Hybrid Expansion Unit for MIMO Signal Transport in DAS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) face challenges in efficiently transporting multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) signals within substantially closed environments, requiring effective conversion and synchronization between digital and analog domains to maintain signal quality and extend wireless coverage.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid expansion unit that converts between N-bit words of digitized spectrum and bands of analog spectrum, using distinct frequency ranges to facilitate simultaneous communication of MIMO signals through digital and analog communication links, ensuring synchronization and robust signal transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MIMO signals are transported through a single shared path in DAS, then device complexity is reduced, but signal quality and reliability deteriorate due to interference and loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the MIMO signal transport into two distinct paths: a first transport path for first MIMO signals and a second transport path for second MIMO signals. This segmentation prevents interference between different MIMO signal streams while maintaining reliable transmission quality for each path independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hybrid expansion unit as an intermediary device that performs digital-to-analog conversion and frequency translation. This intermediary enables the separation of MIMO signal paths by converting digital baseband signals to analog signals at different frequency ranges, allowing simultaneous transport over the same physical medium without interference.
2Productivity
If digital and analog domains share the same frequency spectrum, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but signal distortion and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of analog signals through frequency translation in the hybrid expansion unit. First MIMO signals are translated to a first frequency range while second MIMO signals are translated to a second frequency range, ensuring non-overlapping spectral occupancy. This parameter change eliminates frequency interference while maintaining efficient spectral utilization.
3Measurement precision
If MIMO signals are converted between digital and analog domains using shared conversion resources, then device complexity is reduced, but conversion precision and signal fidelity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conversion architecture into dedicated conversion paths: a first digital-to-analog conversion unit for first MIMO signals and a second digital-to-analog conversion unit for second MIMO signals. Each conversion unit processes its designated signal independently, ensuring high conversion precision without resource contention or cross-interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid expansion unit includes at least one digital communication interface adapted to communicate first and second sets of N-bit words of digitized spectrum with an upstream device. The hybrid expansion unit further includes at least one analog communication interface adapted to communicate first and second sets of bands of analog spectrum with a downstream device. The hybrid expansion unit is adapted to convert between the first set of N-bit words of digitized spectrum and the first set of bands of analog spectrum. The hybrid expansion unit is further adapted to convert between the second set of N-bit words of digitized spectrum and the second set of bands of analog spectrum. The first set of bands of analog spectrum occupy a first frequency range and the second set of bands of analog spectrum occupy a second frequency range. The first frequency range and the second frequency range do not overlap.