Signal Combiner Power Adjustment via Cascaded Mode Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal combiners for multiplexing transmitters face challenges in efficiently adjusting transmission power to comply with regulatory limits and minimize system complexity and cost, leading to potential power inefficiencies and excess radiated power.
Innovation Solution
A signaling protocol that allows transmitters to determine the configuration of the combiner network, adjusting output power based on the cumulative combining mode indicated by downstream combiners, using the same cables for signal transmission and mode indication to simplify setup and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmitters use fixed high output power to ensure signal strength through combiner network, then transmission reliability is improved, but regulatory compliance deteriorates due to excess radiated power
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter output power is made dynamic rather than fixed. The transmitter adjusts its output power level based on real-time feedback about the combiner network configuration (number of active transmitters, combiner loss characteristics). This allows the system to maintain reliable transmission by adapting power to actual conditions while avoiding excessive radiated power when fewer transmitters are active.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where the transmitter receives information about the combiner network state (cumulative combining mode) and uses this feedback to adjust its output power accordingly. The transmitter queries downstream combiners to determine the combining mode, then adjusts power to compensate for combiner losses while ensuring total radiated power remains within regulatory limits.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transmitters adjust output power dynamically based on combiner configuration, then regulatory compliance is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The combiner network components serve multiple functions. Downstream combiners not only perform their primary signal combining function but also provide information about the network configuration state. The same physical infrastructure (combiners, cables) is used both for signal transmission and for conveying configuration information, eliminating the need for separate control hardware or communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The combiner network is self-describing. Downstream combiners automatically provide information about their configuration state and the cumulative combining mode without requiring external control systems. The transmitters can determine the network state by querying the combiners themselves, making the system self-configuring and reducing external control complexity.
3Measurement precision
If separate control channels are used for power adjustment, then control precision is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional cables and interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The RF signal path serves dual purposes: transmitting the combined signal and conveying configuration information. The same cables and interfaces used for RF signal transmission are also used for determining the cumulative combining mode. This eliminates the need for separate control cables or communication channels while maintaining the precision needed for power adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control function is merged with the signal transmission function. The information needed for power adjustment (cumulative combining mode) is extracted from the same physical medium (RF signals, cable connections) that carries the main signal. This consolidation reduces system complexity by eliminating redundant infrastructure while preserving the precision of power control.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to use of signal combiners for multiplexing signals. A transmitter may adjust a transmission power of an output signal to compensate for transmission losses associated with the use of signal combiners. The adjustment may be based on a combining mode as indicated by a combiner. The combiner may indicate a combining mode as a voltage level at an output port of the transmitter. If operating in a cascaded mode, the combiner may determine and indicate a cumulative combining mode based on an operating mode/type of the combiner and an operating mode/type as indicated by a downstream combiner.