Signal Receiver with Switch Matrix for Multi-Unit Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current satellite television systems face challenges in efficiently distributing signals from an outdoor unit to multiple indoor units for demodulation, as existing solutions do not effectively condition and split signals for simultaneous processing across multiple setup boxes.

Innovation Solution

A signal receiver configuration in the outdoor unit includes multiple stages of amplifiers, band-pass filters, synthesizers, mixers, and switch matrices, along with integrated-circuit chips that manage signal splitting and processing to distribute conditioned signals to multiple indoor units for demodulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single signal receiver is used in the outdoor unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to distribute signals to multiple indoor units simultaneously is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal distribution capabilityVSAvoidreceiver configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The signal receiver is divided into multiple functional modules including a first signal processing module with synthesizer and mixer, a second signal processing module with synthesizer and mixer, and a combining module. Each module processes specific frequency ranges independently, enabling the system to distribute multiple signals simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single signal receiver performs multiple functions by incorporating both first and second signal processing modules that can handle different frequency ranges (first frequency range and second frequency range). This multi-functional design allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate receivers, improving adaptability while controlling complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple signal processing modules are integrated into a single receiver, then signal distribution to multiple indoor units is enabled, but the integrated-circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing throughputVSAvoidintegrated-circuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated circuit is segmented into distinct functional blocks: first synthesizer and mixer for first frequency range, second synthesizer and mixer for second frequency range, and a combining module. This segmentation allows high productivity through parallel processing while managing IC complexity through clear functional separation and modular integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple signal processing functions are nested within a single integrated circuit structure. The first and second signal processing modules are integrated together with the combining module in a hierarchical arrangement, allowing high signal processing throughput while containing the complexity within a unified IC architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This configuration ensures reliable and efficient signal distribution from the outdoor unit to multiple indoor units, enabling simultaneous demodulation by multiple setup boxes and improving signal quality and availability.

Implementation Method 1

a first synthesizer configured to generate an oscillating output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOscillation: Harmonic Oscillator

Implementation Method 2

a first mixer configured to mix its first input with its second input associated with the oscillating output of the first synthesizer into an output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMixing: Heterodyne

Implementation Method 3

a first splitter configured to split its input associated with the output of the first mixer into a first output and a second output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal splitting:

Implementation Method 4

a first switch matrix configured to switch its first input associated with the first output of the first splitter into a first output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical switching: Relay

Implementation Method 5

a first filter configured to suppress a component of its input associated with the output of the first mixer into an output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS9647707B1Signal receiver

Publication Date: 2017.05.09 RAFAEL MICROELECTRONICS INC

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 first synthesizer into an output; 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; a second switch matrix configured to switch its first input associated with the second output of the first splitter into a first output; a second mixer configured to mix its first input associated with the first output of the first switch matrix with its second input associated with an oscillating output of a second synthesizer into an output; and a third mixer configured to mix its first input associated with the first output of the second switch matrix with its second input associated with an oscillating output of a third synthesizer into an output.