Coaxial Splitter Impedance Optimization for 10 Gbps Networking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coaxial cable networks face excessive path loss above 2 GHz, limiting achievable communications rates to around 1 Gbps due to high signal loss and unsuitable bandwidth, making it difficult to increase channel capacity beyond this range.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a low-loss splitter with reduced isolation at the point-of-entry and using an active node or repeater to reduce path loss, allowing operation in the 2-10 GHz range and achieving higher data rates by optimizing signal distribution and modulation formats like OFDM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional splitters are used in coaxial cable networks operating above 2 GHz, then signal distribution is achieved, but path loss increases excessively (90 dB or more), limiting data rates to around 1 Gbps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the splitter by adjusting the impedance values of series and shunt elements in the circuit. By optimizing these impedance parameters, the splitter achieves lower insertion loss and better isolation in the 2-10 GHz frequency range, reducing path loss from 90 dB to approximately 70 dB or less, thereby enabling higher data rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite circuit structures combining series inductors, shunt capacitors, and resistive elements to create a splitter with optimized performance characteristics. This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of multiple parameters including insertion loss, isolation, and impedance matching across the desired frequency band
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operating frequency range is extended to 2-10 GHz to increase bandwidth, then channel capacity can be increased, but signal loss and path loss become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the frequency response parameters of the splitter by adjusting component values to maintain low insertion loss across the 2-10 GHz band. The series and shunt impedance values are specifically calculated to minimize frequency-dependent losses, enabling effective utilization of the extended bandwidth while controlling signal loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the splitter to dynamically adapt to different frequency signals within the 2-10 GHz range through frequency-dependent impedance characteristics of the reactive components. This allows the splitter to maintain optimal performance across varying frequencies rather than being optimized for a single frequency point
3Reliability
If splitter isolation is increased to reduce interference between channels, then signal quality improves, but path loss increases, reducing achievable data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent independently optimizes the isolation parameter by adjusting the impedance values of series and shunt elements. By carefully selecting these parameters, the splitter achieves improved channel isolation to reduce interference while simultaneously maintaining low insertion loss, resolving the trade-off between signal quality and path loss
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for providing a throughput of 10 Gbps or more in a coaxial cable network and which operate at high frequencies above the existing services on home coax in the range 2 GHz to 10 GHz, or more. The network uses a wide signal bandwidth, in the range, for example, of 8 GHz. Operating above the CATV band and satellite services, the network coexists with these services without mutual interference. The system could be used in networking systems, such as MoCA 3 and Access systems. This is achieved by using a splitter with a low loss and low isolation in the 2-10 GHz range at the point-of entry (POE) of the network signal. Alternatively, an active node to provide a signal booster or a repeater function at the point-of-entry (POE) can be used.