Multi-Band Signal Combining for Low-PIM RRU Antenna Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio remote units (RRUs) supporting multiple frequency bands face challenges in avoiding passive intermodulation (PIM) issues while also minimizing the number of antenna ports used.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing apparatus comprising power amplification and filtering modules, along with a combiner unit, separates and combines signals from different frequency bands based on preset conditions, allowing for efficient power amplification and reduced port usage, thereby avoiding PIM and minimizing the number of antenna ports required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna ports are used to support multiple frequency bands, then the signal transmission capability is improved, but the device complexity and port quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency band signals (first frequency band and second frequency band) into a single antenna port through a combiner unit. The power amplification module amplifies both signals, and the combiner merges them before transmission, allowing one antenna port to handle multiple frequency bands simultaneously, thus reducing the total number of ports required while maintaining multi-band support capability
Solution Approach 2:
The power amplification module is designed to perform power amplification on signals from multiple frequency bands simultaneously. This multi-functional power amplifier can process both first frequency band signals and second frequency band signals through the same hardware component, making the system more universal and reducing the need for separate amplification chains for each frequency band
2Device complexity
If signals from different frequency bands are combined in the same port, then the port quantity is reduced, but passive intermodulation (PIM) problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic frequency band combination strategies where the system selectively combines signals from different frequency bands based on preset conditions. The combiner unit dynamically determines which signals to combine and which to separate, allowing the system to avoid PIM-prone combinations while still reducing port quantity. This dynamic approach enables flexible adaptation to different frequency band configurations and interference conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of frequency band selection by applying preset conditions to determine which frequency band signals are combined in the same port. By dynamically adjusting which frequency bands are combined based on their characteristics and interference potential, the system optimizes the combination process to avoid PIM while maintaining port reduction benefits
3Device complexity
If frequency band combinations are tightly coupled with power amplifier configurations, then the signal processing is simplified, but the development difficulty of power amplifiers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function into separate modules: a power amplification module that handles power amplification independently of frequency band combinations, and a combiner unit that handles frequency band combination independently. This segmentation allows each module to be developed and optimized separately, reducing the coupling between frequency band configurations and power amplifier designs, thereby easing the development difficulty of power amplifiers
Data Source
AI summary
Example signal processing methods and apparatus are described. The signal processing apparatus includes a first power amplifier, a second power amplifier, a first filter, a second filter, and a combiner. The first filter filters a second signal obtained by the first power amplifier to obtain a first sub-signal belonging to a first frequency band and a second sub-signal belonging to a second frequency band. The second filter filters a fourth signal obtained by the second power amplifier to obtain n sub-signals including at least a third sub-signal belonging to a third frequency band. The combiner combines the first sub-signal and i sub-signals in the n sub-signals based on a preset condition to obtain a first combined signal. The communication module sends the first combined signal by using a first port, and sends the second sub-signal by using a second port.