Satellite Signal Receiver Mixing and Splitting for Multi-Unit Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing satellite signal receivers lack the capability to efficiently condition and split signals for distribution to multiple indoor units, limiting their ability to provide simultaneous demodulation across multiple setup boxes.

Innovation Solution

A signal receiver configuration for outdoor units that includes multi-stage amplifiers, band-pass filters, splitters, synthesizers, and mixers, arranged in parallel to process and split vertically and horizontally polarized signals, allowing for distribution to multiple indoor units with integrated circuit chips that reduce interference and support legacy connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a signal receiver is configured to receive and process satellite signals in an outdoor unit, then signal reception capability is improved, but the ability to distribute signals to multiple indoor units simultaneously is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception capabilityVSAvoidsignal distribution capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The signal receiver is divided into multiple functional blocks including amplifiers, band-pass filters, splitters, mixers, and frequency converting blocks that operate in parallel to process different signal components separately, enabling simultaneous signal distribution to multiple indoor units while maintaining reliable reception

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If signal processing components are added to enable distribution to multiple indoor units, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal distribution capabilityVSAvoidsignal receiver structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple signal processing functions including amplification, filtering, splitting, frequency conversion, and demodulation are merged into a single integrated circuit chip, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to distribute signals to multiple indoor units simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 conditioning and splitting for simultaneous demodulation across multiple indoor units, improving signal quality and compatibility with various hardware configurations.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

mixers configured to convert the collected signals at radio frequencies into ones at base or intermediate frequencies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency conversion: Heterodyne

Implementation Method 3

a signal receiver containing amplifiers configured to amplify the collected signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Data Source

PatentEP3379728B1Signal receiver
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 RAFAEL MICROELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3379728B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3379728B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3379728B1 patent drawingFigure 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.