multiswitch
Multiswitches are used in satellite reception systems and have several inputs for LNB converters and one or more outputs connected to the satellite or digital receivers. Multiswitches use coaxial relays and distribute the incoming LNB signals to one or more satellite receivers.
Since LNB/ LNC converters can be switched in frequency range and polarization plane, the intermediate frequencies applied to the satellite inputs can be from the low or high reception range. They can therefore be modulated with analog TV or digital TV and, in addition, originate from a vertically or horizontally radiating transponder.
Multiswitches are controlled with the same control signals as LNB converters and use these control signals to switch the correspondingly assigned satellite input to the receiver output. For example, if the 22 kHz control signal and the 18 V DC voltage are present as control signals at the multiswitch, then the multiswitch switches the receiver output to the satellite input to which the LNB converter is connected, which is tuned to the high band (22 kHz) for digital TV and the horizontal polarization level (18 V).
The multiswitch can switch the polarization planes in the LNB converter with the DC voltages of 14/18 V and select the low-band and high-band for digital TV with the 22 kHz control signal in each polarization plane.
Multiswitches are available in a wide variety of designs with 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 satellite inputs and one or more outputs. In addition to the satellite inputs, multiswitches can also have an input for terrestrial television. Incommunity antenna systems, a multiswitch may well have 4 inputs and 8 outputs.