Detachable RF Power Amplifier Modules for Multi-Band TV Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power amplification devices for television signal transmission systems are integrated, making it difficult to replace only the power amplification elements when failures occur, especially for broadcasters authorized for multiple frequency bands, as the entire device needs to be replaced.

Innovation Solution

A power amplification device design where the amplifying unit with multiple amplifier circuits is separate from the combining unit, allowing the amplifying unit to be detachable and attachable, with each unit containing a Doherty combiner for specific frequency band operation, enabling the replacement of faulty units without affecting the entire system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If an integrated power amplification device is used, then the system structure is simple, but the entire device must be replaced when power amplification elements fail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidreplacement of power amplification elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The power amplification device is divided into separate functional modules: power amplification units (each containing amplifier circuits) and combining units (containing combiners). This segmentation allows the power amplification units to be independently replaced without affecting the combining unit, resolving the contradiction between simple system structure and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If an integrated power amplification device is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but broadcasters authorized for multiple frequency bands incur higher costs due to complete device replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice manufacturingVSAvoidoperational continuity for multi-band broadcasters
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The combining unit is designed as a universal component that can work with power amplification units for different frequency bands (VHF and UHF). This multi-functionality allows broadcasters authorized for multiple frequency bands to replace only the power amplification unit specific to their operational band while reusing the same combining unit, reducing costs and improving operational continuity.

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

3Productivity

If amplifier circuits are configured for specific frequency bands, then signal combining efficiency is improved, but the device cannot serve multiple frequency bands simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal combining efficiencyVSAvoidfrequency band coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to dynamically configure which power amplification units are connected to the combining unit based on the frequency band being used. The combining unit can adaptively receive and combine signals from power amplification units designed for different frequency bands (VHF or UHF), allowing the device to serve multiple frequency bands while maintaining optimal combining efficiency for each band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3306816B1Power amplification device and television signal transmission system
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 NEC CORP
  • EP3306816B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3306816B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3306816B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power amplification device capable of detaching an element relating to the power amplification of an RF signal from an element relating to the combining of RF signals. The amplifying unit 1 is provided with a plurality of groups of amplifier circuits 2 that amplifies the power of a RF signal and the plurality of groups of amplifier circuits each includes a predetermined number of the amplifier circuits 2. A combining unit 5 includes a first combiner 7 and a second combiner 8. The first combiner 7 is provided in association with the group of the amplifier circuits 2, combines RF signals output from the amplifier circuits 2 belonging to the corresponding group, and outputs the RF signal after combining. The second combiner 8 combines the RF signals output from each first combiner 7 and outputs the RF signal after combining. Each first combiner 7 is a combiner usable for an RF signal in a specific frequency band. The amplifying unit 1 is attachable to and detachable from the combining unit 5.