Satellite Signal Installation Merging Bidirectional Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current satellite television systems lack an efficient, cost-effective, and adaptable solution for bidirectional communication, particularly for machine-to-machine applications, as existing systems are cumbersome, costly, and not suited for transmitting smaller messages like voting or command messages.

Innovation Solution

An installation for the emission/reception of hyperfrequency radioelectrical satellite signals using a reflector, a low noise block LNB down converter, an emitter, and a box with modulator and demodulator, allowing for efficient signal transformation and transmission between Ku or Ka bands and S or C bands, utilizing a coaxial cable and wireless connections, which is adaptable to existing installations and reduces the need for additional equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a bidirectional satellite service is implemented using traditional systems (e.g., Tooway, EP 0 888 690), then return link capability is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly due to requiring multiple antennas, heavy supports, and additional coaxial cables

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebidirectional communication capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the return link transmission antenna with the existing television reception antenna into a single integrated structure. The antenna serves dual purposes: receiving television signals in the 10.7-12.75 GHz band and transmitting return link signals in the 21.4-23.6 GHz band, eliminating the need for separate antennas and heavy supports

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system is designed with multi-functionality, operating in both reception mode for television signals and transmission mode for return link communication. This universal design allows the same physical infrastructure to support both functions without requiring additional dedicated equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If bidirectional satellite service is implemented using traditional systems, then return link capability is achieved, but installation cost increases due to requiring two reflectors or a dedicated dual-band reflector and additional infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebidirectional communication capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of two separate reflectors (one for Ku-band reception and one for return link transmission) into a single integrated reflector system. This unified structure uses one set of heavy supports and one coaxial cable infrastructure, significantly reducing material costs and installation expenses compared to traditional dual-reflector systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If ADSL or GPRS/UMTS connection is used for return link, then bidirectional communication is achieved, but equipment cost and subscription cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereturn link capabilityVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables satellite terminals to communicate directly with each other through peer-to-peer communication facilitated by the satellite switch. Small message exchanges (voting, commands, acknowledgments) are handled autonomously between terminals without requiring terrestrial telephony infrastructure, thereby eliminating additional subscription costs and reducing equipment requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient, low-cost bidirectional communication suitable for machine-to-machine applications, managing tens of millions of terminals with minimal additional costs by leveraging existing infrastructure and reducing the need for powerful amplifiers, while avoiding interference between frequency bands.

Implementation Method 1

an LNB (low noise block) down converter which transforms radioelectrical signals into electrical signals in an intermediate frequency band, concentrates by the reflector, in a frequency band greater than 10 GHz

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a parabolic reflector which focuses the modulated hyprefrequency signals, on the source, designated a cornet, of an LNB

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

an emitter which transforms electrical signals in an intermediate frequency band, without common frequencies with the first intermediate frequency band, into radioelectrical signals in a frequency band greater than 10 GHz

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency upconversion:

Implementation Method 4

transform into radioelectrical signals the amplified electrical signals in the second frequency band; transmit the radioelectrical signals in the second frequency band towards the reflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 5

a modulator suited to modulate electrical signals in the second intermediate frequency band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal modulation:

Data Source

PatentEP2517378B1Installation for emission/reception of satellite signals
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 EUTELSAT
  • EP2517378B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention concerns an emission/reception installation (1) of satellite signals comprising a reflector (3) suited to receive and emit radio signals, a unit (2) integrating an LNB (4) suited to transform radio signals into electrical signals in a first frequency band concentrated by the reflector (3), to amplify the electrical signals in the first frequency band and to lower the first frequency band towards a first intermediate frequency band. The unit (2) further comprises an emitter (TX) suited to amplify electrical signals in a second intermediate band having no common frequency with the first intermediate band, to raise the second intermediate band towards a second frequency band (S), to transform into radio signals the electrical signals in the second frequency band and to transmit these radio signals towards the reflector (3). The installation (1) further comprises a box (21) including a modulator (25) suited to modulate electrical signals in the second intermediate band, an output (32) suited to transmit electrical signals in the first intermediate band and a coaxial cable (20) connecting the unit (2) and the box (21).