Differential Mixer for RF Signal Combination in Wireless Distribution Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless distribution systems, particularly distributed antenna systems, face challenges in combining uplink radio frequency communications signals without the need for additional electrical components, which increases costs and insertion loss due to the requirement of signal combiners and BalUn circuits.
Innovation Solution
The use of a differential mixer in remote units to combine uplink RF communications signals directly, eliminating the need for signal combiners and BalUn circuits, thereby reducing component costs and improving signal quality by minimizing insertion loss and ripple.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal combiners and BalUn circuits are used to combine uplink RF signals, then reliable signal combination is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the signal combiner and BalUn circuit into a single integrated differential mixer. This single component performs both the signal combination and the balanced-to-unbalanced conversion that were previously handled by separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining signal combination reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential mixer is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a signal combiner for multiple uplink RF signals and a BalUn circuit for impedance transformation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If signal combiners and BalUn circuits are used to combine uplink RF signals, then complete signal processing is achieved, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the signal combination function and BalUn conversion function into a single differential mixer, the patent eliminates the cumulative insertion loss that would occur through multiple separate components. The single integrated component reduces the total number of connection points and impedance transformations, thereby minimizing overall insertion loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional electrical components are added for signal combination, then signal combination capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by merging multiple discrete components (signal combiner and BalUn circuit) into a single differential mixer component. This reduction in component count simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces assembly steps, and lowers overall material costs while preserving the complete signal combination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential mixer is designed as a universal component that handles both signal combination and impedance transformation tasks. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve complete signal processing capability with fewer components, directly reducing manufacturing costs.
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 allows for cost-effective and space-efficient combination of uplink RF signals, enhancing signal quality by eliminating unnecessary components and associated losses in wireless distribution systems.
Implementation Method 1
A differential mixer, which is typically configured to combine a pair of differential input signals, is controlled to combine the first uplink RF communications signal(s) and the second uplink RF communications signal(s)
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to combining uplink radio frequency (RF) communications signals in a remote unit in a wireless distribution system (WDS) using a differential mixer. A remote unit in a WDS receives a first uplink RF communications signal(s) and a second uplink RF communications signal(s). A differential mixer, which is typically configured to combine a pair of differential input signals, is controlled to combine the first uplink RF communications signal(s) and second uplink RF communications signal(s) without requiring the first uplink RF communications signal(s) and second uplink RF communications signal(s) to be converted into the pair of differential input signals. As a result, it may be possible to eliminate a signal combiner and a BalUn circuit from the remote unit, thus helping to save component costs and board space, and to reduce insertion loss and ripple to improve uplink signal quality in the remote unit.