Antenna Interface Power Control Through Variable Gain Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems face challenges in effectively controlling output power at the antenna interface due to long connecting lines, especially for frequencies above 5 GHz, and require efficient signal compensation and communication between the antenna and control unit.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system with a transceiver & control unit and a compensator connected via a bidirectional communication line, utilizing a variable gain compensator with an internal control loop to adjust RF transceiver signals for desired output power at the antenna interface, and a method for controlling the system to achieve this.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the antenna is placed at a distance from the control unit to achieve 360° coverage, then the antenna coverage is improved, but the signal attenuation in the connecting line increases
Solution Approach 1:
A compensator unit is introduced as an intermediary between the control unit and the antenna. This compensator receives the RF signal from the control unit, compensates for the attenuation by amplifying the signal, and then transmits the compensated signal to the antenna, thereby resolving the signal loss issue while maintaining the antenna's remote placement for optimal coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional units: a control unit, a compensator unit, and an antenna unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the control unit for signal generation, the compensator for attenuation compensation, and the antenna for radiation - while being connected through standardized interfaces
2Loss of energy
If a compensator is added to compensate for signal losses, then the signal attenuation is compensated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the compensator unit: attenuation compensation through amplification, bidirectional communication between control unit and antenna, and control signal transmission. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving the required functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The compensator unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a signal amplifier for RF transmission and a communication node for bidirectional data exchange between the control unit and antenna, thereby reducing overall system complexity through functional integration
3Adaptability or versatility
If a bidirectional communication line is established between the compensator and control unit, then the control flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional communication line is merged with the existing RF signal transmission path, allowing control signals and data to be transmitted alongside the RF signals through the same physical medium, thereby achieving flexible control without adding separate communication infrastructure
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
Enables effective control of output power at the antenna interface, independent of the transceiver & control unit's output power, with flexibility to support various compensator modules and enable remote software updates, while maintaining efficient signal compensation.
Implementation Method 1
the compensator (200) being configured to compensate for signal losses occurring for the RF transceiver signal in the connecting line between the transceiver & control unit and the compensator
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an antenna system which comprises a transceiver & control unit (100) configured to control the antenna system and to generate a RF transceiver signal, a compensator (200) connected to the transceiver & control unit through a connecting line, the compensator (200) being configured to compensate for signal losses occurring for the RF transceiver signal in the connecting line between the transceiver & control unit and the compensator, an antenna interface (210) provided at the compensator configured to transmit an antenna output signal with a variable output power, and a bidirectional communication line configured to provide a bidirectional communication between the compensator (200) and the transceiver & control unit (100), wherein the transceiver & control unit (100) is configured to indicate to the compensator (200) through the bidirectional communication line a desired value of the variable output power to be present at the antenna interface when the antenna output signal is output by the antenna interface.