Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention generally relates to satellite distribution systems, more particularly
to multiswitches for satellite intermediate frequency signal with several modes of
operation and the selection of these modes.
Background of the Invention
[0002] In a typical satellite distribution system, a satellite dish captures the satellite
signal and a Low Noise Block downconverter (LNB) converts the high frequency signal
to four intermediate frequency (IF) satellite signals that are each put on a separate
cable, for example a coaxial cable. Such an intermediate frequency or IF signal is
divided in smaller bands, transponders, each containing one or more TV, radio or data
channels. If more than one satellite dish is used, for example for the reception of
signals from multiple satellites, again four extra cables are needed per dish. All
these cables are then connected to the inputs of a satellite multiswitch or distribution
device. Receiving devices such as Set Top Boxes (STB's) are then connected to the
output of these multiswitch by a single cable. Typically the multiswitch also offers
outputs for cascading the inputs to these outputs so that another multiswitch may
on its turn be connected to the first multiswitch.
[0003] Several categories of multiswitches are known. A first category is the legacy multiswitch
where the end user selects the IF signal of choice and the multiswitch puts the signal
from the selected input to the output and, thus, to the receiver of the end user.
The command for this selection is generated by the receiver and runs over the same
cable as the selected satellite signal. The disadvantage of this category of multiswitches
is that all devices connected by the same cable to the multiswitch can only select
transponders from the same IF signal at the input of the switch. Therefore, when using
for example a twin-tuner receiver for concurrent viewing and recording, still two
cables are needed.
[0004] A second known category of multiswitches are the so called Channel Stacking Systems
or Switches (CSS) operating in a channel stacking mode. This type of multiswitches
enable the selection of a single transponder from an IF signal by a receiving device.
The switch will then filter the selected transponder from the IF input signal and
mix it on a specific carrier frequency dedicated to the receiving device. This way
several receiving devices (or tuners) can be put on the same cable connected to the
multiswitch whereby each receiving device is allocated a specific carrier frequency.
In this mode of operation, the multiswitch can thus select different transponders
from different input IF signals and put them on the same output.
[0005] In a single installation there is high probability that both the legacy and CSS mode
will need to be supported as not all receivers on the market support both modes. Therefore,
hybrid or multi-mode satellite distribution devices are also availabe supporting both
modes.
[0006] In the SPAUN product catalogue, page 56, as retrieved from http://www.spaun.de/pdf/spaun_16_en.pdf
on 28/05/2013, a manually operated selector is available on the distribution device.
In a first position of the switch, eight receivers can be connected on a single output
in the Channel Stacking mode and the two other outputs are then configured in legacy
mode. In a second position of the switch, three receivers can be connected to each
of the three outputs, all operating in Channel Stacking mode.
[0007] However, the manually operated switch has the disadvantage that any incompetent user
can change the setting of the switch when having access to the device. In a typical
installation, the products are more or less accessible to everyone entering the building,
so potentially everyone can change the setting of the switch, interrupting the reception
at the receiver of an end user. This can bring an extra cost to the end user and/or
to the installation company to fix such an issue.
[0008] In
US7130576, in for example the embodiment of Figure 12, this disadvantage is solved by an automated
and electronically operated mode selection. In this case, the switch detects the communication
protocol used by the receiver, i.e. either legacy or channel stacking mode, and configures
the output of the switch accordingly in an automated way.
[0009] The automated electronically operated mode selection has the disadvantage that the
selection of the available modes are then within the software and hardware of the
switch and, therefore, cannot be changed out of factory, for example from the side
of the end user.
[0010] Though this solution offers an easier installation process to the end user without
the need for an intervention from an installer, in practical cases only a handful
of end users will be able to install, program and use the receiver. Therefore, in
almost all cases an intervention from a professional installer will be needed to start
up the new receiver, so while doing that, he can also set the satellite distribution
multiswitch in the correct mode without the need for an extra intervention and the
according costs. More-over, a professional installer still prefers to have the ability
to select the mode himself and not to have it done in an automated way beyond his
control. This is especially useful during start up or setup of a receiver or multiswitch
and in case of trouble shooting where the professional installer needs a manual selection
of the mode in order to analyse the problem.
[0011] An extra disadvantage in both of the above solutions is that it is not future proof.
In both implementations the mode selection is fixed in the device. When a new operating
mode comes available, the multiswitch satellite distribution unit has to be sent to
the factory to be re-programmed. This is bringing unwanted interruption in a time
frame of days or weeks of the satellite and terrestrial TV reception to the end user.
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages.
Summary of the Invention
[0013] Accordingly the invention relates, in a first aspect, to a satellite distribution
device comprising a plurality of input connectors, each configured to receive an intermediate
satellite signal frequency band from an input cable, each of the intermediate satellite
signal frequency bands comprising a plurality of satellite transponders. The distribution
device further comprises an output connector configured to transmit an output satellite
signal to an output cable and a controller connected to the input connectors and the
output connector. The controller comprises a plurality of transponder selection modules,
each associated with a corresponding mode of operation, each transponder selection
module configured to generate the output satellite signal such that it comprises one
or more of said satellite transponders in function of said corresponding mode of operation.
The controller further comprises a mode selection module configured to provide the
output satellite signal of a selected transponder selection module to the output connector
according to a selected mode of operation out of the plural modes of operation. The
mode selection module is further configured to receive a dedicated mode selection
command indicative for the selected mode of operation out of the plural modes of operation
from a mode selection connector.
[0014] It is an advantage that the mode cannot be selected directly by means accessible
to unauthorized persons, so no unauthorized changing of the modes is possible as unauthorized
persons will not be able to issue the dedicated mode selection command. As the mode
selection is based on a dedicated command an installer can easily change between modes
of operation independently from other information received from the output connector.
[0015] According to an embodiment the mode selection connector is the output connector.
[0016] This allows sending the mode selection command from any place where the satellite
output signal can be received, for example near the receiver installed at the end
user.
[0017] Advantageously the satellite signal distribution device further comprises a plurality
of cascade output connectors each being connected to a corresponding input connector
and configured to output a cascade output satellite signal comprising the intermediate
satellite signal frequency band received on the corresponding input connector to a
cascade output cable.
[0018] This allows the daisy chaining of several satellite signal distribution devices in
order to make use of the same satellite dish while having more output connectors available.
[0019] In a further embodiment, the selected transponder selection module is further configured
to receive a transponder selection command from the output connector, where the transponder
selection command is different from the dedicated mode selection command and comprises
transponder selection information identifying at least one selected satellite transponder.
The selected transponder selection module is also configured to generate the output
satellite signal such that its satellite transponders comprise the selected satellite
transponders.
[0020] This allows selecting the transponders from any receiving device connected to the
output of the distribution device while the selection of the mode in which the receiving
device can operate is independent from the selection commands selecting the transponders.
[0021] According to a further embodiment, the controller comprises a first transponder selection
module associated with a first, legacy mode of operation from the plurality of modes
of operation, that is configured to generate the output satellite signal such that
it comprises all satellite transponders from the intermediate satellite signal frequency
band comprising said selected satellite transponders.
[0022] This allows the selection of transponders from a single input within the mode selected
by the dedicated mode selection command.
[0023] The controller may further comprise a second transponder selection module associated
with a second, channel stacking mode of operation from the plurality of modes of operation.
This second mode is configured to generate an output satellite signal such that it
comprises only the selected satellite transponders.
[0024] This allows the selection of multiple transponders from several inputs within the
mode selected by the dedicated mode selection command.
[0025] In the channel stacking mode of operation, the transponder selection command further
comprises a receiver device identifier comprising information identifying the receiver
device from which the transponder selection command originated. The second transponder
selection module is then configured to generate a satellite output signal in which
the one or more selected satellite transponders are each transferred to a predetermined
output signal frequency associated with the receiver device identifier.
[0026] This allows to connect multiple receivers to a single output, each receiver having
assigned a unique carrier frequency depending on its identifier.
[0027] According to an embodiment, the plural modes of operation comprise a transponder
blocking mode of operation. The mode selection module is then further configured to
provide none of the outputs of the transponder selection modules to the output connector
upon reception of a dedicated mode selection command indicative for the transponder
blocking mode of operation.
[0028] This allows to selectively disable the output of the distribution device without
physically removing the cable attached to it.
[0029] According to a further embodiment, the plurality of transponder selection modules
comprise at least one limited transponder selection module, associated with a corresponding
mode of operation. The limited transponder selection module is configured to generate
the output satellite signal such that it comprises one or more of the satellite transponders
received from a predetermined subset of the plurality of input connectors.
[0030] This allows to block an output and thus a receiver from one or more inputs. This
can be useful when an attached receiver is only fitted to receive a certain number
of inputs or only inputs from a single antenna dish.
[0031] Advantageously the controller further comprises a memory and the mode selection module
is further configured to:
- write the selected mode of operation to this memory when receiving the dedicated mode
selection command; and
- read the selected mode of operation from the memory before providing the output satellite
signal of a selected transponder selection module to the output connector according
to the selected mode of operation.
[0032] It is an advantage that the mode setting for a certain output is memorized in order
to restore the mode after the distribution device has been switched off or after a
reset of the device.
[0033] In a further embodiment the selection command and/or transponder command is based
on the protocol of Digital Satellite Equipment Control (DiSEqC). By defining the selection
command as an extension of the DiSEqC protocol, the selection and transponder command
will not interfere with each other and a seamless integration in existing setups is
possible.
[0034] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an assembly comprising the
satellite distribution device according to the first aspect and an external mode programming
device. This programming device comprises a first connector connected over the output
cable to the output connector or to the mode selection connector of the satellite
signal distribution device. The programming device further comprises generating means
configured to generate the dedicated mode selection command and transceiving means
configured to transmit the dedicated mode selection command over the first connector
to the output connector or to the mode selection connector of the satellite signal
distribution device.
[0035] This way the distribution device can easily be configured by an installer by connecting
the programmer to the device. The programmer can be reused to program other distribution
devices. When the programmer is removed, the mode of operation cannot be altered by
any receiver.
[0036] Advantageously the generating means comprises a selector configured to select said
selected mode of operation. The transceiving means may also comprise a switch configured
to activate the transmitting of the dedicated mode selection command comprising the
selected mode of operation from said selector.
[0037] The external mode programming device may further comprise a second connector connectable
to at least one receiver device and cascading means configured to cascade said output
satellite signal from said first connector to said second connector.
[0038] This allows to configure the device near an end user device by inserting the programmer
in between the receiver and the wall socket of the receiver cable. This way the installer
can easily check if the programming was successful. No other cables or connections
are further needed for the programming.
[0039] Advantageously the second connector is configured to receive the transponder selection
command; and the cascading means are further configured to cascade the transponder
selection command from the second connector to the first connector.
[0040] The assembly may then further comprise at least one receiver device; wherein each
of the receiver devices comprise a connector connected to the second connector of
the programming device and means for generating the transponder selection commands.
[0041] This allows to perform the programming of the mode of operation while the receiver
is operational. This also allows to leave the programming device between the receiver
and the distribution device after setup so the end-user can use it himself.
[0042] According to a third aspect the invention also relates to the external programmer
for use in the assembly according to the second aspect.
[0043] In an embodiment of the external programmer the means for generating the dedicated
mode selection command and the means for transceiving the dedicated mode selection
can be controlled by means of a control signal received from a communication interface
configured to interact with one or more of the following communication networks: the
internet, a Local Area Network, I2C, a dedicated serial bus or a mobile telephone
wireless network.
[0044] An advantage of this is that the external programmer can be remotely accessed without
the need for a professional installer to come on site.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0045] Figure 1 illustrates a satellite distribution device according to a preferred embodiment
and an external programmer according to a further embodiment;
[0046] Figure 2 illustrates a further embodiment of the satellite distribution device;
[0047] Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the satellite distribution device.
[0048] Figure 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the external programming device.
Detailed Description of Embodiments
[0049] Figure 1 shows a signal distribution device 1 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. A satellite dish 8, typically installed on the roof or the side of a building
picks up a high frequency satellite signal. This signal is reflected by the dish and
focussed on a Low Noise Block downconverter (LNB) 9. This LNB downconverts the high
bandwidth, high frequency satellite signal in blocks to an intermediate frequency
(IF) signal. The IF signal is then put on a cable 3, for example a coaxial cable.
Due to the bandwidth limitations of the cable 3, the IF signal has a typical frequency
range of 950MHz-2150MHz providing a useful bandwidth of 1.2GHz. As the high frequency
satellite signal has a much higher bandwidth, typically in the order of several GHz
the LNB outputs several IF signals on several cables to cover the complete satellite's
bandwidth. The signal bandwidth of the satellite signal and thus also the IF signal
11 is divided in transponders 10 with a limited bandwidth. The bandwidth of one such
a transponder is typically between 20 and 36MHz depending on the symbol rate and properties
of the satellite. The distribution device 1 comprises several input connectors 2 connected
to the cables 3 from the LNB. Each input connector is thus configured to receive such
an intermediate satellite signal frequency band or IF signal 11 from an input cable
and every IF signal comprises a plurality of satellite transponders 10 . The distribution
device 1 also comprises at least one output connector 4. A controller 5 in the device
1 connected to the input connectors 2 and output connector 4 is used to take transponders
from the signals on the input connectors and make them available on the output connector
4 as an output satellite or IF signal 18 that is then transmitted over an output cable
13 connected to the output connector 4. This output signal 14 again comprises transponders
14 with a limited bandwidth at an intermediate frequency.
[0050] According to a further embodiment the distribution device may comprise additional
cascade output connectors 12. The controller 5 then cascades the IF signals on the
input connectors to these output connectors 12. Every cascade output connector 12
is thus connected to a respective input connector 2. The cascade output connector
12 is then further configured to output a cascade output signal comprising the input
satellite signal to a cascade output cable 27. This way another distribution device
1 may be connected with its inputs 2 to the cascade output connectors of the first
device. This allows the daisy chaining of several distribution devices to a single
LNB output of a satellite dish. This setup may be used in Multi Dwelling Units (MDU's)
where several households or end users are within the same building or premises. Typical
MDU's are for example hospitals, apartment buildings, hotels.
[0051] The controller 5 comprises a plurality of transponder selection modules 6 and a mode
selection module 7. Each transponder selection module 6 is associated with a corresponding
mode of operation of the distribution device 1. A transponder selection module is
configured to generate the output IF signal 18 such that it comprises one or more
of the satellite transponders 14 from the input signals 11. How this is exactly done
depends on the corresponding mode of operation for that transponder selection module.
[0052] According to an embodiment the transponder selection module generates the output
IF signal 18 from the input signal 11 in function of commands identifying at least
one of the selected transponders that are comprised in the output signal. According
to this embodiment these transponder selection commands are received from the output
connector 4. Typically these transponder selection commands are generated by a receiver
connected to the output connector 4. For example, when a user selects a certain TV
channel on his Set Top Box (STB), the STB will identify the needed transponder and
send a transponder selection command identifying the requested transponder to the
distribution device over the output connector 4.
[0053] A mode selection module 7 in the controller selects the output IF signal from one
of the transponder selection modules 6 and provides it to the output connector 4.
The mode selection module does this according to a selected mode of operation from
all modes of operation each associated with a transponder selection module. According
to this embodiment, in order to make a mode selection, the mode selection module receives
a separate dedicated command from the output connector 4 indicating the selected mode
of operation. In Figure 1 this command is extracted from the signal on the output
connector in 15. The command may then further steer a switch 16 that connects the
output connector 4 with the appropriate transponder selection module 6 according to
the selected mode of operation.
[0054] Figure 2 illustrates two types 31 and 32 of transponder selection modules 6 according
to a preferred embodiment. The first type of transponder selection module is associated
with a legacy mode of operation. In this mode, the transponder selection module 31
receives and retrieves in block 33 a transponder selection command. The transponder
selection module 31 then identifies the corresponding input IF signal comprising the
selected transponder and puts this complete IF signal to its output 36. If the mode
selection module then receives a command to operate in legacy mode, the output 36
will be made available on the output connector 4. The output signal is thus generated
in such a way that it comprises all satellite transponders form the IF signal comprising
the selected transponder. This generation of the signal at output 36 may be implemented
by a switch 34 that enables switching between the available input IF signals 35 and
thus the available input connectors 2. In the legacy mode of operation, it is thus
not possible to concurrently select transponders from different input IF signals.
[0055] A second type of transponder selection module 32 is associated with a channel stacking
mode of operation from the possible modes of operation. In this mode, the transponder
selection module 32 receives and retrieves in block 43 a transponder selection command
for selecting a transponder from a selected input IF signal. The input signal comprising
the selected transponder is identified and selected by the switching block 45. After
this selection, the selected input IF signal 46 comprising the selected transponder
is connected to block 38. In block 38 the output signal 44 is generated comprising
only the selected transponder on a selected carrier frequency f1 specific to this
block 38. The transponder selection module 32 may have several blocks 38 annotated
with the supported output carrier frequency f1 to fn for the selected transponder
in Figure 2. The switching block 45 then has as many inputs as there are input IF
signal and as many outputs as there are blocks 38. In other words, the transponder
selection module 32 can select as many transponders at once as there are blocks 38
available. All the signals 44 are then added together in the mixer 37 to produce the
output signal 39 of the transponder selection module 32.
[0056] According to a preferred embodiment and in case of the channel stacking mode, every
time the transponder selection module receives a transponder selection command to
select a specific transponder from an STB, the STB sends a receiver device identifier
that identifies the receiver device that generated the transponder selection command.
In block 43, every STB is associated with a specific carrier frequency ranging from
frequency f1 to fn and is thus associated with a specific block 38. As many receivers
can thus be supported as there are blocks 38 available in the transponder selection
module where every receiver is allocated a different carrier frequency from the range
f1 to fn.
[0057] The block 38 for generating the signal 44 comprising the selected transponder at
the selected carrier frequency f1 to fn may for example be implemented by a mixer
47 followed by a filter 48. The mixer converts the carrier frequency of the selected
transponder from the selected input signal 46 to the selected carrier frequency specific
to the block 38. The filter 48 then filters the mixed signal such that the output
signal 44 only contains the selected transponder at the selected carrier frequency
specific to the block 38. It is clear that, depending on the roll-off properties of
the filter, neighbouring unwanted transponders around the selected transponder may
still partly pass through.
[0058] The distribution device 1 may further comprise a third mode of operation or blocking
mode of operation. In this blocking mode the mode selection module is further configured
to provide none of the outputs of the transponder selection modules 6 to the output
connector. This mode may be implemented by having a switch position 40 for the switch
16 in the mode selection module where none of the outputs 36 or 39 are connected to
the output connector 4. Alternatively this may be accomplished by switching of the
power supply to the transponder selection modules (6). In the blocking mode of operation
none of the transponders from the input IF satellite signals can be put on the output
connector regardless of the transponder selection commands that are sent from a receiver
device. This allows to disconnect a receiver device or STB 17 from the distribution
device 1 without the need to physically unplug cables. This may be done when, for
example, the end user of the STB 17 has not paid his subscription fee. In typical
installations, the user will still be able to receive terrestrial signals, if they
are handled by the distribution device 1.
[0059] It is clear that although in the embodiment of Figure 1 and Figure 2 there is shown
a single controller 5 associated with a single output connector 4, according to alternative
embodiments the satellite distribution device 1 could comprise a plurality of such
controllers 5 connected to the input connectors and each associated with a corresponding
output connector 4.
[0060] According to a further embodiment as illustrated in Figure 3, the distribution device
1 may also further comprise a fourth mode of operation or limiting mode of operation
associated with one or more limited transponder selection modules 51, 52. These limiting
transponder selection modules are configured to generate an output satellite signal
such that it comprises one or more of the satellite transponders from a predetermined
subset of the input connectors. As shown in Figure 3, the transponder selection modules
31 and 32 receive all input satellite IF signal from the input connectors 2. As schematically
shown, four input IF satellite signals come from a first satellite and four other
input IF satellite signals come from a second satellite connected to the distribution
device 1. The limited transponder selection modules 51 and 52 only receive a subset
of the input IF satellite signals. Limited transponder selection module 51 receives
a subset comprising the four input signals from Satellite 1 and limited transponder
selection module 52 receives a subset comprising the four input signals from Satellite
2. Limited transponder selection modules 51 and 52 may further be configured to operate
similarly as the legacy or channel stacking transponder selection modules 31 or 32
described above or any other suitable transponders selection module, for example comprising
a combination of a limited transponder selection module and a legacy 31 or channel
stacking 32 module. It is clear that although in Figure 3 the transponder selection
modules 31, 32 and limited transponder selection modules are schematically shown to
be distinct blocks, they could be formed by means of hardware components that are
used in common. According to a further alternative embodiment the connections between
limited transponder selection modules and input connectors 2 may be configurable by
a suitable switching device. According to a mode of operation a module may then be
operated in either legacy or channel stacking mode and may receive inputs form either
Satellite 1, 2 or both as determined by the configuration of this switching device
in function of the dedicated mode selection commands.
[0061] The embodiment of Figure 3 has been described by a distribution device connecting
to two satellite dishes, but is not limited thereto. The distribution device 1 may
also be connected to more than two satellite dishes, each dish receiving IF satellite
signals from different satellites. This way an end user may for example receive European,
Asian and American TV channels at the same time. This way the distribution device
1 may comprise, for example, 4 by 4 input channels, i.e. four input channels from
4 satellite dishes, resulting in 16 input IF signals.
[0062] The mode selection module may further comprise a memory 42. When a mode selection
command comprising a selected mode of operation is received 15, the mode of operation
is written to this memory 42. Then, for example after a reset or power-up of the device
1 when no mode selection command has been received, the mode selection module reads
the selected mode of operation from the memory 42 and provides the output satellite
signal of a transponder selection module to the output connector 4 according to the
read selected mode of operation. In order to retain the values of the selected mode
in the memory after a cut of the power supply, it is preferred that the memory is
a non-volatile memory.
[0063] In most satellite distribution devices available on the market, transponder selection
commands generated by the STB or receiver are encoded according to a protocol based
on DiSEqC. With this protocol bidirectional data signals and power can be transmitted
and received over a coaxial cable without interfering with the IF satellite signals.
Therefore, according to a further embodiment, the dedicated mode selection command
may also be encoded and put on the output connector based on an extension of the DiSEqC
protocol.
[0064] As further illustrated with respect to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, an external
programmer or external mode programming device 21 may be connected to the output 4
of the distribution device 1. This programmer comprises a first connector 22 to connect
to the output connector 4 of the device 1 over a cable 13, for example a coaxial cable.
This external programmer comprises means 23 for generating the dedicated mode selection
command and transceiving means 28 to transmit the command over the cable 13 to the
mode selection module 7 in the distribution device 1. The selector may be a rotatable
selector 23 where every position of the selector corresponds to one of the modes of
operation of the distribution device 1. The programmer 21 may then further comprise
a switch 24 which, after pressing, activates the transmission of the command to the
distribution device 1. The transceiving means 28 may also be configured to receive
commands and/or information from the mode selection module 7 in the distribution device
1. For example, the transceiving means 28 in the programmer 21 may receive information
on the already selected mode of operation in the distribution device 1. A suitable
indicator means, such as for example a LED, a suitable display or any other suitable
display menas on the programmer may then indicate the currently selected mode of operation
to the professional installer using the external programmer.
[0065] In a further embodiment of the external programmer 21 a second connector 25 is present
on the programmer making it connectable to a connector 26 of a receiving device 17
which is normally directly connectable to the distribution device 1. Using cascading
means, the programmer then cascades signals, for example the satellite IF signal and
transponder selection commands, from the first connector to the second connector and
vice versa. Such cascading means can be suitably implemented in the transceiver 28,
but according to an alternative embodiment the cascading means could also be formed
by alternative means such as for example a direct connection between the first connector
22 and the second connector 25. This allows to connect a receiver or STB to the programmer
and thus to the distribution device and have it operational while the programmer is
connected to the distribution device over the same connection 4. The STB 17 can then
send transponder selection commands to the distribution device 10 and receive the
output IF signal 14 from the distribution device while the external programmer is
connected in between. This facilitates the setup of an STB or receiver by an installer
as he can directly verify the functioning of the mode selection by the programmer
on the STB or receiver. For example, when an STB can only select transponders in channel
stacking mode from two input connectors, the installer chooses a mode with the external
programmer that corresponds to the channel stacking and blocking all but two input
connectors. The installer can then directly verify on the STB if transponders from
input satellite signal 11 from these two input connectors can be selected. This way,
the external programmer may also be left between the STB and distribution device after
setup leaving the end user with the possibility to modify the mode of operation afterwards,
for example when he buys a new STB. Preferably, when cascading transponder selection
commands from connector 25 to connector 22, the commands are first received by the
transceiving means 28. This way, when the programmer sends a mode selection command
the programmer temporarily holds the commands from the connector 25 so that the commands
from a receiver 17 do not interfere with the mode selection commands from the programmer.
After transmission of the mode selection commands, the transceiver 28 then transmits
transponder selection commands that were held back.
[0066] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the external programmer 21. According to this
embodiment, the external programmer comprises one or more further connectors 61, 63
internally connected to the transceiving means 28 and the means for generating the
dedicated mode selection command. This way the transceiver 28 may send or receive
dedicated mode selection commands over these connectors 61, 63. Connector 63 is for
example connectable to a cable 64. As this connector 63 is not the same any more as
the connector 22 connected to the output 4 of the distribution unit 1, the cable 64
does not need to be a cable of the same type as the cable 13 for the output IF signal.
The cable may for example be an Ethernet cable connectable to RJ45 connectors where
the dedicated mode selection command is embedded in an IP packet and the connection
between the connectors is established by a UDP or TCP connection over a LAN or WAN
network. The wired connection between the connectors may also be established by other
types of cables whereby the reception of the dedicated selection command or transmission
of other relevant information over connector 63 is for example done according to the
12C or a serial bus protocol.
[0067] As shown in Figure 4, connector 61 is for example connected to an antenna 62 so that
a wireless link can be established between the external programmer and another external
device, for example a smartphone, PC, tablet or portable computer. This external device
may then connect to the external programmer 21 over the wireless link and send the
dedicated mode selection commands to the transceiving means 28 that sends, on its
turn, the mode selection commands to the mode selection module 7. If the wireless
link is established over a Wireless LAN (WLAN) network or telecommunications network,
any external device connectable to the internet may access the external programmer
and, thus, send dedicated mode selection commands to the external programmer and,
thus to the mode selection module 7.
[0068] In the above embodiments the distribution device has been described by the use of
a single output connector 4, but the invention is not limited thereto. The distribution
device 1 may also comprise multiple output connectors each connected to a separate
mode selection module and transponder selection modules. The operation mode can then
be configured separately for each output connector. When using several output connectors,
transponder selections modules may be shared between outputs making them available
to either one of the mode selection modules. For example, a distribution unit may
comprise two output connectors, two legacy transponder selection modules and one channel
stacking unit. Both output connectors may then be configured to either legacy or channel
stacking mode, but both cannot be configured to channel stacking mode at the same
time.
[0069] The satellite distribution device may also comprise a separate mode selection connector
internally connected to the mode selection module. This connector is then not used
as output of the output satellite IF signal but as a dedicated mode selection connector
for receiving the dedicated mode selection commands for the distribution device .
According to a particular embodiment such dedicated mode selection connector may accept
similar connections as described with respect to connectors 61 and 63 thus allowing
remote access to the satellite distribution device.
[0070] Although the present invention has been illustrated by reference to specific embodiments,
it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited
to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments, and that the present invention
may be embodied with various changes and modifications without departing from the
scope thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects
as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by
the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which
come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended
to be embraced therein. In other words, it is contemplated to cover any and all modifications,
variations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the basic underlying principles
and whose essential attributes are claimed in this patent application. It will furthermore
be understood by the reader of this patent application that the words "comprising"
or "comprise" do not exclude other elements or steps, that the words "a" or "an" do
not exclude a plurality, and that a single element, such as a computer system, a processor,
or another integrated unit may fulfil the functions of several means recited in the
claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the respective
claims concerned. The terms "first", "second", third", "a", "b", "c", and the like,
when used in the description or in the claims are introduced to distinguish between
similar elements or steps and are not necessarily describing a sequential or chronological
order. Similarly, the terms "top", "bottom", "over", "under", and the like are introduced
for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to denote relative positions. It is to
be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances
and embodiments of the invention are capable of operating according to the present
invention in other sequences, or in orientations different from the one(s) described
or illustrated above.
1. A satellite signal distribution device (1) comprising:
- a plurality of input connectors (2), each configured to receive an intermediate
satellite signal frequency band (11) from an input cable (3), each of said intermediate
satellite signal frequency bands comprising a plurality of satellite transponders
(10);
- an output connector (4) configured to transmit an output satellite signal (18) to
an output cable (13);
- a controller (5) connected to said plurality of input connectors (2) and said output
connector (4);
- said controller (5) comprising:
o a plurality of transponder selection modules (6), each associated with a corresponding
mode of operation, each transponder selection module configured to generate said output
satellite signal (18) such that it comprises one or more of said satellite transponders
(10) in function of said corresponding mode of operation; and
o a mode selection module (7) configured to provide said output satellite signal of
a selected transponder selection module (6) to said output connector (4) according
to a selected mode of operation out of said plural modes of operation;
CHARACTERIZED IN THAT
- said mode selection module (7) is further configured to receive a dedicated mode
selection command indicative for said selected mode of operation out of said plural
modes of operation from a mode selection connector.
2. A satellite signal distribution device according to claim 1, wherein said mode selection
connector is said output connector (4).
3. A satellite signal distribution device according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising:
- a plurality of cascade output connectors (12) each being connected to a corresponding
input connector (2) and configured to output a cascade output satellite signal comprising
said intermediate satellite signal frequency band received on said corresponding input
connector (2) to a cascade output cable (27).
4. A satellite signal distribution device according to any one of claim 1 to 3,
characterised in that said selected transponder selection module (6) is further configured to:
- receive a transponder selection command from said output connector (4), said transponder
selection command being different from said dedicated mode selection command and comprising
transponder selection information identifying at least one selected satellite transponder;
- generate said output satellite signal such that its satellite transponders comprise
said selected satellite transponders.
5. A satellite signal distribution device according to claim 4, wherein the controller
(5) comprises a first transponder selection module (31) associated with a first, legacy
mode of operation from said plurality of modes of operation, that is configured to
generate said output satellite signal such that it comprises all satellite transponders
from the intermediate satellite signal frequency band comprising said selected satellite
transponders.
6. A satellite signal distribution device according to claim 5 wherein the controller
further comprises a second transponder selection module (32) associated with a second,
channel stacking mode of operation from said plurality of modes of operation, that
is configured to generate an output satellite signal such that it comprises only the
selected satellite transponders.
7. A satellite signal distribution device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein:
- said plural modes of operation comprise a transponder blocking mode of operation;
- said mode selection module further being configured (40) to provide none of the
outputs of the transponder selection modules (6) to said output connector (4) upon
reception of a dedicated mode selection command indicative for said transponder blocking
mode of operation.
8. A satellite signal distribution device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein said plurality of transponder selection modules (6), comprises at least one
limited transponder selection module (51) (52), associated with a corresponding mode
of operation, said limited transponder selection module configured to generate said
output satellite signal such that it comprises one or more of said satellite transponders
received from a predetermined subset of said plurality of input connectors (2).
9. A satellite signal distribution device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein said controller further comprises a memory (42); and wherein said mode selection
module (7) is further configured to:
- write said selected mode of operation to said memory (42) when receiving said dedicated
mode selection command; and
- read said selected mode of operation from said memory (42) before providing said
output satellite signal of a selected transponder selection module to said output
connector according to said selected mode of operation.
10. An assembly comprising a satellite signal distribution device (1) according to any
one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly further comprises an external mode
programming device (21) comprising:
- a first connector (22) connected over said output cable (13) to said output connector
(4) or to said mode selection connector of said satellite signal distribution device;
and
- generating means configured to generate said dedicated mode selection command; and
- transceiving means (28) configured to transmit said dedicated mode selection command
over said first connector (22) to said output connector (4) or to said mode selection
connector of said satellite signal distribution device.
11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein said generating means comprises a selector (23) configured
to select said selected mode of operation; and/or said transceiving means (28) comprises
a switch configured to activate said transmitting of said dedicated mode selection
command comprising said selected mode of operation from said selector.
12. The assembly according to claim 10 or 11, when depending on claim 2, wherein said
external mode programming device (21) further comprising:
- a second connector (25) connectable to at least one receiver device (17);
- cascading means configured to cascade said output satellite signal from said first
connector (22) to said second connector (25).
13. The assembly according to claim 12, when dependent on claim 4, wherein:
- said second connector (25) is configured to receive said transponder selection command;
and
- said cascading means are further configured to cascade said transponder selection
command from said second connector (25) to said first connector (22).
14. An external programmer for use in the assembly according to any of the claims 10 to
13.
15. An external programmer according to claim 14,
characterised in that said means for generating said dedicated mode selection command and said means for
transceiving said dedicated mode selection can be controlled by means of a control
signal received from a communication interface (61, 63) configured to interact with
one or more of the following communication networks:
- the internet;
- a Local Area Network;
- I2C;
- a dedicated serial bus;
- a mobile telephone wireless network.