Bi-directional RF Signal Conditioner with Plug-in Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telecommunications networks face challenges in effectively conditioning bi-directional RF signals over coaxial cables, particularly due to the need for specific frequency band management and the lack of flexible signal conditioning devices that can accommodate various frequency configurations.

Innovation Solution

A signal conditioning device with plug-in sockets for interchangeable signal conditioner circuits, such as attenuators and equalizers, is introduced, allowing for conditioning of bi-directional RF signals across a wide frequency range (5 MHz to 1200 MHz) in a single device, suitable for multiple upstream/downstream frequency configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate signal conditioning devices are used for different frequency bands, then signal conditioning capability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal conditioning capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple signal conditioning functions (attenuation, equalization, filtering) for different frequency bands into a single integrated device. The housing contains multiple signal paths, each with plug-in sockets that can accommodate different conditioning circuits, allowing one device to replace multiple separate devices while maintaining full signal conditioning capability across upstream and downstream frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The signal conditioning device is designed as a universal platform that can handle both upstream and downstream frequency bands simultaneously. The plug-in socket architecture allows the same physical device to accommodate various conditioning circuits (attenuators, equalizers, filters) depending on the specific frequency configuration needed, making it adaptable to different service provider requirements without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed signal conditioning circuits are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to different frequency configurations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidfrequency configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The signal conditioning device is segmented into modular components: a standardized housing with signal paths and plug-in sockets, and separate interchangeable conditioning circuits. This segmentation allows the housing to be manufactured once as a universal platform, while different conditioning circuits can be produced separately and inserted as needed. The plug-in socket interface standardizes the connection, reducing manufacturing complexity while enabling unlimited adaptability to different frequency configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a static, fixed-function design to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The plug-in sockets enable the conditioning circuits to be changed based on the specific frequency split requirements (e.g., 42/1000 MHz, 55/1000 MHz, 64/1000 MHz configurations). This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical device to serve multiple frequency configurations without requiring custom-manufactured units for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single wide-band signal path is used, then device complexity is reduced, but signal conditioning precision for specific frequency bands deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal path structureVSAvoidsignal conditioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

While the overall device structure is simplified with a single housing and unified signal paths, the local quality of signal conditioning is maintained through specialized plug-in circuits. Each signal path contains sockets that can accommodate frequency-specific conditioning circuits (attenuators, equalizers, filters) tailored to the particular frequency band requirements. This allows the device to maintain low complexity at the system level while achieving high precision at the component level where the actual signal conditioning occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9819389B2Single path signal conditioner for bi-directional radio frequency signals in a telecommunications network

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 THOMASON BROADBAND SUPPLY

AI summary

A signal conditioning device for conditioning bi-directional radiofrequency (RF) signals in a telecommunications network is provided. The signal conditioning device can allow for the conditioning of both upstream and downstream components of a bi-directional telecommunications signal in a telecommunication system using a signal conditioning device disposed at a single location. The signal conditioning device can include first and second line connections and a signal path between the first and second line connections. The signal conditioning device can condition upstream and downstream components of a bi-directional telecommunications signal using plug-in signal conditioning circuits received into one or more external plug-in sockets coupled to the signal path.