Digital Up-Converter With Three-Level Switching Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable distribution networks require two distinct devices for generating video and data signals, leading to high costs, equipment, and space requirements, as well as limitations in channel production and flexible spectrum positioning.
Innovation Solution
A digital up-converter system with an N-channel modulator using a novel three-level switching architecture to flexibly map video and data streams onto RF signals, reducing the need for multiple devices by efficiently filling the RF spectrum with both broadcast and narrowcast signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If two distinct devices (CMTS and edgeQAM) are used to generate data and video signals, then signal generation capability is maintained, but cost, equipment quantity, power consumption, and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of CMTS and edgeQAM into a single integrated device that can generate both data signals and video signals. This merging eliminates the need for two separate devices, reducing equipment quantity, space requirements, and power consumption while maintaining the capability to generate both types of signals simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both data signal generation (CMTS function) and video signal generation (edgeQAM function). This universal device can dynamically allocate QAM generation resources to different signal types based on network demands, reducing overall system complexity and cost
2Use of energy by stationary object
If two distinct devices (CMTS and edgeQAM) are used, then signal generation is possible, but power consumption and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging CMTS and edgeQAM into one integrated device, the patent reduces the total power consumption of the system. The shared hardware resources and consolidated power supply result in lower overall energy requirements compared to operating two separate devices simultaneously
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate devices are used, then signal distribution is achieved, but flexibility in channel positioning and spectrum utilization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation within the integrated device, allowing QAM generation resources to be flexibly assigned to different channels and signal types. This dynamic capability enables adaptive channel positioning and spectrum utilization that static separate devices cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The universal device architecture provides enhanced adaptability by allowing the same hardware resources to serve multiple functions and channels. The system can dynamically reconfigure resource allocation based on network demands, improving both flexibility and channel production capability
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a digital up-converter and an N-channel modulator are provided herein. The embodiments of the digital up-converter, in combination with the N-channel modulator, are capable of efficiently filling the spectrum of one or more RF signals with one or more types of information signals. For example, the digital up-converter can fill the spectrum of one or more RF signals with both broadcast and narrowcast video and data signals. In addition, the digital up-converter is capable of flexibly mapping the information signals to one or more channels of the one or more RF signals using a novel, three-level switching architecture.