Distributed Antenna Amplifier Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In in-building wireless systems, signal attenuation, thermal noise, and power level control issues in transmission lines, particularly in bi-directional amplifiers, lead to degradation of signal quality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A distributed antenna network with separated amplifiers for uplink and downlink signal processing, utilizing a combination of coaxial cables and optical fibers to reduce thermal noise and signal loss, and micro-controller managed RF sensors and attenuators for remote power level management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bi-directional amplifiers are used to enhance in-building wireless communications, then signal quality and coverage are improved, but signal attenuation and thermal noise in transmission lines increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single bi-directional amplifier into two separate unidirectional amplifiers - one for uplink signals and one for downlink signals. This segmentation allows each amplifier to be optimized for its specific direction, reducing thermal noise and signal attenuation by eliminating the need for complex RF filtering and bidirectional signal processing in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful interaction between uplink and downlink signals by separating them into distinct amplification paths. By taking out the bidirectional processing function and replacing it with dedicated unidirectional amplifiers, the system eliminates thermal noise generated by RF filters and multiplexors while maintaining signal quality.
2Area of stationary object
If amplifiers are positioned at distant locations to cover large areas, then coverage is improved, but signal loss in transmission lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary amplification by positioning unidirectional amplifiers close to their respective antennas (donor and service antennas) rather than using a single distant bi-directional amplifier. This preliminary action compensates for transmission line losses at the source and destination, ensuring signal strength is maintained throughout the transmission path and enabling coverage of larger areas without excessive signal loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RF filters are used to separate transmit and receive channels in bi-directional amplifiers, then channel isolation is improved, but device complexity and signal degradation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the RF filter and multiplexor components from the amplifier system by eliminating the bi-directional amplifier entirely. Instead, it uses two separate unidirectional amplifiers that naturally provide channel isolation through their dedicated uplink and downlink paths, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating signal degradation caused by filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical RF filtering system with a signal routing system using separate transmission paths. By substituting the physical RF filter mechanism with logical signal separation through dedicated amplifiers and transmission lines, the system achieves channel isolation without the complexity and signal loss associated with RF filters.
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 enhances signal quality and integrity by reducing thermal noise and cable losses, allowing for effective power level control and improved transmission across long distances, thereby supporting reliable mobile voice and data services.
Implementation Method 1
a first amplifier receives the downlink radio frequency signal from the donor antenna, amplifies a power level of the downlink signal transmitted from the donor antenna
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a combination of coaxial cables and optical fibers to reduce thermal noise and signal loss
Data Source
AI summary
A signal conditioning system for a distributed antenna network includes a donor antenna in a first location receiving a downlink radio frequency signal from a radio frequency source. A service antenna is in a second location different from the first location, wherein the service antenna transmits the downlink radio frequency signal to an end user device, and the end user device transmits an uplink radio frequency signal back to the service antenna. Separate gain control amplifiers process the uplink and downlink signals and are located at the separate first and second locations to reduce thermal noise in the uplink and downlink signals. Reduced thermal noise allows quality transmission over optical fibers in addition to coaxial cables. First and second microcontrollers at the first and second locations control respective attenuators and transmit power level data to remote computer processors.