U.S. patent application number 15/492162 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-05 for band translation with protection of in-home networks.
The applicant listed for this patent is MaxLinear, Inc.. Invention is credited to Glenn Chang, Raja Pullela, Sridhar Ramesh.
Application Number | 20170288908 15/492162 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51841660 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170288908 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chang; Glenn ; et
al. |
October 5, 2017 |
BAND TRANSLATION WITH PROTECTION OF IN-HOME NETWORKS
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for band translation with
protection. A signal processing circuitry (chip) may be configured
to receive and process a plurality of input signals, and generate
one or more output signals based on the plurality of input signals.
The processing may comprise determining when including a component
of a first input signal into at least one output signal would have
an effect on a component of a second input signal that is also to
be included in the output signal, and applying, based on the
effect, one or more adjustments to processing of one or both of the
first signal and the second signal to mitigate the effect before
generating the output signal. In this regard, applying the one or
more adjustments may comprise applying one or both of filtering and
spectral inversion to one or both of the first signal and the
second signal.
Inventors: |
Chang; Glenn; (Carlsbad,
CA) ; Pullela; Raja; (Irvine, CA) ; Ramesh;
Sridhar; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MaxLinear, Inc. |
Carlsbad |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51841660 |
Appl. No.: |
15/492162 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14270037 |
May 5, 2014 |
9635310 |
|
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15492162 |
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61819610 |
May 5, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 1/1036 20130101;
H04N 7/106 20130101; H04B 1/0075 20130101; H04H 40/18 20130101;
H04N 21/436 20130101; H04B 2001/1063 20130101; H04N 7/20 20130101;
H04B 1/1027 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/20 20060101
H04N007/20; H04N 21/436 20060101 H04N021/436; H04B 1/10 20060101
H04B001/10 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A method, comprising: processing, via a signal processing chip,
a plurality of input signals; determining, during said processing,
when including a component of a first signal from said plurality of
input signals into at least one output signal would have an effect
on a component of a second signal from said plurality of input
signals that is also to be included in said at least one output
signal; and applying, based on said effect, one or more adjustments
to processing of one or both of said first signal and said second
signal to mitigate said effect before generating output signals
based on said plurality of input signals; and generating one or
more output signals based on said plurality of input signals.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein applying said one or more
adjustments comprises applying spectral inversion to one or both of
said first signal and said second signal.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein applying said one or more
adjustments comprises applying filtering to one or both of said
first signal and said second signal.
24. The method of claim 21, comprising configuring said one or more
adjustments to adjust one or more characteristics of said at least
one output signal that are associated with one or both of said
component of said first signal and said component of said second
signal.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein adjusting said one or more
characteristics comprises modifying one or more frequency bands,
within said at least one output signal, assigned to one or both of
said component of said first signal and said component of said
second signal.
26. The method of claim 21, comprising determining, when assessing
said effect, whether said component of said first signal and said
component of said second signal will overlap within a same
frequency band in said at least one output signal.
27. The method of claim 21, wherein one of said first signal and
said second signal is associated with internal communications
within an in-premises network.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein said internal communications
comprise Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) based communications,
and said one of said first signal and said second signal comprises
a MoCA signal.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein other one of said first signal
and said second signal is received from a source external to said
in-premises network.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein said source external to said
in-premises network comprises a satellite, and said other one of
said first signal and said second signal comprises a satellite
signal.
31. A system, comprising: plurality of input circuits, each
configured to receive one of a plurality of input signals; and one
or more processing circuits configured to process said plurality of
input signals, wherein said one or more processing circuits are
operable to: determine, during said processing of said plurality of
input signals, when including a component of a first signal from
said plurality of input signals into at least one output signal
would have an effect on a component of a second signal from said
plurality of input signals that is also to be included in said at
least one output signal; apply, based on said effect, one or more
adjustments to processing of one or both of said first signal and
said second signal to mitigate said effect before generating output
signals based on said plurality of input signals; and generate one
or more output signals based on said plurality of input
signals.
32. The system of claim 31, wherein said one or more circuits are
operable to, when applying said one or more adjustments, apply
spectral inversion to one or both of said first signal and said
second signal.
33. The system of claim 31, wherein said one or more circuits are
operable to, when applying he one or more adjustments, apply
filtering to one or both of said first signal and said second
signal.
34. The system of claim 31, wherein said one or more circuits are
operable to configure said one or more adjustments to adjust one or
more characteristics of said at least one output signal that are
associated with one or both of said component of said first signal
and said component of said second signal are adjusted.
35. The system of claim 34, wherein adjustment of said one or more
characteristics comprises modifying one or more frequency bands,
within said at least one output signal, assigned to one or both of
said component of said first signal and said component of said
second signal.
36. The system of claim 31, wherein said one or more circuits are
operable to determine, when assessing said effect, whether said
component of said first signal and said component of said second
signal will overlap within a same frequency band in said at least
one output signal.
37. The system of claim 31, wherein one of said first signal and
said second signal is associated with internal communications
within an in-premises network.
38. The system of claim 37, wherein said internal communications
comprise Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) based communications,
and said one of said first signal and said second signal comprises
a MoCA signal.
39. The system of claim 37, wherein other one of said first signal
and said second signal is received from a source external to said
in-premises network.
40. The system of claim 39, wherein said source external to said
in-premises network comprises a satellite, and said other one of
said first signal and said second signal comprises a satellite
signal.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/270,037, filed May 5, 2014, which in turn
makes reference to, claims priority to and claims benefit from the
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/819,610, filed on
May 5, 2013, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to communications.
More specifically, certain implementations of the present
disclosure relate to methods and systems for band translation with
protection of in-home networks.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Existing methods and systems for handling communication in
local networks (e.g., in-home or in-premises networks),
particularly band translations, may be inefficient. In this regard,
band translation may cause signals of one communication standard to
interfere with signals of another communication standard. Further
limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional
approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through
comparison of such approaches with some aspects of the present
method and apparatus set forth in the remainder of this disclosure
with reference to the drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] A system and/or method is provided for band translation with
protection of in-home networks, substantially as shown in and/or
described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set
forth more completely in the claims.
[0005] These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of
the present disclosure, as well as details of illustrated
implementation(s) thereof, will be more fully understood from the
following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an example distribution system, for
providing content to an in-home network.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates an example electronic system that may be
configured to provide band translation with protection of in-home
networks.
[0008] FIG. 3A illustrates example band translation in a system
handling received signals corresponding to a plurality of standards
or bands, without protection of signals of an in-home network.
[0009] FIG. 3B illustrates example band translation in a system
that utilizes spectral inversion to protect signals of an in-home
network when handling received signals corresponding to a plurality
of standards or bands.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for
providing band translation with protection of in-home networks.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Certain example implementations may be found in method and
system for non-intrusive noise cancellation in electronic devices,
particularly in user-supported devices. As utilized herein the
terms "circuits" and "circuitry" refer to physical electronic
components ("hardware") and any software and/or firmware ("code")
which may configure the hardware, be executed by the hardware, and
or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used herein, for
example, a particular processor and memory may comprise a first
"circuit" when executing a first plurality of lines of code and may
comprise a second "circuit" when executing a second plurality of
lines of code. As utilized herein, "and/or" means any one or more
of the items in the list joined by "and/or". As an example, "x
and/or y" means any element of the three-element set { (x), (y),
(x, y)}. As another example, "x, y, and/or z" means any element of
the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x,
y, z)}. As utilized herein, the terms "block" and "module" refer to
functions than can be performed by one or more circuits. As
utilized herein, the term "example" means serving as a non-limiting
example, instance, or illustration. As utilized herein, the terms
"for example" and "e.g.," introduce a list of one or more
non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. As utilized
herein, circuitry is "operable" to perform a function whenever the
circuitry comprises the necessary hardware and code (if any is
necessary) to perform the function, regardless of whether
performance of the function is disabled, or not enabled, by some
user-configurable setting.
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an example distribution system, for
providing content to an in-home network. Referring to FIG. 1, there
is shown a communication system 100 comprising one or more
satellites 110, a satellite reception assembly 120, and an
in-premises network 130.
[0013] The communication system 100 may comprise a plurality of
devices (e.g., the satellite 110, the satellite reception assembly
120, and one or more devices in the in-premises network 130), and
communication resources (e.g., storage, processing, and/or routing
resources in distribution networks) to facilitate and/or support
communications among the plurality of devices. The communication
system 100 may be configured for use in distributing content and
other data. For example, the communication system 100 may
correspond to broadband, cable and/or satellite distribution
topology.
[0014] The satellite 110 may be utilized to communicate satellite
signals 111, which may typically only comprise downlink
communication signals; however, the disclosure is not so limited,
and in some instances the satellite signals 111 may also comprise
uplink signaling. The satellite signals 111 may be utilized, for
example, to broadcast satellite television content. In this regard,
the satellite signals 111 may comprise Direct Broadcast Satellite
(DBS) signals, in K, Ka, and/or Ku bands. The disclosure, however,
is not limited to any particular type of satellite signal. While
only satellite(s) 110 are shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 may
comprise other types of "headends," each comprising suitable
circuitry for performing headend related functions, such as within
a particular distribution topology--e.g., for a particular type of
communication setup, using one or more particular protocol(s),
and/or via particular type(s) of connections. For example, other
headends may be used in conjunction with cable, terrestrial, and/or
broadband distribution topologies.
[0015] The satellite reception assembly 120 may be configured for
satellite based communications (e.g., being installed on the roof
of the premises 131, so as to allow reception of satellite based
broadcasts, and, in some instances, transmission--i.e. uplink, of
satellite communications). For example, the satellite reception
assembly 120 may be a satellite "dish". In this regard, the
satellite reception assembly 120 may comprise, for example, a
signal reflector (e.g., a parabolic reflector) which may be used
for capturing satellite signals (e.g., the satellite signals 111),
such as by reflecting them into a particular point (e.g., focal
point of the parabolic reflector). The satellite reception assembly
120 may also comprise circuitry operable to receive and/or process
the satellite signals.
[0016] For example, the circuitry may be incorporated into a
housing, which may be mounted on a boom at or near the focal point
of the parabolic reflector. The circuitry may be configured to,
e.g., process captured satellite signals so as to recover data
carried therein (e.g., television channels, media content, etc.),
and to generate a suitable output, corresponding to the recovered
data, for transmission to other devices that may handle use and/or
distribution of the data (e.g., gateway 140, accessed via a link
141). For example, the circuitry may provide low-noise block
down-converter (LNB) functionality, and/or additional functions
(generating an output for communication on the link 141). The LNB
functionality may comprise performing operations such as, for
example, low-noise amplification, filtering, and/or
down-converting, to enable generating corresponding IF signals. For
example, the IF signals may be in the L-band, half-L-band (950-1450
MHz), extended-L-band (or `Ext-L-band`, 250-2150 MHz, 300-2350
MHz), or the like. Of course, a direct conversion architecture
(i.e., zero IF) may also be used, for direct conversion to baseband
or DC without the use of IF signals.
[0017] The link 141 may comprise one or more wired, wireless,
and/or optical links. The link 141 may comprise, for example, a
wired (e.g., coaxial and/or twisted-pair) and/or wireless
communication medium which carries physical layer symbols in
accordance with, for example, DBS standards, but may also comprise
other protocols, such as Ethernet or Multimedia over Coax Alliance
(MoCA).
[0018] The in-premises network 130 may comprise a local network
setup and/or be configured within a particular premises 131 (e.g.,
residential, industrial, commercial, educational, medical, etc.),
to enable providing services within the premises 131. The services
may comprise online (e.g., Internet) access/interactivity, access
to television (or other similar multimedia or content distribution)
broadcasts, and the like. Each in-premises network 130 may comprise
a plurality of devices that may be used in conjunction with
services and/or functions available in the network. For example,
the in-premises network 130 may comprise at least one gateway 140
and one or more client devices 150.
[0019] The gateway 140 may comprise suitable circuitry for
providing and/or supporting various services or functions in a
particular location (e.g., the in-premises network 130), such as to
support a plurality of client devices (e.g., the client devices
150) present in that location. The gateway 140 may communicate with
the client devices 150 over point-to-point or indirect links 180.
The services or functions that may be provided and/or supported by
the gateway 140 may pertain to, for example, broadband access,
broadcast/television access, content distribution, and the like. In
this regard, the gateway 140 may be configured to support reception
of signals communicated from external entities (e.g., cable,
terrestrial, satellite, and/or IP head-ends), and process the
signals as necessary for obtaining data (e.g., content) carried
thereby, and outputting the data via corresponding signals over the
internal links 180 to the client devices 150.
[0020] Similarly, the gateway 140 may be operable to receive
signals communicated from the client devices 150, over the internal
links 180, and process the signals as necessary for obtaining data
and outputting the data via corresponding signals to the external
entities. Accordingly, the term "gateway" in this disclosure refers
to devices that may perform set-top box (STB) and/or receiver
functions (e.g., for satellite, cable, terrestrial television, or
the like), over-the-air reception (e.g., a DBS satellite dish
assembly), WAN/LAN modem functions, and the like. In this regard,
"set-top box" or "receiver" functions may comprise functions
utilized in receiving and/or processing signals (carrying data)
from head-ends (e.g., cable, satellites, and/or broadband
head-ends), web servers, and the like to devices within the
premises.
[0021] In some instances, at least some of the data utilized in the
in-premises network 130 may be received from external sources, such
as from broadband or broadcast sources (e.g., satellites, the
terrestrial TV head-ends, and/or the cable head-ends). In this
regard, the gateway 140 may be utilized to service the in-premises
network 130, such as, for example, by providing to the client
devices 150 access to external networks/connections. In such
instances, the gateway 140 may facilitate communication of signals
between the client devices 150 and the external sources. For
example, the gateway 140 may be utilized to route communications
between cable head-ends 120 and one or more of client devices 150.
In this regard, a client device 150 may receive from the cable
head-end 120 streams containing, e.g., multimedia content. In some
instances, the interactions with the cable head-end may be
bi-directional. For example, client device 150 may transmit to the
cable head-end 120 signals or streams, such as those containing
user commands or requests (e.g., for particular content) or the
like. Communications between client devices and head-ends may be
configured in accordance with one or more particular protocol(s).
For example, cable communications may be configured in accordance
with DOCSIS protocol(s), satellite communications may be configured
in accordance with DBS protocol(s), etc.
[0022] The client devices 150 may comprise devices which may be
operable to utilize services or functions available in a particular
location--e.g., those provided by the gateway 140. In this regard,
the client devices 150 may be operable to communicate with the
gateway 140, such as, for example, via one or more point-to-point
links 180. For example, in instances where the gateway 140 is
utilized to support broadband/television access and/or content
distribution, the client devices 150 may comprise televisions and
similar devices that may be used in consuming (e.g., displaying or
playing) content that may be broadcasted (e.g., via terrestrial
signals, satellite signals, cable signals, and/or over the
Internet) and received via the gateway 140. The disclosure is not
limited, however, to any particular type of client device. The
links 180 between the gateway 140 and the client devices 150 may
comprise, for example, wired, wireless, and/or optical links that
may be suited for use in an environment such as the in-home
network. For example, the links 180 may comprise wired connections
(e.g., HDMI connections, Display Port links, Multimedia over Coax
Alliance (MoCA) links, Ethernet connections, or the like), and/or
wireless connections (e.g., WiFi, ZigBee, wireless USB, or the
like).
[0023] In operation, the communication system 100 may be used as a
distribution system, for enabling distribution of data (e.g.,
multimedia or other content) to a plurality of end-users (e.g.,
client devices 150 in in-premises network 130). In this regard, the
headends, such as the satellite 110, may be used to broadcast
signals carrying particular data (e.g., content, such as TV
channels or other multimedia) with communication system 100. The
data may be generated or obtained (e.g., from dedicated content
sources) data, and may be processed for distribution with the
communication system 100. In this regard, the processing may
comprise generating the satellite signals 111, which may be
broadcast to a plurality of recipients (e.g., including the
in-premises network 130). In some instances, the communication
system 100 may be configured to support upstream communications. In
this regard, the in-premises network 130 may be operable to
generate (and headends, such as the satellite 110, may be operable
to receive and handle) upstream signals (e.g., the satellite signal
111, or similar signals). The upstream signals may be used, for
example, to convey data (e.g., user generated content), user
inputs/commands (e.g., requests for particular content), control
data (e.g., status, errors, etc.), and the like.
[0024] Within the in-premises network 130, the gateway 140 and the
client devices 150 may communicate with one another via the
internal links 180 (e.g., HDMI connections, MoCA, WiFi, etc.). For
example, the gateway 140 may receive signals originating from
sources external to the in-premises network 130 (e.g., downlink
broadcast signals, comprising, for example, signals received over
link 141, corresponding to satellite signals 111 captured by
satellite reception assembly 120, and/or signals received from
other external link(s) 143, which may corresponding to other feeds,
such as cable television, IP, and/or terrestrial feeds) and may
extract data carried therein (e.g., television or other multimedia
content), and may then distribute that data within the premise
network 130 using signals communicated over the internal links 180.
In uplink communications, the gateway 140 may receive (e.g., from
the client devices 150) signals communicated within the in-premises
network 130, may process these signals (such as to extract data
carried therein), and may generate and transmit corresponding
upstream signals, to the headends (e.g., the satellite 110) or
other external entities, accessible via external networks (e.g.,
cable distribution network). Further, in some instances, the
gateway 140 may receive signals originating within the in-premises
network 130 (e.g., signals received over links 180 from particular
client device(s) 150) and may then transmit corresponding signals
within the in-premises network 130 (e.g., using signals
communicated over internal links 180, which may targeted for other
client devices 150).
[0025] In some instances, internal and external communications
associated with local (e.g., home) networks may be combined into
the same signals. For example, in instances where certain devices
and/or physical mediums may be shared for internal and external
communications, content corresponding to both external
communication (e.g., satellite signals) and internal communication
(e.g., peer-to-peer communication within the in-premises network
130) may be combined. This may occur, for example, at the gateway
140. In this regard, the gateway 140 may concurrently receive
satellite signals received via the satellite reception assembly 120
(being intended for distribution to one or more of the client
devices 150.sub.i) as well as receiving local communication (e.g.,
communication from one of the client device 150.sub.i and intended
for forwarding, via the gateway 140, to one or more other ones of
the client devices 150.sub.i). Thus, where the same client device
150.sub.i is intended to receive a satellite signal and a local
signal, the output signal from the gateway 140 to that client
device may comprise components corresponding to both signals. While
combining components from signals having such different types
(e.g., external communication vs. local communication) may usually
not cause any issues since these communications would typically
occupy spectral bands that are sufficient far apart, in some
instances the processing performed on one or both of these signals
may cause issues. For example, the down-conversion performed on
certain satellite signals, having particular bands, may result in
corresponding output components occupying bands that are typically
used (or are near bands typically used) by certain types of
internal signals. For example, processing satellite signals
corresponding to certain bands (e.g., FSS signals in the Ku band)
may result in output components occupying bands that are typically
used for MoCA communication, and as such attempting to include
components of both of these satellite signals and internal (e.g.
MoCA) signals into the same output signal(s) may result in
substantial cross interference so as to render components
corresponding to one or both unusable at the receive-side.
Accordingly, in various implementations of the present disclosure,
signal processing performed by various signal reception components
in local (e.g., home) networks may be adaptively setup and/or
configured to detect and/or mitigate such issues. Example
implementations are described with respect to the following
figures.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an example electronic system that may be
configured to provide band translation with protection of in-home
networks. Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a system 200, which
may correspond to a signal reception and processing circuitry
architecture that may support band translation with protection of
in-home networks.
[0027] The system 200 may comprise suitable circuitry for receiving
and processing a plurality of input signals, to generate a
corresponding plurality of output signals (e.g., intermediate
frequency (IF) signals) which may be configured for communication
to one or more particular devices, over one or more particular
links. The plurality of input signals may comprise, for example,
radio frequency (RF) signals. In some instances, the plurality of
input signals may comprise signals corresponding to different
categories of communications (and, further, to different types
within the same category)--e.g., "internal" signals, comprising
signals intended for local communications (e.g., within an in-home
network), and "external" signals, comprising signals communicated
externally to the in-home network (e.g., satellite signals,
received from and/or transmitted to satellites). Further, the
plurality of input signals may differ from one another in other
ways--e.g., corresponding to different sources even when the
signals belong to the same category/type (e.g., external/satellite
signals originating from different satellites); differing with
respect to certain characteristics (e.g., having different
polarizations); and/or by corresponding to different spectrum bands
(e.g., corresponding to direct broadcast satellite (DBS) and/or
fixed service satellite (FSS) bands, when they are satellite
signals).
[0028] In some instances, the system 200 may be implemented via one
or more devices--e.g., the one or more devices may be configured to
provide, collectively, the signal reception and/or processing
functions performed by the system 200. For example, with reference
to the example setup shown in FIG. 1, the system 200 may be
integrated into and/or may correspond to the satellite reception
assembly 120 (or more particularly the processing circuitry
thereof) and/or the gateway 140.
[0029] In some instances, the system 200 may be operable to perform
and/or support combining content from more one or more input
signals, into one or more output signals. For example, the system
200 may be configured to apply channel and/or band stacking during
reception and/or processing of the plurality of input signals.
[0030] In the example implementation shown in FIG. 2, the system
200 may be configured to support reception of 7 different RF
signals: Input_1 through Input_7. In this regard, the input signals
Input_1 through Input_7 may comprise a combination of internal and
external signals. As shown in FIG. 2, the first three input signals
Input_1 to Input_3 may correspond to satellite input feeds signals,
while the remaining four input signals Input_4 to Input_7 may
correspond to internal (in-premises) communications (e.g.,
multi-dwelling unit (MDU) signals). Further, each of the input
signals Input_1 to Input_3 may comprise a satellite signal,
comprising direct broadcast satellite (DBS) and/or fixed service
satellite (FSS) components.
[0031] The system 200 may comprise, for example, a plurality (e.g.,
seven) of low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) 210.sub.1-210.sub.7, a
plurality (e.g., four) of input front-end blocks
220.sub.1-220.sub.4, a digital front end (DFE) 230, a plurality
(e.g., six) of digital-to-analog convertors (DACs)
240.sub.1-240.sub.6, a plurality (e.g., six) of output filters
250.sub.1-250.sub.6, a plurality (e.g., six) of output mixers
260.sub.1-260.sub.6, a plurality (e.g., three) of adders
270.sub.1-270.sub.3, and a link driver 280, which may comprise a
plurality (e.g., three) of drivers 280.sub.1-280.sub.3 (which may
comprise, for example, power amplifiers). In this regard, it should
be understood that implementation described in FIG. 2 is only an
example implementation, and as such the disclosure is not limited
to any particular number of elements within each type of component
described herein.
[0032] Each LNA 210, may be operable to amplify signals, which may
be, as received, too `weak` for processing within the system 200.
The amplification performed by each LNA 210.sub.i may be adaptively
configured, such as based on the category/type of communication
associated with corresponding input signals. Thus, LNAs
210.sub.1-210.sub.3 may be particularly configured to amplify
satellite signals, whereas LNAs 210.sub.4-210.sub.7 may be
particularly configured to amplify internal signals (e.g. MDU
signals).
[0033] Each input front-end block 220.sub.i may comprise circuitry
from processing an input signal (e.g., after amplification via a
corresponding LNA 210.sub.i), to make the inputs suitable from
further processing (e.g., via the DFE 230). In this regard, each
input front-end block 220.sub.i may be operable to perform at least
analog-to-digital (ADC) conversions, and may also be operable to
perform such other functions as mixing (e.g., applying in-phase and
quadrature signals, such as to allow IQ calibration), and/or
filtering (e.g., applying low-pass filtering). In some instances,
the input front-end blocks 220.sub.i may be configured to combine
multiple signals, including signals corresponding to a different
category/type of communication. For example, as shown in FIG. 2,
each of the input front-end blocks 220.sub.1-220.sub.3 may comprise
an adder circuit, which may be used in combining (e.g., adding) a
plurality of input signals. Hence, in an example use scenario, each
of the input front-end blocks 220.sub.1-220.sub.3 may be operable
to combine pairs from each of input signals Input_1 to Input_3 and
input signals Input_4 to Input_6. Such combining may be done
particularly where the input signals to be combined would occupy
different spectral bands (e.g., due to being in different
categories/types of communications).
[0034] The DFE 230 may comprise circuitry for performing various
signal processing functions that may be used when generating one or
more output signals based on one or more input signals. The DFE 230
may be operable to perform such functions as I/Q calibration,
equalization, channelization, or the like. In an example
implementation, the DFE 230 may be configured to provide crossbar
(Xbar) switching function, whereby one or more inputs of the DFE
230 may be mapped onto one or more outputs of the DFE 230. The
mapping may comprise channel and/or band based stacking.
[0035] Each of the DACs 240.sub.1-240.sub.6 may comprise circuitry
for applying digital-to-analog conversions (e.g., on corresponding
plurality of outputs of the DFE 230). Each of the output filters
250.sub.1-250.sub.6 may comprise circuitry for filtering signals
(e.g., outputs of the DACs 240.sub.1-240.sub.6), based on one or
more criteria. For example, the output filters 250.sub.1-250.sub.6
may be configured as low-pass filters (LPFs)--that is being
configured to pass low-frequency signals (below a particular
threshold, or a "cutoff frequency") and to attenuate signals with
frequencies higher than the cutoff frequency.
[0036] Each of the output mixers 260.sub.1-260.sub.6 may comprise
circuitry mixing (e.g., by multiplying) a plurality of signals. In
this regard, the output mixers 260.sub.1-260.sub.6 may be used to
apply in-phase and quadrature signals to the outputs of the DFE
230, to generate in-phase and quadrature components of the outputs
of the DFE 230. Each adder 270.sub.i may be operable to combine
(e.g., by adding or subtracting) a plurality of signals. For
example, each of the adders 270.sub.1-270.sub.3 may be used to
combine the in-phase and quadrature components corresponding to an
output of the DFE 230.
[0037] In operation, the system 200 may be utilized to receive and
handle a plurality of input signals (Input_1 to Input_7). In this
regard, the system 200 may be incorporated into and/or may
correspond to one or more devices used within an in-premises
network (e.g., the satellite reception assembly 120 and/or the
gateway 140 of the in-premises network 130) to receive signals
communicated within and/or externally to/from the in-home network.
Accordingly, the signals handled by the system 200 may comprise
both signal(s) corresponding to external communications (e.g.,
satellite broadcasts) as well as signals corresponding to internal
communications (within in-premises networks).
[0038] The system 200 may generate one or more outputs, which may,
sometimes, comprise content from more than one input. For example,
the system 200 may be configured to combine content from multiple
inputs, such as by combining the input signals or component(s)
thereof--e.g., during initial processing, via the input front-end
blocks 220.sub.1-220.sub.4; by use of integrated stacking, which
may be performed by the DFE 230 as part of the crossbar (Xbar)
switching function; and/or when generating the output (e.g., IF)
signals in the link driver(s) 280. In this regard, the DFE 230 may
be operable to perform digital band stacking, which may be
implemented with or without full-band capture. For example, the DFE
230 may be used to provide crossbar (Xbar) switching, between X (an
integer number) inputs and Y (an integer number) outputs, and may
provide channel and/or band stacking by combining one or more
inputs, which may have been processed to comprise particular
channels or bands, into one or more outputs. The DFE 230 may also
apply additional signal processing functions (e.g., I/Q
calibration, equalization, channelization, etc.).
[0039] These functions, along with the additional adjustments or
signal processing functions (e.g., analog-to-digital conversions,
digital-to-analog conversions, filtering, amplifications,
down-conversions, up-conversions, etc.), which may be applied to
the inputs and/or outputs of the DFE 230, may be configured in an
adaptive manner. In this regard, the components and/or functions of
the DFE 230 (and/or components used in the overall path that
includes the DFE 230) may be configured to provide the desired
channel and/or band stacking, and/or to generate outputs at
different frequencies such that they can be combined onto one or
more physical channels (e.g., a coaxial cable), corresponding to
the plurality of link drivers 280.sub.1-280.sub.3 for example, to
enable conveyance to client devices.
[0040] In some implementations, the processing done in the system
200 may comprise performing band translation. For example, the
received signals may be down-converted, such as to lower frequency
bands, during processing in the system 200 and/or when generating
output signals. The received satellite signals (e.g.,
Input_1-Input_3) may comprise, for example, direct broadcast
satellite (DBS) and/or fixed satellite service components in the K,
Ka, and/or Ku frequency bands. Such signals may be down-converted,
for example, from the 11.7-12.7 GHz range to the 450-1450 MHz.
Applying such band translation may cause issues, however, as new
bands may overlap, and as such may interfere with (cause
interference to and/or be subjected to interference by) other types
of signals handled in the system 200 that may have similar
ranges--e.g., MoCA signals, which may be present, for example, at
the output stage of the system 200 (e.g., being included in the IF
outputs of the link driver 280). Accordingly, in various
implementations, the system 200 may be configured to detect and/or
address issues that may arise with band translation. An example of
handling of such scenario is explained in more details with respect
to FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0041] FIG. 3A illustrates example band translation in a system
handling received signals corresponding to a plurality of standards
or bands, without protection of signals of an in-home network.
[0042] Shown in FIG. 3A is an example band translation in
accordance with a legacy scheme, such as in a system (e.g., system
200, when configured in accordance with legacy operations) handling
a plurality of satellite signals (e.g., from multiple satellites on
multiple inputs) as well as internal signals (e.g., communications
for in-premises networks). In the example scenario depicted in FIG.
3A, band translation may be applied during processing of two input
satellite signals 300 and 302. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 3A,
each of the input satellite signals 300 and 302 may comprise, for
example, a FSS signal band and DBS signal band (e.g., FSS_1
311.sub.1 and DBS_1 321.sub.1 for input signal 300; FSS_2 311.sub.2
and DBS_2 321.sub.2 for input signal 302). For example, as
received, the DBS signals may be in the range of 12.2 GHz to 12.7
GHz at the Ku band, while FSS signals may be in the range of 11.7
GHz to 12.2 GHz at the Ku band.
[0043] During processing, the input satellite signals 300 and 302
first may be down-converted 310 (e.g., via one or more low-noise
down-converters), such as from Ku (or Ka) band to L-band, to
corresponding down-converted signals 320 and 322, respectively, in
a frequency from 950 to 1450 MHz before being presented as inputs
of band translation. After band translation 330, the resultant
bands may be presented in output signals 340 and 342 (e.g., at one
of three outputs of the system 200), either in the same frequency
range (950 to 1450 MHz), or in other frequency ranges (e.g., the
frequency range 1650 to 2150 or the frequency range 2500 to 3000
MHz).
[0044] In some instances, however, the same output being used to
carry a down-converted satellite input may carry signals from other
inputs in different frequency bands. In this regard, there may be
two or three output bands on each output of the system. Due to the
presence of other signals in the Ku band, the received signal may
contain significant energy outside the frequency range of 950 to
1450 MHz. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the DBS signals,
received at Ku Band (e.g., 12.2 to 12.7 GHz), may be converted down
to 950 to 1450 MHz in the L-Band, whereas the FSS signals, received
at Ku Band (e.g., 12.2 to 12.7 GHz), may be present after
down-conversion in the frequency range of 450 MHz to 950 MHz. This
creates a residual signal at the output of the band translation
system. In instances where output may be received within an
in-premises network, such residual signal may cause interference to
internal signals (e.g., internal signals falling in bands
overlapping with bands now occupied by the satellite signals or
their residual signals). For example, in instances where home
clients are communicating using MoCA signals (e.g., MoCA signals
331.sub.1 and 331.sub.2) in the frequency range of 650 to 875 MHz,
these signals would overlap with the (down-converted) FSS signals
(FSS_1 311.sub.1 and FSS_2 311.sub.2).
[0045] These issues (interference caused to the internal
signals--e.g., the MoCA signals 331.sub.1 and 331.sub.2) may be
mitigated, such as by using an external filter that applies very
sharp filtering (e.g., in the frequency range of 450 to 875 MHz) on
the systems outputs. Such approach, however, may not be very
desirable as it would require adding hardware (e.g., dedicated
filtering circuitry), and/or may add complexity (e.g., requiring
control and/or configuration of the added filtering resources).
[0046] FIG. 3B illustrates example band translation in a system
that utilizes spectral inversion to protect signals of an in-home
network when handling received signals corresponding to a plurality
of standards or bands.
[0047] Shown in FIG. 3B is an example band translation with
protection of internal signals, such as in a system (e.g., system
200) handling a plurality of satellite signals (e.g., from multiple
satellites on multiple inputs) as well as the internal signals
(e.g., communications for in-premises networks). In the example
scenario depicted in FIG. 3B, band translation with protection 350
may be applied, during processing of the two input satellite
signals 300 and 302, after the down-conversion 310 (e.g., on the
down-converted signals 320 and 322).
[0048] The band translation with protection may be done in an
enhanced manner--e.g., efficient and/or cheaply. In accordance with
an example implementation of the present disclosure, filtering may
be applied within the system processing the signals, and using
existing components thereof. For example, a particular component of
the system 200, such as the DFE 230, may be configured to handle
band translation (and/or mitigate issues relating thereto), in
addition to existing/other functions performed thereby.
[0049] Handling band translation (and/or mitigating issues relating
thereto) may be performed in an adaptive manner--e.g., being
dynamically activated when needed, and/or being configured to
function specifically (e.g., apply to particular frequency range)
based on the processed input signals.
[0050] Various methods may be used for handling band translation
(and/or mitigating issues relating thereto). For example, in the
example use scenario shown in FIG. 3B, in order to mitigate
expected issues resulting from band translation, filtering may
applied (via the DFE 230), particularly in the range of 450 to 750
MHz, and then spectral inversion 370 may be applied to signals
before presentation at the system's output, resulting in modified
signals presented in output signals 360 and 362. As a result of
such filtering and spectral inversion, no FSS interference may
occur in the range used by the MoCA signals (e.g., 750 to 875 MHz),
and all FSS signals would instead be presented in other frequency
ranges (e.g., in the frequency range 1450 to 1650 MHz),
particularly in portions where there is no other desired signals
(e.g., the DBS signals), and hence no adverse impact. The rest of
the FSS band interference (e.g., the one that would have occurred
in the range between 450 to 750 MHz), after attenuation by the
filtering within the system (e.g., on-chip), may land in the band
of interest (e.g., between 1650-1950 MHz), but may be at a level
low enough as to cause no significant impact on the signal-to-noise
ratio for any desired signals in that range.
[0051] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example process for
providing band translation with protection in in-home networks.
Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a flow chart 400, comprising a
plurality of example steps, which may be executed in a system
(e.g., the system 200) to facilitate providing band translation
with protection during reception and handling of signals in an
in-home network (e.g., the in-premises network 130).
[0052] In step 402, multiple input signals, comprising both
internal communication signals (e.g., MoCA signals) and external
communication signals (e.g., satellite signals, which may comprise
DBS and/or FSS band components) may be received (e.g., by the
gateway 140).
[0053] In step 404, initial processing may be applied to the
received signals--the processing may comprise band translation
(e.g., as result of down-conversion).
[0054] In step 406, it may be determined whether there is a need to
combine components of more than one input signal into at least one
output signal. In this regard, such combining may be done, for
example, during initial handling, during signal processing, and/or
in the output stage (e.g., when generating IF output signal(s)). In
instances where it is determined that no such combining is needed,
the process may jump to step 414; otherwise the process may proceed
to step 408.
[0055] In step 408, it may be determined whether the combining of
components of more than one input signal into at least one output
signal may cause issues. For example, issues may arise where
processing of one input signal (e.g., satellite signal, such as a
DBS/FSS signal) may result in an output component that may
spectrally overlap with an output component corresponding to
another input signal (e.g., local signal, such as MoCA signal). In
instances where it is determined that no issues would be caused,
the process may jump to step 412; otherwise the process may proceed
to step 410.
[0056] In step 410, processing of the input signals may be
configured in a manner to mitigate expected issues. In particular,
the mitigation may be configured to be performed on-chip. For
example, processing certain input signals (e.g., an FSS component
of satellite signals) may be filtered and/or subject to spectral
inversion, so as to prevent the expected issues (e.g., overlap with
MoCA bands) but without affecting remaining (other) components in
the output signals (e.g., DBS components).
[0057] In step 412, processing aimed at combining desired data
(e.g., content) from multiple inputs onto one or more output
signals may be performed.
[0058] In step 414, one or more output signals may be generated,
based on processing of the multiple input signals.
[0059] Other implementations may provide a non-transitory computer
readable medium and/or storage medium, and/or a non-transitory
machine readable medium and/or storage medium, having stored
thereon, a machine code and/or a computer program having at least
one code section executable by a machine and/or a computer, thereby
causing the machine and/or computer to perform the steps as
described herein for non-intrusive noise cancelation.
[0060] Accordingly, the present method and/or system may be
realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and
software. The present method and/or system may be realized in a
centralized fashion in at least one computer system, or in a
distributed fashion where different elements are spread across
several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer
system or other system adapted for carrying out the methods
described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and
software may be a general-purpose computer system with a computer
program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer
system such that it carries out the methods described herein.
Another typical implementation may comprise an application specific
integrated circuit or chip.
[0061] The present method and/or system may also be embedded in a
computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling
the implementation of the methods described herein, and which when
loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods.
Computer program in the present context means any expression, in
any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended
to cause a system having an information processing capability to
perform a particular function either directly or after either or
both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or
notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.
Accordingly, some implementations may comprise a non-transitory
machine-readable (e.g., computer readable) medium (e.g., FLASH
drive, optical disk, magnetic storage disk, or the like) having
stored thereon one or more lines of code executable by a machine,
thereby causing the machine to perform processes as described
herein.
[0062] While the present method and/or system has been described
with reference to certain implementations, it will be understood by
those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and
equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of
the present method and/or system. In addition, many modifications
may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the
teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its
scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present method and/or
system not be limited to the particular implementations disclosed,
but that the present method and/or system will include all
implementations falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *