High level iboc combining method and apparatus for single input antenna systems

Abstract

A phase shift is defined as a point in frequency at which the phase is changed from 0 degrees to 180 degrees. A device is provided for combining analog and digital in-band-on-channel (IBOC) signals to feed a common antenna utilizing phase shifting allpass filter modules to provide a 180 degree phase shift to specific IBOC channels within a constant impedance dual-hybrid circuit. The IBOC Allpass combiner includes one input 90 degree 3 dB quadrature hybrid coupler, one output 90 degree 3 dB quadrature hybrid coupler, a load resistor, and two phase shifting allpass filter modules. Each phase shifting allpass filter module is comprised of a two coaxial cavity resonators coupled to a 90 degree 3 dB quadrature hybrid coupler. Components and modules are coupled using mating transmission lines. The four coaxial cavity resonators are used as devices to produce two distinct phase shifts at isolated upper and lower IBOC side band frequencies. The circuit is designed for one center analog frequency and two sideband IBOC OFDM carrier frequencies, such that all frequencies will combine in phase at the common antenna input with minimal loss and minimal group delay. Out of phase and spurious emissions are ported to the load resistor.