Hybrid CATV-MoCA Splitter With MoCA-Only Ports for Lower-Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RF signal amplifiers require robust downstream amplifiers to maintain high-quality CATV signals at multiple ports, leading to high power consumption and costs, and are not customizable to meet varying installation needs, such as households with only a few coaxial outlets requiring CATV and MoCA capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A modular, self-contained splitter system that allows customizable power divider networks with modular housings, enabling configuration of CATV & MoCA outputs and MoCA-only outputs, reducing the need for high-power amplifiers and equipment costs by receiving CATV signals at lower power levels and allowing for flexible installation configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If robust downstream amplifiers are used to maintain high-quality CATV signals at multiple ports, then signal quality is improved, but power consumption and equipment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal distribution by creating separate output paths: CATV & MoCA outputs that receive full-strength amplified signals, and MoCA-only outputs that receive lower-power signals. This segmentation allows the amplifier to operate at lower power levels while still maintaining adequate signal quality for CATV services at the ports that require it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing different signal quality levels at different output ports based on their specific requirements. CATV & MoCA ports receive high-quality amplified signals, while MoCA-only ports receive lower-power signals, optimizing overall system performance and reducing total power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If robust downstream amplifiers are used to maintain high-quality CATV signals at multiple ports, then signal quality is improved, but equipment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidequipment costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The splitter device segments the output signals into different quality tiers, allowing the use of a less expensive, lower-power amplifier that can still provide adequate signal quality for the specific application needs of each output type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a cost-effective amplifier design that provides sufficient performance for the specific application requirements rather than using over-engineered, expensive equipment, reducing overall system cost while maintaining adequate signal quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If standardized amplifier configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying installation needs decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidinstallation customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the output ports into different functional categories (CATV & MoCA vs. MoCA-only), providing a standardized yet adaptable configuration that can be easily deployed while meeting varying installation requirements through the modular output structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The splitter device provides universal adaptability by supporting multiple output types from a single device, allowing it to accommodate different installation scenarios (whether CATV is needed or not) without requiring completely different equipment configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution reduces power consumption and equipment costs by allowing the downstream amplifier to be less robust, while providing customizable output configurations tailored to specific installation demands, ensuring efficient signal distribution and quality across various subscriber premises.

Implementation Method 1

A high pass filter is provided within the housing. The high pass filter has a first terminal connected to the power divider element and a second terminal connected to the third coaxial port. The high pass filter passes frequencies in a range of 850 MHz to 1,675 MHz and attenuates frequencies below the range.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS10462419B2Hybrid splitter passing CATV+MoCA and MoCA signals

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 DIGICOMM INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

A CATV & MoCA splitter has an input and at least one output that is “CATV & MoCA” and at least one output that is “MoCA only.” The splitter functions as a building block to provide a customizable installation that supplies the needed number of “CATV & MoCA” outputs and the needed number of “MoCA only” outputs. The splitter includes a housing with first, second and third coaxial ports attached to the housing. In one embodiment, the second coaxial port is connected to the first coaxial port via a power divider so that all frequencies presented to the first coaxial port can pass to the second coaxial port, and vice versa. A high pass filter, which passes only MoCA signals, connects the power divider and third coaxial port.