Network Device Reference Frequency Configuration for BUC/LNB Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite communication systems face challenges in managing a higher volume of components to ensure quality service, particularly with very-small-aperture terminals (VSATs), as existing network devices provide only fixed reference frequencies, requiring multiple variants to support different BUC/LNB combinations, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A single customizable network device uses a low noise oscillator and digital-to-analog converters to generate configurable reference frequencies for different BUC/LNB combinations, reducing the need for multiple network devices and associated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network device variants are used to provide different fixed reference frequencies for different BUC/LNB combinations, then compatibility with various components is improved, but device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network device is designed with a reconfigurable reference frequency generator that can be programmed to provide different reference frequencies (e.g., 10.7MHz, 17.7MHz, 27MHz, 36.8654MHz) through software configuration. This universal design allows a single device variant to replace multiple specialized variants, each previously dedicated to specific BUC/LNB combinations, thereby reducing the total number of device variants while maintaining full compatibility across different component combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference frequency generation is made dynamic and adjustable through reconfigurable oscillators and digital frequency synthesis circuits. The device can dynamically switch between different reference frequencies based on the detected or configured BUC/LNB combination, allowing adaptability without requiring multiple static device variants. This dynamic capability enables a single device to serve multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network device variants are deployed to support different reference frequencies, then support for various BUC/LNB combinations is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal network device with reconfigurable reference frequency generation capabilities, the system eliminates the need to manufacture, stock, and deploy multiple specialized device variants. This single-device-solution approach reduces manufacturing costs, inventory requirements, and deployment complexity while maintaining support for all BUC/LNB combinations through software configuration rather than hardware differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the reference frequency parameter dynamically through software control and digital frequency synthesis rather than through hardware variants. This allows the same physical device to be configured for different reference frequencies (10.7MHz, 17.7MHz, 27MHz, 36.8654MHz) depending on the BUC/LNB combination, thereby reducing the need for multiple device variants and associated manufacturing and deployment costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network device variants are used to provide different reference frequencies, then compatibility with different components is improved, but system reliability decreases due to increased potential malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The universal network device with reconfigurable reference frequency generation consolidates multiple specialized devices into a single platform. This reduction in the number of different device variants directly reduces the variety of potential failure modes and malfunctions. The standardized architecture and consistent software-based configuration improve system reliability while maintaining compatibility across different BUC/LNB combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple specialized network device variants into a single reconfigurable device. By combining the reference frequency generation capabilities for different BUC/LNB combinations into one unified system with standardized components and consistent software control, the solution reduces system complexity and the potential for malfunctions associated with multiple different device variants, thereby improving overall system reliability.
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 simplifies operations, reduces costs, and enhances scalability by providing flexible and efficient reference frequencies for various applications, minimizing system complexity and potential malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a low noise oscillator operable to generate an output reference frequency
Implementation Method 2
one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs) operatively coupled with the sampling clock
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A network device for providing configurable reference frequencies in a satellite communication system is disclosed. The network device may be any of a satellite modem, satellite transceiver, or satellite router. The network device may receive information pertaining to a type of an Outdoor Unit (ODU), determine the type of ODU based on the received information, and provide a plurality of configurable reference frequencies based on the type of the Outdoor Unit (ODU) such that the plurality of configurable reference frequencies may be used with different combinations of low noise block converters (LNBs) and block-up converters (BUCs).