Parallel RF Carrier Amplification to Reduce Intermodulation Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in signal amplification due to harmonic generation, intermodulation, and noise, which reduce signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and signal-to-noise and distortion (SINAD) performance, and are prone to single-point failures in multicarrier amplifiers, posing risks to reliable communication, especially for first responders.
Innovation Solution
Implementing high-efficiency amplifiers that amplify one RF carrier at a time, using parallel communication pathways to minimize intermodulation and noise, and employing digital signal processing to filter and separate frequencies for individual amplification, thereby reducing power consumption and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple frequencies are passed simultaneously through active components, then signal transmission is achieved, but noise and distortion increase reducing SNR and SINAD performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal transmission system into multiple parallel pathways, each handling a single frequency or carrier. This segmentation prevents multiple frequencies from interacting through non-linear active components, thereby eliminating intermodulation distortion and reducing noise while maintaining signal transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fiber as an intermediary medium to transport multiple frequency signals. By converting electrical RF signals to optical signals for transmission and then converting back at the destination, the system avoids passing multiple frequencies simultaneously through non-linear electrical active components, thus preventing intermodulation and noise generation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If higher powered amplifiers are used to reduce intermodulation, then signal quality improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple lower-powered amplifiers in parallel, each amplifying a single frequency. This approach achieves the same signal quality as a single high-powered amplifier without the need for excessive power consumption, as each amplifier operates in a more efficient lower-power regime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the outputs of multiple individual amplifiers to achieve the total required signal power. This merging approach allows the system to reach the necessary output power level without relying on a single high-powered amplifier, thereby improving overall power efficiency while maintaining signal quality.
3Device complexity
If a single multicarrier amplifier is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the amplification function across multiple independent amplifiers, each handling a single frequency. While this increases the number of components, it eliminates the single point of failure problem inherent in multicarrier amplifiers, as the failure of one amplifier does not affect the others, thereby improving system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of each amplifier from handling multiple frequencies to handling a single frequency. This parameter change allows for simpler, more reliable amplifier designs that are easier to maintain and replace, improving overall system reliability despite the increased number of components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for improving for amplifying an electronic signal by using high efficiency amplifiers to amplify one analog or digital signal at a time. The system further improves performance by providing parallel communication pathways throughout the entire transport and distribution chain. By creating parallel processing paths, both optically and electrically, the interaction of multiple signals are limited thereby avoiding unwanted intermodulation and noise.