Abstract: A multi-port optical node is disclosed. The optical node is configured to send and receive optical and radio frequency data signals over a data distribution network. The data signals enter and exit the node through cables connected to ports of the main housing of the node. The main housing has a plurality of slots configured to accept a plurality of electronic modules. The electronic modules provide the basic functionality of the optical node including the power supply and transmitters and receivers for sending, receiving and converting of data signals. The electronic modules are approximately all the same size thus they can occupy any of the slots of the main housing. The modules further can be monitored and controlled via a serial system bus.

Abstract: A hybrid fiber-coaxial network system with a fault tolerant multi-port optical node implementing a redundant diversely routed high-bandwidth single path. The system includes a plurality of fiber optic and coaxial paths. In the downstream path, the analog and digital data signals are sent from the head-end of the network to a subscriber of the data over the primary and secondary fiber paths of the network. A redundantly powered multi-port optical node, receives the signals. Electronic modules of the optical node convert the optical signals to RF signals and transmit the signals via a primary and secondary coaxial path to the subscriber. In the upstream path, the data signals are transmitted from the subscriber to the node over the coaxial data paths. Electronic modules of the optical node convert the RF signals to optical signals and transmit the signals over the primary and secondary fiber paths of the network.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving and transmitting data signals over an optical receiver module with fiber path redundancy and narrowcast operation. An optical receiver receives the data transmitted over a network of fiber cables. The optical receiver includes a plurality of photodiodes for converting the optical signal to a RF signal and for sensing the quality of the optical signal. When the quality of the signal is determined to be outside a threshold range, one of the plurality of photodiodes sends an alarm signal monitored by a module microcontroller connected to the optical receiver module. Additionally, the alarm signal is sent to a remote operator. The module microcontroller analyzes the alarm signal and outputs a logical command stored in the memory of the module microcontroller to switch via a RF relay switch, the optical-to-RF path. The logical commands include redundant and narrowcast service path switching logic.

Abstract: A microprocessor (42) is coupled to sense the current and voltage in an AC line (11) at a high sampling rate and to determine the power factor. In one embodiment the primary (83) of a transformer (84) is coupled across the power lines, and at least two capacitors (86, 88), forming separate switching paths, are coupled to the secondary (85) of the transformer. High speed switching circuitry under the control of the microprocessor alternately charges and discharges the capacitors (86, 88) at varying frequencies, to alternately store energy from the power lines (11) when the variable load (32) is returning energy to the power lines, and to supply the stored energy back to the power lines when the variable load (32) is absorbing energy from the power lines (11). This corrects the power factor since the frequency of the high speed switching circuitry is varied with the varying reactance of the load.

Abstract: A microprocessor is coupled to sense the current and voltage in a power phase at a high sampling rate such as two hundred fifty-five (255) times per cycle, and to determine the power factor. The primary of a transformer is coupled across the power lines, and at least two capacitors, forming separate switching paths, are coupled to the secondary of the transformer. High speed switching circuitry under the control of the microprocessor alternately charges and discharges the capacitors, at varying frequencies, to alternately store energy from the power lines when the variable load is returning energy to the power lines, and to supply the stored energy back to the power lines when the variable load is absorbing energy from the power lines. This corrects the power factor since the frequency of the high speed switching circuitry is varied with the varying reactance of the load.