System and method for providing power and communication link for RFID managed connectivity using removable module

• US 8,991,690 B2
• Filed: 11/14/2013
• Issued: 03/31/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 11/16/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CommScope Connectivity UK Limited (TE Connectivity Limited)
• Original Assignee: Tyco Electronics UK Limited (TE Connectivity Limited)
• Inventors: Standish, Ian Miles, Lambourn, Stephen, Mather, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Marshall, Christle I
• Application Number:
  US14/080,554
• Publication Number:
  US 20140138431A1
• Time in Patent Office: 502 Days
• Field of Search: 235/439, 235/435
• US Class Current: 235/375
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3825 with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3895 identification of connection, e.g. right plug to the right socket or full engagement of the mating parts keying element on the plug or adapter G02B6/3831; keying element on the ferrule G02B6/3851; keying element for electrical connection H01R13/64
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4452 Distribution frames
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/44524 with frame parts or auxiliary devices mounted on the frame and collectively not covering a whole width of the frame or rack cassettes G02B6/4453
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07794 the record carrier comprising a booster or auxiliary antenna in addition to the antenna connected directly to the integrated circuit
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10009 sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10415 the interrogation device being fixed in its position, such as an access control device for reading wireless access cards, or a wireless ATM banking machines in general G07F19/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/08 Resiliently-mounted rigid pins or blades
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/2421 using coil springs
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/44 Means for preventing access to live contacts making use of a switch actuated by engagement of counterpart H01R13/7036
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/52 Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/521 Sealing between contact members and housing, e.g. sealing insert
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/641 by indicating incorrect coupling; by indicating correct or full engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6683 with built-in sensor
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6691 with built-in signalling means H01R13/717 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/70 with built-in switch
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7036 the switch being in series with coupling part, e.g. dead coupling, explosion proof coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/4863 Coil spring
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/138 using RFID

Abstract

One embodiment is directed to a interconnection system comprising at least one port at which an interconnection between at least two cables can be made, an RFID reader configured to read an RFID tag attached to at least one of the cables interconnected at the port, and an interface to connect a removable module to the system. The removable module comprises a rechargeable battery to power the system. The removable module is configured to provide a communication link to communicate data read by the RFID reader to a device outside of the interconnection system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Claims

1. An interconnection system comprising:

at least one port at which an interconnection between at least two cables can be made;

an RFID reader configured to read an RFID tag attached to at least one of the cables interconnected at the port; and

an interface to connect a removable module to the system;

wherein the removable module comprises a rechargeable battery to power the system; and

wherein the removable module is configured to provide a communication link to communicate data read by the RFID reader to a device outside of the interconnection system.

2. The interconnection system of claim 1, further comprising an enclosure that is at least one of tamper-resistant and weather-resistant.

3. The interconnection system of claim 1, wherein the interconnection system is configured for use in an outside plant of a telecommunication network.

4. The interconnection system of claim 1, wherein the device outside of the interconnection system comprises a smartphone.

5. The interconnection system of claim 1, wherein the device outside of the interconnection system communicates data read by the RFID reader to a central management system.

6. The interconnection system of claim 1, wherein the interconnection system comprises:

a plurality of ports at which respective interconnections can be made between cables;

a controller coupled to the RFID reader; and

a plurality of visual indicators, each of which is associated with a respective port and can be selectively coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the visual indicators.

7. The interconnection system of claim 6, wherein, for each port, a respective pair of lines is used to control both the respective visual indicator for that port and to communicate with the RFID reader.

8. The interconnection system of claim 6, wherein each port comprises a respective adapter.

9. The interconnection system of claim 8, further comprising a panel in which openings are formed, wherein each port comprises a respective adapter having respective front and rear jacks;

wherein each adapter comprises a respective front pickup coupling structure and a respective rear pickup coupling structure, wherein the front pickup coupling structure and the rear pickup coupling structure are coupled to one another;

wherein, for each adapter, the respective front pickup coupling structure is configured so that an RFID tag attached to a connector that is inserted into the front jack of that adapter will be positioned near the front pickup coupling structure;

wherein, for each adapter, the respective rear pickup coupling structure is configured so that an RFID tag attached to a connector that is inserted into the rear jack of that adapter will be positioned near the rear pickup coupling structure.

10. The interconnection system of claim 9, wherein each adapter comprises a pair of contacts that are coupled to the front and read pickup coupling structures for that adapter;

wherein the panel comprises a plurality of pairs of edge pads, each of which is coupled to a respective pair of lines;

wherein the contacts for each adapter and the plurality of pairs of edge pads are configured so that when each adapter is inserted into an opening formed in the patch panel, the respective pair of contacts comes into contacts with a pair of edge pads.

11. The interconnection system of claim 10, wherein the panel comprises a printed circuit board on which the lines and edge pads are formed.

12. The interconnection system of claim 9, wherein, for each adapter, the respective front pickup coupling structure is configured so that an RFID tag attached to a protective cap that is inserted into the front jack of that adapter will be positioned near the front pickup coupling structure.

13. The interconnection system of claim 12, wherein the RFID tag attached to the protective cap is used to determine if a front jack of the adapter is unused.

14. A method of providing power to an interconnection system comprising at least one port at which an interconnection between at least two cables can be made and an RFID reader configured to read an RFID tag attached to at least one of the cables interconnected at the port, the method comprising:

connecting a removable module to the interconnection system;

powering the system using power supplied from a rechargeable battery included in the removable module; and

communicating data read by the RFID reader to a device outside of the interconnection system using a communication link provided via the removable module.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising communicating data read by the RFID reader from the device outside of the interconnection system to a central management system.