RF Amplifier Bypass Switching for Power Outage Communications

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Solution Overview

Problem

IP-based communication networks, such as those used by cable television and VoIP services, face disruptions due to power outages in RF signal amplifiers, which can affect essential services like emergency communications, as these amplifiers require a power feed to operate and lack non-interruptible communication paths.

Innovation Solution

Bi-directional RF signal amplifiers with a non-interruptible communications path that maintains signal transmission even during power outages, utilizing a switching device and attenuator to ensure continuous upstream and downstream communications, and a power regulation circuit to generate a power supply voltage, allowing for both amplified and non-amplified signal paths to function without external power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RF signal amplifiers are used to amplify downstream and upstream signals, then signal quality and service capability are improved, but communication reliability during power outages deteriorates because the amplifiers require external power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliability during power outagesVSAvoidpower consumption of RF amplifier

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The RF amplifier is divided into two separate signal paths: an amplified path that requires power and a non-interruptible path that operates without power. The switching device segments the signal flow based on power availability, routing signals through the appropriate path. This segmentation allows the system to maintain communication reliability during power outages by automatically switching to the non-interruptible path when power is lost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational state of the RF amplifier based on power availability. When power is available, the amplifier operates in high-gain mode with the attenuator set to minimal attenuation. When power is lost, the system transitions to non-interruptible path mode where the attenuator provides fixed attenuation and the amplifier operates without external power. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different power conditions and maintain communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a non-interruptible communications path is added to maintain signal transmission during power outages, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional switching devices and attenuators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliability during power outagesVSAvoidstructure complexity of RF amplifier

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The non-interruptible communications path is merged with the existing RF amplifier structure rather than being implemented as a completely separate system. The attenuator and switching device are integrated into the existing signal flow path, allowing the non-interruptible path to share common components like the RF input/output ports and housing. This merging reduces overall device complexity compared to implementing separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching device serves multiple functions: it normally routes signals through the amplified path during powered operation and automatically switches to the non-interruptible path during power outages. The attenuator also serves dual purposes by providing signal level adjustment in both powered and unpowered modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If an attenuator is inserted in the non-interruptible path to match impedance, then signal integrity is improved, but signal loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrity during power outagesVSAvoidsignal attenuation in non-interruptible path

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The attenuator is pre-configured with a specific attenuation value that compensates for the expected signal level differences between the amplified and non-interruptible paths. By beforehand calculating and setting the appropriate attenuation level, the system ensures proper impedance matching and signal integrity when switching to the non-interruptible path during power outages. This prior cushioning approach prevents signal integrity issues without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11510076B2Signal amplifiers that switch to an attenuated or alternate communications path in response to a power interruption

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 DIGICOMM INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

RF signal amplifiers are provided that include an RF input port, one or more active RF output ports, one or more passive RF output ports, an active communication path, and a passive communication path. Various embodiments include one or more switching devices, one or more directional couplers, one or more diplexers, a power divider network, and/or an attenuator.