Radio Repeater Gain Control for Self-Interference Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radio repeaters in 5G NR networks face challenges with self-interference due to low isolation between transmit and receive antennas, leading to near-field and far-field coupling, which degrades signal quality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system for controlling radio repeaters by transmitting reference signals, measuring self-interference power, and dynamically adjusting gain based on predetermined thresholds and reference data to mitigate self-interference, using antenna arrays for beamforming and in-band/full-duplex operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the gain of the amplifying means is increased to extend signal range, then the coverage range is improved, but self-interference power increases due to low isolation between transmit and receive antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the self-interference power level using the receive antenna and feeds this information back to dynamically adjust the gain of the amplifying means. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the repeater to maintain optimal gain settings that extend coverage while preventing self-interference from degrading signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gain of the amplifying means is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously monitors self-interference conditions and adjusts the gain in real-time based on measured interference levels, allowing optimal performance across varying operational conditions while preventing harmful self-interference.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the gain is reduced to mitigate self-interference, then self-interference power is reduced, but the coverage range and signal efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By continuously measuring self-interference power and feeding this information back to the gain control mechanism, the system can make precise, incremental adjustments to the amplifying means. This feedback approach maintains signal efficiency by only reducing gain when and where self-interference becomes problematic, rather than applying blanket reductions that would degrade overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the gain parameter of the amplifying means based on measured self-interference conditions. By adjusting this key parameter in response to real-time measurements, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining signal efficiency for coverage extension and preventing self-interference from degrading performance.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If physical shielding is implemented to reduce self-interference, then self-interference power is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical/physical shielding solutions with an electronic control approach. Instead of adding complex physical barriers between transmit and receive antennas, the invention uses electronic measurement of self-interference power and dynamic gain adjustment to mitigate interference, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving the same protective effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater system serves itself by autonomously measuring its own self-interference conditions using its receive antenna and automatically adjusting its amplifying means accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external shielding structures, as the system manages its own interference problem through intelligent control.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, and method relating to control of radio repeaters is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a means for transmitting one or more reference signals at a transmit power level using a transmit antenna of a repeater. The apparatus may also comprise a means for measuring a receive power level of the corresponding one or more reference signals received using a receive antenna of the repeater and determining a self interference power value based on the difference between the transmit power level of the one or more reference signals and the receive power level of the one or more corresponding reference signals. The apparatus may modify a gain associated with an amplifying means of the repeater based on the determined self-interference value.