Vecima Networks Inc.

Vcom Inc.

Gerald Harron

Surinder Kumar

Colin Howlett

Michael Jaspar

Jason T Tucker

A method of channel processing is provided wherein multiple reduced-bandwidth 'processing blocks' may be combined at RF to allow for the continuous and flexible placement of multiple-channels across the full or partial CATV output band. Each reduced-bandwidth processing block is associated with a fixed-frequency upconversion. In order to allow for continuous agile channel placement, the processing blocks overlap one another in frequency at RF. In the case where it is not necessary that the full CATV band be available to the combined output, the number of required processing blocks and upconversion paths is reduced and individual processing blocks and upconversion paths may be used to cover multiple non-contiguous frequency bands.

Multiple reduced-bandwidth processing paths to achieve a full and continuous output band for multiple channel CATV upconversion

A method of channel-to-port assignment is described where the distribution of channels is performed in the digital domain of the CATV/QAM upconverter/modulator. This channel distribution allows for the possibility of simple failover, power combining of multiple outputs, and a fine granularity of channel to port mapping, QAM or analog channel, in a multi-port device.

Digital load-sharing to enhance the redundancy and flexibility of channel distribution in a multiple-channel multiple-port CATV upconverter/modulator

A distortion-cancellation method for analog CATV or QAM transmission over cable is provided wherein a single feedback path from the output of a multiple-channel multiple-port upconverter/modulator is down-converted and used to reduce or cancel undesirable noise components including LO leakage, spurious, and modulated noise. The method allows for real-time monitoring, tuning, or control of the CATV/QAM output and of interfering signals and aging effects as compared to a desired performance metric.

Agile distortion and noise cancellation across multiple channels and ports in a CATV upconverter/modulator

Direct digital QAM modulation at an RF frequency is obtained from digitally synthesized RF signals which are generated for use as the two vectors. The two vectors are individually controlled in phase and summed to provide a combined phase and amplitude modulation that forms the modulated signal. The synthesized RF signal is generated from a higher reference frequency using a variable pulse stretching technique implemented with programmable delay lines. The amount of the pulse stretch in each cycle is controlled by a phase increment value. Pulse stretching can be extended beyond one cycle by pulse swallowing, allowing the generation of an RF signal from DC up to and including the input reference frequency. Phase modulation is added by digital control of the pulse stretching according to the phase modulation data bits.

Method and apparatus for digital vector QAM modulator

A method to improve the frequency resolution and phase noise of a synthesized RF signal results in superior instantaneous frequency change and phase modulation capability, wide frequency set ability, and suitability for implementation in a digital ASIC. The RF signal synthesis is achieved from a higher reference frequency clock signal using a variable pulse stretching technique. The amount of the pulse stretch in each cycle is set by a phase increment value and is implemented using programmable delay lines. Pulse stretching can be extended beyond one cycle by pulse swallowing, allowing the generation of an RF signal with frequencies from DC up to the input reference frequency. Phase modulation is incorporated by digital control of the phase stretching with the phase modulation bits.

Apparatus for fractional RF signal synthesis with phase modulation

The present invention provides a method to improve the frequency resolution and phase noise of a synthesized RF signal. It also results in the superior characteristics of instantaneous frequency changeability, wide frequency setting ability, and fully digital ASIC implementation ability. The synthesized RF signal is generated from a higher reference frequency using a variable pulse stretching technique. The amount of the pulse stretch in each cycle is controlled by a phase increment value and is implemented using programmable delay lines. Pulse stretching is extended beyond one cycle by pulse swallowing, allowing the generation of an RF signal from DC up to the input reference clock signal frequency.

Method and apparatus for fractional RF signal synthesis

The present invention provides a means to implement amplitude and phase modulation digitally and directly at an RF frequency that benefits from high output power without the use of amplifiers. This is accomplished by the combination of two varying amplitude and phase vectors. A reference oscillator produces a carrier signal, which is supplied to two digital delay lines composed of a sequence of delay banks. The delay lines are controlled by lookup tables that are updated by the vector control circuit, used to determine the delay of each digital delay line. The output of each delay line is multiplexed to a switching bank which is also controlled by the vector control circuit. The output of the switching bank, in combination with a summer, is used to produce discrete amplitude adjustment of the vector. The delay of the lines and the summation adjustment are set in such a way as to produce two vectors with the desired phase shift and magnitude the summation of these two vectors produces a resultant vector with the desired phase and amplitude characteristics.

Modulation using discrete amplitude adjustment and dual digital delay lines

The present invention provides a means to implement amplitude and phase modulation digitally and directly at an RF frequency that benefits from high output power using non-linear amplifiers. This is accomplished by the combination of two constant amplitude phase varying vectors. A reference oscillator produces a carrier signal, which is supplied to two digital delay lines composed of a sequence of delay banks. The delay lines are controlled by lookup tables that are updated by the vector control circuit used to determine the delay of each digital delay line. The delay of the lines are set in such a way as to produce two vectors with the desired phase shift that, when summed together, produce a vector with the desired phase and amplitude characteristics.

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Martensville, Canada

Gerald Harron