Phase-Adjusted Transmitter Signal Combining for Hitless Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave radio systems experience performance loss and service interruptions when switching between active and backup transmitters, as the activation of one transmitter and deactivation of another cause interference and signal cancellation due to random phase characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The system combines signals from multiple active wireless transmitters by adjusting their phase and gain to match a predetermined value, allowing them to share the same antenna and provide continuous service without interruptions, using a combiner to create an output signal that is transmitted through a waveguide filter and antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single active transmitter with backup is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to service interruptions during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signals from multiple active transmitters using a combiner device. Multiple transmitters operate simultaneously and their signals are merged together, allowing continuous service without switching interruptions while maintaining manageable system complexity through signal combination rather than complex switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables multiple transmitters to operate continuously and simultaneously transmit signals. By keeping all transmitters active and combining their outputs, the system eliminates service interruptions that occur during switching operations, ensuring continuous useful action without downtime
2Reliability
If multiple active transmitters are combined, then reliability improves through continuous service, but device complexity increases due to phase and gain control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control mechanisms where the phase and gain of each transmitter signal are continuously monitored and adjusted. The combiner receives signals with controlled phase and gain relationships, and feedback loops maintain these relationships to ensure proper signal combination and prevent interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls and adjusts critical signal parameters including phase and gain for each transmitter output. By actively managing these parameters through control systems, the patent ensures signals combine constructively without cancellation or interference, enabling reliable multi-transmitter operation
3Ease of operation
If transmitters operate with random phase characteristics, then ease of operation is maintained, but harmful factors increase due to signal cancellation and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent actively controls and adjusts the phase parameter of each transmitter signal to predetermined relationships before combination. This parameter control prevents random phase characteristics that cause signal cancellation, while maintaining ease of operation through automated control systems that manage phase relationships
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for combining signals from multiple active wireless transmitters are discussed herein. An exemplary system comprises a radio enclosure, a first transmitting RFU, a second transmitting RFU, and a combiner. The first transmitting RFU may be configured to receive a signal, upconvert the signal, compare a phase of the upconverted signal to a predetermined phase value, and adjust the phase of the signal based on the comparison to provide a first phase-adjusted upconverted signal. The second transmitting RFU may be configured to receive the signal, upconvert the signal, compare a phase of the upconverted signal to the predetermined phase value, and adjust the phase of the signal based on the comparison to provide a second phase-adjusted upconverted signal. The coupler may be configured to combine the first and second phase-adjusted upconverted signals to create an output signal and provide the output signal to an antenna for transmission.