Remote Antenna Unit with Programmable Beamforming for DAS Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed antenna systems (DAS) face challenges in providing optimized radio frequency (RF) coverage in irregularly shaped coverage areas, such as indoor environments, where conventional omnidirectional antennas result in inadequate coverage in some areas and excessive radiation outside the intended coverage zones.
Innovation Solution
A remote antenna unit (RAU) with multiple directional antennas and a power generation circuit that allocates aggregated power based on a power allocation scheme, allowing programmable control of radiation patterns and transmission powers to optimize RF coverage without preconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If omnidirectional antennas are used in DAS, then coverage area is expanded in all directions, but radiation outside intended coverage zones increases causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from omnidirectional antennas that radiate uniformly in all directions to directional antennas that concentrate radiation in specific directions. Each directional antenna is configured with specific beamforming weights to direct energy toward intended coverage areas while minimizing radiation in other directions, thus providing localized quality control over the radiation pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the coverage area into multiple directional zones, each served by a directional antenna with optimized beamforming. Instead of using a single omnidirectional antenna covering all directions simultaneously, the system divides the coverage into multiple directional sectors, allowing independent optimization of each sector's radiation pattern to reduce interference in non-intended areas.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If directional antennas are used to reduce interference, then radiation is focused in specific directions, but coverage in other areas becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics through beamforming technology that allows real-time adjustment of radiation patterns. The system can dynamically change the direction and shape of radiation beams by adjusting phase and amplitude weights across antenna elements, enabling the coverage area to be adaptively shaped to match the intended service region while maintaining reduced interference characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by using an array of directional antenna elements that can be programmed to perform multiple functions. The same physical antenna structure can be reconfigured through beamforming to provide different coverage patterns for different service areas, making the system universally adaptable to various coverage requirements without physical reconfiguration.
3Device complexity
If fixed radiation patterns are preconfigured in antennas, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different coverage requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or physical configuration changes with electronic beamforming control. Instead of requiring physical reconfiguration of antenna structures or mechanical adjustment of radiation patterns, the system uses electronic signal processing to dynamically control radiation patterns, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the phase and amplitude parameters of signals fed to each antenna element. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system can change radiation patterns without physical modification, allowing adaptability to different coverage requirements while maintaining a fixed physical antenna structure, thus balancing device complexity with versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a remote antenna unit (RAU) with multiple antenna assembly in a distributed antenna system (DAS). In this regard, an RAU(s) in a DAS includes a plurality of directional antennas, a power generation circuit, and a controller. The power generation circuit is configured to generate a power output having an aggregated power. The controller is configured to allocate the aggregated power to the directional antennas based on a power allocation scheme. By allocating the aggregated power between the directional antennas based on the power allocation scheme, it is possible to programmably control radiation patterns and transmission powers of the directional antennas in the RAU(s). As a result, it is possible to provide optimized radio frequency (RF) coverage throughout a coverage area(s) of the RAU(s) without preconfiguring the radiation patterns and transmission powers of the directional antennas.