Abstract: A heat transfer device may be used to provide a thermal conduit from heat generating components mounted on transversely oriented circuit boards. The heat transfer device generally includes a base portion for supporting and thermally coupling with at least one heat generating component on a main circuit board and a transverse portion for supporting and thermally coupling with at least one heat generating component on a daughter circuit board that is oriented transverse to the main circuit board. The base and transverse portions may be made of a thermally conductive material with raised pedestals providing the thermal coupling with the heat generating components. The transverse portion of the heat transfer device may also be designed to facilitate connecting the daughter circuit board to the main circuit board. The heat transfer device may be used in an opto-electronic communications module, such as a broadband digital access (BDA) module used in a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network.

Abstract: A lid assembly containing a lid gasket may be used to replace an existing lid assembly that forms part of a housing of an outdoor electronic device, such as an RF amplifier in a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network delivering CATV services to subscriber locations. The replacement lid assembly is configured to engage and cover an existing base of the electronic device, such as an RF amplifier, without disconnecting the electronic device (e.g., without interrupting CATV service). The lid gasket in the lid assembly may comply with current requirements and/or standards and is configured to engage the existing base adjacent an older gasket in the base to reinforce sealing of the electronic device housing. The lid assembly may also be configured to include improved or upgraded electronic components, such as an integrated power supply, and/or to provide improved heat transfer.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure includes a node housing for use in a broadband distribution network that includes coupling the amplifier to a lid portion and providing an interface plate in a base portion that allows for RF and power signals to be provided to the RF amplifier within the lid portion. The interface plate disposed within the base portion further preferably provides power pass-through to downstream nodes that remains electrically connected even when the amplifier is decoupled from the lid portion. Thus, the amplifier and/or lid portion may be decoupled from the base portion without disrupting power distribution to the down-stream nodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to an RF connector assembly for use within a node of a broadband distribution network, and can receive a center conductor pin of a coaxial cable, e.g., via insertion by a technician, and electrically couple the center conductor pin to circuitry within the node, such as an amplifier. The RF connector assembly preferably also securely physically couples to the center conductor pin via a spring-biased arrangement (and thus by extension securely couples the coaxial cable to the housing of the node) which can supply a bias force to the center conductor pin in response to insertion of the same into the RF connector assembly. This advantageously eliminates the necessity of opening the housing of the node to couple/decouple the center conducting pin of the coaxial cable to the node.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a connector assembly that includes an increased outer diameter of the connector member relative to the equivalent G-type connector and an increased inner diameter of the receptable member relative to the equivalent G-type receptacle (also referred to as a seizure nut) to achieve higher current carrying capacity and target frequency rates of up to 3.0 Ghz, for example. In one preferred example, this results in a connector assembly consistent with the present disclosure having a connector member with an outer diameter of at least 10.70 mm, and more preferably 10.76±0.01 mm, rather than the 9.4 mm diameter of existing G-type connectors. Despite this increased diameter, a seizure assembly consistent with the present disclosure can achieve a functional impedance of 75 ohms to maintain nominal signal quality.

Abstract: A coaxial seizure assembly is disclosed that includes an integrated mechanical stop that prevents over-insertion and maintains a nominal/expected impedance value to enable high-frequency switching, e.g., 1.8-3 Ghz or greater. In more detail, the coaxial seizure assembly includes a coaxial receptacle defined by an opening configured to at least partially receive and couple to a coaxial connector. The opening communicates with a seizure cavity defined within the coaxial seizure assembly. A radio frequency (RF) interconnect at least partially extends into the seizure cavity, with the RF interconnect having a first end to electrically couple to an electrical component and a second end that extends a predetermined angle relative to the first end, e.g., substantially 90 degrees. The second end defines a mating surface that aligns within the seizure cavity such that an imaginary line drawn along an insertion path of a coaxial cable conductor pin intersects with the mating surface.

Abstract: A coaxial seizure assembly is disclosed that includes an integrated mechanical stop that prevents over-insertion and maintains a nominal/expected impedance value to enable high-frequency switching, e.g., 1.8-3 Ghz or greater. In more detail, the coaxial seizure assembly includes a coaxial receptacle defined by an opening configured to at least partially receive and couple to a coaxial connector. The opening communicates with a seizure cavity defined within the coaxial seizure assembly. A radio frequency (RF) interconnect at least partially extends into the seizure cavity, with the RF interconnect having a first end to electrically couple to an electrical component and a second end that extends a predetermined angle relative to the first end, e.g., substantially 90 degrees. The second end defines a mating surface that aligns within the seizure cavity such that an imaginary line drawn along an insertion path of a coaxial cable conductor pin intersects with the mating surface.

Abstract: A cutting guide for trimming the center conductor of a stinger. The cutting guide may include a housing that is adapted to receive the stinger conductor and provide a reference plane for trimming the conductor to a desired length. The housing may include a receiving end for receiving a predetermined portion of the stinger and an exit end through which an excess portion of the conductor protrudes beyond the desired cutting plane. The housing may include a socket having a receiving space for receiving the threads of the conductor and a barrel having a bore through which the stinger extends. Alternative embodiments include a length-adjustable housing and a housing with multiple bore lengths.

Abstract: In one embodiment a connector-cable assembly includes a first connector assembly at a first end of an RF cable and a second connector assembly at a second end of the cable. The connector assembly may include an RF connector and a connector module having an orientation guide and means for releasably coupling the connector module to a panel to couple the RF connector to a complementary connector positioned behind the panel. The connector module may also include a strain relief.

Abstract: In one embodiment a connector-cable assembly includes a first connector assembly at a first end of an RF cable and a second connector assembly at a second end of the cable. The connector assembly may include an RF connector and a connector module having an orientation guide and means for releasably coupling the connector module to a panel to couple the RF connector to a complementary connector positioned behind the panel. The connector module may also include a strain relief.

Abstract: In one embodiment a thermal dissipation heat slug sandwich includes a circuit board, a circuit package having an integrated heat slug mounted to an obverse side of the circuit board, and a lower heat sink plate on a reverse side of the circuit board thermally coupled to the heat slug and a housing enclosing the circuit board An upper heat sink plate may be mounted to the obverse side of the circuit board to cover the circuit package. The upper heat sink plate thermally coupled to the lower heat sink plate through the circuit board. An insulating cover may also be provided to redirect radiant heat from the circuit package to the housing.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for providing access of test points. An embodiment of a system includes an electrical module including at least one electrical circuit configured to communicate at least one electrical signal, the electrical module further including at least one multiple access test point configured to provide access for measurements of the electrical circuit. Some embodiments include an environmental housing that includes at least one access port, the environmental housing configured to receive the electrical module such that at least one access port provides access to at least one multiple access test point.

Abstract: In one embodiment a fiber tray include an arrangement of retaining slots configured to receive retaining clips in a variety of different orientations and sizes. Retaining clips may have standardized sizes to correspond with the arrangement of retaining slots and to secure a variety of components to the fiber tray in different locations and orientations. Fiber management means may be provided to guide fiber optic cable from the components in a variety of orientations and locations. The fiber tray may be configured to move between a stowed position within a node housing in which the mounting surface of the tray faces downward and an access position in which the tray faces upward. The tray may be transparent to allow a technician to view the fiber arrangement without moving the tray from the stowed position.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly for protecting and housing fiber optic cable within fiber optic equipment. The enclosure assembly includes a housing having an open end for detachably receiving a tray. The tray is configured to retain a portion of the length of the fiber optic cable in a coiled manner.

Abstract: In one embodiment a thermal dissipation heat slug sandwich includes a circuit board, a circuit package having an integrated heat slug mounted to an obverse side of the circuit board, and a lower heat sink plate on a reverse side of the circuit board thermally coupled to the heat slug and a housing enclosing the circuit board An upper heat sink plate may be mounted to the obverse side of the circuit board to cover the circuit package. The upper heat sink plate thermally coupled to the lower heat sink plate through the circuit board. An insulating cover may also be provided to redirect radiant heat from the circuit package to the housing.

Abstract: In one embodiment a fiber tray include an arrangement of retaining slots configured to receive retaining clips in a variety of different orientations and sizes. Retaining clips may have standardized sizes to correspond with the arrangement of retaining slots and to secure a variety of components to the fiber tray in different locations and orientations. Fiber management means may be provided to guide fiber optic cable from the components in a variety of orientations and locations. The fiber tray may be configured to move between a stowed position within a node housing in which the mounting surface of the tray faces downward and an access position in which the tray faces upward. The tray may be transparent to allow a technician to view the fiber arrangement without moving the tray from the stowed position.

Abstract: In one embodiment a self-contained seizure mechanism comprises a plunger, a spring, and a retainer guide having means for movably securing the plunger to the retainer guide. The retainer guide may have a receiving slot for receiving wings of the plunger and fingers for retaining the wings to the retainer guide and archways to guide a stinger conductor into contact with a crown of the plunger. The plunger and retainer may be snap-fit together to provide a seizure assembly that may be dropped in a receiving hole of a node housing and positioned to engage a stinger conductor and urge the stinger conductor into contact with a connector button on a lock nut.

Abstract: A cable management apparatus includes a cable restraint adapted to provide strain relief to a cable and a radial guide adapted to provide a desired bend radius to a cable. The apparatus may have a compressible body provided with a receiving channel adapted to receive a cable in a receiving condition and to restrict movement of the cable in a restrictive condition. The radial guide may be in the form of a shoulder provided at a closed end of the channel and having a surface of predetermined bend radius. The receiving channel may be converted between a receiving condition and a restrictive condition by compression of the body when the apparatus is inserted into an opening of a support structure.

Abstract: A cable management apparatus includes a cable restraint adapted to provide strain relief to a cable and a radial guide adapted to provide a desired bend radius to a cable. The apparatus may have a compressible body provided with a receiving channel adapted to receive a cable in a receiving condition and to restrict movement of the cable in a restrictive condition. The radial guide may be in the form of a shoulder provided at a closed end of the channel and having a surface of predetermined bend radius. The receiving channel may be converted between a receiving condition and a restrictive condition by compression of the body when the apparatus is inserted into an opening of a support structure.

Abstract: A protective cable guide and separator assembly. A first handle is coupled to first ends of a plurality of RF cables and a second end is coupled to second ends of the plurality of RF cables. At least one resilient portion is between the first and second handle portions for receiving and retaining the plurality of RF cables. The resilient portion protects the RF cables and maintains consistent spacing between each RF cable relative one another.