Over-the-air ACLR Measurement via TDD Guard Period Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ACLR measurements in cellular networks are challenging due to interference from adjacent signals from different service providers, making it difficult to perform accurate wireless measurements without disrupting service.
Innovation Solution
The method involves synchronizing the signal of the measurement object in the measurement band and adjusting the time for the measurement pattern in a TDD system, allowing for over-the-air ACLR measurement without service disruption by isolating noise from adjacent bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ACLR measurement methods are used, then measurement accuracy can be achieved in controlled environments, but service disruption and measurement complexity increase in wireless field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by synchronizing the measurement device with the base station signal before actual measurement. The measurement device waits for specific signal patterns (such as downlink slots followed by guard periods) and activates measurement only when the signal is in a known state, ensuring accurate ACLR measurement without service disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes periodic action by leveraging the TDD signal structure where downlink and uplink slots alternate in a periodic manner. The measurement device synchronizes with this periodic structure and performs measurements during guard periods or known quiet intervals, allowing continuous operation without disrupting the periodic communication pattern.
2Productivity
If measurements are performed during service operation, then service disruption is avoided, but adjacent channel signals from other providers interfere with measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by focusing measurement only on specific time intervals (guard periods or downlink slots) when the target base station is transmitting and other providers are not interfering. The measurement device selectively measures ACLR during these localized time windows rather than continuously, maintaining service continuity while ensuring measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the guard period as an intermediary element between downlink and uplink transmissions. During this guard period, the measurement device can capture ACLR information without interference from adjacent channel signals of other providers, as the guard period is designed to be signal-free for other purposes.
3Measurement precision
If wired measurement connections are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but maintenance complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical/wired measurement system with a wireless measurement approach. Instead of physically connecting measurement equipment to the base station antennas (which requires disconnection, safety procedures, and complex wiring), the measurement device wirelessly synchronizes with the base station signal and performs measurements over the air, eliminating the need for physical connections while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device performs multiple functions: it synchronizes with the base station signal, identifies signal patterns, captures ACLR measurements, and processes data all wirelessly through a single device. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate wired measurement equipment, reducing maintenance complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for performing adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) measurements in a cellular network are provided by creating a measurement timing for a symbol or transmitted signal from a base station of the cellular network in an allocated frequency band, measuring power levels of the transmitted signal in the allocated frequency band based on the created measurement timing, measuring power levels in adjacent bands based on the created measurement timing, and deriving an adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) based on the measured power levels in the allocated frequency band and the measured power levels in the adjacent bands.