Multiplexer for sorting multiple signals from an antenna

• US 6,384,696 B1
• Filed: 05/09/2000
• Issued: 05/07/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/07/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: R.A. Miller Industries, Inc.
• Original Assignee: R.A. Miller Industries, Inc.
• Inventors: Seward, Glen J., Bogdans, Paul A., Miller, Paul E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pascal, Robert
• Assistant Examiner(s): Glenn, Kimberly E
• Application Number:
  US09/568,211
• Time in Patent Office: 728 Days
• Field of Search: 333/132, 343/722, 370/915, 370/916
• US Class Current: 333/132
• CPC Class Codes: H03H 7/463 Duplexers

Abstract

A multiplexer circuit adapted to receive signals comprises two filter circuits. The first filter circuit presents a high impedance to signals outside a first frequency range and the second circuit presents a high impedance to signals outside a second frequency range. Isolation matching circuits enable transmission and reception of one of the signals in the first or second frequency ranges without degradation or interference with the other range. An embodiment allows transmission and reception of satellite Orbcomm frequencies over a standard AM/FM antenna without effect on the AM/FM signal.

Claims

1. A multiplexer circuit comprising:

a first connection terminal for connection to a first antenna arranged for transmitting and receiving signals in a first frequency range;

a second connection terminal for connection to a second antenna arranged for transmitting and receiving signals in a second frequency range, discrete from and higher than said first frequency range; and

a third connection terminal for connection to a signal processor adapted to receive the first frequency range;

a fourth connection terminal for connection to a signal processor adapted to receive the second frequency range;

said multiplexer circuit further comprising a first filter circuit connected between said first connection terminal and said fourth connection terminal for excluding signals outside of said first frequency range and a second filter circuit connected between said second connection terminal and said third connection terminal for excluding signals outside said second frequency range.

2. The multiplexer circuit in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first filter circuit comprises a first capacitor and a first inductor connected in series with said first capacitor and wherein said second filter circuit comprises a second capacitor and a second inductor connected in series with said second capacitor.

3. The multiplexer circuit in accordance with claim 2 wherein said second filter circuit further comprises a third capacitor connected in parallel with said second inductor and wherein said second filter circuit is operative to exclude signals in said second frequency range.