Title of Invention: Managed wideband radio frequency distribution system with signal level enabling interface device
Abstract: 
A system and method for managing distribution of wideband radio frequency signals includes detecting an impedance signature of a device connected at the end of transmission medium. A switch is opened to apply a wideband radio frequency signal to a transmission medium for distribution. A biasing voltage can be applied to the transmission medium based on the detected impedance signature. A signal conditioning circuit is selected based on the amplitude of the biasing voltage, and the wideband radio frequency signal is distributed to an output device.

Detailed Description: 

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims a priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/881,171 filed on Jan. 19, 2007 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/907,769 filed on Apr. 17, 2007, the content of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.


FIELD
The subject matter of this disclosure involves the management and distribution of wideband radio frequency signals.
BACKGROUND
Radio Frequency (RF) wideband technology has been used to distribute TV signals to businesses and residences. An exemplary installation includes a proprietary coaxial distribution architecture with amplifiers, splitters/taps and equalizers used to balance the system. If the user desires add/on or move, or change to the configuration, the system is redesigned and rebalanced for optimal performance.
The ability to control bidirectionally the distribution of the RF and the signal sets in a systematic plug-in-play fashion over a TIA/EIA 568 standard structured cabling involves specific transmission algorithms. These algorithms address picture quality by providing optimum levels to the video appliances over a wire line (i.e., cable) or wireless media.
Communication services such as voice and data are transported on a global wiring platform standard (e.g., TIA/EIA 568). Proprietary wiring systems (i.e., coaxial cable) are used for the distribution of wideband RF signals or channels. Internet (IP) video, although adaptable to the TLA/EIA 568 standard, can be limited and disruptive to the data network particularly with transport of high definition television channels.
An unshielded twisted pair passive system is not systemic and includes components such as baluns, splitters and amplifiers. This approach can be limited on bandwidth transport and can involve expertise in radio frequency design for large installations. An untwisted pair active system is bandwidth limited but is installation friendly, i.e., no radio frequency experience is necessary.
A passive coaxial system includes components such as coax cable, amplifiers, splitters and signal tabs, and can involve knowledge of radio frequency design to install and balance the system. It can be a proprietary system, not well documented for future reference. A baseband switch system distributes analog baseband signals over unshielded twisted pair cables. The architecture can be star wired back to the switch system in using the unshielded twisted pairs.
Video over IP does utilize the TIA/EIA 568 wiring standard. The video quality is based on the bandwidth available for video applications. If mission critical data applications take higher priority, video quality can be degraded.
SUMMARY
Disclosed is a system for managing distribution of wideband radio frequency signals, including a distribution unit having an input port and an output port for distributing a wideband radio frequency signal over a transmission medium, and an impedance signature detecting device for detecting an impedance signature of a system interface device, wherein the system interface device is connected at a termination point of the transmission medium; a first processor connected to the distribution unit and the impedance signature detecting device for actuating a switch allowing distribution of the wideband radio frequency signal over the transmission medium based on the impedance signature detected by the impedance signature detecting device, and for signaling a direct current biasing device to apply a biasing direct current voltage to the transmission medium, wherein the biasing voltage amplitude is based on the detected impedance signature; a second processor located at the system interface device for detecting the biasing voltage, and for actuating a signal conditioning device based on the amplitude of the biasing voltage that selectively conditions the wideband radio frequency signal for output to an output device connected to the system interface device.
Disclosed is a method for managing distribution of a wideband radio frequency signal, including detecting an impedance signature of a device connected at the end of transmission medium. A switch is opened to a transmission medium thereby applying the wideband radio frequency signal to the transmission medium for distribution. If needed, a biasing voltage is applied to the transmission medium based on the detected impedance signature. A signal conditioning circuit is selected based on the amplitude of the biasing voltage, and the wideband radio frequency signal is distributed to an output device.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
Exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. The following is a brief description of the drawings:
FIG. 1 illustrates the exemplary managed RF wideband distribution system;
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate exemplary schematic diagrams of the managed RF distribution unit;
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of the signal level interface device; and
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for managing the distribution of wideband radio frequency signals.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the managed RF wideband distribution system with an optimizing signal level interface. The system comprises a distribution unit 100 that has a plurality of input ports and output ports 101 and an IP manage port 102 for distributing wideband radio frequency signals (e.g., high definition television signals and the like) over a transmission medium. The distribution unit 100 can distribute the RF signals over a plurality of cable types 200 such as twisted pairs (TP), coaxial cable 210, fiber optic cables and the like. The cable 200 connects to a plurality of outlets 300 or transmission medium termination points, which can be connected to a signal level interface device 400, balun 490, or other device.
Referring to FIG. 2A, each input/output port 101 is monitored via an impedance signature detecting device 103. If the impedance signature detecting device 103 detects the presence of a proper impedance signature, for example, 1-100 Kohms or more or less, of the signal level interface device 400 or a balun 490 at input/output port 101, typically over pins number 7 and 8 of a connecting plug. The proper impedance signature can be selected as not to interfere with other types of components, such as power over Ethernet devices and the like. The impedance signature is determined by applying a biasing voltage, such as 8 volts or higher or lower to the transmission medium and detecting a voltage over a known impedance of the transmission medium, i.e. the impedance signature, such impedance signature detection techniques are known in the art and are suitable for use in the exemplary embodiments.
When an impedance signature is detected, the impedance signature detecting device 103 outputs a signal to a first processor 107. Based on the signal received from the impedance signature detecting device 103, the first processor 107 activates the DC bias control device 104 and the port activation switch 106. Activation of port activation switch 106 allows the input signal to the distribution unit 100, such as a wideband radio frequency signal, to be distributed over the transmission medium 200.
If the first processor 107 receives a signal from the impedance signature detecting device 103 indicating that a signal level interface device 400 is connected, a direct current biasing voltage is applied to the input/output port 101 to activate the signal level interface device 400 located at a remote location. For example, when the first impedance signature is detected by impedance signature detecting device 103, the device 103 outputs a first signal associated with the first impedance signature of the device (400, 490) connected at the termination of the transmission medium, and when a second impedance signature is detected a second signal is output by device 103. The signal output by the impedance signature detecting device 103 is interpreted by the first processor 107.
Two different impedance signatures can be used to indicate unidirectional or bidirectional application. In other words, a first impedance signature can be used to indicate a unidirectional application, and a second impedance signature can be used to indicate bidirectional application. Using this technique, the signal level interface device 400 can provide an indication, based on its impedance signature, that it is capable of unidirectional or bidirectional application (application being used to indicate the capability to communicate either in one direction or in two-way communication applications). If the signal level interface 400 is defined, based on its impedance signature, as a unit capable of bidirectional application, the first processor 107 can also activate return port switch 105 for return path continuity and bidirectional communication with, for example, connected input devices or entities, such as service providers.
The first processor 107 polls each port for signature status. If the signal received at first processor 107 from impedance signature detecting device 103 indicates a balun 490 is connected to input/output port 101, the first processor 107 does not output a signal to activate DC bias control device 104. Without the proper signal from the impedance signature detecting device, the first processor 107 will not activate the DC bias control device 104 and a DC biasing voltage is not applied to the transmission medium.
An IP browser interface control 102 is also accommodated at distribution unit 100, which allows access and control of the first processor 107. A graphical user interface connected at IP browser interface control 102 in combination with the first processor 107 and signal level interface device 400 provides functions such as unit diagnostics (e.g., monitoring of internal power supply, monitoring pilot tone levels, adjusting signal levels on the CATV input and signal levels on cascade input if the device is in a slave mode, capability to turn individual ports 101 on and off, indication of units status, e.g., on or off, master or slave, and an indication of the switch bandwidth service provisions (e.g., 550 MHz or 860 MHz).
The distribution unit 100 can also condition all incoming and outgoing signals for optimal bandwidth performance. As shown in FIG. 2B, a pilot tone is present at a signal inlet 117 it will be detected by the pilot detect circuit 108. The tone level information is sent to the first processor 107. The first processor 107 then controls the signal conditioning devices 111, 112, 115 and variable attenuators 114, 113 to process the signal. Signal conditioning can include, among others types of conditioning, simulating input device cable length through the selection of different electrical components, such as resistors, inductors and capacitors. The detected pilot tone can be used by the first processor 107 to control the activation of any one or combination of switches 109, 110, 116. If a pilot tone is present, the switches 109, 110, 116 can configure the distribution unit 100 to operate in a slave mode. The first processor 107 can also configure the distribution unit 100 for a T-channel return on signal inlet 118 of the master unit (not shown). For this T-channel return, switches 109, 110 are activated to provide continuity from a signal conditioning path that includes, for example, signal conditioning device 112 to switch 109 to switch 110 to a diplexor 122, or any other suitable combination of devices.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic of the signal level interface device 400 as it would appear at a remote location. The signal level interface device 400 supplies an impedance signature 402 at an input/output port 401. The impedance signature is a voltage having a distinct amplitude in comparison to other voltage signals provided or present at the input/output port 401. Input/output port 401 can be a RJ-45 jack although other types of connections can be used. The interface device 400 receives a DC supply voltage from the distribution unit 100 and provides power to the active devices.
A second processor 405 detects the DC voltage across a known resistor value via voltage sensing device 403. It uses this voltage to determine the distance the device is from the distribution unit 100. For instance, the distance from the distribution unit can be determined by the voltage drop from a known reference voltage compared at the voltage sensing device 403. The detected amplitude of the biasing voltage corresponds to the distance that a connected device is from the distribution unit 100. This approximates the length of cables 200 and 210.
The second processor 405 can then select the appropriate signal conditioning device (e.g., amplifier(s) 407, short circuit 409 or cable simulator 408), by activating the RF switches 406 based on the distance of the connected device from the distribution unit 100. For example, the amplifier 407 of the signal conditioning device amplifies the wideband radio frequency signal when the amplitude of the biasing voltage is below a first threshold. When the amplitude of the biasing voltage is between the first threshold and below a second threshold, the short circuit 409 passes the wideband radio frequency signal to the diplexor 410 of the signal conditioning device. When the amplitude of the biasing voltage is above the second threshold, the cable simulator 408 of the signal conditioning device simulates a cable having a known impedance.
The distribution unit 100, the first processor 107, and/or the second processor 405 are controllable by a graphical user interface (not shown) via an IP managed port. The graphical user interface controls any one or any combination of the following functions: turning on/off individual ports, checking status (power on/off, master or slave mode), monitoring internal power supply voltage levels, checking channel levels on a cable television (CATV) input and cascade input, when in slave mode, and switching a bandwidth filter on to change the service offering (e.g., 860 MHz to 550 MHz), as well as other functions as desired by a user.
The signal level interface device 400 can also provide impedance matching and equalization through an equalizer 412. The input signal having a given bandwidth, for example, 54-860 MHz, or higher or lower, passes through a diplexor 410 to connector 411, such as an F-connector or other suitable connector. Devices that can be connected to the connector 411 can be a high definition compatible television set, a USB-connected computer having a television tuning card, or a similar device capable of receiving wideband radio frequency signals.
The diplexor 410, acting like a high-pass/low-pass filter, can direct (i.e., feedback) a portion of the input signal having a lower frequency range, such as between 5-47 MHz or higher or lower, to outlet 300 via the output pins (e.g., 4 and 5) of the input/output port 406. As shown in FIG. 1, the signal level device 400 is connected to the outlet 300. A dc bias voltage (414) is also injected on pins 4 & 5 to turn on port switch 105 in the distribution unit. The lower frequency range return signal communicates information back to the distribution unit 100 as part of the bidirectional communication discussed above. The lower frequency range return signal allows for communication so additional services can be provided or information exchanged, for example, with the service provider equipment such as set-top boxes, pay-per-view, or any other appropriate device or technology as desired.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for managing the distribution of wideband radio frequency signals over a transmission medium. In step 410, a device, such as impedance signature detecting device 103, detects an impedance signature of a device connected at a termination point of a transmission medium. Based on the detected impedance signature (i.e., a signal output from the device), a switch connects the distribution unit 100 to a transmission medium thereby applying the wideband radio frequency signal to the transmission medium for distribution (Step 420). In addition, a DC biasing voltage is applied to the transmission medium based on the detected impedance signature (Step 430). Based on the amplitude of the applied DC biasing voltage, a device connected at the termination of the transmission medium selects a signal conditioning process. The signal conditioning process can include one of allowing the wideband radio frequency signal to pass without change, simulating an impedance (e.g., shunt capacitors, series inductance, resistance, or other suitable device or combination of devices) and other characteristics of a particular type of cable to simulate a desired length of the cable, amplifying the signal, or other suitable signal conditioning technique as desired (Step 440). Once the signal conditioning process is performed, the wideband radio frequency signal is distributed to an output device, such as a high-definition monitor or television, computer system, game console, or other similar device as desired (Step 450).
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restricted. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and all changes that come within the meaning and range and equivalence thereof are intended to be embraced therein.



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