Power Supply (e.g., Battery Feed) Patents (Class 379/413)
  • Patent number: 8767952
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for utilizing a single connection for efficient delivery of power and multimedia information are provided. In this regard, power supplied and/or received over a network link may be controlled based on multimedia content communicated over the network link. The multimedia content may be converted to and/or from Ethernet frames for communication over the network link utilizing audio video bridging. The multimedia content may be raw video or may be formatted according to, for example, HDMI or DisplayPort specifications. The power supplied may be controlled by selecting one of a plurality of power classes. The selection of power class may be based on resolution of the multimedia content, whether the multimedia comprises audio and/or video, and/or based on latency targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Wael William Diab, Michael Johas Teener
  • Patent number: 8705728
    Abstract: A device includes a plurality of subscriber line interface circuits and a shared protection device. Each subscriber line interface circuit has a voltage input terminal and first and second interface line terminals. The shared protection device is coupled to the interface line terminals and operable to sense a negative reference voltage representing a most negative one of the voltages present on the voltage input terminals and to provide overvoltage protection responsive to a voltage on at least one of the interface line terminals exceeding the negative reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Microsemi Semiconductor (U.S.) Inc.
    Inventors: Qiangsheng Charssen Ge, Elizabeth Ellen Perry, David Paul Chabinec
  • Patent number: 8693679
    Abstract: A communications system includes a communications device having a plurality of access modules each having a port and connected to a communications line and a plurality of transmitters with the respective transmitter associated in one-to-one correspondence with the communications line of an access module. Each transmitter has a line driver and is configured to couple communications signals to a respective communications line. A voltage source is connected to the line drivers and configured to provide a bias voltage to the line drivers that varies depending on a selected minimum power level. A controller is connected to the voltage source and has logic configured to change the bias voltage to the line drivers. The controller is responsive to a minimum data rate for each bias voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Adtran, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Christian Smith
  • Patent number: 8635549
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-storage media for customizing the appearance of a desktop background are provided. The desktop is the bottom surface drawn behind the application windows, gadgets, a task bar, and other user interface elements displayed on a computing screen. Embodiments of the present invention allow a user to customize the background by dragging an image representation from a desktop control panel onto a portion of the desktop. Once dropped onto the desktop, the image associated with the representation is used to generate the desktop background. When the desktop is extended to different monitors, the portion of desktop on each monitor may be customized separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Perry, Kenneth Sean Gilmour, Sanjeev Kewal Verma
  • Patent number: 8600041
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for improving power output efficiency of a line driver are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining a current working parameter of an xDSL subscriber board, where the current working parameter includes at least one of a working mode configured on a subscriber port of the xDSL subscriber board and current output power of the subscriber port; and determining, according to the current working parameter, a control signal for a line driver in the xDSL subscriber board and outputting the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang Chen, Liru Dai, Li Wang
  • Patent number: 8553848
    Abstract: Systems and methods can provide for preventing a false alarm generated during a planned network outage during a maintenance window. Security systems can generate and report alarms to a security center through a communications network. Intruders are known to disable the communication network thereby preventing reporting of an alarm to the security center. Security systems can generate local alarms upon detecting loss of the communications network. It is advantageous for a communications network operator to prevent false alarm generation during periods of planned network outages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: ARRIS Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Mohr
  • Patent number: 8532265
    Abstract: A modular form factor power module system with monitoring and control functions is disclosed. The power module system is configured to power, monitor and/or control telecommunications equipment at the circuit level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Telect Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph Stanton Wright, Cindy Antoinette Dainio, Larry O'Neal Reeder, Phung M. Tran
  • Patent number: 8520835
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system in which one embodiment includes a network interface device (NID) located outside a building and a power supply unit located inside the building. The power supply unit has an electrical isolation component and one or more ports that couple via a first phone line and a second phone line to the NID to provide isolated DC power to the NID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: 2Wire, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Schley-May, Michael Henderson
  • Publication number: 20130163750
    Abstract: A telephone adapter includes first and second conversion circuits, a switch unit, and a RJ11 interface. The first conversion circuit includes a digital to analog (D/A) converter and a coupler. The second conversion circuit includes an analog to digital (A/D) converter and a decoupler. When the switch unit connects the first conversion circuit to the RJ11 interface, the D/A converter converts a first digital signal from the RJ11 interface into a first analog form data. The coupler couples the first analog form data to a first alternating current (AC) voltage. When the switch unit connects the second conversion circuit to the RJ11 interface, the decoupler decouples and separates a second AC voltage into a second analog form data. The A/D converter converts the second analog form data into a second digital signal, and outputs the second digital signal to the RJ11 interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SZU-LUN HUANG, CHIH-HUANG WU
  • Patent number: 8472618
    Abstract: Network switching arrangements including: setting an operation mode of a target switching block to a operation mode that is different from an operation mode of a first switching block while the first switching block is handling a switching process, the target switching block being one switching block selected from second switching blocks; performing a switchover process including starting the switching process using the target switching block instead of the first switching block, after completion of setting the operation mode of the target switching block; and copying the switching information held by the first switching block to the target switching block, prior to starting the switching process using the target switching block, after completion of setting the operation mode of the target switching block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: ALAXALA Networks Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Shinohara, Nobuhito Matsuyama, Takayuki Muranaka, Isao Kimura, Shinichi Akahane
  • Patent number: 8467520
    Abstract: A method of generating a plurality of supply voltages for a plurality of subscriber line channels includes generating a first target VBAT value for a first associated linefeed driver from a first VBAT control. A second target VBAT value for a second associated linefeed driver is generated from a second VBAT control. A selected target VBAT value is generated based upon the first and second target VBAT values. A magnitude of the selected target VBAT value is not less than any maximum of a magnitude of the first and second target VBAT values. A switching regulator is controlled to provide a first generated VBAT corresponding to the selected target VBAT value, wherein the switching regulator provides a second generated VBAT having a pre-determined proportional relationship (p) to the first generated VBAT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Yan Zhou, Sean A. Lofthouse, Jonathan C. Grigsby
  • Patent number: 8462938
    Abstract: A power source circuit is connected to a power source and a digital subscriber line (DSL) modem. The power source circuit includes a boosting converter, a storage capacitor, a voltage converter, a first switch, a second switch, and a trigger. The boosting converter boosts an input voltage of the power source. The storage capacitor charges by the boosted voltage. The voltage converter converts the input voltage of the power source into a rated working voltage of the DSL modem. The trigger triggers the first switch to electrically connect the storage capacitor to the voltage converter and the second switch to electrically connect the power source to the voltage converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shan-Kuo Sun
  • Patent number: 8462937
    Abstract: One embodiment of a power supply apparatus includes a first switcher coupled to provide VOUT from a VSUPPLY. A cascaded second switcher is coupled to provide a subscriber line interface circuit target VBAT from VOUT, wherein the first switcher is placed in one of an active mode and an inactive mode in accordance with a function of VSUPPLY and VBAT, wherein in the active mode ? VOUT VSUPPLY ? ? 1 , wherein in the inactive mode VOUT?VSUPPLY.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Riad Wahby, Michael J. Mills, Jeffrey A. Whaley, Marius Goldenberg, Ion C. Tesu
  • Patent number: 8452003
    Abstract: Technique is proposed for managing total power consumption in an access network comprising two or more interface modules serving a plurality of subscriber lines, the technique comprises performing a study of real power consumption of the subscriber lines in the access network on a line-to-line basis, correlating results of the study with inventory information concerning allocation of the subscriber lines to the interface modules and power consumption ensured by said modules to the lines and, based on the correlation, assessing optimality of allocation of the subscriber lines to the interface modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: ECI Telecom, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shalom Bukimer
  • Patent number: 8442212
    Abstract: The invention provides a single digital communication link between system-side and line-side circuitry in a DAA, capable both of carrying data signals and of transferring a substantial amount of power to the line-side circuitry. The invention comprises a system-side interface circuit, a line-side interface circuit, and an isolation barrier including a transformer. Each interface circuit is capable of connection to an upstream communication circuit (either line-side or system-side), from which it may receive data signals to be transmitted across the isolation barrier to the other interface circuit, and to which it may pass data signals received across the isolation barrier from the other interface circuit. The line-side interface circuit may further include a rectifier and a storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Agere Systems LLC
    Inventors: Johannes G. Ransijn, Boris A. Bark, James D. Yoder, Peter Kiss
  • Patent number: 8437468
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed that describe a network interface to a data network. A modulator-demodulator receives a modulated carrier signal from an input connection. A power circuit connected to the input connection receives electrical power from a loop plant and provides the electrical power to the modulator-demodulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L. P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Patent number: 8428248
    Abstract: A system and method for mirroring power over Ethernet (PoE) registers in physical layer devices (PHYs) over a single isolation boundary. PHYs in a PoE system can be arranged in a master/slave configuration. In this configuration, a master PHY can be designed to communicate with the power source equipment controllers via a single isolation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Wael William Diab, Nariman Yousefi, Scott Powell
  • Publication number: 20130089199
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a metal frame, a switching power circuit, and at least one semiconductor die implementing a communication interface. The metal frame includes a plurality of external pads, and a plurality of base pads coupled to selected external pads. The switching power circuit is mounted to selected base pads and includes an input terminal, an output terminal, an energy storage device mounted to a first subset of the base pads and coupled to the output terminal, and a switching element mounted to a second subset of the base pads and coupled to the input terminal and the energy storage element. The at least one semiconductor die provides a control signal to the switching device to control an output voltage present at the output terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: ZARLINK SEMICONDUCTOR (U.S.) INC.
    Inventors: Gilbert A. Amine, John Kelly, Jason L. Rabb, David N. Wakely
  • Patent number: 8406317
    Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a method of adjusting power spectral densities of a plurality of telecommunications lines sending data in a plurality of frequency sub-bands, a power spectral density being assigned to each sub band sending data. The method comprises the following steps: selecting at least one line, called the donor line, whose capacity for sending data is higher than a predetermined reference capacity, selecting at least one sub band of said donor line, and reducing the power spectral density assigned to the selected sub band to a predefined minimum power level in said sub band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventors: Mohamed Tlich, Fabienne Moulin, Ahmed Zeddam
  • Patent number: 8363822
    Abstract: A method for providing a ringing signal includes providing a plurality of batteries coupled to a subscriber line interface circuit operable to generate the ringing signal during a ringing cycle and switching selected batteries during the ringing cycle based on values of the ringing signal during the ringing cycle. A line card includes a subscriber line audio-processing circuit operable to generate values for a ringing signal during a ringing cycle, a subscriber line interface circuit coupled to the subscriber line audio-processing circuit and operable to drive the ringing signal on a subscriber line based on the generated values, a plurality of batteries coupled to a subscriber line interface circuit and a control unit operable to switch selected batteries during the ringing cycle based on the generated values of the ringing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Microsemi Semiconductor (U.S.) Inc.
    Inventors: Yadunandan Nagarajaiah, Michel Darveau, Eric Bass
  • Publication number: 20130003940
    Abstract: An electric circuit for amplifying an xDSL signal comprises an operational amplifier and a signal monitoring circuit. The operational amplifier is configured to amplify the xDSL signal, is powered by a variable voltage supply and has a gain which is adjustable by an operating mode control signal. The signal monitoring circuit is activated by the operating mode control signal and is configured, when activated by the operating mode control signal, to generate a control signal to adjust the voltage of the variable voltage supply in order to adjust the maximal signal swing of the output signal of said operational amplifier. The control signal is generated by comparing the amplitude of the xDSL signal applied to the electric circuit with an amplitude threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Jorg Hauptmann, Markus Terschluse
  • Patent number: 8345859
    Abstract: A XDSL line card including an allocator for allocating power to the multi-tone modulated communications on each of the subscriber lines, and for selecting control parameters sufficient to effect communications on each of the subscriber lines at a power level proximate to an allocated power level therefore. The line card also includes configurable components coupled to one another to form a transmit path and a receive path to couple to the digital subscriber lines. The configurable components are responsive to the control parameters selected by the allocator to initialize multi-tone communications over each of the plurality of subscriber lines at a power level proximate the allocated power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ikanos Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Heidari, Sigurd Schelstraete, Aner Tennen, Elango Pakriswamy, Chun-Sup Kim, Luiz Felipe Fuks
  • Patent number: 8335310
    Abstract: A subscriber line interface circuit apparatus includes a linefeed circuit and a subscriber line control circuit (SLCC). In an embodiment, the linefeed circuit includes a signal conversion circuit having cross-coupled first and second MOSFETs for providing a differential mode signal and a common mode signal in response to at least a tip signal and a ring signal from the subscriber loop. The linefeed circuit includes a tip control circuit and a ring control circuit, each having two or more MOSFETs. In an embodiment, the SLCC is provided in a single integrated circuit chip and is coupled to the linefeed circuit which isolates the SLCC from the tip or ring signals. The SLCC includes a first and a second differential mode inputs for receiving the differential mode signal, and a common-mode input for receiving the common-mode signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Nuvoton Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Peter (Petrus) J. Holzmann
  • Publication number: 20120294438
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for improving power output efficiency of a line driver are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining a current working parameter of an xDSL subscriber board, where the current working parameter includes at least one of a working mode configured on a subscriber port of the xDSL subscriber board and current output power of the subscriber port; and determining, according to the current working parameter, a control signal for a line driver in the xDSL subscriber board and outputting the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liang Chen, Li Wang, Liru Dai
  • Patent number: 8290144
    Abstract: A communications device including power collection unit and a communications unit. The power collection unit may be configured to collect a portion of power being delivered to the communications unit to enable communications. The power collection unit may be separable from the communications unit. The power collection unit may include a battery. Additionally, the power collection unit may include a light source, such as one or more LEDs, and be configured in a flashlight configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Shane M. Smith, Erik Geldbach, Kelsyn Donel Seven Rooks, Sr., Mark Wilmoth, Myron Balthazor
  • Patent number: 8275094
    Abstract: A device, a method and a line testing device connected to a line-capturing matrix for providing wetting current in the communications field are disclosed. Connecting the line-capturing matrix to a wetting current circuit in a network device makes it possible to acquire a wetting current from the wetting current circuit via the line-capturing matrix in the network device. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, one wetting current circuit may provide wetting currents for lines of multiple ports by connecting to a line-capturing matrix in the network device. The wetting current circuit may be a built-in or an independent wetting current circuit. By using the solution provided in the embodiments of the invention, the cost of system hardware may be reduced while the power consumption of the system may be lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong Li
  • Patent number: 8259929
    Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses, and systems in which a back up power supply is provided to a network interface device are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a network interface device (NID) located outside a building and a power supply unit located inside the building. The power supply unit has one or more ports that couple via a phone line to the NID to provide a power signal to the NID. The apparatus further includes a direct current (DC) back up power unit located in the NID. The DC back up power unit provides back up power to the NID. The NID is configured to periodically switch between receiving the power signal from the power supply unit and the DC back up power unit even when no fault condition exists in the power supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: 2Wire, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Hinman, James T. Schley-May
  • Patent number: 8259917
    Abstract: A system and method for generating one-way speech signal samples may include, in a telecommunications network, establishing a call connection between a far-end telephone and a near-end telephone. A resistance component may be selectively configured in parallel with the far-end telephone, where the resistance component has a value representative of resistance produced by the far-end telephone being off hook. A speech signal being communicated from the near-end telephone may be recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Embarq Holdings Company, LLC
    Inventor: Amar N. Ray
  • Patent number: 8254563
    Abstract: This invention discloses a system for line powering in communications. The system for line powering includes a power supply at the central office and remote power supply units (PSUs) connected to the power supply, wherein the power supply at the central office comprises at least two central office PSUs, and the central office PSUs provide power for the remote PSUs after being connected in parallel. At least two central office PSUs are set and connected in parallel to provide power for the remote PSUs, which provides redundant power backup for the remote PSUs and ensures reliability of normal communications in the network communication system. This method also helps to reduce the number of PSUs at the central office power supply part, to save space of the equipment room and to facilitate monitoring of central office PSUs. Thereby, this solution achieves reliable communication services, high integration of central office equipment and cost-effective network communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xuefeng Pan, Zhen Qin, Tianli Jiang, Yingjie Zhou
  • Patent number: 8249247
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus having a first pair of low voltage operational amplifiers to generate an output representative of an absolute value difference of first and second line voltages of a subscriber loop, and a third low voltage operational amplifier having an input coupled to the output of the first pair of low voltage operational amplifiers to filter the output and to provide a switch control signal for a switching regulator that provides a voltage used to generate the first and second line voltages. The apparatus may include additional circuits such as a limit circuit to limit the input to the third low voltage operational amplifier and one or more speedup circuits to reduce a filter time constant of the third low voltage operational amplifier during a ringing mode of the subscriber loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: Russell J. Apfel
  • Patent number: 8243917
    Abstract: A method for indicating the charge status of a backup power supply of a communication device includes detecting the charge status of the backup power supply. If the charge status of the backup power supply is lower than or equal to a predetermined charge status, the communication device alerts via a telephone connected thereto. The communication device alerts a user by sounding one or more tones if the telephone is off-hook, and alerts user by sounding one or more rings if the telephone is on-hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Yi Wu
  • Patent number: 8243916
    Abstract: A CODEC circuit for POTS system comprises a digital circuit for outputting a digital control signal having a first bit width, the digital control signal being indicative of a voltage to be applied to a POTS subscriber line pair. Further, the CODEC circuit comprises a noise shaper coupled to an output of the digital circuit for generating a noise-shaped control signal and a digital-to-analog converter coupled to an output of the noise shaper, the input of the digital-to-analog converter having a second bit width being larger than 1 and smaller than the first bit width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Lantiq Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Jenkner, Gerhard Noessing, Richard Gaggl, Joachim Pichler
  • Publication number: 20120196640
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for voice communication that includes a power supply assembly, at least one handset configured to transmit voice signals, a voice cable assembly communicably coupled with the power supply assembly and the at least one handset, and a main terminal communicably coupled with the voice cable assembly. The voice cable assembly includes a cable harness configured to receive a predetermined power from the power supply assembly and to receive voice signals from the at least one handset. Also, the voice cable assembly includes a voice cable circuit card assembly communicably coupled with the cable harness to receive the predetermined power and the voice signals from the cable harness. The voice cable circuit card assembly is configured to adapt the voice signals by utilizing the predetermined power in order to match a predefined voice requirement. Further disclosed are a voice cable assembly and a method for voice communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher O'Bara, Donald R. Kerns, Matthew Terranova, Christopher Devoy, Michael T. Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20120155632
    Abstract: A CODEC circuit for POTS system comprises a digital circuit for outputting a digital control signal having a first bit width, the digital control signal being indicative of a voltage to be applied to a POTS subscriber line pair. Further, the CODEC comprises a noise shaper coupled to an output of the digital circuit for generating a noise-shaped control signal and a digital-to-analog converter coupled to an output of the noise shaper, the input of the digital-to-analog converter having a second bit width being larger than 1 and smaller than the first bit width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Christian Jenkner, Gerhard Noessing, Richard Gaggl, Joachim Pichler
  • Patent number: 8199906
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling communication between power source equipment and a powered device chip. In one embodiment, communication between the power source equipment and the powered device chip is enabled through a communication link established between the powered device chip and a host device on the powered device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Asif Hussain, Manisha Pandya
  • Patent number: 8184525
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for detecting ground faults in an Ethernet system. An Ethernet switch is configured to provide inline power to a plurality of ports each having positive and negative rails. Current is injected into selected rails of a port and ground isolation is temporarily broken for the port. A detected mismatch in current levels between the positive and negative rails of the port indicates a ground fault in the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Karam
  • Patent number: 8170201
    Abstract: Terminals are connected via cables in a star-shaped fashion with respect to a HUB in a LAN. Each of the cables includes therein signal lines and power feed lines. The HUB includes therein a power feed section. The power feed section and the power feed lines of each cable are connected to measure a value of current which flows in the power feed lines. If it is judged based on the measured current value that the terminal connected to the corresponding cable is a telephone terminal, the power feeding to the corresponding power feed lines is continued. On the other hand, if the terminal is judged to be a terminal other than the telephone terminal, the power feeding is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20120099724
    Abstract: A control device includes a circuit operable to sense an analogue input voltage dependent on a line current flowing via a communication line of a terminal generate an analogue difference voltage in a constant line current operation based on a difference between the sensed analogue input voltage and an analogue feedback voltage which depends on an adjustable nominal direct-current value and filter a sequence of control error values from a sequence of digital difference voltage values converted from the generated analogue difference voltage. The circuit is further operable to convert a control value generated from the sequence of control error values in the constant line current operation to an analogue direct voltage for supplying the terminal and convert the nominal direct-current value into the analogue feedback voltage in the constant line current operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: LANTIQ DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Richard Gaggl, Christian Jenkner, Gerhard Noessing
  • Patent number: 8160126
    Abstract: A method, a device and a system for Upstream Power Back-Off (UPBO) in a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) are provided. The method includes: collecting subscriber line information (S50); determining a reference line length according to the subscriber line information (S52); obtaining UPBO parameters of each upstream band of each subscriber line according to the determined reference line length (S54), where the UPBO parameters include an original point parameter, a back-off slope parameter, and a maximal close frequency point (UPBOFMAX) corresponding to the band; and executing an UPBO process on the band of the corresponding subscriber line below the UPBOFMAX according to the UPBO parameters (S58). Thus, the stability of longer lines can be ensured, an upstream rate of short lines is maximally increased, and the existing UPBO mode is fully compatible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liming Fang, Jianping Tu
  • Patent number: 8150026
    Abstract: A subscriber line interface circuit apparatus includes a linefeed circuit and a subscriber line control circuit (SLCC). In an embodiment, the linefeed circuit includes a signal conversion circuit which provides a differential mode signal and a common mode signal in response to at least a tip signal and a ring signal from the subscriber loop. The linefeed circuit includes a tip control circuit and a ring control circuit. In an embodiment, the SLCC is provided in a single integrated circuit chip and is coupled to the linefeed circuit which isolates the SLCC from the tip or ring signals. The SLCC includes a first and a second differential mode inputs for receiving the differential mode signal, and a common-mode input for receiving the common-mode signal. In an embodiment, the SLCC also provides various tip control signals and ring control signals to the tip control circuit and the ring control circuit, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Holzmann
  • Patent number: 8111824
    Abstract: A control device for controlling a supply voltage which can be switched between a constant line current operation and a constant line voltage operation, wherein a line current, which consists of a direct current for supplying the terminal and of an alternating current for transmitting information, flows via a subscriber line of a terminal, comprising a sensing circuit for sensing an analogue input voltage dependent on the line current, a subtractor which, in the constant line current operation, subtracts an analogue feedback voltage dependent on an adjustable nominal direct-current value from the sensed input voltage for generating an analogue difference voltage, an analogue/digital converter for converting the generated analogue difference voltage into a digital difference voltage value, a digital low-pass filter for filtering a sequence of control error values out of the generated sequence of difference voltage values, a controller for generating a control value in dependence on the filtered-out sequence of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Lantiq Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Gaggl, Christian Jenkner, Gerhard Noessing
  • Patent number: 8107618
    Abstract: A system for providing DC power on local telephone lines, such as telephone lines in a building or office, for powering devices and circuitry associated with communications over those telephone lines, as well as other functions. Desired voltage and power levels are supplied over local telephone lines by separating the DC power component from the central office or private branch exchange with a DC blocking filter while passing all AC telephony signals. A distinct DC power is then imposed over the telephone line for powering both the telephony service as well as other loads. Conventional telephone off-hook detection is simulated for compatibility with the central office or private branch exchange. The functions required may be integrated, partially or fully within a telephone outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Mosaid Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Yehuda Binder, Ami Hazani, Semion Kofman
  • Patent number: 8090095
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided for controlling the power-mode of a telephonic device. An off-hook condition is detected. A power level for an operation of an electronic device is determined based upon detecting the off-hook condition. Determining the power level includes determining a frequency parameter and/or a pulse-width parameter of a power signal. The power signal is provided for an operation of the electronic device based upon the determined power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Microsemi Semiconductor (U.S.) Inc.
    Inventors: Edward W. Cox, Ken D. Alton
  • Patent number: 8077856
    Abstract: Driver circuit for driving a transmit signal for a line comprising a signal amplifier which delivers a transmit signal, present at a signal input of the signal amplifier, amplified with a gain to a signal output, a line interface circuit which is connected between the signal output of the signal amplifier and the line, and comprising a hybrid circuit which is connected to the line interface circuit, wherein the hybrid circuit suppresses the transmit signal and couples a received signal received via the line to a signal input of the signal amplifier for the purpose of impedance synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Lantiq Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Wiesbauer, Sergio Walter, Alexander Kahl, David San Segundo Bello
  • Patent number: 8073134
    Abstract: A network element comprises a power interface to receive power from a power communication medium; a service interface to provide a telecommunication service over a service communication medium; management interface to receive management data over one of the service communication medium and the power communication medium via at least one primitive; and a control module to monitor the at least one primitive and to control operation of the network element based on the at least one monitored primitive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: ADC DSL Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter H. Nattkemper, Kenneth L. Walker, III
  • Patent number: 8049484
    Abstract: A powered device includes a first switch, a second switch, and a controller. The first switch is disposed between a center tap of the first transformer and a center tap of the third transformer. The second switch is disposed between a center tap of the second transformer and a center tap of the fourth transformer. The controller is coupled to the first switch and the second switch. The controller is constructed and arranged to output a control signal to the first and second switches to electrically connect the center taps of the first and third transformers together and concurrently electrically connect the center taps of the second and fourth transformers together. The powered device is constructed and arranged to operate in 4-pair mode when the center taps of the first and third transformers are connected together and the center taps of the second and fourth transformers are connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Anoop Vetteth
  • Patent number: 8050390
    Abstract: A system for powering an electric device with power drawn from a telephone line in a telephone network includes an exchange connecting a telecommunication network to a subscriber apparatus through one telephone line. The system includes a control and feeding device located at the subscriber's premises, connected between the telephone line and subscriber apparatus, and further connected to the electric device to be powered, and a logic control unit in the exchange connected between the subscriber line interface circuit of the telephone line and the telecommunication network, and a bidirectional device connected between the logic control unit and subscriber circuit for recognising and applying to the logic control unit signals received by the subscriber circuit through the telephone line, and for sending to the subscriber circuit control information generated by said logic control unit and relating to the power drawing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Telecom Italia S.p.A., Pirelli & C. S. p. A.
    Inventors: Luciano Gabrielli, Fulvio Taiariol, Paolo Vailati
  • Patent number: 8050399
    Abstract: A power transformation device of a powered device in a power over Ethernet system includes a first transformer coupled between a first pin and a second pin of an Ethernet terminal, a second transformer coupled between a third pin and a sixth pin of the Ethernet terminal, and a bridge rectifier coupled between a center tap of the first transformer and a center tap of the second transformer, for rectifying power outputted from the center taps of the first transformer and the second transformer, so as to provide power for the powered device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Wistron NeWeb Corporation
    Inventors: Yi-Chang Tsai, Kuo-Hung Tseng
  • Patent number: 8019077
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a device having a low voltage SLIC to perform SLIC functions at a low voltage and to provide metallic and longitudinal currents to a high voltage SLIC. The low voltage SLIC may be designed based on an operational amplifier cell architecture, and the high voltage SLIC may receive the metallic and longitudinal currents and generate first and second amplified output currents therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: Russell J. Apfel
  • Patent number: 7978845
    Abstract: A powered patch panel (PPP) is disclosed that inserts power in mid-span regions of a network and provides fault-tolerance at the power supply level and the power-plane level. Information such as physical location, port status and policy enforcement information may be locally stored and utilized by a processor of the PPP to achieve network control and monitoring. A network management system and/or element management system may be provided to interface with processors of PPPs to achieve network monitoring, control and policy enforcement goals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Ronald A. Nordin, Steven A. Jacks, Donald Beran, Brian D. Leshin