Transmission-Line Distribution Amplifier for Radio Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication device distribution amplifiers face issues with signal integrity and intermodulation distortion due to the configuration of amplifiers and splitters, leading to susceptibility to overload and noise, and require a solution that provides isolation and efficient signal distribution to multiple radios.
Innovation Solution
A distribution amplifier design with low-gain amplifier stages connected to a transmission line, where the transmission line is divided into equal segments with each amplifier stage, and the impedance is adjusted to maximize isolation and maintain signal integrity by matching the transmission line impedance with the desired final impedance, including the input capacitance of the amplifier stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If amplifiers are configured before the splitter to offset passive splitter loss, then signal levels are sufficient for distribution, but the connected radios become susceptible to overload and the amplifiers introduce more distortion due to removal of local feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution amplifier is divided into multiple independent amplifier stages (first amplifier stage, second amplifier stage, etc.), each connected to a different radio through separate transmission line portions. This segmentation allows each amplifier to provide targeted gain to specific radios without overloading others, and the independent stages can be individually optimized to maintain signal integrity while distributing power efficiently.
2Reliability
If amplifiers follow the splitter to avoid overloading radios, then radio overload is prevented, but noise is introduced into the signal which is not desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier stages are positioned to receive signals from the transmission line before the signals are fully distributed to multiple radios. By placing amplifiers at strategic points along the transmission line (with portions of the transmission line having amplifier stages connected), the system amplifies signals proactively at controlled locations rather than reactively after distribution, preventing noise introduction while protecting radios from overload.
3Reliability
If Wilkinson splitters are used to provide isolation between outputs, then isolation is improved, but the design uses large space on circuit board and results in more expensive design
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single Wilkinson splitter structure that occupies large board space, the invention segments the distribution function into multiple amplifier stages connected through transmission line portions. Each amplifier stage handles a specific radio connection, providing isolation between outputs through the inherent impedance matching and independent staging rather than requiring extensive Wilkinson splitter structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A distribution amplifier for a communication device such as a gateway is provided. The distribution amplifier can receive an input signal and provide multiple output signals. The distribution amplifier can have a transmission line that receives the input signal and multiple amplifier stages that are connected to the transmission line to receive the input signal. The output of the amplifier stages correspond to the output signals from the distribution amplifier. The transmission line has equally spaced connection points for the amplifier stages. The transmission line can be designed to have an impedance that results in the impedance of the transmission line with the connected amplifier stages having a final impedance that matches the input impedance to the transmission line.