Abstract: Addressable tap units for a cable television network include a radio frequency input and a radio frequency output. These tap units may further include a radio frequency receiver that is configured to receive a radio frequency signal input at the radio frequency input. A filter circuit, which may be a plug-in filter circuit, is coupled between the radio frequency input and the radio frequency output. The filter circuit includes at least one filter that filters out signals in one or more frequency bands. The tap units also may include a plurality of switches that select one of a plurality of signal paths through the filter circuit. The plurality of switches may be controlled in response to data contained in the radio frequency signal. The tap unit may also include an alternate radio frequency path that bypasses the plug-in filter module so that signals incident at the radio frequency input traverse the alternate radio frequency path if the plug-in filter module is not installed in the addressable tap unit.

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 include a first communication path between the RF input port and the first RF output port that has a power amplifier that amplifies signals that are transmitted from the RF input port to the first RF output port. These amplifiers also have a second non-interruptible communication path between the RF input port and the second RF output port. The amplifiers further include a selective termination circuit that is configured to pass signals between the RF input port and the first RF output port over the first communication path when electrical power is received at the power input and to terminate the first communication path to a matched termination when an electrical power feed to the power input is interrupted.

Abstract: Addressable tap units for a cable television network include a radio frequency input and a radio frequency output. These tap units may further include a radio frequency receiver that is configured to receive a radio frequency signal input at the radio frequency input. A filter circuit, which may be a plug-in filter circuit, is coupled between the radio frequency input and the radio frequency output. The filter circuit includes at least one filter that filters out signals in one or more frequency bands. The tap units also may include a plurality of switches that select one of a plurality of signal paths through the filter circuit. The plurality of switches may be controlled in response to data contained in the radio frequency signal. The tap unit may also include an alternate radio frequency path that bypasses the plug-in filter module so that signals incident at the radio frequency input traverse the alternate radio frequency path if the plug-in filter module is not installed in the addressable tap unit.

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 include a first communication path between the RF input port and the first RF output port that has a power amplifier that amplifies signals that are transmitted from the RF input port to the first RF output port. These amplifiers also have a second non-interruptible communication path between the RF input port and the second RF output port. The amplifiers further include a selective termination circuit that is configured to pass signals between the RF input port and the first RF output port over the first communication path when electrical power is received at the power input and to terminate the first communication path to a matched termination when an electrical power feed to the power input is interrupted.

Abstract: A bi-directional RF signal amplifier can be provided with a non-interruptible communication path for maintaining communication between an input and output port in the event of power failure. The amplifier may receive RF signals from a service provider or any other appropriate signal source through an input port. In residential applications, the amplifier may receive a composite RF signal comprising information for telephone, cable television (CATV), Internet, VoIP, and/or data communication from a service provider. The amplifier may increase the signal to a more useful level of approximately 20 dBmV/carrier and pass the amplified signal to one or more devices in communication with the amplifier through various output ports. In the event of power failure, a signal may still be passed through the non-interruptible communication path between the service provider and the communication device.

Abstract: A communication system (100) includes a tap (120) that has an input port (202) for receiving a signal and output ports (225) coupled to the input port (202) for providing the signal to subscriber equipment (125). Each of the output ports (225) has a programmed status comprising either an enabled status or a disabled status. After the statuses have been programmed and the output ports (225) have been set, a controller (210) coupled to the output ports (225) periodically restores the programmed status of the output ports (225) after programmed period of time, thereby automatically resetting inadvertent status changes.

Abstract: A tap (125) for use in a cable television system (100) includes an incoming port (202) for receiving an incoming signal from a head end section (105) and at least first and second outgoing subscriber ports (225, 230) for transmitting outgoing signals to system subscribers. The first and second subscriber ports (225, 230) can be enabled or disabled, depending upon whether cable service is to be provided from a particular port. The tap (125) also includes light sources (250, 260) located on the body of the tap (125) to indicate statuses, i.e., enabled or disabled, of the subscriber ports (225, 230).

Abstract: A radio frequency choke for use in a cable television transmission and distribution circuit is disclosed. The radio frequency choke comprises a core of zinc-ferrite material as provided by MMG/NEOSID, Ltd., part number 31P0250012, and a wire coil wound around the core. The coil includes a first lead, a first clockwise winding of N1 turns around the core, the first lead being connected to an input of the first winding, a second counterclockwise winding of N2 turns around the core, a third counterclockwise winding of N3 turns around the core, and a second lead connected to an output of the fourth winding. In a preferred embodiment, there are six turns in the first clockwise winding, five turns in the second clockwise winding, and five turns in the third counterclockwise winding. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment, resonance damping resistors of approximately 2 K.OMEGA. are connected between the windings of the radio frequency choke.