Patent Grant
8570178
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to coaxial cable connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to a coaxial cable connector and related methodology for generating power from a signal flowing through the coaxial cable connector connected to an RF port.
2. Related Art
Cable communications have become an increasingly prevalent form of electromagnetic information exchange and coaxial cables are common conduits for transmission of electromagnetic communications. Many communications devices are designed to be connectable to coaxial cables. Accordingly, there are several coaxial cable connectors commonly provided to facilitate connection of coaxial cables to each other and or to various communications devices.
It is important for a coaxial cable connector to facilitate an accurate, durable, and reliable connection so that cable communications may be exchanged properly. Thus, it is often important to ascertain whether a cable connector is properly connected. However, typical means and methods of ascertaining proper connection status are cumbersome and often involve costly procedures involving detection devices remote to the connector or physical, invasive inspection on-site. Hence, there exists a need for a coaxial cable connector that is configured to maintain proper connection performance, by the connector itself sensing the status of various physical parameters related to the connection of the connector, and by communicating the sensed physical parameter status through an output component of the connector. The instant invention addresses the abovementioned deficiencies and provides numerous other advantages.
The present invention provides an apparatus for use with coaxial cable connections that offers improved reliability.
A first aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector for connection to an RF port, the connector comprising: a connector body; a physical parameter status sensing circuit, positioned within the connector body, the physical parameter status sensing circuit configured to sense a condition of the connector when connected to the RF port; and a status output component, in electrical communication with the sensing circuit, the status output component positioned within the connector body and configured to maintain the status of the physical parameter.
A second aspect of the present invention provides an RF port coaxial cable connector comprising: a connector body; means for monitoring a physical parameter status located within the connector body; and means for reporting the physical parameter status of the connection of the connector to the RF port, the reporting means configured to provide the physical parameter status to a location outside of the connector body.
A third aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector connection system having an RF port, the system comprising: a coaxial cable connector, the connector having an internal physical parameter sensing circuit configured to sense a physical parameter of the connection between the connector and an RF port, the connector further having a status output component; a communications device, having the RF port to which the smart connector is coupled to form a connection therewith; and a physical parameter status reader, located externally to the connector, the reader configured to receive, via the status output component, information, from the sensing circuit, about the connection between the connector and the RF port of the communications device.
A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector connection status ascertainment method comprising: providing a coaxial cable connector having a connector body; providing a sensing circuit within the connector body, the sensing circuit having a sensor configured to sense a physical parameter of the connector when connected; providing a status output component within the connector body, the status output component in communication with the sensing circuit to receive physical parameter status information; connecting the connector to an RF port to form a connection; and reporting the physical parameter status information, via the status output component, to facilitate conveyance of the physical parameter status of the connection to a location outside of the connector body.
A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector for connection to an RF port, the connector comprising: a port connection end and a cable connection end; a mating force sensor, located at the port connection end; a humidity sensor, located within a cavity of the connector, the cavity extending from the cable connection end; and a weather-proof encasement, housing a processor and a transmitter, the encasement operable with a body portion of the connector; wherein the mating force sensor and the humidity sensor are connected via a sensing circuit to the processor and the output transmitter.
A sixth aspect of the present invention provides an RF port coaxial cable connector comprising: a connector body; a control logic unit and an output transmitter, the control logic unit and the output transmitter housed within an encasement located radially within a portion of the connector body; and a sensing circuit, electrically linking a mating force sensor and a humidity sensor to the control logic unit and the output transmitter.
A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector for connection to an RF port, the connector comprising: a connector body; a coupling circuit, said coupling circuit positioned within the connector body, said coupling circuit configured to sense an electrical signal flowing through the connector when connected to the RF port; and an electrical parameter sensing circuit electrically connected to said coupling circuit, wherein said electrical parameter sensing circuit is configured to sense a parameter of said electrical signal flowing through the RF port, and wherein said electrical parameter sensing circuit is positioned within the connector body.
An eighth aspect of the present invention provides an RF port coaxial cable connector comprising: a connector body; means for sensing an electrical signal flowing through the connector when connected to the RF port, wherein said means for sensing said electrical signal is located within said connector body; and means for sensing a parameter of said electrical signal flowing through the RF port, wherein said for sensing said parameter of said electrical signal is located within said connector body.
A ninth aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector connection system having an RF port, the system comprising: a connector comprising a connector body, a coupling circuit within the connector body, and an electrical parameter sensing circuit electrically connected to said coupling circuit, wherein said coupling circuit is configured to sense an electrical signal flowing through the connector when connected to the RF port, and wherein said electrical parameter sensing circuit is configured to sense a parameter of said electrical signal flowing through the RF port; a communications device comprising the RF port to which the connector is coupled to form a connection; and a parameter reading device located externally to the connector, wherein the parameter reading device is configured to receive a signal comprising a reading associated with said parameter.
A tenth aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connection method comprising: providing a coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body, a coupling circuit, positioned within the connector body, an electrical parameter sensing circuit electrically connected to said coupling circuit, and an output component positioned within the connector body, wherein said electrical parameter sensing circuit is positioned within the connector body, wherein said coupling circuit is configured to sense an electrical signal flowing through the connector when connected to an RF port, wherein said electrical parameter sensing circuit is configured to sense a parameter of said electrical signal flowing through the RF port, and wherein the output component is in communication with said electrical parameter sensing circuit to receive a reading associated with said parameter; connecting the connector to said RF port to form a connection; and reporting the reading associated with said parameter, via the output component, to communicate the reading to a location external to said connector body.
An eleventh aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector for connection to an RF port, the connector comprising: a connector body; and a ground isolation circuit positioned within the connector body, wherein the ground isolation circuit is configured to generate a voltage signal comprising a positive voltage and a negative voltage, and wherein the ground isolation circuit is electrically isolated from the connector body.
A twelfth aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector for connection of a coaxial cable to an RF port, the connector comprising: a connector body; a coupling circuit, wherein the coupling circuit is positioned within and electrically isolated from the connector body, wherein the coupling circuit is located in a position that is external to and mechanically isolated from a center conductor of the coaxial cable, wherein the coupling circuit is configured to sense an RF signal flowing through the center conductor within the connector when connected to the RF port, wherein the coupling circuit is configured to sense electrical energy from the RF signal; and a ground isolation circuit positioned within the connector body, wherein the ground isolation circuit is electrically isolated from the connector body, wherein the ground isolation circuit is and electrically connected to the coupling circuit, wherein the ground isolation circuit is configured to receive the electrical energy from the coupling circuit, wherein the ground isolation circuit is configured to generate, from the electrical energy, a voltage signal comprising a positive voltage and a negative voltage.
A thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides an RF port coaxial cable connector comprising: a connector body; and means for generating a voltage signal comprising a positive voltage and a negative voltage, wherein the means for generating the voltage signal is positioned within and electrically isolated from the connector body.
A fourteenth aspect of the present invention provides a coaxial cable connector connection system having an RF port, the system comprising: a coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body, a ground isolation circuit positioned within and electrically isolated from the connector body, and a coupling circuit electrically connected to the ground isolation circuit and positioned within and electrically isolated from the connector body, wherein the coupling circuit is located in a position that is external to a signal path of a radio frequency (RF) signal flowing through the coaxial cable connector, wherein the coupling circuit is configured to sense the RF signal flowing through the connector when connected to the RF port, wherein the coupling circuit is configured to couple electrical energy from the RF signal to the ground isolation circuit, and wherein the ground isolation circuit is configured to generate a voltage signal comprising a positive voltage and a negative voltage from the electrical energy; and a parameter reading device located externally to the coaxial cable connector, wherein the parameter reading device is configured to wirelessly receive a signal from the electrical energy, and wherein the signal comprises a reading associated with a parameter of the coaxial cable connector.
A fifteenth aspect of the present invention provides a method comprising: providing a coaxial cable connector comprising a connector body and a ground isolation circuit positioned within the connector body, wherein the ground isolation circuit is electrically isolated from the connector body; connecting the connector to an RF port to form a connection; and generating, by the ground isolation circuit, a voltage signal comprising a positive voltage and a negative voltage.
The foregoing and other features of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of various embodiments of the invention.
Some of the embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:
Although certain embodiments of the present invention will be shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present invention will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., which are disclosed simply as an example of an embodiment. The features and advantages of the present invention are illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings.
As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
It is often desirable to ascertain conditions relative to a coaxial cable connector connection or relative to a signal flowing through a coaxial connector. A condition of a connector connection at a given time, or over a given time period, may comprise a physical parameter status relative to a connected coaxial cable connector. A physical parameter status is an ascertainable physical state relative to the connection of the coaxial cable connector, wherein the physical parameter status may be used to help identify whether a connector connection performs accurately. A condition of a signal flowing through a connector at a given time, or over a given time period, may comprise an electrical parameter of a signal flowing through a coaxial cable connector. An electrical parameter may comprise, among other things, an electrical signal (RF) power level, wherein the electrical signal power level may be used for discovering, troubleshooting and eliminating interference issues in a transmission line (e.g., a transmission line used in a cellular telephone system). Embodiments of a connector 100 of the present invention may be considered “smart”, in that the connector 100 itself ascertains physical parameter status pertaining to the connection of the connector 100 to an RF port. Additionally, embodiments of a connector 100 of the present invention may be considered “smart”, in that the connector 100 itself detects; measures a parameter of; and harvests (and isolates from a ground connection such as an RF shield of a coaxial cable) power from an electrical signal (e.g., an RF power level) flowing through a coaxial cable connector.
Referring to the drawings,
A coaxial cable connector 100 has internal circuitry that may sense connection conditions, store data, and/or determine monitorable variables of physical parameter status such as presence of moisture (humidity detection, as by mechanical, electrical, or chemical means), connection tightness (applied mating force existent between mated components), temperature, pressure, amperage, voltage, signal level, signal frequency, impedance, return path activity, connection location (as to where along a particular signal path a connector 100 is connected), service type, installation date, previous service call date, serial number, etc. A connector 100 includes power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30. A power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may be integrated onto typical coaxial cable connector components. The power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may be located on existing connector structures. For example, a connector 100 may include a component such as a first spacer 40 having a face 42. A power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may be positioned on or within the face 42 of the first spacer 40 of the connector 100. The power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 is configured to sense a condition of the connector 100 when the connector 100 is connected with an interface of a common coaxial cable communications device, such as interface port 15 of receiving box 8 (see
Power for the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 and/or other powered components of a connector 100 may be provided through electrical communication with the center conductor 80. For instance, traces may be printed on the first spacer 40 and positioned so that the traces make electrical (without being mechanically connected) contact with the center conductor contact 80 at a location 46 (see
With continued reference to the drawings,
As schematically depicted, a power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may comprise one or more sensors 31. For example, the sensing circuit 30 may include a torque sensor 31a configured to detect the tightness of the connection of the connector 100 with an interface of another coaxial communications device having an RF port. The torque sensor 31a may measure, determine, detect, or otherwise sense a connection condition 1a, such as the mating force resultant from the physical connection of the connector 100 with the interface, such as RF port 15 of the receiving box 8 (see
A sensed connection condition 1 may be electrically communicated within a sensing circuit 30 from a sensor 31. For example the sensed condition may be communicated as physical parameter status information to control logic unit 32. The control logic unit 32 may include and/or operate with protocol to govern what, if any, actions can/should be taken with regard to the sensed condition 1 following its electrical communication to the control logic unit 32. The control logic unit 32 may be a microprocessor or any other electrical component or electrical circuitry capable of processing a signal based on governing logic. A memory unit 33 may be in electrical communication with the control logic unit 32. The memory unit 33 may store physical parameter status information related to sensed connection conditions 1. The stored physical parameter status information may then be later communicated or processed by the control logic unit 32 or otherwise operated on by the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30. Furthermore the memory unit 33 may be a component or device that may store governing protocol. The governing protocol may be instructions that form a computer program, or may be simple logic commands. Stored protocol information that governs control logic operations may comprise a form of stored program architecture versatile for processing over some interval of time. A power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may accordingly include a timer 34. In addition, a power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may include a memory access interface 35. The memory access interface 35 may be in electrical communication with the control logic unit 32.
Various other electrical components may be included in embodiments of a power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30. For example, where the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 includes multiple sensors 31, a multiplexer 36 may be included to integrate signals from the various sensors 31. Moreover, depending on signal strength coming from a sensor 31, a power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may include an amplifier 320a to adjust the strength of the signal from the sensor 31 sufficient to be operated on by other electrical components, such as the control logic unit 32. Additionally, an ADC unit 37 (analog-to-digital converter) may be included in a power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30. The ADC unit 37 may, if needed, convert analog signals originating from the sensors 31 to digital signals. The multiplexer 36, ADC unit 37 and amplifier 320a, may all be in parallel with the control logic unit 32 and the timer 34 helping to coordinate operation of the various components. A data bus 38 may facilitate transfer of signal information between a sensor 31 and the control logic unit 32. The data bus 38 may also be in communication with one or more registers 39. The registers 39 may be integral to the control logic unit 32, such as microcircuitry on a microprocessor. The registers 39 generally contain and/or operate on signal information that the control logic unit 32 may use to carry out power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 functions, possibly according to some governing protocol. For example, the registers 39 may be switching transistors integrated on a microprocessor, and functioning as electronic “flip-flops”. All power and signals within power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 are isolated from the connector body 50 (and any grounding or shielding connection to a coaxial cable) and referenced to a negative voltage generated by the power harvester circuit 395.
A power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may include and/or operate with an input component 300. The input component 300 may receive input signals 3, wherein the input signals 3 may originate from a location outside of the connector 100. For example, the input component 300 may comprise a conductive element that is physically accessible by a communications device, such as a wire lead 410 from a reader 400a (see
A power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may include various electrical components operable to facilitate communication of an input signal 3, 4, 5 received by an input component 300. For example, a power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may include a low noise amplifier 322 in electrical communication with a mixer 390. In addition, a power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may include a pass-band filter 340 configured to filter various signal band-widths related to incoming input signals 3, 4, 5. Furthermore, a power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may include an IF amplifier 324 configured to amplify intermediate frequencies pertaining to received input signals 3-5 communicated through the input component 300 to the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30. Alternatively, low noise amplifier 322, a mixer 390, pass-band filter 340, and IF amplifier 324 may all be replaced by any type of R/F receiver. If needed, a power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may also include a demodulator 360 in electrical communication with the control logic unit 32. The demodulator 360 may be configured to recover the information content from the carrier wave of a received input signal 3, 4, 5.
Monitoring a physical parameter status of a connection of the connector 100 may be facilitated by an internal sensing circuit 30 configured to report a determined condition of the connector 100 connection. The power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may include a signal modulator 370 in electrical communication with the control logic unit 32. The modulator 370 may be configured to vary the periodic waveform of an output signal 2, provided by the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30. The strength of the output signal 2 may be modified by an amplifier 320b. Ultimately the output signal 2 from the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 is transmitted to an output component 20 in electrical communication with the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30. Those in the art should appreciate that the output component 20 may be a part of the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30. For example the output component 20 may be a final lead, trace, wire, or other electrical conduit leading from the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 to a signal exit location of a connector 100.
Embodiments of a connector 100 include a physical parameter status output component 20 in electrical communication with the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30. The status output component 20 is positioned within the connector body 50 and configured to facilitate reporting of information relative to one or more sensed conditions comprising a physical parameter status to a location outside of the connector body 50. An output component 20 may facilitate the dispatch of information pertaining to a physical parameter status associated with condition(s) 1 sensed by a sensor 31 of a sensing circuit 30 and reportable as information relative to the performance of the connection of a connector 100. For example, the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may be in electrical communication with the center conductor contact 80 through a status output component 20, such as a lead or trace, in electrical communication with the sensor circuit 30 and positioned to electrically connect with the center conductor contact 80 at a location 46 (see
The power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may be electrically linked by traces, leads, wires, or other electrical conduits located within a connector, such as connector 100a, to electrically communicate with an external communications device, such as the reader 400a. An output signal 2 from the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 may dispatch through the status output component 20 to a reader 400a located outside of the connector, wherein the reader 400a receives the output signal 2 in electrical contact with the center conductor contact 80. In addition, a status output component 20 may include wireless capability. For example the output component 20 may comprise a wireless transmitter capable of transmitting electromagnet signals, such as, radio-waves, Wi-fi transmissions, RFID transmissions, satellite transmissions, Bluetooth™ wireless transmissions, and the like. Accordingly, an output signal, such as wireless output signal 2b depicted in
With continued reference to the drawings,
As schematically depicted, sensing circuit 30a may comprise a power generator circuit 395, a power sensor 31e and a coupler 373. Coupler 373 may comprise, among other things, a directional coupler such as, for example, an antenna. Coupler 373 may be electrically coupled to center conductor 80 of connector 100. Additionally, coupler 373 may be coupled to center conductor 80 of connector 100 directly or indirectly. The center conductor 80 of connector 100 may be connected to an antenna 376 on an RF signal tower. Coupler 373 may comprise a single coupler or a plurality of couplers. Additional couplers and/or sensors may also be included in the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30a (or additional power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuits 30a) to help harvest power (and generate a voltage and associated reference signal such as a floating ground) and detect signal conditions or levels of a signal such as amperage, voltage, signal level, signal frequency, impedance, return path activity, connection location (as to where along a particular signal path a connector 100 is connected), service type, installation date, previous service call date, serial number, etc.
A sensed electrical signal 1e may be electrically communicated within the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30a from coupler 373 to sensor 31e and power generator circuit 395. Power generator circuit 395 retrieves the electrical signal from coupler 373 and converts the electrical signal into a power signal comprising a positive and a negative (reference) voltage for powering all devices within power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30a. The negative (reference) voltage may additionally be used to reference signal for any signals retrieved by sensors 31 and processed and transmitted by the control logic 32. Additionally, sensor 31e retrieves the electrical signal from coupler 373 and measures a parameter of the electrical signal (e.g., an RF power level of the electrical signal) with respect to the negative (reference) voltage. The parameter may be transmitted within circuit 30a. For example the parameter may be communicated as electrical signal parameter information to a control logic unit 32 (i.e., referenced to the negative (reference) voltage). The control logic unit 32 may include and/or operate with protocol to govern what, if any, actions can/should be taken with regard to the sensed condition 1e following its electrical communication to the control logic unit 32. The control logic unit 32 may include and/or operate with protocol to distribute the power signal (i.e., comprising the positive and a negative (reference) voltage) for powering all devices within power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30a. Alternatively, the power generator 395 may distribute the power signal (i.e., comprising the positive and a negative (reference) voltage) to every device within power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30a (i.e., for powering all devices within power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30a). Memory unit 33 may be in electrical communication with the control logic unit 32 and may store electrical signal parameter information related to sensed electrical signal 1e. The stored electrical signal parameter information may then be later communicated or processed by the control logic unit 32 or otherwise operated on by the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30a.
In addition to the components described with reference to
Power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30a may include various electrical components operable to facilitate communication of an input signal 3a received by coupler 373. For example, power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30a may include a forward error correction (FEC) circuit 375 connected to a source decoder 377. FEC circuit 375 and source decoder 377 are connected between demodulator 360 and control logic 32. FEC circuit 375 is used to correct errors in input data from input signal 3a.
Coupler 373 may transmit output signals 2a received from up transmitter (Tx) 379 (or any type of R/F transmitter). Output signal comprises information relative to an electrical signal parameter (e.g., an RF signal power level) of an electrical signal flowing through connector 100. Coupler 373 may facilitate the dispatch of information pertaining to an electrical signal parameter (e.g., an RF signal power level) of an electrical signal flowing through connector 100 and sensed by a coupler 373 and power sensor 31e of a sensing circuit 30a and reportable as information relative to signal level troubleshooting such as discovering interference in a transmission system. For example, the sensing circuit 30a may be in electrical communication with the center conductor contact 80 through coupler 373. Sensed electrical signal parameter information may accordingly be passed as an output signal 2a from the sensing circuit 30a of the first spacer 40 through coupler 373. The outputted signal(s) 2a can then travel outside of the connector 100. Hence, the reported parameter of an electrical signal may be transmitted via output signal(s) 2a through coupler 373 and may be accessed at a location outside of the connector 100. Coupler 373 may comprise a wireless transmitter capable of transmitting electromagnet signals, such as, radio-waves, Wi-fi transmissions, RFID transmissions, satellite transmissions, Bluetooth™ wireless transmissions, and the like. Accordingly, an output signal, such as wireless output signal 2b depicted in
With continued reference to the drawings,
Referring further to
Operation of a connector 100 can be altered through transmitted input signals 5 from the network or by signals transmitted onsite near a connector 100 connection. For example, a service technician may transmit a wireless input signal 4 from a reader 400b, wherein the wireless input signal 4 includes a command operable to initiate or modify functionality of the connector 100. The command of the wireless input signal 4 may be a directive that triggers governing protocol of the control logic unit 32 to execute particular logic operations that control connector 100 functionality. The service technician, for instance, may utilize the reader 400b to command the connector 100, through a wireless input component 300, to presently sense a connection condition 1c related to current moisture presence, if any, of the connection. Thus the control logic unit 32 may communicate with the humidity sensor 31c, which in turn may sense a moisture condition 1c of the connection. The power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a could then report a real-time physical parameter status related to moisture presence of the connection by dispatching an output signal 2 through an output component 20 and back to the reader 400b located outside of the connector 100. The service technician, following receipt of the moisture monitoring report, could then transmit another input signal 4 communicating a command for the connector 100 to sense and report physical parameter status related to moisture content twice a day at regular intervals for the next six months. Later, an input signal 5 originating from the head end may be received through an input component 300 in electrical communication with the center conductor contact 80 (referenced to Vout−) to modify the earlier command from the service technician. The later-received input signal 5 may include a command for the connector 100 to only report a physical parameter status pertaining to moisture once a day and then store the other moisture status report in memory 33 for a period of 20 days.
With continued reference to the drawings,
A decision logic unit 432 of an embodiment of a reader circuit 430 may include or operate with protocol to govern what, if any, actions can/should be taken with regard to the received physical parameter status output signal 2 following its electrical communication to the decision logic unit 432. The decision logic unit 432 may be a microprocessor or any other electrical component or electrical circuitry capable of processing a signal based on governing logic. A memory unit 433, may be in electrical communication with the control logic unit 432. The memory unit 433 may store information related to received output signals 2. The stored output signal 2 information may then be later communicated or processed by the decision logic unit 432 or otherwise operated on by the reader circuit 430. Furthermore the memory unit 433 may be a component or device that may store governing protocol. The reader circuit 430 may also comprise software 436 operable with the decision logic unit 432. The software 433 may comprise governing protocol. Stored protocol information, such as software 433, that may help govern decision logic operations may comprise a form of stored program architecture versatile for processing over some interval of time. The decision logic unit 432 may be in operable electrical communication with one or more registers 439. The registers 439 may be integral to the decision logic unit 432, such as microcircuitry on a microprocessor. The registers 439 generally contain and/or operate on signal information that the decision logic unit 432 may use to carry out reader circuit 430 functions, possibly according to some governing protocol. For example, the registers 439 may be switching transistors integrated on a microprocessor, and functioning as electronic “flip-flops”.
A reader circuit 430 may include and/or be otherwise operable with a user interface 435 that may be in electrical communication with the decision logic unit 432 to provide user output 450. The user interface 435 is a component facilitating the communication of information to a user such as a service technician or other individual desiring to acquire user output 450, such as visual or audible outputs. For example, as depicted in
A reader 400 utilizes information pertaining to a reported physical parameter status to provide a user output 450 viewable on a user interface 480. For instance, following reception of the output signal 2 by the reader 400a, the reader circuit 430 may process the information of the output signal 2 and communicate it to the user interface LCD screen 480 as user output 450 in the form of a visual depiction of a physical parameter status indicating that the current mating force of the connection of the connector 100a is 24 Newtons. Similarly, a wireless reader 400b may receive a wireless output signal transmission 2b and facilitate the provision of a user output 450 in the form of a visual depiction of a physical parameter status indicating that the connector 100b has a serial number 10001A and is specified to operate for cable communications between 1-40 gigahertz and up to 50 ohms. Those in the art should recognize that other user interface components such as speakers, buzzers, beeps, LEDs, lights, and other like means may be provided to communicate information to a user. For instance, an operator at a cable-line head end may hear a beep or other audible noise, when a reader 400, such as a desktop computer reader embodiment, receives an output signal 2 from a connector 100 (possibly provided at a predetermined time interval) and the desktop computer reader 400 determines that the information corresponding to the received output signal 2 renders a physical parameter status that is not within acceptable performance standards. Thus the operator, once alerted by the user output 450 beep to the unacceptable connection performance condition, may take steps to further investigate the applicable connector 100.
Communication between a reader 400 and a connector 100 may be facilitated by transmitting input signals 3, 4, 5 from a reader circuit 430. The reader circuit 430 may include a signal modulator 470 in electrical communication with the decision logic unit 432. The modulator 470 may be configured to vary the periodic waveform of an input signal 3, 4, 5 to be transmitted by the reader circuit 430. The strength of the input signal 3, 4, 5 may be modified by an amplifier 420b prior to transmission. Ultimately the input signal 3, 4, 5 from the reader circuit 430 is transmitted to an input component 300 in electrical communication with a sensing circuit 30 of a connector 100. Those in the art should appreciate that the input component 300 may be a part of the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a. For example the input component 300 may be an initial lead, trace, wire, or other electrical conduit leading from a signal entrance location of a connector 100 (and referenced to Vout−) to the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a.
A coaxial cable connector connection system 1000 may include a reader 400 that is communicatively operable with devices other than a connector 100. The other devices may have greater memory storage capacity or processor capabilities than the connector 100 and may enhance communication of physical parameter status by the connector 100. For example, a reader 400 may also be configured to communicate with a coaxial communications device such as a receiving box 8. The receiving box 8, or other communications device, may include means for electromagnetic communication exchange with the reader 400. Moreover, the receiving box 8, may also include means for receiving and then processing and/or storing an output signal 2 from a connector 100, such as along a cable line. In a sense, the communications device, such as a receiving box 8, may be configured to function as a reader 400 being able to communicate with a connector 100. Hence, the reader-like communications device, such as a receiving box 8, can communicate with the connector 100 via transmissions received through an input component 300 connected to the center conductor contact 80 of the connector. Additionally, embodiments of a reader-like device, such as a receiving box 8, may then communicate information received from a connector 100 to another reader 400. For instance, an output signal 2 may be transmitted from a connector 100 along a cable line to a reader-like receiving box 8 to which the connector is communicatively connected. Then the reader-like receiving box 8 may store physical parameter status information pertaining to the received output signal 2. Later a user may operate a reader 400 and communicate with the reader-like receiving box 8 sending a transmission 1002 to obtain stored physical parameter status information via a return transmission 1004.
Alternatively, a user may operate a reader 400 to command a reader-like device, such as a receiving box 8 communicatively connected to a connector 100, to further command the connector 100 to report a physical parameter status receivable by the reader-like receiving box 8 in the form of an output signal 2. Thus by sending a command transmission 1004 to the reader-like receiving box 8, a communicatively connected connector 100 may in turn provide an output signal 2 including physical parameter status information that may be forwarded by the reader-like receiving box 8 to the reader 400b via a transmission 1002. The coaxial communication device, such as a receiving box 8, may have an interface, such as an RF port 15, to which the connector 100 is coupled to form a connection therewith.
A coaxial cable connector 100 comprises means for monitoring a physical parameter status of a connection of the connector 100. The physical parameter status monitoring means may include internal circuitry that may sense connection conditions, store data, and/or determine monitorable variables of physical parameter status through operation of a power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a. A power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a may be integrated onto typical coaxial cable connector components. The power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a may be located on existing connector structures, such as on a face 42 of a first spacer 40 of the connector 100. The power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a is configured to sense a condition of the connector 100 when the connector 100 is connected with an interface of a common coaxial cable communications device, such as RF interface port 15 of receiving box 8 (see
A coaxial cable connector 100 comprises means for reporting the physical parameter status of the connection of the connector 100 to another device having a connection interface, such as an RF port. The means for reporting the physical parameter status of the connection of the connector 100 may be integrated onto existing connector components. The physical parameter status reporting means are configured to report the physical parameter status to a location outside of a connector body 50 of the connector 100. The physical parameter status reporting means may include a status output component 20 positioned within the connector body 50 and configured to facilitate the dispatch of information pertaining to a connection condition 1 sensed by a sensor 31 of a the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a and reportable as a physical parameter status of the connection of a connector 100. Sensed physical parameter status information may be passed as an output signal 2 from the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a located on a connector component, such as first spacer 40, through the output component 20, comprising a trace or coupler device 373 electrically linked to the center conductor contact 80. The outputted signal(s) 2 can then travel outside of the connector 100 along the cable line (see
Alternatively, the connection performance reporting means may include an output component 20 configured to facilitate wired transmission of an output signal 2 (i.e., referenced to Vout−) to a location outside of the connector 100. The physical parameter status reporting means may include a status output component 20 positioned within the connector body 50 and configured to facilitate the dispatch of information pertaining to a connection condition 1 sensed by a sensor 31 of a the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a and reportable as a physical parameter status of the connection of a connector 100. Sensed physical parameter status information may be passed as an output signal 2 from the sensing circuit 30 located on a connector component, such as first spacer 40, through the output component 20, comprising a trace or other conductive element that is physically accessible by a communications device, such as a wire lead 410 from a reader 400a (see
As a still further alternative, the physical parameter status reporting means may include an output component 20 configured to facilitate wireless transmission of an output signal 2 to a location outside of the connector 100. For example the output component 20 may comprise a wireless transmitter capable of transmitting electromagnet signals, such as, radio-waves, Wi-fi transmissions, RFID transmissions, satellite transmissions, Bluetooth™ wireless transmissions, and the like. Accordingly, an output signal, such as wireless output signal 2b depicted in
A power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a may be calibrated. Calibration may be efficiently performed for a multitude of sensing circuits similarly positioned in connectors 100 having substantially the same configuration. For example, because the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a may be integrated onto a typical component of a connector 100, the size and material make-up of the various components of the plurality of connectors 100 can be substantially similar. As a result, a multitude of connectors 100 may be batch-fabricated and assembled to each have substantially similar structure and physical geometry. Accordingly, calibration of a power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a may be approximately similar for all similar connectors fabricated in a batch. Furthermore, the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a of each of a plurality of connectors 100 may be substantially similar in electrical layout and function. Therefore, the electrical functionality of each similar power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a may predictably behave in accordance to similar connector 100 configurations having substantially the same design, component make-up, and assembled geometry. Accordingly, the sensing circuit 30 of each connector 100 that is similarly mass-fabricated, having substantially the same design, component make-up, and assembled configuration, may not need to be individually calibrated. Calibration may be done for an entire similar product line of connectors 100. Periodic testing can then assure that the calibration is still accurate for the line. Moreover, because the power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a may be integrated into existing connector components, the connector 100 can be assembled in substantially the same way as typical connectors and requires very little, if any, mass assembly modifications.
Various connection conditions 1 pertinent to the connection of a connector 100 may be determinable by a power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a because of the position of various sensors 31 within the connector 100. Sensor 31 location may correlate with the functionality of the various portions or components of the connector 100. For example, a sensor 31a configured to detect a connection tightness condition 1a may be positioned near a connector 100 component that contacts a portion of a mated connection device, such as an RF interface port 15 of receiving box 8 (see
The various components of a connector 100 assembly create a sandwich of parts, similar to a sandwich of parts existent in typical coaxial cable connectors. Thus, assembly of a connector 100 having an integral power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a may be no different from or substantially similar to the assembly of a common coaxial cable connector that has no sensing circuit 30 built in. The substantial similarity between individual connector 100 assemblies can be very predictable due to mass fabrication of various connector 100 components. As such, the sensing circuits 30 of each similarly configured connector 100 may not need to be adjusted or calibrated individually, since each connector 100, when assembled, should have substantially similar dimension and configuration. Calibration of one or a few connectors 100 of a mass-fabricated batch may be sufficient to render adequate assurance of similar functionality of the other untested/uncalibrated connectors 100 similarly configured and mass produced.
Referring to
A further connection status ascertainment step may include sensing a physical parameter status of the connector 100 connection, wherein the sensing is performed by the sensing circuit 30. In addition, reporting physical parameter status to a location outside of the connector body 50, may include communication of the status to another device, such as a handheld reader 400, so that a user can obtain the ascertained physical parameter status of the connector 100 connection.
Physical parameter status ascertainment methodology may also comprise the inclusion of an input component 300 within the connector 100. Still further, the ascertainment method may include transmitting an input signal 3, 4, 5 from a reader 400 external to the input component 300 of the connector 100 to command the connector 100 to report a physical parameter status. The input signal 5 originates from a reader 400 at a head end of a cable line to which the connector 100 is connected. The input signals 3, 4 originate from a handheld reader 400a, 400b possibly operated by a service technician located onsite near where the connector 100 is connected.
It is important that a coaxial cable connector be properly connected or mated to an interface port of a device for cable communications to be exchanged accurately. One way to help verify whether a proper connection of a coaxial cable connector is made is to determine and report mating force in the connection. Common coaxial cable connectors have been provided, whereby mating force can be determined. However, such common connectors are plagued by inefficient, costly, and impractical considerations related to design, manufacture, and use in determining mating force. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved connector for determining mating force. Various embodiments of the present invention can address the need to efficiently ascertain mating force and maintain proper physical parameter status relative to a connector connection. Additionally, it is important to determine the humidity status of the cable connector and report the presence of moisture.
Referring to the drawings,
The processor control logic unit 732 and the output transmitter 720 may be housed within a weather-proof encasement 770 operable with a portion of the body 750 of the connector 700. The encasement 770 may be integral with the connector body portion 750 or may be separately joined thereto. The encasement 770 should be designed to protect the processor control logic unit 732 and the output transmitter 720 from potentially harmful or disruptive environmental conditions. The mating force sensor 731a and the humidity sensor 731c are connected via a sensing circuit 730 to the processor control logic unit 732 and the output transmitter 720.
The mating force sensor 731a is located at the port connection end 710 of the connector 700. When the connector 700 is mated to an interface port, such as port 15 shown in
The humidity sensor 731c is located within a cavity 755 of the connector 700, wherein the cavity 755 extends from the cable connection end 715 of the connector 700. The moisture sensor 731c may be an impedance moisture sensor configured so that the presence of water vapor or liquid water that is in contact with the sensor 731c hinders a time-varying electric current flowing through the humidity sensor 731c. The humidity sensor 731c is in electrical communication with the processor control logic unit 732, which can read how much impedance is existent in the electrical communication. In addition, the humidity sensor 731c can be tuned so that the contact of the sensor with water vapor or liquid water, the greater the measurable impedance. Thus, the humidity sensor 731c may detect a variable range or humidity and moisture presence corresponding to an associated range of impedance thereby. Accordingly, the humidity sensor 731c can detect the presence of humidity within the cavity 755 when a coaxial cable, such as cable 10 depicted in
Another embodiment of a coaxial cable connector 700 having a force sensor 731a and a humidity sensor 731c is depicted in
Power for the sensing circuit 730, processor control unit 732, output transmitter 720, mating force sensor 731a, and/or the humidity sensor 731c of embodiments of the connector 700 depicted in
The output transmitter 720, of embodiments of a connector 700 depicted in
With continued reference to
Connection tightness may be detected by mechanical sensing, as shown by way of example in
Connection tightness may be detected by electrical proximity sensing, as shown by way of example in
Connection tightness may be detected by optical sensing, as shown by way of example in
Connection tightness may be detected by strain sensing, as shown by way of example in
Cost effectiveness may help determine what types of physical parameter status, such as connection tightness or humidity presence, are ascertainable by means operable with a connector 100, 700, 800. Moreover, physical parameter status ascertainment may include provision detection means throughout an entire connection. For example, it should be understood that the above described means of physical parameter status determination may be included in the smart connector 100, 700, 800 itself, or the physical status determination means may be included in combination with the port, such as RF interface port 15, 815, to which the connector 100, 700, 800 is connected (i.e., the RF port or an interim adapter may include sensors, such as sensors 31, 731, 831, that may be electrically coupled to a sensing circuit, such as power harvesting/ground isolation (and parameter sensing) circuit 30 or 30a, of the connector 100, 700, 800, so that connection tightness may be ascertained).
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the invention and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein.
This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 12/630,460 filed Dec. 3, 2009, and entitled COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR WITH AN INTERNAL COUPLER AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 11/860,094 filed Sep. 24, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,733,236 issued on Jun. 8, 2010, and entitled COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Child | 12964319 | US | |
| Parent | 11860094 | Sep 2007 | US |
| Child | 12630460 | US |
