Digital RF Signal Distribution System with ADC and Channelizers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio frequency (RF) signal distribution systems for terrestrial UHF signals face challenges in scalability and flexibility due to the need for separate transceiver systems and complex analog signal paths, leading to noise induction and inefficiencies when handling multiple channels with varying power levels.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to digitize RF signals, a digital multi-switch module for selective signal routing, and digital channelizers for modifying and combining signals, reducing the need for analog components and allowing shared use of digital processing resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate transceiver systems with power splitters and analog filters are used for each RF signal, then each channel can be individually amplified, but the system complexity increases and scalability deteriorates when handling multiple RF signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analog mechanical signal splitting and filtering system with a digital signal processing system. Instead of using power splitters and analog filters for each RF signal, the system uses digital channelizers that process signals in the digital domain, eliminating the need for complex analog infrastructure while maintaining individual channel control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal digital channelizer that can handle multiple RF signals through a single device. The digital channelizer receives multiple RF signals, digitizes them, and then processes multiple channels simultaneously using digital signal processing, making the system scalable and flexible without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each signal
2Ease of operation
If analog filters and power splitters are used in the RF signal path, then channel selection and distribution are achieved, but noise induction increases and signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the analog filter and power splitter system with a digital channelizer that operates entirely in the digital domain. By converting RF signals to digital signals first and then performing channel selection and distribution through digital processing, the system eliminates analog components that would otherwise introduce noise and degrade signal quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the digitization of RF signals as a preliminary action before channel selection and distribution. By converting signals to the digital domain early in the processing chain, the system enables subsequent noise-free channel selection through digital signal processing, avoiding the need for noisy analog filtering operations
3Measurement precision
If variable gain amplifiers are added to each transceiver module to adjust dynamic range, then proper signal levels are achieved for ADC conversion, but the system complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal digital channelizer that performs signal level adjustment for multiple channels simultaneously through digital processing. Instead of requiring separate variable gain amplifiers for each transceiver module, the digital channelizer provides unified control over signal levels across all channels, reducing component count while maintaining precise signal level adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital signal processing to dynamically adjust signal parameters including gain and level in the digital domain. By changing signal parameters digitally rather than through analog variable gain amplifiers, the system achieves precise control without adding physical components, as the digital channelizer can adjust levels through software-controlled digital processing
4Reliability
If multiple separate transceiver systems are deployed for multiple RF signals, then each signal can be processed independently, but the system becomes inflexible and difficult to scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal digital channelizer that can process multiple RF signals simultaneously through a single device. The system receives multiple RF signals, digitizes them, and then uses digital signal processing to handle multiple channels and signals flexibly, enabling the system to adapt to different signal configurations without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each signal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate transceiver systems into a single integrated digital channelizer. By combining the functions of multiple separate systems into one unified device that processes all signals in the digital domain, the system maintains the ability to process signals independently while gaining the flexibility and scalability of a consolidated architecture
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a system (10) configured to receive one or more radio frequency (RF) signals comprising a UHF frequency range comprising a plurality of UHF channels. The system (10) comprises: one or more corresponding analog to digital converters (ADC) (121, 122, 123, 124), configured to convert the corresponding RF signal (201, 202, 203, 204) after which a digital multi-switch module (130) and a corresponding plurality of digital channelizers (140) generate modified digital RF signals (1500) preferably comprising a digital signal comprising at least one selected, frequency translated and levelled UHF channel.