Relay Device for Distributed Antenna Functional Splitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Relay devices in distributed antenna systems are limited to distributing/combining only CPRI or RF signals, unable to handle new functional splitting points, requiring multiple devices and increasing operational costs due to the need for separate relay devices for different types of functional splits.

Innovation Solution

A relay device with multiple signal combination units and a signal switching unit that converts and processes signal data according to various functional splitting points, allowing a single device to handle different signal formats and formats corresponding to functional splits between radio control apparatus and radio devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If relay devices are configured to handle only specific signal formats (CPRI or RF), then signal processing reliability is improved, but adaptability to different functional splitting points deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to functional splitting points

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The relay device is designed with multiple signal combination units, each configured to handle different signal formats (CPRI, RF, and other functional splitting formats). This multi-functionality allows a single relay device to adapt to various functional splitting points while maintaining reliable signal processing for each format through dedicated processing paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The relay device incorporates a signal switching unit that dynamically selects which signal combination unit processes incoming signals based on the detected functional splitting point. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to different signal formats in real-time without compromising the reliability of signal processing for the active format.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple relay devices are deployed to handle different functional splitting points, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple functional splitting pointsVSAvoidnumber of relay devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple signal combination units that would traditionally require separate relay devices are merged into a single relay device. Each unit handles a specific signal format, and the signal switching unit coordinates them to function as an integrated system, reducing the total number of devices while maintaining support for multiple functional splitting points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single relay device is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating different signal combination units for various functional splitting points. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple relay devices are used for different functional splits, then signal format coverage is improved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal format coverageVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple signal combination units into a single relay device, eliminating the need to operate multiple separate devices. This consolidation reduces operational costs while maintaining comprehensive signal format coverage through the integrated multi-functional architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By designing a universal relay device that can handle multiple signal formats through its multiple signal combination units, the system achieves comprehensive signal format coverage without the increased operational costs associated with running multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11509357B2Relay apparatus and relay method

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

A relay device for relaying communications between a plurality of radio devices that perform radio communications with a terminal and a radio control apparatus that controls the plurality of radio devices, the relay device including a plurality of signal combiners that are each provided for one of functional splitting points between the plurality of radio devices and the radio control apparatus, and are each configured to convert signal data transmitted from one of the plurality of radio devices based on a signal format in accordance with the one of the functional splitting points, and transmit the converted signal data to the radio control apparatus, and a signal switcher configured to output the signal data transmitted from the one of the plurality of radio devices, to one of the plurality of signal combiners supporting one of the functional splitting points that corresponds to the one of the plurality of radio devices.