Distributed Antenna Phase Synchronization via Pilot Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed MIMO communication systems, achieving carrier phase synchronization between antennas located at large distances is challenging due to the limitations of traditional synchronization methods, which restricts cooperative transmission and reduces network capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the determination of phase differences between antenna units using pilot signals and the transmission of phase correction commands to a common base station for synchronizing carrier phases, enabling full cooperation and compensation of phase errors across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional synchronization methods are used in distributed antenna systems, then device complexity is reduced, but carrier phase synchronization cannot be achieved between antenna groups at large distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where phase difference information is measured and reported from antenna units to the base station, which then generates and transmits phase correction commands back to the antenna units. This closed-loop feedback system enables dynamic carrier phase synchronization compensation for distributed antenna groups at large distances, resolving the contradiction between synchronization reliability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary that collects phase difference information from multiple antenna units, processes this information to determine appropriate correction commands, and distributes these commands back to the antenna units. This intermediary approach enables centralized coordination of phase synchronization across distributed antenna groups without requiring direct peer-to-peer synchronization between antennas.
2Productivity
If antenna groups are distributed over large geographical areas, then path loss is reduced and network capacity increases, but carrier phase synchronization becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary phase synchronization calibration during initial system setup or when phase drift is detected, using pilot signals to measure and compensate for phase differences before actual data transmission. This preliminary action ensures that carrier phase synchronization is maintained across distributed antenna groups, enabling them to operate at large geographical separations while preserving network capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts phase parameters of transmitted signals based on measured phase differences. By changing the phase parameter in response to environmental conditions and propagation effects, the system maintains coherent combining and beamforming capabilities across distributed antenna groups, thereby preserving network capacity despite large geographical distribution.
3Reliability
If phase correction is implemented dynamically using feedback, then carrier phase synchronization is achieved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase correction function is segmented and distributed: antenna units perform local phase measurement and reporting using pilot signals, the base station performs central coordination and correction command generation, and antenna units apply the corrections. This segmentation of the signal processing task reduces the complexity burden on any single component while achieving overall carrier phase synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method comprising: determining a phase difference between at least two antenna units of a distributed antenna system on the basis of at least one pilot signal received from at least one of a plurality of antenna units; and transmitting phase correction commands to a common base station of the plurality of antenna units on the basis of the determined phase difference in order to synchronize carrier phases between at least two antenna units of the distributed antenna system.