Relative Power Interference Ranking in Mobile Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF spectrum analysis methods rely on manual determination of peak severity, which can lead to incorrect prioritization of interference issues due to the absolute power-based sorting, especially in cases of passive intermodulation (PIM) that distort signal shapes, posing challenges for non-expert technicians in accurately identifying and ranking interference severity.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates relative power by determining a baseline power function through linear regression or averaging of RF samples, allowing for automated sorting and ranking of interferers based on relative severity, independent of technician expertise and signal configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If absolute power-based sorting is used to rank interferers, then the analysis is simple and quick, but the severity estimation becomes inaccurate due to PIM distortion and varying baseline power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter from absolute power to relative power by normalizing against a baseline power level. This transformation allows accurate severity estimation while maintaining sorting efficiency, as the relative power calculation is performed automatically on all peaks and then used for ranking.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseline power level acts as an intermediary reference that mediates between the absolute power measurements and the severity estimation. By introducing this intermediate normalization step, the system eliminates the direct correlation between absolute power and severity, resolving the inaccuracy while preserving processing speed.
2Measurement precision
If manual analysis of RF spectrum is performed, then accurate severity determination is possible, but technician expertise and time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating baseline power levels and relative power for all detected peaks without requiring technician intervention. The automated algorithm handles the entire analysis process, eliminating the need for expert manual interpretation while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual technician analysis with an automated computational system. The algorithm automatically processes RF spectrum data, calculates baseline power, determines relative power, and ranks interferers, substituting human expertise with computational mechanisms.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple RF parameters are adjusted to detect subtle interferers, then detection capability improves, but system complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the baseline power level by processing the RF spectrum data itself, without requiring manual configuration or adjustment of parameters. The algorithm self-adapts to the specific spectrum characteristics, eliminating the need for complex manual parameter tuning while maintaining detection capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A method comprising obtaining, via a test system, data from one or more tests of a mobile network having at least one antenna, wherein the data includes a stream of RF samples captured over-the-air or from a Common Public Radio Interface or enhanced CPRI link; processing (S1, S2) the data to detect peaks; performing (S3, S4) an analysis of any detected peaks to identify any issues on the mobile network, the analysis including determining a relative power of the detected peaks; and causing (S5) display of a user interface that includes a reporting of any the relative power. Determining a relative power includes obtaining a baseline of a subset of the data and comparing an absolute power of the peak to the baseline.