Antenna Detection Using Non-Volatile Memory on Coaxial Cable
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed antenna systems, existing methods for sensing the presence of antennas coupled to a transceiver unit are ineffective when multiple antennas are connected through power dividers, as reflected RF power sensing fails to determine the presence or absence of individual antennas.
Innovation Solution
An antenna unit with a coax connector and non-volatile memory that can send and receive signals over a coaxial cable, using a direct current voltage for power and a one-wire interface to communicate, allowing the transceiver unit to detect the presence of antennas by sending read requests and receiving responses with identifiers and attribute information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reflected RF power sensing is used to detect antenna presence, then the method is simple to implement, but it fails to determine the presence or absence of individual antennas when multiple antennas are connected through power dividers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into two parts: a simple presence/absence detection performed by the transceiver unit using reflected RF power sensing, and a detailed identification function performed by the smart antenna tag. This segmentation allows the transceiver to quickly determine if any antenna is connected while the tag provides specific identification, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart antenna tag acts as an intermediary device between the antenna and the transceiver unit. It receives power and communication signals from the transceiver through the coaxial cable, processes the read requests, and returns identification information. This intermediary enables individual antenna detection without requiring the transceiver to directly sense each antenna's status.
2Measurement precision
If a smart antenna tag with non-volatile memory is added to enable individual antenna detection, then antenna presence detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart antenna tag is designed to perform multiple functions: it stores identification information in non-volatile memory, receives power through the existing coaxial cable infrastructure, communicates with the transceiver unit, and provides antenna identification. By consolidating these functions into a single device, the patent improves detection accuracy while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart antenna tag is a self-contained device that independently manages its own identification information and communication protocol. It autonomously responds to read requests from the transceiver unit without requiring external control or additional infrastructure, thereby improving detection capability while keeping the added complexity localized to the tag itself.
3Ease of operation
If power is provided over the coaxial cable to the non-volatile memory, then the antenna tag can operate autonomously, but the system requires additional power management complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power transmission function with the existing RF signal transmission through the coaxial cable. By merging DC power delivery with the existing communication infrastructure, the system enables autonomous operation of the smart antenna tag without requiring separate power cables or additional power management infrastructure at the antenna location.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an antenna unit is provided that includes an antenna and a coax connector. The coax connector includes an inner conductor configured to contact a signal conductor of a coaxial cable and a ground contact configured to contact a metal shield of the coaxial cable. The coax connector is coupled to the antenna such that RF signals on the inner conductor are coupled to the antenna and such that RF signals sensed by the antenna are coupled to the inner conductor. The antenna unit also includes a non-volatile memory coupled to the coax connector such that the non-volatile memory can send and receive signals over the inner conductor. The non-volatile memory is configured to obtain operating power from a direct current voltage provided over a coaxial cable. The non-volatile memory has an identifier stored therein for identifying the antenna unit.