Distributed Antenna Power Allocation via Key Performance Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed antenna systems (DAS) often waste energy by setting RF power output to the same level for all carriers in different frequency bands, leading to inefficient power allocation and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power allocation subsystem that uses key performance indicators (KPIs) to optimize RF power distribution among remote units across multiple frequency bands, taking into account system factors such as coaxial cable loss, path loss, antenna gain, and base station transmit power to ensure sufficient power for meeting coverage objectives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If RF power output is set to the same level for all carriers in different frequency bands, then coverage uniformity is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to wasted power in bands with lower demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating power allocation across different frequency bands and carriers based on their specific performance characteristics. Instead of uniform power distribution, the system calculates and applies distinct power levels to each carrier according to its KPI performance, thereby optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining adequate coverage quality in each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts RF power allocation based on real-time or measured KPIs for each carrier. The power distribution is not static but adapts to the actual performance needs of different frequency bands, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions and optimize power consumption continuously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate RF power amplifiers are designated for each frequency band, then power allocation flexibility is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power allocation approach where a single power distribution mechanism serves multiple frequency bands and carriers. The system uses a unified methodology to calculate and distribute power across different bands based on their respective KPIs, avoiding the need for separate dedicated amplifiers for each band while maintaining flexibility through software-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves flexibility by changing power allocation parameters dynamically rather than through hardware differentiation. By adjusting power levels as controllable parameters based on KPI measurements, the system provides adaptability across frequency bands without increasing physical system complexity.
3Productivity
If uniform power distribution is used across all carriers, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but productivity and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a self-service mechanism where the power allocation automatically adjusts based on measured KPIs from each carrier. The system monitors its own performance and autonomously optimizes power distribution without requiring complex external control or manual intervention, thereby improving energy efficiency while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback-based power allocation where KPI measurements from each carrier feed into the power distribution decision-making process. This closed-loop approach allows the system to automatically optimize power efficiency based on actual performance data, achieving high productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A distributed antenna system, comprising a head-end unit; and a plurality of remote units communicatively coupled to the head-end unit. The head-end unit obtains one or more key performance indicators representative of a desired level of performance of at least one remote unit in the distributed antenna system, and the head-end unit obtains one or more system factors representing measurements of the distributed antenna system that affect performance of the plurality of remote units at the desired level based on a configuration of the distributed antenna system. The head-end unit determines a radio frequency power for the at least one remote unit to achieve the one or more key performance indicators based, at least in part, on the one or more system factors; and the head-end unit configures the at least one remote unit to operate at the radio frequency power.