Uplink Integrity Detection for Noise Control in Distributed Antennas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Distributed antenna systems face challenges in combining uplink signals due to undesirable signal components like noise or interfering signals from remote antenna units, which can corrupt data and reduce signal coverage.

Innovation Solution

An uplink integrity detection sub-system is introduced, comprising a test signal generator, power detector, and distributed antenna system controller, which determines excessive signal components and adjusts the gain of uplink paths to minimize their impact, using attenuators and gain adjustment devices to mitigate noise and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If uplink signals from multiple remote antenna units are combined at the master unit, then signal coverage is extended, but noise and interfering signals from remote antenna units corrupt the combined signal and reduce signal quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal coverage areaVSAvoidnoise and interference in combined signal
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of noise figures and interfering signals in each uplink path before combining signals. The master unit measures noise figures of remote antenna units and identifies interfering signals, then adjusts gain accordingly to prevent noise and interference from degrading the combined signal quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the gain parameter of individual uplink paths based on measured noise figures and interference levels. The master unit adjusts gain values for each remote antenna unit's uplink signal to equalize noise contributions and minimize the impact of high-noise units on the combined signal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If gain of uplink paths is increased to improve signal strength, then signal coverage is enhanced, but noise contribution from remote antenna units with excessive noise figures increases proportionally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal powerVSAvoidnoise contribution from remote antenna units
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes the gain parameter for each uplink path by adjusting it to equalize noise contributions at the combiner input. Remote antenna units with higher noise figures are assigned lower gain values, while units with lower noise figures receive higher gain values, achieving optimal signal-to-noise ratio in the combined signal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The master unit continuously measures noise figures of remote antenna units and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust uplink path gains. The system monitors noise contributions and modifies gain settings to maintain optimal signal quality while maximizing coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If individual uplink path gain adjustment is implemented to minimize noise impact, then signal integrity is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master unit performs multiple functions: it combines uplink signals from remote antenna units, measures noise figures of each path, identifies interfering signals, and adjusts gain settings. This multi-functionality consolidates control complexity into a single unit rather than requiring distributed intelligence across multiple components

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically measures noise figures and adjusts gain settings without requiring manual intervention. The master unit autonomously monitors uplink path quality and dynamically optimizes signal combinations, eliminating the need for external configuration or calibration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3614561A1Uplink path integrity detection in distributed antenna systems
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 ANDREW WIRELESS SYSTEMS GMBH(DE)
  • EP3614561A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3614561A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3614561A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects and features are directed to an uplink integrity detection sub-system. In one aspect, a distributed antenna system is provided that includes a remote antenna unit that communicates with wireless devices in a coverage area, additional remote antenna units that communicate with wireless devices in additional coverage areas, and a unit that communicates with the remote antenna unit and the additional remote antenna units. The unit includes a distributed antenna system controller. The distributed antenna system controller can determine that an undesirable signal component having a power level exceeding a threshold power is communicated via an uplink path from the remote antenna unit. The distributed antenna system controller can also minimize an impact of the undesirable signal component on the additional coverage areas of the additional remote antenna units. Minimizing the impact can include modifying the gain of the uplink path over which the undesirable signal component is communicated.