Repairability of the radio assembly

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 in particular to a radio assembly that provides selective detachment of individual filter units, for example. Background Art

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is developing and has developed standards for the 4th Generation (4G) wireless communication system (also called Long Term Evolution (LTE)), the 5th Generation (5G) wireless communication system (also called New Radio (NR)), and the 6th Generation (6G). Among other features, such systems provide broadband communication between network nodes such as base stations and wireless devices (WD), as well as communication between network nodes and between WDs.

[0003] Some of these systems use antenna integrated radio (AIR) products that are generally constructed using a general architecture involving three main functional blocks: a radio board, a filter, and an antenna.

[0004] These elements / functional 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. Generally, there are multiple branches (e.g., antenna branches), each requiring a receive bullet connector and a transmit bullet connector for each frequency between the radio and the filter. 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, each with its own dedicated filter unit. 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 final 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 have experienced low first-pass production yield due to in-line passive intermodulation (PIM) generated in the bullet connectors that make the radio frequency (RF) connection between the antenna and the filter. The connection between the filter and the antenna is especially susceptible to PIM. This, combined with blind mating of various (e.g., 32) simultaneous connections between the antenna and the filter, means there is a high probability of PIM failure on one or more of these connections.

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

[0008] Subsequent reassembly of antennas on a radio frequently corrects faulty antenna branches but may reveal new faults in one of the other branches that previously met the inline PIM criteria (e.g., PIM below a predetermined threshold). That is, there is a high risk that a previously good connection may fail upon reassembly. For example, a filter / radio interface / connection may be less PIM-sensitive, while an antenna / filter interface / connection is extremely PIM-sensitive; therefore, reconnecting an antenna to a filter may introduce contamination, mismatch, etc., which can cause the inline PIM criteria to no longer be met. In other words, a good antenna branch that meets the inline PIM criteria tends to remain good unless it is disassembled; however, once disassembled and then reassembled, that antenna branch may become faulty, i.e., fail to meet the inline 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 process results in insufficient first and second pass yields in production, often requiring 3-4 cycles of disassembly and reassembly to obtain a system that meets inline PIM standards. Furthermore, an increase in the number of antenna branches in newer systems can lead to higher recurrences of assembly, testing, and reassembly, resulting in lower first pass yields. Consequently, larger or higher-capacity AIR systems may encounter more problems during the early assembly and testing phases. [Overview of the project]

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

[0011] This disclosure involves mounting all filter units together to form a single structural element. Since the filter units are mounted to the antenna, this allows for the removal of the filter-antenna assembly in a single lift while maintaining the connection between the filter units and the antenna. The inter-filter unit mounting mechanism allows for the selective isolation of individual filter units. Selective isolation of filter units provides access for replacing a faulty bullet connector without severing a good branch (e.g., a good connection between the filter units and the antenna).

[0012] According to one or more embodiments, a radio assembly is provided. The radio assembly includes at least one radio, the 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 removablely attached to the radio board by fastening a plurality of first fastening elements through the plurality of filter vias and mating with the plurality of radio mating elements. The radio assembly includes a plurality of clamp elements, each of which defines a plurality of clamp vias and a plurality of retaining elements, and the plurality of clamp elements are removablely attached to a plurality of filter units by engaging a plurality of second fixing elements through the plurality of clamp vias and a plurality of second filter fitting elements.The radio assembly includes an antenna unit defining a plurality of antenna vias, the antenna unit being removablely attached to a plurality of filter units by fitting a third plurality of fixing elements through a plurality of antenna vias and to a first filter mating element, wherein a subset of the plurality of filter units remains removablely attached to the radio board, while the remaining plurality of filter units remain removablely attached to the antenna unit and a plurality of clamp elements, based on whether a second plurality of fixing elements are unfastened from a subset of second filter mating elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units, or whether a third plurality of fixing elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units are unfastened from their respective first filter mating elements, and whether the first plurality of fixing 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 hold each of the first plurality of fixed elements after each of the first plurality of fixed elements has been released from its respective wireless mating element.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments, the retaining element defines a snap-fit ​​element configured to snap onto a portion of each of the first plurality of fixing elements based on the fact that each of the first plurality of fixing elements has been released from its 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 which is positioned on its respective clamp via and includes a snap-fit ​​portion positioned on one side of the clamp element.

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

[0018] According to one or more embodiments, each second filter fitting element extends axially through one of a threaded blind hole and a threaded through hole, and each filter via extends axially in the same direction as the axial direction of the filter fitting 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, 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, which is greater than the first number of clamp vias and the first number of retaining elements, and when the plurality of clamp elements are removably attached to a filter unit, they hold more filter units than each of the first subsets of the plurality of clamp elements.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments, the antenna unit includes a plurality of first alignment projections 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 projections of the antenna unit.

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

[0022] According to one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of filter units includes a matching shaft extending from a first side of the filter unit, and the antenna unit defines a plurality of slots, each of which is configured to receive the respective matching 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 a first plurality of fasteners, a second plurality of fasteners, and a third plurality of fasteners through the antenna unit.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments, a plurality of clamp elements define a plurality of tool-fitting 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 mounted on the radio board, and a plurality of access vias are configured to provide access to the plurality of tool-fitting elements.

[0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for configuring a radio assembly. The radio assembly comprises at least one radio, a plurality of filter units, a plurality of clamp elements, and an antenna unit, wherein the radio comprises a radio board, the radio board comprises a plurality of radio mating elements extending from a first side of the radio board, each filter unit comprises a first filter mating element on the first side of the filter unit and at least one extending portion extending from a second side of the filter unit, each extending 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 retaining elements, and the antenna unit defines a plurality of access vias. The plurality of filter units are removablely mounted to the radio board by mating a first plurality of fixed elements through a plurality of filter vias and to a plurality of radio mating elements. Multiple clamp elements are removably attached to multiple filter units by mating a second set of fixed elements through multiple clamp vias and to multiple second filter mating elements. Antenna units are removably attached to multiple filter units by mating a third set of fixed elements through multiple access vias and to first filter mating elements. The passive intermodulation (PIM) performance of each interface between each of the multiple 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 satisfy the PIM criterion. The subset of the plurality of filter units is detached from the antenna unit and the plurality of clamp elements by: unlocking the second plurality of fixing elements from the subset of the plurality of second filter fitting elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units; and unlocking the third plurality of fixing elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units from the respective first filter fitting elements. The remaining ones of the plurality of filter units are separated from the radio board by unlocking the first plurality of fixing elements associated with the remaining plurality of filter units from the respective radio fitting 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 clamp 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, as well as their attendant advantages and features, can be more readily obtained by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a radio assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a radio assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a radio assembly during a step in an assembly process in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]This is a perspective view of a portion of a radio assembly during another step of the assembly process, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a portion of a radio assembly during another step of the assembly process, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a portion of an exploded view of a radio assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of a portion of a radio assembly in which a filter unit is removably attached to the radio portion via a male fixed element, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a partial diagram of an exploded view of a radio assembly, including a perspective view of a clamp element, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a partial diagram of an exploded view of a radio assembly, including a perspective view of a clamp element, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of a portion of a radio assembly during another step of the assembly process, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of a portion of a radio assembly during the mounting step described in Figure 10, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] Another perspective view of a portion of the radio assembly 10 during the mounting step described in Figure 10, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a side view of a portion of a radio assembly after the antenna unit has been mounted on the filter unit, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a side view of a portion of the radio assembly 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] This is a plan view of an antenna unit according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of a removable antenna unit separated from the radio unit, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart of a method for setting up a radio assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] As described above, existing radio antenna systems suffer from various problems, for example, during testing and reassembly. One or more embodiments described herein solve one or more of these problems, for example, by mounting all the filters together so that they form a single structural element. Since the filters are mounted to the antenna, this allows for the removal of the filter-antenna assembly in a single lift while maintaining the connection between the filter and the antenna. The inter-filter mounting mechanism allows for the selective isolation of individual filters, and the selective isolation of filters allows for access to replace a faulty bullet connector without cutting a good antenna branch. That is, a good antenna branch that meets the inline PIM criteria tends to remain good unless that antenna branch is disassembled, and one or more embodiments allow a faulty or defective antenna branch to be repaired / removed / replaced without disassembling the good antenna branch, thereby allowing the good antenna branch to continue to meet the inline PIM criteria and maintain its previous calibration.

[0030] Before describing exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be noted that embodiments primarily exist in combinations of device components and processing steps relating to, for example, radio assemblies that provide selective isolation of individual filter units.

[0031] Accordingly, so as not to obscure this disclosure with details that would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who have an interest in the description herein, components are represented in the drawings by conventional symbols where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments are shown.

[0032] As used herein, relational terms such as “first” and “second,” “upper” and “lower” may be used simply 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 for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and does not limit the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” also include the plural form unless the context otherwise clearly indicates. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” specify the presence of the described feature, complete, step, action, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, complete, step, action, element, component, and / or group thereof.

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

[0034] In some embodiments described herein, terms such as “coupled” and “connected” may be used herein to indicate a connection, though not necessarily directly, and may include wired and / or wireless connections.

[0035] The technical terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and do not limit the concepts described herein. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein also include the plural form unless the context otherwise explicitly indicates. Furthermore, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” used herein specify the presence of the described features, completes, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, completes, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0036] As used herein, the term “network node” can refer to any type of network node present in a radio network, which may further comprise any of the following: base stations (BS), radio base stations, base transceiver stations (BTS), base station controllers (BSC), radio network controllers (RNC), g-node B (gNB), evolved node B (eNB or e-node B), node B, MSR radio nodes such as multi-standard radio (MSR) BS, multi-cell / multicast coordinating entities (MCE), relay nodes, donor node control relays, radio access points (AP), transmit points, transmit nodes, remote radio units (RRU), remote radio heads (RRH), core network nodes (e.g., mobile management entities (MME), self-organizing network (SON) nodes, coordinating nodes, positioning nodes, MDT nodes, etc.), external nodes (e.g., third-party nodes, nodes outside the current network), nodes in distributed antenna systems (DAS), spectrum access system (SAS) nodes, element management systems (EMS), etc. Network nodes may also comprise test equipment. As used herein, the term “wireless node” may also be used to refer to a wireless device (WD) or a wireless network node or other wireless device (WD).

[0037] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms "wireless device (WD)" and "user equipment (UE)" are used interchangeably. A WD as used herein can 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 can also be a wireless communication device, a target device, a D2D (device to device) WD, a machine-type WD or a WD capable of machine-to-machine communication (M2M), 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, customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or a narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) device.

[0038] In some embodiments, the general term “wireless network node” is used. A wireless network node can be any type of wireless network node, which may comprise any of the following: base stations, wireless base stations, base station transceiver stations, base station controllers, network controllers, RNCs, evolved node B (eNB), node B, gNB, multicell / multicast cooperative entities (MCEs), relay nodes, access points, wireless access points, remote radio units (RRUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0039] This disclosure may use terminology from a specific radio system, such as 3GPP LTE and / or New Radio (NR), but it should be noted that this should not be considered to limit the scope of this disclosure to the aforementioned systems only. However, other radio systems, including Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), may also benefit from leveraging the ideas covered within this disclosure.

[0040] It should be further noted that the functions described herein as being performed by wireless devices or network nodes may be distributed across multiple wireless devices and / or network nodes. In other words, the functions of network nodes and wireless devices described herein are not limited to being performed by a single physical device, but can actually be distributed across several physical devices.

[0041] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as they would ordinarily be understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Terms used herein should be interpreted as having the meanings of those terms in the context of this specification and the related art, and not in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly specified herein.

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

[0043] Referring to the drawings, similar elements are referred to by similar reference numerals, and Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a radio assembly according to the principles of this disclosure. The radio assembly 10 includes a radio portion 12 (including one or more radios), an antenna and filter unit (AFU) portion 14, a heatsink 16, and a radome 18. In particular, the radio portion 12 includes at least one radio and is generally detachably mounted to the AFU portion 14, and the radio portion 12 may include the heatsink 16 among the components described herein. Furthermore, the AFU portion 14 includes various components, such as the antenna and filter unit, as described herein. Furthermore, one or more embodiments described herein provide individual removal and replacement of filter units without adversely affecting the remaining filter units, which may have already been set up and / or calibrated, as described herein.

[0044] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a radio assembly 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The radio portion 12 includes one or more radio boards 19 (collectively referred to as radio boards 19) which include a plurality of radio mating elements, as described below. The radio boards 19 are configured to provide telecommunications from one or more radios (not shown) to one or more filter units 22 via one or more connections.

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

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

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the assembly process may generally begin with Figure 3 and then proceed in the following order, namely Figures 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, and 13.

[0048] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the radio assembly 10 during another step of the assembly process. The radio assembly 10 includes a number of filter units 22 that are detachably mounted on a radio board 19. Once detachably mounted, each branch (for example, each radio and filter unit 22 communicating with each other) can be calibrated according to an existing calibration method. As used herein, “branch” may refer to a receive or transmit path within a duplex filter unit 22 to an antenna in an 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 circular threads configured to receive a male fixing element (e.g., a threaded screw). In one or more embodiments, the first filter mating element 29 extends from or is located on the first side of the filter unit 22 and is configured to receive a male mating element for removably mounting an antenna unit 26 to one or more filter units 22. In one or more embodiments, the first end of the second filter mating element 30 is configured to be in physical contact with the radio board 19, and the 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 on the opposite side of the second end of the second filter mating element 30. In one or more embodiments, each second filter fitting element 30 is a threaded blind hole. Furthermore, the filter unit 22 includes a matching 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 that is 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 that extends outward from the filter unit 22. In one or more embodiments, the filter vias 32 have an axial direction 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] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the radio assembly 10 during another step of the assembly process. Individual filter units 22 are aligned to the radio board 19 via alignment pins (not shown). Once all filter units 22 are aligned to the radio board 19, clamp elements 34 connect all filter units 22 together so that they will mate in the same position when the AFU portion 14 is reassembled to the radio portion 12.

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

[0053] The clamp elements 34a to 34b are configured to join multiple filter units 22 together by resting on multiple second filter fitting elements 30 and receiving male fixing elements via retaining elements 36, for example, to removably attach the clamp element 34 to the filter unit 22. The clamp element 34 can be a single-row or double-row clamp element 34. For example, clamp element 34a is a double-row clamp, and clamp element 34b is a single-row clamp element 34. That is, each of the first subsets of the multiple clamp elements 34 defines a first number of clamp vias 50 and a first number of retaining elements 36, and each of the second subsets of the multiple clamp elements 34 defines a second number of clamp vias 50 and a second number of retaining elements 36, which is more than the first number of clamp vias 50 and a first number of retaining elements 36, so that when the multiple clamp elements 34 are removably attached to the filter unit 22, they hold more filter units 22 than each of the first subsets of the multiple clamp elements 34.

[0054] Additionally, an Antenna CAL / Remote Electric Tilt (AntCal / RET) bracket 35 is installed during assembly. ANT CAL is a function that allows a single transmit / receive splitter 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 down-tilt of the antenna signal. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, retaining elements 36 are configured to hold male fixed elements as described herein. For example, each of a plurality of retaining elements 36 is configured to hold one of a first plurality of fixed elements after each of the first plurality of fixed elements has been released from its respective radio mating element 28.

[0055] Figure 6 is a partial exploded view of the radio assembly 10. More specifically, in one or more embodiments, the second filter fitting element 30 of the filter unit 22 is cylindrical in shape defining a gap, within which the threads are located. Furthermore, the second filter fitting element 30 is located on a portion of the filter unit 22 that extends from the filter unit 22 together with the filter vias 32. For example, the portion of the filter unit 22 extends away from or far from the filter unit 22 perpendicular to one side of the filter unit 22.

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

[0057] Figure 8 is a partial exploded view of the radio assembly 10, including a perspective view of the first side of the clamp element 34. The first side of the clamp element 34 includes a plurality of retaining elements 36a and 36b, wherein retaining element 36a is distinct from retaining element 36b. In one or more embodiments, retaining element 36b includes a retaining element mechanism or structure (as described herein) for removably holding a male fixing element. For example, the retaining element structure may be configured to snap-fit ​​onto a portion of a screw head, such as when a screw (e.g., a male fixing element) is released / loosened from the fixing element, which causes the screw head to move within the retaining element structure. That is, retaining element 36b defines a snap-fit ​​element configured to snap-fit ​​onto a portion of each of the first plurality of fixing elements based on the fact that each of the first plurality of fixing elements has been released from its respective radio mating element 28. In one or more embodiments, the snap-fit ​​element extends through the clamp element 34. The screw may remain held by the retaining element structure until it is re-secured to the fixing element, such as by causing the screw head to move away from the retaining element structure.

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

[0059] Figure 9 is a partial exploded view of the radio assembly 10, including a perspective view of the second side of the clamp element 34, opposite the first side of the clamp element 34. The second side may be referred to as the lower side of the clamp element 34. In particular, the clamp via 50 may have two different sizes of vias 50a and 50b. The clamp via 50a may be sized to receive a mating portion of the male fixing element, such as the threaded portion of the screw, while being smaller than the head of the screw, thereby allowing the screw to hold the clamp element 34 in place relative to the filter unit 22 when mated with the second filter mating element 30. In one or more embodiments, the clamp via 50b has a larger diameter than the clamp via 50a, so that the screw is sized to allow the screw to be removably fixed to the radio mating element 28. That is, a screw (for example, a male fixing element) is fixed to the wireless mating element 28 through the retaining element 36b and the clamp via 50b, and the head of the screw moves away from the retaining element 36b as the screw is being fixed. After being removably fixed, the screw may rest adjacent to the second side of the clamp element 34, as shown in Figure 7.

[0060] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the radio assembly 10 during another step of the assembly process. The antenna unit 26 is assembled to the radio portion 12 (see Figure 2) and screwed to the filter unit 22 and the AntCal / RET bracket 35. In particular, as described with respect to Figure 5, the filter unit 22 is removably mounted to the radio board 19 and the clamp element 34 is removably mounted to the filter unit 22. The antenna unit 26 includes one or more antennas 38 (collectively referred to as antennas 38), and the antenna unit 26 is mounted to the filter unit 22. To help match the antenna unit 26 with the filter unit 22, the antenna unit 26 includes a first matching projection 40 configured to removably mate with a coarse matching via 42. The predetermined position of the coarse matching via 42 helps ensure that the antenna unit 26 is electrically connected to the filter unit 22 once mounting is complete. Although two first matching protrusions 40 are shown, the antenna unit 26 may include a number of other first matching protrusions 40 according to the teachings of this disclosure. After the assembly of the antenna unit 26 to the radio unit 12, the assembly is a KRD ready for production testing, including PIM tests which may be performed for various branches. The KRD is the product number for the complete top-level assembly consisting of the radio and antenna.

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

[0062] Figure 12 is another perspective view of a portion of the radio assembly 10 during the mounting steps described in Figure 10. In particular, the antenna unit 26 includes a second matching projection 43 configured to receive matching pins from the radio portion 12 and / or the radio board 19 to enable intermediate / intermediate level matching. For example, the antenna unit 26 includes a plurality of second matching projections 43 extending from a first side of the antenna unit 26, each of which defines a blind hole, and the radio board 19 includes a plurality of matching pins 44. Each of the plurality of matching pins 44 is configured to mate with the respective blind holes of the plurality of second matching projections 43.

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

[0064] In other words, one or more embodiments provide three levels of alignment through three alignment guidance systems / structures, each level providing different levels of alignment accuracy, e.g., coarse alignment, intermediate level alignment, and fine alignment.

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

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

[0067] Figure 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 Figure 13. For example, the antenna unit 26 defines a plurality of access vias 51 and is removablely attached to a plurality of filter units 22 by fitting a third plurality of fixed elements through the plurality of access vias 51 and to a first filter fitting 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. The access vias 51 and other vias described herein are shown as being defined by a circular shape, but other shapes are equally applicable.

[0068] Referring again to Figure 13, once the radio assembly 10 is assembled (including calibration) across the radios, filter unit 22, and antenna unit 26 that are telecommunicating with each other, and together with the various male fixed elements that are detachably fixed to them, the radio assembly 10 may undergo one or more PIM tests. For example, each branch (e.g., each combination of radios, filter unit 22, and antenna 38 that are telecommunicating with each other) is tested for PIM. If all branches pass the (one or more) PIM tests, the radio assembly 10 may be ready for use.

[0069] However, as often happens, at least one branch will fail at least one PIM test. In this case, the filter unit 22 of the failed branch is released from the clamp element 34 but remains fixed to the radio board 19. For example, one or more screws associated with the failed filter unit 22, located on each retaining element 36a (as shown in Figure 8), are released to release the failed filter unit 22 from the clamp element 34 and are held by each retaining element 36a. However, one or more screws associated with the failed filter unit 22, located below each retaining element 36b (or opposite the clamp element 34) (as shown in Figure 8), are such that the failed filter unit 22 remains fixed to the radio board 19. Furthermore, one or more screws associated with the failed filter unit 22 are released from each first filter mating element 29, such as releasing the failed filter unit 22 from the antenna unit 26. Therefore, the failed filter unit 22 is released from the clamp element 34 and antenna unit 26, but remains fixed (or removablely mounted) to the radio board 19.

[0070] As shown in Figure 16, the filter units 22 that fail the test remain detachably mounted on the radio board 19, while the filter units 22 that pass the PIM test (one or more) remain detachably mounted on the antenna unit 26 when the antenna unit 26 is removed from the radio section 12. For example, a subset of the filter units 22 remains detachably mounted on the radio board 19, while the remaining subsets of filter units 22 remain detachably mounted on the antenna unit 26 and the clamp elements 34, based on whether a second set of fixing elements is released from the subset of second filter mating elements 30 associated with the subset of filter units 22, a third set of fixing elements associated with the subset of filter units 22 are released from their respective first filter mating elements 29, and the remaining subsets of filter units 22 are released from their respective radio mating elements 28.

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

[0072] Furthermore, in one example, the total weight of the AFU section 14 could be approximately 15.7 kg (34.6 lb), and the force used to lift this weight is transmitted to the clamp element 34 instead of one or more sensitive parts of the antenna unit 26. Thus, access is provided for a failed filter unit 22 for replacement without affecting, or substantially affecting, any previous calibration performed on the (one or more) filter units 22 that remain detachably mounted on the antenna unit 26.

[0073] A failed filter unit 22 can be corrected, for example, by replacing the failed filter unit 22 with another one (and securing 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 each filter unit 22 to its respective antenna 38. After the correction of the failed filter unit 22, the antenna unit 26 is lowered onto the radio unit 12 (i.e., placed in contact with the radio unit 12 again), and the antenna unit 26 and various fixing elements for securing the new filter unit 22 to be clamped are re-secured. After the radio assembly 10 is put together again with the new filter unit 22, connectivity and / or calibration are verified, and the radio assembly 10 undergoes one or more PIM tests again.

[0074] In other words, in some embodiments, the following steps may be performed to repair / replace one or more failed filter units 22 in the failed branch. - The filter unit 22 of the failed branch is released from the clamp element 34 using the access via 51 from one side of the antenna unit 26. - Other filter units 22 with good branching (i.e., branching that meets PIM criteria and / or passes PIM tests) are unpinned from the radio board 19 using access vias 51. - The clamp element 34 is released from the failed filter unit 22 using the access via 51. - The AFU section 14 is removed, leaving the unsuccessful filter unit 22 on the radio board 19, while the remaining good filter unit 22 remains detachably attached to the AFU section 14. - A failed filter unit 22 is corrected by either replacing the filter unit 22 or replacing or cleaning the burette 54. - The repaired branch with the repaired / replaced filter unit 22 is calibrated. - The AFU section 14 is lowered or positioned so that it is in contact with the radio section 12 again, along with the clamp element 34 and the branch filter unit 22 which is screwed to the clamp element 34. - KRD will be validated for connectivity and calibration. - One or more PIM tests are repeated.

[0075] Figure 17 is a flowchart of a method for setting up 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, wherein the radio includes a radio board 19, and the radio board 19 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 extending portion extending from a second side of the filter unit 22, each extending portion defining a filter via 32 and a second filter mating element 30, a plurality of clamp elements 24, each of the plurality of clamp elements 34 defining a plurality of clamp vias 50 and a plurality of retaining elements 36, and the antenna unit 26 defining a plurality of access vias 51. This method includes removing a plurality of filter units 22 from a radio board 19 by fitting a plurality of first fixed elements through a plurality of filter vias 32 and to a plurality of radio mating elements 28 (block S100). This method includes removing a plurality of clamp elements 34 from a plurality of filter units 22 by fitting a plurality of second fixed elements through a plurality of clamp vias 50 and to a plurality of second filter mating elements 30 (block S102). This method includes removing an antenna unit 26 from a plurality of filter units 22 by fitting a plurality of third fixed elements through a plurality of access vias 51 and to a first filter mating element 29 (block S104). This method includes determining the passive intermodulation (PIM) performance of each 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 filter units 22 cannot meet the PIM criteria. The method separates the subset of filter units 22 from the antenna unit 26 and the clamp elements 34 by unfastening a second set of fixing elements from the subset of second filter mating elements 30 associated with the subset of filter units 22, and unfastening a third set of fixing elements associated with the subset of filter units 22 from their respective first filter mating elements 29, and then separates the remaining filter units 22 from their respective wireless mating elements 28 or The process involves separating the antenna unit 26 from the radio board 19 by releasing it, and removing the antenna unit 26 from the radio assembly 10, the remaining plurality of filter units 22 remaining detachably attached to the antenna unit 26 and plurality of clamp elements 34 while a subset of the filter units 22 remain detachably attached to the radio board 19, and replacing a subset of the filter units 22 with other filter units 22 while maintaining the PIM performance of each interface between each of the remaining plurality of filter units 22 and the antenna unit 26.

[0077] Some examples Example 1: A junction bar (e.g., clamp element 34) that joins all filter units together to form a single antenna filter assembly (AFU part 14), enabling the selective removal of the AFU part 14 while leaving a faulty branch filter unit 22 behind, thus enabling the ability to inspect and repair selected branches for PIM faults. This method allows for pre-matching and calibration of all branches so that the antenna and a good filter unit assembly (AFU part 14) (e.g., filter units 22 that have passed (one or more) PIM tests) can be removed and then replaced without requiring individual filter unit 22 to radio alignment, thus preserving the calibration between the filter unit 22 and the radio / antenna 38.

[0078] Example 2: An accessibility access port (e.g., access via 51) from the front of the antenna unit 26 for selectively cutting the filter unit 22 from the joint bar, allowing the faulty filter unit 22 to be left behind (e.g., removably mounted on 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 to the inner portion of the radio assembly 10 through the front of the antenna unit 26, enabling the removal of the faulty filter unit 22 from the joint bar / clamp element 34.

[0080] Example 4: The plastic guide allows the screw to be trapped within a plastic part (e.g., a retaining element mechanism) during disassembly of the AFU part 14. This method holds the screw so that it remains in the disassembled position and aligned when the AFU part 14 is reassembled, without it coming out or falling into the radio cavity of the radio assembly 10.

[0081] Example 5: Accessibility access and lifting points via AFU tool 52 for repairing the radio and disassembling the AFU part 14 created during assembly. This allows force to be transmitted to the joint bar instead of the antenna.

[0082] Accordingly, one or more embodiments described herein provide an assembly that allows for the individual removal and replacement of a faulty branch connector without disassembling other connectors, thereby allowing, for example, an antenna branch that meets PIM standards to remain assembled. Another benefit of one or more embodiments is that filters are also replaceable in a single antenna branch without affecting other good antenna branches. Filter replacement may be important because it may be the reason for poor inline PIM performance.

[0083] Accordingly, 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 disassembling other connectors. Another advantage is that (one or more) filter units 22 are also replaceable in a single branch without affecting other good branches (i.e., other branches that have passed (one or more) PIM tests). In a small percentage of cases, the replacement of filter unit 22 may be important because the filter unit 22 itself is the reason for the poor inline PIM performance.

[0084] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as methods, data processing systems, computer program products, and / or computer storage media for storing executable computer programs. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments, or embodiments combining software and hardware embodiments, all of which may be generally referred to herein as “circuits” or “modules.” Any process, step, action, and / or function described herein may be carried out by and / or associated with a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. Furthermore, this disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer-readable storage medium having computer program code embodied in a medium that can be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer-readable medium may be used, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0085] Several embodiments have been described herein with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams illustrating methods, systems, and computer program products. It will be understood that each block in a flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as combinations of blocks in a flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or other programmable data processing device for creating a machine (thereby creating a dedicated computer), and so those instructions executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device create means for implementing a function / action specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0086] These computer program instructions may also be stored in computer-readable memory or storage medium that can instruct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, and so the instructions stored in computer-readable memory may produce a product that includes instruction means for implementing a function / action specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0087] Computer program instructions can also be loaded into a computer or other programmable data processing device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device in order to create a computer implementation process; therefore, instructions executed on a computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing a function / action specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0088] It should be understood that the functions / actions mentioned within a block may occur in a different order than those shown in the illustrative diagram of the operation. For example, depending on the functions / actions involved, two blocks shown consecutively may, in effect, be executed substantially concurrently, or blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order. Some of the diagrams include arrows on the communication path to indicate the primary direction of communication, but it should be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the illustrated arrows.

[0089] Computer program code for performing the 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 the operations of the disclosure may also be written in a conventional procedural programming language such as the C programming language. The program code may run 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 made to an external computer (for example, via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0090] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein in relation to the above description and drawings. It will be understood that a literal description and illustration of every combination and partial combination of these embodiments would be excessively repetitive and obscure. Therefore, all embodiments may be combined in some way and / or in combination, and this specification, including the drawings, should be construed as constituting a complete written description of all combinations and partial combinations of the embodiments described herein, and all combinations and partial combinations of the modes and processes of making and using them, and shall support any claims for any such combination or partial combination.

[0091] The abbreviations that may be used in the above explanation include the following: Abbreviations and Explanations 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 Product Number (Consisting of Radio and Antenna) PIM Passive Intermodulation RET Remote Electric Tilt

[0092] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to those specifically shown and described herein. Furthermore, it should be noted that not all of the accompanying drawings are to a constant scale unless otherwise stated above. In light of the above teachings, various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the following claims.

Claims

1. A radio assembly (10), A radio device comprising at least one radio including a radio board (19), wherein the radio board (19) includes a plurality of radio mating elements (28) extending from a first side of the radio board (19), Multiple filter units (22), each filter unit (22) is The first filter fitting element (29) located on the first side of the filter unit (22), At least one extending portion extending from the second side of the filter unit, each extending portion defining a filter via (32) and a second filter mating element (30), and the plurality of filter units (22) are removably attached to the wireless board (19) by mating a plurality of first fixed elements through a plurality of the filter vias (32) and the plurality of wireless mating elements (28). Multiple filter units (22), including, A plurality of clamp elements (34), each of which defines a plurality of clamp elements (34) and a plurality of retaining elements (36), and the plurality of clamp elements (34) are removably attached to the plurality of filter units (22) by fitting a second plurality of fixing elements through the plurality of clamp vias (50) and to the plurality of second filter fitting elements (30), An antenna unit (26) defining a plurality of antenna vias (51), wherein the antenna unit (26) is detachably attached to a plurality of filter units (22) by fitting a third plurality of fixed elements through the plurality of antenna vias (51) and to the first filter fitting element (29), A subset of multiple filter units (22), The second set of fixing elements are released from the subset of the second set of filter fitting elements (30) associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units (22), The third set of fixing elements associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units (22) are released from their respective first filter fitting elements (29), and The first set of fixing elements associated with the remaining set of filter units (22) are released from their respective wireless mating elements (28). Based on how, While the remaining plurality of filter units (22) remain detachably attached to the antenna unit (26) and the plurality of clamp elements (34), a subset of the plurality of filter units (22) remains detachably attached to the radio board (19) and A radio assembly (10) comprising:

2. The radio assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of retaining elements (36) is configured to hold each of the first plurality of fixing elements after each of the first plurality of fixing elements has been released from the respective radio mating element (28).

3. The radio assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the retaining element defines a snap-fit ​​element configured to snap-fit ​​onto a portion of each of the first plurality of fixing elements based on the fact that each of the first plurality of fixing elements has been released from the respective radio mating element (28).

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

5. Each clamp element (34) includes a second plurality of retaining elements (36), and each of the second plurality of retaining elements (36) is Placed on top of each clamp via (50), The clamp element (34) includes a snap-fit ​​portion located on one side, The radio assembly (10) according to claim 1.

6. The radio assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein each second filter fitting element (30) is a threaded blind hole.

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

8. Each of the 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), Each of the second subset of the plurality of clamp elements (34) is A second number of clamp vias (50) and a second number of retaining elements (36) is defined that is greater than the first number of clamp vias (50) and the first number of retaining elements (36), When the plurality of clamp elements (34) are removably attached to the filter unit (22), they hold more filter units (22) than each of the first subsets of the plurality of clamp elements (34). The radio assembly according to claim 1.

9. The antenna unit (26) includes a plurality of first matching protrusions (40) extending from the first side of the antenna unit (26), The radio assembly according to claim 1, wherein the radio board (19) defines a plurality of coarse matching vias (42) configured to receive the plurality of first matching protrusions (40) of the antenna unit (26).

10. The antenna unit (26) includes a plurality of second matching projections (43) extending from the first side of the antenna unit (26), each of which defines a blind hole. The radio assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein the radio board (19) includes a plurality of matching pins (44), each of which is configured to engage with a blind hole in each of the plurality of second matching protrusions (43).

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

12. The radio assembly (10) according to 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 clamp elements (34) define a plurality of tool-fitting elements configured to engage with a plurality of lifting tools (52) for lifting the antenna unit and the remainder 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) according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of access vias (51) are configured to provide access to the plurality of tool-fitting elements.

14. A method for setting up a radio assembly (10), wherein 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), wherein the radio includes a radio board (19), the radio board (19) includes a plurality of radio mating elements (28) extending from a first side of the radio board (19), and each filter unit (22) is a first side of the filter unit (22) The method includes one filter fitting element (29) and at least one extending portion extending from the second side of the filter unit (22), each extending portion defining a filter via (32) and a second filter fitting 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), the antenna unit (26) defining a plurality of access vias (51), and the method is The plurality of filter units (22) are removably attached to the wireless board (19) by fitting the first plurality of fixed elements through the plurality of filter vias (32) and the plurality of wireless mating elements (28) (S100), The plurality of clamp elements (34) are detachably attached to the plurality of filter units (22) by fitting the plurality of second fixing elements through the plurality of clamp vias (50) and the plurality of second filter fitting elements (30) (S102), The antenna unit (26) is detachably attached to the plurality of filter units (22) by fitting the third plurality of fixed elements through the plurality of access vias (51) and the first filter fitting element (29) (S104), Determining the passive intermodulation (PIM) performance of each interface between each of the plurality of filter units (22) and the antenna unit (26) (S106) Methods that include...

15. It is determined that a subset of the aforementioned filter units (22) cannot satisfy the PIM criteria, The second set of fixing elements are to be released from the subset of the second set of filter fitting elements (30) associated with the subset of the plurality of filter units (22), To release the third set of fixing elements associated with the subset of the set of filter units (22) from their respective first filter fitting elements (29) This separates the subset of the plurality of filter units (22) from the antenna unit (26) and the plurality of clamp elements (34), The remaining filter units (22) are separated from the wireless board (19) by releasing the first set of fixing elements associated with the remaining 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 removablely attached to the antenna unit (26) and the plurality of clamp elements (34) while the subset of filter units (22) remains removablely attached to the radio board (19), The process involves replacing a subset of the filter units (22) with other filter units (22) while maintaining the PIM performance of each interface between each of the remaining filter units (22) and the antenna unit (26). The method according to claim 14, further comprising:

Images