Satellite Signal Receiver Frequency Conversion for Multi-Unit Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite signal receivers lack the capability to efficiently condition and split signals for distribution to multiple indoor units, limiting their ability to process and demodulate signals effectively across various setups.
Innovation Solution
A signal receiver configuration for outdoor units that includes multi-stage amplifiers, band-pass filters, splitters, synthesizers, and mixers, integrated into single IC chips, allowing for the conditioning and splitting of signals to be distributed to multiple indoor units for demodulation, while reducing interference through frequency multiplication and optimization of oscillating outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a signal receiver is configured to condition and split signals for distribution to multiple indoor units, then the signal distribution capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal processing functions (conditioning, filtering, splitting, frequency conversion) into a single integrated outdoor unit. This merging approach enables the system to distribute signals to multiple indoor units while managing complexity through integration rather than separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The outdoor unit is designed as a universal device that can condition and split signals for distribution to multiple indoor units simultaneously. The inclusion of multiple band-pass filters with different center frequencies and multiple splitters enables the single device to handle multiple signal paths and frequencies, providing multi-functional capability.
2Reliability
If multiple band-pass filters with different center frequencies are used to reduce interference, then the signal quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using multiple band-pass filters with different center frequencies (e.g., 9750 MHz, 10050 MHz, 10350 MHz) targeted at specific frequency ranges. Each filter is optimized for its local frequency band, allowing the system to improve signal quality for specific channels while maintaining overall system functionality.
3Productivity
If signal conditioning and splitting functions are integrated in the outdoor unit, then the productivity of signal distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor unit performs preliminary signal conditioning, filtering, and splitting operations before distributing signals to indoor units. By preparing signals in advance with proper frequency selection and power division, the system improves overall productivity while reducing the processing burden on individual indoor units and set-top boxes.
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 signal processing and distribution to multiple indoor units, improving signal quality and reducing interference, thereby enhancing the overall performance of satellite television systems.
Implementation Method 1
a received signal is first fed to an amplifier
Implementation Method 2
band-pass filters (BPF) configured to pass the collected signals at frequencies within a certain frequency range and to attenuate the collected signals at frequencies outside the certain frequency range
Implementation Method 3
mixers configured to convert the collected signals at radio frequencies into ones at base or intermediate frequencies
Implementation Method 4
two synthesizers, each having an oscillating output at a different frequency
Implementation Method 5
two frequency multipliers, each having a second oscillating output which is the oscillating output of the corresponding synthesizer multiplied by an integer
Implementation Method 6
two image rejection filters configured to attenuate image components of one of the mixed signals and to pass real parts of the mixed signals
Implementation Method 7
a phase shifter configured to shift a phase of at least one of the oscillating outputs of the frequency multipliers by an amount between 0 and 360 degrees
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A signal receiver includes a first mixer configured to mix its first input with its second input associated with an oscillating output of a frequency multiplier into an output, wherein the oscillating output of the frequency multiplier is generated based on an oscillating output of a first synthesizer, and the oscillating output of the frequency multiplier has a greater frequency than that of the oscillating output of the first synthesizer; a first splitter configured to split its input associated with the output of the first mixer into a first output and a second output; a first switch matrix configured to switch its first input associated with the first output of the first splitter into a first output; and a second switch matrix configured to switch its first input associated with the second output of the first splitter into a first output.