Techniques for providing adaptive power distribution using a multi-node network of power feed branching units (PFBUs) and an undersea optical communication system using same
US10110321B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04J14/0202
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In general, a branching configuration used in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical communication system, consistent with the present disclosure, includes a power feed branching unit (PFBU) having a multi-port DC/DC converter (DDCM) arrangement capable of a plurality of operating modes to distribute power in a bi-directional manner. The DDCM arrangement may include a plurality of ports for electrically coupling to one or more trunk path cable segments and for electrically coupling to a branch cable segment. A plurality of PFBUs may be disposed along a trunk path, with each PFBU powering an associated branch path, without each branch path necessarily having local power feed equipment (PFE). In instances where a branch path includes a local PFE, an associated PFBU may draw power from the branch path in order to make power available to the trunk path as needed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.