Hierarchical Modulation Satellite Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite radio systems in the U.S. and Europe face inefficiencies in bandwidth usage and signal redundancy, with existing systems using double redundancy and multiple frequency bands, which reduces bandwidth efficiency and increases complexity.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that transmits high priority and low priority signals as a single frequency network using hierarchical modulation and orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), with high priority signals in a first circular polarization pattern and low priority signals in a second circular polarization pattern, allowing for efficient re-transmission by satellites and terrestrial repeaters and reception by multiple types of receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If double redundancy with multiple frequency bands is used, then signal availability is improved, but bandwidth efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signals (high priority and low priority) into a single frequency network using hierarchical modulation. This merging approach maintains signal redundancy for reliability while improving bandwidth efficiency by eliminating the need for separate frequency bands for each signal type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal hierarchy into high priority and low priority components, allowing receivers to selectively process only the necessary portion. This segmentation enables bandwidth efficiency improvement while maintaining reliability, as receivers can obtain essential high priority signals without processing the entire redundant signal set.
2Productivity
If hierarchical modulation with single frequency network is used, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but receiver complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different receiver types to have different capabilities. Simple receivers process only high priority signals, while advanced receivers process both high and low priority signals. This approach improves bandwidth efficiency through hierarchical modulation while managing receiver complexity by providing optional functionality rather than requiring it in all receivers.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If circular polarization patterns are used for signal separation, then signal interference is reduced, but antenna complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polarization parameter of antennas to achieve signal separation. By using different circular polarization patterns (e.g., right-hand and left-hand circular polarization) for high and low priority signals, the system reduces signal interference while managing antenna complexity through parameter variation rather than structural complexity.
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
This approach increases signal coverage and strength while reducing interference and maintaining system redundancy, allowing handheld and mobile receivers to enhance signal quality and reduce power consumption by processing only high priority signals or both signals.
Implementation Method 1
the high priority signal is in a first circular polarization pattern, and the low priority signal is in a second circular polarization pattern
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication system (10) and method (300,400) of communicating signals to a plurality of different types of receivers is provided. At least one transmitter (12) transmits hierarchically modulated high priority and low priority signals as a single frequency network. At least one satellite (14) re-transmits the high priority signal in a first circularly polarized direction and the low priority signal in a second circularly polarized direction. At least one of a first receiver (18C) having a single antenna (24C) is configured to receive the high priority signal in the first circularly polarized direction and switched to receive the low priority signal in the second circularly polarized direction, and a second receiver (18B) having a first antenna (24A) is configured to receive the high priority signal in the first circularly polarized direction, and a second antenna (24B) is configured to receive the low priority signal in the second circularly polarized direction substantially simultaneously.