Shared Local Oscillator for Multi-Band Ka-band LNB
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite broadcast systems cannot efficiently accommodate new satellites and transmission frequencies, particularly the Ka-band, without increasing the number of cables and cannot process high-definition television signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a shared local oscillator to downconvert Ka-band signals into multiple intermediate frequency bands, allowing these signals to be stacked and distributed using existing cables, enabling processing by both legacy and new IRDs without the need for additional cables or expensive electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate local oscillator is used for each frequency band (Ku-band and Ka-band), then each band can be processed independently with optimal performance, but the device complexity and cost increase due to additional oscillators and electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single local oscillator that serves multiple frequency bands (Ku-band and Ka-band) through frequency multiplication. The oscillator generates a base frequency that is then multiplied to produce the required frequencies for different bands, allowing one component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate oscillators for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the multiplication factor of the frequency multiplier circuit. By changing the multiplication parameter, the same local oscillator can generate different output frequencies suitable for different frequency bands, enabling flexible adaptation to multiple bands without hardware changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are installed to accommodate new satellites and frequency bands, then all signals can be distributed to all IRDs, but the installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from frequency-domain separation (requiring separate cables for different bands) to time-domain multiplexing. The single cable carries composite signals that are separated at the receiver end through frequency selection, adding a temporal dimension to the signal distribution approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses frequency conversion and signal stacking as intermediary processes. The received signals from different frequency bands are converted to a common intermediate frequency range and stacked together, allowing them to be transmitted through a single cable as a composite signal that can be separated at the destination.
3Ease of manufacture
If legacy IRDs are used without modification, then existing infrastructure is maintained, but they cannot process high-definition television signals or new frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing frequency conversion and signal stacking at the ODU end before transmission. This preliminary processing converts all signals (including future HD signals and new frequency bands) into a compatible format that legacy IRDs can process, eliminating the need to modify existing receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a compatible signal copy by converting incoming signals from various frequency bands and modulation types into a standardized intermediate frequency format that mimics traditional signal characteristics. This allows legacy IRDs to process the signals as if they were traditional broadcasts, while actually carrying enhanced content.
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 the processing of additional satellite signals and high-definition television programming within existing systems, reducing costs and complexity by utilizing a single local oscillator to generate multiple frequency bands compatible with legacy and new IRDs, thus expanding bandwidth without requiring cable replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of satellite signals in a first frequency band is downconverted to a first intermediate frequency band of signals, a second set of satellite signals in a second frequency band is downconverted to a second intermediate frequency band of signals and a third intermediate frequency band of signals using the shared local oscillator
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and system for sharing a local oscillator in a satellite signal delivery system is disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a first set of satellite signals broadcast in a first frequency band, wherein the first set of satellite signals is downconverted to a first intermediate frequency band of signals, a second set of satellite signals broadcast in a second frequency band, wherein the second set of satellite signals is downconverted to a second intermediate frequency band of signals and a third intermediate frequency band of signals using the shared local oscillator, a first signal stacker for stacking the second intermediate frequency band of signals and the third intermediate frequency band of signals into a stacked signal, a second signal stacker for stacking the first intermediate frequency band of signals with the stacked signal into a delivery signal, a distribution unit, coupled to the combiner, for distributing the delivery signal to a plurality of outputs, and at least one receiver, coupled to an output of the plurality of outputs, wherein the at least one receiver processes at least the first intermediate band of signals in the delivery signal.