Distributed Antenna Propagation Delay Measurement Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed antenna systems experience propagation delays that can reduce bandwidth and lead to inaccurate location determination of client devices, especially in indoor environments where optical fiber-based systems are used, as existing technologies are unaware of these delays and cannot accurately compensate for them.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining propagation delay in distributed antenna systems, including a downlink RF interface, an uplink RF interface, and a propagation delay measurement circuit, which measures and communicates the delay to improve the accuracy of client location determination and network operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If optical fiber-based distributed antenna systems are deployed to extend wireless coverage indoors, then bandwidth and coverage area are improved, but propagation delay increases causing inaccurate location determination and reduced system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of propagation delay between the head-end equipment and each remote antenna unit during system initialization or configuration phase. These pre-measured delay values are stored and subsequently used by the location determination module to compensate for timing errors in real-time operation, eliminating the need for complex real-time delay calculation and improving location accuracy without adding operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote antenna units are distributed throughout a building to extend coverage, then accessibility and coverage are improved, but propagation delay variability increases affecting time-based protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The head-end equipment includes a location determination module that uses measured propagation delay values as feedback to compensate for timing variations in time-based protocols. The system continuously monitors and adjusts location calculations based on the pre-measured delay characteristics of each remote antenna unit, ensuring accurate client location determination despite the distributed geometry and varying path lengths.
3Measurement precision
If propagation delay measurement and compensation mechanisms are added to distributed antenna systems, then location determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of propagation delay between the head-end equipment and each remote antenna unit during system initialization or configuration phase. These pre-measured delay values are stored and subsequently used by the location determination module to compensate for timing errors in real-time operation, eliminating the need for complex real-time delay calculation and improving location accuracy without adding operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The head-end equipment automatically performs propagation delay measurements and stores the results in its own memory without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention. The location determination module then autonomously uses these stored values to compensate for timing errors, making the system self-configuring and reducing operational complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate determination and consideration of propagation delays, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of communications services by providing precise delay measurements for network operations and client location determination within distributed antenna systems.
Implementation Method 1
The remote antenna units convert incoming optical RF signals from an optical fiber downlink to electrical RF signals via optical-to-electrical (O/E) converters
Implementation Method 2
The remote antenna units then convert the electrical RF signals to optical RF signals via electrical-to-optical (E/O) converters
Data Source
AI summary
Components, systems, and methods for determining propagation delay of communications in distributed antenna systems are disclosed. The propagation delay of communications signals distributed in the distributed antenna systems is determined. If desired, the propagation delay(s) can be determined on a per remote antenna unit basis for the distributed antenna systems. The propagation delay(s) can provided by the distributed antenna systems to a network or other system to be taken into consideration for communications services or operations that are based on communications signal delay. As another non-limiting example, propagation delay can be determined and controlled for each remote antenna unit to uniquely distinguish the remote antenna units. In this manner, the location of a client device communicating with a remote antenna unit can be determined within the communication range of the remote antenna unit.