Signal Booster Oscillation Detection via Intermediary Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal boosters struggle to reliably detect oscillations at higher isolation levels, leading to potential disruptions in cellular systems and poor reception, as they can only detect oscillations if the isolation between input and output ports is below a certain level, failing to meet FCC requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that adjust amplification factors to increase the detection of oscillations by correlating signal powers and using a weighting function to determine the status of the signal booster, enabling earlier detection and reducing gain or powering down amplifiers to prevent disruptions, while maintaining a bypass line for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the isolation between input and output ports is increased to prevent oscillations, then the reliability of signal booster operation is improved, but the ability to detect oscillations deteriorates because oscillations can only be detected when isolation is below a certain level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement signal that circulates through the signal booster system to detect oscillations. This measurement signal acts as a mediator that allows detection of oscillation conditions without requiring direct observation of the main communication signals, thereby enabling oscillation detection even when isolation between ports is high.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from the main communication signals to a separate measurement signal with specific characteristics. By using a measurement signal that is specifically designed for oscillation detection and comparing its properties before and after circulation through the booster, the system can detect oscillations regardless of the isolation level between input and output ports.
2Reliability
If the amplification gain is increased to improve signal strength, then the reception quality is improved, but the risk of oscillations and disruptions to cellular systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measurement signal circulates through the signal booster and its properties are analyzed to detect oscillation conditions. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor its own operation and automatically reduce amplification gain when oscillations are detected, thereby preventing harmful effects while maintaining high gain during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of oscillation conditions using the measurement signal before harmful oscillations can develop and affect the cellular system. By detecting early signs of oscillation through the measurement signal analysis, the system can take preventive action by reducing amplification gain before disruptions occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal booster device comprises at least one first antenna for communicating with a mobile, at least one second antenna for communicating with a base station, at least one amplifier and at least one power detector. The signal booster device adjusts a gain between the at least two antennas by altering an amplification factor. A normal operation gain is achieved by setting the amplification factor to a first amplification factor. An oscillation is detected by determining at least one first signal power, increasing the operation gain of the signal booster device by setting the amplification factor to a second amplification factor wherein the second amplification factor is higher than the first amplification factor, determining at least one second signal power, correlating the at least one first signal power with the at least one second signal power; and determining whether a status of the signal booster device is oscillation or normal based upon the result of the correlation.