Remote Antenna Module Single Conductor Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction antennas for automotive applications have complex cabling issues due to multiple coaxial feeds for different wireless systems, increasing installation complexity and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A remote antenna module with a single conductor for both radio frequency signals and control signals, using bias voltage to control antenna submodules, and multiplexing signals to reduce cabling complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coaxial cables are used to connect different wireless systems to the antenna housing, then each antenna array can be independently controlled and connected, but the cabling complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate coaxial cables into a single coaxial cable by multiplexing RF signals from different antenna arrays (cellular, WiFi, satellite navigation) onto the same transmission medium. This merging approach maintains the ability to independently control each antenna array while dramatically reducing cabling complexity from multiple separate cables to a single shared cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The single coaxial cable is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it carries RF signals for different wireless systems (cellular, WiFi, satellite navigation) and provides power to the remote antenna housing. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated cables for each system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full adaptability.
2Reliability
If multiple coaxial cables are installed between transceivers and the antenna housing, then reliable connections are established, but manufacturing costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate cable installations are merged into a single cable installation that carries all necessary RF signals. This reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant cable materials, connectors, and installation labor while maintaining reliable connections through proper signal multiplexing and isolation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The single coaxial cable is designed as a universal connection that reliably serves multiple wireless systems simultaneously. By integrating power delivery and multiple RF signal paths within one cable, the system achieves both cost reduction and maintained reliability through a simplified but robust connection architecture.
3Device complexity
If a single conductor is used for both RF signals and control signals, then cabling is simplified, but signal interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a single coaxial cable with integrated power and signal paths, where the cable itself acts as the mediator between the remote antenna housing and the transceivers. This single cable architecture simplifies installation while managing signal interference through proper grounding, shielding, and signal isolation techniques inherent to coaxial cable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The single coaxial cable is designed to universally handle multiple signal types (RF signals and control signals) simultaneously. By providing a unified connection that carries both data and power, the system achieves cabling simplicity while maintaining signal integrity through the cable's inherent electromagnetic shielding and controlled impedance characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal transfer method includes: transferring a direct current signal between a port of an apparatus and a physical transmission line physically coupled to the port; and transferring: a first signal in accordance with a first wireless protocol to the port from a wireless protocol interface, the first signal being a first radio frequency signal; or a second signal in accordance with a second wireless protocol from the port to the wireless protocol interface, the second signal being a second radio frequency signal; or a combination thereof.