Patent ID: 6262636
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: H03H

Abstract:
A broadband signal tap for use in connection with a communication system that distributes a broadband signal to a plurality of subscribers, said tap comprising:a motherboard having symmetrically arranged connection points connected respectively to a first coupling means for receiving the broadband signal from the system, a subscriber coupling means for transmitting a portion of said broadband signal to a subscriber, and a second coupling means for returning the broadband signal to the system;a daughterboard having the electronic circuitry of a directional coupler thereon, said daughterboard having symmetrically arranged connection means constituting said directional coupler's input for receiving the broadband signal, subscriber output for providing a portion of the broadband signal to a subscriber, and return output for providing the remainder of the broadband signal to the system;a housing for maintaining the daughterboard therein, said housing including elongated fingers that penetrate through holes in the motherboard to removably connect the daughterboard to the motherboard in either a first or second position;wherein said daughterboard is removably connected to said motherboard, and wherein said symmetrically arranged connection means on the daughterboard mate with the symmetrically arranged connection points on the motherboard in either a first position or a second position;wherein in the first position the directional coupler's input, subscriber output, and return output are connected to the first coupling means, subscriber coupling means, and second coupling means, respectively; andwherein in the second position the directional coupler's input, subscriber output, and return output are connected to the second coupling means, subscriber coupling means, and first coupling means, respectively.