RF terminate/permit system

There is provided a terminate or permit device that includes an internal circuitry, which discriminates between noise and non-noise transmissions. In one embodiment, the internal circuitry comprises a switch and termination unit (“STU”) with a signal path that is used to terminate and/or permit the upstream bandwidth based on the presence of non-noise transmissions. The internal circuitry also comprises a signal processing unit (“SPU”) with a processing circuit, which is configured to identify the non-noise transmissions from the upstream bandwidth, and to cause the STU to permit the upstream bandwidth based on the presence of the non-noise transmissions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to signal conditioning devices for use in a community antenna television (“CATV”) system, and more particularly, to signal conditioning devices, and other signal processing systems that are configured to discriminate between noise and non-noise transmissions in an upstream bandwidth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

CATV systems provide a premise with many services including, but not limited to, Internet service, telephone service (e.g., voice-over-Internet protocol (“VOIP”) telephone), television service, and music service. Each of these services requires the CATV system and the premise to exchange bandwidth, such as, for example, radio frequency (“RF”) signals, and digital signals, among many others. Typically the CATV system is configured to use bandwidths that are separated from one another for the purpose of grouping transmissions, and more often the grouping is by the direction that the transmission are transmitted or received in the CATV system. That is, transmissions that have one frequency may be transmitted or received relative to the premise and/or the head-end of the CATV system in a direction that is different from transmissions that have a second frequency. As one example, transmissions that originate from the head-end facility and are transmitted to the premise are referred to herein as a downstream bandwidth, while transmissions that originate from the premise and are transmitted to the head-end facility are referred to herein as an upstream bandwidth.

FIG. 1illustrates one example of a CATV system100that includes a head-end facility102and a plurality of local networks104, which are connected to the head-end facility102by distribution lines106. Each local network104includes a feed tap108, a drop-line110, and a portion112with a premise114. The premise114is connected to the head-end facility102via the combination of the distribution line106, the feed tap108, and the drop-line110. The system100further includes a downstream bandwidth116and an upstream bandwidth118, both of which are discussed in more detail below.

Typically the downstream bandwidth116and the upstream bandwidth118are defined by upper and lower cutoff frequencies. Exemplary frequencies for the downstream bandwidth116are more than about 54 Mhz, and in one application can be from about 54 Mhz to about 1002 Mhz. Frequencies for use as the upstream bandwidth118are less than about 40 Mhz, and in one application can be from about 5 Mhz to about 40 Mhz.

The terms “downstream bandwidth,” and “upstream bandwidth” are used herein to generally describe some of the transmissions that are transmitted, exchanged, and manipulated within systems such as the CATV system100. As is inherent in systems such as system102, these terms are used in a manner that describes any number of transmissions. Moreover, each of the transmissions that are described by these terms may exhibit properties that are similar to, or different from, other the properties of other transmissions. These other transmissions can also be classified by the terms “downstream bandwidth,” and/or “upstream bandwidth” as used in connection with the various embodiments of the present invention that are disclosed, described, and contemplated herein.

In addition to CATV systems, systems that are configured similar to the system100ofFIG. 1include, but are not limited to, other uni-directional, and bi-directional communication systems that communicate with remote premises. Similar systems may transmit the transmissions via transmission lines, e.g., distribution lines106, and drop lines110. Transmission lines of the type used as the transmission lines are typically transmission-carrying conductors such as, for example, coaxial cable, shielded cable, multi-core cable, ribbon cable, and twisted-pair cable, among others.

Premises that are connected to the system100such as the premise114include, for example, homes, apartments (e.g., individual apartments, and/or townhomes), and businesses. These can have any number of devices and or appliances (collectively, “premise devices”) that are coupled either directly or indirectly to the drop-line110. Techniques and equipment that are used to connect each of the individual premise devices to the head-end facility102are generally well-known to those familiar with CATV systems, and therefore a detailed discussion is not provided herein unless necessary to clarify any of the concepts of the present invention that are contemplated within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

The premise devices can include, but are not limited to, desktop computers, notebook computers, televisions, gaming consoles, set-top-boxes (STB), and set-top-units (STU), among many others. These are generally configured to communicate with the head-end facility102, via the downstream bandwidth116and the upstream bandwidth118. For example, the premise devices typically receive the downstream bandwidth116from the head-end facility102, and can transmit the upstream bandwidth118to the head-end facility102.

To take advantage of the services that are offered by the CATV system, the upstream bandwidth will include inputs from the premise devices. These inputs may include data that is encoded so that it can be transmitted to the CATV system. It is also likely, however, that the upstream bandwidth will include noise that can interfere, upset, or otherwise negatively impact the exchange of data between the premise devices and the CATV system.

Noise often originates inside of the premise. As illustrated below, it is often introduced at one of the many input ports that are provided as part of the interior wiring that is found inside the premise. For example, some household appliances, and RF equipment generate noise that finds its way into the upstream bandwidth because the noise is inadvertently picked up by the input ports that are not connected to one of the premise devices. Vacuum cleaners, blenders, and household transformers all generate noise that can have deleterious affects on the exchange of information between the premise devices and the CATV system via the upstream bandwidth Likewise, wireless telephones, cellular phones, and baby monitors are specifically designed to generate RF that, while necessary for the functionality of the RF equipment, can interrupt communication between the premise devices and the head-end of the CATV system.

One way to eliminate the noise is to remove the offending devices from the premise. This solution is, of course, simply not feasible and overly restrictive. But it is likewise unacceptable to permit what is by all accounts an inherent flaw that leaves the upstream bandwidth susceptible to this noise. That is, while the downstream bandwidth is generally free of noise because it is monitored and serviced by skilled network engineers employed by the CATV system, the content of the upstream bandwidth is essentially unmonitored because it is left to the premise owner's knowledge, skill, and experience with the equipment that is found at the premise.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can maintain the integrity of the upstream bandwidth at the premise, while operating in a manner that requires limited, if any, attention from the premise owner. Such a device is necessary to alleviate the problems that noise can cause such as, for example, the problems related at least to the efficiency and the effectiveness of the data exchange between the premise devices and the CATV system via the upstream bandwidth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are configured to discriminate between noise and non-noise transmissions (e.g., inputs from the premise devices), both of which can be found in the upstream bandwidth. This configuration shifts from the premise owner the responsibility to monitor, maintain, or otherwise become involved with the integrity of the upstream bandwidth because the terminate or permit devices is configured to automatedly discriminate between data, and noise in the upstream bandwidth. It also can substantially improve the communication between the head-end facility and the premise, as well between the head-end facility and other premises because it reduces noise that can contaminate the upstream bandwidth in the local network, as well as other portions of the CATV system.

In this connection, and as discussed in more detail below, an embodiment of the present invention is provided as a terminate or permit device for use in a system comprising a premise generating an upstream bandwidth. The terminate or permit device comprises a first switch that has a position responsive to a control, the position comprises a first position for conducting the upstream bandwidth from the premise, and a second position for terminating the upstream bandwidth. The device also comprises a detection circuit coupled to the transmission line, the detection circuit for generating an input from the upstream bandwidth. The device further comprises a discrimination circuit responsive to the input. In one example, the discrimination circuit comprises a first circuit generating a plurality of long pulses comprising a first long pulse with a first leading edge, and a second long pulse with a second leading edge, and a second circuit responsive to the first leading edge and the second leading edge, the second circuit generating the control. Embodiments of the device can operate wherein the control corresponds to an interval between the first leading edge and second leading edge, and wherein the interval for the first position is less than the interval for the second position.

In another embodiment, there is described a signal conditioning device conditioning an upstream bandwidth from a premise. The signal conditioning device comprises a transmission line with a first switch that has a position responsive to a control, the position comprises a first position for conducting the upstream bandwidth from the premise, and a second position for terminating the upstream bandwidth. The signal conditioning device also comprises a detection circuit coupled to the transmission line, the detection circuit for generating an input from the upstream bandwidth. The detection circuit comprises a directional coupler receiving the upstream bandwidth, a log detector coupled to the directional coupler, and an amplifier coupled to the log detector. In one example, the signal conditioning device further comprises a discrimination circuit coupled to the amplifier so as to receive the input. The discrimination circuit can have a pulse adjuster circuit with a multi-vibrator for generating a plurality of long pulses, the long pulses comprising a first long pulse with a first leading edge, and a second long pulse with a second leading edge. The discrimination circuit can also have a counting circuit comprising a counter responsive to the first leading edge and the second leading edge, the counter counting a number of the long pulses. Embodiments of the signal conditioning device can operate in a manner wherein the number of the long pulses for the first position is greater than the number of the long pulses for the second position.

In still another embodiment, a method is provided for terminating or permitting an upstream bandwidth generated by a premise. The method comprises the steps of generating an input, converting the input to a plurality of long pulses, where the long pulses comprises a first long pulse having a first leading edge, and a second long pulse having a second leading edge. The method also comprises the step of assigning a control based on an interval between the first leading edge and the second leading edge. The method further comprises the step of switching a first switch to a position in response to the control, the position comprising a first position for conducting the upstream bandwidth from the premise, and a second position for terminating the upstream bandwidth. Embodiments of the method can operate wherein the interval for the first position is less than the interval for the second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings in general, andFIGS. 2-7in particular, there is provided apparatus, systems, and methods for processing the upstream bandwidth in a CATV system. Such embodiments are useful to identify when a premise device, e.g., a modem, is connected to an input port in a premise, e.g., a home. The premise devices are typically devices that are configured to transmit data in the form of non-noise transmissions to the head-end facility of the CATV system via the upstream bandwidth.

The upstream bandwidth, however, may also include noise, which can result from conditions in the premise, such as when there is no premise device connected to the input port. For example, input ports that are without the premise device, either temporarily or permanently, are referred to herein as “an open terminal,” “an open port,” and/or “an open condition.” Because they are not being utilized, the open terminals may be susceptible to noise such as, but not limited to, radio wave noise (e.g., shortwave broadcasts), and electromagnetic wave noise that is generated from various household devices, e.g., vacuum cleaners, electric motors, household transformers, welders, among many others. Implementation of the concepts of the present invention that are contemplated herein and discussed below, however, can alleviate many of the issues related to the noise because such concepts discriminate between the non-noise transmissions and the noise in the upstream bandwidth.

It is recognized that the non-noise transmissions and the noise have different characteristics. For example, the non-noise transmissions often exhibit characteristics that are consistent as measured over a period of time. The same characteristics of noise, on the other hand, typically vary randomly as compared to the characteristics of the non-noise transmission. As discussed in more detail below, embodiments of a terminate or permit device that are constructed in accordance with the concepts of the present invention can discriminate between the noise and the non-noise transmissions in the upstream bandwidth. This is beneficial because such devices can be used to identify when the premise device(s) is connected to the input port(s) of the premise, and subsequently permit the upstream bandwidth to enter the CATV system.

Terminate or permit devices include, for example, embodiments of the present invention that are configured to compare portions of the upstream bandwidth to a pre-determined threshold value so as to detect the presence of the premise device. When the non-noise transmissions are detected, these embodiments permit the upstream bandwidth to pass to the CATV system. On the other hand, when non-noise transmissions are not detected, these embodiments terminate the upstream bandwidth so that it does not pass to the CATV system.

Such embodiments typically include one or more groups of electrical circuits that are each configured to operate, separately or in conjunction with other electrical circuits, to terminate and/or permit the upstream bandwidth. The electrical circuits that are used to implement the concepts of the present invention are constructed in a manner that interconnect a variety of electrical elements such as, but not limited to, resistors, capacitors, transistors, transmission lines, and switches. They may further communicate with other circuits (and/or devices), which execute high-level logic functions, algorithms, as well as process firmware, and software instructions. Exemplary circuits of this type include, but are not limited to, field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), and application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”). While all of these elements, circuits, and devices function individually in a manner that is generally understood by those artisans that have ordinary skill in the CATV arts, it is their combination and integration into functional electrical groups and circuits that generally provide for the concepts of the present invention that are disclosed and described herein.

Accordingly, these electrical circuits may be implemented in a manner that can physically manifest theoretical analysis and logical operations, which are necessary to characterize the pulses and equate the appropriate control therewith. These electrical circuits can replicate in physical form an algorithm, a comparative analysis, and/or a decisional logic tree, each of which operates to assign the control, and/or a value to the control that correctly reflects one or more of the nature, content, and origin of the respective pulses. For example, the electrical circuit may be configured so as to provide a physical indication that the upstream bandwidth does not include non-noise transmissions.

Still other electrical circuits that embody the concepts of the present invention can operate selectively in any number of operating modes. The operating modes may implement specific functionality of the electrical circuit such as, for example, functionality that is similar to a logic gate that performs a logical operation to produce a logic output. On the other hand the operating modes may physically change the operation of the electrical circuit such as to change the direction, path, or location of the upstream bandwidth. The operating modes may result from the operation of the electrical circuits, as well as the combined operation of the electrical circuits, and other devices, which are combined to form one or more embodiments of the present invention.

In addition to the electrical circuits that are described above, as well as the other embodiments that are provided inFIGS. 2-7and described in detail below, it is likewise practical that the concepts of the present invention are implemented as part of, or in combination with, other signal processing devices that are used to connect the premise with the head-end facility102(FIG. 1) of the CATV system100(FIG. 1). This may include devices that condition the upstream bandwidth. This may also include devices that provide electrical protection (e.g., surge protectors), signal attenuation, and signal amplification of the upstream bandwidth. This functionality may be incorporated into the devices provided herein, and also in separate devices that are coupled to, or that otherwise interface with the devices that are made in accordance with the present invention.

In view of the foregoing, it is seen thatFIGS. 2-5illustrate examples of a terminate or permit device200,300,400,500that can be generally implemented in the CATV system100(FIG. 1). For example, and with particular reference toFIG. 2, there is illustrated an example of a terminate or permit device200that is made in accordance with concepts of the present invention. Here, it is seen that the terminate or permit device200includes an internal circuitry202that has a head-end side204and a premise side206. The premise side206is coupled to a feed tap208via a drop line210. The apparatus200is positioned in a portion212of a system, in a configuration similar to the portion112of the system100ofFIG. 1), and more particularly the premise side206is coupled to a premise214.

In the present example, the premise214receives a downstream bandwidth216, and generates an upstream bandwidth218, as discussed in more detail below. The premise214includes a head-end access point220, and an internal wiring system222with a plurality of input ports224, and a plurality of lines225, which connect the head-end access point220with each of the input ports224. The premise214may also have a number of signal operative devices226that includes a noise generator228, which generates a noise230, and several premise devices232that generate a non-noise transmission234.

The premise214further includes connective cables236that connect the premise devices232to, e.g., the input ports224. Here, it is seen that the premise214includes a pair of connected ports238and an open port240. The connected ports238are coupled to the premise devices232, via the connective cables236. The open port240is not connected to any of the premise devices232. It is, for purposes of the discussion of the present example, an “open port” as this term is described above and used herein.

The noise230and the non-noise transmission234are carried by one or more of the lines225towards the head-end access point220, where they can exit the premise214at the head-end access point220as the upstream bandwidth218. Typically the non-noise transmission234originates from the connected ports238. Exemplary transmissions that the non-noise transmission234can be include, but are not limited to, transmissions from modems, set-top-boxes, televisions, computers, and any combination thereof. On the other hand, the open port240is generally susceptible to random noise that is generated within the premise214. This includes, for example, the noise230that originates from the noise generator228.

As is illustrated inFIG. 2, the terminate or permit device200is attached to the outside of the premise214such as, for example, to the outside of a home, apartment, office building, and the like. In other implementations, however, the terminate or permit device200is configured so that it is positioned inside of the premise214. This includes positions inside of the premise214where the terminate or permit device200can receive the upstream bandwidth218before it is transmitted to, e.g., the head-end facility102(FIG. 1).

The terms “head-end side” and “premise side” are used to refer to opposite ends of an element or object, e.g., the terminate or permit device200and/or the internal circuitry202, and do not limit the scope and extent of the present disclosure. Rather, and as discussed in connection with the embodiments of the terminate or permit devices that are contemplated by the present disclosure, parts of the terminate or permit devices are configured so that they receive the input signals before other parts of the terminate or permit device. While generally being defined as the relative location between these parts, it will in some embodiments include one part of the terminate or permit device200, e.g., the premise side206, which receives the upstream bandwidth214(including the noise230and the non-noise transmission234) before another part of the terminate or permit device200, e.g., the head-end side204.

More detailed embodiments of terminate or permit devices can be had with reference toFIGS. 4-7below. Before continuing with the discussion of those embodiments, however, a general discussion of some features of the present invention is provided with reference toFIG. 3. Here, it is seen that an example of a terminate or permit device300is configured to detect the non-noise transmission by separating the non-noise transmission from the noise in the upstream bandwidth. In the present example, the terminate or permit device300comprises an internal circuitry302with a first circuit304that converts an input306to an output308, and a second circuit310that generates a control312from the output308.

The input304can comprise pulse trains314, which can comprise a first pulse train316and a second pulse train318. Each of the first pulse train316and the second pulse train318can have a plurality of pulses320that include a first pulse322. The output308can comprise long pulses324, which can comprise a first long pulse326and a second long pulse328that correspond, respectively, to the first pulse train316and the second pulse train318. Each of the long pulses324can have a lead edge330, a trailing edge332, and a pulse length334that separates the lead edge330from the trailing edge332. The lead edge330of consecutive long pulses324, e.g., the first long pulse326and the second long pulse328, can be separated by an interval336.

In one embodiment of the device300, the first circuit304can generate the first long pulse326, and the second long pulse328in response to the first pulse322of each pulse train314. The first circuit304can disregard the remaining pulses320in the pulse train314. The pulse length334for each of the long pulses324can vary such as in accordance with the number of pulses320in the pulse train314, and the anticipated amount of noise generated in the premise, e.g., the premise214. In one example, the pulse length334is the same for each of the long pulses324.

The second circuit308can generate the control312in response to the interval336. The second circuit308can compare the interval336to a pre-determined threshold value. In one example, the second circuit308can register the lead edge330of the first long pulses326, and the lead edge of the second long pulse328. The pre-determined threshold value can be the time within which the second circuit308expects to receive the lead edge330of the second long pulse328after it receive the lead edge330of the first long pulse326. Differences between the interval336and the pre-determined threshold value can be used to separate the non-noise transmission from the noise in the upstream bandwidth.

Exemplary embodiments and examples that can be used to implement this operation of the terminate or permit device are provided inFIGS. 4-7, and discussed in more detail below. For example, and with reference to the detailed schematic ofFIG. 4, it is seen that another embodiment of a terminate or permit device400is illustrated. In this example, the terminate or permit device400includes an internal circuitry402with a head-end side404and a premise side406. The internal circuitry402also includes a pair of bandwidth paths408, which preferably has a forward path410and a return path412. The return path412includes a processing circuitry414that comprises electrical elements (not shown), which are connected and arranged so as to process the upstream bandwidth, e.g., the upstream bandwidth216(FIG. 2), in a manner that discriminates between the noise and the non-noise transmission. By way of non-limiting example, and as is pertinent to the example ofFIG. 4, the terminate or permit device400includes a signal processing unit (“SPU”)416, and a switch/termination unit (“STU”)418. It also includes a control path420that electrically couples the SPU416and the STU418, and in one construction of the apparatus400the control path420transmits a control422from the SPU416to the STU418.

The forward path410typically receives the downstream bandwidth, e.g., the downstream bandwidth216(FIG. 2), at the head-end side404. It is configured to pass the downstream bandwidth to the premise side406. The return path412receives the upstream bandwidth at the premise side406. It is configured to pass the upstream bandwidth to the head-end side404. And as discussed in more detail below, the return path412is also configured to terminate the upstream bandwidth in the absence of the transmitters.

To further exemplify and describe this concept in connection with the embodiment of the terminate or permit device400ofFIG. 4, an exemplary operation of the processing circuitry314is provided immediately below. Notably this discussion is meant to supplement the description of the various operative features of the electrical circuits, electrical elements, and other devices that are described herein. There is realized in the operation of devices such as the apparatus300certain operative features of the electrical circuits that can be used implement some, if not all, of the concepts of the present invention.

The electrical elements of the SPU416can be operatively configured to generate the control422from the upstream bandwidth. In one embodiment of the apparatus400, the control422has certain characteristics (e.g., values, properties, among others) that depend, at least in part, on the content of the upstream bandwidth. These characteristics may include, for example, a first set of characteristics that correspond to the presence of the premise device, a second set of characteristics that correspond to the absence of the premise device, a third set of characteristics that correspond to the non-noise transmissions in the upstream bandwidth, and a fourth set of characteristics that correspond to the noise in the upstream bandwidth.

The STU418can be operatively configured so that it is responsive to the characteristics of the control422. In one embodiment of the apparatus400, upon reception of the control422with characteristics that indicate the non-noise transmissions are present, the STU418may respond by passing (or allowing to pass) the upstream bandwidth to the head-end side404. In another embodiment of the apparatus400, the STU418can respond to the control422when the control422has characteristics that indicate the absence of the non-noise transmissions by preventing the upstream bandwidth from reaching the head-end side404. In yet another embodiment of the apparatus400, the STU418has a default state that terminates the upstream bandwidth, and a responsive state activated by the control422that allows the upstream bandwidth to pass to the head-end side404. Details of an exemplary construction of both of the SPU316and the STU318are provided in connection with theFIGS. 5 and 6that are described in more detail below.

For example, and with reference first toFIG. 5, another embodiment of a terminate or permit device500is illustrated, where the numerals that are used to identify the components are the same as those found in the apparatus400ofFIG. 4, except that the numerals are increased100(e.g.,400is now500). Without further recitation of such like components that are described above, it is shown that the terminate or permit device500includes a pair of diplexer sets524that are coupled to a forward path510, and to a return path512. The diplexer sets524include at least one filter device526that is configured to pass the downstream bandwidth, e.g., the downstream bandwidth216(FIG. 2) to the forward path510, and the upstream bandwidth, e.g., the upstream bandwidth218(FIG. 2), to the return path512. In one example, the terminate or permit device526has filter circuits528that include a high-pass filter530and a low-pass filter532that restrict, respectively, the downstream bandwidth and the upstream bandwidth. Each of the high-pass filter530and the low-pass filter532have electrical elements that are known in the art, and are constructed using techniques recognized by artisans with skill in the electrical arts, so as to not require further discussion of them herein.

It is also shown in the example of the terminate or permit device500ofFIG. 5has a STU518that includes a switching circuit534. The switching circuit534includes a pass path536with a pass switch538. The switching circuit534also includes one or more terminate paths540. More particularly, in the present example the terminate paths540include a head-end side terminate path542and a premise side terminate path544. These are coupled to the pass path536on, respectively, the head-end side504and the premise side506of the pass switch538. Both of the terminate paths540include a resistor546(e.g., a 75 Ohm resistor) and a terminate switch548.

It is also seen in this example that terminate or permit device500ofFIG. 5has a SPU516that includes a signal determination circuitry550that has an SPU head-end side552, a SPU premise side554, and a control side556. The signal determination circuitry550further includes an upstream bandwidth path558, which connects the SPU head-end side552and the SPU premise side554. The signal determination circuitry550further includes a signal processing path560, which couples the control side556to the upstream bandwidth path558.

In one implementation of the apparatus500, the SPU516receives the upstream bandwidth at the SPU premise side554. The upstream bandwidth passes from SPU premise side554to the SPU head-end side552on the upstream bandwidth return path556. The signal determination circuit550couples a portion562of the upstream bandwidth to the signal processing path560. It also processes the coupled portion562so as to generate the control522, and more particularly, to assign the characteristics of the control522.

The STU518can also include a control circuit564, which is positioned as an integral part of the STU518, or separately located in one or more other electrical circuits. It is generally configured to operate the switching circuit534. For example, the control circuit564can prevent the upstream bandwidth from passing to the provider side504, and/or can terminate the upstream bandwidth.

Although it is not illustrated as such, the control circuit564is typically coupled to portions of the switching circuit534so as that it can activate the pass switch536, and the terminate switches548. This may cause them to open and close. For example, the switches can be activated individually, such as if the pass switch536and the terminate switches548are activated consecutively. However, in other embodiments of the apparatus500it may be preferable that the control circuit564activates each of the pass switch542and terminate switches552simultaneously, e.g., at substantially the same moment in time.

The combination and activation of the switches of the switching circuit534may also be defined as one or more operating modes. Each of these operating modes may define a particular configuration of the switching circuit534. This may include, for example, various configurations of the state of the switches, e.g., the pass switch536, and the terminate switches548. In one operating mode, the pass switch536may be open, and both of the terminate switches548may be closed. In another operating mode, the pass switch536may be closed, and both of the terminate switches548may be open. Still other operating modes may have other combinations for the state of the switches that depend, e.g., on the presence, and/or the absence of the transmitters in the premise.

As for the above-described control522, as well as the SPU516that generates the control522, an exemplary configuration of electrical circuits (and electrical elements) for the SPU516is illustrated inFIG. 6and discussed below. Consistent with the discussion ofFIG. 5above, it is also seen here that the numerals that are used to identify like components are the same as those numerals used inFIGS. 4 and 5. It is seen that the SPU616in the present example has a signal processing path660, and in this particular example the signal processing path660includes a coupling circuit666, a detector circuit668, an amplifier circuit670, a pulse adjuster circuit672, a counting circuit674, and an auxiliary circuit676. In one embodiment, the coupling circuit666, the detector circuit668, and the amplifier circuit670form at least part of a detection circuit678, and the pulse adjuster circuit672and the counting circuit674form at least a part of a discrimination circuit680.

When implemented in embodiments of the apparatus, such as the apparatus200,300,400,500discussed above, the detection circuit678generates an input682from the upstream bandwidth, e.g., the upstream bandwidth218(FIG. 2). The input682is generally in the form of a plurality of pulse trains, each pulse train having pulses with at least one property that is consistent with the characteristics of the upstream bandwidth. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, the amplitude, frequency, period, and wavelength, among others.

In one example, and as it is illustrated in the example ofFIG. 6, the coupling circuit666provides a coupled portion684of the upstream bandwidth to the detector circuit668, which generates a detected portion686. The amplifier circuit670amplifies the detected portion686in a manner generating the input692. The discrimination circuit680generates a preliminary control688in response to the input692, and in one construction of the discrimination circuit680the pulse adjuster circuit672generates a plurality of pulses690such as a long pulse. The long pulses are registered by the counting circuit666, which also assigns the characteristics of the preliminary control688.

By way of non-limiting example, the counting circuit666includes a counter692and a timer694that is coupled to the counter692. The counter692is configured to register each of the long pulses from the pulse adjuster circuit672. In one example, it registers consecutive long pulses that arrive before the expiration of a pre-determined threshold value, e.g. a time value.

The timer694can be configured to track, count, or otherwise maintain an indicator of the pre-determined threshold value. It can also be configured to increment the counter692. In one example, when the counting circuit666receives a first long pulse from the phase adjuster circuit672, the counter692is incremented (e.g., from 10 to 9) to recognize that the counting circuit666received the first long pulse. The timer694will also begin to increment from an initial value (e.g., zero) towards the pre-determined threshold value. In this example, if the counting circuit666receives a second long pulse before the timer694reaches the pre-determined threshold value, then the counter692will increment (e.g., from 9 to 8) so as to recognize that the counting circuit666received the second long pulse. On the other hand, if the interval between the consecutive long pulses is longer than the pre-determined threshold value, then the counter692will be reset (e.g., from 9 to 10), and remain at this reset value until the counting circuit666receives the next long pulse.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the combination of the counter692and the timer694permits the counting circuit666to assign the preliminary control688such as by assigning a value (e.g., a high value, and a low value) to the preliminary control688. In one example, the value may indicate that the counter692has reached zero, and the upstream bandwidth is to pass to the head-end side of the apparatus. In another example, the value may indicate that the counter692has not reached zero, and the upstream bandwidth is to be terminated before the head-end side of the apparatus.

An example of the coupling circuit666includes, but is not limited to, a directional coupler that has its input port and its output port coupled to the return path612, and its coupled port connected to the signal processing path660. This permits the upstream bandwidth to pass to the STU, e.g., the STU518(FIG. 5), and more particularly from the SPU head-end side652to the SPU premise side654. In this configuration, the directional coupler generates the coupled portion684so that the coupled portion684has characteristics that are similar to the upstream bandwidth, but without substantially interrupting the transmission of the upstream bandwidth through the SPU616. Typical directional couplers that are used in the coupling circuit670have a coupling ratio greater than about 17 (dB), and in one particular construction the coupling ration is from about 17 (dB) to about 20 (dB).

The detector circuit668is comprised of electrical elements that are generally configured to generate the detected portion686. It may include a log detector, the construction of which will be generally recognized by those artisans having ordinary skill in the electrical arts. In one example, the detected portion686comprises a square wave.

Suitable circuits for use as the amplifier circuit670generally comprise electrical elements that are arranged in a manner that modifies the detected portion686. This may include, for example, arranging the electrical elements so that the input682is the amplified version of the detected portion586. In one embodiment of the apparatus, such as apparatus200,300,400,500these elements may increase the power, amplitude, or other characteristic of the detected portion686.

The pulse adjuster circuit672is generally configured to generate the pulses690from the first pulse in the pulse trains of the input682. Each of the long may have a pulse length that is meant to cover one or more of the pulses in the pulse train. Exemplary circuitry for use in the pulse adjuster circuit672may include transistors, resistors, and capacitors. One construction of the pulse adjuster circuit672may include a multi-vibrator with at least one resistor and one capacitor so that the pulse length of the long pulses can be set in accordance with the Equation 1 below,
tw=α×R×C,Equation (1)
where twis the pulse length, α is a constant (such as, a constant set by a manufacturer of the multi-vibrator), R is a value for the resistor, and C is a value for the capacitor.

The auxiliary circuit676is generally responsive to the preliminary control688. For the purposes of the example ofFIG. 6, the auxiliary circuit680includes flip-flop circuit696, a pass disabled indicator698A, and a pass enabled indicator698B that is coupled to the control path620at the control side656. The flip-flop circuit696is configured to change its output from its low level to its high level in response to the value of preliminary control688. This can, in turn, activate one or more of the pass disabled indicator698A and a pass enabled indicator698B. It is noted that while the auxiliary circuit676in the present example includes the flip-flop circuit696, the operation of which is generally recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art, it is contemplated that it can include any number and type of electrical components to achieve its functional end result.

Discussing another implementation of the SPU616as it is applicable to the apparatus200,300,400,500discussed above, if the preliminary control688indicates that the upstream bandwidth includes non-noise transmissions, then the flip-flop circuit696activates the pass enabled indicator698A, and transmits the control622to the control circuit (e.g., the control circuit564(FIG. 5)) of the STU (e.g., STU518(FIG. 5)). This activates one or more of the switches in the switching circuit. In one particular construction of the apparatus, the control circuit closes the pass switch, and opens the terminate switches. This passes the upstream bandwidth from the premise side to the head-end side of the apparatus.

On the other hand, if the preliminary control688indicates that the upstream bandwidth does not include the non-noise transmissions, then the flip-flop circuit696activates the pass disabled indicator698B, and the control circuit (e.g., the control circuit564(FIG. 5)) of the STU (e.g., STU518(FIG. 5)) maintains the position of the pass switch, and the terminate switches. This terminates the upstream bandwidth, and in one example terminates the upstream bandwidth to ground.

Referring now toFIG. 7, a flow diagram is illustrated of a method700for identifying the presence of a transmitter at a premise. This method700can be implemented using embodiments made in accordance with one or more of the terminate or permit devices200,300,400,500that are described in connection withFIGS. 2-5above. As mentioned above, however, it is also recognized that the functionality of the various electrical circuits that are described in connection with the terminate or permit devices200,300,400,500ofFIGS. 2-5, and the SPU ofFIG. 6above can be embodied in a variety of ways. So it is contemplated that there are other configurations of these circuits that will cause them to operate in the manner discussed above, and provided in connection with the method700disclosed herein.

In the present example, the method700includes, at step702, generating a plurality of long pulses from the upstream bandwidth. This may include, at step704, generating a detected portion. This detected portion can have a waveform that is different from the upstream bandwidth. It may be desirable, for example, that the waveform is that of a square wave, but with characteristics that are adapted to the process of discriminating between noise and non-noise transmissions. This process can be done by, for example, the discriminating circuit discussed above.

In the present example, the method700includes, at step706, amplifying the detected portion, and at step708, generating the long pulses from the amplified detected portion. The method further includes, at step710, discriminating between the noise and the non-noise transmissions based on the long pulses. Here, it is seen in the exemplary method ofFIG. 7that the method700may include, at step712, receiving one of the long pulses, at step714, changing the counter, and at step716, starting the timer. The method700also includes, at step718, determining if the counter has reached its set number of long pulses. If it has reached the set number, then the method700includes, at step720, configuring the terminate or permit device so as to pass the upstream bandwidth. On the other hand, if the set number has not been reached, then the method700includes at step722, receiving the next long pulse.

The method700also includes, at step724, determining if the next long pulse is received before the timer reaches a pre-determined threshold value. If the next pulse is received before the pre-determine threshold value is reached, then the method700returns to step712-718, and the counter is incremented, the timer is started, the value of the counter is interrogated, and another long pulse is received. If on the other hand the next long pulse is not received before the pre-determined threshold value is reached, then the method700includes, at step726, resetting the counter and the timer. The method700also returns to step712, to await the next long pulse.

It is contemplated that numerical values, as well as other values that are recited herein are modified by the term “about”, whether expressly stated or inherently derived by the discussion of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term “about” defines the numerical boundaries of the modified values so as to include, but not be limited to, tolerances and values up to, and including the numerical value so modified. That is, numerical values can include the actual value that is expressly stated, as well as other values that are, or can be, the decimal, fractional, or other multiple of the actual value indicated, and/or described in the disclosure.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by claims that can be supported by the written description and drawings. Further, where exemplary embodiments are described with reference to a certain number of elements it will be understood that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced utilizing either less than or more than the certain number of elements.