Patent Publication Number: US-7912427-B2

Title: Single-wire multiswitch and channelized RF cable test meter

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C Section 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/901,828, filed on Feb. 19, 2007, by Joseph Santoru et al., entitled “SINGLE WIRE MULTISWITCH METER,” U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/902,233, filed on Feb. 20, 2007, by Joseph Santoru et al., entitled “SINGLE WIRE MULTISWITCH METER,” and also claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C Section 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/902,437, filed on Feb. 21, 2007, by Joseph Santoru et al., entitled “CHANNELIZED RF CABLE TEST METER,” which applications are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention. 
     The present invention relates generally to testing a satellite receiver system, and in particular, to a single-wire multiswitch meter used to test such a system. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Satellite broadcasting of communications signals has become commonplace. Satellite distribution of commercial signals for use in television programming currently utilizes multiple feedhorns on a single Outdoor Unit (ODU) which supply signals to up to eight IRDs on separate cables from a multiswitch. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a typical satellite television installation of the related art. 
     System  100  uses signals sent from Satellite A (SatA)  102 , Satellite B (SatB)  104 , and Satellite C (SatC)  106  that are directly broadcast to an Outdoor Unit (ODU)  108  that is typically attached to the outside of a house  110 . ODU  108  receives these signals and sends the received signals to IRD  112 , which decodes the signals and separates the signals into viewer channels, which are then passed to television  114  for viewing by a user. There can be more than one satellite transmitting from each orbital location. 
     Satellite uplink signals  116  are transmitted by one or more uplink facilities  118  to the satellites  102 - 104  that are typically in geosynchronous orbit. Satellites  102 - 106  amplify and rebroadcast the uplink signals  116 , through transponders located on the satellite, as downlink signals  120 . Depending on the satellite  102 - 106  antenna pattern, the downlink signals  120  are directed towards geographic areas for reception by the ODU  108 . 
     Each satellite  102 - 106  broadcasts downlink signals  120  in typically thirty-two (32) different frequencies, which are licensed to various users for broadcasting of programming, which can be audio, video, or data signals, or any combination. These signals are typically located in the Ku-band of frequencies, i.e., 11-18 GHz. Future satellites will likely broadcast in the Ka-band of frequencies, i.e., 18-40 GHz, but typically 20-30 GHz. Alternatively, cable  122  can deliver signals to receiver  114 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a typical ODU of the related art. 
     ODU  108  typically uses reflector dish  122  and feedhorn assembly  124  to receive and direct downlink signals  120  onto feedhorn assembly  124 . Reflector dish  122  and feedhorn assembly  124  are typically mounted on bracket  126  and attached to a structure for stable mounting. Feedhorn assembly  124  typically comprises one or more Low Noise Block converters  128 , which are connected via wires or coaxial cables to a multiswitch, which can be located within feedhorn assembly  124 , elsewhere on the ODU  108 , or within house  110 . LNBs typically downconvert the FSS-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band downlink signals  120  into frequencies that are easily transmitted by wire or cable, which are typically in the L-band of frequencies, which typically ranges from 950 MHz to 2150 MHz. This downconversion makes it possible to distribute the signals within a home using standard coaxial cables. 
     The multiswitch enables system  100  to selectively switch the signals from SatA  102 , SatB  104 , and SatC  106 , and deliver these signals via cables  124  to each of the IRDs  112 A-D located within house  110 . Typically, the multiswitch is a five-input, four-output (5×4) multiswitch, where two inputs to the multiswitch are from SatA  102 , one input to the multiswitch is from SatB  104 , and one input to the multiswitch is a combined input from SatB  104  and SatC  106 . There can be other inputs for other purposes, e.g., off-air or other antenna inputs, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The multiswitch can be other sizes, such as a 6×8 multiswitch, if desired. SatB  104  typically delivers local programming to specified geographic areas, but can also deliver other programming as desired. 
     To maximize the available bandwidth in the Ku-band of downlink signals  120 , each broadcast frequency is further divided into polarizations. By aligning polarizations between the downlink polarization and the LNB  128  polarization, downlink signals  120  can be selectively filtered out from travelling through the system  100  to each IRD  112 A-D. 
     IRDs  112 A-D currently use a one-way communications system to control the multiswitch. Each IRD  112 A-D has a dedicated cable  124  connected directly to the multiswitch, and each IRD independently places a voltage and signal combination on the dedicated cable to program the multiswitch. For example, IRD  112 A may wish to view a signal that is provided by SatA  102 . To receive that signal, IRD  112 A sends a voltage/tone signal on the dedicated cable back to the multiswitch, and the multiswitch delivers the SatA  102  signal to IRD  112 A on dedicated cable  124 . IRD  112 B independently controls the output port that IRD  112 B is coupled to, and thus may deliver a different voltage/tone signal to the multiswitch. The voltage/tone signal typically comprises a 13 Volts DC (VDC) or 18 VDC signal, with or without a 22 kHz tone superimposed on the DC signal. 13 VDC without the 22 kHz tone would select one port, 13 VDC with the 22 kHz tone would select another port of the multiswitch, etc. There can also be a modulated tone, typically a 22 kHz tone, where the modulation schema can select one of any number of inputs based on the modulation scheme. 
     To reduce the cost of the ODU  108 , outputs of the LNBs  128  present in the ODU  108  can be combined, or “stacked,” depending on the ODU  108  design. The stacking of the LNB  128  outputs occurs after the LNB has received and downconverted the input signal. This allows for multiple polarizations, two from each satellite  102 - 106 , to pass through each LNB  128 . So one LNB  128  can, for example, receive both the Left Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) and Right Hand Circular Polarized (RHCP) signals from SatC  102 , while another LNB receives the Left Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) and the Right Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) signals from SatB  104 , which allows for fewer wires or cables between the LNBs  128  and the multiswitch. 
     The Ka-band of downlink signals  120  will be further divided into two bands, an upper band of frequencies called the “A” band and a lower band of frequencies called the “B” band. Once satellites are deployed within system  100  to broadcast these frequencies, each LNB  128  can deliver the signals from the Ku-band, the A band Ka-band, and the B band Ka-band signals for a given polarization to the multiswitch. However, current IRD  112  and system  100  designs cannot tune across this entire frequency band, which limits the usefulness of this stacking feature. 
     By stacking the LNB  128  inputs as described above, each LNB  128  typically delivers  48  transponders of information to the multiswitch, but some LNBs  128  can deliver more or less in blocks of various size. The multiswitch allows each output of the multiswitch to receive every LNB  128  signal (which is an input to the multiswitch) without filtering or modifying that information, which allows for each IRD  112  to receive more data. However, as mentioned above, current IRDs  112  cannot use the information in some of the proposed frequencies used for downlink signals  120 , thus rendering useless the information transmitted in those downlink signals  120 . The IRD  112 / 308  cannot receive signals in the 250-750 MHz band, so there needs to be a frequency translation for the B-band signals. 
     In addition, all inputs to the multiswitch are utilized by the current satellite  102 - 106  configuration, which prevents upgrades to the system  100  for additional satellite downlink signals  120  to be processed by the IRD  112 . Further, adding another IRD  112  to a house  110  requires a cabling run back to the ODU  108 . Such limitations on the related art make it difficult and expensive to add new features, such as additional channels, high-definition programming, additional satellite delivery systems, etc., or to add new IRD  112  units to a given house  110 . 
     Even if additional multiswitches are added, the related art does not take into account cabling that may already be present within house  110 , or the cost of installation of such multiswitches given the number of ODU  108  and IRD  112  units that have already been installed. Although many houses  110  have coaxial cable routed through the walls, or in attics and crawl spaces, for delivery of audio and video signals to various rooms of house  110 , such cabling is often not used by system  100  in the current installation process. 
     It can be seen, then, that there is a need in the art for a satellite broadcast system that can be expanded. It can also be seen that there is a need in the art for a satellite broadcast system that utilizes pre-existing household cabling to minimize cost and increase flexibility in arrangement of the system components. It can also be seen that there is a need in the art to test the system described to make sure that the system is operational. It can also be seen that there is a need in the art to test new cable installations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention describes systems, methods, and apparatuses for testing the delivery of satellite signals. 
     A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a meter, coupled to a receive antenna through a Single-Wire Multiswitch (SWM), wherein the receive antenna receives satellite signals and downconverts the satellite signals to an intermediate frequency spectrum; and the SWM selects the requested frequencies for the IRDs the meter comprising: a plurality of filters, at least one detector, coupled to the plurality of filters, for detecting a portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum, the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum being defined by the plurality of filters, a comparator, for comparing the detected portion of the intermediate frequency against a predetermined condition, and at least one indicator, coupled to the at least one detector, for indicating an actual condition of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum. 
     Such a system further optionally comprises the actual condition of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum comprising a power level of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum, a switch network, coupled to the plurality of filters, such that the intermediate frequency spectrum being filtered through the plurality of filters in a sequential manner, the at least one indicator being a light emitting diode, the light emitting diode emitting light in a first color when the comparator determines that the predetermined condition is met by the actual condition of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum, actual conditions of a plurality of portions of the intermediate frequency spectrum being indicated simultaneously, a Frequency Shift Keyed (FSK) detector, coupled to the plurality of filters, for detecting a condition of an FSK communications channel, a tone generator, coupled to an input of the plurality of filters, the at least one indicator being a power meter, and the predetermined condition being stored in the meter. 
     Another system in accordance with the present invention comprises a meter, coupled to a cable for delivering signals, comprising: a mixer for receiving the satellite signals, a frequency source, coupled to the mixer, for converting the signals to an intermediate frequency spectrum, a filter, coupled to an output of the mixer;
         at least one detector, coupled to the filter, for detecting a portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum, the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum being defined by the filter, at least one indicator, coupled to the at least one detector, for indicating an actual condition of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum, and a controller, coupled to the frequency source, for changing the frequency source wherein changing the frequency source changes the intermediate frequency spectrum such that different portions of the intermediate frequency spectrum are detected by the detector.       

     Such a system further optionally comprises the actual condition of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum comprises a power level of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum, the at least one indicator being a light emitting diode, the light emitting diode emitting light in a first color when the comparator determines that the predetermined condition is met by the actual condition of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum, actual conditions of a plurality of portions of the intermediate frequency spectrum being indicated simultaneously, a Frequency Shift Keyed (FSK) detector, coupled to the plurality of filters, for detecting a condition of an FSK communications channel, and the at least one indicator being a power meter. 
     Other features and advantages are inherent in the system and method claimed and disclosed or will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a typical satellite television installation of the related art; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a typical ODU of the related art; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a system diagram of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed block diagram of a Single Wire Multiswitch used in conjunction with the meter of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 5-11  illustrate various embodiments of meters in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, several embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Overview 
     Currently, there are three orbital slots, each comprising one or more satellites, delivering direct-broadcast television programming signals. However, ground systems that currently receive these signals cannot accommodate additional satellite signals, and cannot process the additional signals that will be used to transmit high-definition television (HDTV) signals. The HDTV signals can be broadcast from the existing satellite constellation, or broadcast from the additional satellite(s) that will be placed in geosynchronous orbit. The orbital locations of the satellites are fixed by regulation as being separated by nine degrees, so, for example, there is a satellite at 101 degrees West Longitude (WL), SatA  102 ; another satellite at 110 degrees WL, SatC  106 ; and another satellite at 119 degrees WL, SatB  104 . Other satellites may be at other orbital slots, e.g., 72.5 degrees, 95, degrees, 99 degrees, and 103 degrees, and other orbital slots, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The satellites are typically referred to by their orbital location, e.g., SatA  102 , the satellite at 101 WL, is typically referred to as “101.” Additional orbital slots, with one or more satellites per slot, are presently contemplated. 
     The present invention allows currently installed systems to continue receiving currently broadcast satellite signals, as well as allowing for expansion of additional signal reception and usage. Further, the present invention allows for the use of pre-existing cabling within a given home such that the signal distribution within a home can be done without large new cable runs from the external antenna to individual set-top boxes. 
     Further, the present invention is useable with many terrestrial cable and satellite television delivery systems, where, again, the overriding issues related to individual home installations are cost and difficulty of installation. Many homeowners cannot self-install the equipment because they cannot determine whether or not pre-existing wiring can be used, and the specifications required by the receivers and other equipment are too difficult to understand. Further, professional installers are not always equipped to determine thresholds, understand different receiver requirements, etc. 
     The present invention allows currently installed systems to continue receiving currently transmitted signals, as well as allowing for expansion of additional signal reception and usage. Further, the present invention allows for the use of pre-existing cabling within a given home such that the signal distribution within a home can be done without large new cable runs from the external signal source to individual set-top boxes, whether they are used with a terrestrial cable system or with a satellite delivery system. 
     Terrestrial cable and satellite systems use “channels” to deliver the signals that are decoded by the receiver prior to showing the program on monitor  114 . These channels have a typical bandwidth, e.g., 6 MHz for terrestrial cable delivery, and 30 MHz for satellite signal delivery. Each channel has guardbands, i.e., areas of the spectrum near the channel, that are not used for signal delivery. 
     Typical testing of cables and in-house wiring uses a broadband power meter, and power is checked at each frequency throughout the expected frequency spectrum to be sent through the cables. However, since some frequencies are not used because of the guardbands, etc., the present invention checks each of the “channels” that are used by the system  100  to determine whether the cables can accept and pass the frequencies of interest. 
     Further, the present invention gives installers, whether professional installers or homeowners, a quick “go/no go” indication of whether the cables are acceptable for the system  100  demands. 
     System Diagram 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a system diagram of the present invention. 
     In the present invention, ODU  108  is coupled to Frequency Translation Module (FTM)  300  (also known as a “Single Wire Multiswitch (SWM)”). FTM  300  is coupled to power injector  302 . FTM  300  is able to directly support currently installed IRD  112  directly as shown via cable  124 , as described with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The present invention is also able to support new IRDs  308 , via a network of signal splitters  304  and  306 , and power injector  302 . New IRDs  308  are able to perform two-way communication with FTM  300 , which assists IRDs  308  in the delivery of custom signals on private IRD selected channels via a single cable  310 . Each of the splitters  304  and  306  can, in some installations, have intelligence in allowing messages to be sent from each IRD  308  to FTM  300 , and back from FTM  300  to IRDs  308 , where the intelligent or smart signal splitters  304  and  306  control access to the FTM  300 . 
     The two-way communication between IRDs  308  and FTM  300  can take place via cable  310 , or via other wiring, such as power distribution lines or phone lines that are present within house  110 . 
     It is envisioned that one or more possible communications schema can take place between IRD  308  and FTM  300  such that existing wiring in a house  110  can be used to deliver satellite signals and control signals between IRD  308  and FTM  300 , such as an RF FSK approach or an RF ASK approach. Such schema include, but are not limited to, a digital FTM solution, a remultiplexed (remux) FTM solution, an analog FTM solution, and a hybrid FTM solution. These solutions, and other possible solutions, are discussed hereinbelow. 
     Frequency Translation Module 
       FIG. 4  is a detailed block diagram of the frequency translation module (single wire multiswitch) used with the present invention. 
     FTM  300  shows multiple LNBs  128  coupled to multiswitch  400 . Multiswitch  400  supports current IRDs  112  via cable  124 . Multiple cables  124  are shown to illustrate that more than one current IRD  112  can be supported. The number of current IRDs  112  that can be supported by FTM  300  can be more than two if desired without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Multiswitch  400  has several outputs coupled to individual tuners  402 . Each tuner  402  can access any of the LNB  128  signals depending on the control signals sent to each tuner  402 . The output of each tuner  402  is a selected transponder signal that is present in one of the downlink signals  120 . The method of selection of the transponder will be discussed in more detail below. 
     After tuning to a specific transponder signal on each tuner  402 , each signal is then demodulated by individual demodulators  404 , and then demultiplexed by demultiplexers  406 . Although this describes a Digital FTM  300  approach, an analog FTM approach will have similar output signals. 
     One approach is that the outputs of each of the demultiplexers  406  is a specific packet of information present on a given transponder for a given satellite  102 - 106 . These packets may have similar nomenclature or identification numbers associated with them, and, as such, to prevent the IRDs  308  from misinterpreting which packet of information to view, each packet of information is given a new identification code. This process is called re-mapping, and is performed by the SCID remappers  408 . The outputs of each of the SCID remappers  408  are uniquely named packets of information that have been stripped from various transponders on various satellites  102 - 106 . 
     These remapped signals are then multiplexed together by mux  410 , and remodulated via modulator  412 . An amplifier  414  then amplifies this modulated signal and sends it out via cable  310 . 
     The signal present on cable  310  is generated by requests from the individual IRDs  308  and controlled by controller  416 . Controller  416  receives the requests from IRDs  308  and controls tuners  402  in such a fashion to deliver only the selected transponder data (in an Analog FTM schema) or individualized packets of interest within a given transponder to all of the IRDs  308  in a given house  110 . 
     Other designs are possible for the SWM  300  used in conjunction with the present invention. For example, the SWM  308  can perform a frequency conversion or frequency translation of a selected transponder to a specific output frequency without the use of a tuner  402 , demods  404 , demuxes  406  or SCID remappers  408 . Other embodiments of the SWM  300  are possible and useable with the present invention, as long as the frequencies of the SWM  300  are within a known range and detectable by the present invention. 
     In the related art, each of the cables  124  delivers sixteen (16) transponders, all at one polarization, from a satellite selected by IRD  112 . Each IRD  112  is free to select any polarization and any satellite coupled to multiswitch  400 . However, with the addition of new satellites and additional signals, the control of the multiswitch  400  by current IRDs  112 , along with limitations on the tuner bandwidth available within the IRDs  112 , provide difficult obstacles for distribution of signals within the current system  100 . However, with tuners  402  located outside of individual IRDs  308 , where the IRDs  308  can control the tuner  402  via controller  416 , the system of the present invention can provide a smaller subset of the available downlink signal  120  bandwidth to the input of the IRD  308 , making it easier for the IRD  308  to tune to a given viewer channel of interest. In essence, it adds additional stages of downlink signal  120  selection upstream of the IRD  308 , which provides additional flexibility and dynamic customization of the signal that is actually delivered to individual IRDs  308 . 
     Further, once the additional satellites are positioned to deliver Ka-band downlink signals  120 , the FTM  300  can tune to these signals using tuners  402 , and remodulate the specific transponder signals of interest within the Ka-band downlink signals  120  to individual IRDs  308  on cable  310 . In this manner, the tuners present within each IRD  308  are not required to tune over a large frequency range, and even though a larger frequency range is being transmitted via downlink signals  120 , the IRDs  308  can accept these signals via the frequency translation performed by FTM  300 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , chain  418 , which comprises a tuner  402 , demodulator  404 , demultiplexer  406 , and SCID remapper  408 , is dedicated to a specific IRD  308 . As a given IRD  308  sends requests back to FTM  300 , each chain  418  is tuned to a different downlink signal  120 , or to a different signal within a downlink signal  120 , to provide the given IRD  308  the channel of interest for that IRD  308  on the private channel. 
     Although chain  418  is shown with tuner  402 , demodulator  404 , demultiplexer  406 , and SCID remapper  408 , other combinations of functions or circuits can be used within the chain  418  to produce similar results. 
     Meter Requirements 
     A Single-Wire Multiswitch (SWM) Meter in accordance with the present invention provides a simple means to measure the RF properties of a home cable configuration to determine if the previously installed wiring is suitable for SWM operations. Such a meter provides a Go/No Go indication about SWM service viability for each cable drop in the home. 
     Such a meter can be of an analog or digital design, is simple to use, and typically battery operated. The meter can optionally include a Frequency Shift Keyed (FSK) meter to validate the FSK communications channel of the SWM (FTM). 
     Related art meters do not have the capability to determine that individual channels of the FTM/SWM have been successfully transmitted to IRD  308  and/or IRD  112 . Such meters suffer from sensitivity issues, and typically measure power over the entire frequency spectrum that is being transmitted by FTM  300  on cable  310 , rather than the individual channel outputs (determined by tuners  402 ) on cable  310 . 
     Further, the present invention also allows for verification of the FSK communications channel of the FTM/SWM  300 . Upon power up of the FTM/SWM  300 , the FTM/SWM  300  periodically transmits an FSK signal to alert IRD  308  that FTM/SWM  300  is ready to receive registration commands. Such an FSK signal can be detected either by a digital receiver or by an analog-only channeled receiver. The present invention allows for testing of this communication signal from the FTM/SWM  300  to the FSK portion of the meter of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 5-10  illustrate various embodiments of meters in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates SWM meter  500 , coupled to splitter  502  via cabling  504 , which is coupled to FTM/SWM  300  and ODU  108 . Typically, cabling  504  is wiring that is pre-installed in a home  110 , however, cabling  504  can be installed, troubleshot, or repaired as a result of the use of meter  500 . 
     Meter  500  uses switches  506  and  508  to selectively switch the output of cable  504  through filters  510 . Each of the filters  510  filters out the various frequency portions of the signal from FTM/SWM  300 , e.g., each of the filters  510  can be centered on one of the tuner  402  frequencies, or can cover one of the several different frequencies that is being output from LNBs  128  through multiswitch  400 . As such, each of the frequency ranges that is being output from SWM  300  is tested independently, rather than as an aggregate or overall power measurement, to each of the cables  504  that is run through house  110 . Filters  510  are typically SAW filters that select each frequency independently to allow for fast frequency roll off and adequate frequency rejection within meter  500 . 
     Switch  508  then sends a signal to a detector  512 , which is typically a diode detector, to detect the presence of the signal in the specific frequency range, and then forwarded to an integrator  514  to hold the specific voltage level (power level) of the specific frequency range. 
     The output of integrator  514  is then compared with a preset power (voltage) value in comparator  516 . Comparator  516  can have a selectable preset power value if desired without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, and not by way of limitation, meter  500  can be loaded with values that are “standard” for most installations, however, many installations, depending on which IRD  112 / 308  is used, etc., etc. may require different power levels to operate correctly, and meter  500  can be loaded with these values to perform such special installations of ODU  108 , SWM  300 , and cabling  504 . One of the filters  510  is a 2.3 MHz filter to allow for testing of the FSK command/registration portion of SWM  300  via meter  500 . 
     The signal from comparator  516  is fed to a driver  518 , which provides an input to display  520 . Typically, display  520  is an LED that either turns green to indicate that the comparator  516  output a favorable reading, e.g., the power (voltage) level of the signal from SWM  300  was of a high enough value to drive IRD  112 / 308 , or display (when an LED) turns red to indicate that the comparator  516  output an unfavorable reading, e.g., the power (voltage) level of the signal from SWM  300  was not of a high enough value to drive IRD  112 / 308 . Other colors can indicate other conditions, e.g., a yellow color from the display  520  could indicate marginal conditions, etc. Further, the LED may be a single color LED, which turns on when the reading is favorable and is off when the reading is not acceptable, or turns off when the reading is favorable and is on when the reading is not acceptable. 
     Power is supplied to meter  500  via power source  522 . Power source  522  can be a battery, either a rechargeable or replaceable battery or an AC power brick. In alternative uses of meter  500 , the power can come from the IRD  112 / 308 , depending on the testing procedure. 
     Such a meter would typically be operated as follows: point ODU  108  antenna and connect all outputs to SWM  300  inputs. Turn on SWM  300 , connect output cables  310  and  504 , but do not attach IRDs  112 / 308 . 
     Connect the SWM meter  500  to one output of the power splitter and verify all frequencies are present and the power levels are acceptable. At each cable drop in the home, plug in meter  500 . Press switch  522  to test first SWM output frequency, and check indicator  520  for status. If do not see a signal, switch in amplifier  524  and press switch again. Check indicator  520  status. Repeat these steps for all SWM  300  output frequencies via switches  506  and  508 . Alternatively, the meter may automatically switch in the amplifiers. 
     If all signals are satisfactory, use switch  526  to test FSK signal, and check indicator  520  for status. If a signal is not present, switch in optional amplifier  528  and press switch  526  again. Check indicator  520  status. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the separation of meter  500  into two separate meters  600  and  602 , where meter  600  checks the frequency outputs of SWM  300  and meter  602  performs the FSK verification. Alternatively, a simple power sensing circuit may be used in place of the digital FSK modem. Operation of meters  600  and  602  are similar to that of meter  500 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the use of meter  500  with a tone or noise generator  700 , with a power source  702 , that generates signals similar to that of the ODU  108 /SWM  300 . Such an arrangement can be used to determine whether existing wiring in a house  110  can accept and forward signals from an SWM  300  prior to an SWM  300  installation. The tone or noise generator  700  may be placed near the SWM  300  to test signal distribution from SWM  300  to cable drops, or at one cable drop to test its FSK communication with the SWM or other cable drops. Further, the output of tone generator  700  can be inserted into one end of a cable, and meter  500  can be used at another end of a cable in a home, to determine whether or not the cable can properly support the use of a SWM  300  and/or support a system  100  in a given home  110 . This will allow installers to determine whether pre-existing wiring in a home can be used during installation, or if new wiring must be installed to support a given installation of a SWM  300  or the home  110  portion of system  100 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates splitting the meter up into the switching portion and the signal measurement portion of the meter. Switching portion  800  performs similar functions to meter  500 , but rather than an indicator, a signal meter  802 , which can be analog or digital, or have an LCD or LED display showing relative signal strength for each of the measured filtered portions of the signal from SWM  300 , can be measured and recorded rather than merely given a go/no go label. Such information can assist the installer in determining what remedies, if any, can be attempted with regards to wiring  504 , ODU  108  alignment, or SWM  300  repair or replacement.  FIG. 8  may also include the FSK portion. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates meter  900 . Meter  900  uses switch  902  to selectively switch the output of cable  504  through filters  904 . Each of the filters  904  filters out the various frequency portions of the signal from FTM/SWM  300 , e.g., each of the filters  904  can be centered on one of the tuner  402  frequencies, or can cover one of the several different frequencies that is being output from LNBs  128  through multiswitch  400 . As such, each of the frequency ranges that is being output from SWM  300  is tested independently, rather than as an aggregate or overall power measurement, to each of the cables  504  that is run through house  110 . Filters  904  are typically SAW filters that select each frequency independently to allow for fast frequency roll off and adequate frequency rejection within meter  900 . 
     Rather than using a second switch  508  as in meter  500 , meter  900  then sends each of the filtered signals to a separate detector  906 , which is typically a diode detector, to detect the presence of the signal in the specific frequency range. The output of each integrator  908  is then compared with a preset power (voltage) value in comparator  908 . Each comparator  908  can have a selectable preset power value if desired without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, and not by way of limitation, meter  900  can be loaded with values that are “standard” for most installations, however, many installations, depending on IRD  112 / 308  requirements, etc. may require higher power levels to operate correctly and meter  900  can be loaded with these values to perform such special installations of ODU  108 , SWM  300 , and cabling  504 . One of the filters  510  can also be a 2.3 MHz filter to allow for testing of the FSK command/registration portion of SWM  300  as described with respect to  FIG. 5  and meter  500 . 
     The signal from comparator  908  is fed to a driver  910 , which provides an input to displays  912 . Typically, displays  912  are LEDs that either turns green to indicate that the comparators  908  output a favorable reading, e.g., the power (voltage) level of the signal from SWM  300  was of a high enough value to drive IRD  112 / 308 , or display (when an LED) turns red to indicate that the comparators  912  output an unfavorable reading, e.g., the power (voltage) level of the signal from SWM  300  was not of a high enough value to drive IRD  112 / 308 . Such an approach, shown by meter  900 , allows a technician or installer to see instantaneously which of the several frequency ranges are good or bad, although meter  900  will typically have more parts than meter  500 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates meter  1000 . Meter  1000  replaces switch  506  with a splitter  1002 , such that each of the comparators, detectors, etc. can be used simultaneously. Meter  1000  can also include the FSK portion as described with respect to  FIG. 5 . Now, each of the frequency ranges of the meter  1000  will be displayed substantially simultaneously, and the operator or technician can see at one glance which, if any, of the frequency spectra are or are not being passed through cabling  504 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a frequency agile analog power detector in accordance with the present invention. 
     Meter  1100  accepts an input signal  1102 , typically input  504 , but input signal  1102  can also be a test signal of a known frequency spectrum and power, through wiring  1104 . Input  1102  can come directly from the SWM  300  if desired. 
     Input  1102  is fed into mixer  1106 , or, optionally, is fed into an optional amplifier with an AGC circuit to provide the proper operating point for mixer  1106 , which mixes local oscillator (LO)  1108  signal with input  1102  to downconvert input signal  1102  to an intermediate frequency (IF)  1110 . The IF  1110  is then passed through bandpass filter  1112 , which can be an analog bandpass filter such as a SAW filter similar to those described with respect to  FIGS. 5-10 . Once the IF is filtered by filter  1112 , the power in the filtered signal is detected by detector  1114 , and, depending on the power found in the filtered signal, indicator  1116  displays a condition associated with the filtered signal. Typically indicator  1116  is an LED, which turns red if the power in the filtered signal is not above a threshold, or turns green if the power in the filtered signal is above a certain threshold, but other indication schemes can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Local Oscillator  1106  can be controlled by a controller  1118 , to allow for different mixing capabilities and different IF frequencies for input signal  1102 . For example, by changing the LO  1108  frequency, different portions of input signal  1102  are passed through the bandpass filter  1112 , and, thus, the power in those different portions of input signal  1102  are verified as being distributed by wiring  1104 . This allows for an installer to determine, without complicated instruments or specialized knowledge, whether wiring  1104  will be able to distribute an expected input signal  1102 , or whether wiring  1104  has a problem with a given set of frequencies. 
     Depending on the frequencies selected by controller  1118 , the wiring  1104  can be tested for the specific frequencies that are expected for system  100 , and those frequencies that are not used in system  100  can be excluded from the test performed by the meters in  FIGS. 5-11 , since those frequencies are unused by system  100 . Controller  1118  can be a microprocessor or other automatic controller, but can also be a manual switch network or other selectable network, such that the costs and ease of use of meter  1100  can be adapted to installers and system  100  operators. 
     Application to Cable Television 
     The present invention can also be used to verify cabling  504  for cable television systems. For example, Generator  700  can be replaced by the actual signal that will be used to feed into receiver  112  and shown on monitor  114 , or can be a sweep generator, sawtooth generator, or other tone or noise generator that provides an output which can be filtered by filters  510 . Further, switch  506  can optionally be coupled to a separate filter  510  which verifies the communications channel from receiver  112  back to communication station  118 . 
     After the filters  510 , a second switch  508  is used to selectively switch the filtered signal, which represents a portion of the frequency spectrum generated by generator  700 , to detector  512 . This signal is then integrated and stored by integrator  514 , and compared against a predetermined threshold level in comparator  516 . A driver  518  is then used to drive an indicator  520  to show the condition of that portion of the spectrum. Power source  522  is used to power up meter  500 . 
     Each of the filters  510  can filter out one or more “channels” of the frequency spectrum that are used by system  100 . So, for example, in a terrestrial cable system, each of the filters  510  can filter out a 6 MHz wide portion of the spectrum, where that portion is centered on one of the frequencies used to transmit signals in such a system  100 . The filters can then be sequentially checked by switching switches  506  and  508 , and each “channel” in system  100  can be passed through wiring  504  and can be verified by meter  500  as having the proper characteristics based on the status of indicator  520 . 
     For a given “channel” in system  100 , switches  506  and  508  are placed in a certain position, and indicator  520  gives a status of characteristics in that channel. So, for example, the power in that filtered signal can be measured by detector  512 , and compared to a required (predetermined) power level that is needed by receiver  112  in comparator  516 . If the power level of the filtered signal is above the needed threshold, indicator  520  will indicate as such; if the power level is below the threshold, indicator  520  can indicate as such. Such indications can include the indicator  520  turning different colors or emitting different sounds to indicate the status of that portion of the frequency spectrum that is being tested by meter  500 . Further, meter  500  can indicate a “low” or “near threshold” condition by using a different indicia (e.g., different color, different sound, etc. than the go/no go condition indicia). 
     As such, each of the frequency ranges that is being output from generator  700  is tested independently, rather than as an aggregate or overall power measurement, to each of the cables  504  that is run through house  110 . 
     By connecting meter  500  to each cable output (also known as a cable “drop”) in house  110 , connecting generator  700  (or other signal source) to the input to house  110 , and stepping through the frequencies needed by switching switches  506  and  508 , the meter  500  can verify all of the cabling  504  in house  110  can withstand and deliver the frequencies needed at the power levels required for each receiver  112  that could be placed in house  110 . Similar operational characteristics are available for the meters described in  FIGS. 6-11  to use these meters in a cable television system. 
     CONCLUSION 
     This concludes the description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. For example, and not by way of limitation, amplifiers can be moved around within the meter embodiments from before the switch networks to after the switch networks, the other components may take the form of ASIC or LSI circuitry, and the displays may be LEDs, LCDs, or some other type of display. The figures and descriptions shown herein are for illustration purposes only, and are not to be construed to limit the present invention. 
     In summary, the present invention describes systems, methods, and apparatuses for testing the delivery of satellite signals. 
     A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a meter, coupled to a receive antenna through a Single-Wire Multiswitch (SWM), wherein the receive antenna receives satellite signals and downconverts the satellite signals to an intermediate frequency spectrum; and the SWM selects the requested frequencies for the IRDs the meter comprising: a plurality of filters, at least one detector, coupled to the plurality of filters, for detecting a portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum, the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum being defined by the plurality of filters, a comparator, for comparing the detected portion of the intermediate frequency against a predetermined condition, and at least one indicator, coupled to the at least one detector, for indicating an actual condition of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum. 
     Such a system further optionally comprises the actual condition of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum comprising a power level of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum, a switch network, coupled to the plurality of filters, such that the intermediate frequency spectrum being filtered through the plurality of filters in a sequential manner, the at least one indicator being a light emitting diode, the light emitting diode emitting light in a first color when the comparator determines that the predetermined condition is met by the actual condition of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum, actual conditions of a plurality of portions of the intermediate frequency spectrum being indicated simultaneously, a Frequency Shift Keyed (FSK) detector, coupled to the plurality of filters, for detecting a condition of an FSK communications channel, a tone generator, coupled to an input of the plurality of filters, the at least one indicator being a power meter, and the predetermined condition being stored in the meter. 
     Another system in accordance with the present invention comprises a meter, coupled to a cable for delivering signals, comprising: a mixer for receiving the satellite signals, a frequency source, coupled to the mixer, for converting the signals to an intermediate frequency spectrum, a filter, coupled to an output of the mixer;
         at least one detector, coupled to the filter, for detecting a portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum, the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum being defined by the filter, at least one indicator, coupled to the at least one detector, for indicating an actual condition of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum, and a controller, coupled to the frequency source, for changing the frequency source wherein changing the frequency source changes the intermediate frequency spectrum such that different portions of the intermediate frequency spectrum are detected by the detector.       

     Such a system further optionally comprises the actual condition of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum comprises a power level of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum, the at least one indicator being a light emitting diode, the light emitting diode emitting light in a first color when the comparator determines that the predetermined condition is met by the actual condition of the portion of the intermediate frequency spectrum, actual conditions of a plurality of portions of the intermediate frequency spectrum being indicated simultaneously, a Frequency Shift Keyed (FSK) detector, coupled to the plurality of filters, for detecting a condition of an FSK communications channel, and the at least one indicator being a power meter. 
     It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended and the equivalents thereof.