Single RF Amplifier Chain for Dual-Frequency IFF and TCAS Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IFF communication devices require separate transmission chains for different types of signals, leading to increased weight, volume, and consumption, particularly in small aircraft, and are not optimized for drone applications.

Innovation Solution

A radio transmission device with a single power amplification chain that uses pre-distortion and adaptive bias voltage to generate dual-frequency signals compatible with IFF and TCAS standards, allowing automatic selection between TCAS functionalities and IFF responder modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate transmission chains are used for different types of signals (Mode S and TCAS), then signal transmission capability is improved, but device weight, volume, and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple transmission chains into a single shared transmission chain that can handle both Mode S and TCAS signals. The signal generator is configured to produce different signal types, and a pulse shaping circuit applies appropriate pulse shaping to each signal type, allowing one transmission chain to perform functions previously requiring separate chains, thereby reducing weight and volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single transmission chain is designed with universal capability to transmit different types of interrogation signals (Mode S at 1090 MHz and TCAS at 1030 MHz). The signal generator and pulse shaping circuit work together to adapt the transmission chain for different signal types and frequencies, making the transmission chain multi-functional and eliminating the need for dedicated separate chains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate transmission chains are used for different types of signals, then signal transmission capability is improved, but device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate transmission chains are used for different types of signals, then signal transmission capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If pulse shaping is applied to control spectral template, then spectral constraints are met, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral template complianceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or analog filtering methods with a pulse shaping circuit that uses digital signal processing techniques. The pulse shaping circuit generates control signals based on the type of signal to be transmitted and applies appropriate pulse shaping to meet spectral constraints, substituting complex physical filtering systems with a more compact and controllable electronic solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4020011B1Device for radio transmission of a signal for querying from a signal to be amplified

Publication Date: 2025.09.03 THALES SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for radio transmission of an interrogation signal (SA1, SA2) from an amplified signal (Sa1, Sa2). This method comprises a signal generator (200) and a selection block (100) for choosing a type of interrogation signal to be transmitted from among at least two different types (Type 1, Type 2). The signal generator (200) is configured to allow the transmission of the amplified signal (Sa1, Sa2) for generating the interrogation signal (SA1, SA2) corresponding to the selected type (Type 1, Type 2).