Antenna Distributor Interface Module Digital Signal Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency communication services face challenges in ensuring reliable and efficient communication on essential channels due to limitations in existing radio communication technologies, which are not optimized for modern mobile networks, leading to difficulties in separating and isolating uplink and downlink signals effectively, especially in environments like closed buildings and tunnels.
Innovation Solution
An interface module within an antenna distribution system that digitizes incoming communication signals, identifies and separates essential communication signals, and forwards them using digital units, eliminating the need for analog separation means, enabling bidirectional communication and optimizing signal transmission through digital oversampling and down-conversion, while allowing for frequency and modulation method adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If channel-selective analog filters are used to separate uplink and downlink signals, then signal separation is achieved, but technical effort and costs increase enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/analog filter system with a digital signal processing system. The digital unit receives signals from both interfaces, identifies essential communication signals through digital analysis, and separates them using software-based filtering and signal recognition algorithms, eliminating the need for complex analog filter hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from analog frequency domain filtering to digital signal processing parameters. By converting signals to digital form and using software-based identification and separation methods, the system achieves the same signal separation function with different, more flexible parameters that reduce hardware complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If analog separation means are used for signal isolation, then uplink and downlink isolation is achieved, but costs and technical effort become enormous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive analog isolation hardware with digital signal processing techniques. The digital unit processes signals from both interfaces, uses software-based signal identification and separation algorithms to isolate essential communication signals from other signals, achieving the same interference protection with lower-cost digital components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the signal processing function that replaces the physical analog filter. By implementing signal separation in the digital domain through software algorithms, the system achieves signal isolation without requiring expensive analog filter hardware, effectively copying the isolation function in a more economical form.
3Productivity
If modern mobile radio network architecture is used, then communication efficiency is improved, but compatibility with essential communication channels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the digital unit multi-functional by enabling it to process both modern mobile radio signals and traditional essential communication channel signals through the same interface and processing architecture. The digital signal processing capabilities can be configured to handle different signal types, modulation schemes, and frequency ranges, allowing one system to serve multiple communication standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to adapt the digital signal processing system to different communication standards. By adjusting digital parameters such as sampling rate, filter characteristics, and signal identification criteria, the system can efficiently process both modern high-speed mobile radio signals and traditional essential communication signals, maintaining compatibility across different eras of communication technology.
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
This solution enhances communication reliability and efficiency for emergency services by enabling effective separation and transmission of essential signals, reducing costs and complexity, and improving coverage in challenging environments like closed buildings and tunnels.
Implementation Method 1
at least one signal path for forwarding the received communication signals between the two interfaces and a controllable digital unit receiving the signal path with means for digitizing incoming communication signals and for analog conversion outgoing communication signals
Implementation Method 2
a very large dynamic range must be guaranteed and a high level of isolation between the uplink and downlink communication must be implemented
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The module (4) has an analog interface (6) to receive and forward communication signals of mobile terminals, and another analog interface (7) to receive and forward communication signals of an antenna distribution system. Signal paths (9, 10) are provided between the two analogue interfaces so as to pass essential communication signals. A digital unit (11) including a field programmable gate array (FPGA) (17) digitizes the essential communication signals passing through the signal paths, where the digital unit detects signal parameters of the essential communication signals. An independent claim is also included for an antenna distribution system comprising a master unit.