Ethernet-Coax Hybrid Adapter for Echo Cancellation and Signal Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for coupling Ethernet signals with coaxial cables are inefficient due to impedance mismatch and echo interference, and lack affordable options for providing power and DVB-S/S2 signals, particularly in satellite internet and broadcasting applications.
Innovation Solution
A passive Ethernet over coaxial adapter using sets of passive components, including transformers and impedance matching networks, to minimize echo and impedance mismatch, and an AC/DC power supply path with a diplexer for multiplexing Ethernet and DVB-S/S2 signals on a coaxial cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If active hybrid circuits with echo cancellation are used to couple Ethernet and coaxial cables, then echo interference is reduced, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid circuit is segmented into two separate passive hybrid circuits instead of using one active circuit. Each passive hybrid handles specific signal directions, eliminating the need for complex active echo cancellation while maintaining signal isolation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
A 3dB attenuator is introduced as an intermediary component between the Ethernet ports and the passive hybrids. This attenuator reduces the amplitude of transmitted signals before they enter the hybrids, thereby minimizing echo interference without requiring active cancellation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If impedance matching networks are added to maximize signal coupling, then signal transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance matching function is merged into the existing passive hybrid circuit structure. The hybrids inherently provide impedance transformation between differential Ethernet signals and single-ended coaxial signals, eliminating the need for separate matching networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive hybrid circuits serve multiple functions simultaneously: signal isolation, impedance transformation, and echo reduction. This multi-functionality achieves effective signal coupling without adding dedicated impedance matching components that would increase complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate circuits are used for Ethernet, power supply, and DVB-S/S2 signals, then signal interference is minimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Frequency dimension separation is applied by using a diplexer to route different signal types to different frequency bands. Ethernet signals, power, and DVB-S/S2 signals share the same coaxial cable but operate in distinct frequency ranges, preventing interference while maintaining circuit simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coaxial cable port is designed to handle multiple signal types (Ethernet data, power, DVB-S/S2) simultaneously through frequency-based multiplexing. This universal interface approach consolidates multiple functions into a single port without requiring separate physical circuits for each signal type.
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
The adapter effectively cancels echo, matches impedance for optimal signal transfer, and provides a cost-effective solution for transmitting Ethernet, power, and DVB-S/S2 signals over coaxial cables, enhancing internet access and broadcasting services.
Implementation Method 1
the first transformer connecting the signal from the transmitting port to both the coaxial port and the impedance matching network
Implementation Method 2
the load impedance matching the coaxial cable impedance in order to minimize the coupling between the transmission port and the receiving port
Implementation Method 3
provides a cost-effective solution for transmitting Ethernet, power, and DVB-S/S2 signals over coaxial cables
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An Ethernet over coaxial adapter (Eoc) for coupling an Ethernet transceiver to a coaxial cable, said device comprising at least: - a transmitting port (P1) adapted to the 10Base-T or to the 100Base-TX standard; - a receiving port (P3) adapted to the 10Base-T or to the 100Base-TX standard; - a coaxial port (P2) adapted to be connected to a coaxial cable; - a first set of passive components (S1); - a second set of passive components (S2);