Remote PHY Node UPS for Short Coax Power Interruptions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable television systems experience service interruptions due to short power interruptions, particularly when tap face plates are removed, leading to disruptions in both RF signals and quasi-square-wave (QSW) AC power.
Innovation Solution
A specialized Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is implemented within Remote PHY nodes, utilizing energy storage media such as batteries or capacitors to provide alternative power during short interruptions, ensuring continuous operation of critical subcomponents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If tap face plate is removed for maintenance, then maintenance access is enabled, but RF signal and QSW AC power are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting power interruptions and activating the UPS before the main power is fully lost. The UPS is pre-charged and ready to immediately supply power when interruption occurs, preventing service disruption during tap maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The UPS acts as an intermediary power source between the QSW AC power and the Remote PHY node. It mediates the power transfer by accepting power from the QSW AC source and providing continuous power to the node during interruptions, isolating the node from the intermittent power issues
2Power
If QSW AC power is used to power Remote PHY node, then higher power transfer is achieved, but service interruptions occur during power disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The UPS provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining power supply during short interruptions. It cushions the Remote PHY node from the harmful effects of power disturbances while allowing the QSW AC power system to continue operating at higher power levels for normal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power supply parameter from directly dependent on QSW AC power stability to UPS-supported stable power. The UPS modifies the power delivery characteristics by filtering out interruptions and providing consistent power to critical subcomponents during disturbances
3Reliability
If make-before-break mechanism is implemented in tap, then signal continuity is improved, but short interruptions still occur due to sequential disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The UPS extracts the power supply function from the vulnerable QSW AC power path and provides independent power support. This separates the critical node operation from the intermittent tap power issues, taking out the dependency on continuous QSW AC power delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The UPS ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining power supply to the Remote PHY node during tap face plate removal operations. It keeps the node operational throughout the maintenance window, ensuring continuous cable service despite the temporary power path disruption
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 UPS system minimizes service outages by maintaining subcomponents operational during power interruptions, allowing for rapid recovery when main power is restored, thus reducing the duration of service disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing energy storage media such as batteries or capacitors to provide alternative power during short interruptions
Implementation Method 2
utilizing energy storage media such as batteries or capacitors to provide alternative power during short interruptions
Data Source
AI summary
Cable television (CATV) equipment having a specialized Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). The CATV equipment comprises a coaxial cable power input, one or more Remote PHY (R-PHY) devices, a main power supply designed to supply an entirety of the CATV equipment with power continuously while there is AC power supplied to the CATV equipment over the coaxial cable power input, and an internal UPS for supplying power to either the entirety of the CATV equipment or a set of subcomponents thereof when the CATV equipment is not supplied power over the coaxial cable power input. An energy storage element of the internal UPS includes one or more capacitors but not a battery. The internal UPS adjusts how power is supplied in response to determining that a configurable amount of time has passed since the interruption in power to the CATV equipment.