Single Transceiver Chain for Simultaneous Multi-Protocol Satellite Communication

Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite communication devices often require multiple transceiver chains or channels to handle signals encoded in different communications protocols, leading to increased hardware requirements and costs, limiting their ability to simultaneously access and process data or waveforms across various protocols.

Innovation Solution

A single transceiver chain with a controller, capable of dynamically switching between multiple communications protocols, maintains synchronization and frequency settings to transmit and receive signals in different protocols, allowing simultaneous operation across multiple protocols using a software-defined radio (SDR) system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transceiver chains or channels are used to handle signals encoded in different communications protocols, then the ability to simultaneously access and process data across various protocols is improved, but hardware requirements and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to simultaneously access and process data across various protocolsVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single transceiver chain that can dynamically adapt to handle multiple communications protocols (legacy and modern) through software-defined radio technology. The transceiver chain is configured to process signals encoded in different protocols sequentially, allowing one hardware component to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate dedicated transceivers for each protocol

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transceiver chain employs dynamic configuration where the controller can switch between different communications protocols based on real-time requirements. The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode to match the protocol being used, enabling flexible adaptation without requiring static hardware allocation for each protocol

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transceiver chains or channels are used to handle signals encoded in different communications protocols, then the ability to simultaneously access and process data across various protocols is improved, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to simultaneously access and process data across various protocolsVSAvoidcosts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single transceiver chain that can dynamically adapt to handle multiple communications protocols (legacy and modern) through software-defined radio technology. The transceiver chain is configured to process signals encoded in different protocols sequentially, allowing one hardware component to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate dedicated transceivers for each protocol

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate transceiver chains into a single integrated transceiver chain. By combining legacy protocol handling and modern protocol handling capabilities into one unified hardware component, the system reduces the total number of components required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single transceiver chain is used to handle multiple communications protocols, then hardware complexity and costs are reduced, but the ability to simultaneously process signals in different protocols may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware complexityVSAvoidability to simultaneously process signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs time-division multiplexing where the single transceiver chain alternates between handling legacy protocol signals and modern protocol signals in periodic time slots. The controller switches the transceiver chain between different protocol modes at predetermined intervals, allowing both protocol types to be processed sequentially within the same time period, effectively achieving simultaneous processing capability through time-based separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The transceiver chain employs dynamic configuration where the controller can switch between different communications protocols based on real-time requirements. The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode to match the protocol being used, enabling flexible adaptation without requiring static hardware allocation for each protocol

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10212752B1Simultaneous operation of multiple communications protocols

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods for operating in multiple transmissions modes for satellite communications. A controller of a radio device may set a transmission mode of a single transceiver chain to a first communications protocol. The single transceiver chain may communicate with a satellite antenna using the first communications protocol. The controller may modify the transmission mode of the single transceiver chain from the first communications protocol to a second communications protocol. The controller may maintain synchronization for the first communications protocol. The single transceiver chain may transmit a first signal to the satellite using the second communications protocol, responsive to modifying the transmission mode. The single transceiver chain may simultaneously receive a second signal using the first communications protocol and the synchronization, and a third signal using the second communications protocol.