Radio Unit-Antenna Connection Checking via Calibration Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The correct connection between a radio unit and an antenna entity becomes increasingly error-prone with the increasing number of antenna elements, as each antenna port needs individual connection via feeder cables, and existing calibration ports do not detect erroneously connected cables.
Innovation Solution
Utilize unique radiofrequency test signals for each output port, with distinct frequency, time, or phase domain components, to differentiate and detect incorrect connections by analyzing feedback signals at the calibration port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of antenna elements is increased, then the antenna functionality is improved, but the connection error rate increases due to more feeder cables requiring individual connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where test signals are transmitted through feeder cables from the radio unit to the antenna entity, and reflected signals are analyzed to detect connection errors. The system automatically identifies incorrect connections by comparing expected and actual signal paths, providing real-time feedback on connection accuracy without requiring manual verification of each cable connection.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of feeder cables is increased, then the antenna coverage is improved, but the complexity of connection checking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the calibration port serve multiple functions: it is used both for traditional calibration purposes and for connection checking through test signal transmission. By utilizing the existing calibration port infrastructure for dual purposes, the system avoids adding separate checking equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage checking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically transmitting test signals through the feeder cables and analyzing the reflected signals to detect connection errors. The connection checking process is performed autonomously by the system itself without requiring external manual intervention or separate checking devices, simplifying the overall complexity of the system.
3Device complexity
If traditional calibration ports are used for connection checking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision is insufficient to detect connection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the test signals (such as frequency, phase, or amplitude) to create distinctive signatures that can be reliably detected and differentiated. By using multiple signal parameters and analyzing their characteristics in the reflected signals, the system achieves high measurement precision for connection error detection while maintaining simple device architecture through parameter-based differentiation rather than complex hardware.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for checking the connection between a radio unit and an antenna entity or functionality, wherein the radio unit comprises a predetermined number of output ports and generates a plurality of radiofrequency output signals to be transmitted using the output ports, wherein the antenna entity or functionality comprises a corresponding predetermined number of antenna ports receiving the radiofrequency output signals, wherein, in order to connect the radio unit with the antenna entity or functionality each output port is to be connected, by means of a feeder cable, with an antenna port, wherein the radio unit furthermore comprises a radio unit calibration port and wherein the antenna entity or functionality likewise comprises an antenna calibration port, wherein the radio unit calibration port is connected to the antenna calibration port by means of a calibration feeder cable, wherein, in order to check the connection of the feeder cables between the radio unit and the antenna entity or functionality, the method comprises the following steps: -- in a first step, a first radiofrequency test signal is transmitted, by the first output port and via the corresponding one of the feeder cables, towards one of the antenna ports, -- in a second step, the antenna entity or functionality is configured such that the first radiofrequency test signal, or a part thereof, is able to be - at least temporarily - forwarded to the antenna calibration port, -- in a third step, a first feedback signal, indicative of the first radiofrequency test signal or a part thereof, is transmitted, to the radio unit calibration port, using the calibration feeder cable.