Abstract: An optical power supply system includes a power sourcing equipment, a powered device, an information obtaining part and a power supply controller. The power sourcing equipment outputs feed light. The powered device converts the feed light into electric power. The electric power is supplied to a communicator. The information obtaining part obtains communication operation information on an operation status of communication that is performed by the communicator. Based on the obtained communication operation information, the power supply controller controls output of the feed light. The communicator is a wireless communicator that performs wireless communication.

Abstract: A foot pedal assembly for controlling a robotic surgical system includes a foot pedal assembly base including an axle, a foot pedal slidably and pivotally coupled to the axle, and a sensor arrangement configured to detect an axial position of the foot pedal along the axle and a pivoted position of the foot pedal around the axle. Different combinations of different detected axial positions and detected pivoted positions are correlateable to different functions of the robotic surgical system.

Abstract: A tactical rail for a firearm includes a rail body having a receiver end and a muzzle end, a non-contact optical connection, and a high speed data spoke. The non-contact optical connection is arranged at an end of the rail body and is configured to interface with a corresponding non-contact optical interface. The high speed data spoke is connected to the non-contact optical connection for high speed data communication through the non-contact optical connection and the corresponding non-contact optical interface. Tactical rail arrangements and firearm with tactical rails and tactical rail arrangements are also described.

Abstract: Techniques for charging and optical communication with electronic devices are provided. Specifically, systems and methods to provide charging through laser or optical means and to provide optical communications are presented. Even more specifically, in one embodiment, the systems and methods comprise standard USB interfaces, USB protocols and USB connectors.

Abstract: A remote data concentrator includes a front end interface, a plurality of back end interfaces and a control circuit. The front end interface is configured to receive optical energy as input and provide optical data as output to an optical link. The plurality of back end interfaces are configured to connect to a plurality of sensors. Each of the plurality of back end interfaces are configured to provide sensor power to the plurality of sensors and receive sensor data from the plurality of sensors. The control circuit is configured to provide power from the front end interface to the plurality of back end interfaces and to provide the sensor data from the plurality of back end interfaces to the front end interface.

Abstract: Power management for a remote antenna unit(s) (RAUs) in a distributed antenna system. Power can be managed for an RAU configured to power modules and devices that may require more power to operate than power available to the RAU. For example, the RAU may be configured to include power-consuming RAU modules to provide distributed antenna system-related services. As another example, the RAU may be configured to provide power through powered ports in the RAU to external power-consuming devices. Depending on the configuration of the RAU, the power-consuming RAU modules and/or external power-consuming devices may demand more power than is available at the RAU. In this instance, the power available at the RAU can be distributed to the power-consuming modules and devices based on the priority of services desired to be provided by the RAU.

Abstract: A relay device includes: a housing including: a first surface; and a second surface which is different from the first surface; a light signal receiving element operable to receive a light signal from outside, the light signal receiving element provided at the first surface of the housing; a light emission element operable to emit light responsive to the light signal received by the light signal receiving element; and a longitudinally elongated light guide member provided at the second surface of the housing, the light guide member to which the light emitted from the light emission element is incident, the light guide member including an emission part which causes the incident light to be emitted to outside from a lateral surface of the light guide member, the lateral surface which extends along a longitudinal direction of the light guide member.

Abstract: Intrapersonal communication systems and methods that provide an optical digital signal link between two or more local devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a first signal converter disposed at a first end of the optical digital signal link and configured to convert between electrical digital signals from a first local device and optical digital signals from the optical digital signal link. The system can include an optical connector having a non-contact portion configured to couple optical digital signals between the first signal converter and the optical digital signal link across a gap. The system can include a second signal converter disposed at a second end of the optical digital signal link and configured to convert between electrical digital signals from the second local device and optical digital signals from the optical digital signal link.

Abstract: Photonic link information collection and advertisement systems and methods enable photonic nodes (e.g., optical amplifiers) to operate within a control plane system in a distributed and real-time manner. For example, the photonic nodes may not require full control plane protocol stacks at each photonic node. In particular, the systems and methods provide a distributed discovery method for photonic links without requiring full participation in the control plane at the photonic nodes. Additionally, the systems and methods include network databases with amplifier configuration information in a control plane enabled network.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for transmitting optical signals from a source to a plurality of receiving devices. In one method embodiment, an optical enablement signal is transmitted from the source to the plurality of receiving devices. The target receiving device responds to receiving the optical enablement signal by preparing to receive one or more optical data signals. The source transmits the one or more optical data signals to the target receiving device. The remaining receiving devices do not receive the one or more optical data signals.

Abstract: In this invention, a radio frequency identification overlay network that automates the discovery and configuration management of all physical fiber optic connections within a distributed communications network is disclosed. Miniaturized, low crosstalk RFID tags at a first fiber optic receptacle location and miniature, distributed, multiplexed reader antenna at a distant, second fiber optic receptacle location are joined by a fiber optic link which transmits both optical data and RF electronic signals. This electronic-fiber optic interface is comprised of two separated, miniaturized resonant antenna in communication with another through a resonant RF transmission line integral to the fiber optic cable. This RFID overlay network is comprised of multiplexed RFID readers, RF resonant fiber optic cables, and miniaturized RFID tags attached to the connector receptacles of network elements.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a plurality of components distributed in different space locations, includes: at least one optical fiber path; an optical radiation source adapted to inject optical radiation into the at least one optical fiber path; at least one first and at least one second optical branches branching from the at least one optical fiber path and adapted to spill respective portions of the optical radiation, the first and second optical branches being adapted to be operatively associated with a respective component to be monitored.

Abstract: Intrapersonal communication systems and methods that provide an optical digital signal link between two or more local devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a first signal converter disposed at a first end of the optical digital signal link and configured to convert between electrical digital signals from a first local device and optical digital signals from the optical digital signal link. The system can include an optical connector having a non-contact portion configured to couple optical digital signals between the first signal converter and the optical digital signal link across a gap. The system can include a second signal converter disposed at a second end of the optical digital signal link and configured to convert between electrical digital signals from the second local device and optical digital signals from the optical digital signal link.

Abstract: Composite fiber optic cables having exposed, conductive traces external to the cable jacket enable non-invasive, wireless electrical tone tracing of fiber optic cables. The cross sectional geometry of the fiber optic cable prevents conductive traces from short circuiting when abutting other cables or grounded conductive elements. Moreover, the structure allows convenient electrical contact to the conductive traces at any location along the longitudinal extent of the cable without requiring penetration of the cable jacket or removal of fiber optic connectors. Traceable fiber optic cables of various types are disclosed, including simplex, duplex and ribbon cables. Systems of traceable cables utilizing connectors with integrated electrical antenna elements attached to the conductive elements of cable and RFID tags for remote connector port identification are further disclosed.

Abstract: A network comprising at least one host device having an interface card connected to a backplane of said host device, wherein said interface card comprises at least one cage for receiving a pluggable module which provides at least one embedded communication channel which exchanges performance monitoring data and configuration data between said pluggable module and a far end device.

Abstract: According to a method of reducing power in an optical access network, upon the application of power, an optical network terminal (ONT) operates normally in an activation mode. The ONT then determines whether the requirements for switching from activation mode to power-saving mode are satisfied. If the requirements are satisfied, the ONT transmits a sleep signal to an optical line terminal (OLT), which is a message notifying that the ONT will soon switch to power-saving mode. Thereafter, the ONT switches to power-saving mode and cuts off power for all functions except for power for monitoring and controlling external inputs. The ONT then determines whether the requirements for switching from power-saving mode to activation mode are satisfied. If the requirements are satisfied, the ONT transmits a wake-up signal to the OLT and switches to the activation mode for normal operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for coupling electrical and communication circuits, included in a packaged semiconductor comprising photo receivers, photo transmitters and photovoltaic cells, through lightguide and optical fiber cables. The packaged semiconductor combinations comprise one, two or plurality of photo elements for a single or plurality one way optical signal, receive or transmit, and a single or plurality of two way optical signal communications via direct optical links and via optical prisms, filters, half mirrors and lenses. The packaged semiconductor includes at least one optical access to a single or plurality of lightguides or optical fiber with single core and for multicore lightguides. A built-in or attachable holders are used for attaching the different lightguide cables to the one or plurality of optical accesses with the attached cable end is terminated by cutting, trimming and shaping.

Abstract: A method for connecting an AC powered device, which has an optical receiver, with a control circuit, which has an optical transmitter, using at least on optical medium cable includes the steps of terminating the cable at both of its ends, introducing the processed cable between the receiver and transmitter, attaching and securing one end of the processed cable to the transmitter and the other end of the processed cable to the receiver, and propagating a one way optical signal including control commands from the control circuit to the powered device.

Abstract: A method for connecting an AC powered device, which has an optical receiver, with a control circuit, which has an optical transmitter, using at least on optical medium cable includes the steps of terminating the cable at both of its ends, introducing the processed cable between the receiver and transmitter, attaching and securing one end of the processed cable to the transmitter and the other end of the processed cable to the receiver, and propagating a one way optical signal including control commands from the control circuit to the powered device.

Abstract: A system and method for power saving in IEEE 802-style and ITU-T G.984-style networks overcomes the limitations of conventional techniques using information from user and network devices for initiating power savings by the user or network device, enabling power savings on links such as optical networks. This innovative technique provides a system and method for communications between user and network devices, facilitating either the user or network device initiating a sleep mode for the user device. The implementation of a sleep mode in a device allows powering down of the device's transmitter and receiver for a specified length of time, during which the transmitter and receiver (also referred to as the physical interface of the device) consume diminished power.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for supplying electrical energy to a device located in a room housing an imaging system (such as an MRI system, for example), wherein the room is shielded from external electromagnetic fields. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and processes for emitting electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of the light spectrum from at least one light emission device. Embodiments of the present invention further provide a process and system for transforming the electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy using at least one transducer device located in the room, and supplying the electrical energy to the device so as to minimize interfering electromagnetic fields within the room.

Abstract: A method for connecting an AC powered device, which has an optical receiver, with a control circuit, which has an optical transmitter, using at least on optical medium cable includes the steps of terminating the cable at both of its ends, introducing the processed cable between the receiver and transmitter, attaching and securing one end of the processed cable to the transmitter and the other end of the processed cable to the receiver, and propagating a one way optical signal including control commands from the control circuit to the powered device.

Abstract: An input of a command to stop optical output or a command to reduce optical output by a main signal transmitting section is received from the outside. When the input of the optical output stop command or optical output reduction command is received, an inter-device control signal communication section transmits the optical output stop command or optical output reduction command. Based on the input optical output stop command or optical output reduction command, an output of optical signals from the main signal transmitting section is stopped, or else the output level is reduced to less than the output level during normal operation.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ancillary elements of an electric power distribution network, includes an optical fiber path associated with the ancillary elements to be monitored, respective optical branches branching from the optical fiber path, wherein each optical branch includes at least one passive optical attenuator operatively coupled to, and having an attenuation adapted to change in response to a change in operating conditions of the respective ancillary element, and an optical reflector; an optical radiation source adapted to inject optical radiation into the optical fiber path; and an optical receiver adapted to detect back-reflected optical radiation reflected by the optical reflector; the monitoring system being further adapted to recognize a position of at least one of the ancillary elements based on a characteristic of the back-reflected optical radiation.

Abstract: A method for connecting an AC powered device, which has an optical receiver, with a control circuit, which has an optical transmitter, using at least on optical medium cable includes the steps of terminating the cable at both of its ends, introducing the processed cable between the receiver and transmitter, attaching and securing one end of the processed cable to the transmitter and the other end of the processed cable to the receiver, and propagating a one way optical signal including control commands from the control circuit to the powered device.

Abstract: Composite fiber optic cables having exposed, conductive traces external to the cable jacket enable non-invasive, wireless electrical tone tracing of fiber optic cables. The cross sectional geometry of the fiber optic cable prevents conductive traces from short circuiting when abutting other cables or grounded conductive elements. Moreover, the structure allows convenient electrical contact to the conductive traces at any location along the longitudinal extent of the cable without requiring penetration of the cable jacket or removal of fiber optic connectors. Traceable fiber optic cables of various types are disclosed, including simplex, duplex and ribbon cables. Systems of traceable cables utilizing connectors with integrated electrical antenna elements attached to the conductive elements of cable and RFID tags for remote connector port identification are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a passive optical avionics network system and method. A passive avionics network may comprise: (a) an optical line terminal (OLT); (b) at least one optical network unit (ONU); (c) a fiber optic bus operably coupling the OLT and the ONU; and (d) an avionics module operably coupled to the ONU. An integrated modular avionics (IMA) system may comprise: (a) a line-replaceable unit (LRU), the LRU comprising: (i) a processing unit; and (ii) an optical line terminal (OLT); (b) at least one optical network unit (ONU); (c) a fiber optic bus operably coupling the LRU and the ONU; and (d) an avionics module operably coupled to the ONU. A method for avionics network communication may comprise: (a) providing avionics data; (b) transmitting the avionics data via a fiber optic network; (c) receiving the avionics data; and (d) controlling functionality of an avionics module according to the avionics data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for coupling electrical and communication circuits, included in a packaged semiconductor comprising photo receivers, photo transmitters and photovoltaic cells, through lightguide and optical fiber cables. The packaged semiconductor combinations comprise one, two or plurality of photo elements for a single or plurality one way optical signal, receive or transmit, and a single or plurality of two way optical signal communications via direct optical links and via optical prisms, filters, half mirrors and lenses. The packaged semiconductor includes at least one optical access to a single or plurality of lightguides or optical fiber with single core and for multicore lightguides. A built-in or attachable holders are used for attaching the different lightguide cables to the one or plurality of optical accesses with the attached cable end is terminated by cutting, trimming and shaping.

Abstract: An optical space transmission device includes: a first portion; and a second portion which is rotatably connected to the first portion and performs space transmission of signals using light between the first portion and the second portion. The device includes: a first light emitting and receiving module which is provided for the first portion and includes: a first light emitting element composed of a light emitting diode emitting first signal light modulated based on a signal transmitted from the first to second portion; and a first light receiving element receiving second signal light modulated based on a signal transmitted from the second to first portions; and a second light emitting and receiving module which is provided for the second portion and includes: a second light emitting element composed of a semiconductor laser emitting the second signal light; and a second light receiving element receiving the first signal light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote controlling system using an optical fiber. The remote controlling system is for controlling N electronic equipments located in a situation. The remote controlling system according to the invention includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. A radiation signal receiver of the receiving unit is for receiving a first radiation signal. According to the first radiation signal, a first controlling module of the receiving unit is for driving a light-emitting device to emit a control light signal to the optical fiber. The control light signal is transmitted over the optical fiber and then received by a photo-detector of the transmitting unit. According to the received control light signal, a second controlling module of the transmitting unit is for driving M radiation signal transmitters to emit M second radiation signals, so as to control one of the N electronic equipments.

Abstract: An avionics system for a plane includes a plurality of nodes disposed throughout the plane, each node performing a function. The system includes an optical network in communication with the nodes and through which the nodes communicate. The system includes at least one of the nodes having a hardwired interpreter that interprets the information transmitted from another one of the nodes via the optical network. A method for operating a plane includes the steps of communicating information through an optical network between a plurality of nodes disposed throughout the plane, each node performing a function. There is the step of interpreting with at least one of the nodes having a hardwired interpreter the information transmitted from another one of the nodes via the optical network. A phostonic stack.

Abstract: Composite fiber optic cables having exposed, conductive traces external to the cable jacket enable non-invasive, wireless electrical tone tracing of fiber optic cables. The cross sectional geometry of the fiber optic cable prevents conductive traces from short circuiting when abutting other cables or grounded conductive elements. Moreover, the structure allows convenient electrical contact to the conductive traces at any location along the longitudinal extent of the cable without requiring penetration of the cable jacket or removal of fiber optic connectors. Traceable fiber optic cables of various types are disclosed, including simplex, duplex and ribbon cables. Systems of traceable cables utilizing connectors with integrated electrical antenna elements attached to the conductive elements of cable and RFID tags for remote connector port identification are further disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber optic link is provided that uses a relatively low-cost transceiver that incorporates relatively inexpensive low bandwidth optical and electrical components to achieve high data rate operations. The data rate of the fiber optic link can be greater than the data rate of the laser of the transceiver provided the laser meets certain noise requirements; in particular, the relative intensity noise (RIN) of the laser must be low enough to ensure low bit error rate (BER) operation of the link.

Abstract: A transmission device having optical fiber high definition digital audio-video data interface (HDMI/DVI/UDI), in which optical fiber is utilized as the physical connection for the logical channels of the transmission device, and is used to carry images, voices and auxiliary data of the logic channels. For the half-duplex transmission mode utilized by the display data channel, the reverse unit, the serial unit, and the multi-serial unit are properly arranged, thus fulfilling the DC balance requirement of optical fiber transmission, and resolving the lower tolerance rate shortcomings of the I2C bus specification of display data channel (DDC) and the customer electronics control (CEC) channel.

Abstract: An optical telephone and communication system with interferometers at the transmitter and receiver can use optical time-delay difference and differential frequency shift modulation and multiplexing techniques. The power to the system is provided from either a remote optical source through the optical network or a local optical source. The optical network provides one or two optical connections to the sets. Part of the optical signal from the network is converted to electrical energy stored in a rechargeable battery. The optical sources used have a known coherence function, wavelength and coherence length Lc. The transmitter converts the information to phase variation in one arm of the transmitter interferometer and the receiver recovers this signal by using a matched interferometer. The path imbalance between the two arms of either interferometer is greater than Lc. Each set is assigned a particular time delay difference and/or differential frequency shift for addressing.

Abstract: The user may perform a smoke detector battery capacity test via an infrared (IR) trigger from a remote controller. When the proper amount of directed infrared energy (sourced by an infrared remote control device) is detected at the smoke detector the smoke detector runs the battery life test. The result of the battery test is displayed on a visual indicator on the smoke detector unit.

Abstract: The system includes optical bus-bridging devices for observing the modes of said electric buses and the modes of said optical fibers while said electric buses have not been driven (OFF mode), so that the modes of the two electric buses connected through optical fibers are brought into agreement and that the buses can be simultaneously driven by a plurality of nodes. While one or both of said electric buses have been driven (ON mode) by the nodes connected thereto, an optical output has been continuously produced from the buses that are being driven to said optical fibers, and while light has been inputted from said optical fibers, the modes of said buses are not observed, but an electric output is produced to the electric bus of the side to which light is inputted to drive the bus. The optical bus-bridging device changes the mode of the electric bus when the optical fiber does not change within a predetermined period of time after the optical bus-bridging device has outputted a signal to the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a plurality of infrared devices (ICDs) is provided herein. A remote controller is used to generate an optical signal for controlling a plurality of ICDs. The optical signal generated by the remote controller is converted into an electrical signal by an infrared repeater device. An implementation of such a system includes a rotary mechanical switch to direct the electrical signal generated by the infrared repeater device to a light emitting diode (LED) located near one of the plurality of ICDs. The LED converts the electrical signal into an optical signal and re-transmits the optical signal to the one of the plurality of ICDs. The system allows controlling the plurality of ICDs located in a remote location without having the user commute closer to such ICDs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote controlling system using an optical fiber. The remote controlling system is for controlling N electronic equipments located in a situation. The remote controlling system according to the invention includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. A radiation signal receiver of the receiving unit is for receiving a first radiation signal. According to the first radiation signal, a first controlling module of the receiving unit is for driving a light-emitting device to emit a control light signal to the optical fiber. The control light signal is transmitted over the optical fiber and then received by a photo-detector of the transmitting unit. According to the received control light signal, a second controlling module of the transmitting unit is for driving M radiation signal transmitters to emit M second radiation signals, so as to control one of the N electronic equipments.

Abstract: A system and method for tuning a broadcast receiver such as a television set with a subscriber optical interface (SOI) that can be located outside a subscriber's premises and can be adjacent to the subscriber's premises. For example, a subscriber optical interface can be mounted on a side of a home which converts optical data and optical video signals received from an optical waveguide to electrical signals. Because of the hardware contained in the subscriber optical interface, any video processing hardware that is present within the subscriber's premises for tuning video programs can be reduced or substantially eliminated without sacrificing a range of services available to a subscriber from a fiber-to-the-home optical network.

Abstract: The present invention allows remote antenna units for radio frequency signal transmission and receipt to operate without the requirement for remote electrical power supplies or for connecting cables that incorporate electrical conductors. According to an aspect of the present invention, an optical communications system employing radio frequency signals comprises a central unit; at least one remote unit having at least one optoelectronic transducer for converting optical data signals to radio frequency signals and converting radio signals to optical signals and at least one antenna to receive and send radio frequency signals; at least one optical fiber data link between the central unit and the remote unit for transmitting optical data signals therebetween; and at least one optical fiber power link between the central unit and the remote unit for providing electrical power at the remote unit.

Abstract: A system and method transmits graphic data received at varying frequencies at a fixed data rate. The frequency dependent data and associated data clock signal are received and the frequency dependent data is converted to frequency independent data. A ratio of a number of data clock cycles to a number of reference clock cycles is determined and transmitted. The frequency independent data and header data are transmitted, at a fixed rate, to a receiver, the fixed rate being a frequency greater than the frequency of the associated data clock signal. The received the frequency independent data is converted to frequency dependent data based upon the received determined ratio. The communication channel may include an optical fiber and a tension member wherein control data is transmitted along the tension member and graphic data is transmitted along the optical fiber.

Abstract: Described herein are technologies directed towards IR-to-network conversion. With the described technology, a system may convert an infrared (IR) control signal from an IR remote controller into a network-transmittable message package and transmit that package via a communications network, such as the Internet (or a network compatible therewith). The IR control signal is destined for a to-be-controlled audio/visual (AV) device. The transmitted network message packet is received at the location of the to-be-controlled AV device and converted back into its original IR control signal. The signal is transmitted to the AV device; thereby effecting control of that device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving power over optical fiber is disclosed. In particular, a power over fiber system in which an optical network transmits electrical power via an optical signal and is also transmits data within the optical network as well. The optical signals include a high frequency data portion that includes the data to be transmitted, and either a constant or low frequency power signal portion. The optical signal is received and converted into an electrical signal by a photodetector/photodiode that is electrically filtered to separate the data signal from the power signal. The data signal is then processed using known techniques. The power signal can be conditioned and/or regulated, if necessary, and provided either directly to a terminal piece of equipment to provide all the required power thereto, or may be combined with locally provided power to contribute at least a portion of the power required by the equipment.

Abstract: An avionics system for a plane includes a plurality of nodes disposed throughout the plane, each node performing a function. The system includes an optical network in communication with the nodes and through which the nodes communicate. The system includes at least one of the nodes having a hardwired interpreter that interprets the information transmitted from another one of the nodes via the optical network. A method for operating a plane includes the steps of communicating information through an optical network between a plurality of nodes disposed throughout the plane, each node performing a function. There is the step of interpreting with at least one of the nodes having a hardwired interpreter the information transmitted from another one of the nodes via the optical network. A phostonic stack.

Abstract: A serial transmission protocol and architecture are provided that can be used to forward remote control data between sink (e.g., DTV) and source (e.g., DVD player) devices, in addition to other data such as video and/or audio or other payload. The target device need not be in the line of sight of the remote control beam. Daisy-chained devices will pass the remote control signal to the appropriate target device, so that the user can point any remote control at the DTV or other conveniently located device in the system, and still control the actual target device. The communication channel that carries payload, processing control, and remote control data can be implemented with wired or wireless of technology (or a combination thereof). In one particular embodiment, the communication channel is implemented with a single fiber. A number of presentation and entertainment system applications that employ remote control technology (e.g.

Abstract: Infrared control signals are repeated and communicated in a system including a source device and a sink device that are communicatively coupled by a serial communication link that includes a forward channel and a backward channel. Modulated infrared remote control data is detected by an infrared detector without de-modulation, and sampled in modulated form. Sampled data corresponding to the modulated remote control signal is transmitted from the sink device to the source device over the serial communication link, which in one example is a single optical fiber. The source device receives the sampled data and regenerates the infrared control data, which is then used to control the operation of the source device.

Abstract: An optical switching apparatus includes an optical switch having a plurality of input ports and output ports, optical amplifiers, monitor circuits, optical amplifiers monitor circuits, and a controller that controls the optical switch. The optical amplifiers are connected to the input ports of the optical switch. The monitor circuits are connected to the output ports of the optical switch. The controller selects one of the plurality of the monitor circuits based on predetermined rules to obtains the loss at the output ports and/or the differential loss between the channels of the optical switch. The controller further selects one of the optical amplifiers based on the configuration of the optical switch to compensate the loss and the differential loss among the different channels of the optical switch by pre-amplifying the optical signals before they reach the input ports of the optical switch.

Abstract: A data link system comprising a shelter housing sensitive radio frequency equipment and an antenna located apart from the shelter. A single fiber, bi-directional fiber optic link couples the antenna to the shelter. Both RF signals and data signals are sent across the data link.

Abstract: A universal remote control (10) is provided for wireless remote control of one or more devices (D1 . . . Dn) equipped for remote control by respective original remote controls having visual appearances different from one another. The universal remote control (10) includes: a memory (40) that stores one or more descriptions associated with one or more original remote controls that are selectively emulated by the universal remote control (10), the descriptions including information describing the visual appearances of the original remote controls that the descriptions are associated with; and, a graphical user interface (20) upon which is displayed a representation of one of the original remote controls selected for emulation by the universal remote control (10), the representation having a visual appearance substantially the same as the original remote control being emulated.