Base Transceiver Station Radio Coverage Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio coverage in cellular communication systems is limited by the inability to use frequency hopping for the broadcast control channel, restricting the overall coverage of base transceiver stations and creating 'coverage holes', especially in urban environments, and traditional methods like boosting downlink power are ineffective due to maximum output power constraints.
Innovation Solution
Implementing transmitter diversity by using frequency hopping for traffic channels and antenna hopping for broadcast control channels, with dedicated transceivers and antenna arrangements to ensure consistent beam characteristics, allowing for increased coverage areas without requiring updates to user terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If frequency hopping is used for traffic channels, then radio coverage is improved, but broadcast control channel coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission diversity technique into two distinct approaches: frequency hopping for traffic channels and antenna hopping for broadcast control channels. This segmentation allows each channel type to use the most appropriate diversity method, enabling traffic channels to benefit from frequency hopping coverage enhancement while broadcast control channels maintain reliability through antenna hopping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different transmit diversity schemes to different logical channels based on their specific requirements. Traffic channels use frequency hopping to combat frequency-selective fading and expand coverage, while broadcast control channels use antenna hopping to ensure reliable coverage. This local quality approach optimizes performance for each channel type according to its functional characteristics.
2Area of stationary object
If downlink output power is boosted, then radio coverage increases, but maximum output power limits are reached
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing output power, the patent changes the transmission parameters by introducing transmit diversity through frequency hopping and antenna hopping. This parameter change allows the system to combat fading and extend coverage without exceeding the maximum output power limits of traditional base transceiver stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency hopping as an intermediary mechanism to combat fading effects. By rapidly switching between multiple carrier frequencies, the system bypasses deep fades that would otherwise limit coverage, effectively extending the usable coverage area without increasing transmitted power.
3Area of stationary object
If antenna hopping is used for broadcast control channel, then coverage is improved, but beam consistency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration by dedicating specific antenna elements to broadcast control channel transmission and establishing predetermined antenna hopping sequences. This preliminary action ensures that beam characteristics remain consistent and predictable, as the antenna hopping follows pre-planned patterns rather than random switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic antenna hopping where antenna elements are switched in a regular, repeating sequence. This periodic action maintains beam consistency by ensuring that each antenna element is used systematically, preventing arbitrary beam direction changes while still providing diversity benefits for coverage enhancement.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an increase in the radio coverage area (10) of a base transceiver station (100) having access to multiple transceivers (102, 104, 106, 108) by dedicating at least one of the transceivers (102) for BCCH data. This BCCH transceiver (102) is connected to an antenna arrangement (120) 5 comprising at least two antenna elements (121, 123; 125, 127). Increased BCCH radio coverage (30) is achieved by providing antenna hopping among the at least two antenna elements (121, 123; 125, 127) for the BCCH. Correspondingly, increased TCH coverage (20) is achieved by providing frequency hopping among at least two carrier frequencies for the TCH. The 10 coverage (10) of the base transceiver station (100) is defined as the intersection of the BCCH radio coverage (30) and the TCH coverage (20).