Analog RF Signal Under-sampling for CNR Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring transmission performance in 5G mobile communication systems using analog optical links are inefficient due to high costs and complexity, especially when dealing with large bandwidths required for 5G signals, as they rely on impractical demodulation processes and expensive spectrum analyzers for real-time network performance monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that under-sample analog RF signals from analog optical links to determine the carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR), allowing for efficient monitoring of transmission performance by converting the signals into digital, filtering, and setting sampling frequencies within the Nyquist region, thereby reducing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional demodulation process using electric splitter and ADC is used to measure transmission performance, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from the complete demodulation process. By using a spectrum analyzer to directly measure CNR and ACLR parameters without performing full demodulation, the system obtains transmission performance data while eliminating the complex electric splitter and ADC demodulation chain.
2Measurement precision
If spectrum analyzer is used to monitor transmission performance on each link/FA, then measurement capability is improved, but operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal monitoring architecture where a single spectrum analyzer can monitor multiple links and FAs sequentially. The monitoring apparatus is designed to receive analog RF signals from different sources and perform measurements on each, making the system multi-functional and cost-effective for entire network monitoring rather than requiring dedicated analyzers for each link.
3Measurement precision
If high sampling frequency is used to capture wide bandwidth 5G signals, then signal fidelity is improved, but data processing load and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial sampling by using a sampling frequency that captures only the essential CNR and ACLR measurement information rather than the entire 5G signal bandwidth. The spectrum analyzer performs measurements on specific frequency ranges and parameters, obtaining sufficient measurement precision without requiring full-bandwidth high-rate sampling that would overwhelm processing resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission performance monitoring method for monitoring a transmission performance based on an analog optical link and an apparatus performing the method. The transmission performance monitoring method and apparatus centrally monitor an RF signal transmission performance in an analog optical link-based mobile haul or indoor distributed antenna system.