Antenna Functional Units with Direct Communication Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna devices for mobile radio systems require complex addressing procedures and rely on a master controller for communication, which can lead to bottlenecks and increased costs due to the need for separate functional units and external control systems.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a direct communication bus, such as an RS-485 interface or modem, between the external remote control unit and internal/connected functional units within the antenna device, allowing for simplified address allocation and direct access to individual units, enabling parallel processing and cost-effective expansion of communication structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a master controller is used to manage multiple functional units, then communication coordination is improved, but system complexity and addressing procedures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into multiple independent functional units, each with its own controller that can be directly addressed by the external control unit. This eliminates the need for a single master controller and complex hierarchical addressing, allowing each functional unit to operate independently while maintaining system coordination through standardized communication protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate functional units are used for each antenna function, then functional versatility is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal functional units with standardized interfaces and communication protocols that can perform multiple antenna functions. Each functional unit is designed to be multi-functional, allowing a single unit to handle various tasks such as signal amplification, filtering, and control, thereby reducing the total number of separate functional units needed while maintaining full functional versatility.
3Ease of operation
If external control units are used for remote control functions, then control capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functionality from the antenna system itself and places it in separate external control units. This allows the antenna system to maintain simplicity while still providing comprehensive remote control capabilities. The external control units communicate with the functional units through standardized interfaces, enabling remote operation without adding complexity to the core antenna structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an improved antenna device, characterized by the following additional features:—that each functional unit (21) can communicate bidirectionally with the remote control unit (RC) by means of the communication bus (23),—the configuration, the controller, and/or the querying of one or more functional units (21) of the at least one emitter device takes place over the entire communications bus (23),—the communication to the remote control unit (RC) is handled by each addressed functional unit (21), and—an internal communications bus (25) is provided for exchanging information and/or action states between the functional units (21) connected in the at least one emitter device.