Branching unit with reconfigurable terminal connections
US6987902B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 10, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B3/44
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A branching unit integrated into a submarine telecommunication system comprising three cables having optical and electrical transmission members comprises three terminals connected to the electrical transmission members of the cables, three input points, and three electrical contacts each between one of the terminals and one of the input points. In an operating configuration, and at a given time, a first terminal and a second terminal are electrically connected together and form a trunk segment adapted to convey a trunk current, and a third terminal is electrically connected to a submarine ground to form a branch segment adapted to convey a branch current. The branching unit carries out reconfiguration by controlling switching of the electrical contacts. A voltage indicating the potential at a point on the trunk segment is measured. Because an optical reconfiguration request is made by means of an optical reconfiguration signal the unit is able to receive and process optical reconfiguration signals. Reconfiguration is validated according to the measured voltage and to the signals received and processed and reconfiguration in accordance with the optical reconfiguration signal is act…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.