Antenna Tilt Control Using Stored Configuration Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical tilting antennas in base stations face issues with incorrect configuration data due to human error during installation, leading to network optimization failures and increased maintenance costs, and the integration of RCU components within antennas complicates maintenance and increases antenna volume.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a readable and writable memory within the antenna to store configuration data, allowing the RCU to drive a motor for adjusting the electrical down-tilt angle based on stored information, reducing the need for manual data entry and facilitating remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If configuration data is manually written down during installation, then installation personnel can record antenna information, but human error occurs leading to incorrect configuration data
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna device automatically performs identification and data configuration through its built-in identification module and memory, eliminating manual data entry by installation personnel. The system self-configures by reading antenna information from the identification module and automatically loading corresponding configuration data, thereby eliminating human error in data recording and improving both configuration accuracy and network optimization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of writing down configuration data with an automated electronic identification and data retrieval system. The identification module automatically captures antenna information and the system electronically retrieves and loads the corresponding configuration data from memory, substituting the manual writing process with automated electronic operations that eliminate human error.
2Ease of operation
If RCU components are integrated within the antenna, then remote control capability is achieved, but antenna volume increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the RCU components (identification module, memory, and control circuitry) from the antenna structure, allowing the antenna to maintain its original compact volume while still achieving remote control capability. The external RCU unit communicates with the antenna through standardized interfaces, separating the control function from the radiating structure to avoid increasing antenna volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication interface between the antenna and the external RCU unit. This intermediary layer allows remote control functionality to be achieved without physically integrating bulky RCU components into the antenna, maintaining the antenna's original volume while enabling remote configuration and control capabilities through wireless or wired communication links.
3Ease of operation
If RCU components are integrated within the antenna, then remote control capability is achieved, but maintenance difficulty increases when components fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into independent functional modules: the antenna element, the identification module, the memory, and the external RCU unit. This modular segmentation allows the identification module and memory to be independently replaced or upgraded without affecting the antenna structure or other components, significantly improving maintenance ease when components fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the RCU components from the antenna structure, allowing failed components to be easily removed and replaced without damaging the antenna. The external RCU unit can be serviced independently, and the antenna maintains its integrity, enabling straightforward maintenance and repair operations without the complexity of integrated component replacement.
4Ease of manufacture
If configuration data is manually configured for each antenna, then installation personnel can set up the system, but repeated operations waste manpower and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna device automatically performs identification and data configuration through its built-in identification module and memory, eliminating manual data entry by installation personnel. The system self-configures by reading antenna information from the identification module and automatically loading corresponding configuration data, thereby eliminating human error in data recording and improving both configuration accuracy and network optimization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing configuration data in the system memory associated with specific antenna identification information. During installation, the system automatically performs the configuration process by matching the antenna's identification module data with the pre-stored configuration data, eliminating the need for manual configuration and significantly improving installation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An RCU (remote control unit), an antenna apparatus, an antenna electrical tilting method and an antenna system. The RCU includes a reading device and a driver. The reading device is configured to read, from a memory inside the antenna apparatus, when the antenna apparatus is communicatively connected with the RCU, antenna information of an antenna controlled by the antenna apparatus and configuration data corresponding to the antenna. The antenna information includes the antenna serial number and the antenna model of the antenna. The driver is configured to control the antenna apparatus to adjust an electrical down-tilt angle of the antenna in accordance with the configuration data.