Configurable Patch Panel with Integrated Distribution Amplifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of installing and maintaining patch panel systems that require multiple interconnections with distribution amplifiers for audio, video, and data transmission, particularly when integrating new transmission formats like fiber optic and internet protocol, are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A combination patch panel with multiple card modules, each incorporating a repeater circuit and distribution amplifier, along with a configurable small footprint pluggable (SFP) input/output module, enabling the handling of serial digital, coaxial, fiber optic, internet protocol, and other signal types within a single housing, allowing for flexible configuration and reduced installation and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple distribution amplifiers are used to interconnect patch panels, then signal distribution quality is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple distribution amplifier functions into a single integrated circuit board within the patch panel housing. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external distribution amplifiers and their interconnecting wiring, thereby maintaining signal distribution quality while reducing installation complexity and maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit board performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a distribution amplifier and a patching interface. The configurable input/output modules allow the same hardware to handle different signal types (coaxial, fiber optic, digital), reducing the need for specialized equipment and lowering overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If traditional patch panels are used without integrated amplifiers, then device complexity is reduced, but signal quality over long distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the patch panel functionality with distribution amplifier capabilities into a single integrated unit. This allows the system to maintain simplicity in terms of hardware components while ensuring signal quality through the built-in amplification and equalization functions that compensate for transmission losses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configurable SFP modules are integrated into each card module, then adaptability to different signal types is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal input/output modules that can be configured to handle multiple signal types including coaxial cable, fiber optic, and digital transmissions. This multi-functionality allows a single hardware design to adapt to different signal formats through software or firmware configuration, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing physical device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination patch panel and distribution amplifier within a single housing composed of a plurality of card modules which may have a data format interface with a configurable input/output module known as small footprint plugables for the transmission and distribution of signals, data, and the like, in either serial digital mode, internet protocol mode or other signals, each card module configurable to provide for any front panel jack functioning as a repeater output from external source, input distribution amplifier, output distribution amplifier, or destination jack.