Systems and methods for frequency stabilization hardware with sector antennas

Abstract

A communication system is provided. The communication system includes at least one processor in communication with at least one memory device configured to store computer-executable instructions. The instructions cause the processor to a) generate a radio frequency continuous wave signal; b) perform an upconversion on the radio frequency to an intermediate frequency; c) perform output stabilization; and d) perform continuous monitoring and adjustment to ensure ongoing frequency stability.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FREQUENCYSTABILIZATION HARDWARE WITH SECTORANTENNASFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The field of the invention relates generally to frequency stabilization hardware in sector, and more specifically, to systems and methods for frequency stabilization using transceiver hardware with sector antennas in fixed wireless access networks.BACKGROUND

[0002] In fixed wireless access (FWA) networks with Point-to- Multipoint architecture, where a central base station communicates with multiple customer premises equipment (CPE) devices, frequency synchronization is crucial. Allowing synchronized operation across the network reduces interference and enhances overall performance. Remote frequency stabilization helps to resolve several issues, such as, regulatory compliance and frequency drift compensation, for example. Regulatory bodies allocate specific frequency bands for FWA services to prevent interference and ensure efficient use of the radio spectrum. Electronic components and environmental conditions can cause the frequency of a wireless signal to drift over time and temperature compensation. Additionally, temperature changes can impact the stabil i ty of electronic components, further affecting performance.

[0003] Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 3. 1 international standard is used as transport standard in FWA situations. The DOCSIS 3.1 standard enhances the capabilities of cable networks, allowing for higher data throughput and more efficient use of existing cable infrastructure. The DOCSIS 3.1 standards requires low phase noise to achieve high throughputs. The implications of phase noise in the realm of DOCSIS 3.1 are multi-faceted. First, excessive phase noise can introduce distortions to the signal, posing challenges to its quality and making accurate demodulation more difficult. Additionally, higher levels of phase noise maycontribute to elevated bit error rates, thereby diminishing the overall reliability of data transmission.

[0004] DOCSIS 3. 1's support for advanced modulation schemes, such as Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), may be hindered by phase noise, affecting the capability to achieve higher-order modulations and limiting potential data rates. This impact extends to spectral efficiency, where phase noise can influence the system's ability to utilize the available spectrum efficiently, potentially posing limitations on overall network performance.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for consistent frequency stabilization in FWA networks.BRIEF SUMMARYIn one aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes at least one transceiver. The at least one transceiver includes at least one processor in communication with at least one memory device configured to store computer-executable instructions. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the transceiver to generate a radio frequency continuous wave signal. The instructions also cause the transceiver to perform an upconversion on the radio frequency to an intermediate frequency. The instructions further cause the transceiver to perform output stabilization. In addition, the instructions cause the transceiver to perform continuous monitoring and adjustment to ensure ongoing frequency stability. The communication system may include additional, less, or alternate functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein.

[0006] Advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the present embodiments may be capable of other and different embodiments, and their details are capable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The Figures described below depict various aspects of the systems and methods disclosed therein. It should be understood that each Figure depicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed systems and methods, and that each of the Figures is intended to accord with a possible embodiment thereof. Further, wherever possible, the following description refers to the reference numerals included in the following Figures, in which features depicted in multiple Figures are designated with consistent reference numerals.

[0008] There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are presently discussed, it being understood, however, that the present embodiments are not limited to the precise arrangements and are instrumentalities shown, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary process for achieving frequency stabilization using a radio frequency (RF) Continuous Wave (CW) signal, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary transceiver for frequency stabilization using the process shown in Figure 1.

[0011] The Figures depict preferred embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the systems and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] As used herein, a base station may refer to a relay located at the center of any of the cells in a cellular telephone system. A base station may also refer to a short-range transceiver which connects a cordless phone, computer, or other wireless device, such as customer premises equipment (CPE) devices, to a central hub and allows connection to a network, such as a cellular network. CPE includestel ecommuni cations and information technology equipment kept at the customer's physical location rather than on the service provider's premises. Telephone handsets, cable TV set-top boxes and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) routers are examples of CPEs. In some embodiments, a base station may also be connected to a sector antenna, wherein the sector antenna is a type of directional microwave antenna with a sectorshaped radiation pattern.

[0013] As used herein, a transceiver is a device that can both transmit and receive communications, such as a combined radio transmitter and receiver. It can both transmit and receive radio waves using an antenna, for communication purposes.

[0014] The present embodiments may relate to. inter alia, networkbased system and method for frequency stabilization with sector antennas in fixed wireless access (FWA) networks. In one exemplary embodiment, the process may be performed by a frequency stabilization (FS) sy stem. In the exemplary embodiment, the FS system may include a midbox or interface between two or more transmission and / or receiving devices

[0015] In the exemplary7embodiment, frequency stabilization is performed by using a received radio frequency continuous wave signal utilizing the known characteristics of the incoming signal to correct or adjust for the signal of a local oscillator. The transceiver must get into a “lock” state to ensure that it operates at the correct frequency. The lock state is mandatory7to enable transmission on the transceiver.

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary process 100 for achieving frequency stabilization using a radio frequency (RF) Continuous Wave (CW) signal, in accordance with at least one embodiment. In the exemplary7embodiment, process 100 illustrates how frequency stabilization is achieved with help of a radio frequency (RF) Continuous Wave (CW) signal. For process 100, a Pilot module 210 is mandatory to have a functional wireless system 200 (both showTi in Figure 2).

[0017] First, a RF CW signal is generated 105, such as by the pilot generator 210. The CW signal generator 210 used for frequency synchronization requires high frequency accuracy. The Generator 210 should be capable of producing a stable and precisely defined frequency that can server as a reference for other devices in the system 200

[0018] Second, an upconversion to an intermediate frequency (IF) is performed 110. The upconversion of an RF signal to an intermediate frequency is performed 110 using a mixer and a local oscillator in the transmitter. The process involves heterodyning, where the RF signal is mixed with the output of a local oscillator to product the IF.

[0019] Next, output stability is performed 115. The stabilized frequency from the local oscillator is then used as a stable reference for downstream and upstream signal conversion and other receiver operations.

[0020] Then, continuous monitoring and adjustment is performed 120. Implement mechanisms are used for continuous monitoring and adjustment of the Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) to ensure the ongoing frequency stability7. This is especially important in dynamic RF environments or during changing operating conditions.

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary system 200 for frequency stabilization using the process 100 (show n in Figure 1).

[0022] In the exemplary embodiment, a GPS reference module 205 outputs a 10 MHz signal. The 10 MHz signal is a reference signal received by a pilot generator 210, a DLMI 215, and a 70 GHz upconverter 220.

[0023] The reference signal is received by a pilot generator 210 which generates and output an RF signal known as the pilot signal. The pilot signals is received by the DLMI 215. The DLMI 215 also receives the reference signal from the GPS reference 205. In addition, the DLMI 215 receives a UHF (Ultra high frequency) signal from a DOCSIS 3. 1 cable modem termination system (CMTS) 235. The DLMI 215 outputs L-Band signals over a coaxial cable 240. The L-Band refers to theoperating frequency range of 1-2 GHz in the radio spectrum. In at least one embodiment, the L-band coax signals include the DOCSIS 3.1 signals and the pilot signal.

[0024] A 70 GHz upconverter 220 receives the L-Band signals over the coax cable from the DLMI 215. The 70 GHz upconverter 220 also receives the reference signal. The upconverter 220 outputs signals over an E-Band Waveguide 245 to a 70 GHz SSPA (solid-state power amplifier) 225. The E-Band represents the frequency range from 60 GHz to 90 GHz. The 70 GHz SSP 225 then further transmits signals over and E-Band Waveguide 245 to a sector antenna 230 for transmission. IN the exemplary embodiment, the sector antenna 230 is a type of directional microwave antenna with a sector-shaped radiation pattern.

[0025] At least one of the technical problems addressed by this system may include: (i) improved frequency stabilization; (ii) improved transmission accuracy; (iii) enhanced network performance; (iv) higher data throughput over the available frequency bands; and / or (v) improved bandwidth.

[0026] A technical effect of the systems and processes described herein may be achieved by performing at least one of the following steps: a) generate a radio frequency continuous wave signal; b) perform an upconversion on the radio frequency to an intermediate frequency; c) perform output stabilization; d) perform continuous monitoring and adjustment to ensure ongoing frequency stability; and / or use the stabilized frequency from the local oscillator as a stable reference for downstream and upstream signal conversion and other operations.ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

[0027] As will be appreciated based upon the foregoing specification, the above-described embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented using computer programming or engineering techniques including computer software, firmware, hardware or any combination or subset thereof. Any such resulting program, having computer-readable code means, may be embodied or provided within one ormore computer-readable media, thereby making a computer program product, i.e., an article of manufacture, according to the discussed embodiments of the disclosure. The computer-readable media may be, for example, but is not limited to, a fixed (hard) drive, diskette, optical disk, magnetic tape, semiconductor memory such as read-only memory (ROM), and / or any transmitting / receiving medium such as the Internet or other communication network or link. The article of manufacture containing the computer code may be made and / or used by executing the code directly from one medium, bycopying the code from one medium to another medium, or by transmitting the code over a network.

[0028] These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, “apps,” or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language, and / or in assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” “computer-readable medium” refers to any computer program product, apparatus and / or device (e g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium,” however, do not include transitory signals. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0029] As used herein, the term “database” can refer to either a body of data, a relational database management system (RDBMS), or to both. As used herein, a database can include any collection of data including hierarchical databases, relational databases, flat file databases, object-relational databases, object-oriented databases, and any other structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. The above examples are example only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and / or meaning of the term database. Examples of RDBMS’ include, but are not limited to including, Oracle® Database, MySQL, IBM® DB2, Microsoft® SQL Server, and PostgreSQL. However, any database can be usedthat enables the systems and methods described herein. (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation, Redwood Shores, California; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, New York; and Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington.)

[0030] As used herein, a processor may include any programmable system including systems using micro-controllers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are example only and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and / or meaning of the term “processor.’"

[0031] As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by a processor, including RAM memory, ROM memory7, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above memory types are example only and are thus not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer program.

[0032] In another example, a computer program is provided, and the program is embodied on a computer-readable medium. In an example, the system is executed on a single computer system, without requiring a connection to a server computer. In a further example, the system is being run in a Windows® environment (Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington). In yet another example, the system is run on a mainframe environment and a UNIX® server environment (UNIX is a registered trademark of X / Open Company Limited located in Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom). In a further example, the system is run on an iOS® environment (iOS is a registered trademark of Cisco Sy stems, Inc. located in San Jose, CA). In yet a further example, the system is run on a Mac OS® environment (Mac OS is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. located in Cupertino, CA). In still yet a further example, the system is run on Android® OS (Android is a registered trademark of Google, Inc. of Mountain View, CA). In another example, thesystem is run on Linux® OS (Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Ton aids of Boston, MA). The application is flexible and designed to run in various different environments without compromising any major functionality.

[0033] In some embodiments, the system includes multiple components distributed among a plurality of computing devices. One or more components may be in the form of computer-executable instructions embodied in a computer-readable medium. The systems and processes are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. In addition, components of each system and each process can be practiced independent and separate from other components and processes described herein. Each component and process can also be used in combination with other assembly packages and processes.

[0034] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “example” or “one example” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples that also incorporate the recited features. Further, to the extent that terms “includes,” “including,” “has,” “contains,” and variants thereof are used herein, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprises” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.

[0035] Furthermore, as used herein, the term “real-time” refers to at least one of the time of occurrence of the associated events, the time of measurement and collection of predetermined data, the time to process the data, and the time of a system response to the events and the environment. In the examples described herein, these activities and events occur substantially instantaneously.

[0036] The patent claims at the end of this document are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being expressly recited in the claim(s).

[0037] This writen description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A communication system comprising at least one transceiver comprising at least one processor in communication with at least one memory device configured to store computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the transceiver to: generate a radio frequency continuous wave signal; perform an upconversion on the radio frequency7to an intermediate frequency; perform output stabilization; and perform continuous monitoring and adjustment to ensure ongoing frequency stability.

2. The system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the transceiver to use the stabilized frequency from the local oscillator as a stable reference for downstream and upstream signal conversion and other operations.

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