Active Distributed Antenna Relay Unit Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active distributed antenna system relay units are not configurable between SISO and MIMO modes, requiring device replacement during network upgrades, which increases construction costs.
Innovation Solution
A relay unit with access units, combiners, radio frequency switches, power dividers, and optical units that can be reconfigured to operate in either SISO or MIMO mode by rearranging these components, allowing the same unit to support both modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different DAS relay units are applied for SISO and MIMO modes, then the network coverage requirements are met, but the device replacement cost increases during upgrades
Solution Approach 1:
The relay unit is designed with dual-mode capability, incorporating both SISO and MIMO functional paths within a single device. The unit can be configured to operate in either SISO mode (using one access unit and one optical unit) or MIMO mode (using two access units and two optical units), eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices for each mode and enabling cost-effective upgrades from SISO to MIMO.
2Reliability
If dedicated SISO and MIMO relay units are used, then the specific mode requirements are satisfied, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay unit incorporates reconfigurable RF switches that dynamically route signals based on the operating mode. In SISO mode, the switches connect the single access unit through the combiner to the single optical unit. In MIMO mode, the switches reconfigure to establish separate signal paths for two access units to two optical units, allowing the same physical device to adapt its internal connectivity to meet different mode requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single relay unit supports both SISO and MIMO modes, then the upgrade cost is reduced, but the internal circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay unit is segmented into distinct functional modules: access units, combiners, RF switches, and optical units. Each module performs a specific function, and the RF switches act as reconfigurable connectors between these modules. This modular segmentation allows the same components to be arranged in different configurations (SISO or MIMO) without requiring entirely different hardware for each mode.
Data Source
AI summary
An active distributed antenna system and a relay unit thereof are disclosed. The relay unit includes: at least two access units, first combiners and optical units; a number of first radio frequency switches, second radio frequency switches and second power dividers corresponding to the first combiners respectively; a second combiner and a first power divider; wherein each of the first combiners is coupled at one end to at least one of the access units, and the other end is coupled to the movable terminal of the first radio frequency switch; one end of the second combiner is coupled to the first stationary terminal of each of the first radio frequency switches respectively, and the other end is couple to the first power divider; the other end of the first power divider is coupled to the first stationary terminal of each of the second radio frequency switches respectively; the second stationary terminal of each second radio frequency switch is coupled to the second stationary terminal of a corresponding first radio frequency switch, and the movable terminal of each second radio frequency switch is coupled to one second power divider; and the other end of each second power divider is coupled to at least one optical unit. The SISO mode and the MIMO mode are compatible in the relay unit according to the present invention, so the network construction is at a low cost.