Patent ID: 7715722
Filing Date: 2010-05-11
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
1. A fiber optic RF distribution system (FORFDS), comprising: a plurality of fiber optic cables; a radio system; an antenna system; a plurality of electrical to optical converters coupled to the radio system and configured to convert analog signals to optical signals; a plurality of electrical to optical converters coupled to the antenna system and configured to convert analog signals to optical signals; a plurality of optical to electrical converters coupled to the radio system and configured to convert optical signals to analog signals; a plurality of optical to electrical converters coupled to the antenna system and configured to convert optical signals to analog signals; at least one optical switch co-located with the antenna system and configured to selectively interface the optical signals with optical to electrical converters selected from the plurality of optical to electrical converters coupled to the radio system and the antenna system, and further configured to interface the analog signals with electrical to optical converters selected from the plurality of electrical to optical converters coupled to the radio system and the antenna system, such that low level analog signals can be transferred accurately between the radio system and the antenna system via at least one fiber optic cable selected from the plurality of fiber optic cables in response to a control signal; automated control and monitoring systems configured to monitor operation of the at least one optical switch and to generate the control signal, such that the at least one optical switch selectively passes an analog signal between a desired portion of the radio system and a desired antenna via at least one fiber optic cable selected from the plurality of fiber optic cables; at least one system module that is configured to provide signal filtering and conditioning such that analog signals can pass accurately between the radio system and the antenna system; and a second optical switch co-located with the radio system; wherein the automated control and monitoring systems comprise at least a network manager system associated with the radio system and at least a local control system associated with the antenna system.