A cable detection system

Abstract

A cable detection system, includes a source (16) of an input electrical AC signal for coupling to a first lead pin of a cable connector. A detector (42) is coupled to a different second lead pin of the cable connector (12). The detector detects an electrical AC output signal derived by capacitive coupling of the input electrical AC signal occurring within a cable incorporating first and second leads corresponding to the first and second lead pins. The detector further enables a determination of whether the cable is connected to the cable connector in response to an amplitude dependent characteristic of the detected AC output signal.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of electronic devices, and more particularly, to interconnected electronic devices utilizing removable signal conducting cables. Background technique [0002] Electronic devices are often connected to other electronic devices using cables, or to transducers or other such electrodes, sensors or devices. In order to monitor such devices and verify proper operation, it is sometimes necessary to test that the required cables have been connected. Sometimes, it is also necessary to detect the type of cable that has been connected. [0003] For example, in the medical field, patient monitoring systems are commonly used in healthcare settings to obtain information about selected physiological parameters of patients. In such a system, a multiconductor cable is placed near the patient and patient data is collected by one or more appropriate sensors. The multi-conductor cable is plugged into or interconnecte...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Both types of known cable detection systems cannot be easily retrofitted into existing connector formats

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