Antenna Multiplexing Bypass Path Control for Cell Site Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of wiring and variable requirements in cell site installations for shared 2G and 3G wireless network sites lead to installation delays and increased costs due to incorrect equipment fitting and wiring, as existing multiplexing solutions lack automated detection and control mechanisms for bypass paths.

Innovation Solution

The multiplexing apparatus includes control means that automatically determines and enables or disables bypass paths based on electrical values detected at connection ports, simplifying the installation process by determining the correct configuration and preventing incorrect connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual configuration and wiring of multiplexing apparatus is used, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time increases and error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiplexing apparatus automatically detects the presence of RF equipment at connection ports and configures bypass paths without manual intervention. The control means autonomously determines which bypass paths to enable based on detected electrical values, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing installation errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus performs automatic detection and configuration of bypass paths during the installation process before actual operation begins. By pre-configuring the correct bypass paths based on detected equipment presence, the system prevents incorrect connections and reduces installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If bypass paths are always enabled for all channels, then equipment operation is ensured, but signal interference between frequency bands occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment operation reliabilityVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control means enables bypass paths selectively on a per-channel basis rather than globally. Each bypass path is independently controlled based on the specific detection results at its associated connection port, allowing the system to enable bypass functionality only where needed while maintaining RF signal isolation in other channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass path configuration is dynamic and adapts based on detected conditions. The control means continuously monitors electrical values at connection ports and adjusts bypass path enablement accordingly, transitioning from a static all-enabled configuration to a dynamic, condition-based configuration that prevents interference while ensuring operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If automated detection and control of bypass paths is implemented, then installation errors are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation accuracyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electrical detection and control. The control means uses electrical value detection at connection ports to automatically determine bypass path configuration, substituting manual wiring and configuration activities with automated electronic control that reduces errors despite adding control circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3078075B1Antenna multiplexing apparatus with bypass paths and method of use thereof
Publication Date: 2017.09.27 RADIO DESIGN LTD
  • EP3078075B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3078075B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3078075B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Multiplexing apparatus is provided that includes at least one common connection port and at least one channel connection port. One or more radio frequency (RF) paths are connected between said at least one common connection port and said at least one channel connection port for transmitting and/or receiving one or more RF signals therealong. At least one bypass path is provided between said at least one common port and at least one of said channel ports for the passage of direct current (DC) power and/or one or more control signals therealong. Control means are provided in or associated with the apparatus to allow detection and/or measurement of one or more electrical values at or associated with one or more of the common and/or channel ports and/or to control whether the at least one bypass path is enabled and/or disabled according to the one or more electrical values detected.