PTT Interface Module Attenuators Reduce Crosstalk

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Solution Overview

Problem

In military communication settings, existing solutions fail to effectively reduce communications crosstalk between channels while allowing simultaneous reception and transmission of audio communications on both output and input channels, posing a security risk and causing undesirable audio interference.

Innovation Solution

A dual-channel radio system with a PTT interface module that includes attenuators and microphone switches, which attenuate audio output signals to reduce crosstalk between channels, enabling clear communication on multiple frequency bands without muting incoming communications during transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If audio output signals are not attenuated, then audio output quality is maintained, but crosstalk between channels increases causing security risks and audio interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk between channelsVSAvoidsecurity and communication clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (attenuator or mixer) between the audio output amplifier and the output channels to reduce the amplitude of audio output signals. This intermediary element allows the system to maintain audio output functionality while reducing crosstalk interference on input channels, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining audio quality and preventing interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If channels are muted during transmission, then crosstalk is eliminated, but incoming communications cannot be received

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk interferenceVSAvoidsimultaneous reception and transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of audio output signal amplitude by introducing attenuators that can reduce the signal level. This parameter change allows the system to transmit audio signals at reduced amplitudes, preventing crosstalk interference while maintaining the ability to receive incoming communications simultaneously, thus resolving the contradiction between eliminating crosstalk and maintaining full communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If attenuators are added to reduce crosstalk, then channel isolation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio interference between channelsVSAvoidnumber of components in PTT interface module
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the PTT interface module to integrate multiple functions including audio output amplification, attenuation, and channel switching within a single modular unit. By making the interface module multi-functional, the system can reduce crosstalk through attenuation while avoiding the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3207643B1Device, system and method for reducing communications crosstalk between channels
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY INC
  • EP3207643B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3207643B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3207643B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A device for reducing communications crosstalk including a plurality of channel inputs each configured to receive an incoming signal from a respective device. The device further includes at least one control input configured such that, when the control input is triggered, the control input activates a voltage divider that attenuates at least one of the incoming signals, thereby reducing crosstalk between a first channel carrying the at least one attenuated incoming signal and a second channel not carrying the at least one attenuated incoming signal. The at least one attenuated incoming signal and the remaining incoming signals are output to a respective receiver.