AU2008200306B2

AU2008200306B2 - A combination primary protector, DSL splitter, demarcation point and customer wiring connections

Info

Publication number: AU2008200306B2
Application number: AU2008200306A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Nisar A. Chaudhry; William Zbytniewski
Original assignee: TII NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES Inc
Current assignee: TII NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES Inc
Priority date: 2008-01-22
Filing date: 2008-01-22
Publication date: 2013-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2028-01-22
Also published as: AU2008200306A1

Abstract

A COMBINATION PRIMARY PROTECTOR, DSL SPLITTER, DEMARCATION POINT AND CUSTOMER WIRING CONNECTIONS 5 An interconnection module (1) includes a housing having configured therein a first connector for receiving wires to provide connection to a network, a primary protector (110), coupled to the first connector, for providing overvoltage/overcurrent protection, a splitter (130) for splitting composite signals to a POTS path and a DSL path, a second connector, coupled to the POTS path, for providing connection to the POTS path, a third 10 connector, coupled to the DSL path, for providing connection to the DSL path and a switch (120) coupled between the primary protector (110) and the splitter (130). The switch (120) includes an interface for connection to external wires or device and is configured to disable the signal path between the splitter (130) and the first connector and enable the signal path between the external wires and the first connector when the 15 external wires or device is connected to the interface of the switch (120). C) U() a-c CiiC/ -0 a) 6) cv~ U) C'C) C,,L Cfl

Description

S&F Ref: 842974 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name and Address TII Network Technologies, Inc., of 1385 Akron Street, of Applicant: Copiague, New York, 11726-2932, United States of America Actual Inventor(s): Nisar A. Chaudhry William Zbytniewski Address for Service: Spruson & Ferguson St Martins Tower Level 35 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 (CCN 3710000177) Invention Title: A combination primary protector, DSL splitter, demarcation point and customer wiring connections The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 5845c(1 100949_1) A COMBINATION PRIMARY PROTECTOR, DSL SPLITTER, DEMARCATION POINT AND CUSTOMER WIRING CONNECTIONS FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The present invention relates to a multi-functional communications module or interface. BACKGROUND Telephone subscribers may purchase and install their own telephone equipment and related appliances. Those subscribers are responsible for the proper operation of their equipment and the telephone company is responsible for service only up to the juncture 10 between the telephone company wiring (hereafter, "telco wiring") and the subscriber wiring. A network interface device (NID) is employed to provide connection between telephone company lines with subscriber telephone lines. A primary protector is usually found on the service side of the NID. Telephone service wires enter from the service side of the 15 NID and may be terminated at the primary protector. The primary protector is provided to divert any transient or power crossed over voltage pulses to ground, thus saving the subsequent connected devices and/or premises from getting damaged. The telephone connection from the primary protector then goes to the subscriber side of the NID where a RJ I1 jack provides a demarcation means for the subscriber. 20 A need therefore exists for a connection approach or module which eliminates or reduces the need for multiple building blocks, is low in cost and maintenance, has increased functionality and/or has increased reliability. A further need exists to provide a multi-functional interconnection module incorporating, for example, a primary protector, DSL splitter, a switch such as a switched RJ 45 type 25 jack, and customer wiring connections. 1096804_I.DOC SUMMARY In accordance with an embodiment, an interconnection module includes a housing having configured therein a first connector for receiving wires to provide connection to a network, a primary protector, coupled to the first connector, for providing overvoltage 5 protection, a splitter for splitting composite signals to a POTS path and a DSL path, a second connector, coupled to the POTS path, for providing connection to the POTS path, a third connector, coupled to the DSL path, for providing connection to the DSL path and a switch coupled between the primary protector and the splitter. The switch includes an interface for connection to external wires or device and is configured to disable the signal 10 path between the splitter and the first connector and enable the signal path between the external wires and the first connector when the external wires or device is connected to the interface of the switch. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the foregoing brief description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of this invention, but 15 are not intended to be restrictive thereof or limiting of the advantages which can be achieved by this invention. Thus, the accompanying drawings, referred to herein and constituting a part hereof, illustrate preferred embodiments of this invention, and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20 Additional aspects, features, and advantages of the invention, both as to its structure and operation, will be understood and will become more readily apparent when the invention is considered in the light of the following description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. I is an exemplary schematic block diagram of an interconnection module in 25 accordance with at least one embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a switch for use with at least one embodiment. Fig. 3 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a DSL splitter for use with at least one embodiment. -2 1096804_1.DOC Fig. 4a is a perspective view of the exemplary interconnection module in accordance with at least one embodiment. Fig. 4b is a perspective view of the exemplary interconnection module in accordance with at least one embodiment. 5 Fig. 4c is a side view of the exemplary interconnection module in accordance with at least one embodiment. Fig. 5a is a perspective view of the exemplary interconnection module in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5b is a perspective view of the exemplary interconnection module in accordance with 10 another exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5c is a perspective view of the exemplary interconnection module in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS Fig. I shows an exemplary schematic block diagram of an interconnection module 1 15 which may be employed in, may be part of or used in combination with a network interface device (NID). The interconnection module I may incorporate various functions or functionality to facilitate reliability and/or ease of use in the interconnection of communications pathways or wires. As shown, the interconnection module 1 may include input insulation displacement 20 connector (IDC) 100, primary protector 110, switch such as a switched RJ 45 type jack 120, splitter 130, output POTS IDCs 140-160, output data IDC 190 and test points 170 and 180. Various test points may be provided at one or more locations, as desired. For example, test point 170 may be connected to the telco wires at a location between input IDC 100 and primary protector 110, and test point 180 may be connected to the 25 subscriber wires at a location between switch 120 and splitter 130. Switch 120 may for example be a RJ 45 type jack, as shown, or alternatively may be a RJ 11 type jack or the like. -3 1096804_1.DOC Input IDC 100 is configured for receiving wires to provide connection such as to a network. Input IDC 100 may be configured to receive for example, TIP and RING wires or coaxial cable type wires. Output POTS IDCs 140-160 output the POTS signal from the splitter 130 and output data IDCs output the data signal from the splitter 130. The 5 primary protector 110, which is connected to the input IDC 100, may be an overvoltage protection module, which provides overvoltage protection for the connected devices. Splitter 130 splits composite signals to a POTS path and a data path. The splitter 130 may be configured to split or separate signals into two or more separate channels or pathways, such as by signal type or the like. For example, splitter 130 may 10 be a DSL splitter that is configured to separate POTS and DSL signals. The IDCs 100, 140-160 and 190 may be gel filled to protect against dirt and moisture and may also be configured to accept wires of varying thicknesses. The IDCs 100, 140-160 and 190 may be configured such that there may be no exposed metal parts which can corrode or degrade due to environmental contaminants. The IDC's 100, 140-160 and 190 15 may be soldered on to a PC board or have connections for wires to make connections with a gas discharge tube subassembly (not shown), test point 170 and switched RJ 11/45 type jack 120. The primary protector 110 may include a balanced 3 electrode gas discharge tube with or without external backup air gaps to provide primary protection. The primary protector 20 110 may also include overcurrent protection elements such as a Positive Temperature Coefficient Resistor (PTC) and Transient Blocking Unit (TBU). The ground connection to the gas discharge tube may be in the form of a clamp which surrounds the center electrode of the gas discharge tube. The other end of the clamp may be formed into a receptacle which engages a grounding bar with a high surge/constant AC current 25 handling capability, provided in the NID. When the module 1 is installed in a NID, one end of the module may be tucked under the catches provided on the base of the NID while the receptacle engages with the ground bar or the NID base to provide a firm and reliable contact. The fail short mechanism allows the tip and ring connection to go to ground when a surge activity causes the fail short mechanism to operate. The failed 30 device is shorted to ground permanently and the protector must be replaced. The gas -4 1096804_ .DOC discharge tube has low capacitance which makes it highly desirable to be used with high speed data signals such as ADSL. The gas discharge tube may also be environmentally protected against contaminants by using an epoxy coating. Fig. 2 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of a plug-actuated switched RJ 45 type 5 jack 120. Under normal operation (with no plug in the jack) the telephone company wires 200a and 200b are connected to the subscriber wires 210a and 210b. When a plug is inserted in the jack, the telephone company wires 200a and 200b are disconnected from the subscriber wires 210a 210b and are connected to external wires 220a and 220b which may be connected to a test device 230. This arrangement provides a point of demarcation 10 between the telephone company and subscriber lines. Two middle positions, 4 and 5 of a standard RJ 11/45 jack may be used to make connections. The switched jack advantageously provides long term reliability and survivability of the device. The jack may be partially gel filled to keep the contact area free of dirt or moisture to ensure a long reliable service life in harsh outdoor environments. 15 DSL signals may be transmitted to the subscriber's premises on the POTS line along with telephone signals. A low pass filter may be installed in the NID which blocks high speed data signals from going to the standard POTS line circuits. This arrangement splits the composite POTS and DSL signals into two separate paths. Fig. 3 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of the splitter 130 shown in Fig. 1. A 20 splitter may contain multiple reactive components arranged to produce necessary performance characteristics. The splitter 130 may contain a low pass filter 320 which includes two inductors LI, L2 and two capacitors, Cl, C2 that serve as the main filtering elements. The splitter 130 may contain a secondary surge protection circuit 310; however, the secondary protection circuit 310 may be eliminated for cost savings. 25 Secondary protection circuit 310 contains fuses Fl, F2 and a non-gated thyristor VI. Secondary protection circuit 310 provides secondary surge protection to mitigate any residual surge from the primary protector 110 that could damage the components of the splitter 130 and also to qualify the interconnection module of the present invention for electrical safety code requirements. Connection points 340a and 340b provide the DSL 30 signal as an output to output data IDC 190 and connection points 350a and 350b provide -5 1096804_1.DOC the POTS signal as an output to IDCs 140-160. The splitter 130 may also contain a half ringer circuit 330. The half ringer circuit 330 may contain capacitor C3, resistor RI and 4.3V Zener diodes Dl and D2. Diodes D1 and D2 eliminate any audio signal degradation due to the impedance added on the line by the half ringer circuit 330. The half ringer 5 circuit 330 is transparent to the standard voice traffic on the telephone line, however, it offers half the ringer equivalent number load to the incoming signals. The half ringer circuit 330 is used by the telephone company to test the telephone loops from the central office to the subscriber's premises. The series resistance of the splitter 130 may be kept below 25 ohms so that POTS services to a subscriber's premises may not be adversely 10 affected due to the insertion of the splitter. Figs. 4a-4c show perspective views of an exemplary interconnection module in accordance with at least one embodiment. Fig. 4a shows the interconnection module I comprising a housing 400 having a base 410 and a cover 420. The cover 420 is pivotably connected to a concave member 430 which is attached to the base 410. Located in the 15 housing are input IDC 100, test points 170 and 180, switched RJ 11/45 type jack 120, output POTS IDCs 140-160 and output data IDC 190. The cover 420 may be adapted to cover the switched RJ 11/45 type jack 120 and test points 180 when the cover 420 is in a closed position as shown in Fig. 4b and 4c. The cover 420 may also be adapted to secure a connection with the IDCs 140-160 and 190 when in a closed position as shown in Fig. 20 4b and 4c. Fig. 5a shows another exemplary embodiment of the interconnection module 1 comprising a housing 500 having a base 510 and a cover 520. The cover 520 is pivotably connected to a convex member 530 which is attached to the base 510. Located in the housing are input IDC 100, test point 170, switched RJ 11/45 type jack 120, output POTS 25 IDCs 140-160 and output data IDC 190. The cover 520 may be adapted to cover the switched RJ 11/45 type jack 120 when the cover 520 is in a closed position as shown in Fig. 5b and 5c. The cover 520 may also be adapted to secure a connection with the IDCs 140-160 and 190 when in a closed position as shown in Fig. 5b and 5c. The base 510 may include a latching element 540 which would be configured to engage or be inserted 30 into a recess on the cover 520 when in a closed position as shown in Fig. 5b and 5c. -6 1096804_I.DOC As further shown, IDC 100, 140, 150, 160 and 190 may be an environmentally sealable rocker type IDC which includes an opening for receiving or terminating wires, e.g., TIP and RING wires, and an arm which is pivotably actuated between an open and closed condition to insert/remove wires or to terminate the wires, respectively. The rocker arm 5 may be arranged such that when the rocker arm is pivoted downward about its pivot point, the wires may be forced into engagement with the IDC. Although a rocker type IDC is shown, other IDC configurations may be employed in an interconnection module, as described herein. Accordingly, although the above description of illustrative embodiments of the present 10 invention, as well as various illustrative modifications and features thereof, provides many specificities, these enabling details should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, and it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible to many modifications, adaptations, variations, and equivalent implementations without departing from this scope and without diminishing 15 its attendant advantages. It is further noted that the terms and expressions have been used as terms of description and not terms of limitation. There is no intention to use the terms or expressions to exclude any equivalents of features shown and described or portions thereof. It is therefore intended that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but should be defined in accordance with the claims that follow. -7 1096804_I.DOC

Claims

1. An interconnection module comprising: a housing having configured therein: a first connector for receiving wires to provide connection to a 5 network; a primary protector, coupled to the first connector, for providing overvoltage protection; a splitter for splitting composite signals to a POTS path and a DSL path; 10 a second connector, coupled to the POTS path, for providing connection to the POTS path; a third connector, coupled to the DSL path, for providing connection to the DSL path; and a switch coupled between the primary protector and the splitter and 15 having an interface for connection to external wires or device, the switch disabling a signal path between the splitter and the first connector and enabling a signal path between the external wires and the first connector when the external wires or device is connected to the interface of the switch. 20

2. The interconnection module according to claim 1, wherein the switch enables a signal path between the splitter and the first connector and disables a signal path between the external wires and the first connector when the external wires or device is not connected to the interface of the switch. -8 1096804_l.DOC

3. The interconnection module according to claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a switched jack.

4. The interconnection module according to claim 3, wherein the 5 switched jack is a RJ I1 or RJ 45 type jack.

5. The interconnection module according to claim 1, wherein the first, second or third connector is an insulation displacement connector (IDC). 10

6. The interconnection module according to claim 4, wherein the insulation displacement connector (IDC) is a rocker IDC.

7. The interconnection module according to claim 5, wherein the rocker is adapted to force wires into engagement with the IDC when the rocker is rotated 15 about its pivot point.

8. The interconnection module according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes one or more test points for testing of signal paths. 20 9. The interconnection module according to claim 1, wherein the splitter comprises a secondary protection circuit to mitigate any residual surge from said primary protector.

-9 1096804_I.DOC

10. The interconnection module according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a pivotable cover arranged to cover the interface of the switch when the cover is in a closed position. 5

11. The interconnection module according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a pivotable cover adapted to secure a connection with the second or third connector when the cover is in a closed position.

12. The interconnection module according to claim 1, wherein the 10 primary protector includes at least one of Positive Temperature Coefficient Resistor (PTC) or Transient Blocking Unit (TBU) for providing overcurrent protection.

13. An interconnection module substantially as herein before described with reference to any one of the embodiments, as that embodiment is shown in the 15 accompanying drawings. Dated 22 January, 2008 TIl Network Technologies, Inc. Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person 20 SPRUSON & FERGUSON - 10 1096804 I.DOC