Switching Amplifier and Receiver Branches for Radio Signal Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data transmission systems, particularly in communications technology, face challenges in increasing transmission power without compromising reception, especially in applications like train radio where the standard modem transmission power of 23 dBm is insufficient.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that utilize a switch to selectively route radio signals between an amplifier branch and a reception branch based on signal strength, allowing for amplification of transmission signals when necessary, while maintaining reception quality, using a sensor to determine signal strength and a control unit to manage the switch and amplifier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If an amplifier is added to increase transmission power, then transmission signal strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission powerVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that toggles between amplifier branch and receiver branch based on real-time signal strength measurements. The switch is controlled by comparing measured signal strength against a threshold value, enabling the system to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than being statically complex

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The amplifier is selectively activated only when transmission power enhancement is needed, rather than being permanently integrated. This localized application of amplification functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to increase transmission power when required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Length of moving object

If signal amplification is applied, then transmission range is improved, but reception quality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission rangeVSAvoidreception quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the signal path into separate amplifier branch and receiver branch, allowing independent optimization of each function. The amplifier branch handles transmission signal amplification while the receiver branch maintains original signal integrity for reception, eliminating the risk of amplification-induced reception degradation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching mechanism acts as an intermediary that selectively routes signals through appropriate branches. Based on signal strength measurements, the switch directs transmission signals through the amplifier branch for extended range while routing received signals through the receiver branch to preserve reception quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively increases transmission signal strength by at least 3 dB, enabling reliable data transmission in distant applications without impairing reception, and allows for flexible operation by switching between modes based on signal strength and distance.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor (3) connected between the antenna (2) and the modem (1) that determines the signal strength of the radio signals, wherein the sensor (3) is a field strength detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField strength detection:

Implementation Method 2

the amplifier branch (5) forward the radio signal to the antenna (2) as a transmit signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification:

Data Source

PatentEP4250575A1Method and device for data transmission
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 FUNKWERK SYST GMBH
  • EP4250575A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4250575A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4250575A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a data transmission device comprising an antenna (2), a modem (1), a sensor (3) that determines the signal strength of the radio signals, and a switch (4) that is electrically connected to the sensor (3), the modem (1), and the antenna (2). The switch (4) is switchable between an amplifier branch (5) with an amplifier (6) and a receiver branch (7). This is achieved by comparing the signal strength of the radio signals with a predetermined threshold value that distinguishes a received from a transmitted radio signal. The switch (4) is switched to the amplifier branch (5) when the signal strength exceeds the threshold value. Furthermore, the switch (4) is switched to the receiver branch (7) when the signal strength falls below the threshold value.To increase the transmission power of radio signals without interfering with reception, the receiving branch (7) passes the radio signal as a receive signal to the modem (1) and the amplifier branch (5) passes the radio signal as a transmit signal to the antenna (2).