Radio Network Node Total Radiated Power Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio base stations, particularly those with Active Antenna Systems (AAS) using a large number of antennas, face challenges in measuring total radiated power due to increased complexity and size constraints, especially at higher frequencies like mm-wave, where external directional couplers are not feasible and adding connectors is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method and radio network node that calculates total radiated power by obtaining antenna data, including transmission weights and feedback factors, to determine a power factor, which is then used to calculate the total radiated power, allowing for accurate measurement without the need for external couplers or additional connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external directional couplers are used to measure total radiated power, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the directional coupler functionality into the existing antenna connector structure. Instead of using separate external couplers, the solution integrates the coupler within the antenna module itself, allowing power measurement without additional external components or connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex external coupler system and implements it directly within the antenna connector. This removes the need for separate external couplers and reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Reliability
If more antennas are added to AAS radio base stations, then coverage and performance are improved, but measurement complexity and size requirements increase greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the antenna connector universal by enabling it to perform both its primary function of signal transmission and the secondary function of power measurement. The same connector structure serves dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices for each antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power measurement function with the existing antenna connector infrastructure. By integrating the directional coupler into the antenna module, the system can measure total radiated power across multiple antennas without adding separate measurement equipment for each antenna.
3Measurement precision
If traditional power measurement methods are used in integrated antenna systems, then measurement capability is maintained, but the system cannot operate in normal transmitting state during measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing power measurement to be performed simultaneously with normal transmitting operations. The directional coupler is configured to measure power without interrupting or switching off the transmission signal, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the directional coupler as an intermediary device that allows power measurement without directly interfering with the main transmission path. The coupler taps off a portion of the signal for measurement purposes while allowing the main signal to continue transmitting normally through the antenna.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
It is presented a method for determining total radiated power from a plurality of antennas. The method is performed in a radio network node and comprises the steps of: obtaining antenna data affecting transmission weights applied for each individual antenna of the plurality of antennas; obtaining an intermediate power value based on a sum of signals from couplers provided by each antenna of the plurality of antennas; determining a power factor based on the antenna data; and calculating the total radiated power based on the intermediate power value and the power factor.