Satellite Multi-Carrier Switch Converter Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite communication systems, such as DBS systems, face challenges in allowing multiple set-top boxes to operate independently on a single coaxial cable due to polarization interference, leading to high costs and complexity in multi-cable solutions, which are cumbersome and difficult to rearrange.
Innovation Solution
A Multi-carrier Switch Converter (MCSC) system that multiplexes input signals from satellite receiver LNBs into a single cable, using a Multi-port Selector Switch and frequency translation block to combine signals into a single output with fixed carrier frequencies, enabling multiple set-top boxes to access multiple channels simultaneously while reducing the number of required cables and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple set-top boxes are connected to a single coaxial cable in a DBS system, then equipment costs and cable complexity are reduced, but polarization interference occurs between multiple STBs causing signal conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multi-choice switch as an intermediary device between the LNB and multiple STBs. This switch acts as a mediator that receives control signals from multiple STBs and selectively connects them to the LNB output, preventing direct polarization interference while allowing multiple STBs to share a single coaxial cable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal path by dividing the single LNB output into multiple selectable paths through the multi-choice switch. Each STB can be independently connected to the LNB output through the switch, creating separate signal paths that eliminate polarization interference while maintaining cost-effective single-cable architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple satellite antennas and LNBs are installed to allow multiple STBs to operate independently, then polarization interference is eliminated, but system cost and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the multi-choice switch a universal device that can handle multiple STBs and multiple LNBs through a single unit. Instead of requiring separate antenna-LNB-STB chains for each STB, the switch provides multi-functionality by routing signals from any LNB to any STB, enabling independent operation with shared resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple antenna-LNB and STB connections into a single integrated system through the multi-choice switch. Multiple LNB outputs and multiple STB inputs are combined and managed by one switch device, reducing the need for separate complete chains while maintaining independent operation capability.
3Quantity of substance
If a single-output LNB is used with one coaxial cable, then equipment cost is minimized, but only one STB can receive signals at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic switching capability through the multi-choice switch, which can dynamically reconfigure connections between LNBs and STBs based on demand. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single coaxial cable and LNB to serve multiple STBs at different times, increasing system versatility without increasing the quantity of physical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the system from fixed one-to-one LNB-STB pairing to flexible many-to-many pairing through the switch. By changing how connections are established (from permanent to dynamic), the system can support multiple STBs with the same physical infrastructure, increasing adaptability without adding components.
Data Source
AI summary
A Multi-carrier Switch Converter (“MCSC”) for multiplexing a plurality of input signals received at the MCSC into a single MCSC output signal is disclosed. The MCSC may include a Multi-port Selector Switch, wherein the Multi-port Selector Switch receives the plurality of input signals and produces a Multi-port Selector Switch output, wherein the Multi-port Selector Switch output includes a plurality of switched output signals and a frequency translation block in signal communication with the Multi-port Selector Switch, wherein the frequency translation block receives the Multi-port Selector Switch output and frequency translates each switched output signal of the plurality of switched output signals to plurality of translated signals, wherein each translated signal has a fixed carrier frequency. Additionally, the MCSC may include a combiner in signal communication with frequency translation block, wherein the combiner receives the plurality of frequency translated signals and combines them to produce the single MCSC signal.