Smart Power Switch For Broadband Communications Network

• US 20090146497A1
• Filed: 08/29/2008
• Published: 06/11/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: May Industries
• Original Assignee: May Industries
• Inventors: Raviv, Ofer, Taylor, George F.
• Granted Patent: US 7,898,108 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/64
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/10 Current supply arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0296 switching to a backup power supply
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A power switching module provides power to a line amplifier in a broadband telecommunications network. The switch includes a first input port for connection to a first power source, a second input port for connection to a second power source, an input/output port for connection to a cable connecting the line amplifier with a remote amplifier, and an output port for connection to the line amplifier. A controller controls selection of the power source and provides power to the line amplifier from one the input ports and can provide power to, or receive power from, a power supply associated with the remote amplifier via the input/output port. A switch allows selection of a primary mode of operation or a secondary mode of operation. Another switch allows selection of a first operating voltage range or a second voltage operating range. A monitoring circuit communicates status information about the switching module to a remote location. Monitored parameters include, for example, power supply status, module humidity and temperature.

Claims

1. A backup power system for use in a broadband communications network, comprising:

means for providing power to an amplifier from a selected one of a plurality of power sources; and

means for monitoring a status of each of the plurality of power sources and producing a status signal including information regarding the status of at least one of the power sources.

2. The backup power system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring means further comprises a humidity sensor, and wherein the status signal includes status information based on output from the humidity sensor.

3. The backup power system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring means further comprises a temperature sensor, and wherein the status signal includes status information based on output from the temperature sensor.

4. The backup power system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring means monitors a voltage associated with at least one of the power sources.

5. The backup power system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring means monitors a current associated with at least one of the power sources.

6. The backup power system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring means monitors a voltage and a current associated with each of the power sources.

7. The backup power system of claim 6, further comprising:

means for transmitting the status signal.

8. The backup power system of claim 1, wherein the providing means comprises:

a plurality of switching devices to selectively provide power to the amplifier from the plurality of power sources; and

a microcontroller to control the switching devices.

9. The backup power system of claim 8, wherein the providing means is operable in a plurality of modes, and wherein the monitoring means monitors mode.

10. A switching module for providing power to a line amplifier in a broadband telecommunications network, comprising:

a microprocessor-controlled switching circuit to provide power from a selected one of a plurality of power sources to the line amplifier; and

a monitor circuit to monitor a status of each of the plurality of power sources and produce a status signal including information regarding the status of at least one of the power sources.

11. The switching module of claim 10, further comprising a sensor selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, wherein the status signal includes status information based on sensor output.

12. The switching module of claim 10, further comprising:

a mode selecting switch to allow user selection between a primary mode of operation and a secondary mode of operation, wherein the secondary mode of operation provides for delayed switching as compared to the primary mode of operation, and wherein the status signal includes status information based on mode.

13. The switching module of claim 10, wherein the monitoring circuit comprises a voltage monitoring circuit and a current monitoring circuit.

14. A backup power system for providing power to a component in a broadband telecommunication network, comprising:

a switching module to provide power from a selected one of a plurality of power sources to the component;

a monitor circuit to monitor a status of each of the plurality of power sources and produce a status signal including information regarding the status of at least one of the power sources, wherein the status signal is a radio frequency signal; and

a transmitter to receive the status signal and transmit the status signal.

15. The backup power system of claim 14, wherein the transmitter comprises a transponder and a cable modem.

16. The backup power system of claim 15, wherein the cable modem transmits the status signal on the broadband telecommunication network using a unique IP address.

17. The backup power system of claim 14, wherein the status signal includes information regarding the status of each of the power sources, including both voltage and current.