Base Station Antenna Element Monitoring via Signal Amplitude Analysis

The patent divides the monitoring function into two levels: traditional standing wave monitoring at the antenna-feeder junction and new individual element monitoring through separate detection circuits connected to each antenna element. This segmentation allows detection of element-level failures while maintaining the existing standing wave monitoring capability, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and system complexity.

The patent introduces an intermediary detection circuit that couples to individual antenna elements through coupling devices (such as couplers or probes). This intermediary structure enables monitoring of element-level conditions without directly interfering with the main RF signal path, thus improving detection capability while avoiding excessive system complexity.

The patent designs the detection circuit and processing unit to handle multiple antenna elements using the same hardware resources. The detection circuit can sequentially or simultaneously monitor multiple elements, and the processing unit processes signals from all elements through unified algorithms. This multi-functionality achieves element-level detection accuracy while controlling system complexity through resource sharing.

The patent uses simplified detection circuits that create electrical copies or representations of the antenna element signals rather than requiring complex direct measurement systems. By coupling to element signals through simple coupling devices and processing these copied signals, the system achieves precise element-level monitoring without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.