Abstract: Power distribution management comprises: detecting an establishment of a connection between a PDU outlet of a PDU and a device to be powered by the PDU; and causing the identification specific to the connection to be shared between the PDU and the device over optical communication in response to establishment of the connection. Corresponding system and power cable are also disclosed. According to embodiments of the present inventive subject matter, the connection relationship between any devices and PDU outlets can be determined efficiently and effectively by checking and matching the connection identifications.

Abstract: A MOCT metering system includes a cutoff module that ensures zero output when values from an optical module fall below a threshold value. The cutoff module includes an RMS to DC converter that drives a comparator. The comparator drives a switch that causes the cutoff module to pass through the measured signal unmodified if above a threshold value and to output a zero voltage signal if below a threshold value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for connectors with insertion counters are provided. In one embodiment, a connector comprises: an interface configured to interface with a corresponding interface of a port to communicate signals between the port and a cable attached to the connector; at least one switch configured to change from a first state to a second state when the connector is inserted into the port; and a microcontroller configured to record insertion events, wherein the microcontroller increments an insertion count stored within the microcontroller when the at least one switch transitions from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: A technique for determining performance characteristics of electronic devices and systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, the technique is realized by measuring a first response on a first transmission line from a single pulse transmitted on the first transmission line, and then measuring a second response on the first transmission line from a single pulse transmitted on at least one second transmission line, wherein the at least one second transmission line is substantially adjacent to the first transmission line. The worst case bit sequences for transmission on the first transmission line and the at least one second transmission line are then determined based upon the first response and the second response for determining performance characteristics associated with the first transmission line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for identifying an allocation of control circuits to at least one control device. In this context, it can be checked whether wiring for example of heating circuits and/or sensors to a central control device is correct. Provided actuation patterns are switched on at a number of control circuits. This makes it possible to identify correct wiring efficiently and without error. The invention can be used in vehicle construction, and especially in aircraft construction.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a three-phase AC phase sequence detecting method, including the steps of: 1) sampling instant values of three-phase AC electrical signal in real-time; 2) converting said instant values into electrical signal components in a two-phase still coordinate system in manner of coordinate conversion; 3) performing an arc tangent calculation on the electrical signal components to obtain a output signal value; 4) executing step 1) to step 3) one or more times, to obtain one or more output signal values; 5) the output signal values obtained from step 3) and the one or more output signal values obtained from step 4) composing a periodic function, if the periodic function is an increasing function within one minimum positive period, the three-phase AC phase sequence is determined to be positive sequence; otherwise, negative sequence. Three-phase AC phase detecting a detecting apparatus using the above detecting method is also provided.

Abstract: An electrical circuit tester including a resistive load and a testing station for detecting the variable load. The testing station includes at least one electrical current transducer capable of detecting the variable load in an adjacent electrical power circuit. The detection of the variable load is communicated to the testing station and a variable load detection function.

Abstract: A rack system includes one or more racks each configured to receive at least one distribution module. Each rack includes management sections located at the front of the rack; troughs located at the rear of the rack; horizontal channels extending between the management sections and the trough; a storage area located at a first of opposing sides of the rack; a front vertical channel that connects to the storage area and at least some of the management sections; and a travel channel at the rear of the first rack that connects the storage area to the troughs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synchronization signal processing method and apparatus, which solves problems of low accuracy and a slow speed of synchronization operation executed on the synchronization signal. The specific steps include: acquiring multiple to-be-processed signals of a power supply, where the to-be-processed signals are signals changing periodically; generating a synchronization signal that has the same period as the to-be-processed signals by generating pulses in each period of the to-be-processed signals, where each period of the synchronization signal includes at least two pulses; detecting whether the synchronization signal is normal by determining whether parameters of all the pulses in the synchronization signal are accurate; and if the synchronization signal is normal, synchronizing the to-be-processed signals by performing time alignment on the pulses in the synchronization signal.

Abstract: A method of detecting a cable connected to a first device includes generating a second signal within the first device, and outputting the second signal onto an input-only pin of a cable connector on the first device, wherein the input-only pin is assigned to receive a first signal from a driver on a second device when a cable is connected from the second device to the cable connector, and wherein the second signal has a frequency that is at least four times greater than the frequency of the first signal. The method further comprises determining that a cable is not connected to the cable connector in response to detecting the second signal on a wire coupled to the input-only pin, and determining that the cable is connected to the cable connector in response to detecting a signal other than the second signal.

Abstract: A metering and measuring point system for measuring and metering electrical energy/electricity drawn off and/or fed into a drawing off and/or feeding device at a fixed geographical point by a consumption unit, comprises one or more stationary drawing off and/or feeding devices that are connected to the power supply and configured for drawing off and/or feeding in electrical energy/electricity by means of consumption/generation units and at least one identifiable non-stationary functional unit for measuring and metering electrical energy/electricity that is conductively, via an electric conductor or inductively, drawn off or fed into one or more stationary drawing off and/or feeding devices by consumption/generation units.

Abstract: A test chip, system and method for testing large numbers of test devices on a single test chip decreases the time and complexity required to characterize the variation and reliability of the IC fabrication process. A remotely configurable test chip can be programmed with varying bias conditions for testing of process variation or numerous failure modes on large sample sizes. An on-chip addressing technique allows large numbers of test devices to be tested simultaneously and the measurement signals read out serially for different test devices. The test chip may be configured for wafer, die or package-level testing.

Abstract: Automated wire harness production systems and methods that rapidly present individual circuits to an assembler operating a wire harness layout board. Automatic wire indexing, sorting, and delivery systems transfer circuits into, and retrieve circuits from, a transportable programmable, automated, indexed storage system equipped with an array of individual circuit tubes, and a script-controlled assembly system sends visual, aural, and other cues to help an assembler populate and configure a wire harness layout board with connector blocks and turn posts, and guides the assembler in building, testing, reworking, and delivering the corresponding batch of wire harnesses.

Abstract: An electrical circuit tester including a resistive load and a testing station for detecting the variable load. The testing station includes at least one electrical current transducer capable of detecting the variable load in an adjacent electrical power circuit. The detection of the variable load is communicated to the testing station and a variable load detection function.

Abstract: A cable detection apparatus comprises a cable connector, a signal generator, and a detection module. The cable connector is located on a first device and has an input-only pin that is coupled to a receiver and assigned for receiving a first signal from a driver on a second device. The signal generator is located within the first device and has an output driving a second signal onto the input-only pin, wherein the second signal has a frequency that is at least four times greater than the frequency of the first signal. The detection module has a detection input coupled to the input-only pin, wherein the detection module produces a negative cable detection output in response to detecting the second signal, and wherein the detection module produces a positive cable detection output in response to detecting a signal other than the second signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a two-part cable connector. The connector includes two parts that when mate together the outer shape and dimensions of the connector are compatible to an outer shape and dimensions of a cable connector of a known standard. The first connector part terminated at an end of a communication cord and the second connector part detachably connected to the first connector to enable separation of said second part from said first part. The second connector part of the cable connector is insertable into a communication port and comprises an identification number to uniquely identify the communication port.

Abstract: A flasher interface module for a vehicle having factory or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) lights. The flasher interface module includes a plurality of input and output ports corresponding to the factory lights of the vehicle and a plurality of leads corresponding to each of the input and output ports. The flasher interface module is configured such that the input and output ports operate independently of the vehicle such that factory lights are independently controlled by the module.

Abstract: A system for measuring phase attributes of high voltage electrical lines comprises a single high voltage probe. The probe comprises a sensing element for selectively measuring voltage of a high voltage electrical line. A processing circuit detects zero crossings of the measured voltage, applies a time tag to the zero crossings, and stores samples of the amplitude and time tagged zero crossings. A memory stores samples of the amplitude and time tagged zero crossings for a plurality of high voltage electrical lines. A processor is operatively associated with the memory for determining phase relationships between the plurality of high voltage electrical lines.

Abstract: A telecommunications patching system includes a patch panel comprising a plurality of connector ports and a plurality of patch cords configured to selectively interconnect pairs of the connector ports. Each patch cord has opposite ends and a respective connector secured to each end that is configured to be removably secured within a connector port. The connectors of a respective patch cord have the same unique identifier associated therewith. A first sensor is located at each connector port and detects when a patch cord connector is inserted within, and removed from, a respective connector port. A second sensor is located at each connector port and reads the identifier of a patch cord connector inserted within a respective connector port. The first and second sensors are in communication with a controller that monitors and logs patch cord interconnections with the connector ports.

Abstract: Provided is an LED driver including an amplifier configured to receive a negative voltage input signal and produce a positive voltage output signal in response thereto. Also included is a microcontroller configured for sensing a value of the positive voltage output signal. The microcontroller (i) enters a programming mode when the value exceeds a threshold and (ii) produces an output current responsive to the value.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a phase estimating device includes a periodic signal obtaining unit that obtains a first periodic signal, and a wireless time synchronizing unit that synchronizes a reference time with that of a signal generating device by wirelessly communicating with the signal generating device that outputs a second periodic signal according to phase information. The phase estimating device includes a reference time storing unit that stores the reference time synchronized with that of the signal generating device by the wireless time synchronizing unit. The phase estimating device includes a phase determining unit that obtains sampled times from the reference time storing unit at timing at which the first periodic signal rises above or falls below a predetermined level, and determines phase information on a phase of the first periodic signal based on the obtained sampled time and period information on a period of the first periodic signal.

Abstract: An induction heating system includes an induction heating coil operable to inductively heat a load with a magnetic field, a detector for detecting a current feedback signal corresponding to a current flowing through the induction heating coil, and a controller for detecting a switching transient in the current feedback signal and determining a resonant frequency of the system based on a characteristic of the switching transient.

Abstract: A cable detection apparatus comprises a cable connector, a signal generator, and a detection module. The cable connector is located on a first device and has an input-only pin that is coupled to a receiver and assigned for receiving a first signal from a driver on a second device. The signal generator is located within the first device and has an output driving a second signal onto the input-only pin, wherein the second signal has a frequency that is at least four times greater than the frequency of the first signal. The detection module has a detection input coupled to the input-only pin, wherein the detection module produces a negative cable detection output in response to the detecting the second signal, and wherein the detection module produces a positive cable detection output in response to detecting a signal other than the second signal.

Abstract: A method for assigning individual phase conductors at a first point to those at at least one further point in a polyphase energy distribution network, in particular in a three-phase network. In the case of mains operation, wherein a common reference time is determined for these points, and the time difference and/or phase difference of the phase voltage or the line-to-line voltage between the reference time of a zero crossing of the phase voltage are determined for these points. By a comparison of the time and/or phase differences at two different points the phase conductor of one point is assigned to a phase conductor of the further point which has the same to time and/or phase difference with respect to the common reference time. An additional loading of the energy supply network or an interruption of the mains operation is avoided by the method.

Abstract: A wireless phasing voltmeter determines the phase difference between the voltage carried by a reference electrical conductor and a field conductor. The voltage signal from the reference conductor is detected by a first unit and compared to a precision 60 Hz wave form generated from a first 1 pps GPS signal. The phase difference between the wave form and the reference conductor, represented by nine data bits, is used to modulate a radio frequency carrier wave and transmitted via simplex transmission to a second unit near an electrical conductor in the field. The second unit receives the modulated carrier wave, decodes the phase angle difference and compares it to a second phase angle difference between the voltage on the field conductor and a second precision 60 Hz wave form generated from a second 1 pps GPS signal. The difference between the two phase differences determines the phase of the field conductor.

Abstract: At least one parameter of a signal is determined, wherein the signal is a sinusoidal signal including noise, wherein the parameter includes at least one of a frequency of the signal, and an angle of a phase of the signal. The frequency of the signal is determined iteratively based on a linear relationship among the frequency of the signal, samples of the noise, and samples of the signal using a statistical correlation among the samples of the noise. During a current iteration the statistical correlation is updated based on the frequency of the signal determined during a previous iteration, and the samples of the signal are updated with values of the signal during a current period of time.

Abstract: The industry practice to detect and identify objects such as wires, cables, pipes and tuned coils is to inject a known tone from a tone generator into the object by conduction or induction, occasionally with tagging information. The invention is a tone detection apparatus, also known as the tone probe, to detect the presence of such injected tones that makes use of a microphone or audio electrical input of a mobile computer and software application running on the mobile computer such as a contemporary “smart-phone”. The use of a mobile computer reduces the cost of this tone probe and provides the ability to use mobile internet connection to communicate and store the tagging and location information about object under detection. The display of the mobile computer allows providing more information than a typical tone probe.

Abstract: A remote phase identification system identifies the unknown phase attribute of any energized conductor within a three-phase power distribution network. A base station at a reference location obtains a reference phase each GPS second and stores it on one or more servers. A field probe at a remote location obtains an instantaneous phase measurement at a GPS second and communicates this phase to a field client. The field client communicates with the server either by wireless Internet or satellite modem to compare its field location phase measurement with the reference location phase measurement taken at the same GPS second. Field client tagging reference phase configuration files are automatically created for any circuit. Configuration files can be named, saved, and loaded and are used by the field client to identify and display the unknown field location phase attribute. A field client can be any personal computer, smartphone, or personal digital assistant.

Abstract: A method for multiphase electrical power phase identification by a monitoring component includes: receiving a request for the power phase identification for a given power component phase connection from a power component; in response, sending signal characteristics to the power component; monitoring power signals on distribution panel phase connections; determining that the signal characteristics are found on a given distribution panel phase connection; and in response, sending an identifier of the given distribution panel phase connection to the power component. In receiving the signal characteristics, the power component: selects the given power component phase connection; applies a signal with the signal characteristic on the given power component phase connection; receives an identifier of the given distribution panel phase connection from the monitoring component; and associates the identifier with the given power component phase connection.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identifying a signal on a printed circuit board (PCB) under test, including an integrated circuit mounted on the PCB, the integrated circuit having a test signal generator that transmits a test signal to an output pin of the integrated circuit, with the output pin connected to a test point on the PCB; the integrated circuit also having signal identification logic that inserts into the test signal, an identifier of the signal; a test probe in contact with the test point; and a signal-identifying controller that receives the test signal and the identifier from the test probe and displays, in dependence upon the identifier, the identity of the signal.

Abstract: A cable identification system is provided. The cable identification system includes a cable having a plurality of conductors with an electrical connector secured to at least one end. All but one of the conductors are enclosed in a shield conductor. The remaining additional conductor is positioned external to the outer surface of the shield conductor. The electrical connector is adapted to connect the plurality of conductors to a mating connector. The cable identification system further includes a signal generator adapted to connect the electrical connector to the mating connector. The signal generator is configured to generate and transmit a unique signal over the additional conductor in the cable. The cable identification system further includes a portable device configured to detect the unique signal when positioned adjacent the cable at any point along the cable.

Abstract: A cable identification system is provided. The cable identification system includes a multiconductor cable with an electrical connector secured to at least one end. The electrical connector is adapted to connect a plurality of conductors in the cable to a mating connector. The cable identification system further includes a signal generator adapted to connect the electrical connector to the mating connector. The signal generator is configured to select an unused conductor from the plurality of conductors and generate and transmit a unique signal over the selected conductor in the cable. The cable identification system further includes a portable device configured to detect the unique signal when positioned adjacent the cable at any point along the cable.

Abstract: A power measuring device stores in a set phase relation storage whether the load connected to a three-phase, four-wire power source is inductive, capacitive, or neither of them, in other words whether the phase currents are ahead, delayed, or matching phases with respect to the phase voltages, and determines whether the stored phase relation coincides with the determined phase relation. Then, the incorrect connection that cannot be verified in the prior art, more specifically the primary conductors of the current transformers of the current xfrms that are all arranged reversely while the voltage terminals are connected correctly, can be detected as an incorrect arrangement.

Abstract: A connector system includes a first connector having a plurality of first contact terminals, and a second connector having a plurality of second contact terminals. The second contact terminals are arranged such that, while connecting, the first contact terminals come into contact with a first subset of the plurality of second contact terminals in a first connecting stage. As the connection proceeds further the first contact terminals come into contact with a second subset of the second contact terminals. In the first connecting stage an electrical quantity between two of the first contact terminals is detectable. This electrical quantity is different from an electrical quantity in an uncoupled condition of the connectors. In the second connecting stage a further electrical quantity between at least two of the first contact terminals is detectable and different from the electrical quantity detected in the first connecting stage.

Abstract: A phase identification system includes a power distribution station and a phase detection device. The power distribution station includes a phase distortion device for generating voltage distortions of a known harmonic frequency in at least one of three phase voltage signals of the power distribution station. The phase detection is configured to receive at least one of distorted three phase voltage signals and to identify a phase of the received voltage signal. The phase detection device includes a delay circuit to generate a phase shifted voltage signal of the received voltage signal and a transformation module to transform the received voltage signal and the phase shifted voltage signal into d-q domain voltage signals of a known harmonic frequency reference frame. A phase determination module in the phase detection device determine the phase of the received voltage signal by comparing an amplitude of a harmonic of the known harmonic frequency in the received voltage signal with a threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying the current and voltage phase and terminal for power system devices is described. In one aspect of the present invention, the respective current phase and terminal of two current terminals is identified based on a known phase and known phase angle associated with a third current terminal at the location of the electrical power system. In another aspect of the present invention, the voltage phase and terminal is identified based on a known phase and known phase angle associated with a third current terminal at the location of the electrical power system. In another aspect of the present invention, the respective voltage phase and terminal of three voltage terminals is identified based on known phase and known phase angles associated with first and second current terminals at the location of the electrical power system.

Abstract: The technology relates to detecting the wiring phase of an unknown phase voltage relative to a reference phase voltage in an electric power distribution system having a polyphase power line. In order to reliably detect the wiring phase at the remote location relative to a reference wiring phase even if the remote location is at a larger distance from the reference location, at least one relay location is arranged between the reference location and the remote location and connected to the wiring phase of the polyphase power line. A first phase relation is detected between the reference wiring phase voltage at the reference location and the wiring phase voltage at the relay location. A second phase relation is detected between the wiring phase voltage at the relay location and the wiring phase voltage at the remote location. The wiring phase of the remote location relative to the wiring phase at the reference location is detected based on the first phase relation and the second phase relation.

Abstract: A wiring test device for electronics cabinets having internal signal wiring between a first section having a matrix-like arrangement of inputs and outputs and a second section having inputs and outputs is provided. The test device includes a first measuring means having a number of test points arranged in the manner of a matrix to be placed on and make contact with the inputs and outputs of the first section, and second measuring means communicating with the first means and having a test point to make contact with individual inputs and outputs of the second section, and a monitoring device which, for each of the inputs and outputs of the second section of the selected electronics cabinet with which contact is made, checks whether the internal signal wiring thereof corresponds to a previously stored wiring list for said electronics cabinet.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and apparatus for locating luminaires within a lighting system where multiple luminaires are located on a grid of DC power rails. The AC signal generator connects to each DC power rail and transmits an AC signal along each DC power rail in turn to luminaires that each compute their distance from the generator based upon the AC signal. The AC signal generator may similarly transmit and receive data communications with luminaires across DC power rails.

Abstract: A phase identification system includes a power distribution station and a phase detection device. The power distribution station includes a phase distortion device for generating voltage distortions of a known harmonic frequency in at least one of three phase voltage signals of the power distribution station. The phase detection is configured to receive at least one of distorted three phase voltage signals and to identify a phase of the received voltage signal. The phase detection device includes a delay circuit to generate a phase shifted voltage signal of the received voltage signal and a transformation module to transform the received voltage signal and the phase shifted voltage signal into d-q domain voltage signals of a known harmonic frequency reference frame. A phase determination module in the phase detection device determine the phase of the received voltage signal by comparing an amplitude of a harmonic of the known harmonic frequency in the received voltage signal with a threshold value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for identifying individual coaxial cables in a bundle of coaxial cables. The system includes a coaxial cable header that is configured for receiving one or more coaxial cables and establishing electrical conductive contact with only a conductive shield on a first end of each cable. The system also includes an electrical tester that is electrically connected to the coaxial cable header such that the electrical tester is configured to transmit signals through the conductive shields of each cable. The electrical tester includes a test probe that is configured to be selectively connected to a second end of each cable. The electrical tester is configured to identify whether the second end of a particular cable that is connected to the test probe corresponds with the first end of a pre-determined cable that is within the coaxial cable header.

Abstract: Power transfer over power lines is indicated using a controller to short power lines briefly near the end of the positive portion of the alternating voltage cycle of a distant power generation source using a silicon-controlled rectifier thereby creating current pulses from the voltage produced by that source and at a frequency consistent with the source's electric system frequency. The pulse can be detected and measured on other parts of the same circuit using a probe. The controller and probe may be used for locating cables in the same electrical circuit, sorting particular cables in the same circuit from others cables, verifying the condition of cables, determining the source and load feeds on the primary side of a transformer from the low side of the transformer, locating unwanted ground faults, and determining the portion of the electrical load provided by each of plural generation plants.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein are generally directed to the location and/or identification of a circuit within a circuital system. In one embodiment, a transmitter is configured for inducing signals upon a plurality of circuit lines (e.g., power lines, communication lines, lighting circuits, etc.) with each circuit line having a unique signal to identify it from other circuit lines. Each signal may be induced upon an individual circuit line by means of a inductive coupling clip coupled about the circuit line. The transmitter may be used at a distribution point of the circuit lines, such as circuit breaker box. A receiver can then receive a signal from a distal point on the circuit line to acquire the unique signal induced thereon and identify determine which inductive coupling clip is coupled thereto. For example, the signal may be decoded to display a number of the circuit line being tested.

Abstract: An audio tone probe is used by a technician to identify a conductor carrying an applied tracing tone signal. A probe tip is positioned proximate a conductor. A mains warning circuit and a tracing circuit are provided in communication with the probe tip and a speaker is provided in communication with the mains warning and tracing circuits. Signals detected by the probe tip are provided to the mains warning circuit and the tracing circuit. The mains warning circuit determines whether a mains signal is present in the detected signal and activates a warning generator if a mains signal is present. The tracing circuit filters mains signals from the detected signals. A tracing circuit output provides a tone generating signal to the speaker for use in identifying the presence of the applied tracing tone. The probe incudes a test tone generator to verify that the probe is operational.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detection circuit for detecting that a power supply unit is connected to a wrong supply voltage. Said detection circuit comprises a first voltage divider (24, 26, 28) connected to the output terminals (20, 50) of a rectifier (16) of the power supply unit, a second voltage divider (26, 32) connected to a first power input terminal (10) of the power supply unit and to one of the output terminals (20, 50) of the rectifier (16), and a circuit breaker (14) connected to the first power input terminal (10) of the power supply unit and to an input terminal of the rectifier (16), wherein at least one partial voltage of each voltage divider (24, 26, 28; 26, 32) is used a signal (22, 46) for identifying the wrong supply voltage. The invention relates further to a method for detecting that a power supply unit is connected to a wrong supply voltage.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a controlled field alternator where the alternator is wired in a low wye configuration (coils wired in series or parallel). The first sensor measures the direct current flowing through the field within the alternator to detect an excitation level of a field within the alternator. As examples, the first sensor may measure field voltage, magnetic field intensity, magnetic flux density, current to the field of a rotating exciter, voltage to the field of a rotating exciter and the duty cycle of a pulse width modulated signal that controls an on-board rectifier for a permanent magnet exciter. Embodiments are also contemplated where the second sensor measures the RMS output voltage of the alternator to determine the output characteristic of the alternator.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a requesting device (e.g., head-end application) requests a phase-related response from an end-point that does not know its phase in a polyphase power source system. In response, the requesting device receives the phase-related response from the end-point, where the response relays an identification of the end-point and related phase information without indicating an actual phase of the end-point, e.g., on which power-line is a response generated or at which time is a zero-crossing of the power source's waveform. The phase information of the phase-related response may then be correlated to a known phase of a known-phase device, such that the actual phase of the end-point may be identified based on the correlation.

Abstract: A device, system and method of locating a target pipe in a pipe system utilizes an electric signal transmitter and an electrical signal detector. A pipe locator signal conductor comprises a spool and a flexible insulated electrical conductor wound around the spool. The exposed end of the conductor is fixed near an entry point in the pipe system, and the spool is fed into the pipe system such that the conductor pays off of the spool and extends at least partially through the target pipe. The signal transmitter is coupled to the exposed end of the conductor, transmitting a signal through the conductor and allowing the pipe to be located by the signal detector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for determining the electrical connections of a plurality of nodes. The nodes may include an electrical power distribution system including a plurality of nodes, connected to the power distribution system. At least two of the nodes include node electronics, at least one of the nodes is configured to be operatively coupled to an external power drawing load, and at least one of the nodes upstream from the node configured to be operatively coupled to the external power drawing load is configured to detect power drawn by the external power drawing load. The at least one upstream node is configured to send a node electrical signals using the node electronics indicating that the drawn power was detected. The system is configured to identify the wiring configuration of the plurality of nodes relative to each other based on the node electrical signal.

Abstract: Communications connectors are provided that include a plurality of input ports, a plurality of output ports and a plurality of conductive paths. Each of the conductive paths connects a respective one of the input ports to a respective one of the output ports. The conductive paths are arranged as a plurality of differential pairs of conductive paths that are each configured to carry a differential signal. These connectors further include a control signal input circuit that is configured to capacitively couple a phantom mode control signal onto at least a first and a second of the differential pairs of conductive paths.