Network Interface Device Hybrid Coupler Signal Path Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network interface devices in CATV networks face challenges in minimizing signal losses and noise figures in active signal paths while ensuring continuous communication during power outages, particularly for lifeline services.
Innovation Solution
The network interface device incorporates a downstream and upstream directional coupler system that splits RF signals between active and passive paths, minimizing pre-amplifier losses and noise figures in active paths while allowing greater signal loss in passive paths, ensuring uninterrupted communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a downstream amplifier is placed before the directional coupler to amplify signals for active ports, then the signal strength for active ports is improved, but the noise figure increases due to pre-amplifier losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hybrid coupler as an intermediary device that separates the signal path into two distinct paths: an active path with low loss to active ports, and a passive path with higher loss to passive ports. This mediator allows the amplifier to be positioned optimally in the active path without adversely affecting the passive path, resolving the contradiction between signal strength and noise figure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the downstream signal path into two separate paths using the hybrid coupler: an active path serving active ports and a passive path serving passive ports. This segmentation allows different signal processing characteristics for each path, enabling low-noise amplification for active ports while accepting higher losses for passive ports, thus resolving the noise figure contradiction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the directional coupler provides equal signal distribution to both active and passive ports, then signal balance is improved, but signal loss in passive paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different signal characteristics to different ports based on their specific needs. Active ports receive low-loss, amplified signals through the active path, while passive ports receive signals through the passive path with higher loss. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between signal balance and signal loss by tailoring the signal path to each port's requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the signal path parameters (loss characteristics) based on the port type. The hybrid coupler creates paths with different attenuation characteristics: the active path is optimized for low loss and amplification, while the passive path accepts higher loss. This parameter differentiation allows the system to maintain overall signal balance while optimizing each path for its specific function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the network interface device requires power for active components to provide amplified downstream signals, then signal quality for active ports is improved, but communication continuity deteriorates during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system that can adapt to power availability conditions. The hybrid coupler architecture allows the device to operate in different modes: with power, the active path provides amplified low-noise signals; during power outages, the passive path provides uninterrupted albeit lower-quality signals. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between signal quality and communication continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive path is designed to be self-sufficient and operational without external power, providing a lifeline communication capability. This self-service path ensures that critical communications can continue during power outages, resolving the reliability contradiction by providing autonomous operation capability independent of the powered active components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a network interface device, including an active downstream radio-frequency (RF) signal path connecting an entry port and an active port. The network interface device also includes a passive downstream RF signal path connecting the entry port and a passive port. The network interface device further includes an active upstream RF signal path connecting the entry port and the active port. Additionally, network interface device includes a passive upstream RF signal path connecting the entry port and the passive port. Moreover, the network interface device includes a downstream directional coupler having an input port, a through port, and a coupled port. The passive downstream RF signal path comprises the input port of the downstream directional coupler and the coupled port of the downstream directional coupler.