Multi-sector Omni-base Station Combiner Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-sector omni-base stations face significant signal loss due to the interference and power splitting in combiners when combining sector signals, which reduces the signal-to-noise ratio and increases feeder costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing frequency division of sector signals using frequency converters to convert carrier signals from multiple sector antenna units into different frequencies, allowing for combination into a composite signal that avoids the power loss typically encountered in combiners, thereby reducing the need for multiple feeder cables and hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sector signals are combined using a combiner in a multi-sector omni-base station, then the number of feeder cables and hardware is reduced, but significant signal loss occurs due to interference and power splitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies frequency division multiplexing to change the frequency parameter of each sector signal before combining them. By assigning different frequency bands to different sectors (e.g., Sector 1 at 850-870 MHz, Sector 2 at 870-890 MHz, Sector 3 at 890-910 MHz), the signals can be combined without interference, eliminating the combiner loss that normally occurs when signals at the same frequency are combined through power splitting.
2Device complexity
If traditional combiners are used to combine sector signals, then hardware requirements are reduced, but the signal-to-noise ratio decreases due to power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the frequency parameter of sector signals to enable interference-free combination. Each sector is assigned a unique frequency band, allowing the combiner to combine signals without the power splitting loss that degrades signal-to-noise ratio. The frequency-converted signals maintain their power levels while being combined, preserving the signal-to-noise ratio.
3Loss of energy
If frequency division is implemented using frequency converters, then combiner loss is minimized, but additional hardware components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces frequency converters as intermediary devices that translate sector signals into different frequency bands before they reach the combiner. These frequency converters act as mediators that enable the signals to coexist in the same combiner without interference, minimizing combiner loss. The frequency converters are strategically placed in the signal path to perform the frequency translation function.
4Device complexity
If multiple sector signals are combined at the same frequency, then hardware is simplified, but interference increases and reduces system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of each sector signal to eliminate interference. By assigning distinct frequency bands to different sectors and using frequency converters to translate signals into these designated bands, the system allows multiple sector signals to be combined in the same hardware without the harmful interference that would occur if they remained at the same frequency.
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 approach enhances coverage and capacity while reducing costs by minimizing combiner loss, allowing for efficient multi-sector omni-base stations with lower power consumption and fewer hardware requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A frequency converter in the antenna unit converts the carrier signal received by one of the multiple antenna units from that antenna frequency to a different respective frequency
Data Source
AI summary
An omni-radio base station with multiple sector antenna units uses frequency division of sector signals to achieve increased coverage or capacity at reduced cost. Each sector antenna unit has an antenna for receiving a carrier signal associated with an antenna frequency in an available frequency band. At least one of the antenna units has an associated frequency converter that converts the carrier signal received by that antenna unit from the antenna frequency to a different respective frequency. Even though each sector receives the same carrier signal, an output carrier signal associated with each sector is at a different frequency band. A combiner combines the antenna unit carrier signals at different frequencies to create a composite signal for communication to the omni-radio base station. Because the antenna unit signals combined are at different frequencies, they do not interfere as much as they would if they were at the same antenna frequency, which results in less signal loss and degradation in the combiner. The carrier signals are then restored in the base station transceiver from the different respective frequencies to intermediate frequency for further processing.