Universal Digital Card for Multi-Interface DAS Fronthaul Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing donor and distribution cards in distributed antenna systems are typically designed for specific types of base station entities and cannot be flexibly used across different interface formats, limiting their versatility and compatibility with various communication standards.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a universal digital card (UDC) that can be configured to communicate in multiple external interface formats and convert data between these formats and the native digital fronthaul interface of the DAS, enabling it to function as either a donor card or a distribution card, thereby supporting various base station entities and DAS nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If donor cards and distribution cards are designed for specific types of base station entities and interface formats, then device reliability and performance are improved, but device versatility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal card architecture that can function as either a donor card or a distribution card depending on configuration. The card includes a programmable interface that supports multiple external interface formats (CPRI, X2, Ethernet, etc.), allowing a single card design to replace multiple dedicated card types while maintaining reliable communication with different base station entities and DAS nodes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated cards are used for different interface formats and functions, then interface compatibility is improved, but device complexity and system cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple dedicated cards (donor cards for different base station types, distribution cards for different DAS nodes) into a single universal card. The card includes a programmable interface that can be configured to support multiple external interface formats, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cards and reducing slot requirements in DAS nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The universal card design consolidates multiple card types into one platform that can adapt to different interface formats and functional requirements through software configuration rather than hardware specialization, thereby reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If dedicated donor cards and distribution cards are used for specific functions, then function performance is improved, but ease of operation and configuration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically reconfigurable card that can change its operational mode and interface format through software configuration rather than fixed hardware design. The programmable interface allows the card to adapt to different functions (donor or distribution) and different interface formats (CPRI, X2, Ethernet) based on system requirements, simplifying deployment and reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The card's operational parameters (interface format, communication protocol, functional mode) can be changed through software configuration rather than requiring physical hardware changes, enabling easy adaptation to different scenarios while maintaining optimal performance
Data Source
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AI summary
One embodiment is directed to a universal digital card (UDC) for use in a node of a distributed antenna system (DAS). The UDC is configured to convert data between an external interface format used to communicate on an external communication link and a fronthaul interface format natively used in the DAS. The UDC is configured to be selectively used either as: a donor card to communicatively couple the node to one or more base station entities via the external digital interface or a distribution card to communicatively couple the node to one or more non-DAS nodes, hubs, switches, or remote radio heads or one or more other DAS nodes access points. Other embodiments are disclosed.