Interface Extension Apparatus for Multiband RET Antenna Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multiband remote electrical tilt (RET) antennas with only one Antenna Interface Standards Group (AISG) interface cannot simultaneously communicate with multiple base stations, limiting their ability to share antenna feeders and independently control electrical downtilt for multiple base stations.
Innovation Solution
An interface extension apparatus that obtains device information from multiple RET control devices, creates agents for each device, and modulates control signals from base stations to corresponding RET control devices, enabling simultaneous communication with multiple base stations using AISG protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multiband RET antenna provides only one AISG interface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to communicate with multiple base stations simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interface extension apparatus as an intermediary component between the RET antenna and multiple base stations. This apparatus includes a bus interface connected to the single AISG interface of the RET antenna and multiple extension interfaces that can connect to multiple base stations simultaneously. The intermediary translates and manages communication signals, allowing one physical interface to serve multiple communication purposes without requiring multiple independent interfaces on the antenna itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface extension apparatus provides multi-functionality by enabling a single RET antenna interface to communicate with multiple base stations. The apparatus includes a processor that can identify different base stations, manage multiple communication protocols, and route signals appropriately,从而使 one physical interface achieves the functional equivalent of multiple interfaces.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple base stations share an antenna feeder, then the antenna installation platform space is saved, but the ability to separately control electrical downtilt by multiple base stations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The interface extension apparatus acts as a mediator that receives control signals from multiple base stations, identifies the intended target RET antenna through the processor, and transmits the appropriate control commands. This allows each base station to independently control the electrical downtilt of shared RET antennas without physical interference, maintaining operational independence while sharing physical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control signaling is segmented and directed to specific RET antennas based on identification information. The processor divides the control traffic from multiple base stations into separate control streams for different RET antennas, ensuring that control commands for electrical downtilt adjustment are properly routed to the intended target even though the physical antenna feeder is shared.
3Measurement precision
If manual site visits are required to adjust electrical downtilt, then the control precision is improved, but the labor cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of manual site visits with automated electronic control signaling. The interface extension apparatus receives electronic control commands from base stations, processes them through the processor, and transmits modulation signals to the RET antenna's motor control system. This substitution of mechanical manual adjustment with electronic automation maintains precise control while eliminating the need for physical site visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service remote adjustment of electrical downtilt. The RET antenna system can automatically receive and execute control commands from base stations without requiring external manual intervention. The interface extension apparatus and processor work together to autonomously manage the control signaling, allowing the system to adjust its own electrical downtilt parameters remotely and automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface extension apparatus is presented, which includes N input interfaces and M output interface, where the input interfaces are connected to at least one base station, and the output interfaces are connected to an RET. The apparatus obtains device information of each RET control device in multiple RET control devices; creates an agent for each RET control device according to the device information, where a mapping relationship exists between each RET control device and the corresponding agent; then modulates, using the agent corresponding to the RET control device, a control signal that is received from the at least one base station; and further sends a modulated control signal to a corresponding RET. The embodiments of the present disclosure are used by the multiple base stations to simultaneously manage the multiband RET antenna.