Amplifier switch controller and system
US5963843A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03F2203/7236
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An amplifier switch controller is provided for use in a headend cable transmission system having first and second amplifiers and amplifier input and output paths connected to one of the first and second amplifiers, which becomes the currently activated amplifier. The amplifier switch controller comprises an input sampler for sampling a combined signal on the input signal path and measuring an input signal level. The amplifier switch controller also comprises an output sampler for sampling the amplified combined signal on the output signal path and measuring an output signal level. A program means receives the input and output signal levels and determines whether the currently activated amplifier is not functioning properly. If it is not functioning properly, the program means generates a control signal to a switch. In response to the control signals, the switch disconnects the input and output signal paths from the currently activated amplifier and connects each of the input and output signal paths to the other one of the first and second amplifiers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.