Passive Circulator TDD Antenna System Cost Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional distributed antenna systems for time division duplex (TDD) require switches and controllers to alternate uplink and downlink signals, which can lead to malfunctions and increased manufacturing costs due to the high price of these components.

Innovation Solution

The system employs passive circulators to change the transmission path of signals, eliminating the need for switches and control signals, and includes signal detectors and controllers to manage leakage signals and adjust power levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If switches and controllers are used to alternate uplink and downlink signals in TDD, then signal transmission path switching is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and malfunctions may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidswitch and controller components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the switch and controller components from the TDD signal transmission system. Instead of using active switching mechanisms, the invention employs passive circulators that inherently route signals based on their direction of travel, eliminating the need for complex control logic and reducing points of failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The circulator components perform signal routing automatically based on the direction of signal flow without requiring external control signals or active management. The passive circulator self-regulates the transmission path by its inherent non-reciprocal electromagnetic properties, making the system self-managing and more reliable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If switches and controllers are used for signal path switching, then uplink and downlink alternation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to high-priced components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal path switching capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, complex switch and controller assemblies with simpler, more economical passive circulator components. These circulators are inherently more cost-effective while maintaining the essential signal routing functionality, reducing the overall manufacturing cost of the TDD system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention substitutes active electronic switching mechanisms with passive electromagnetic routing components. The circulators use inherent electromagnetic field properties rather than mechanically or electronically controlled switches, simplifying the system and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If passive circulators are used to change transmission path, then switches and controllers are eliminated, but signal leakage may occur requiring additional detection and control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelimination of switches and controllersVSAvoidsignal leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces signal detectors as intermediary components that monitor for leakage signals between the circulator components. These detectors act as intermediaries between the passive circulators and the control system, enabling the detection of harmful leakage without requiring the circulators themselves to be actively controlled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where signal detectors monitor for leakage and provide information to controllers that can adjust system parameters. This feedback loop enables the system to detect and compensate for signal leakage issues while maintaining the benefits of passive circulator-based routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach reduces manufacturing costs and prevents malfunctions by using passive elements to manage signal transmission paths, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operation without the need for switches and controllers.

Implementation Method 1

The passive signal distributor includes a circulator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCirculator:

Data Source

PatentUS10903973B2Distributed antenna system for time division duplex

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 SOLID

AI summary

According to an example embodiment of the inventive concept, a master unit for time division duplex includes a passive signal distributor for outputting, to a second node, a downlink signal input through a first node, and outputting, to the first node, an uplink signal input through a third node, and a signal transceiver for transmitting, to a remote unit, the downlink signal input from the second node, and outputting, to the third node, an uplink amplification signal received from the remote unit.