Adaptive Power Splitter for Indoor Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current indoor cellular network architectures fail to optimize power distribution and detect faulty antennas efficiently, leading to wasted radio base station power and hidden antenna problems due to passive splitters that do not consider traffic load or antenna connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A splitter with a signal determining unit that adjusts power distribution to antennas based on uplink signal strength, allowing intelligent power allocation and monitoring of antenna status, eliminating the need for power tapers and reducing the number of required radio base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a traditional passive splitter is used to distribute power to multiple antennas, then the splitter can divide the power from the radio base station to several antennas, but the power is distributed equally regardless of traffic load causing waste of radio base station power
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter transitions from a static passive component to a dynamic active component that can adjust power distribution in real-time based on traffic load conditions. The control unit monitors uplink signals and dynamically modifies downlink power allocation to match actual antenna usage patterns, eliminating fixed equal distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the splitter monitors uplink signal strength from connected antennas and uses this information to adjust downlink power distribution. This closed-loop control ensures power is allocated proportionally to actual traffic demand rather than being distributed equally regardless of load conditions.
2Reliability
If antennas are connected through passive components like splitters and tapers, then the indoor cellular network can provide coverage, but antenna problems remain hidden and difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter incorporates monitoring functionality that detects anomalies in uplink signals from connected antennas. By analyzing signal characteristics and comparing them against expected values, the system can identify faulty antennas or connection issues within the passive component chain, making previously hidden problems detectable.
Solution Approach 2:
The splitter acts as an intelligent intermediary between the radio base station and antennas, combining power distribution with monitoring and control functions. This mediator role allows it to detect antenna problems while maintaining the simplified architecture where antennas connect through passive components rather than requiring complex active monitoring at each antenna interface.
3Productivity
If equal power distribution is used to all output ports, then the splitter architecture remains simple, but the system cannot optimize power based on traffic load at each antenna
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter employs dynamic power adjustment capabilities that allow it to modify the power distribution ratio across different output ports based on real-time traffic load conditions. This dynamic behavior enables optimization of power utilization efficiency by allocating more power to antennas with higher traffic demand and less power to those with lower demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power distribution parameters (power ratios, attenuation levels) dynamically based on monitored traffic conditions. By adjusting these parameters in response to uplink signal strength and traffic load measurements, the splitter optimizes power utilization without requiring complex manual configuration or fixed complex architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a splitter of an indoor cellular network, with a plurality of antennas transmitting downlink signals and receiving uplink signals, the splitter distributing power to said plurality of antennas for a transmission of the downlink signals. The splitter adapts the signal power of the downlink signal for one antenna in accordance with the uplink signal received at said antenna.