Modular automatic control system for antenna switch of broadcast transmitter
The modular automatic control system enables automated operation of the broadcast transmitter antenna switch, solving the problem of low efficiency in traditional manual operation and improving the system's reliability and maintenance efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 国家广播电视总局五七二台
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
In traditional broadcast transmission systems, the transmitter antenna switch matrix has high topological complexity, low efficiency of manual operation, and frequent misoperations, resulting in limited operation and maintenance efficiency and reliability.
A modular automatic control system is adopted, which realizes automatic control of the transmitter antenna switch through PLC and switch control module, uses motor and relay for switch status feedback, and combines the client module to calculate the optimal path and make dynamic adjustments.
It has enabled automated operation of the transmitter antenna switch, shortened the switching time, reduced the risk of human error, and improved system reliability and maintenance efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN224264966U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of broadcast transmission system technology, and in particular to a modular automatic control system for a broadcast transmitter antenna switch. Background Technology
[0002] A broadcast transmission system is used for radio signal propagation and mainly consists of modules such as a transmitter, antenna switching switch, feeder, and antenna. In some broadcast scenarios (such as shortwave broadcasting), due to the strong correlation between signal propagation direction and antenna radiation characteristics, the transmitter needs to switch between different antennas to achieve multi-directional coverage.
[0003] like Figure 1 As shown, the transmitter can switch between antennas 1 and 2 by changing the "straight-through" or "redirect" state of switch K. When a station has multiple transmitters and multiple antennas, an antenna switch matrix must be deployed to achieve the signal transmission direction switching, such as... Figure 2 In traditional technical solutions, operators need to manually adjust the physical state of the switch matrix to construct different antenna paths; for example, if transmitter 1 wants to send a signal through antenna 2, two switch paths can be selected: "K1 right turn, K2 left turn, K6 straight" and "K1 straight, K5 right turn, K6 left turn".
[0004] As the number of transmitters and the size of antennas increase, the topological complexity of the switching matrix grows exponentially. When faced with a complex switching matrix, manual path selection is difficult to quickly calculate the optimal electrical path. In addition, manual operation is not timely, with a single switch taking several minutes. Misoperation also occurs frequently, which limits the operation and maintenance efficiency and reliability of the broadcast transmission system. Utility Model Content
[0005] This invention provides a modular automatic control system for antenna switches in broadcast transmitters, which solves the problem of low maintenance efficiency and reliability caused by manually adjusting the switch matrix in broadcast transmission systems.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] A modular automatic control system for a broadcast transmitter antenna switch is provided, comprising:
[0008] A switch matrix consisting of multiple switches; the switch matrix is connected to multiple transmitters and multiple antennas;
[0009] Each of the aforementioned switches is connected to a corresponding switch control module, forming a control module matrix corresponding to the positions of the switch matrix;
[0010] The switch control module is connected to a PLC;
[0011] The PLC is connected to a client module.
[0012] Furthermore, the switch control module includes: a motor for controlling the physical state of the switch, a motor control circuit, and a switch state signal feedback circuit.
[0013] Furthermore, the motor control circuit includes a relay, which is connected in the motor power supply circuit and connected to the output terminal of the PLC.
[0014] Furthermore, the switch status signal feedback circuit is connected to the input terminal of the PLC, forming a structure that feeds back a switch pass-through signal or a turn signal to the PLC.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0016] This application implements automatic control of transmitter antenna switches, monitors the status of shared switch resources among multiple transmitters in real time, avoids signal interference and equipment conflicts, and ensures accurate execution of switch actions through PLC feedback, thereby improving system reliability. The module matrix corresponds to the actual antenna switch matrix, facilitating quick location of the faulty module through matrix comparison in case of a fault. During maintenance, the corresponding relationship between modules and antenna switches facilitates debugging at both ends and maintenance by personnel. Compared to manual operation, this application shortens transmitter antenna switching time, reduces the workload of personnel, eliminates the risk of human error, and improves fault handling speed and reduces maintenance difficulty through module matrixing. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 A diagram showing the relationship between a transmitter, switch, and antenna provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0018] Figure 2 An antenna switch matrix diagram provided in this application embodiment;
[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a modular automatic control system for a broadcast transmitter antenna switch is provided in this application embodiment;
[0020] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a switch control module provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a switch control module matrix provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0022] Figure 6 A flowchart of a client program provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0023] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this utility model to achieve its intended purpose, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application are clearly described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0024] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.
[0025] Existing manual methods for switching antenna switch states and selecting antenna paths are time-consuming, slow, and prone to human error. This invention automates antenna path selection and switch rotation using an industrial control computer program, PLC, and modular circuitry (boards). The response time is in the second range, and software calculations can achieve the goal of selecting the optimal antenna path.
[0026] Please see Figure 3-5 This application provides a modular automatic control system for a broadcast transmitter antenna switch, such as... Figure 3-5 As shown, it includes:
[0027] A switch matrix consisting of multiple switches; the switch matrix is electrically connected to multiple transmitters and multiple antennas;
[0028] Each switch is electrically connected to a switch control module, forming a control module matrix corresponding to the position of the switch matrix.
[0029] The switch control module includes: a motor for controlling the physical state of the switch, a motor control circuit, and a switch state signal feedback circuit;
[0030] The motor control circuit includes a relay, which is connected to the motor power supply circuit and electrically connected to the output terminal of the PLC.
[0031] The switch status signal feedback circuit is electrically connected to the input terminal of the PLC, forming a structure that feeds back a switch pass-through signal or a direction signal to the PLC. The switch status signal feedback circuit is a conventional means in this field. For example, it can be a Hall sensor used to detect the rotation angle of the motor, and the status signal can be fed back to the PLC through an optocoupler isolation circuit.
[0032] The PLC communication connection has a client module, which can run in an industrial control computer. Based on the feedback signals from the acquired switch control module, it dynamically calculates the optimal switching path between the transmitter and the target antenna, such as the shortest path or the path with the least signal attenuation, according to a preset algorithm.
[0033] For specific implementation, please refer to Figure 6 After the client module receives the antenna selection command from the antenna selector, the system, based on a preset path optimization algorithm, retrieves the optimal switching path between the current transmitter and the target antenna from the database. This database includes the antenna matrix structure, switch electrical parameters, and historical operating data. Next, it reads the switch status (e.g., "straight-through" or "redirecting") from the PLC feedback, compares it with the required status of the target path, and checks whether the switch to be adjusted in the target path is occupied by another transmitter (e.g., the switch is locked or the motor is rotating). If a conflict exists (yes), the system triggers abnormal handling (e.g., path reselection or alarm); if there is no conflict (no), it continues execution, generating the switch number to be adjusted and the action command, and sends the switch control command to the PLC. If the PLC does not return a response within the set time (e.g., network packet loss or hardware failure), the system automatically resends the command, up to a maximum of 3 consecutive times. If all 3 attempts fail (yes), it enters abnormal handling (e.g., switching to a backup PLC or recording a fault log); if successful (no), it waits for feedback. The PLC receives the feedback signal from the switch control module to confirm that the switch has reached the target position. If the arrival signal is valid (yes), the process ends; if it is invalid (no), the command is retried or fault diagnosis is initiated.
[0034] Based on the above-mentioned plan, this application realizes automatic control of transmitter antenna switches, real-time monitoring of the status of shared switch resources for multiple transmitters, avoiding signal interference and equipment conflicts, and ensuring accurate execution of switch actions through PLC feedback, thereby improving system reliability. The module matrix corresponds to the actual antenna switch matrix, facilitating quick location of the faulty module through matrix comparison in case of a fault. During maintenance, the corresponding relationship between modules and antenna switches facilitates debugging at both ends and maintenance by personnel. Compared to manual operation, this application shortens transmitter antenna switching time, reduces the workload of personnel, eliminates the risk of human error, and improves fault handling speed and reduces maintenance difficulty through module matrixing.
[0035] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.
[0036] It is understood that the embodiments of this application have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. As those skilled in the art will know, various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. In addition, those skilled in the art, under the guidance or instruction of this application, can modify these features and embodiments to adapt to specific situations and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are protected by this utility model.
Claims
1. A modular automatic control system for a broadcast transmitter antenna switch, characterized in that, include: A switch matrix consisting of multiple switches; The switch matrix is connected to multiple transmitters and multiple antennas; Each of the aforementioned switches is connected to a corresponding switch control module, forming a control module matrix corresponding to the positions of the switch matrix; The switch control module is connected to a PLC; The PLC is connected to a client module.
2. The modular automatic control system for a broadcast transmitter antenna switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switch control module includes: a motor for controlling the physical state of the switch, a motor control circuit, and a switch state signal feedback circuit.
3. The modular automatic control system for a broadcast transmitter antenna switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The motor control circuit includes a relay, which is connected in the motor power supply circuit and to the output terminal of the PLC.
4. The modular automatic control system for a broadcast transmitter antenna switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switch status signal feedback circuit is connected to the input terminal of the PLC, forming a structure that feeds back a switch pass-through signal or a turn signal to the PLC.