Standard Antenna Interface for Modular Wireless Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wireless radio network installations involving separate remote radio heads (RRH) and antennas are complex, time-consuming, prone to errors, and result in RF losses and Passive Intermodulation (PIM) issues, limiting flexibility and increasing costs due to the need for multiple jumper cables and non-standard mounting configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular wireless communications station with a standard antenna interface that includes an antenna mount and RF interconnection module, allowing for linear guided support structures and RF connectors to align and engage the RRH and antenna, eliminating the need for jumper cables and enabling independent mounting and replacement of RRH and antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate RRH and antenna are mounted with jumper cables, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time increases to 12-15 hours per site and installation errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RRH and antenna into a single integrated unit called an integrated antenna system. The RRH is mounted directly on the antenna structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting locations and jumper cables. This merging of components reduces installation time while maintaining flexibility through standardized mounting interfaces that allow for easy configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated antenna design incorporates universal mounting features and standardized interfaces that can accommodate different RRH models and antenna types. The system provides multi-functionality by combining radio frequency transmission, antenna radiation, and mounting functions into a single structure, reducing the number of separate components needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If jumper cables are used to connect RRH and antenna, then component separation is maintained, but RF losses and PIM performance issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RRH is directly integrated with the antenna structure, eliminating jumper cables from the RF signal path. The RF connector on the RRH connects directly to the antenna feed point, removing intermediate cable connections that cause RF losses and Passive Intermodulation products.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting kits and hardware are used, then mounting flexibility is maintained, but device complexity and installation errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated antenna incorporates a universal mounting structure that can accommodate different RRH models and antenna types using a single standardized mounting interface. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized mounting kits and hardware, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into standardized, modular components with defined interfaces. The RRH mounting bracket, antenna mounting structure, and connection hardware are designed as separate but compatible modules that can be assembled in a standardized sequence, reducing installation errors.
4Loss of time
If integrated antenna approach is used, then installation time is reduced, but supplier diversity and selection flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated antenna design uses universal, standardized mounting interfaces and connection protocols that are compatible with multiple suppliers' RRH and antenna products. This allows network operators to select from different suppliers while maintaining a standardized installation approach, preserving supplier diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with dynamic adaptability, allowing the integrated antenna to accommodate different RRH models and antenna types through standardized interfaces. This enables the system to adapt to different supplier products without requiring custom integration solutions.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A modular wireless communications station includes a standard antenna interface (10), a wireless communications antenna (22), and a remote radio head (20). The standard interface includes an antenna mount (12, 14, 16) for the wireless communications antenna and at least one radio head mount. The radio head mount includes at least one linear guided support structure (26). The wireless communications antenna includes a bracket configured to engage the antenna mount and at least one RF interconnection module, the wireless communications antenna being mounted on the antenna mount. The remote radio head(s) include a low friction car configured to engage the linear guided support structure of the standard interface and an RF connector configured to engage the RF interconnection module of the antenna. The remote radio head may slide into engagement with the antenna and locked into place.