Base Station Antenna Sharing via Switchable Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently sharing a base station antenna and feeder cable between different frequency bands, leading to redundant investments and signal quality degradation due to mutual interference, especially when service providers merge and need to integrate different frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication base station sharing apparatus that uses a combination of hybrid couplers, filter units with switchable filters, and phase-shifting mechanisms to allow seamless sharing of an antenna and feeder cable between main and sub-base station systems, even when their frequency bands change, without requiring additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new quadroplexer is fabricated to share antenna and feeder cable between main BS system and sub-BS system, then frequency band sharing is enabled, but fabrication cost and filter replacement cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The existing BS antenna and feeder cable are made universal to support multiple frequency bands by using a switchable filter system. The filter unit can be switched between different frequency bands (e.g., 700MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz) to enable the same physical infrastructure to serve both main BS and sub-BS systems across different frequency ranges, eliminating the need for separate infrastructure per frequency band.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter configuration is made dynamic through a switching mechanism that allows real-time reconfiguration between different frequency bands. The switch can connect different filter units (first filter unit for main BS, second filter unit for sub-BS) based on the required frequency band, enabling flexible adaptation without physical reinstallation or fabrication of new equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If filters are replaced or tuned to accommodate sub-BS system frequency bands, then frequency compatibility is achieved, but personnel expenses and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filter units are pre-configured for different frequency bands before operation. The first filter unit is pre-set for the main BS frequency band, and the second filter unit is pre-set for the sub-BS frequency band. When frequency band changes are needed, the switch simply connects to the pre-configured filter unit, eliminating the need for on-site filter tuning or replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A switching mechanism acts as an intermediary between the antenna system and different filter units. This switch enables seamless transition between frequency bands by routing signals through the appropriate pre-configured filter unit, simplifying operations and reducing personnel expenses associated with manual filter replacement or tuning.
3Reliability
If independent BS systems are deployed for different service providers, then service independence is maintained, but signal quality degrades due to mutual interference
Solution Approach 1:
Different frequency bands are assigned to different service providers within the shared infrastructure. The switchable filter system ensures that each service provider operates on its designated frequency band with appropriate filtering, providing local frequency isolation that prevents mutual interference while maintaining service independence. For example, provider A operates on 700MHz while provider B operates on 1800MHz simultaneously without interference.
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
This solution enables cost-effective and efficient sharing of base station resources, reducing the need for filter replacements and personnel expenses, while maintaining signal quality by adaptively managing frequency bands and preventing communication disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
a first signal combiner/divider, divides a signal received through the first port to second and third ports, combines signals received through the second and third ports according to the phases of the signals
Implementation Method 2
a first filter unit is provided in a signal path between the second port of the first signal combiner/divider and the sixth port of the second signal combiner/divider, includes a plurality of filters designed to have different pass bands and switches for selecting one of the plurality of filters, and filters all or a selected part of a predetermined frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication base station shares one antenna between a main system and a subsystem. A signal combiner/divider is connected to each of the transmission/reception signal lines of a main and a subsystem duplexer and combines signals according to their phases and divides other signals. A filter is provided in the signal paths between the combiners/dividers.