Power Isolation Circuit for Back-Powered Distribution Point

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Fiber to the Distribution Point (FTTDP) architectures face challenges in providing a reliable power supply to components at the distribution point from customer premises equipment without damaging other equipment connected to the drop connection, and the power supply is affected by low-frequency signals like ringing signals.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a telephone adapter device (TAD) and a high-speed data unit (HSDU) that use back powering from customer premises equipment to supply components at the distribution point, with current limiters and filters to prevent damage and maintain power during voltage fluctuations caused by ringing signals, ensuring compatible operation with POTS and high-speed data services over DSL connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If power is provided from customer premises equipment to distribution point components using the drop connection, then the distribution point components can be powered, but other equipment connected to the drop connection can be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply to distribution pointVSAvoiddamage to connected equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A power isolation circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the customer premises equipment and the distribution point components. This isolation circuit electrically decouples the two sides, allowing power transfer while blocking harmful voltage spikes and signals from reaching connected equipment like telephones. The isolation circuit acts as a mediator that enables the beneficial power transfer while preventing the harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by stationary object

If DC power is provided from customer premises equipment to distribution point, then power can be supplied, but low frequency signals like ringing signals can significantly impact the DC power

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDC power supplyVSAvoidpower stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power isolation circuit serves as a mediator that separates the DC power transfer path from the low-frequency signal path. By introducing this isolation circuit with capacitive coupling, the DC power can be transferred reliably while blocking the low-frequency ringing signals from interfering with the power supply. The isolation circuit filters out the harmful low-frequency signals while maintaining the DC power transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a power isolation circuit is used to prevent damage and filter signals, then equipment protection and power stability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment protectionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A power isolation circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the customer premises equipment and the distribution point components. This isolation circuit electrically decouples the two sides, allowing power transfer while blocking harmful voltage spikes and signals from reaching connected equipment. The isolation circuit acts as a mediator that enables the beneficial power transfer while preventing the harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3117596B1Systems and methods for providing back power to a service unit
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 ADTRAN INC
  • EP3117596B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3117596B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3117596B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A combination of algorithms and circuits are used to combine POTS, high-speed bi-directional data, and back-powering onto the drop connection for fiber to the distribution point architectures. A telephone adapter device can be utilized to prevent damage from back-powering occurring at POTS telephones connected to the drop connection. In addition, circuits are used to prevent damage from back-powering occurring at POTS telephones directly connected to the drop connection. A circuit is used to provide more consistent power to the electronics at the distribution point even when the input back-power to the distribution point may fluctuate.