High-Power RF Multiplexer for Antenna Cable Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cable management systems for antennas in communication systems are cumbersome and weight-intensive, requiring numerous cable runs that affect the buoyancy and increase the complexity and weight of mobile platforms, and existing multiplexers are unsuitable for high-power applications.
Innovation Solution
A high-power multiplexer with input and output terminals, inductive elements, and bandpass filters that separates broadband RF signals into disjoint frequency ranges, matching impedance and power requirements of multiple antennas, reducing the number of cable runs by using a single cable and minimizing insertion losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated cable runs are used for each antenna, then each antenna can be served independently, but the weight and complexity of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dedicated cable runs into a single shared cable by introducing a multiplexer device. The multiplexer accepts signals from multiple antennas through one cable connection point, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate cable runs. This merging approach maintains independent service capability while dramatically reducing cable weight and installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer acts as an intermediary device between the antennas and the cable system. Instead of connecting each antenna directly to the cable infrastructure, the multiplexer mediates the connection, allowing multiple antennas to share a single cable run while maintaining their individual signal paths through internal switching or filtering mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more antennas are added to meet communication needs, then communication capability increases, but the number of cable runs and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer provides a universal interface that can handle multiple antennas through a single cable connection. The device is designed to accommodate varying numbers of antennas and frequency ranges, making the cable infrastructure scalable without requiring additional cable runs. This multi-functional approach allows the same cable infrastructure to serve multiple communication purposes and antenna configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple antenna connections into a single cable interface through the multiplexer. This combining approach allows the system to accommodate multiple antennas and their respective frequency ranges without proportionally increasing the cable infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining communication versatility.
3Reliability
If multiple cable runs are installed through watertight bulkheads, then each antenna can be connected, but the bulkhead integrity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cable penetration requirements into a single bulkhead opening. By consolidating multiple cable runs into one shared cable connection through the multiplexer, the system requires only one watertight bulkhead penetration instead of multiple separate openings. This approach maintains bulkhead integrity while significantly reducing installation complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer serves as an intermediary that reduces the number of bulkhead penetrations needed. Instead of running multiple cables through the bulkhead, the multiplexer enables multiple antenna connections through a single bulkhead opening, thereby preserving bulkhead watertight integrity while simplifying the installation process.
4Device complexity
If prior art multiplexers are used, then cable runs are reduced, but they are unsuitable for high-power applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing the multiplexer with components and configurations specifically optimized for high-power operation. This includes selecting materials, component ratings, and circuit topologies that can withstand high power levels, thereby transforming the multiplexer from a low-power device into one capable of handling high-power RF signals while maintaining cable reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs impedance transformation techniques that can be analogized to curvature principles in electrical engineering. By using transformer circuits or impedance matching networks within the multiplexer, the device adapts between different impedance levels to efficiently handle high-power signals, ensuring minimal reflection and maximum power transfer capability.
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
The solution effectively reduces the number of cable runs, decreases weight and complexity, and maintains low insertion losses, making it suitable for high-power applications and mobile platforms by matching impedance and power requirements of multiple antennas.
Implementation Method 1
The number of bandpass filters is equal to the number of inductive elements. Each bandpass filter corresponds to, and is electrically connected in series to, one of the inductive elements. Each bandpass filter has a respective frequency range
Implementation Method 2
A first of the at least two inductive elements is arranged in series with the input terminal. The reactances and the arrangement of reactive elements in the circuit are selected such that when a broadband RF signal is applied at the input terminal each of the two or more disjoint certain frequency ranges are applied at the respective output terminals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing a quantity of cable runs to antennas can include the step of providing a circuit of reactive elements coupled between an input terminal and at least two output terminals. The circuit can be used to separate a broadband signal into two or more disjoint expected frequency ranges. The circuit can match the impedance at the at least two output terminals to the impedance expected by the antennas. The elements of the circuit can have reactances and arrangement so that when a broadband RF signal is applied at the input terminal, two or more disjoint expected frequencies can be applied to the respective output terminals. The power at each output terminal can sufficiently match the antennas' expected power, and insertion losses can be minimized.