Digital Radio Unit Antenna Array Signal Loss Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing base transceiver stations (BTS) face challenges with signal loss and space requirements due to the use of long coaxial cables for connecting antennas and radio units, which also raises aesthetic concerns and increases maintenance complexity.

Innovation Solution

A digital radio unit is integrated close to the antenna elements, eliminating the need for coaxial cables by converting digital signals to RF signals and vice versa, using micro radios with digital down-converters and up-converters, and a hub for signal processing and routing, enabling all-digital antenna systems with reduced space and power requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If long coaxial cables are used to connect antennas and radio units, then signal transmission can be achieved, but signal loss increases and maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidsignal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the traditional monolithic base station into distributed antenna units, each with integrated radio functionality. This segmentation eliminates long coaxial cable connections by placing signal processing components directly at the antenna location, thereby reducing signal loss while maintaining transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces digital signal processing as an intermediary between antenna elements and the base station controller. Digital radio units convert RF signals to digital baseband signals locally, acting as mediators that eliminate the need for long analog coaxial cable connections and reduce signal loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If long coaxial cables are used to connect antennas and radio units, then signal transmission can be achieved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the base station into multiple independent antenna units with integrated radio functionality, the system eliminates complex coaxial cable infrastructure. Each unit is self-contained and independently maintainable, reducing overall device complexity and maintenance burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the radio unit and antenna element into a single integrated component. This combination eliminates the need for separate coaxial cable connections and associated shielding requirements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining signal transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If antennas are placed in exposed places such as roof tops, then coverage area is maximized, but aesthetic concerns arise and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidaesthetic concerns

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional rooftop antenna placement to wall-integrated antenna elements. By embedding antennas within building structures rather than placing them on exposed rooftops, the system maintains coverage area while eliminating aesthetic concerns and reducing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements distributed antenna elements with localized signal processing capabilities throughout the building structure. This allows coverage to be maintained through strategically placed wall-mounted units rather than requiring large rooftop installations, thereby resolving aesthetic concerns while preserving coverage area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If traditional base station architecture with separate radio units and antennas is used, then signal processing can be performed, but space requirements and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processingVSAvoidspace requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the radio unit and antenna element into a single integrated wall-mounted device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate radio rooms and extensive cabling infrastructure, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining signal processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from centralized base station architecture requiring dedicated radio rooms to distributed wall-integrated antenna units. This dimensional change from centralized to distributed architecture reduces overall space requirements while preserving signal processing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

5Productivity

If traditional base station architecture is used, then signal processing can be performed, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processingVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the base station into multiple small distributed antenna units, each with integrated low-power radio functionality. This segmentation replaces the power-intensive centralized architecture with multiple low-power distributed units, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining signal processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical signal transmission system using coaxial cables with a digital signal processing approach. Digital signal conversion and processing at the antenna unit eliminates the need for high-power RF amplification over long cable runs, thereby reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution minimizes signal loss, reduces space and power needs, simplifies installation, and enhances aesthetic appeal by eliminating unsightly coaxial cables while maintaining efficient communication capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one micro radio converts the digital radio signals to analogue RF (radio frequency) signals and vice versa

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDigital to Analogue Conversion:

Implementation Method 2

with digital down-converter and/or digital up-converter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency Conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS8711903B2Antenna array system

Publication Date: 2014.04.29 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

Antenna system connectable to a base station, the antenna system comprising a digital radio unit connectable to at least one antenna element, wherein the digital radio unit comprises: at least one micro radio for receiving/sending digital radio signals having a digital down-converter/a digital up-converter and a digital signal converter. The at least one micro radio converts the digital radio signals to analogue RF (radio frequency) signals and vice versa. The at least one micro radio has at least one hub for processing digital radio signals and control signals and for routing said digital radio signals and control signals via at least one serial link and at least one interface. The at least one serial link is provided between the at least one hub and the at least one micro radio.