Emergency Configuration Control Module for Wireless Communication Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) often deactivate or limit RF functions during emergency situations due to fault detection, preventing public safety responders from accessing critical communication networks, despite the need for continuous service during emergencies.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an Emergency Configuration Control Module that overrides equipment self-protection functions, allowing DAS systems to maintain full functionality during emergencies by disabling protective circuits and prioritizing communication service continuity over equipment protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RF protection function disables power amplifier when parameter deviation is detected, then equipment damage is prevented, but communication service continuity during emergency is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment protectionVSAvoidcommunication service continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between normal operation mode and emergency operation mode based on detected emergency conditions. In normal mode, RF protection functions operate normally to protect equipment. In emergency mode, the emergency configuration control module overrides protection functions to maintain communication service. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing both equipment protection and service continuity under different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the power amplifier and protection circuits based on emergency detection. When emergency is detected, the emergency configuration control module modifies the behavior of protection functions by disabling them or adjusting their thresholds, allowing the system to prioritize service continuity over equipment protection during critical periods while maintaining equipment protection during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If equipment self-preservation shutdown is activated during emergency, then equipment lifespan is extended, but public safety communication access is denied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment lifespanVSAvoidpublic safety communication access
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting emergency conditions and activating emergency configuration before equipment failure occurs. The emergency configuration control module proactively disables protection functions when emergency is detected, preventing the automatic shutdown that would deny communication access. This preliminary intervention ensures both equipment lifespan extension and continuous public safety communication access during the emergency period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If protective circuitry isolates fault conditions, then equipment damage is minimized, but RF function availability during emergency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment protectionVSAvoidRF function availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The emergency configuration control module extracts or removes the protective circuitry's disabling effect on RF functions during emergency operation. By detecting emergency conditions and applying emergency configuration, the system takes out the protection function's interference with RF operation, allowing full RF function availability while maintaining equipment protection capabilities for non-emergency conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3718225B1Systems and methods for emergency operation of a wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3718225B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3718225B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP3718225B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

In one embodiment, an emergency configuration control device is provided for a communications system that provides wireless RF communication service to a coverage area, wherein the system comprises an RF protection function coupled to at least one power amplifier, protection function configured to disable the power amplifier when the protection function determines that at least one parameter of the power amplifier has deviated outside of an operating specification, the device comprising: an emergency configuration control module executed by a controller, the emergency configuration control module configured to determine when an emergency event is occurring within the coverage area as a function of a first set of input signals; wherein the emergency configuration control module enters phase one operation and inhibits disabling of the power amplifier by the RF protection function and outputs one or more phase one notification signals in response to determining that the emergency event is occurring.