Cable Signal Down-Conversion for High-Bandwidth Subscriber Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing the frequency band in cable television networks for downstream signals leads to signal attenuation and requires high-cost equipment to effectively split and amplify signals at higher frequencies, posing challenges in managing power losses and tilt.
Innovation Solution
A network device with an input port, first and second output ports, and a converting circuit that down-converts high-frequency portions of downstream signals to medium-frequency portions, allowing subscriber devices to operate on the same frequency bands while maintaining signal integrity and reducing attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the frequency band for downstream signals is increased to enhance connectivity, then faster connectivity is achieved, but signal attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The downstream signal is divided into multiple frequency portions (first frequency portion and second frequency portion). The converting circuit separates these portions and down-converts the second frequency portion to a lower frequency range, allowing different frequency bands to be utilized for different signal components, thereby reducing overall signal attenuation while maintaining high-speed connectivity capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the signal by down-converting the second frequency portion from a higher frequency band to a lower frequency band. This parameter transformation allows the signal to be transmitted at frequencies with lower attenuation characteristics while still providing fast connectivity through the combined frequency spectrum
2Speed
If the frequency band is increased to allow larger frequency band assignment per subscriber, then faster connectivity is achieved, but signal tilt increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal is segmented into different frequency portions that are handled differently. The converting circuit identifies and separates the second frequency portion, applying down-conversion specifically to this segment. This segmentation allows the network to utilize high frequency bands for capacity while protecting against tilt effects by converting problematic high-frequency components to lower frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high-frequency signal tilt into a benefit by down-converting the affected frequency portion. The converting circuit takes the degraded high-frequency signal and transforms it into a lower frequency range where tilt effects are minimal, thereby converting a harmful phenomenon into a usable signal component
3Ease of operation
If high-frequency signal splitting and amplification is implemented, then signal distribution is achieved, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converting circuit performs down-conversion of the second frequency portion before the signal reaches distribution points requiring splitting and amplification. By pre-processing the signal to convert high-frequency components to lower frequencies, the system avoids the need for expensive high-frequency amplifiers and splitters at downstream locations, thereby reducing overall equipment costs while maintaining distribution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The converting circuit creates a down-converted copy of the second frequency portion that can be distributed using standard, lower-cost equipment. Instead of requiring all distribution points to handle high-frequency signals with specialized expensive equipment, the system generates a lower-frequency copy that can be distributed through conventional, more economical infrastructure
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
The solution enables broader frequency spectrum delivery in cable networks without increasing equipment costs, ensuring efficient signal transmission and compatibility with existing subscriber devices by separating and down-converting high-frequency signals to medium-frequency signals.
Implementation Method 1
a converting circuit configured to receive a second reduced-power version of the signal received at the input port, down-convert a high-frequency portion
Data Source
AI summary
A network communication device includes a first output port, a second output port, and a converting circuit. The first output port may be in communication with an input port and may be configured to receive a first reduced-power version of the signal received at an input port. The converting circuit may be configured to receive a second reduced-power version of the signal, down-convert a high-frequency portion thereof, and produce a down-converted signal. The first and the second reduced-power versions of the signals are in the same frequency band. The second output port receives at least a portion of the down-converted signal such that the high frequency portion of the second reduced power version of the signal is attenuated before the signal is transmitted to a subscriber device.