Distributed Antenna Uplink Leveling With Tunable Narrowband Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for uplink leveling in distributed antenna systems (DAS) face inaccuracies due to interference from external signals, as broadband power detectors cannot distinguish between test signals and interfering signals, leading to incorrect gain adjustments and potential desensitization of the uplink performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a tunable digital signal measurement receiver that can measure power over a narrow frequency band, allowing for accurate differentiation of test signals from interfering signals, and using a controller to generate test signals and adjust gain settings based on synchronized broadband and narrowband power measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a broadband power detector is used to measure test signal power, then power measurement across a broad frequency range is achieved, but the ability to distinguish test signals from interfering signals is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the broadband power measurement function into two separate measurement paths: a narrowband power detector tuned to the test signal frequency and a broadband power detector for total power measurement. This segmentation allows precise isolation of test signal power from interfering signals while maintaining broadband measurement capability for overall system monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a signal processor as an intermediary that receives outputs from both the narrowband and broadband power detectors. This intermediary component calculates the difference between total power and test signal power to identify and quantify interfering signals, enabling accurate test signal measurement even in the presence of broadband interference.
2Power
If gain adjustments are made based on broadband power measurements, then overall power level control is achieved, but accurate uplink leveling is compromised due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the power measurement system have different functions: the narrowband power detector is optimized for precise test signal measurement at a specific frequency, while the broadband power detector provides overall power monitoring. The controller uses the narrowband measurement specifically for uplink leveling decisions, ensuring accurate local (frequency-specific) control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously receives power measurements from both detectors, compares the narrowband test signal power against target levels, and adjusts gain settings accordingly. The system uses the difference between broadband and narrowband measurements to detect interference and compensate for it in the leveling calculation, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains accurate uplink leveling despite interference.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remote antenna unit inputs are closed to prevent interfering signals, then interference is reduced, but passive intermodulation issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the presence of interfering signals, which was previously a harmful factor causing measurement errors, into a beneficial situation by using the narrowband power detector to specifically measure and quantify the test signal power amidst the interference. The system learns to operate accurately in the presence of interference by isolating the test signal frequency measurement, effectively turning the interference-rich environment into an acceptable operating condition.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of uplink leveling a communication path in a distributed antenna system, the method comprising calibrating measurements of a signal measurement receiver that is communicatively coupled to a communication path with a point of interface; generating at least one test signal of a select frequency and power level in an uplink direction of the communication path; measuring the power level of the at least one test signal with the signal measurement receiver at the select frequency; determining a gain adjustment based at least in part on the calibration of measurements of the signal measurement receiver and the measured power level of the at least one test signal with the signal measurement receiver; and leveling the communication path based on the determined gain adjustments.