Patent ID: 6208833
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A wideband signal distribution system for receiving a plurality of inputs and having a plurality of outputs, the distribution system being characterized by:a first distribution unit having a first combiner, a second combiner and a phase shifting combiner;said first combiner being connected to a first subset of the plurality of inputs and having a first output terminal to which is applied a first combined signal which is an additive combination of said first subset of the plurality of inputs;said second combiner being connected to a second subset of the plurality of inputs and having a second output terminal to which is applied a second combined signal which is an additive combination of said second subset of the plurality of inputs;said phase shifting combiner having inputs each connected to the first and second output terminals of the first and second combiners, respectively, wherein the phase shifting combiner applies a non-zero phase shift to said first combined signal, and the phase shifting combiner combines the first combined signal having the non-zero phase shift with the second combined signal having a zero phase shift to provide a third combined signal at an output of said phase shifting combiner, said output of said phase shifting combiner being connected to a splitter, said splitter being connected to a plurality of first distribution unit outputs; anda second distribution unit cascaded with the first distribution unit such that at least one of the signal distribution unit outputs from the first distribution unit is coupled to an input of the second distribution unit.