Auto Commissioning for Optic Distributed Antenna Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analog optic distributed antenna systems become cumbersome and inefficient as the number of head end radio frequency units (HRFUs) and remote units (RUs) increases, requiring excessive commissioning steps and time, especially when multiple bands and RUs are combined.
Innovation Solution
An auto commissioning system with a head end unit (HU) equipped with a forward input/output signal strength detector, an HRFU electric attenuator, and a controller that adjusts signal levels, along with RUs featuring an RU output detector and electric attenuator, allows for simultaneous commissioning of all RUs and HRFUs, reducing the complexity and time required for commissioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual commissioning is performed for each HRFU and RU individually, then commissioning can be completed with basic equipment, but the commissioning time and complexity increase exponentially as the number of devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines individual commissioning operations for multiple HRFUs and RUs into a single system-wide commissioning process. The HU controller coordinates commissioning across all devices simultaneously, merging what would otherwise be separate manual operations into one automated workflow, thereby resolving the contradiction between commissioning speed and process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-commissioning through automated detection and adjustment mechanisms. The HU detector measures signal characteristics, the HU controller automatically calculates optimal settings, and the HRFU electric attenuator adjusts signal levels without manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual commissioning of each device, dramatically improving productivity while keeping the process simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of HRFUs and RUs is increased to expand system coverage, then system capability is improved, but the number of required commissioning functions increases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The HU controller serves multiple functions: it detects signal characteristics from the HU detector, calculates optimal attenuation settings, controls HRFU electric attenuators, and coordinates commissioning across all RUs. This multi-functional design allows the system to scale to cover more areas with multiple HRFUs and RUs without proportionally increasing commissioning time, as the same controller handles all devices universally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of signal characteristics before commissioning adjustments are made. The HU detector measures forward and reverse signal levels, and the HU controller pre-calculates the required attenuation settings based on these measurements. This preliminary action ensures that when multiple devices are added to expand coverage, the commissioning process remains efficient because the system is already prepared with detection and calculation capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual commissioning adjustments are made for signal level optimization, then signal quality can be optimized, but operator errors increase and installation costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the HU detector that continuously monitors signal characteristics (forward and reverse signal levels). The HU controller uses this feedback to automatically calculate and adjust attenuation settings, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback mechanism ensures precise signal level optimization while eliminating manual adjustment errors and simplifying operation, as the system self-corrects based on actual signal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with automated electronic control. The HU controller electronically calculates optimal settings and sends control signals to the HRFU electric attenuators, substituting manual commissioning operations with automated electronic adjustment. This substitution maintains precise signal level optimization while dramatically improving ease of operation and reducing operator error.
Data Source
AI summary
An optic distributed system includes a head end unit (HE) comprising a head end radio frequency unit (HRFU), at least one remote unit (RU), a corresponding optic cable connected between the HRFU and the at least one RU, and a controller configured to detect a forward radio frequency (RF) signal received from a base transceiver station (BTS), to perform a system wide commissioning function on the HRFU corresponding to the detection, to perform the system wide commissioning function on the at least one RU in accordance with a signal intensity of the forward RF signal from the HRFU, and to perform the system wide commissioning function on the optic cable to compensate for losses in the optic cable during signal transmissions between the HRFU and the at least one RU.