Abstract: A distance extender (100, 200) for increasing a distance between a first device (145) and a second device (150) in electrical communication with the first device includes an electrical cable (130, 230) electrically coupled between the first device and the second device, a first subsystem (110, 210) electrically coupled to the first end of the electrical cable, and a second subsystem (120, 220) electrically coupled to the second end of the electrical cable. The electrical cable includes a first end (131, 231), a second end (132, 232), and a plurality of wires extending between the first end and the second end. The plurality of wires includes a first wire, the first device generates a data signal and provides an electrical power signal, and the data signal and the electrical power signal are simultaneously transmitted between the first device and the second device over the first wire.

Abstract: A system for estimating a length of a conductor (110) having a first end (111) and a second end (112) includes a device (120) capable of placing an electric signal on the conductor, an impedance element (130) that maintains the electric signal within a predetermined voltage range, and a timer (140). The device places the electric signal on the conductor such that the electric signal travels along the conductor from the first end to the second end and back to the first end. The timer determines a time required for the electric signal to travel along the conductor from the first end to the second end and back to the first end. The length of the conductor may be estimated based on the time. A compensation factor may be determined based on the length or the time, and may be used to compensate for signal attenuation in the conductor.

Abstract: A distance extender (100, 200) for increasing a distance between a first device (145) and a second device (150) in electrical communication with the first device includes an electrical cable (130, 230) electrically coupled between the first device and the second device, a first subsystem (110, 210) electrically coupled to the first end of the electrical cable, and a second subsystem (120, 220) electrically coupled to the second end of the electrical cable. The electrical cable includes a first end (131, 231), a second end (132, 232), and a plurality of wires extending between the first end and the second end. The plurality of wires includes a first wire, the first device generates a data signal and provides an electrical power signal, and the data signal and the electrical power signal are simultaneously transmitted between the first device and the second device over the first wire.