Modular Satellite RF Distribution with Self-Organizing Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular electronic apparatus for RF signal distribution, such as satellite communications, suffer from limited flexibility, scalability, and upgradability, with reliability and resilience impacted by new modules stressing power supply or cooling capacity, leading to premature failure and degraded performance.
Innovation Solution
A modular electronic apparatus with intelligent modules that self-organize and adapt their behavior through peer-to-peer communication on a common bus, without a central controller, allowing modules to negotiate services and reconfigure themselves in response to changing requirements, enabling perpetual performance improvement and extended lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central enclosure management module controls all modules in the chassis, then system coordination and reliability are improved, but system flexibility and upgradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the intelligence from a single central management module and distributes it to individual modules. Each module now contains its own processing unit that can independently make decisions about power management, cooling requirements, and operational status. This extraction of central control authority enables modules to be upgraded or added without requiring changes to a central controller, thereby improving flexibility while maintaining coordination through peer-to-peer communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the monolithic enclosure management functionality into discrete, distributed intelligence units within each module. Instead of one central brain controlling all aspects, each module has its own processing unit that manages its specific functions and can communicate with other modules. This segmentation allows independent upgrading of individual modules without affecting the entire system, resolving the contradiction between reliability through coordination and flexibility through upgradability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new modules are added to expand functionality, then system adaptability is improved, but power supply and cooling capacity are stressed, leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where modules continuously monitor and communicate their power consumption and thermal status to the chassis environment. When new modules are added, they automatically report their power and cooling requirements. The chassis can then dynamically adjust power distribution and cooling resource allocation based on real-time feedback from all modules, ensuring that reliability is maintained even as functionality expands through the addition of new modules.
3Ease of operation
If modules are designed to be completely standalone for maximum flexibility, then ease of replacement is improved, but system coordination and cooperation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs modules with universal communication capabilities that enable them to function both independently and cooperatively. Each module has a processing unit that can operate autonomously for easy replacement, but also includes standardized interfaces for peer-to-peer communication when inserted into the chassis. This multi-functionality allows modules to seamlessly switch between standalone operation and coordinated system operation, maintaining both ease of replacement and system coordination.
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to modular electronic apparatus (1) for distribution of RF communication signals. The apparatus comprises a chassis (2) arranged to removably receive plural modules (3), at least some of which are arranged to receive and process RF communication signals. A communication path (17) is provided for modules to communicate with each other and/or with the chassis. Plural modules received in the chassis. When a module is received in the chassis, it is arranged to broadcast a message over the communication path indicating its presence in the chassis and its type. At least one other module is arranged to adapt its behaviour in response to the message.