Remote Expansion Unit RF Power Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed antenna systems, the power per channel is significantly reduced when multiple channels are used within a single frequency band, leading to decreased coverage areas, especially when multiple service providers operate within the same band, as the available composite power needs to be split among all channels.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a remote expansion unit (RXU) module, which is operatively coupled to the remote antenna unit (RAU) module, allows for the allocation of channels in a way that increases the output RF power by distributing the channels between the RAU and RXU, thereby increasing the power per channel without the need for additional cabling or active equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels are used within a single frequency band, then the system can support more service providers and channels, but the power per channel is significantly reduced leading to decreased coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the frequency band into multiple segments, with dedicated power amplifiers allocated to specific segments. This segmentation allows each channel group to maintain adequate power levels while supporting multiple channels overall. The remote antenna unit is split into multiple remote expansion units, each handling specific channel segments with dedicated power resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of power allocation by adding remote expansion units that operate in parallel with the main remote antenna unit. This dimensional expansion allows the system to support multiple channels while maintaining power per channel through hierarchical power distribution across multiple units rather than relying on a single power amplifier.
2Productivity
If composite power is shared among all channels, then the system can support multiple channels, but the coverage area per antenna decreases due to reduced power per channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel allocation and power distribution across multiple remote expansion units. Each unit handles a specific subset of channels with dedicated power amplifiers, ensuring that coverage area is maintained for each channel group while the overall system supports multiple channels through the combined capacity of segmented units.
3Device complexity
If a single power amplifier is used for all channels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power per channel is insufficient when multiple channels are activated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power amplification function across multiple dedicated power amplifiers, each assigned to specific channel groups. This segmentation increases device complexity but ensures adequate power per channel when multiple channels are activated simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity by introducing multiple remote expansion units with their own power amplifiers. This multi-dimensional power architecture ensures sufficient power per channel across multiple activated channels while maintaining manageable complexity through modular unit design.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications system is disclosed that includes at least one remote expansion unit (RXU) that is operatively coupled to at least one remote unit (RU). The at least one RU is configured to receive a first and a second downlink optical radio frequency (RF) communications signal. The at least one RU comprises at least one optical-to-electrical (O/E) converter configured to convert the first and second downlink optical RF communications signals to respective first and second downlink electrical RF communications signals. The at least one RXU is configured to receive the second downlink electrical RF communications signal from the at least one RU. The RU may comprise selection circuitry configured to identify which of the downlink electrical communications signals are sent to the RXU. The RXU may be configured to provide an uplink electrical RF communications signal received from a client device to the RU.