DE202009018162U1 - Multiswitch for satellite IF distribution - Google Patents

Abstract

Multi-switch (20) for the distribution of intermediate frequency bands of satellites, with a plurality of intermediate frequency inputs (21), which serve to feed satellite signals received by at least one antenna (10), and at least one receiver output (27) for forwarding received signals to at least one receiver (15-15c), wherein the intermediate frequency inputs (21) via a respective electrical line and a switching matrix (24) with each of the receiver outputs (27) are connected and the electrical lines between the intermediate frequency Inputs (21) and the receiver outputs (27) are selectively switchable within the switching matrix (24) to passage or blocking,
characterized in that the switching matrix (24) has two outputs (28, 29) per receiver output (27) which are each connected to the associated receiver output (30),
in that the multiswitch (20) has, for each receiver output (30), a decoder (45) which is designed to control the pass-through circuit of an IF band desired by a user on the basis of incoming control signals within the switching matrix (24),
wherein one of the two switching matrix outputs (28) with the receiver output ...

Description

The invention relates to a multi-switch for the distribution of intermediate frequency bands of satellites according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an additional circuit means, which is provided for use in conjunction with a multi-switch according to claim 1.

In addition to the cable TV DVB-C and the community antenna systems, the reception of satellite TV programs via the satellite antenna DVB-S by means of a multi-switch is the most widespread. The digital terrestrial reception DVB-T or the IPTV television, however, have a low distribution.

Television and radio programs broadcast over a satellite are broadcast in horizontal and vertical polarization in the 11-GHz range (low band) and 12-GHz range (high band). The signals are collected by means of a parabolic or planar antenna and amplified in a converter, for example a Quattro LNC (Low Noise Converter), and converted to a lower frequency. The frequency range obtained after the conversion is called satellite IF and is about 950-2150 MHz. In the following, intermediate frequency is abbreviated to ZF.

In order to be able to broadcast a large number of television programs via a satellite, the signals are transmitted in two frequency bands on two polarization planes, one vertical and one horizontal. This results in a satellite after the implementation of a total of four satellite IF bands (low band horizontal, low band vertical, high band horizontal and high band vertical).

By means of a generic multi-switch, a satellite program subscriber can choose between the satellite IF bands. For this purpose, the multi-switch is controlled via a satellite receiver. Multiswitches can also be equipped with an additional input interface for feeding in signals of a terrestrial antenna. By means of multi-switch distribution systems, the satellite programs can thus be transmitted in a star distribution to the subscriber. A so-called satellite (SAT) receiver (Set Top Box, STB) then ultimately provides the television or radio the radio and television spectrum of one or more satellites. The selection of the required polarization on the SAT receiver is realized with analogue switching signals 14 V / 18 V, 0/22 kHz and / or DiSEqC (DigitalSatelliteEquipmentControl) signals.

With this technology, it is possible to realize systems from four subscribers to SAT-IF distribution systems for more than 1000 subscribers. Larger systems are planned and built in cascade systems. A typical application find these facilities in high-rise buildings or "high rise towers" in the Middle East. The satellite antenna is usually located on the roof, and a cascade multi-switch is used per floor. In star distribution each apartment is provided with a coaxial cable. The multiswitches are electronic matrix switches for example 1-4 satellites, i. H. 4, 8, 12 or 16 polarizations. At each output, a subscriber can be connected with unrestricted reception of all programs. Parallel to the satellite programs, most multi-switches also transmit the terrestrial range of 5-862 MHz.

Generic multi-switches are each from the DE 200 08 239 U1 and the DE 20 2004 007 763 U1 known.

With these multiswitches, it is not possible to connect two SAT receivers or a twin receiver to one output of the multiswitch. Rather, a second coaxial cable would have to be relocated to an apartment or a room for a corresponding solution. However, this often requires larger construction measures.

To solve this problem, it is also known to use the so-called "channel routing" method. In this, however, the satellite receiver must be equipped with special software. All conventional SAT receivers that are on the market can not be used in such a channel routing. Furthermore, the installation and commissioning in the channel routing is complicated.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a multi-switch available in the per output two satellite receiver or a twin receiver can be connected, so that by means of an additional, to be connected to the multi-switch additional circuit means through the same output of the multi-switch both receivers or the twin receiver can be received simultaneously two programs. Furthermore, the invention has for its object to provide such an additional circuit device to be used together with the multi-switch according to the invention.

The first object is achieved by the features of claim 1. The multi-switch has several IF inputs. This may be z. B. act by four IF input interfaces per satellite. In particular, for four satellites four IF inputs, so a total of 16 IF inputs, be provided. The multi-switch has at least one receiver output which serves to forward received signals to at least one receiver. The IF inputs are connected via an electrical line and a switching matrix to each of the receiver outputs, and the electrical lines between the IF inputs and the receiver outputs can optionally be switched to blocking or blocking within the switching matrix. For example, the multi-switch may have eight receiver outputs. The switching matrix serves to switch the IF band desired by a user to the receiver output of the user.

The function of the switching matrix may also be referred to as a multiplexer function. The switching matrix has two outputs for each receiver output. These two outputs are connected to the associated receiver output. One of the two switching matrix outputs is connected to the receiver output via a converter circuit having an oscillator and a mixer. The converter circuit is configured so that a user selected IF band that has been switched through to the corresponding switching matrix output is converted to a higher frequency range. As a result, the IF band is converted to a higher frequency range, which may be, for example, 2350-3500 MHz or 2400-3450 MHz. However, the actual ZF band remains. The switching matrix is controlled by at least one decoder located in the multi-switch, which is assigned to one of the receiver outputs. The decoder sends such switching signals to the switching matrix based on incoming control signals. The incoming control signals contain the information which ZF band a user has selected.

The other of the two outputs assigned to the respective receiver output is connected to the receiver output via a line which, however, leaves a selected IF band fed by the associated line unchanged in its frequency. The line carrying the frequency-increased IF band and the line carrying the frequency-left IF band are merged into a diplexer of the multiswitch arranged in front of the receiver output. For this purpose, preferably in the line with the frequency-increased IF band is a high-pass filter, which passes only the frequency-increased IF band, and in the frequency-left IF band transmitting line, a filter that passes substantially only the frequency-left IF band, arranged. This prevents interference between the different bands. In addition, mixed products resulting from the reaction are removed.

The multiswitch according to the invention allows two satellite receivers or a twin receiver to be connected to one of each of its receiver outputs. In this way, it is possible to receive two different IF bands simultaneously, without the need for a second coaxial cable, which might require major structural measures to install.

In addition, conventional satellite receivers can be used. These also do not require DiSEqC control software. You do not need any other special software, so that the multi-switch according to the invention also has a clear advantage over the "channel routing".

Preferably, the decoder of the multi-switch according to the invention operates with DiSEqC control signals. But it is also possible to use a different control signal protocol. When using DiSEqC control signals and four SAT IF inputs, for example, eight different control signals are required per receiver output, the control signals resulting from corresponding setting of "Position and Option" to "off" and "on".

Preferably, the decoder is designed so that it can also receive and process analog control signals, so that it can give corresponding switching signals to the switching matrix. This embodiment is advantageous because then the multi-switch can also be used in a conventional manner, namely by only a single, analog control signals donating receiver is connected to a respective receiver output of the multi-switch.

The multi-switch can additionally have a terrestrial input, which serves to feed in signals received by means of a terrestrial antenna. This terrestrial input can be connected to each crossover via an appropriate distributor. For this purpose, a low pass is arranged in front of the respective crossover.

The second-mentioned object is solved by the features of claim 5. The additional circuit device has an input which serves for connection to one of the receiver outputs of the multi-switch. Furthermore, the additional circuit device has two outputs, which are provided for connection of each receiver, which may be two completely separate receiver, but may also be provided to connect a twin receiver to both outputs. A twin receiver basically includes two receivers in a housing, and it is therefore connected to both outputs, so that each one output is assigned to a "subreceiver" of the twin receiver.

Furthermore, the additional circuit device has a crossover, which is arranged behind the input, which is used for connection to the multi-switch. This crossover separates the two IF bands arriving at the input, namely the IF band left in its frequency and the IF band placed in the higher frequency range. The additional circuit device has a converter circuit with an oscillator and a mixer. The converter circuit is connected to the crossover and on the output side to one of the two outputs to which receivers are connected. The converter circuit serves to convert an IF band that has been converted into the higher frequency range back to the original frequency range.

The additional circuit device further has a line which connects the crossover with the other of the two provided for connecting a receiver outputs. Through this line, a ZF band selected by a user, which has been left unchanged in its frequency, is directed to the output.

Further, the additional circuit means has an encoder arranged to convert control signals originating from user into the control signals required by the decoder described above. The control signals arriving at the encoder are the control signals emanating from the two receivers or the twin receiver connected to the two outputs. These control signals include the information which ZF band a user has selected.

The multi-switch and the additional circuit device thus together form a complete system with which two different IF bands can be received in a simple manner via a single existing coaxial cable.

In particular, it is possible for the control signals emanating from the receivers, which contain the information about the desired IF band, to be analog control signals. Because many conventional satellite receivers send out such control signals. These may in particular be the control signals 0 Hz or 22 kHz for selecting one of two intermediate frequency ranges and 14 V or 18 V for selecting one of two polarization levels. These control signals are output by default from all receivers to select the desired IF band. This is done automatically by the program selection of a user.

Preferably, the encoder is designed to deliver DiSEqC control signals. Because this control signal protocol allows a large number of control signals. This is particularly important if you want to receive programs from more than one satellite with the multiswitch.

According to the equipment of a multiswitch according to the invention with a terrestrial input, the additional circuit device may additionally have an output for connecting a receiver, which receives signals in the terrestrial frequency range, ie in particular a television or a video recorder.

It can also be provided to integrate the additional circuit device into a satellite antenna socket. This is an embodiment in which an additional box containing the additional circuit device according to the invention, is unnecessary.

In the following the invention with reference to the prior art and embodiments will be explained in more detail, reference being made to the figures.

Show it:

1 an example of using a conventional multi-switch in an apartment building,

2 the schematic expansion of a to be connected to a satellite or planar antenna for satellite reception and to a terrestrial antenna, multi-switch according to the invention,

3 the schematic structure of an additional circuit device, as in accordance with the interaction with the multi-switch 2 is provided,

4 an application example of a multi-switch according to the invention or an additional circuit according to the invention in an apartment building.

In 1 is schematically the use of a conventional multi-switch in an apartment building 1 shown. The multi-switch is denoted by the reference numeral 2 denotes and has a power supply unit 3 , four in their entirety 4 designated IF inputs, a terrestrial input 5 and eight receiver outputs 6 on.

About each coaxial cable are the four IF inputs 4 with a receive converter 9 a parabolic antenna 10 connected. At the receiving converter 9 it is a Quattro LNB designed for four satellite IF bands is. The receive converter 9 amplifies the signals and converts them to a lower frequency within the satellite IF. The satellite intermediate frequencies may be in the range of 950-2150 MHz. Within each satellite band, two different planes of polarization, one vertical and one horizontal, may be provided, resulting in a total of four satellite IF bands. Each satellite IF band has a number of transponders, e.g. Twenty-four, each transponder having a series of television programs.

The terrestrial entrance 5 is via a coaxial cable with a terrestrial antenna 11 connected.

From the receiver outputs 6 leads a coaxial cable into one of eight apartments to a connector for a receiver that is connected to a TV. This situation is the same for all eight apartments, so that exemplifies one of these apartments 13 is designated, and the associated receiver connection, so an antenna box, with 14 , the receiver with 15 and the TV with 16 , It can be seen that when a second receiver is to be used in one of the apartments, which is to be connected to the multi-switch, a second coaxial cable should be placed in this apartment.

The multi-switch according to the invention 2 is with the reference numeral 20 designated and has four in their entirety by the reference numeral 21 designated IF inputs on. They are intended to feed the IF bands of a satellite (low band horizontal, low band vertical, high band horizontal, high band vertical).

Each of the four IF inputs 21 is via an IF amplifier 22 each with one of four inputs 23 a switching matrix 24 connected. Because the switching matrix 24 a multiplexer function, are the inputs 23 denoted by the abbreviation "MUX". Furthermore, the switching matrix 24 a total of sixteen outputs, in their entirety by the reference numeral 26 are designated. Two of these outputs each 26 are one of a total of eight receiver outputs 27 of the multiswitch 20 assigned. For example, the first two, with 28 and 29 designated outputs of the switching matrix 24 the first, with 30 assigned receiver output assigned.

A line 32 leads from the switching matrix output 28 to a crossover 33 , In the line 32 is a converter circuit 34 with an oscillator 35 and a mixer 36 arranged. The converter circuit 34 are another IF amplifier 38 and a high pass HP, which is designed for a frequency range of 2400-3450 MHz, downstream.

The second switching matrix output 29 is over a line 39 in which a bandpass filter BP designed for a frequency range of 950-2150 MHz is arranged with the crossover network 33 connected.

In addition to the IF inputs 21 points the multiswitch 20 also a terrestrial antenna input 40 on. About a terrestrial amplifier 41 is the entrance 40 with an 8-way distributor 41 connected. The distributor 41 distributes the terrestrial signals to the eight receiver outputs 27 , An example is a line 42 represented over a the low frequency TP filtering out the terrestrial frequency range of 5-862 MHz with the crossover 33 connected is.

The receiver output 30 is over the line 42 and a line 43 with a decoder 45 connected. In the line 43 is a through a coil 45 and a capacitor 46 formed low pass 47 arranged. The low pass 47 is designed to pass frequencies up to approximately 22 kHz. The decoder 45 are over control lines 48 Switching signals to the multiswitch 20 , The switching signals are used by the multiswitch 20 an IF band that a user has selected from the associated input 23 to one of the two exits 26 is switched to the respective receiver output 27 assigned to the user.

The decoder 45 is both capable of receiving analog control signals sent by a conventional receiver and correspondingly converting to control, as well as receiving and implementing DiSEqC control signals.

Because the components of the multiswitch 20 that is between the switching matrix 24 and each one of the eight receiver outputs 27 are arranged for each receiver output 27 repeat, they are not labeled with their own reference signs.

The additional circuit device according to 3 is with the reference numeral 50 denotes and has an entrance 51 on, which can be connected to one of the receiver outputs 30 of the multiswitch 20 is provided. Furthermore, the additional circuit device 50 two outputs 52 and 53 on, which are intended for connection to a receiver. A third exit 54 is intended for the connection of a television or video recorder, which receive in the terrestrial frequency range.

The entrance 51 is over a line 56 with a crossover 57 connected. Of the crossover 57 go a line 58 to the exit 53 , In the line 58 are a high pass HP for the frequency range of 2400-3450 MHz and also a converter circuit 60 with an oscillator 61 and a mixer 62 arranged. The converter circuit 60 makes sure that from the multiswitch 20 converted into the higher frequency range IF band back into the original frequency range. Through an IF amplifier 63 the ZF band is amplified.

From the crossover 57 also leads a line 65 to the receiver output 52 , In the line 65 a bandpass filter BP is arranged to pass the normal frequency range of 950-2150 MHz. About this line 65 the IF band left in its frequency reaches the receiver output 52 , Furthermore, leads from the crossover 57 a line 66 via a low-pass filter TP, which lets pass the said terrestrial frequency range, to the terrestrial output 54 ,

The additional circuit device 50 is for connecting two conventional receivers to the receiver outputs 52 and 53 intended. Such receivers send as control signals the analog control signals described above. These are via the receiver outputs 52 and 53 and each over a frequency up to about 22 kHz passing low pass 67 respectively. 68 which is formed of a coil and a capacitor, to an encoder 70 directed. This converts the analog control signals into DiSEqC control signals. At the in 3 illustrated additional circuit device 50 These are eight DiSEqC control signals. About a line 71 with another low pass 72 is the encoder 70 with the entrance 51 connected so that when connecting the input 51 with the receiver output 30 the DiSEqC control signals to the decoder 45 to get redirected.

In the event that the multiswitch 20 but over one of its outputs 27 connected only to a single conventional receiver, is the associated decoder of the multi-switch 20 designed, including these analog control signals for controlling the switching matrix 24 to be able to evaluate.

In all figures, the same features are designated by the same reference numerals. Especially in the in 4 shown application example of a multi-switch according to the invention are features that with features 1 are the same, provided with the same reference numerals. The multi-switch according to the invention in 4 is with the reference numeral 20 designated. He points as well as the conventional multi-switch 2 in 1 four IF inputs 21 and a terrestrial entrance 40 on.

Furthermore, the multiswitch has 20 eight receiver outputs 27 on. However, these receiver outputs differ from the receiver outputs 6 of the multiswitch 2 according to 1 in that it is at each output shown 27 is an exit, as in 2 shown with two out of a total of sixteen outputs 26 the one in the multiswitch 20 contained switching matrix 24 are connected.

The apartment 13 according to 4a with the first of the receiver outputs 27 connected via a coaxial cable. Because in the apartment 13 only one receiver 15 , is connected to the conventional type, the multi-switch acts 20 in a conventional way. This means in particular that he is from the receiver 15 outgoing analog control signals are decoded to select a desired IF band. The same applies to the apartments 13a . 13b . 13c and 13d ,

In the two apartments 13e and 13f However, there are two receivers each 15a and 15b installed, along with an associated respective TV 16a and 16b , With the receivers 15a and 15b These are also conventional receivers, ie they can only transmit analogue control signals. About a respective coaxial cable are the receivers 15a and 15b with a receiver connection 14a respectively. 14b connected in the form of an antenna socket.

The antenna socket 14b contains the additional circuit means 50 according to 3 , At the antenna socket 14a It is a conventional antenna box, already in the apartment 13e respectively. 13f in the room where the receiver 15a is present, was present. This means that the antenna box 14b Ensures that analog control signals from the receivers 15a and 15b be converted into DiSEqC control signals. These DiSEqC control signals are sent to the multiswitch via the coaxial cable shown 20 sent there from the corresponding decoder to control the switching matrix 24 to be decoded.

Furthermore, the antenna socket provides 14b for that one over the receiver 15b selected IF band, which in the multi-switch 20 has been converted into the higher frequency range, is converted back into the normal frequency range, namely on the Umsetzerschaltung 60 , About the connection from the antenna socket 14b to the antenna socket 14a on the other hand, this is done via the receiver 15a selected IF band, which in frequency from the multi-switch 20 was not changed, passed.

In another apartment 13g is a twin receiver 15c installed, along with one TV 16c , The twin receiver 15c , which basically has two single receivers in one housing, is via two coaxial cables with a receiver port 14c , so an antenna socket, connected. The antenna socket 14c also contains the additional circuit means 50 according to 3 , Here is the receiver 15c at their exits 52 and 53 connected. The selection by a user via analog control signals and the reception of the selected IF bands is basically the same as with the completely separate receivers 15a and 15b ,

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 20008239 U1 [0007]
• DE 202004007763 U1 [0007]

Claims (10)

Multi-switch ( 20 ) for the distribution of intermediate frequency bands of satellites, with several intermediate frequency inputs ( 21 ) for feeding by means of at least one antenna ( 10 ) received satellite signals, and with at least one receiver output ( 27 ) for forwarding received signals to at least one receiver ( 15 - 15c ), where the intermediate frequency inputs ( 21 ) via in each case an electrical line and a switching matrix ( 24 ) with each of the receiver outputs ( 27 ) and the electrical lines between the intermediate frequency inputs ( 21 ) and the receiver outputs ( 27 ) optionally within the switching matrix ( 24 ) are switchable to passage or blocking, characterized in that the switching matrix ( 24 ) per receiver output ( 27 ) two outputs ( 28 . 29 ), each with the associated receiver output ( 30 ), that the multi-switch ( 20 ) per receiver output ( 30 ) a decoder ( 45 ), which is designed based on incoming control signals within the switching matrix ( 24 ) to control the pass-through of a user-specified intermediate frequency band, one of the two switch matrix outputs ( 28 ) with the receiver output ( 30 ) via a converter circuit ( 34 ), which is an oscillator ( 35 ) and a mixer ( 36 ) and is designed, a means of the decoder ( 45 ), by the associated line ( 32 ) in a higher frequency range, and wherein the other of the two switching matrix outputs ( 29 ) with the receiver output ( 30 ) via a line ( 39 ), which is a selected one, by the associated line ( 39 ) remains unchanged in its frequency, and that the multiswitch ( 20 ) a crossover ( 33 ) to the frequency-increased and the frequency-left intermediate-frequency band in front of the receiver output ( 30 ) together. Multi-switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the higher frequency range is 2400-3450 MHz. Multi-switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the decoder ( 45 ) is designed for DiSEqC control signals. Multi-switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it ( 20 ) additionally a terrestrial input ( 40 ) for feeding in by means of a terrestrial antenna ( 11 ) received signals, wherein the terrestrial input ( 40 ) via a low-pass filter designed for a terrestrial frequency range with the crossover network ( 33 ) connected is. Additional circuit device ( 50 ) for a multi-switch ( 20 ) according to claim 1, having an entrance ( 51 ) for connection to one of the receiver outputs ( 27 ) of the multiswitch ( 20 ) and two outputs ( 52 . 53 ) for connecting a receiver ( 15 - 15c ) having a crossover ( 57 ) to the frequency-increased and the frequency-left intermediate frequency band behind the input ( 51 ), which is a converter circuit ( 60 ) with an oscillator ( 61 ) and a mixer ( 62 ) connected to the crossover ( 57 ) and one of the two outputs ( 53 ) and is designed to be activated by the multiswitch ( 20 ) converted back into the higher frequency range intermediate frequency band in the original frequency range, which further comprises a line ( 65 ), the crossover ( 57 ) with the other output ( 52 ) and a selected, in its frequency unchanged left intermediate frequency band to this output ( 52 ), and an encoder ( 70 ), which is adapted to receive control signals from the two receivers ( 15a . 15b ; 15c ) for selecting a desired by a user intermediate frequency band, in said in the decoder ( 45 ) converting control signals. Additional circuit device according to claim 5, characterized in that the encoder ( 70 ) is designed so that the receivers ( 15a . 15b ; 15c ) outgoing control signals are analog control signals. Additional circuit device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the analog control signals are a 0 Hz or 22 kHz control signal for selecting one of two intermediate frequency ranges and a 14 V or 18 V control signal for selecting one of two polarization planes is. Additional circuit device according to one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the encoder ( 70 ) is adapted to deliver DiSEqC control signals. Additional circuit device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that it ( 50 ) additionally an output ( 54 ) for connecting a receiver receiving in the terrestrial frequency range ( 16b . 16c ) having. Additional circuit device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that it ( 50 ) in a satellite antenna socket ( 14b . 14c ) is integrated.

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