Modular DPU With Reverse Power Harvesting for Flexible Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distribution point units (DPUs) are large, heavy, and require utility power, limiting their placement flexibility and bandwidth performance, especially when deployed beyond 100m from the end-customer, and they incur fixed capital costs regardless of channel usage.
Innovation Solution
A modular distribution point unit (DPU) that includes a PON module and a high-speed electrical (HSE) module, capable of converting optical signals to electrical signals over copper cables, with a reverse power harvester that draws power from the same cables, allowing flexible placement and reduced CAPEX.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-channel DPU (4CH, 8CH or more) is deployed, then broadband service coverage is provided, but capital expenditure (CAPEX) increases regardless of channel usage
Solution Approach 1:
The DPU is divided into a reusable host unit and interchangeable channel modules. The host contains common components (processor, memory, power management), while channel modules (1CH, 2CH, 4CH configurations) are separate plug-in units. This segmentation allows operators to deploy only the channel capacity needed, reducing CAPEX while maintaining adaptability for future upgrades by simply swapping modules.
2Reliability
If a traditional DPU with utility power requirement is deployed, then stable power supply is ensured, but placement flexibility is limited and location must be within approximately 100m from the residence
Solution Approach 1:
The DPU is equipped with reverse power harvesting capability that draws power from the existing copper telephone lines through the customer premises. This eliminates the need for separate utility power connections and external power adapters, allowing the device to be placed anywhere along the copper infrastructure (including beyond 100m distance) while maintaining operational reliability through the harvested power.
3Power
If a large and heavy DPU is deployed, then sufficient processing power is provided, but installation complexity increases and placement options are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The DPU architecture separates the heavy processing host from lighter channel modules. The host unit contains the main processor and memory for high-performance operations, while channel modules are smaller, lighter units that can be easily installed and removed. This segmentation reduces the weight and complexity of individual components while maintaining overall processing power, making installation and reconfiguration simpler.
4Ease of manufacture
If copper cable infrastructure is reused for broadband delivery, then installation costs are reduced, but bandwidth performance deteriorates when distance exceeds approximately 100m
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to varying copper line conditions by implementing distance-based bandwidth management and signal optimization. The DPU includes adaptive equalization and signal conditioning that adjusts parameters based on detected line quality and distance, maintaining acceptable bandwidth performance over extended copper distances beyond the traditional 100m limitation while keeping installation costs low through infrastructure reuse.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modular DPU provides flexible deployment options, supports high-speed broadband transmission up to 1Gbps, and reduces installation costs by using existing copper infrastructure, enhancing bandwidth performance and reducing power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the reverse power harvester receiving power from the residence or enterprise via the same copper cable used to deliver broadband service
Implementation Method 2
the DPU receiving optical signals via the PON or PON ONU/ONT pluggable module and converting to electrical signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention comprises distribution point unit (DPU) including a host for a GPON ONU/ONT module, CPU system-on-chip (SoC) providing a DPU and traffic management, a reverse power harvester and a high speed electrical (HSE) module and the DPU receiving optical signals via the GPON ONU/ONT module and converting to electrical signals and the HSE module transmitting electrical signals via a twisted pair or coaxial cable to a customer premises equipment (CPE) within a home or building and the reverse power harvester receiving power from the HSE module and the GPON ONU/ONT and HSE modules are pluggably mateable to the DPU.