Patent EA-001052-B1 (EA)
Title: Dual transmitter arrangement with back-up switching
Inventor: BOSSARD BERNARD
IPC: H04B1/04
Filed: 1997-07-09
Abstract: 1. A transmitting arrangement for multi-channel operation, comprising: at least two transmitters each having a respective input and a respective output,  means for connecting the respective outputs to at least one communication element,  means for providing first input signals, corresponding to at least a first channel, to the input of a first of said transmitters,  means for providing second input signals, corresponding to at least a second channel, to the input of the second of said transmitters,  means for sensing a loss of output signal from one of said transmitters, and  means, responsive to sensing of a loss of output signals from said one of said transmitters, for providing both input signals to the input of the other of said transmitters, whereby said other of the transmitters then transmits said first and second channels. 2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said at least one communication element is a pair of antennas, each transmitting the output of a respective transmitter. 3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that each of said antennae is an omnidirectional antenna. 4. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that each of said transmitters includes a frequency converter unit and an RF output unit. 5. An arrangement as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the frequency converter unit is an upconverter, and the RF units comprise an output amplifier. 6. An arrangement as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that each of said RF units comprises a traveling wave tube, said communications device is a microwave antenna, and said means for connecting comprises a waveguide. 7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that each of said transmitters transmits substantially a same power per channel when transmitting both said input signals as when transmitting only a respective one of said input signals. 8. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that:  each of said means for providing signals comprises sources for a respective plurality of signals at respective frequencies and  means for combining each of said respective plurality of signals into a respective radio frequency band, the two means for providing together comprise a primary upconverter having two outputs,  the means for providing both output signals comprises a standby upconverter, and  a switching device, and  said means for sensing comprises a switch control for providing a control signal to said switching device. 9. An arrangement as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that for standby operation said means for connecting connects the standby upconverter outputs respectively to a common terminal, and for normal operation said means for connecting comprises means for connecting the primary upconverter outputs respectively to the two block transmitters. 10. A transmitting arrangement for multi-channel operation, comprising: a plurality of transmitters each having a respective input and a respective output, means for connecting the respective outputs to at least one communication element, means for providing first input signals, corresponding to at least a first channel, to the input of a first of said transmitters, means for providing second input signals, corresponding to at least a second channel, to the input of a second of said transmitters, means for sensing a loss of output signal from one of said transmitters, and means, responsive to sensing of a loss of output signals from said one of said transmitters other than said first transmitter, for providing at least a portion of the input signals normally provided to the input of said one of said transmitters to said first transmitter, whereby said first transmitter then transmits signals corresponding to said first signals and signals corresponding to said portion.