EP3465954B1 - Efficient compact receive part for satellite signals via a combination of full band capture technologies - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally to the reception of several satellite planes, in particular from several satellites by several receivers or participants and, more specifically, to methods for connecting several participants to several satellite planes, in particular from several satellites, as well as a satellite receiving system for connecting several participants to several satellite planes, in particular from multiple satellites.

the US 7,010,265 B2 describes a satellite reception system in which a plurality of signals can be received from a plurality of satellites, the received signals being distributed to a plurality of tuner-demodulator units via a switch. The resulting streams are then forwarded to demultiplexers for the purpose of selecting individual programs. In a manner which is common in and of itself, as is regularly found in such headends, the selection is only controlled after the satellite signals have passed through a highly complex switching matrix.

EP 2 852 078 A1 also describes a relevant known prior art.

So far, a reception principle has essentially been used in satellite reception technology (eg in televisions, receivers or also headends). It basically consists of the interaction of a tuner with a demodulator. This functional unit is also referred to as a Network Interface Module (NIM). Satellite signals are generally in four SAT levels, differentiated according to frequency band and polarization. In order to be able to provide the correct reception signal to a NIM, the desired SAT level at the output of the SAT converter (LNB) must be selected and supplied, for example via a satellite switching matrix. The switching matrix is configured using control signals from the demodulator, using a DiSEqC command that is transmitted via the respective RF line.

The more input signals, e.g. from several satellites, are switched to many receiving units (NIMs) for simultaneous reception, the more complex the switching matrix required for this becomes.

To enable independent operation of the individual NIMs, each NIM must be supplied with its own signal line from the SAT switching matrix. If n NIMs are used, n signal lines are also required between the matrix and the NIMs.

To receive the desired transponder by the respective NIM, its demodulator is programmed by a (central) device controller. The desired reception frequency is set by the demodulator on the tuner. After the RF signal has been demodulated, the demodulator delivers a digital MPEG transport stream (MPEG-TS) at its output.

The above is in the block diagram of Figure 1 reproduced.

As mentioned, the NIMs are controlled by a (central) device controller. For this purpose, the controller evaluates available information on the channel occupancy of the satellite to be received or the desired reception frequency. Each NIM in turn communicates on the RF signal line (e.g. via DiSEqC) with the switching matrix in order to inform it which satellite level on its signal line needs to be connected individually.

The respective signal line carries the complete frequency band and thus all transponders of the connected satellite level. If several satellites are to be received at the same time, the principle of selection remains unchanged. Only the complexity of the SAT switching matrix increases, since at least eight input signal lines now have to be processed internally.

Deviating from the block diagram according to Figure 1 such a configuration is shown in the block diagram Figure 2 reproduced. Receives differently than in the first example here NIM 2 is the "HH" level of the second satellite. This configuration essentially corresponds to that in FIG US 7,010,265 B2 described system.

Furthermore, in recent years the applicant has attempted to replace individual receiving units (NIMs) with an integrated module using so-called full-band capturing technology (FBC receiver, type 1). A corresponding block diagram is in Figure 3 reproduced. The integrated component (FBC receiver, type 1) digitizes the input spectra of the four adjacent SAT levels and, after internal signal processing, outputs them as digital baseband transport streams, currently eight.

However, if more than eight satellite channels / transponders are to be received and output at the same time, as is required, for example, in headend technology, additional FBC reception modules are required. Here, too, the complex input matrix must be used for the signal feed in order to enable the FBC receiving components to operate independently. In the event that several satellites or more than four SAT levels are to be received independently of one another, the complexity of the switching matrix increases again. Like it in Fig. 3 It is clear that many signal lines have to be led to the FBC receivers type 1.

The selection process is very similar to that of discrete NIMs. The FBC receiver (type 1) is controlled by a (central) device controller. For this purpose, the controller evaluates available information on the channel occupancy of the satellite to be received or the desired reception frequencies. Each FBC module in turn communicates on the HF signal line (e.g. via DiSEqC command) with the switching matrix in order to inform it which satellite level on its signal lines must be individually switched on.

This principle only works if no more SAT levels are to be received than inputs from FBC blocks are available. For example, a receiver for three satellites and 16 transponders with only two FBC receivers (type 1) cannot be fully functional.

During investigations by the applicant, a further full band capturing technique (type 2) was tried for so-called single-cable solutions. This technology can be equated with a complex filter and converter that leaves the modulation type and the modulation content unchanged, but re-assigns the frequency position at the output. For this purpose, the complete input spectrum of the four SAT levels is digitized and, after internal signal processing, re-analogized and reproduced as a newly composed HF frequency spectrum on a signal line in frequency multiplex. For example, type 2 components are currently available, the output spectrum of which is composed of up to 24 freely selectable satellite channels / transponders on one output line. In another operating mode, several output lines can be activated, the output spectrum of which is then composed of up to 32 freely selectable satellite channels / transponders. If the frequency range at the output is expanded or if the bandwidth of the individual transponders is reduced, the number of output channels could also be greater than 24 or 32. This technology does not provide access to baseband signals (MPEG-TS).

Selection procedure: In single-cable systems, single-cable receivers (NIMs) are permanently assigned (paired) and a fixed output frequency of the single-cable matrix assigned to the receiver in order to enable the individual receivers to operate independently. With 24 output frequencies á 50MHz bandwidth in the frequency band 950 ... 2150MHz, there are correspondingly 24 receiver frequency pairs. In contrast to the first example, the tuner of each NIM always remains constant in its reception frequency. To select the desired program, the controller evaluates the information available in the single-cable receiver on the channel occupancy of the satellite to be received or the desired program. Each single-cable NIM in turn communicates on the HF signal line via DiSEqC according to the single-cable standard with the single-cable matrix in order to inform the latter which transponder from the adjacent satellite levels has to be individually switched on at its reception frequency.

A block diagram illustrating this arrangement is shown in FIG Figure 4 reproduced.

In the example 14 of 24 possible output transponders are shown. The receiver frequency pairings 1 - 4 (e.g. RTL) receive; 5 - 6 (e.g. Tele 5); 7 - 9 (e.g. ARD) and 10 - 14 (e.g. BBC) each have the same transponder.

In the output spectrum from 950-2150MHz, 14 of 24 possible transponders are occupied. Be present only once at the entrance of FBC type2 transponders which arrive at the output according to the program request, the Einkabelreceiver multiple theoretically up to 24 times with the same content but different frequency before.

In Figure 5 this fact is shown to clarify a program change. On the single-cable receiver No. 1, which requires a transponder switch (e.g. switching from RTL to ARD, Das Erste), the content of the output spectrum on the FBC type 2 is changed as requested by the receiver (No. 1) using a DiSEqC command as shown below. After the switchover, receivers 1 and unchanged 7 - 9 now receive the same transponder.

All the methods used so far, as well as the test configurations as described above, use DiSEqC as the communication standard between the receivers (NIMs, single-cable receivers or FBC type 1). The DiSEqC signals are transmitted on the HF lines. If switching matrices are used, an essential feature of the known methods is that on the signal lines to the receivers (NIMs FBC type 1), complete satellite levels are always switched on without changing the original content, and the selection of the desired transponders in the receivers (NIMs FBC type 1 ) he follows. If a type 2 FBC module according to the single-cable standard is used, transponders are mapped to its inputs, and the single-cable receiver can also be mapped several times to the output, depending on the program requirements.

The invention is based on the object of a method for connecting multiple participants to multiple satellite levels, in particular multiple satellites, and a satellite receiving system for connecting multiple participants to multiple To provide satellite levels, in particular of several satellites, in which the need for a switching matrix is reduced.

This object is achieved with the features of the independent claims; preferred configurations are defined in the dependent claims.

In particular, the invention proposes a method for connecting several participants to several satellite levels, in particular from several satellites, in which received signals from a respective satellite level are selectively converted into a multiplex signal based on requirements in such a way that frequency ranges that meet requirements are sequentially converted (with or without unused frequency ranges), and frequency ranges that do not meet any requirements, and in which the multiplex signals obtained in this way are converted into an MPEG transport stream corresponding to a frequency range, which is made available to one or more participants.

Requirements are usually programmed for this by an administrator of the headend, depending on which programs, i.e. transponders or frequency ranges, are to be made available to the subscriber, i.e. the end user, or are requested or requested by them. The requirements are therefore only seldom defined during commissioning and afterwards, for example when new transponders have been assigned or participants wish to receive programs that have not been used up to now.

The invention thus enables a significant reduction in the need for the switching matrix, which is particularly advantageous since HF signals of up to 2150 MHz have to be handled here. Therefore, complex requirements with regard to decoupling measures to be taken are also reduced. This effect is even more evident when receiving satellite planes that are present on different satellites.

The invention therefore provides for a twofold conversion, with the two conversion steps being coordinated with one another. First, the satellite signals are converted in a first step under a suitable specification into a specific multiplex signal, which is then converted again in coordination with the multiplex process in order to form corresponding MPEG transport streams.

The concept is ultimately based on a preselection of the frequency ranges to be received, which correspond to transponders, which correspond to a requirement, i.e. were programmed by the administrator based on which programs the participants or recipients want, are allowed or should receive. The method therefore provides for a preselection in such a way that frequency ranges which do not correspond to any transponder to be received are not even further taken into account and converted, e.g. B. it can be transponders that contain encrypted signals for which no key is available or transponders that contain signals from a program in a language that is not supported (-> desired / required) etc. In other words You can also find that frequency compression is performed, only further addressing the frequency ranges that are of concern. Only these are then ultimately converted into the desired MPEG streams in a further conversion process. Arranging in sequence (= frequency division multiplexing) can arrange both the relevant frequency ranges in an ordered and a disordered sequence, with or without gaps. An arrangement that has a frequency structured configuration can be advantageous, although this is no more imperative than the fact that the sequence should be continuous. When commissioning the system for the first time, however, an attempt should be made to provide a configuration structured according to frequencies. The terminology of a sequence used in the present application thus includes any arrangement of used and unused frequency ranges, with configurations structured according to frequencies being preferred in advantageous embodiments. Of course, it remains essential that information about the arrangement of the sequence and when further converting the multiplex signals obtained in this way is taken into account in each case in an MPEG transport stream corresponding to a frequency range.

The multiplex signal conversion, that is to say the first conversion step or the frequency multiplexing, advantageously contains a frequency range selection and sorting step. For example, optimized sequences can thus be configured depending on the requirements. For example, it is possible to convert all (relevant) transponders from up to 4 satellite levels, for example from one or more satellites, into a sequence or a multiplex strand, for example, in order to place them on just one input for the further conversion step (e.g. from FBC type 1) . This means that more satellite levels can be handled with fewer inputs. A selection step also enables compression since unneeded or free frequency ranges do not require any bandwidth.

Depending on what form the arrangement takes in sequence, a "sorting process" can be used, for example, with a gap-free filling of / by frequency ranges (n), which advantageously leads to lower power consumption (of the modules). On the other hand, it is also possible to provide a fixed assignment of input frequencies to "receiver units", which results in a simpler control / configuration for converting the multiplex signals, e.g. in type 1 modules.

The multiplex signals are advantageously converted in accordance with the frequency range selection and sorting step. Decoding thus takes place in the second conversion step. The two conversion steps can thus be carried out in a particularly simple manner in a coordinated manner, for example by using a common controller which carries out the arrangement in sequence and can carry out or control the conversion of the multiplex signals accordingly

The multiplex signal conversion advantageously includes successive filling of available transmission spectra, for example output spectrum FBC-TYP2. Although it cannot be completely detected, it seems to be advantageous to provide a structured frequency arrangement, particularly advantageously without gaps, in order to enable lower power consumption, but then only a reduced one appears Degree of simplification of the control / configuration with the second conversion (eg FBC of type 1) possible. It should again be pointed out that the arrangement in a row is virtually arbitrary, but structuring and / or filling can be advantageous.

The conversion of the multiplex signals advantageously includes the successive filling of available MPEG transport stream channels, which, for example, can also be embodied physically as lines. In the description provided here, it should be understood that when a line is spoken of, a specific embodiment of the general term channel is meant. Although, as mentioned, the arbitrary arrangement offers a high degree of flexibility, a structured frequency range arrangement without defects may be desirable, for example, for an initial start-up, although "reserve areas" could also be useful for later program requirements if, for example, one multiplex signal is intended for each satellite or a multiplex signal for a respective plane of a satellite.

The multiplex signals are advantageously distributed in such a way that the entire frequency spectrum corresponding to the subscriber requirements is available to each subscriber.

Even if certain participants may not / want / should not receive all programs, it is advantageous to provide all participants with all signals in accordance with the programming carried out by the administrator in order to provide maximum flexibility. In an example in which the first conversion step is carried out with type 2 modules and the second conversion step with type 1 modules, with the modules being controlled via a common controller, this means that all type 2 modules are connected to each type 1 module . The advantage of this is full flexibility in the selection of the transponder, which is received and demodulated by a Type 1 receiving unit. If there are more multiplex signals available than inputs per Type1, not every satellite can be received with every Type1 receiver. Firstly, this increases the configuration complexity. On the other hand, resources may not be able to be used.

• zumindest einen Analog/Digital/Analog-Wandler mit mehreren Eingängen zum Bereitstellen der jeweiligen Multiplexsignale; und
• zumindest einen Analog/Digital-Wandler, der mit zumindest einem, insbesondere allen Multiplexsignalen versorgt wird und jeweilige MPEG-Transportströme ausgibt.

According to another aspect of the invention, a satellite receiving system for connecting several participants to several satellites is provided, in particular designed and intended to carry out a method as defined above or in the method claims, comprising:

• at least one analog / digital / analog converter with several inputs for providing the respective multiplex signals; and
• at least one analog / digital converter which is supplied with at least one, in particular all, multiplex signals and outputs respective MPEG transport streams.

By using at least one analog / digital / analog converter with several inputs, e.g. four inputs for four satellite levels for providing respective multiplex signals; and at least one analog / digital converter, which is supplied with at least one, in particular all multiplex signals and outputs respective MPEG transport streams, it is possible, for example, to receive several satellite levels from one or possibly from several in such a way that preselection is converted into analog / digital / analog Converters (e.g. FCB type 2) in connection with reception in one or more additional analog / digital converter (s) (e.g. FCB type 1) enables significantly lower circuit diagram or layout and routing complexity.

By using, for example, two analog / digital / analog converters with four inputs each for four satellite levels of two satellites for providing respective multiplex signals; and at least one analog / digital converter, which is supplied with at least one, in particular all multiplex signals and outputs respective MPEG transport streams, it is possible, for example, to receive two satellites in such a way that preselection in the analog / digital / analog converters (e.g. B. FCB type 2) in connection with reception in one or more additional analog / digital converter (s) (eg FCB type 1) enables significantly lower circuit diagram, layout and routing complexity. Of course, it is also possible to provide several additional analog / digital converters (eg FCB type 1).

The satellite receiving system advantageously contains at least one analog / digital / analog converter, programmable or controllable by a controller, in particular designed as an FBC-TYP2 module.

It is advantageous here that analog / digital / analog converters or analog / digital converters in FBC technology require less space and power. As already mentioned, the programming is implemented by an administrator of the requirements in order to be able to satisfy the wishes of end users or participants. The programming can take place based on a fixed assignment of receiving transponders or, alternatively, based on a selection of transponders to be received, which then optionally deliver optimized, i.e. structured and optionally frequency-compressed, multiplex signals. FCB modules are also available on the market and are therefore inexpensive.

The satellite receiving system advantageously contains at least one analog / digital converter, programmable or controllable by a controller, in particular each designed as an FBC-TYP1 module.

Here, too, it is advantageous that analog / digital / analog converters or analog / digital converters in FBC technology require less space and power. It is therefore particularly advantageous if both converters are formed exclusively from FCB modules, which also enables joint control by a common controller designed for this purpose and programming by an administrator of the headend is easy to display.

Although there are various configuration or arrangement options, such as a first converter and at least two second converters or at least two first converters and a second converter, the configuration should advantageously be such that first converters or analog / digital / analog converters, in particular FBC TYPE2 modules, in a number corresponding to the satellites to be received and second converters or analog / digital converters, in particular FBC-TYP1 modules, with a number that results from the ratio of a maximum Number of output channels from a first converter or analog / digital / analog converter, in particular FBC-TYP2 module and a processing capacity and a second converter or analog / digital converter, in particular FBC-TYP1 module results.

For example, the satellite receiving system advantageously contains analog / digital / analog converters, in particular FBC-TYP2 modules, in a number corresponding to the satellites to be received and analog / digital converters, in particular FBC-TYP1 modules, with a number that is derived from the Ratio of a maximum number of output channels from a first converter or analog / digital / analog converter, in particular FBC-TYP2 module and a processing capacity and a second converter or analog / digital converter, in particular FBC-TYP1 module results. Based on currently available modules for the converter such that per Type 1 module with a processing capacity of four times eight transponders, twenty-four transponders can be received. Each type 2 module has four inputs for each level of one satellite and one output with a possible twenty-four transponders. This results in a preferred factor of three, resulting from the possible twenty-four transponders and the eight transponders each (there are also modules with two outputs, but only with only sixteen possible transponders each - this would result in a preferred ratio of one to four )

With a maximum of 24 transponders in a multiplex signal, this number can be fully converted into received and demodulated transport streams. Full flexibility can currently be guaranteed, for example, with up to 24 FBC type 1 receiving units (3 type 1 modules), otherwise not all receivers would be able to be programmed to different transponders of the same satellite. At least this applies to the fixed assignment of satellites to type 2 modules, which, as described above, is a type of sequence formation that is particularly preferable.

The satellite receiving system advantageously contains two or four analog / digital / analog converters, in particular FBC-TYP2 modules and three, six, nine or twelve analog / digital converters, in particular FBC-TYP1 modules.

Advantageously, the satellite receiving system also contains a controller that controls the at least one, in particular the at least two analog / digital / analog converters and the at least one, in particular the at least two analog / digital converters, whereby DISEqC communication, in particular on HF Connecting lines, can be avoided.

The satellite receiving system also advantageously contains a controller which controls the at least two analog / digital / analog converters and the at least one analog / digital converter, whereby DISEqC communication, in particular on HF connecting lines, can be avoided.

The use of a common controller that controls both converters or both FBC block types enables particularly effective and effective control without complex switching matrices and programming is easily possible both during initial commissioning and later adjustments by an administrator, e.g. if a The program selection has to be changed, or if a transponder change or a new frequency allocation has occurred on the satellite side

• Fig 1 zeigt ein Blockschaltdiagramm zur Erläuterung des Standes der Technik
• Fig 2 zeigt ein Blockschaltdiagramm zur Erläuterung des Standes der Technik bei Mehrsatellitenempfang
• Fig 3 zeigt ein Blockschaltdiagramm zur Erläuterung der FBC-TYP-1 Technologie.
• Fig 4 zeigt ein Blockschaltdiagramm zur Erläuterung der FBC-TYP-2 Technologie
• Fig 5 zeigt ein Blockschaltdiagramm zur weiteren Erläuterung der FBC-TYP-2 Technologie
• Fig 6 zeigt ein Blockschaltdiagramm zur Erläuterung der Prinzipen der Erfindung, basierend auf einem vereinfachten Beispiel, in dem dargestellt wird wie Signale von einem Satelliten gehandhabt werden.
• Fig 7 zeigt ein weiteres vereinfachtes Blockschaltdiagramm zur Erläuterung wie Signale von einem Satelliten auf insgesamt sechzehn MPEG-Transportströmen gewandelt werden können.
• Fig 8 zeigt ein Blockschaltdiagramm zur Erläuterung der Erfindung, wobei zwei Satelliten empfangen werden um mit einem zweiten Wandler in acht MPEG-Transportströmen gewandelt werden zu können.
• Fig 9 zeigt ein weiteres Blockschaltdiagramm zur Erläuterung der Erfindung, wobei zwei Satelliten empfangen werden um mit drei zweiten Wandlern in jeweils acht also insgesamt vierundzwanzig MPEG-Transportströmen gewandelt werden zu können.
• Fig 10 zeigt noch ein weiteres Blockschaltdiagramm zur Erläuterung der Erfindung, wobei zwei Satelliten empfangen werden, die gemultiplexten Signale aus zwei ersten Wandlern über zwei Ausgansleitungen ausgegeben werden um mit vier zweiten Wandlern in jeweils acht also insgesamt zweiundreissig MPEG-Transportströmen gewandelt werden zu können.
• Fig 11 zeigt ein Blockschaltdiagramm zur Erläuterung der Erfindung bei einem Transponderwechsel innerhalb des Spektrums eines Satelliten.
• Fig 12 zeigt ein Blockschaltdiagramm zur Erläuterung der Erfindung bei einem Transponderwechsel zwischen zwei Satelliten.

Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which the following applies:

• Fig 1 shows a block circuit diagram for explaining the prior art
• Fig 2 shows a block diagram to explain the prior art in multi-satellite reception
• Fig 3 shows a block diagram to explain the FBC-TYP-1 technology.
• Fig 4 shows a block diagram to explain the FBC-TYP-2 technology
• Fig 5 shows a block diagram to further explain the FBC-TYP-2 technology
• Fig 6 shows a block diagram to explain the principles of the invention, based on a simplified example, in which it is shown how signals from a satellite are handled.
• Fig 7 shows a further simplified block diagram to explain how signals from a satellite can be converted to a total of sixteen MPEG transport streams.
• Fig 8 shows a block circuit diagram to explain the invention, two satellites being received in order to be able to be converted into eight MPEG transport streams with a second converter.
• Fig 9 shows a further block diagram to explain the invention, wherein two satellites are received in order to be able to be converted with three second converters into eight, ie a total of twenty-four, MPEG transport streams.
• Fig 10 shows yet another block diagram to explain the invention, wherein two satellites are received, the multiplexed signals are output from two first converters via two output lines in order to be able to be converted with four second converters into eight each, i.e. a total of thirty-two MPEG transport streams.
• Fig 11 shows a block circuit diagram to explain the invention in the event of a transponder change within the spectrum of a satellite.
• Fig 12 shows a block circuit diagram to explain the invention in the event of a transponder change between two satellites.

A method as an embodiment of the invention is described below.

The signals are usually received via one or more satellite dishes equipped with LNBs. As usual, these are signals that are polarized in four planes (usually referred to as HH, VH, HL, VL). According to an important aspect of the invention, these are subjected to a preselection of the transponders to be received (in the exemplary embodiment in one or FBC module type 2 for the reception of a satellite).

In the method for connecting several participants to several satellite levels, in particular from several satellites, received signals from a respective satellite based on requirements (programmed by an administrator of the headend based on the desired program) are selectively converted into a multiplex signal in each case (first converter or digital / analog / digital converter) that frequency ranges that meet the requirements in a row and frequency ranges that do not meet any subscriber requirements do not exist. In other words, there is a selection and a multiplex of transponders, the selected transponders only appearing once at the output of FBC Type 2 as an example for the first converter. The content of the transponder remains unchanged. The frequencies are set by the controller. The term sequence is to be understood here as any arrangement by multiplexing the transponders with or without a structure, with or without gaps.

During further signal handling, the multiplex signals obtained in this way are converted (second converter or analog / digital converter) into an MPEG transport stream corresponding to a frequency range, for example by means of an FBC-TYP1 module as an example of a second converter, which MPEG transport stream is one or is made available to several participants. In other words, the reception is the type 2 preselected transponder provided on one line with a fixed assignment line 1 / input 1 corresponding to satellite 1. This means that there is no need for DiSEqC communication on the HF connection line, but rather the reception parameters can be controlled by a (central) µ-controller.

This process is schematic for a satellite in Fig 6 shown.

In Figure 7 Another simplified example is shown to show the advantageous use of two FBC types when receiving more than eight transponders from a satellite, or from up to four independent SAT levels. The transponders can be selected in any combination from the four adjacent SAT levels. The sequence of the transponders at the output can also be freely configured. Both settings are made by the central µ-controller, depending on how it has been programmed by the administrator according to requirements, for example to be able to provide participants with the programs they want, if necessary with a preselection by the administrator. It also configures the type 1 FBC reception blocks.

As shown, the transponders preselected by FBC type 2 (about 100 transponders are usually provided by the satellite in 4 satellite levels) are provided on the same line for both FBC modules of type 1 as a converted multiplex signal. With the currently available FBC Type 2, either 24 transponders are output via one line or 16 transponders each via 2 lines - only the first configuration is shown here. The fixed assignment of line 1 / input 1 corresponds to satellite 1 always applies in principle whenever a configuration as shown is used.

The maximum expansion possible for a satellite with the current modules is 24 transponders on one line. With the increasing performance of the FBC Type 2, more than 24 transponders can be displayed on one output line in the future. A second operating case, not shown here, is the use of the second output of the FBC block type 2. This means that a maximum of 16 transponders can be implemented per output. The number of times to receive The required type 1 modules result from the ratio of the maximum number of output transponders on type 2 and the number of type 1 receiving channels. The currently available modules offer 24 (one line) or 32 (two lines) output channels (type 2) and eight reception channels (type 1). This means that the current maximum configuration for receiving a satellite is 1 x FBC type 2 combined with 3 x or 4 x FBC type 1 connected by one or two signal lines.

In Figure 8 Another simplified example is shown as an embodiment of the invention to illustrate the advantageous use of the two FBC types for the reception of more than four SAT levels with only one receiver of type 1, which itself only has four input lines. The desired transponders (here only a small number of transponders were selected for the purpose of illustration - these meet requirements and have already been programmed accordingly by the administrator) from the respective satellites or independent SAT levels at the inputs of the FBC modules of type 2 are displayed one output line each concentrated. These output lines are fed to the inputs (currently up to four) of the type 1 receiver. As in the previous example, line 1 corresponds to satellite 1, line 2 corresponds to satellite 2. The central µ-controller makes the selection from the adjacent SAT levels. It also configures the type 1 FBC receive block.

Like it in Figure 8 is shown with an output spectrum of 950 .. 2150MHz that 5 of 24 possible transponders occupy input 1 on the FBC receiver type 1, whereas 3 of 24 possible transponders occupy input 2 on the FBC receiver type 1.

In Figure 9 an example is shown as an embodiment of the invention to show the advantageous use of the two FBC types for the reception of more than four SAT levels with three receivers of type 1, but which themselves only have four input lines. The desired transponders from the respective satellites or independent SAT levels at the inputs of the FBC modules of type 2 are each concentrated on one output line. These output lines are the inputs (currently up to four) of the three receivers of the type 1 supplied. As in the previous example, line 1 corresponds to satellite 1, line 2 corresponds to satellite 2. The central µ-controller makes the selection from the adjacent SAT levels. It also configures the type 1 FBC receive block.

Like it in Figure 9 is shown, the reception of the transponder by the FBC components of type 1 is divided as follows:
No. 1 receives transponders 1 - 8 from satellite 1 on line 1; No. 2 receives transponders No. 9-14 from satellite 1 on line 1 and transponders No. 15 and 16 from satellite 2 on line 2; No. 3 receives the transponder No. 17 - 24 from satellite 2 on line 2. For this advantageous, simple assignment of the reception sequence, different reception combinations are possible as long as each FBC module of type 1 is intended for the reception of a maximum of eight transponders.

In Figure 10 a further example is shown in which the previously explained is used in combination, whereby two type 2 modules each with two output lines and four type 1 modules are used and a transponder change is to be represented in a satellite. The block diagram shows a combination of the previous examples. The reception of 32 of all possible (approx. 100 per satellite) selected (requirements corresponding) transponders from two different satellites or eight independent SAT levels is shown. As in the previous examples, line 1 corresponds to satellite 1, line 2 to satellite 2. In this example, signals from both satellites are received in FBC module type 1 no. 2, while modules 1 and 3 only receive signals from one satellite. Any combination is possible in this regard. From the reception of signals from just a single SAT level of one of the satellites to complete mixed operation. The central µ-controller configures the five FBC modules.

The maximum expansion possible with the current modules is 4 satellites or 16 independent SAT levels corresponding to the number of independent input lines on the FBC module type 1 with also four inputs on the FBC module Type 2. With an increasing number of inputs, more than 4 satellites could be received with this principle in the future.

A person skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of configurations are possible, such as the multiple (parallel) use of FBC modules of both types in any combination as well as the waiver of DiSEqC communication between FBC type 1 and type 2.

The invention is particularly effective when more SAT levels are to be received than there are inputs to FBC modules of type 1 or more transponders are to be received than an FBC module of type 1 can receive.

The example shown only shows the underlying principle. Not all of the advantages of the invention result in the embodiment shown, since the FBC type 1 also has four inputs with which all four SAT levels that are connected to type 2 could be received.

In addition to the previous examples, the illustration should follow Figure 10 In particular, a further training can also be presented. In this example, the activation of the second output a on the FBC blocks type 2 will be discussed. The reception of 32 transponders from two different satellites or eight independent SAT levels is shown. As in the previous examples, line 1 corresponds to satellite 1, line 2 to satellite 2. Both outputs are activated on type 2 FBC modules. The principle of the invention remains unaffected by the activation of further outputs. In this example, signals from both satellites are received in FBC module type 1 no. 3, while modules 1; 2 and 4 only receive signals from one satellite each.

For example, the following transponder assignment can be used here: Transponder assignment FBC type 2 no.1 output 1: 16 TP from satellite 1 FBC type 2 no.1 output 2: 2 TP from satellite 1 FBC type 2 no.2 output 1: 0 TP from satellite 2 FBC type 2 no.2 output 2 : 14 TP from satellite 2

The reception of the transponders by the FBC modules of type 1 is divided as follows: No. 1 receives transponders 1 - 8 from satellite 1 on line 1; # 2 receives transponders # 9-16 from satellite 1 on line 1; No. 3 receives transponders No. 17 and 18 from satellite 1 on line 1 and transponders No. 19 to 24 from satellite 2 on line 2; No. 4 receives the transponders No. 25 - 32 from satellite 2 on line 2. The activation of the corresponding output lines on the FBC modules type 2 is controlled via the central µcontroller.

In Figure 11 a further example is shown, based on a software-supported solution. Fixed input frequencies are assigned to the receivers (type 1). The configuration is done in such a way that, for example, the first eight output frequencies in the spectrum (950 - 2150MHz) are always received by receiver no.1, the following eight frequencies are received by receiver no.2 etc. (assumption: type 1 can receive a maximum of eight frequencies) . This definition applies to all four input lines.

The person skilled in the art will recognize that both a successive arrangement (to minimize power) and a frequency arrangement can be used that are permanently assigned to type 1 receiving units. Obviously, the programming will have to be carried out accordingly by the administrator of the head end.

The reception example shown in the previous illustrations with the strictly ordered mapping of the input transponder to the output of the FBC type 2 modules is an ideal configuration for headends which, however, also has to be changed while the system is running (e.g. due to a change of transponder by the satellite operator). If the new reception situation only affects one satellite, the original transponder is replaced by the new one at the exit of the affected one FBC block (type 2) replaced at the same output frequency. Any settings that may differ for receiving the new transponder (eg symbol rate) are made on receiver type 1 (here no. 1). The transport stream (in the example TS ₃ ) contains the programs of the new transponder after the reconfiguration. To ensure uninterrupted operation of the system, all other configurations are retained (see Figure 5 / Example 1 according to the invention).

If the transponder change affects several satellites or FBC modules of type 2, the affected output transponders are output on these modules with the same frequency on the cable assigned to the satellite / FBC module. This is in Figure 12 shown. On the type 1 receiver, the receive frequency is now received at the corresponding (new) input. All configuration settings are made by the controller. After the reconfiguration, the transport stream TS ₃ contains the programs of the new transponder from satellite 2 (see example 2).

For the initial configuration of such a system (especially when receiving several satellites), the ordered configuration of the FBC modules of type 2, structured according to frequencies, should be aimed for. This can, among other things, reduce the power requirement of the receiving modules.

• Anzahl der FBC-Empfänger Typ1: (X)
• Kanalzahl je der FBC-Empfänger Typ1: (Y)
• Eingänge je FBC-Empfänger Typ1: (Z)
• Anzahl der FBC-Empfänger Typ2: (A)
• Ausgänge der FBC-Empfänger Typ2: (B)
• Eingänge je FBC-Empfänger Typ2: (C)
• Kanalzahl je Ausgangsleitung wenn nur ein Ausgang jedes FBC-Empfänger Typ2 aktiv ist: (M)
• Kanalzahl je Ausgangsleitung wenn mehrere Ausgänge der einzelnen FBC-Empfänger Typ2 aktiviert sind: (N)
• Daraus ergeben sich folgende Formeln zur Berechnung der maximalen Transponderzahl (T) sowie die maximal mögliche Zahl von Satelliten (S) (je vier Eingangsleitungen) bzw. unabhängigen SAT-Ebenen (E) die empfangen werden können.
• T = X * Y für M >= X * Y (nur ein Ausgang jedes FBC-Empfänger Typ2 aktiv)
• T = X * Y für B * N >= X * Y (mehrere Ausgänge der einzelnen FBC-Empfängers Typ2 aktiv)
• S = ((A * C) / 4)) für S <= Z
• E = A * C) für E:C <= Z

In order to be able to design a method or a system according to the invention, it is possible to use the following calculations:

• Number of FBC receivers type 1: (X)
• Number of channels for each FBC receiver type 1: (Y)
• Inputs per FBC receiver type 1: (Z)
• Number of FBC receivers type 2: (A)
• Outputs of the FBC receiver type 2: (B)
• Inputs per FBC receiver type 2: (C)
• Number of channels per output line if only one output of each FBC receiver type 2 is active: (M)
• Number of channels per output line if several outputs of the individual FBC receiver type 2 are activated: (N)
• This results in the following formulas for calculating the maximum number of transponders (T) and the maximum possible number of satellites (S) (four input lines each) or independent SAT levels (E) that can be received.
• T = X * Y for M> = X * Y (only one output of each FBC receiver type 2 active)
• T = X * Y for B * N> = X * Y (several outputs of the individual FBC receiver type 2 active)
• S = ((A * C) / 4)) for S <= Z
• E = A * C) for E: C <= Z

In summary, the invention can drastically reduce the need for a complex SAT switching matrix, which can lead to considerable savings potential as well as faster processing. Additional damping measures are only required to a reduced extent.

Claims (11)

1. Method for connecting a plurality of subscribers to several satellite planes, in particular from several satellites, in which in a first conversion step received signals of the corresponding satellites are selectively converted based on subscriber requirements into a corresponding multiplex signal, such that frequency ranges corresponding to subscriber requirements are present in a signal line in the frequency multiplex, and that frequency ranges not corresponding to subscriber requirements are not present therein, and in which in a second conversion step a converting occurs of each of the so obtained multiplex signals into an MPEG transport stream, corresponding to a frequency range, which is provided to one or more subscribers,
   wherein the first conversion step for providing the corresponding multiplex signals contains an analog/digital/analog conversion with subsequent steps based on Full Band Capturing, FBC, Type 2 receiver technology: digitalization of the input spectrum of four satellite planes, signal processing as well as re-analogization and reproduction as a newly composed HF frequency spectrum in a signal line in the frequency multiplex, and wherein in the second conversion step an analog/digital conversion of at least one, in particular all, of multiplex signals occurs and corresponding MPEG transport streams are output, wherein by means of Full Band Capturing, FBC, Type 1 receiver technology the input spectra of four adjacent satellite planes are digitized and output as digital based band transport streams after internal signal processing.
2. The method of claim 1, in which the converting of multiplex signals of the first conversion step contains a frequency range selection and sorting step, in particular a frequency-structured arranging in a sequence.
3. The method of claim 2, in which the converting of the multiplex signals of the second conversion step occurs according to the frequency selection and sorting step.
4. The method of one of claims 1 to 3, in which the converting of multiplex signals of the first conversion step comprises a successive filling of available transmission spectra.
5. The method of one of claims 1 to 4, in which the converting of the multiplex signals of the first conversion step comprises a successive filling of available MPEG transport stream channels or lines.
6. The method of one of claims 1 to 5, in which multiplex signals are distributed such that to each subscriber the entire frequency spectrum corresponding to requirements is available.
7. Satellite reception system for connecting several subscribers to several satellite planes, in particular of several satellites, configured and intended to conduct a method of one the claims 1 to 6, comprising:

   at least one, in particular two first analog/digital/analog converters for providing the corresponding multiplex signals of the first conversion step, wherein the at least one, in particular two analog/digital/analog converter/s is/are designed as FPC-TYPE2-component,

   wherein each FPC-TYPE2-component is configured such that it digitizes, signal-processes and re-analogizes, as well as reproduces as newly composed HF frequency spectrum in a signal line in the frequency multiplex, the input spectrum of four satellite planes; and at least one, in particular at least two second analog/digital converters that is/are supplied with all multiplex signals and output corresponding MPEG transport streams of the second conversion step, wherein the at least one, in particular the at least two second analog/digital converter/s is/are designed as FPC-TYPE1-component, wherein each FPC-TYPE1-component is configured such that it digitizes and, after internal signal processing; outputs, as digital base band transport streams, the input spectra of four adjacent satellite planes.
8. The satellite reception system of claim 7, in which the at least one, in particular the at least two, first analog/digital/analog converter/s is/are designed to be programmable or controllable by a controller.
9. The satellite reception system of claim 7 or 8, in which the at least one, in particular the at least two second analog/digital converters is/are designed to be programmable or controllable by a controller.
10. The satellite reception system of one of claims 7 to 9, comprising first analog/digital/analog converters in a number corresponding to the satellites to be received and second analog/digital converters in a number that results from the ratio of a maximum number of output channels of a first analog/digital/analog converter and a processing capacity of an analog/digital converter.
11. The satellite reception system of one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a controller that controls the at least one, in particular the at least two first analog/digital/analog convert-er/s and the at least one, in particular the at least two second analog/digital converter/s, by means of which a DISEqC communication in HF connection lines can be avoided.

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