Coaxial Voltage Conversion for Remote Power and Device Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in remotely powering apparatuses, such as 5G FWA receivers and media converters, located at the external side of residential units, especially in attics where power supply is often unavailable or difficult to access. Additionally, there is a need to efficiently manage and control devices like satellite antennas using existing coaxial cables.

Innovation Solution

The development of a voltage conversion apparatus that can convert control voltages to supply voltages and vice versa, allowing for remote powering of data communication devices and simultaneous control of distinct devices like satellite Low Noise Block (LNB) units using the Power over Coaxial (PoC) technique.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If Power over Ethernet (PoE) is used to remotely power external devices, then data communication devices can be powered through Ethernet cables, but additional Ethernet connection cables and coaxial cables are required, increasing installation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote powering capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power transmission and control signal transmission into a single coaxial cable system. The voltage conversion apparatus converts control voltages (originally used for satellite device control) into supply voltages capable of powering data communication devices, eliminating the need for separate Ethernet power cables and reducing installation complexity while maintaining remote powering capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coaxial cable is made multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously transmit power (through voltage conversion from control voltage to supply voltage), control signals (DiSEqC), and data signals. This universal approach allows a single cable type to replace multiple cable types, reducing installation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate Ethernet and coaxial cable systems are used for power and signal transmission, then reliable power and data transmission can be achieved, but installation time increases due to multiple cable requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges power transmission and control functions into a single coaxial cable infrastructure. The voltage conversion apparatus enables the coaxial cable to deliver both power (converted from control voltage levels to supply voltage levels) and control signals through the same cable, significantly reducing installation time by eliminating the need to lay separate Ethernet cables for power delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If control voltage is directly used for powering devices, then simple voltage transmission can be achieved, but the voltage levels are insufficient for powering data communication devices requiring higher supply voltages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage transmission simplicityVSAvoidpowering capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage conversion apparatus changes the voltage parameter from control voltage levels (typically 13-18V for satellite devices) to supply voltage levels (typically 48-55V for PoC power over coaxial cable). This parameter transformation enables the coaxial cable system to power data communication devices while maintaining the simplicity of using the existing control voltage infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing coaxial cables are utilized for multiple services, then cable infrastructure efficiency is improved, but voltage level conflicts may occur between control devices and powered devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable utilization efficiencyVSAvoidvoltage compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage conversion apparatus resolves voltage level conflicts by dynamically converting between control voltage and supply voltage levels. When the system needs to power a device, it converts the control voltage to the appropriate supply voltage level, ensuring voltage compatibility among multiple devices sharing the same coaxial cable infrastructure while maintaining high cable utilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables remote powering of external apparatuses without the need for Ethernet connections, reduces installation times, and allows for flexible and scalable service delivery while efficiently utilizing existing coaxial cables for multiple services.

Implementation Method 1

conversion means 11 configured to convert from a first value of control voltage Vp1 and from a second value of control voltage Vp2 to a first value of supply voltage Va1 and, respectively, to a second value of supply voltage Va2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4050821B1Converter between control voltages and supply voltages
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 SKY ITALIA SRL
  • EP4050821B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4050821B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4050821B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A voltage conversion apparatus 10 for converting from a control voltage to a supply voltage 10 and an apparatus 110 for converting from a supply voltage to a control voltage are described. The supply voltage is designed to power, through a coaxial cable 15, a data communication device 20, and the coaxial cable is suitable for transmitting said supply voltage signal and at least one data signal associated with said data communication device 20. A conversion means 11 of the conversion apparatus 10 is configured to convert from the control voltage to the supply voltage comprising conversion means 11 configured to convert from a first value of control voltage Vp1 and from a second value of control voltage Vp2 to a first value of supply voltage Va1 and, respectively, to a second value of supply voltage Va2. Said first value of control voltage Vp1 and said second value of control voltage Vp2 are values of control voltage for controlling a device 30 that is distinct from such a data communication device 20.