Antenna Signal Amplifier Control for Variable Coupling Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna signal connections between mobile radio terminals and antennas experience varying attenuation due to electromagnetic, capacitive, or inductive coupling, making it difficult to achieve optimal signal quality as the amplification factor needs to adapt to the current operating state and coupling loss, which is not effectively compensated by constant amplification factors.

Innovation Solution

A circuit arrangement with a detection unit and control unit that dynamically adjusts the amplification factor based on detected changes in antenna signal power, allowing for real-time adaptation to coupling loss by evaluating the reaction of the mobile radio terminal's transmission power and setting the amplification factor to compensate for the actual attenuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a constant amplification factor is used in the antenna signal connection, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but the signal quality deteriorates because the amplification cannot adapt to varying coupling loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The amplification factor is changed from a static constant value to a dynamic variable that adapts to changing coupling conditions. The control unit continuously adjusts the amplification factor based on detected antenna signal power, enabling the system to respond to varying operating states and maintain optimal signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback loop is established where the detection unit monitors the antenna signal power and feeds this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the amplification factor accordingly. This closed-loop control enables automatic adaptation to changing coupling loss without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the amplification factor is dynamically adjusted to adapt to varying coupling loss, then the signal quality is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls the amplification factor adjustment, processes detection signals from the detection unit, and adapts to various operating conditions. By consolidating these functions in a single control unit, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving dynamic amplification adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts the amplification factor based on its own operational state and detected signal conditions, without requiring external control or manual intervention. The detection unit and control unit work together to self-regulate the amplification, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the amplification factor is increased to compensate for high attenuation, then the signal quality at the antenna is improved, but the mobile radio terminal may reach maximum transmission power without achieving optimal signal quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal quality at antennaVSAvoidpower efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial amplification only when and where needed, rather than using maximum amplification constantly. The control unit adjusts the amplification factor to provide just enough compensation for the detected coupling loss, avoiding excessive power consumption while maintaining adequate signal quality at the antenna.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The amplification factor is dynamically changed based on detected signal conditions and operating state. By adjusting this parameter in response to actual coupling loss measurements, the system optimizes the balance between signal quality at the antenna and power efficiency of the mobile radio terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3242409B1Circuit assembly and method for attenuation compensation in an antenna signal connection
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 BURY
  • EP3242409B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3242409B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3242409B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A circuit arrangement (6) for compensating for attenuation occurring in an antenna signal connection between a mobile radio terminal (3) and an antenna (7), with at least one antenna signal amplifier (9a, 9b) in the antenna signal connection and with a control unit (14) for setting an amplification factor (V , V1, V2) by which the antenna signal routed through an associated antenna signal amplifier (9a, 9b) is amplified or attenuated is described. The circuit arrangement (6) has a detection unit (13a, 13b, 13c) for detecting an antenna signal power (PM, PA) of the antenna signal in the signal path of the antenna signal connection. The control unit (14) is for changing the amplification factor (V, V1, V2), recognizing a change in the antenna signal power (P) as a reaction to this by changing the transmission power (PM) of the mobile radio terminal (3) and adjusting the amplification factor (V, V1 , V2) set up on the coupling loss of the antenna signal connection depending on a detected reaction of the mobile radio terminal (3).