removably attaching (S100) the plurality of filter units (22) to the wireless board (19) by mating a first plurality of fixing elements through the plurality of filter vias (32) and with the plurality of wireless mating elements (28); Removably attaching (S102) the plurality of clamping elements (34) to the plurality of filter units (22) by mating a second plurality of fastening elements through the plurality of clamping vias (50) and to the plurality of second filter mating elements (30); Removably attaching (S104) the antenna unit (26) to the plurality of filter units (22) by mating a third plurality of fixing elements through the plurality of access vias (51) and to the first filter mating element (29); determining (S106) a passive intermodulation (PIM) performance of a respective interface between each of the plurality of filter units (22) and the antenna unit (26); A method comprising:

15. determining that a subset of the plurality of filter units (22) fails to meet a PIM criterion; unlocking the second plurality of fixation elements from the subset of the second plurality of filter mating elements (30) associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units (22); unlocking the third plurality of fastening elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units (22) from their respective first filter mating elements (29); separating the subset of the plurality of filter units (22) from the antenna unit (26) and the plurality of clamping elements (34) by separating the remainder of the plurality of filter units (22) from the radio board (19) by unlocking the first plurality of fastening elements associated with the remaining plurality of filter units (22) from their respective radio mating elements (28); removing the antenna unit (26) from the radio assembly (10), wherein the remaining plurality of filter units (22) remain removably attached to the antenna unit (26) and the plurality of clamp elements (34) while the subset of filter units (22) remains removably attached to the radio board (19); replacing the subset of filter units (22) with other filter units (22) while maintaining the PIM performance of the respective interfaces between each of the remaining plurality of filter units (22) and the antenna unit (26); 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

Images