Optical monitoring and test access module
US5793909A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 9, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/44524
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is an optical monitoring and test access interconnection module especially adapted for use with a fiber optic distribution frame for a fiber optic communications system. The interconnection module provides a combination of monitoring and test access for two fiber lines, typically a transmit/receive pair, where wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) test access is provided to both the transmit and receive fibers. In one embodiment of the present invention, the interconnection module monitors only the receive fiber line where a power monitoring circuit receives a monitor level optical signal via an optical tap and converts the optical signal to an electrical output. Processing electronics and firmware within the module are operable to generate alarms and other control signals when changes in the power level of the received signal are detected. A test access path is provided on the module for use, for example, with an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR). In one embodiment of the present invention, the interconnection module incorporates a unique physical design arrangement that separates the optical signal processing from the electronic processing into partit…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.