Base Station Frequency Allocation Testing via Signal Phase and Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for allocating transmission frequencies by base stations do not effectively assess and optimize frequency assignments for optimal connection quality, especially considering phase position and signal power, and are influenced by external parameters like neighboring cell interference.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a test device that sets up a radio link with a base station to transmit data and test signals with specific signal power and phase positions on multiple frequencies, allowing evaluation of signal quality and determining the best frequency allocation based on these parameters, while suppressing external influences during the evaluation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transmission frequency allocation is based on analysis of transmission quality including phase position and signal power, then connection quality is improved, but the complexity of the allocation process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection qualityVSAvoidallocation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical evaluation processes with signal processing methods. The base station uses correlation detection and signal power measurement to automatically evaluate transmission quality on different frequencies, substituting manual or complex algorithmic analysis with straightforward physical measurements of signal characteristics.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device performs self-evaluation by measuring transmission quality on multiple frequencies and reporting results to the base station. This self-service approach allows the terminal to autonomously identify suitable frequencies based on signal power and phase position, reducing the computational burden on the base station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If frequency allocation considers neighboring cell interference and other boundary conditions, then transmission reliability is improved, but the allocation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidallocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary frequency selection by the terminal device before base station allocation. The terminal pre-evaluates multiple frequencies based on signal quality measurements and phase position analysis, preparing a shortlist of suitable frequencies. This preliminary action reduces the number of frequencies the base station needs to evaluate, improving allocation efficiency while maintaining reliability through pre-filtering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency allocation process is segmented into multiple independent stages: terminal-based signal quality measurement, phase position analysis, frequency suitability evaluation, and base station final allocation. This segmentation allows each stage to focus on specific tasks, improving overall efficiency while maintaining comprehensive consideration of interference and boundary conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple transmission frequencies are evaluated individually for signal power and phase position, then frequency assignment accuracy is improved, but the testing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency assignment accuracyVSAvoidtesting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal test signal structure that can be applied across multiple frequencies simultaneously. The same test signal format, power level, and measurement methodology are used for evaluating all candidate frequencies, enabling consistent and accurate comparison. This universal approach maintains measurement precision while reducing testing complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation process uses periodic test signal transmission at regular intervals across different frequencies. By transmitting test signals periodically and measuring signal power and phase position at each interval, the system achieves accurate frequency assignment through systematic, repeatable measurements rather than complex one-time evaluations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2181557B1Method for testing the allocation of a transmission frequency, tester and base station
Publication Date: 2011.04.27 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2181557B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2181557B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2181557B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for a base station (3) to test an allocation of one or more transmission frequencies (fzu, f1zu, f2zu) from a total number of transmission frequencies and to an appropriate tester and a base station. A connection (4) is set up between a tester (2) and the base station (3), and at least one data signal portion is sent on at least one allocated transmission frequency at a signal power and a phase. In addition, at least one test signal portion is sent on at least one unallocated transmission frequency, the respective test signal portion for a respective transmission frequency or a frequency block with a plurality of transmission frequencies being sent at a transmission power and phase which are set individually for each transmission frequency or each frequency block and which differ from one another at least in part. The test signal portion with the unallocated transmission frequency and/or transmission frequencies is received and evaluated. A transmission frequency or frequency block to be allocated is ascertained and an allocation signal is returned. The allocation signal is compared with an expected value.