Radio frequency (RF) detector with a light emitting diode (LED) indicator
First Claim
1. An RF detector for detecting RF signals, comprising:
- a gain circuit for amplifying the RF signals;
a rectification circuit for changing the RF signals to a DC voltage;
a comparator for comparing the DC voltage to a reference voltage; and
an LED coupled to the comparator for indicating that RF signals are present within the RF detector and for indicating that RF signals are not present within the RF detector, wherein RF signals are present when the comparator detects a difference between the DC voltage and the reference voltage
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A broadband communications system for providing radio frequency (RF) signals to subscriber equipment that includes an amplifier for amplifying the RF signals and for providing an indication of the presence of the RF signals. The amplifier includes an input for receiving the RF signals, a first gain circuit for amplifying the RF signals and providing amplified RF signals, and an output for providing the amplified RF signals to the subscriber equipment. An RF detector included within the amplifier where there is a tap circuit for diverting a portion of the amplified RF signals, the tap circuit connected between the first gain circuit and the output, a gain circuit for amplifying the diverted RF signals, a rectification circuit for converting the amplified diverted RF signal to a DC voltage, a comparator for comparing the DC voltage to a reference voltage, and an indicator connected to the comparator for indicating when the DC voltage exceeds the reference voltage, whereby the DC voltage exceeding the reference voltage indicates the presence of an RF signal.
-
Citations
17 Claims
-
1. An RF detector for detecting RF signals, comprising:
-
a gain circuit for amplifying the RF signals;
a rectification circuit for changing the RF signals to a DC voltage;
a comparator for comparing the DC voltage to a reference voltage; and
an LED coupled to the comparator for indicating that RF signals are present within the RF detector and for indicating that RF signals are not present within the RF detector, wherein RF signals are present when the comparator detects a difference between the DC voltage and the reference voltage - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A drop amplifier including an RF detector for providing a visual indication that RF signals are present within the drop amplifier, the drop amplifier comprising:
-
an input port for receiving RF signals from upstream;
an amplifier for amplifying the received RF signals;
a tap circuit for diverting a portion of the received RF signals;
an RF detector coupled to the tap circuit, the RF detector comprising;
a gain circuit for amplfying the RF signals;
a rectification circuit for changing the RF signals to a DC voltage;
a comparator for comparing the DC voltage to a reference voltage; and
an LED for indicating that RF signals are present within the drop amplifier, wherein RF signals are present when the comparator detects a difference between the DC voltage and the reference voltage, and an output port for providing the amplified RF signals to a subscriber, whereby the LED of the RF detector provides a visual indication notifying the subscriber to the presence of RF signals through the drop amplifier. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17)
-
-
16. In a broadband communications system for providing radio frequency (RF) signals to subscriber equipment, an amplifier for amplifying said RF signals and for providing an indication of the presence of said RF signals, said amplifier comprising:
-
an input for receiving said RF signals, a first gain circuit for amplifying said RF signals and providing amplified RF signals;
an output for providing said amplified RF signals to said subscriber equipment; and
an RF detector including a tap circuit for diverting a portion of said amplified RF signals, said tap circuit connected between said first gain circuit and said output;
a gain circuit for amplifying said diverted RF signals;
a rectification circuit for converting said amplified diverted RF signal to a DC voltage;
a comparator for comparing said DC voltage to a reference voltage; and
an indicator connected to said comparator for indicating when said DC voltage exceeds said reference voltage, whereby the DC voltage exceeding said reference voltage indicates the presence of an RF signal.
-
Specification