Power Distribution Module Form Factor

• US 20100290605A1
• Filed: 03/26/2010
• Published: 11/18/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Amphenol Network Solutions, Inc. (Amphenol Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Telect Incorporated (Amphenol Corporation)
• Inventors: Wright, Randolph Stanton, Reeder, Larry O'Neal
• Granted Patent: US 8,737,076 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 379/102.04
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/181 Enclosures for portable computers G06F1/1613
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/189 Power distribution
• CPC Class Codes: H02B 1/26 Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/03 Power distribution arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/04 Frames or mounting racks for selector switches; Accessories therefor, e.g. frame cover
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/155 characterised by connection features
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 13/00 Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or adjusting assemblages of electric components
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0004 comprising several parts forming a closed casing
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/1461 Slidable card holders; Card stiffeners; Control or display means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/18 Construction of rack or frame
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/20945 Thermal management, e.g. inverter temperature control
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 Electrical device making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49117 Conductor or circuit manufacturing

Abstract

A modular form factor power module system with monitoring and control functions is disclosed. The power module system is configured to power, monitor and/or control telecommunications equipment at the circuit level.

Claims

1. A telecommunications equipment power module system comprising:

a rack unit with a connection interface configured to couple to a power source and a unit of telecommunications equipment; and

a power module configured to mount in the rack unit, the power module comprising;

a wired connection configured to selectively couple with the connection interface;

a switch configured to couple with the wired connection; and

a monitor configured to monitor power that the unit of telecommunications equipment consumes from the power source.

2. The module system of claim 1, wherein the connection interface is further coupled to a controller which is in connection with the switch.

3. The module system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to direct the switch to control connection of power from the power source to the unit of telecommunications equipment based on detection of a trip event.

4. The module system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to direct the switch to disconnect power from the power source to the unit of telecommunications equipment based on detection of a predetermined number of times a circuit breaker is tripped.

5. The module system of claim 2, wherein the power module further houses the controller.

6. The module system of claim 1, the power module further comprising a power distribution block.

7. The module system of claim 1, wherein the rack unit has dimensions of two rack units (2 U).

8. The module system of claim 1, wherein the power module system is enclosed within a telecommunications equipment enclosure.

9. The module system of claim 8, wherein the telecommunications equipment enclosure comprises:

an internal divider configured to substantially separate a first area of the enclosure from a second area of the enclosure;

an access panel configured to allow access to the first area and the second area, the access panel comprising a sub-panel configured to allow access to the first area while preventing access to the second area;

a first lock configured to secure the access panel; and

a second lock different than the first lock, the second lock configured to secure the sub-panel.

10. The module system of claim 1, wherein the monitor comprises a shunt.

11. The module system of claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a circuit contactor.

12. A telecommunications equipment power module comprising:

a modular enclosure configured to mount in a rack unit, the modular enclosure comprising;

a wired connection configured to selectively couple with a connection interface attached to the rack unit, the connection interface configured to couple with a unit of telecommunications equipment and a power source;

a switch configured to couple with the wired connection; and

a monitor configured to monitor power that the unit of telecommunications equipment consumes from the power source.

13. The module of claim 12, wherein the wired connection is also coupled to a controller which is in connection with the switch.

14. The module of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to direct the switch to control connection of power from the power source to the unit of telecommunications equipment based on detection of a trip event.

15. The module of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to direct the switch to disconnect power from the power source to the unit of telecommunications equipment based on detection of a predetermined number of times a circuit breaker is tripped.

16. The module of claim 12, wherein the modular enclosure is enclosed within a telecommunications equipment enclosure.

17. The module of claim 12, the modular enclosure further comprising a power distribution block.

18. The module of claim 12, wherein the monitor comprises a shunt.

19. The module of claim 12, wherein the switch comprises a circuit contactor.

20. The module of claim 12, wherein the modular enclosure is sized to fit in a one rack unit (1 U) space.

21. The module of claim 12, wherein the modular enclosure is sized to fit in a two rack unit (2 U) space.

22. A method of configuring a modular telecommunications equipment enclosure comprising:

providing a rack unit enclosed in the telecommunications equipment enclosure, the rack unit comprising a connection interface; and

mounting a power module in the rack, the power module comprising;

a wired connection;

a monitor coupled to the wired connection; and

a switch coupled to the wired connection, such that when the power module mounts in the rack, the wired connection selectively engages with the connection interface.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising, connecting a power source to the wired connection.

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising, connecting a unit of telecommunications equipment to the wired connection.

25. The method of claim 22, further comprising, connecting a controller to the wired connection.

26. The module system of claim 23, wherein a power distribution block is enclosed in the modular enclosure.

27. A telecommunications equipment enclosure, the enclosure comprising:

a plurality of panels configured to enclose equipment inside the enclosure, wherein at least one of the plurality of panels is configured as an access panel, such that the access panel provides access to equipment inside the enclosure;

an internal divider configured to substantially separate the interior of the enclosure into a first area and a second area, wherein the access panel includes a sub-panel configured to allow access to the first area while preventing access to the second area;

a first lock configured to secure the access panel; and

a second lock configured to secure the sub-panel.

28. The enclosure of claim 27, wherein the access panel comprises a door or a hatch.

29. The enclosure of claim 27, wherein the sub-panel panel comprises door or a hatch.

30. The enclosure of claim 27, wherein the first area is thermally substantially isolated from the second area.

31. The enclosure of claim 27, wherein airflow between the first and second areas is restricted.

32. The enclosure of claim 27, further comprising an LED (light emitting diode) lighting system comprising:

an arm configured to engage to a surface of a panel;

a plurality of LED bulbs engaged to the arm; and

a switch interposed between the LED bulbs and an LED switch.