Abstract: An optical patch panel system is described wherein incoming and outgoing optical fibers are connected to fixed port locations of an optical fiber patch panel. This panel has a plurality of ports formed of optical fiber and electrical couplings. A plurality of optical fiber patch cables having end connectors are provided to operatively connect with the patch panel couplings. Each patch cable includes one or more optical fibers and one or more electrical conductors. The conductors terminate at electrical connectors that mate with the electrical couplings. The optical fibers in the patch cable terminate at optical connectors that mate with the optical couplings. The optical and electrical connectors are integrally mounted with each other so that optical engagements of optical connectors and couplings are at the same time accompanied by an electrical connection between electrical connectors and couplings.

Abstract: A monitoring tap for accessing signals on bus or tag coaxial cables used to convey signals between a CPU an external devices is described. A circuit board carrying termination resistors for the coaxial cables and high input isolation amplifiers is provided with an input connector that mates with the plug located in the slot that normally receives a terminator. The circuit board has an output connector coupled to the outputs of the isolation networks. A housing partially encloses the circuit board while enabling external access to the output connector. Several embodiments are described.

Abstract: A matrix switch system is described with which a large number of communication lines can be interconnected. The lines are arranged in multiplex groups which are in turn sampled by multiplexers. The multiplexers in turn are coupled to matrix lines which intersect at connectable crosspoints. A common timing signal with a predetermined minimum number of time slices is used to reconfigure the system during each time slice and form the desired line connections through the multiplexers and crosspoints for signal transfer. A technique is described to allocate time slices for the various connections of the lines and minimize matrix lock conditions.