Digital Interface Modules for Flexible Signal Distribution in Wide-Area DAS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distributed antenna systems (DASs) face challenges in efficiently distributing digital and analog communications signals, particularly in areas with poor cellular coverage, such as indoors, where they struggle to adapt to the increasing demand for digital data services like streaming video, and require costly upgrades to support both digital and analog signals over digital mediums.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of digital-analog interface modules (DAIMs) and digital interface modules (DIMs) in wide-area DASs, which allow for flexible distribution of digital and analog communications signals by interconnecting local-area DASs via digital communications mediums, enabling colocation with existing telecommunications equipment to reduce installation costs and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional DAS distributes analog communications signals, then analog signal distribution is achieved, but digital data services cannot be efficiently provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements interface modules (DAIM and DIM) that enable the DAS to universally handle both analog and digital communications signals. The DAIM module provides analog RF input/output interfaces while the DIM module provides digital CPRI interface capabilities, allowing a single DAS infrastructure to support multiple service types including voice, data, and streaming video without requiring separate dedicated systems for each service type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DAS is upgraded to support digital signals, then digital data services are enabled, but installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the digital signal distribution capability into separate interface modules (DIM and DAIM) that can be independently deployed. Rather than requiring a complete system overhaul to support digital services, the segmentation allows operators to introduce digital capabilities in targeted locations where they are most needed, thereby reducing overall installation costs while still enabling digital data services.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface modules act as intermediaries between the existing analog DAS infrastructure and new digital service requirements. The DAIM module with its analog RF interfaces and the DIM module with digital CPRI interfaces serve as translation layers that enable digital signal distribution without requiring replacement of the entire DAS system, thus lowering upgrade costs.
3Area of stationary object
If wide-area DAS covers large geographic areas, then coverage is improved, but signal distribution efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wide-area DAS into multiple local-area DAS segments, each equipped with interface modules capable of independent digital and analog signal distribution. This segmentation allows each local area to be optimized for its specific service requirements while contributing to the overall wide-area coverage, maintaining signal distribution efficiency even as the total coverage area expands.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to digital interface modules (DIMs) for flexibly distributing digital and/or analog communications signals in wide-area analog distributed antenna systems (DASs). In this regard, in one aspect, a DIM is a multi-functional device capable of distributing the digital and/or analog communications signals to a local-area DASs in the wide-area DAS. The DIM comprises a digital communications interface for coupling with a digital signal source, an analog local distribution interface for coupling with an analog signal source, and at least one digital remote distribution interface for coupling with a head-end unit (HEU) of the local-area DAS. By employing the DIM in the wide-area DAS, it is possible to flexibly reconfigure the wide-area DAS for distributing digital and/or analog communications signals over the digital communications mediums.