Remote Radio Head Antenna Switching for Aircraft Link Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional direct air-to-ground (DA2G) communication systems for aircraft require multiple antennas to mitigate shadowing and fading, leading to increased complexity, cost, and weight, while existing solutions often use redundant radio frequency power stages and multiple remote radio heads, which are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A remote radio head apparatus with a single radio frequency power stage and a switch to selectively use two or more transmit antennas, along with a controller to determine and switch based on radio link quality, reducing hardware requirements and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple remote radio heads with separate power stages are used to mitigate shadowing and fading, then communication reliability is improved, but system weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna interfaces into a single remote radio head unit. The RRH apparatus integrates a power amplifier, switch, and multiple antenna connectors into one consolidated unit, eliminating the need for separate remote radio heads for each antenna. This merging reduces overall system weight while maintaining the ability to use multiple antennas for shadowing mitigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single remote radio head is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple antennas through integrated switching. The apparatus can selectively connect to different antennas based on communication conditions, making one RRH unit perform the function previously requiring multiple dedicated units. This universal design reduces weight while preserving reliability through antenna diversity.
2Reliability
If multiple remote radio heads with separate power stages are used to mitigate shadowing and fading, then communication reliability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple power stages and antenna interfaces into a single remote radio head apparatus. By integrating the power amplifier, switch matrix, and antenna connectors into one unit, the system eliminates redundant components and reduces overall complexity while maintaining the ability to access multiple antennas for improved reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching capability within the single RRH apparatus. The integrated switch allows the system to dynamically select which antenna to use based on real-time communication conditions, providing adaptability without requiring multiple static remote radio heads. This dynamic approach reduces system complexity while maintaining reliability through selective antenna access.
3Reliability
If redundant radio frequency power stages are used in conventional systems, then communication coverage is improved, but hardware efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote radio head apparatus is designed as a universal unit that can serve multiple antennas through integrated switching. A single power amplifier and control unit can dynamically connect to different antennas based on coverage requirements, eliminating the need for redundant dedicated power stages for each antenna. This reduces hardware quantity while maintaining comprehensive communication coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation within the single RRH apparatus. The integrated switch and controller enable the system to dynamically allocate the single power stage to different antennas based on real-time coverage needs and signal conditions. This dynamic sharing of hardware resources improves efficiency while maintaining the communication coverage that would otherwise require redundant static hardware.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Embodiments provide an apparatus, onboard equipment, a method, and a computer program for a remote radio head. The apparatus 10 for a remote radio head 100 comprises a switch 12 operable to substantially switch the transmit signal between the two or more transmit antennas 20.