Single Coaxial Cable Satellite Signal Distribution System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite broadcast systems are limited in their ability to accommodate additional satellite signals and cannot process high-definition television signals, requiring costly upgrades and new cable installations, and fail to utilize existing household cabling effectively.
Innovation Solution
A single wire distribution system that uses a multiswitch with tuners and demodulators to selectively deliver satellite signals to multiple receivers, allowing for two-way communication and utilizing existing cabling to minimize costs and enhance flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional satellite distribution systems are used with multiple feedhorns and separate cables for each receiver, then signal delivery to multiple IRDs is achieved, but system complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LNB outputs into a single cable using a power combiner circuit. Multiple satellite signals from different LNBs are merged together and transmitted over one coaxial cable to multiple IRDs, eliminating the need for separate cables for each receiver while maintaining signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable system serves multiple functions: it carries satellite signals from multiple LNBs, provides power to IRDs, and enables communication between IRDs and the satellite receiver. This multi-functional approach replaces the traditional separate cable architecture, reducing installation complexity.
2Reliability
If existing household cabling is not utilized, then satellite signals can be delivered reliably, but installation cost and time increase due to new cable runs
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables existing household cabling to serve the satellite distribution function without requiring new cable installations. The power combiner and signal distribution architecture are designed to work with standard coaxial cable infrastructure already present in homes, making the existing infrastructure serve a new purpose.
3Ease of operation
If traditional one-way control systems are used where each IRD has dedicated cable control, then IRD control of multiswitch is achieved, but bandwidth utilization and system efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements two-way communication capability where IRDs can send control signals back to the satellite receiver through the same cable that carries satellite signals. This feedback mechanism enables efficient control of the multiswitch and power combiner without requiring separate control cables, improving system responsiveness and bandwidth utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal distribution and control system where signals are distributed and control signals transmitted via a single coaxial cable. Integrated Receiver/Decoder (IRD) units communicate with a Frequency Translation Module (FTM) for construction of a custom data signal for delivery to all IRDs coupled to a given FTM. The commands sent by the IRDs to control the FTM inform the FTM which signals are of interest and should be placed on the custom data signal, also called the combined IRD channels. Previously installed IRDs that cannot generate the new commands are still supported in the system via legacy ports in the multiswitch.