Base Station Assembly with Single Primary Circuit Board
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional base stations are large, expensive, and complex, making them difficult to deploy in various locations and environments, particularly in commercial settings due to their unique installation requirements and high electromagnetic emissions.
Innovation Solution
A compact, cost-effective wireless communication base station assembly with a single primary circuit board integrating channel, timing, and radio interface functions, housed in a rectangular form factor compatible with commercial hardware, allowing for easy integration into standard equipment racks and customizable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional base station designs are used, then wireless communication coverage is provided, but the base stations are large, bulky, and require significant installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is divided into separate functional modules: remote radio units (RRUs) for radio frequency operations and a base band unit for signal processing. This segmentation allows the radio functions to be distributed remotely while the base band unit can be compact and installed in standard equipment racks, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining communication coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a monolithic three-dimensional base station structure to a distributed architecture where functional components are separated and positioned in different spatial locations. The base band unit is mounted in standard racks while radio units are placed remotely near antenna systems, optimizing space utilization across multiple dimensions
2Weight of stationary object
If traditional base station designs are used, then wireless communication functions are provided, but the systems are expensive and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the base station into modular base band units and remote radio units, each component can be independently optimized for weight and cost. The base band unit uses standard commercial hardware platforms, reducing weight and cost while improving adaptability to different deployment scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The base band unit is designed with universal interfaces and standardized mounting configurations that allow it to be deployed in various locations and configurations. The modular design enables the same base band unit to serve multiple radio units, increasing versatility while reducing overall system weight and cost
3Temperature
If traditional base station designs are used, then radio functions are provided, but they dissipate large amounts of heat
Solution Approach 1:
Heat-generating radio frequency components are separated from the base band unit and placed in remote radio units with dedicated cooling. The base band unit, which generates less heat, can use passive cooling or minimal active cooling, reducing overall heat dissipation requirements while maintaining radio function performance
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fiber connections serve as intermediaries between the base band unit and remote radio units, allowing thermal management to be optimized independently at each location. The optical interface transmits signals without conducting heat, enabling separate thermal zones for each functional component
4Ease of operation
If traditional base station designs are used, then electromagnetic emissions are managed, but special installation features and trained personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
By separating radio frequency components into remote units, electromagnetic emissions are localized to specific areas away from sensitive equipment and personnel. The base band unit operates at lower frequencies with minimal emissions, allowing installation in standard equipment rooms without special electromagnetic shielding or trained personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the high electromagnetic emission sources (power amplifiers and low noise amplifiers) from the main base station and places them in remote radio units. This extraction eliminates the need for special electromagnetic emission management at the base station location, simplifying installation to standard procedures
5Adaptability or versatility
If traditional base station designs are used, then wireless communication coverage is provided, but deployment in diverse locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture allows the base band unit to be deployed in standard equipment racks at various locations, while remote radio units can be independently installed near antenna systems. This segmentation enables deployment in diverse locations including commercial buildings, vehicles, and remote sites without requiring complex specialized installations
Solution Approach 2:
The base band unit is designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized connections that allow it to be installed in various environments using common equipment rack standards. The modular design enables the same unit to serve multiple functions and locations, reducing installation complexity while increasing deployment flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication base station assembly includes at least one base band unit (40) having one primary circuit board (100) with circuitry for a control function (102), a timing function (104), a line interface function (106) and a radio interface function (108). The electronics and circuitry for each of these functions are all supported on the one primary circuit board (100). At least one channel module (e.g., a channel card) is coupled to the primary circuit board. A single, generally rectangular housing (42) contains the primary circuit board and the channel module. Disclosed examples include a rack (50) having a plurality of slots (52) configured to accommodate the housing (42).