Satellite Transceiver Single Cable Protocol Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite communication systems require multiple cables for transmit, receive, and control signals, leading to interference issues and increased complexity, making it difficult to implement complex command and control protocols and access transceiver health information efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that multiplexes transmit, receive, and telemetry data onto a single physical cable, achieving significant frequency separation between RX and TX bands to reduce interference and enable efficient command, control, and diagnostic functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cables are used for transmit, receive, and control signals, then signal transmission is achieved, but system complexity and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines transmit signals, receive signals, command signals, control signals, and DC power into a single physical cable (coaxial cable), eliminating the need for multiple separate cables. This merging approach reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable signal transmission through frequency division multiplexing and isolation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The single coaxial cable is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: carrying transmit RF signals, receive RF signals, command signals, control signals, and DC power. This multi-functional cable replacement reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the system architecture.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple cables are used for transmit and receive, then signal isolation is achieved, but interference between cables increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a circulator as an intermediary device that enables isolation between transmit and receive signals while they share the same physical cable. The circulator directs signals in specific directions and provides the necessary isolation, allowing multiple signal types to coexist on a single cable without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes frequency division multiplexing, assigning different frequency ranges to different signal types (e.g., L-band for receive, S-band for transmit, higher frequencies for commands and control). This parameter-based separation allows multiple signals to share the same physical medium while maintaining isolation through frequency discrimination.
3Device complexity
If limited command and control protocols are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but configurability and diagnostic capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic command and control protocols that allow the system to be reconfigured and adapted during operation. The enhanced protocols enable remote adjustment of system parameters, selection of different operating modes, and real-time monitoring, transforming a static system into a dynamically configurable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates telemetry and monitoring capabilities that provide feedback about system status and health to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables diagnostic functions, performance monitoring, and adaptive control, significantly enhancing system configurability and maintainability through informed decision-making.
4Device complexity
If access to transceiver health information is limited, then system simplicity is maintained, but remote diagnostics capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-diagnostic capabilities where the transceiver automatically monitors its own health parameters and reports status information through the enhanced telemetry protocols. This self-service approach enables remote diagnostics without requiring additional manual intervention or complex external monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a monitoring and telemetry subsystem that acts as an intermediary between the transceiver's internal health sensors and the external controller. This intermediary collects, processes, and transmits health information through the single cable, enabling comprehensive remote diagnostics while maintaining system simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
A single-cable protocol and associated methods and systems enable improved communication efficiency and/or reduced cost. Transmit information, receive information, telemetry information, and/or DC power may be multiplexed onto a single cable, eliminating the need for multiple cables between a satellite transceiver and a corresponding modem while reducing and/or eliminating spurious emissions. Additionally, telemetry features enable improved diagnostics and/or repair of communication systems, for example satellite communication systems.