Remotely Fed Module Signal Transmission via Filter Banks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for transmitting signals between an electronic assembly and a remote module, such as in magnetic resonance tomography, require a large number of lines for LO, IF, and PIN signals, leading to high costs and power losses due to extensive electronics and long cable lengths, which can cause unwanted oscillations and temperature increases near the patient.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves transmitting both signals produced in the satellite (e.g., converted to IF) and individual LO signals via a single line using filter banks for spectral separation, allowing for simultaneous transmission of multiple signals without the need for multiple lines, thereby reducing the overall infrastructure and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate lines are used for transmitting LO and IF signals, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal transmission functions (LO signal transmission and IF signal transmission) into a single cable connection. The frequency converter transmits both the local oscillator signal to the coil assembly and receives intermediate frequency signals from the same cable, eliminating the need for separate dedicated lines for each signal type.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable connection serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits LO signals from the frequency converter to the coil assembly, receives IF signals from the coil assembly, and provides power supply. This multi-functional approach reduces the overall number of connections required while maintaining system reliability.
2Measurement precision
If the frequency converter is integrated into the coil housing, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the number of lines required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frequency converter into the coil housing assembly, placing it in close proximity to the coil elements. This integration allows the converter to receive IF signals directly from the preamplifier with minimal cable length, improving signal-to-noise ratio by reducing interference and loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated frequency converter acts as an intermediary component within the coil housing, receiving preamplified signals directly from the coil assembly and processing them locally before transmitting processed data back through the same cable connection to the main electronics.
3Ease of operation
If long cable lengths are used for signal transmission, then remote positioning of electronics is improved, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power supply transmission and signal transmission into a single cable connection. By integrating the frequency converter into the coil housing and using the same cable for both power delivery and signal communication, the system minimizes the number of long cables required while ensuring adequate power supply to remote components.
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 significantly reduces the number of lines required for signal transmission, minimizing power losses and infrastructure needs while maintaining optimal signal-to-noise ratios and image quality, thus addressing the high outlay and cost issues associated with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The filter banks are fashioned for the spectral separation of signals
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and device for the transmission of a multiplicity of signals having different frequencies between a base station and a module situated at a location remote from the base station via a single, common cable connection, some of the signals being transmitted from the electronic assembly to the module and, in general simultaneously, the remaining signals are transmitted in the opposite direction. Each of the base station and the module has bandpass filter bank therein having a multiplicity of bandpass filters, the number thereof being a function of the number of channels to be transmitted, with which the respectively received signals are spectrally separated from one another so that they are available for further signal processing in the base station, or for further use in the module.