IP Converters for AISG Signal Multiplexing on Feeder Cables

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Solution Overview

Problem

The AISG standard for mobile radio systems is inflexible and time-consuming to update, making it difficult to install and control additional devices on antenna masts without space for new control cables, which can interfere with mobile radio signals.

Innovation Solution

A heterogeneous mobile radio arrangement that uses shielded feeder cables to transmit AISG signals, mobile radio signals, and IP data, along with IP converters to connect additional devices to a higher-level IP network, allowing for the control of new devices without the need for additional control cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional control cables are installed to control new devices on antenna masts, then device control capability is improved, but installation complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (power supply, control signals, and data transmission) into a single existing feeder cable. The IP converter extracts IP data from the power supply line that already connects the base station to the antenna arrangement, eliminating the need for separate control cables for additional devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The feeder cable is made multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously carry power supply voltage, AISG control signals, and IP data for additional devices. The IP converter enables this universal usage by separating IP data from the power line without affecting the primary functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional control cables are installed on antenna masts, then device control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoidcabling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control function for additional devices into the existing feeder cable infrastructure. The IP converter enables IP data transmission through the power supply line, combining multiple communication functions into a single cable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The IP converter acts as an intermediary device that enables IP data extraction from the power supply line. It mediates between the power supply system and additional devices, allowing communication without direct cable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If control lines are added to antenna masts, then device control capability is improved, but harmful interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoidinterference signals
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts IP data from the power supply line using the IP converter without adding new physical cables to the antenna mast. By taking out the data transmission function from the power line rather than adding separate cables, it avoids the interference problems associated with additional control lines near antennas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the AISG standard is updated to support new devices, then adaptability is improved, but update time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandard flexibilityVSAvoidstandard update time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses IP protocol communication as a copy alternative to the AISG standard protocol. Instead of modifying the AISG standard to support new devices, it creates a parallel IP-based control mechanism that works alongside the existing standard, allowing new devices to be controlled without standard updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the control function into two independent pathways: the existing AISG standard pathway for traditional devices and a new IP-based pathway for additional devices. This segmentation allows each pathway to operate independently without requiring changes to the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3756416B1Heterogeneous mobile radio arrangement for supplying at least one mobile radio cell with mobile radio services
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3756416B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3756416B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2
  • EP3756416B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A heterogeneous mobile radio arrangement (1) comprises an antenna arrangement (8). There is provision for at least one screened supply cable (3) having a first and a second end (3a, 3b), said supply cable being designed to supply the at least one antenna arrangement (8) with electric power, wherein an AISG signal and mobile radio signals are transferrable via the at least one screened supply cable (3). There is provision for a first and a second IP converter (10a, 10b) and a first IP device (11, 11a, 11b, 11c), wherein both IP converters (10a, 10b) have a respective IP connection (30) and at least one respective signal line connection (31a, 31b). The first IP converter (10a) is connected by its IP connection (30) to a superordinate IP network (6), and the second IP converter (10b) is connectable by its IP connection (30) to the at least one first IP device (11, 11a, 11b, 11c). The at least one signal line connection (31a) of the first IP converter (10a) and the at least one signal line connection (31a) of the second IP converter (10b) are electrically connected by means of the screened supply cable (3).