Active Antenna Array Digital Link Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active antenna arrays in mobile communications networks require costly and time-consuming recalibration whenever components, such as cables, are replaced, limiting flexibility and increasing operational expenses due to fixed phase, amplitude, and delay relations imposed by passive feeder networks, which restrict beam shaping and service quality.
Innovation Solution
An active antenna array with digital links and transceiver units equipped with individual clocks, allowing for variable payload rates and embedded timing signals, enabling distributed clock synchronization and flexible compensation of phase, amplitude, and delay deviations without modifying clock generator frequencies, thus reducing the need for recalibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive feeder networks are used to relay signals between base band unit and transceiver units, then signal transmission is achieved, but phase, amplitude, and delay relations are fixed and recalibration is required when components are replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive feeder networks with active digital links that use electrical/digital signal transmission instead of fixed electromagnetic coupling. Each transceiver unit has its own clock generator, and timing signals are distributed digitally, allowing dynamic adjustment of phase, amplitude, and delay through digital control rather than fixed physical connections. This substitution enables recalibration-free operation after component replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic changing of timing parameters (phase, amplitude, delay) through digital control of clock generators and timing signal distribution. The payload rate can be varied independently from the timing rate, and phase/amplitude/delay deviations are compensated by adjusting digital signal processing parameters rather than physical component values. This makes the system adaptable to component replacements without recalibration.
2Manufacturing precision
If calibration is performed during manufacture to establish phase, amplitude, and delay relationships, then beam forming capability is achieved, but operational expenses increase due to required recalibration when components are replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration through distributed clock synchronization. Each transceiver unit has its own clock generator that is synchronized to a reference clock via timing signals embedded in the digital payload stream. The system automatically compensates for phase, amplitude, and delay deviations through digital signal processing without requiring manual calibration during maintenance. This self-service capability eliminates the need for recalibration when components are replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from timing signal analysis to automatically adjust clock generator frequencies and signal processing parameters. The embedded timing signals in the payload stream provide continuous feedback on synchronization status, allowing the system to detect and correct deviations in phase, amplitude, and delay relationships automatically, eliminating the need for manual recalibration procedures.
3Ease of operation
If fixed timing rates are used for signal transmission, then synchronization is simplified, but flexibility in payload transmission rates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the timing signal function from the payload data function. The timing signal is embedded within the payload stream but operates at a fixed reference rate for synchronization purposes. The payload can be transmitted at variable rates by adjusting the payload encoding while the timing signal maintains a constant reference rate for clock synchronization. This segmentation allows independent control of synchronization simplicity and payload rate flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital link serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits payload data at variable rates and carries embedded timing signals for synchronization. The same physical link handles both data transmission and clock distribution, making the system universally adaptable to different payload rates while maintaining simple fixed-rate timing for synchronization purposes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure teaches an active antenna array for a mobile communications network. The active antenna array comprises a base band unit, a plurality of transceiver units terminated by at least one antenna element; and at least one link, The link couples the individual ones of the plurality of transceiver units to the base band unit. The link is a digital link and is adapted to relay a payload signal at a selectable pay load rate. The digital link is further adapted to relay a timing signal at a fixed timing rate, when the timing signal is embedded in the payload at a selectable payload rate. The present disclosure further teaches a method for relaying radio signals and a computer program for manufacturing the active antenna array and for executing me method.