Intelligent Antenna Controller Voltage Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems between antennas and receivers require separate communication buses, leading to increased complexity, cost, and cumbersome installations, especially when additional logic within antennas necessitates feedback for improved performance, which is not efficiently addressed by existing methods like RF sub-carrier modulation.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a single RF coaxial cable for both power and data transmission, using voltage and current variations to encode and decode messages between Intelligent Antenna Controllers and Intelligent Antennas, allowing for bi-directional communication without the need for additional wires, leveraging a microcontroller and voltage regulator to manage voltage and current levels for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate communication buses are used for antenna control and power supply, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power supply and data communication functions into a single RF coaxial cable connection. The antenna controller extracts power from the RF signal and communicates with the antenna through the same cable, eliminating the need for separate communication buses and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable bidirectional communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF coaxial cable is made multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously carry RF signals for power transmission and modulated signals for bidirectional data communication. The antenna controller and antenna both support multiple functions through a single interface, reducing the number of components and simplifying installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional communication wires are added for bidirectional communication, then communication capability is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power supply, signal transmission, and bidirectional communication functions into a single RF coaxial cable connection. By modulating communication signals onto the RF power carrier, the system achieves full bidirectional communication capability without adding any physical wires, making installation as simple as connecting a standard RF cable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RF sub-carrier modulation is used for communication, then communication over existing RF connections is enabled, but manufacturing precision and cost-effectiveness worsen due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna controller autonomously extracts power from the RF signal and generates the necessary control voltages for modulation without requiring external power supplies or complex modulation circuits. The system uses simple voltage switching and signal injection techniques that can be implemented with basic electronic components, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 approach simplifies communication by enabling efficient, cost-effective, and bi-directional data exchange between antennas and controllers over existing RF connections, reducing installation complexity and eliminating the need for separate communication wires, while maintaining reliable data transmission and power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage regulator of the antenna controller is configured to vary voltage levels of a voltage provided by the antenna controller to the antenna, thereby encoding a digital bit stream of messages from the antenna controller to the antenna
Implementation Method 2
The antenna is configured to vary current consumption levels of the antenna to encode a digital bit stream of messages from the antenna to the antenna controller
Implementation Method 3
The microcontroller is configured to switch between a high-voltage level and a low-voltage level to encode a digital bit stream of messages
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna-receiver communication system comprises an antenna conductor, antenna, and intelligent antenna controller. The intelligent antenna controller and antenna are connected via a conductor for providing power to the antenna from the intelligent antenna controller, and a received signal from the antenna to the intelligent antenna controller. The intelligent antenna controller is configured to provide voltage to the antenna for its operation, and to systematically alter the provided voltage level to communicate information to the antenna. The antenna is configured to communicate messages to the intelligent antenna controller by systematically altering the current consumed by the antenna. Both the intelligent antenna controller and antenna are configured to decode received messages and act on them. A method for communication between an intelligent antenna controller and antenna utilizing patterns of voltage and current fluctuation over the conductor providing power from the intelligent antenna controller to the antenna is also provided.