Abstract: Radio frequency (“RF”) signal amplifiers include an RF input, at least one RF output and communications paths therebetween. The communications paths include a downstream path that is configured to pass signals in a downstream frequency band, a first upstream path that is configured to pass signals in a first upstream frequency band that encompasses frequencies that are lower than the frequencies included within the downstream frequency band and a second upstream path that is configured to pass signals in a second upstream frequency band that encompasses frequencies that are between the frequencies included within the downstream frequency band and the frequencies included within the first upstream frequency band. These RF signal amplifiers further include a downstream power amplifier on the downstream path, a first upstream power amplifier on the first upstream path and a second upstream power amplifier on the second upstream path.

Abstract: Radio frequency (“RF”) signal amplifiers include an RF input, at least one RF output and communications paths therebetween. The communications paths include a downstream path that is configured to pass signals in a downstream frequency band, a first upstream path that is configured to pass signals in a first upstream frequency band that encompasses frequencies that are lower than the frequencies included within the downstream frequency band and a second upstream path that is configured to pass signals in a second upstream frequency band that encompasses frequencies that are between the frequencies included within the downstream frequency band and the frequencies included within the first upstream frequency band. These RF signal amplifiers further include a downstream power amplifier on the downstream path, a first upstream power amplifier on the first upstream path and a second upstream power amplifier on the second upstream path.

Abstract: An addressable optical network interface unit includes an optical input and a radio frequency output. The unit also includes an optical-to-electrical conversion circuit that converts optical signals received at the optical input into radio frequency signals, a directional coupler that is coupled to an output of the optical-to-electrical conversion circuit and a radio frequency receiver that is coupled to a first output of the directional coupler. The radio frequency receiver receives radio frequency signals input through the optical input. The unit also includes a controller that is coupled to the radio frequency receiver, and a filter circuit that is coupled to a second output of the directional coupler. The filter circuit includes multiple signal paths that filter out signals in different frequency ranges. Switches are provided that select one of the signal paths through the filter circuit. These switches are controlled in response to data contained in the radio frequency signal.

Abstract: RF signal amplifiers for cable television networks are provided that include an RF input port. a power amplifier coupled to the RF input port and a power divider having an input that is coupled to an output of the power amplifier. The power divider includes a first directional coupler that is coupled to an output of the power amplifier. The directional coupler includes a first output branch and a second output branch. A first bypass circuit is coupled between the first and second output branches of the first directional coupler. A response of the power divider includes a null that substantially blocks signals received at the input of the power divider from passing to outputs of the power divider in a subset of frequencies within the range of 5 MHz to 1550 MHz. These RF signal amplifiers may provide improved performance, robustness and reliability when used in MOCA networks.

Abstract: Distribution and amplification systems for cable television networks include a tap unit having a first RF tap port and a second RF tap port, a voice-over IP (“VoIP”) RF signal amplifier and a non-VoIP RF signal amplifier. The VoIP RF signal amplifier is connected to the first RF tap port of the tap unit, and includes an amplified signal path and a passive, non-interruptible signal path. The non-VoIP RF signal amplifier is connected to the second RF tap port of the tap unit, and includes an amplified signal path. The VoIP and non-VoIP RF signal amplifiers are each configured to terminate their amplified signal paths to respective matched terminations in response to a power outage.

Abstract: Radio frequency (“RF”) tap units are provided that include an RF input port, an RF output port that is coupled to the RF input port and a plurality of RF tap ports that are coupled to the RF input port. These tap units further include a burst mode detection circuit that is coupled between the RF input port and at least one of the plurality of RF tap ports.

Abstract: Signal amplifiers are provided that have a two (or more) piece housing that has an input port, an output port and a power port. At least one of the housing pieces comprises an aluminum housing piece. A first coaxial connector is mounted in the input port, a second coaxial connector is mounted in the output port and a third coaxial connector is mounted in the power port. A power amplifier is mounted within the housing, and is configured to amplify an input signal received through the first coaxial connector. At least first and second of the housing pieces have at least one metal plated thereon, and the first housing piece is soldered, welded or brazed to the second housing piece.

Abstract: Distribution and amplification systems for cable television networks include a tap unit having a first RF tap port and a second RF tap port, a voice-over IP (“VoIP”) RF signal amplifier and a non-VoIP RF signal amplifier. The VoIP RF signal amplifier is connected to the first RF tap port of the tap unit, and includes an amplified signal path and a passive, non-interruptible signal path. The non-VoIP RF signal amplifier is connected to the second RF tap port of the tap unit, and includes an amplified signal path. The VoIP and non-VoIP RF signal amplifiers are each configured to terminate their amplified signal paths to respective matched terminations in response to a power outage.

Abstract: An addressable optical network interface unit includes an optical input and a radio frequency output. The unit also includes an optical-to-electrical conversion circuit that converts optical signals received at the optical input into radio frequency signals, a directional coupler that is coupled to an output of the optical-to-electrical conversion circuit and a radio frequency receiver that is coupled to a first output of the directional coupler. The radio frequency receiver receives radio frequency signals input through the optical input. The unit also includes a controller that is coupled to the radio frequency receiver, and a filter circuit that is coupled to a second output of the directional coupler. The filter circuit includes multiple signal paths that filter out signals in different frequency ranges. Switches are provided that select one of the signal paths through the filter circuit. These switches are controlled in response to data contained in the radio frequency signal.

Abstract: Signal amplifiers are provided that have a two (or more) piece housing that has an input port, an output port and a power port. At least one of the housing pieces comprises an aluminum housing piece. A first coaxial connector is mounted in the input port, a second coaxial connector is mounted in the output port and a third coaxial connector is mounted in the power port. A power amplifier is mounted within the housing, and is configured to amplify an input signal received through the first coaxial connector. At least first and second of the housing pieces have at least one metal plated thereon, and the first housing piece is soldered, welded or brazed to the second housing piece.

Abstract: Torque wrenches for coaxial cable patch cords are provided that include a body having an outer surface, a first end, a second end and an internal bore extending from the first end to the second end. The internal bore has a first hexagonal cross-section at the first end and a second hexagonal cross-section at the second end. The first hexagonal cross-section is offset from the second hexagonal cross-section.

Abstract: RF signal amplifiers for cable television networks are provided that include an RF input port. a power amplifier coupled to the RF input port and a power divider having an input that is coupled to an output of the power amplifier. The power divider includes a first directional coupler that is coupled to an output of the power amplifier. The directional coupler includes a first output branch and a second output branch. A first bypass circuit is coupled between the first and second output branches of the first directional coupler. A response of the power divider includes a null that substantially blocks signals received at the input of the power divider from passing to outputs of the power divider in a subset of frequencies within the range of 5 MHz to 1550 MHz. These RF signal amplifiers may provide improved performance, robustness and reliability when used in MOCA networks.

Abstract: RF signal amplifiers are provided that include an RF input port, a first RF output port, a second RF output port and a power input for receiving electrical power. These amplifiers further include a directional coupler having an input that is coupled to the RF input port, a first output and a second output. The second output of the directional coupler is connected to the second RF output port via a non-interruptible communication path. A first switching device having an input, a first output and a second output is also provided. The second output of the first switching device is coupled to a first matched termination. A first diplexer is provided that is coupled between the first output of the directional coupler and the input of the first switching device. A first power amplifier is coupled to the first output of the first switching device, and a second diplexer is coupled between an output of the first power amplifier and the first RF output port.