GPS Mast Module Hybrid Coupler Signal Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communication systems, synchronizing multiple base stations, especially with new standards like LTE, is complex due to the need for satellite signals, and existing antennae are not optimally adapted for receiving GPS signals, leading to interference and the requirement for separate cables.
Innovation Solution
A GPS mast module that uses a hybrid coupler to transmit satellite signals through the main high-frequency line between the base station and the antenna, with a coupling attenuation greater than 10 dB, allowing for loose coupling and reducing interference, and optionally converting signals to a different frequency position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate GPS antenna and cable connection are used, then GPS signal reception is reliable, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the GPS antenna function with the existing mobile communication antenna system by integrating a GPS antenna into the antenna mast structure and using the existing feed cable for signal transmission, thereby eliminating separate GPS cable connections while maintaining reliable GPS signal reception
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is designed to serve multiple functions: the same antenna mast and feed cable infrastructure supports both mobile communication signals and GPS satellite signals, making the system universal and eliminating the need for dedicated separate GPS infrastructure
2Device complexity
If existing mobile communication antennae are used for GPS signal reception, then device complexity is reduced, but signal interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into distinct functional components: a GPS antenna element integrated into the mast structure for satellite signal reception, and the existing mobile communication antenna elements for cellular signals, allowing each to operate independently without interference
Solution Approach 2:
A hybrid coupler is introduced as an intermediary device in the signal path to separate GPS signals from mobile communication signals, directing GPS signals to the GPS receiver while preventing them from interfering with the mobile communication amplifier and vice versa
3Device complexity
If GPS signals are transmitted through the main high-frequency line, then separate cables are eliminated, but amplifier overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid coupler acts as an intermediary that couples GPS signals into the main high-frequency line with controlled impedance matching, ensuring that the GPS signal level is appropriate for the amplifier without causing overload, while still allowing elimination of separate GPS cables
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the signal level parameters by using the hybrid coupler to provide proper impedance transformation and signal level matching, ensuring GPS signals are transmitted at appropriate power levels through the main HF line without overloading the amplifier
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 enables efficient and interference-free transmission of GPS signals to the base station, eliminating the need for separate cables and optimizing satellite signal reception without overloading the amplifier, thus improving synchronization at a lower cost.
Implementation Method 1
uses a hybrid coupler to transmit satellite signals through the main high-frequency line between the base station and the antenna, with a coupling attenuation greater than 10 dB
Data Source
AI summary
An improved GPS mast module is characterized by the following features: the GPS mast module may be connected in a HF main transmission line (7, 107) between a base station (BS) and an antenna assembly (ANT), in particularly a mobile radio installation, and the satellite signals from an internal or connectable GPS antenna (GPS-ANT) can be supplied by a directional coupler (23) to the HF main path (7, 107).