System for Dynamically Controlling the Gain of a Repeater

摘要

A repeater configured to dynamically affect the gain level of the repeater in response to the input signal power level over time. The repeater system includes a gain hold processor executing a gain hold algorithm. The gain hold algorithm preempts a large up-step in signal power level to follow a large down-step in signal power level. After a large up-step in input signal is detected, the system holds the gain level in response to a drop in input signal level after the large up-step. The gain is held at the level set by the large burst of input signal power to the repeater. In response to a larger up-step in signal power level, the system will lower the gain. In response to a large down-step in signal power after the larger up-step in signal power level, the system will hold the gain level of the repeater. During a prolonged low-power level or zero power signal at the input of the repeater, the system will slowly raise the gain level of the repeater over time.

主权项

1. A method of operating a cellular repeater having a variable-gain donor antenna adapted to communicate with a base station, and a server antenna adapted to communicate with a mobile device, the method comprising:
receiving a signal by the cellular repeater, the signal having a dynamically-changing input signal power; and dynamically controlling a gain of the received signal by the cellular repeater based on the input signal power, the controlling comprising:
setting the gain to a predetermined first level;in one or more cycles, dropping the gain of the received signal from the predetermined first level to a second level when the input signal power of the received signal increases in a burst, and holding the gain at the second level for a period of time to a next burst of the input signal power; andgradually increasing the gain from the second level to the predetermined first level after a second period of time that is without the signal.