Splitter Device Dynamic Switching for Overvoltage Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing splitter devices lack flexibility and adaptability to different conditions, and they are not easily integratable into existing distributor devices, limiting their functionality and protection capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A splitter device with a high-pass filter, low-pass filter, and overvoltage protection circuits, controlled by a unit that switches between ports based on signal presence, allowing for adaptive operation and integration into existing systems, with optional dual overvoltage protection for enhanced safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a splitter device is designed with fixed filtering and protection circuits, then the device structure is simple, but the device lacks flexibility and adaptability to different conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different operational modes using switching elements (transistors or relays) that can connect or disconnect the high-pass filter, low-pass filter, and overvoltage protection circuits based on signal detection. This allows the splitter device to adapt its configuration in real-time, providing flexibility for different service conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The splitter device is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated structure that can operate in different modes: normal splitting operation, overvoltage protection mode, and measurement mode. The switching elements enable the same physical device to serve different purposes under different conditions, enhancing adaptability without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If overvoltage protection circuits are added to protect downstream equipment, then protection capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The overvoltage protection circuits are equipped with switching elements that dynamically connect or disconnect them from the signal path based on detected conditions. During normal operation, the protection circuits are disconnected to minimize interference. When overvoltage is detected, the switching elements automatically connect the protection circuits to safeguard downstream equipment. This dynamic approach provides robust protection while keeping the circuit structure relatively simple during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the high-pass filter is permanently connected between first and third ports for signaling, then signaling function is ensured, but overvoltage protection is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling functionVSAvoidovervoltage exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The high-pass filter connection is made dynamic through switching elements that can connect or disconnect it from the signal path. During normal signaling operations, the high-pass filter is connected to ensure proper voice band signaling. When overvoltage conditions are detected, the switching elements automatically disconnect the high-pass filter to protect the DSLAM from voltage spikes. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by providing both signaling functionality and overvoltage protection at different times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 splitter device provides flexible operation and enhanced protection by dynamically adjusting its filtering and overvoltage protection based on signal presence, effectively safeguarding both the splitter and DSLAM from overvoltages, while allowing seamless integration into existing infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, at least one first port, at least one second port and at least one third port, wherein the high-pass filter is arranged between the first and third port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

the low-pass filter is arranged between the second port and the third port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

The splitter device has at least one overvoltage protection, wherein the at least one overvoltage protection circuit is arranged between the third port and the second switching element and/or between the second port and the low-pass filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOvervoltage protection: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3442209B1Splitter device and arrangement
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3442209B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3442209B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3442209B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a splitter device (1) comprising a high-pass filter (2), a low-pass filter (3), at least one first port (11), second port (12) and third port (13), wherein the high-pass filter (2) is arranged between the first port (11) and the third port (13) and the low-pass filter (3) is arranged between the second port (12) and the third port (13), wherein the splitter device (1) has at least one first switching element (7) on the first port (11) and at least one further switching element (8) on the third port (13),the splitter device (1) has at least one overvoltage protection circuit (4) arranged between the third port (13) and the second switching element (8) and/or between the second port (12) and the low-pass filter (3), wherein the high-pass filter (2) is situated between the first and third ports (11,13) for signaling purposes in a first switching position of the first and second switching elements (7, 8) and, in a second switching position, the first and second switching elements (7, 8) are connected to one another directly,wherein the splitter device (1) has a control unit (5) which controls the switching elements (7, 8) wherein the control unit (5) is designed in such a way that on picking up a DC sequence or a corresponding trigger signal over the first port (11) to switch the switching elements (7, 8) temporarily for a predefined time period or permanently from the first switching position to the second switching position and/or at least a voltage or current sensor (6) is disposed on the second port (12), wherein the control unit (5) is designed in such a way that, if the voltage or current sensor (6) detects no signal (V), the switching elements (7, 8) are switched from the first switching position to the second switching position.