Universal Interface Board for Radio System Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication systems in remote areas often lack infrastructure to support 4-Wire E&M interfaces, hindering communication during emergency situations and limiting the integration of different communication systems like TETRA and iDEN.

Innovation Solution

A universal interface board that converts signals between a 4-wire E&M interface and an auxiliary audio interface, using a solid state relay and impedance matching module to establish communication between disparate systems, ensuring seamless voice-level integration without delay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a 4-wire E&M interface is used to patch two communication systems, then reliable communication can be established, but communication systems in remote areas cannot be integrated because they lack infrastructure support for 4-Wire E&M interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration capability between different communication systemsVSAvoidinfrastructure requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an interface board as an intermediary device that connects two different communication systems. The interface board has a 4-wire E&M interface on one side and an auxiliary audio interface on the other side, acting as a mediator that enables communication between systems that would otherwise be incompatible. This resolves the contradiction by providing integration capability without requiring both systems to have complex 4-wire E&M infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface board provides universal compatibility by supporting multiple interface types. It can interface with 4-wire E&M systems, auxiliary audio systems, and potentially other communication protocols, making it a multi-functional device that adapts to different system requirements. This universality allows remote areas with simpler auxiliary audio interfaces to integrate with more complex 4-wire E&M systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If signal conversion is performed between 4-wire E&M and auxiliary audio interfaces, then integration between different radio systems is enabled, but signal integrity and timing synchronization may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility between E&M and auxiliary audio systemsVSAvoidvoice stream integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical relay-based signal switching with solid-state electronic switching. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and contact issues, providing more reliable signal transmission. The solid-state relay maintains signal integrity while enabling the necessary signal conversion between different interface types, thus preserving voice stream reliability during adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface board performs parameter changes to adapt signals between different interface standards. It converts electrical parameters such as voltage levels, impedance, and signal formatting to match the requirements of the target interface. By carefully managing these parameter transformations, the system maintains signal integrity while achieving compatibility between dissimilar communication systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables universal integration of radio systems by converting signals between 4-wire E&M and auxiliary audio interfaces, ensuring reliable communication across different systems, independent of management data exchange, and maintaining voice stream integrity.

Implementation Method 1

triggering, at an interface board, a solid state relay to switch signaling from the first communication system to the second communication system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolid state relay switching: Relay

Implementation Method 2

Matching an impedance , by the interface board, between the first communication system and the second communication system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance matching: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentEP3850876B1Interface for integration of radio systems
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO
  • EP3850876B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3850876B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3850876B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and universal interface to perform operations comprising initiating, at a first communication system, a call to a second communication system over a 4-wire E&M interface of the first communication system by adjusting, at the first communication system, a state of an e-lead of the first communication system to a closed state; in response to the initiating, triggering, at an interface board, a solid state relay to switch signaling from the first communication system to the second communication system; and in response to the triggering, establishing the call with the second communication system over an auxiliary audio interface of the second communication system.