Analog Signal Recording System for Multi-Channel RF Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital video recorders (DVRs) are limited to recording only one or two TV channels at a time, failing to capture all TV programs within a given time period, which restricts user flexibility in recording and viewing multiple channels simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A signal-recording system that receives and records wideband multi-channel RF signals in analog form, down-converting them to baseband and storing them without digital conversion, allowing for later up-conversion and replay of selected channels, enabling recording and playback of all channels on a standard TV set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional DVRs record multiple channels simultaneously, then the number of recordable channels increases, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple single-channel recording functions into a single wideband recording channel by combining multiple RF input signals into one baseband signal path, allowing simultaneous recording of multiple channels through a unified recording system rather than requiring separate recording paths for each channel
Solution Approach 2:
The recording system is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple channel configurations simultaneously - it can record all channels within the wideband range, select specific channels for recording, or switch between different recording modes (all channels vs. selected channels) through a single versatile device
2Measurement precision
If conventional DVRs use digital format recording, then the recording precision and signal quality are improved, but the ability to record all channels simultaneously is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wideband multi-channel RF signal into individual channel components through frequency down-conversion and filtering, allowing the system to process and record multiple channels simultaneously by separating them in the frequency domain while maintaining analog signal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter of the recorded signal by down-converting wideband RF signals to baseband frequencies, enabling the recording of multiple channels within a reduced frequency range while preserving the analog signal characteristics and allowing flexible channel selection through frequency tuning
3Adaptability or versatility
If DVRs allow users to scan through all TV programs, then the user flexibility is improved, but the recording capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary recording of all channels within the wideband range before user selection, storing the complete multi-channel signal set in advance so that users can later access and replay any specific channel or program without missing content, enabling comprehensive program scanning and selection flexibility
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
Enables the recording and playback of all TV channels within a bandwidth, such as the UHF TV band, without the need for additional hardware, enhancing user experience by allowing simultaneous recording and viewing of multiple channels.
Implementation Method 1
The system down-converts the received wideband multi-channel RF signal to baseband
Implementation Method 2
the system up-converts the recorded signal to an original RF band
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides a signal-recording system. During operation, the system receives a wideband multi-channel radio frequency (RF) signal, which includes a plurality of single-channel RF signals modulated at different carrier frequencies. The system down-converts the received wideband multi-channel RF signal to baseband, and records the down-converted signal.