Configurable communication output redundancy
US6687218B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L1/22
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention is a communication system having a series of output modules that provide continuous synchronization output signals. Each output module has a driver assembly that has a driver output and a backup selector output that is capable of driving a failed next driver assembly. The driver output and the backup selector output can be different types. A sensor detects the failure of the driver or a backup driver output and generates a select signal in the failure state. A selector receives the driver output, the backup driver output, the select signal, and a select signal from the next driver assembly. The selector normally selects the driver output, but in response to a failure state from the select signal, isolates the failed driver output. The previous driver assembly transmits a backup selector output to the failed driver assembly to maintain a continuous driver output. The transformers are preferably placed on a separate card to reduce the thermal degradation of nearby electronics. As transformers rarely fail, replacing them when a card fails is wasteful. The driver assemblies are identical, only one type of driver assembly need be stocked. Fast protection switching, high ou…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.