Multi-operator Radio Node Antenna Array Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna array systems for multi-operator radio nodes are complex, costly, and inefficient due to the need for separate RF chain circuits for each antenna element, leading to increased size and power consumption, and capacity is split between service providers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-operator radio node design that shares a common antenna array by using signal processing circuits for each service provider to combine downlink signal streams into individual spectrum layers, allowing RF chain circuits and antenna elements to be shared, thus reducing size, cost, and power consumption, while ensuring each service provider uses its own spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate RF chain circuits are provided for each antenna element to support multiple service providers, then each service provider can use its own spectrum, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple service provider signals into a single shared RF chain circuit through signal combining technology. Multiple independent service provider signals are merged and transmitted through a common antenna array and shared RF chain, eliminating the need for separate RF chains for each operator while maintaining spectrum independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared RF chain circuit is designed to handle multiple service provider signals simultaneously, making it a universal component that serves multiple functions. The antenna array and RF chain can dynamically serve different operators on different spectra, increasing resource utilization and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If separate RF chain circuits are provided for each antenna element, then signal quality is maintained, but power consumption and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple service provider signals are combined and transmitted through a shared RF chain circuit, reducing the total number of active components. This merging approach lowers power consumption while maintaining signal quality through coordinated signal processing and beamforming techniques.
3Reliability
If separate RF chain circuits are provided for each antenna element, then each service provider has dedicated resources, but capacity is split between service providers
Solution Approach 1:
The shared RF chain circuit serves multiple service providers simultaneously, allowing the system to aggregate capacity from all operators rather than splitting it. Each provider maintains dedicated spectrum allocation, but the shared infrastructure enables higher overall system throughput and resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-operator radio node for a communications system that supports sharing a common antenna array while supporting individual spectrum of multiple service providers. The multi-operator radio node includes signal processing circuits for each supported service provider. Each signal processing circuit is configured to receive communications signals for a supported service provider to be distributed through a common antenna array to wireless client devices. Each signal processing circuit includes a modem that processes the received communications signals for spectrum of its service provider to provide signal streams to be distributed to co-located antenna elements in the antenna array. Summation circuits are provided at the front end of each RF chain circuit to combine signal streams of the spectrum of the service providers directed to the same antenna element in the antenna array to form signal beams in individual spectrum layers of the service providers.