Self-Leveling Amplifiers for RF Network Loss Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio frequency (RF) distribution systems face challenges such as high costs, complex installations, and intermodulation issues when providing multi-band and multi-operator cellular services in confined areas, requiring high output power and frequent manual signal leveling, which complicates network extensions and upgrades.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of automatic self-leveling units in antenna and line amplifiers, which automatically compensate for RF network losses and prevent intermodulations, allowing for a cost-effective, plug-and-play RF network that can easily handle increased frequency carriers and network expansions without manual commissioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high-end filters and duplexers are used to provide sufficient isolation between services, then service isolation is improved, but system cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice isolationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs automatic self-leveling units that automatically adjust signal levels without manual intervention. The amplifiers automatically compensate for RF losses and the system automatically manages signal distribution, eliminating the need for complex manual leveling procedures and reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable service isolation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention dynamically adjusts signal parameters (power levels, gain) through automatic self-leveling mechanisms. The amplifiers continuously monitor and modify their operation to maintain optimal signal conditions, replacing static complex filtering arrangements with dynamic parameter adjustment that achieves the same isolation效果 with reduced complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If high output power level is used to compensate for passive losses, then signal coverage is improved, but energy consumption and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic amplification with automatic self-leveling that adjusts power levels in real-time based on actual signal conditions. Rather than maintaining constantly high output power, the amplifiers dynamically increase power only when and where needed to compensate for losses, thereby extending coverage while reducing overall energy consumption and minimizing interference with other services

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic self-leveling units incorporate feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor signal levels and adjust amplifier output accordingly. This feedback loop ensures optimal power delivery without excessive energy consumption, allowing the system to maintain coverage area while adapting power levels to actual transmission conditions to reduce energy waste and interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If manual signal leveling is performed frequently, then signal quality is maintained, but installation and maintenance time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic self-leveling units perform signal leveling operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically compensates for RF losses, adjusts signal levels, and maintains optimal transmission conditions, thereby maintaining signal quality while eliminating the time-consuming manual leveling procedures during installation and maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The self-leveling mechanism performs preliminary adjustment of signal levels automatically during system operation. By proactively compensating for RF losses and maintaining optimal signal conditions before issues arise, the system eliminates the need for frequent manual leveling interventions, thereby reducing installation and maintenance time while ensuring consistent signal quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If multiple bi-directional amplifiers are combined with band-selective filter elements, then service isolation is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice isolationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple functions (amplification, filtering, level control) into integrated amplifier units with built-in self-leveling capabilities. Rather than using separate bi-directional amplifiers combined with additional band-selective filters, the system merges these functions into unified components that achieve the same service isolation效果 with reduced component count and lower manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier units are designed with universal functionality, incorporating multiple frequency bands and self-leveling capabilities in a single device. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized components (separate amplifiers and filters), thereby reducing system complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable service isolation across different frequency bands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces installation and maintenance efforts, minimizes intermodulations, and enables efficient distribution of cellular services across various frequency bands, allowing for flexible and cost-effective network expansions and upgrades, particularly in confined areas like buildings.

Implementation Method 1

automatic self-levering units which automatically compensate for RF network losses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAutomatic signal leveling: Feedback

Implementation Method 2

at least one antenna amplifier between one end of the wired distribution system and the distributed antenna system, and at least one line amplifier at the other end of the wired distribution system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Data Source

PatentEP2159933B1Levelling amplifiers in a distributed antenna system
Publication Date: 2013.03.27 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • EP2159933B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2159933B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2159933B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to radio frequency (RF) distribution systems for mobile communications. In particular, the present invention relates to a radio frequency network facilitating radio communication where the usual free space propagation of electromagnetic waves is hampered, undesired or impossible, for example in tunnels, mines, and buildings and in large complexes like exhibition grounds, shopping malls, and airports. The radio frequency network (1) comprises a distributed antenna system (2) having radiating elements, a wired distribution system (3) feeding the distributed antenna system (2), at least one antenna amplifier (5) between one end of the wired distribution system (3) and the distributed antenna system (2), at least one line amplifier (4) at the other end of the wired distribution system (3), and automatic self-leveling units included in the antenna and line amplifiers (4, 5).