Frequency Translation Module for Satellite Signal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite broadcast systems are limited in their ability to accommodate additional satellite signals and cannot process high-definition television signals, and they require new cable installations for upgrades, which is costly and inflexible, especially when utilizing pre-existing household cabling.
Innovation Solution
A frequency translation module that receives polarized satellite signals, selectively delivers portions of these signals to Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRDs) based on commands from IRDs, allowing for the use of pre-existing cabling and enabling the reception of additional satellite signals, including Ka-band frequencies, through a network of signal splitters and power injectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current satellite broadcast systems are upgraded to accommodate additional satellite signals and high-definition television signals, then system capability and signal quality are improved, but new cable installations are required which increase installation cost and reduce flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a frequency translation module as an intermediary device between the satellite signal source and existing IRDs. This module translates incoming satellite signals to different frequencies and delivers them through the existing coaxial cable infrastructure, enabling system upgrades without requiring new cable installations. The frequency translation module acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between new signal requirements and legacy infrastructure.
2Ease of manufacture
If legacy cable infrastructure is utilized for signal distribution, then installation cost is reduced and flexibility is increased, but the system cannot process high-definition television signals or additional satellite signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs frequency translation to change the parameter of the signal being transmitted. By converting incoming satellite signals to different frequency ranges, the system can accommodate additional satellite signals and high-definition television signals through the existing cable infrastructure. The frequency translation module modifies the frequency parameter of the signals, enabling legacy infrastructure to handle modern signal requirements.
3Reliability
If multiple IRDs are supported with dedicated cable connections, then each IRD receives full signal quality, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal paths into a single frequency translation module that serves multiple IRDs. Instead of requiring separate cable connections and signal processing for each IRD, the system merges the signal distribution through a centralized frequency translation module that delivers translated signals to multiple IRDs through the existing coaxial cable network, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency translation module for delivering satellite signals to Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRDs). The module comprises at least one input for receiving polarized satellite signals, wherein at least one input is coupled to at least one low noise block amplifier (LNB), at least one legacy output, the legacy output coupled to the input through a multiswitch, wherein each legacy output selects a polarization of a satellite signal based on a Legacy IRD command directly to the multiswitch, and at least one combined output, the combined output coupled to the multiswitch through an interface, wherein at least one new IRD selectively commands the frequency translation module such that each new IRD receives a portion of a satellite signal based on commands received from each IRD.