Universal Remote Radio Head Channelized to Broadband Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Distributed base station radio systems face complexity and inflexibility due to the need for additional processing at remote radio heads to convert channelized signals to radio frequency signals, which increases complexity and reduces flexibility compared to universal remote radio heads that can handle wideband signals more efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A distributed base station radio system incorporating a channelized to broadband conversion unit that converts channelized data into broadband signals, which are then transmitted to universal remote radio heads capable of frequency conversion and transmission without the need for additional processing, allowing for multi-standard operation and flexibility in channel addition or removal without hardware changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If channelized signals are processed at remote radio heads to convert to radio frequency signals, then radio frequency transmission is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio frequency transmission capabilityVSAvoidremote radio head complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the channelized-to-broadband conversion function from the remote radio head and places it in a separate baseband processing unit. This removes the complex signal processing requirements from the remote radio head, leaving only simple broadband signal reception and transmission functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining RF transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional units: a baseband processing unit that handles channelized signal conversion to broadband signals, and remote radio heads that handle only broadband signal reception and RF transmission. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If additional processing is added at remote radio heads for channelized signal conversion, then signal processing capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The baseband processing unit is designed as a universal unit that can convert channelized signals to broadband signals for multiple different radio frequency bands and standards. This universal conversion capability allows the remote radio heads to operate with different configurations without requiring changes to their hardware, improving ease of operation while maintaining strong signal processing capability.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If remote radio heads are designed for specific frequency bands, then transmission precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band transmission precisionVSAvoidfrequency band flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic frequency conversion at the baseband processing unit, which can adaptively convert channelized signals to the appropriate broadband frequency range for different radio bands. This dynamic conversion capability allows remote radio heads to maintain precise transmission for their designated bands while the overall system remains adaptable to different frequency configurations through software-controlled baseband processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 simplifies the remote radio heads, enhances flexibility, and allows simultaneous communication using different modulation and radio access technologies, improving system efficiency and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

a first channelized to broadband conversion unit configured to receive first downlink channelized data for a first radio frequency band from a first channelized radio frequency source; and convert the first downlink channelized data into a first downlink broadband signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency domain transformation:

Implementation Method 2

The first universal remote radio head is further configured to frequency convert the first downlink broadband signal into first downlink radio frequency signals in the first radio frequency band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4099797A1Universal remote radio head
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC
  • EP4099797A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4099797A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4099797A1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A distributed base station radio system includes first channelized to broadband conversion unit that receives first downlink channelized data for first radio frequency band from first channelized radio frequency source; and first universal remote radio head communicatively coupled to first channelized to broadband conversion unit. First channelized to broadband conversion unit converts first downlink channelized data into a first downlink broadband signal. First channelized to broadband conversion unit communicates the first downlink broadband signal to first universal remote radio head. First universal remote radio head receives first downlink broadband signal. First universal remote radio head frequency converts the first downlink broadband signal into first downlink radio frequency signals in first radio frequency band. First universal remote radio head is further configured to transmit first downlink radio frequency signals in first radio frequency band to first subscriber unit.