Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an active network interface device (NID) having a battery module enclosure that is mountable between a NID enclosure and a wall or surface at a subscriber premises. The battery module enclosure defines a compartment for receiving a battery module and a NID enclosure that serves to protect NID circuitry, network terminals, and subscriber terminals from environmental conditions and security threats. In some embodiments, the NID may be an ONT in a PON. The battery module may be installed within the compartment of the battery module enclosure to provide battery power to circuitry within the NID enclosure. The battery module enclosure may reside between the NID enclosure and an exterior wall of a subscriber premises so that the battery module enclosure is generally hidden from view by the NID enclosure.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an optical network terminal (ONT) for use in a passive optical network (PON) that includes power conversion circuitry to accommodate a variety of power source options. In particular, the power conversion circuitry converts a wide range of input direct current (DC) voltages to a DC supply voltage that powers ONT circuitry that supports communication of information via the PON.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pluggable module and mounting socket for use in an optical network terminal (ONT). In particular, the mounting socket accepts a pluggable module comprising either a dual-section triplexer card or a single-section diplexer card, thereby allowing a vendor to selectively change the type of PON transport by simply changing the diplexer/triplexer pluggable module to support either diplexer or triplexer applications. The ability to configure the ONT by swapping out the pluggable diplexer/triplexer module eliminates the need for a manufacturer to maintain two different versions of the ONT, i.e., with or without video.

Abstract: Assignment of network addresses, e.g., IP addresses, to network nodes in a passive optical network (PON) may involve assignment of IP addresses within a common subnet scope to network nodes coupled to different optical fiber links and different interface modules in the PON. In this manner, excessive waste of IP addresses can be avoided. Instead of assigning an entire subnet scope of addresses to the nodes coupled to a single optical fiber link, a common subnet can be allocated across a PON having multiple, independent interfaces, increasing the number of subnet IP addresses that are actually used. Accordingly, the IP address space within a subnet scope can be distributed more efficiently. In addition to conserving IP addresses, the number of subnets allocated by ISPs can be reduced, along with the significant expense incurred by ISPs in reserving and maintaining multiple class C subnets.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for reducing power consumption by an optical network transmitter (ONT) in a passive optical network (PON). The techniques may be particularly useful in extending the period of battery powered telephone service during a power outage. In particular, the invention provides a hibernation mode in which power is supplied only to a watchdog circuit while the ONT powers down the optical transmitter, the optical receiver, processing circuitry, data circuitry, video circuitry, and telephone circuitry to conserve power. The watchdog circuit wakes up a subset of the deactivated circuitry at service-critical events in order to service such events, but video and data processing circuitry remain deactivated.

Abstract: Techniques are described for managing traffic flow to an optical network terminal (ONT) on a passive optical network (PON) to prevent an individual ONT from being overrun. Specifically, the techniques involve reducing a transmission rate of a unique traffic flow and selectively denying access to a common traffic flow. By reducing the transmission rate of the unique traffic flow, sufficient bandwidth may be released to receive the unique traffic flow and the common traffic flow without overflowing the ONT. For example, the ONT or, alternatively, the OLT may send the requested common traffic flow without reducing the transmission rate of the unique traffic flow when sufficient bandwidth is available, send the common traffic flow but reduce the transmission rate of unique traffic flow by an appropriate amount, or deny access to the common traffic flow altogether without reducing the transmission rate of the unique traffic flow.

Abstract: Techniques are described for managing traffic flow to an optical network terminal (ONT) on a passive optical network (PON) to prevent an individual ONT from being overrun. Specifically, the techniques involve reducing a transmission rate of a unique traffic flow and selectively denying access to a common traffic flow. By reducing the transmission rate of the unique traffic flow, sufficient bandwidth may be released to receive the unique traffic flow and the common traffic flow without overflowing the ONT. For example, the ONT or, alternatively, the OLT may send the requested common traffic flow without reducing the transmission rate of the unique traffic flow when sufficient bandwidth is available, send the common traffic flow but reduce the transmission rate of unique traffic flow by an appropriate amount, or deny access to the common traffic flow altogether without reducing the transmission rate of the unique traffic flow.

Abstract: A PWM DAC including an emitter follower buffer circuit provides increased accuracy and reduced cost. The emitter follower buffer circuit that enables inexpensive implementation of the PWM DAC. A temperature compensation circuit adjusts the digital input value applied to the PWM to compensate for temperature-induced variation introduced by the emitter follower buffer circuit. The compensation circuit may incorporate circuitry that replicates the PWM DAC at least in part, and monitors the base-emitter voltage of a replicated emitter follower buffer to track temperature-induced variation in the PWM DAC. The compensation circuit generates an error value that can be used to compensate one or more PWM DACs within a particular system.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution module for a fiber optic network having a hybrid fiber optic cable. A circuit board in the module includes a source connector connected to a source of electrical power. At least one circuit leg is connected in parallel to the source connector. The circuit leg includes an over-current protection device and a client connection terminal in series therewith. A load can be connected to the connection terminal for providing electrical power thereto.

Abstract: A photometer for measuring electromagnetic radiation absorption of a sample utilizing a source of the electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is conducted from the source, to a sample sensor, and is passed through the sample utilizing a sample cell. The electromagnetic radiation is then directed to a detection system which determines absorbance of electromagnetic radiation by the sample at the sample cell. The detection system includes a beam splitter which receives the electromagnetic radiation and outputs first and second beams. A first detector having a first wavelength filter and a second detector having a second wavelength filter receives the two beams from the splitters. One detector may be employed to produce a reference signal. The remaining detector or detectors produce an output signal which is a representation of a characteristic, such as absorbance of the sample. The output signals are operated on by a reference signal, and converted into a measurement absorbance.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying components associated with the liquid in an electrically non-conductive container utilizing a pair of electrodes. The container extends along a particular dimension such that the first electrode is placed adjacent the exterior of the container and at least a second electrode is placed adjacent the exterior of the container in spaced configuration from the first electrode and along the particular dimension of the container. A generated output signal is coupled into the liquid via the first electrode. The output signal is coupled to the second electrode after passing through the liquid component. The output waveforms are analyzed to determine the electrical characteristics of the liquid in order to identify a component within the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring components in a liquid medium, in particular parenteral nutrients, within a flexible transparent bag. A spacer is utilized to fix or determine the optical path across the bag chamber and includes a passage for electromagnetic radiation of selected wavelengths. The source of electromagnetic radiation is capable of sending radiation into the bag chamber and to detector means which analyzes the radiation passed through or reflected from the components in the bag chamber.

Abstract: A spectrometer for analyzing a sample of material utilizing a broad band source of electromagnetic radiation and a detector. The spectrometer employs a waveguide possessing an entry and an exit for the electromagnetic radiation emanating from the source. The waveguide further includes a surface between the entry and exit portions which permits interaction between the electromagnetic radiation passing through the wave guide and a sample material. A tapered portion forms a part of the entry of the wave guide and couples the electromagnetic radiation emanating from the source to the waveguide. The electromagnetic radiation passing from the exit of the waveguide is captured and directed to a detector for analysis.

Abstract: A universal demarcation point for managing the delivery of communications services to a subscriber that provides an interface between a utility distribution network and subscriber owned equipment. The universal demarcation point includes a utility accessible portion and a subscriber accessible portion. The utility accessible portion has an input port, an output port, a plurality of modular connectors, a power supply, and a plurality of service modules. The input port provides access to the universal demarcation point for delivery of communications service from the utility distribution network. The communications services are delivered through a hybrid cable. The hybrid cable has a plurality of fiber optic cables and a plurality of copper cables. The fiber optic cables are capable of transmitting light signals and the copper cables are capable of transmitting electric power.