RF Switch Matrix Flexible Redundancy for Satellite Gateways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for maintaining high availability in RF communication systems, such as satellite gateways, require redundant modems with 1:1 or 1:n sparing, which involve complex combiners and splitters, leading to inefficient use of resources and potential communication disruptions.
Innovation Solution
An RF switch matrix system that allows for flexible redundancy by selectively coupling and uncoupling RF ports, enabling active and spare communication equipment to operate in different modes, including hot spare and active service, to ensure continuous communication without the need for redundant modems on each L-Band RFT interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional 1:1 or 1:n sparing techniques with combiners and splitters are used, then redundant modems can take over for failed equipment, but device complexity and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the redundancy function from individual modem interfaces and consolidates it at the RF port level. Instead of having redundant modems at each L-Band interface, the system uses a single RF switch matrix that can route signals from any active modem to any RFT interface, eliminating the need for redundant modems at every interface while maintaining availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF switch matrix provides multi-functionality by enabling any active modem to serve any RFT interface through flexible switching. The matrix can dynamically reconfigure connections based on which modems are operational, allowing a single modem to potentially serve multiple interfaces or allowing interfaces to be reassigned to different modems, thereby reducing overall redundancy requirements.
2Reliability
If redundant modems are deployed on each L-Band RFT interface, then high availability can be maintained, but resource usage and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the redundancy functionality across multiple interfaces into a single RF switch matrix system. Instead of distributing redundant modems independently at each interface, the system combines all active modems into a pooled resource that can be dynamically allocated to any interface through the switch matrix, reducing the total number of redundant modems needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic reconfiguration capability through the RF switch matrix, which can change connections in real-time based on modem operational status. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adapt to failures and optimize resource utilization, reducing the need for static redundant modem deployments at every interface.
3Reliability
If combiners and splitters are used for redundancy, then failover capability is achieved, but communication disruptions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical signal combining and splitting approach with an electronic switching system. The RF switch matrix uses electronic switches to dynamically route signals, eliminating the need for combiners and splitters that cause signal degradation and potential disruptions. This electronic approach enables cleaner signal paths and faster failover.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for failover by maintaining all active modems in a ready state within the RF switch matrix, pre-configured and monitored. When a failure occurs, the matrix can immediately reconfigure connections without requiring physical reconnection or signal re-establishment, enabling rapid failover with minimal communication disruption.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques including controlling coupling and uncoupling of RF ports included in an RF switch matrix including first-side RF ports and second-side RF ports, where each of the first-side RF ports is configured to be selectively coupled to at least one of two or more of the second-side RF ports, identifying one or more of the second-side RF ports as active ports including an active port, causing the RF switch matrix to couple the active port to a signal port included in the first-side RF ports, obtaining at least one of a bit error rate and a signal to noise ratio for a demodulation of an RF stream received via the active port, and causing, in response to at least one of the bit error rate or the signal to noise ratio, the RF switch matrix to couple the signal port to a spare port included in the second-side RF ports.