Single Cable Interface for Multiplexing Antenna Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern antenna subsystems require multiple interface cables for RF and control signals, leading to complex installations, high component counts, significant weight, and increased maintenance efforts, particularly problematic in aerospace applications where weight is a critical concern.
Innovation Solution
Multiplexing multiple RF signals onto a single RF coaxial cable using a single cable interface with multiplexers and de-multiplexers at each end, employing frequency mixing and band selection to maintain signal integrity and compatibility, allowing for efficient transmission and reception of RF, digital data, and discrete analog signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple interface cables are used for RF and control signals, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but system weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate interface cables (RF transmit, RF receive, control signals, power) into a single multiplexed cable assembly. The cable carrier integrates multiple conductors that carry multiple signals simultaneously, reducing the number of discrete cables from 4 or more to 1, thereby significantly reducing system weight while maintaining all necessary signal transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it carries RF transmit signals, RF receive signals, control signals for antenna steering and gain control, and power signals. This multi-functional cable replaces multiple specialized single-function cables, achieving weight reduction without compromising signal transmission reliability for any individual function.
2Reliability
If multiple interface cables are used for RF and control signals, then signal integrity is maintained, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple cables into a single integrated cable carrier with organized conductors, the patent reduces the number of connection points from multiple cable interfaces to a single connector assembly. This simplifies the installation process while maintaining signal integrity through proper shielding and conductor routing that prevents cross-interference between different signal types.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable carrier is segmented into distinct sections or layers for different signal types (RF transmit, RF receive, control, power), with each segment properly shielded and routed. This segmentation within the unified cable structure maintains signal integrity by preventing interference while simplifying installation compared to managing multiple separate cables.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface cables are used for RF and control signals, then functional versatility is achieved, but maintenance effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single cable assembly provides universal support for all antenna subsystem functions including RF transmission, reception, electronic steering, and gain control. By consolidating these functions into one cable, the system maintains full functional versatility while reducing maintenance effort, as technicians only need to service one cable connection point rather than multiple separate cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The consolidation of multiple cable functions into a single multiplexed cable reduces the number of potential failure points and simplifies troubleshooting. Instead of diagnosing issues across multiple separate cables, maintenance personnel can focus on a single cable assembly, reducing overall maintenance effort and time required for system servicing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface cables are used for RF and control signals, then comprehensive control is achieved, but component count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single cable assembly is designed as a universal interface that carries all necessary signals for comprehensive antenna control including RF paths, steering commands, gain control, and diagnostics. This multi-functional cable reduces the component count from multiple separate cables and connectors to a single integrated cable assembly, simplifying the bill of materials and system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple control functions into a single cable assembly with multiple conductors, the patent reduces the total component count while maintaining comprehensive control capability. The integrated cable carrier consolidates what would otherwise require 4 or more separate cables, connectors, and mounting hardware into one unified component.
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 solution reduces installation complexity, component count, weight, and maintenance efforts by enabling multiple signals to be transmitted over a single cable, improving system efficiency and reducing costs while maintaining signal quality and compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
employing frequency mixing and band selection to maintain signal integrity and compatibility
Implementation Method 2
employing frequency mixing and band selection to maintain signal integrity and compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
A single cable interface for operably coupling a radio to an antenna may include a radio interface operably coupled to the radio, an antenna interface operably coupled to the antenna, and a single RF coaxial cable extending between the radio interface and the antenna interface. The radio interface and the antenna interface may each be configured to multiplex and de-multiplex multiple RF signals communicated from the radio to the antenna or from the antenna to the radio such that each of the multiple RF signals is communicated over the single RF coaxial cable. The multiple RF signals include a first RF signal and a second RF signal, the first and second RF signals having a same carrier frequency, phase and modulation type.