Shared Analog-to-Digital Converter for Satellite Signal Combining

Solution Overview

Problem

Current satellite communication systems face challenges in efficiently processing and combining signals from different frequencies, leading to interference and requiring multiple analog-to-digital converters, which increases complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a low noise block (LNB) circuit with a combiner and analog-to-digital converters that can combine and translate satellite signals from various frequency bands, such as Ka and Ku bands, into a single digital signal, reducing interference and the need for multiple converters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple analog-to-digital converters are used to process signals from different frequency bands, then signal processing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple frequency band signals (Ka-band and Ku-band) into a single composite analog signal using a combiner circuit, which is then processed by a single shared ADC. This merging approach maintains the ability to process multiple frequency bands while reducing the number of ADCs from multiple to one, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared ADC is designed to universally process signals from multiple frequency bands by receiving the combined Ka-band and Ku-band signals through the combiner. The ADC performs the function of converting both frequency bands simultaneously, making it a multi-functional component that replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated converters for each band.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple analog-to-digital converters are used to process signals from different frequency bands, then signal processing capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple frequency band signals (Ka-band and Ku-band) into a single composite analog signal using a combiner circuit, which is then processed by a single shared ADC. This merging approach maintains the ability to process multiple frequency bands while reducing the number of ADCs from multiple to one, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared ADC is designed to universally process signals from multiple frequency bands by receiving the combined Ka-band and Ku-band signals through the combiner. The ADC performs the function of converting both frequency bands simultaneously, making it a multi-functional component that replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated converters for each band.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If signals from different frequencies are processed separately, then interference is minimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinterferenceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple frequency band signals (Ka-band and Ku-band) into a single composite analog signal using a combiner circuit, which is then processed by a single shared ADC. This merging approach maintains the ability to process multiple frequency bands while reducing the number of ADCs from multiple to one, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The combiner circuit acts as an intermediary component that receives separate Ka-band and Ku-band signals, combines them into a single composite analog signal, and presents it to the shared ADC. This intermediary structure allows signals from different frequencies to be processed together while managing potential interference at the analog combining stage, before digital processing begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9509396B2Systems and methods for shared analog-to-digital conversion in a communication system

Publication Date: 2016.11.29 ENTROPIC COMM INC

AI summary

A low noise block circuit includes a first input signal trace configured to receive a first satellite signal centered at a first frequency; a second signal trace configured to receive a second satellite signal centered at a second frequency; a combiner having a first input connected to the first input signal trace and a second input connected to the second signal trace, and configured to combine the first and second satellite signals to generate and output a combined satellite signal; and an analog-to-digital converter element having a first input coupled to receive the combined satellite signal, and configured to convert the combined satellite signal from an analog signal to a digital signal.