Patent Publication Number: US-2018031788-A1

Title: Sealed fiber optic/electrical distribution device

Description:
FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to fiber optic distribution devices, and more particularly to sealed fiber optic distribution devices having an optical/electrical converter used to advance the conversion point between the fiber optic and the existing electrical telecommunication networks closer to the subscriber. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As a result of the ever-increasing demand for broadband communications involving voice, video and data transmission, telecommunication and cable media service providers and/or operators have increasingly relied on fiber optics to provide large bandwidth telecommunication service to their subscribers. Fiber optic solutions have become the main part of telecommunication networks. Optical cables can transmit voice, data and video signals over very long distances at very high speed. Because of this, developments in fiber optic telecommunication networks have consistently focused on extending the optical fiber closer to the subscriber to the point that currently some subscribers can be connected directly to the fiber optic network through FTTx (fiber to the specific location “x”) technology, including FTTH technology (fiber-to-the-home), which provides an “all optical” communication network right to the subscribers at their homes. This dynamic subscriber bandwidth demand exists whether optical fiber reaches all the way to the subscriber or not. 
     Accordingly, except with respect to a totally new subscriber installation, e.g., a new development or new portion of a development, or a “green field” project, advancing the fiber optic network all the way to the subscriber may not be easily accomplished, practical, or even possible. One reason is the existence of a legacy electrical telecommunication network infrastructure and investment, which cannot be discarded or disregarded, whether for economic, technical, or other reasons. In such cases, service providers are compelled to study ways to optimize the use of the legacy infrastructure to move the fiber optic network as close as possible to the subscriber premises. Typically, the legacy infrastructure includes electrical wiring buried in trenches; for instance, wiring over which plain old telephone service (POTS) communication was provided to the subscriber. The POTS network may involve twisted copper pair wiring that runs from the subscriber premises to some type of convergence point located a certain distance from the subscriber premises. 
     Service providers initially considered utilizing the existing telecommunication cabinets that provide a convergence location for the electrical telecommunication wiring of subscribers in a community or area, as the location to transition from optical to electrical communication service. This approach, referred to as a fiber-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) solution, was attractive to the service providers as the cabinets were already in existence, were suitably protected from the elements, and were provided with electrical power, which would be needed for the optical/electrical converters. These cabinets may have been located at points so as to converge a certain minimum number of subscribers at a maximum distance to support financial investment criteria for the electrical telecommunications network. Typically, the distance from the farthest subscriber to the cabinet may be several hundred meters or more. Although such distance does not affect the quality of voice transmission over electrical wiring, it does impact the transmission of data as bandwidth increases. So much so, that even relatively limited transmission distances have a major impact on the amount and speed of bandwidth that may be transmitted to the subscriber over an existing electrical telecommunication system. In this regard, a distance of several hundred meters can compromise the ability to provide current bandwidth needs of a subscriber, much less future needs. While the development of high bandwidth solutions for copper wiring, including, as examples, VDSL and G.fast, help with the bandwidth issue, even these protocols lose effectiveness over what would seem to be not that large of a distance. Because of this reality, service providers are beginning to accept that they cannot assume that a FTTC solution, in which they rely on advancing the fiber optic network to an existing centrally located service provider convergence cabinet, will provide sufficient bandwidth that subscribers require and demand, now and in the future. 
     Accordingly, service providers are now focusing on ways in which to advance the fiber optic network to a distribution point closer to the subscriber. This approach is referred as a fiber-to-the-distribution point (FTTdp) solution. The distribution point can be any existing location where communication hardware is already present, or a new location that does not currently have any communication hardware selected by the service provider. In either case, the distribution point may not provide a lot of space, or protection from the elements. The location may be outside, exposed to the elements and/or contamination. The location may be an existing “hand-hole” buried just beneath the surface, an existing telephone pole, or the surface of an outside wall of a structure, to name just a few. Accordingly, any fiber optic/electrical distribution device must be designed to withstand an environment that can present varied and extreme conditions. While being able to provide a sufficiently rugged fiber optic/electrical device does present issues to overcome, developing such a device that is able to dissipate any heat that may build up due to the active electronic components needed to convert the optical signals to electrical signals and the electrical signals to optical signals adds a significant level of complexity. 
     Consequently, there is an unresolved need for fiber optic/electrical distribution devices with optical/electrical signal conversion abilities positioned in a robust and hardened package that reliably performs in all different types of conditions and in various locations with respect to the subscriber. 
     No admission is made that any reference cited herein constitutes prior art. Applicant expressly reserves the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of any cited documents. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a fiber optic/electrical distribution device comprising a housing defining an interior volume. The fiber optic/electrical distribution device also comprises an electrical cable port extended into the interior volume and accessible externally from the housing, wherein the electrical cable port is sealed to prevent ingress of dust and water into the interior volume. The fiber optic/electrical distribution device also comprises a fiber optic cable port extended into the interior volume and accessible externally from the housing, wherein the fiber optic cable port is sealed to prevent ingress of dust and water into the interior volume. The fiber optic/electrical distribution device also comprises a conversion assembly positioned in the interior volume. The conversion assembly comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising an optical/electrical converter and an electrical power circuit. The conversion assembly also comprises a fiber optic cable tray supported in stacked alignment with the PCB, wherein a defined spacing is maintained between the PCB and the fiber optic cable tray, and wherein the PCB and the fiber optic cable tray are maintained in lateral alignment. 
     Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a fiber optic/electrical distribution device comprising a housing constructed of extruded aluminum and having a base and a first removable cover, wherein the base and the first removable cover define an interior volume. The fiber optic/electrical distribution device also comprises an electrical cable port extended into the interior volume and accessible externally from the housing, wherein the electrical cable port is sealed to prevent ingress of dust and water into the interior volume. The fiber optic/electrical distribution device also comprises a fiber optic cable port extended into the interior volume and accessible externally from the housing, wherein the fiber optic cable port is sealed to prevent ingress of dust and water into the interior volume. The fiber optic/electrical distribution device also comprises a guide system in the interior volume. The fiber optic/electrical distribution device also comprises a conversion assembly positionable in the interior volume on the guide system, wherein the conversion assembly comprises a PCB comprising an optical/electrical converter and an electrical power circuit, and a fiber optic cable tray supported in stacked alignment with the PCB, and wherein a defined spacing is maintained between the PCB and the fiber optic cable tray, and wherein the PCB and the fiber optic cable tray are maintained in lateral alignment. 
     Yet another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a method of sealing a fiber optic/electrical distribution device comprising extending an electrical cable port into an interior volume of a housing, wherein the electrical cable port is accessible externally from the housing; sealing the electrical cable port to prevent ingress of dust and water into the interior volume; extending a fiber optic cable port into the interior volume of the housing, wherein the fiber optic cable port is accessible externally from the housing; sealing the fiber optic cable port to prevent ingress of dust and water into the interior volume; positioning a conversion assembly in the interior volume, wherein the conversion assembly comprises a PCB comprising an optical/electrical converter and an electrical power circuit and a fiber optic cable tray supported in stacked alignment with the PCB; sealing the interior volume from environmental effects; maintaining a defined spacing between the PCB and the fiber optic cable tray; and maintaining the PCB and the fiber optic cable tray in lateral alignment. 
     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the claims. 
     The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of an example communication network combining a fiber optic network extending from the central office to a distribution point having fiber optic/electrical distribution devices, and an electrical communication network extending from the distribution point to subscriber premises; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic, block representation of example electrical and optical connections to optical/electrical conversion and power conditioning components of a fiber optic/electrical distribution device; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded top, perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic/electrical distribution device; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial, detail perspective view of the exemplary conversion assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top, plan view of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device of  FIG. 3  with a fiber optic cable and an electrical cable extended therefrom; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom, plan view of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded top, perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic/electrical distribution device; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial, detail perspective view of the exemplary conversion assembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top, plan view of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom, plan view of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded top, perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic/electrical distribution device; 
         FIG. 12  is a top, perspective view of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device of  FIG. 11  with the conversion assembly withdrawn from the housing; 
         FIG. 13  is a rear, perspective view of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device of  FIG. 11  with the second removable cover removed; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial, detail perspective view of an edge of the PCB in a PCB track of the guide track system in the housing of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top, perspective view of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial, perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic/electrical distribution device; 
         FIG. 17  is a top, perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic/electrical distribution device; and 
         FIG. 18  is a flowchart diagram depicting the method of sealing a fiber optic/electrical distribution device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a simplified communication network  100  supporting a fiber-to-the-distribution-point (FTTdp) solution. A portion of the communication network  100  is a fiber optic communication network  102  and a portion is a legacy electrical communication network  104 . The service provider provides optical communication service over the communication network  100  using the fiber optic communication network  102  from a central office  110  through distribution cabling  120  toward the user or subscriber at the subscriber premises  130 . In this regard, the distribution cabling  120  extends from the central office  110  toward subscriber premises  130  utilizing intermediate distribution points or nodes  140 . At a certain distribution point  150  in the communication network  100 , proximal to the subscriber premises  130 , the service provider converts from providing the communication service over a fiber optic communication network  102  to providing it over a legacy electrical communication network  104 . 
     Although the communication service may properly be viewed as originating with the service provider at the central office  110 , the actual flow of communication signals, (both optical and electrical) is bidirectional. In this way, optical and electrical communication signals may be both sent and received over the communication network  100 . Although the optical and electrical signals travel in both directions, the perspective of the communication network  100  from the central office  110  toward the subscriber premises  130 , is typically referred to as “downstream”, while the perspective from the subscriber premises  130  back to the central office  110  is typically referred to as “upstream.” In this regard, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” do not necessarily denote or control actual optical signal transmission direction, but refer to a relative physical direction in the communication network  100  that is either toward the subscriber premises  130  (downstream) or toward the central office  110  (upstream). 
     In  FIG. 1 , a distribution point  150  is shown located within a certain distance of one or more subscriber premises  130 . This distance may be, for example, approximately 100 meters or less. The distribution point  150  may have fiber optic hardware  160 , for example a multiport, for interconnecting fiber optic cable and/or for splitting an optical signal carried by the fiber optic cable into multiple optical signals for further distribution downstream. In  FIG. 1 , the fiber optic hardware  160  is shown as having four (4) outputs, which may relate to four (4) split optical signals carried by optical fibers  170  in each of the four (4) outputs. Distribution point  150  may also have one or more fiber optic/electrical distribution devices  190 , which provide optical/electrical signal conversion. Four (4) fiber optic/electrical distribution devices  190  are shown in  FIG. 1 , each of which is connected to an output of the fiber optic hardware  160 . In this regard, each fiber optic/electrical distribution device  190  may receive the optic signal carried by the optical fibers  170  and convert that optical signal to an electrical signal for transmission downstream to the subscriber premises  130  over electrical wiring  180 . As discussed, both optical signals and the electrical signals in the communication network  100  are bi-directional. As such, it should be appreciated that the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  190  may also receive an electrical signal carried by electrical wiring  180  from the subscriber premises  130  and convert the electrical signal to an optical signal for transmission upstream toward the central office  110 . Additionally, although  FIG. 1  shows four (4) separate fiber optic/electrical distribution devices  190 , space and cost consideration, particularly when considering the size of a hand hole, or the mounting space available on a telephone pole, as examples, may not allow for the installation of four (4), or even more than one (1), fiber optic/electrical distribution devices  190 . In such case, a fiber optic/electrical distribution device  190  may be required to convert each optical signal into more than one (1) electrical signal, for example four (4) electrical signals, for transmission to the group of subscriber premises  130  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a block diagram of portions of the active electronic components of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  190  is illustrated. Although not shown in  FIG. 2 , the active components may be positioned on, and be part of, a conversion assembly including a printed circuit board (PCB). The conversion assembly will be discussed in more detail below. The active electronic components of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  190  include an optical/electrical converter  192  and an electrical power circuit  194 . The optical fiber  170  carrying the optical signal is in optical communication with the optical/electrical converter  192 , either directly through a fiber optic cable that extends externally from the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  190 , or through a connection with another fiber optic cable positioned in the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  190  already in optical communication with the optical/electrical converter  192 . Also, the electrical wiring  180  carrying the electrical signal is in electrical contact with the optical/electrical converter  192 , either directly through an electrical cable that extends externally from the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  190 , or through a connection with another electrical conductor, such as for example, a trace on the PCB, already in electrical contact with the optical/electrical converter  192 . Additionally, the electrical wiring  180  connects power from the subscriber premises  130  to operate the active components of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  190 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , there is shown an example of a single port fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200 . As discussed above, the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200  may be positioned in or at a distribution point located in an area subject to extreme weather, temperature or physical conditions or exposed to certain environmental contamination from which the distribution point, a hand hole for example, may not be able to protect the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200 . Accordingly, the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200  may include a housing  202  having a base  204  and a removable cover  206 , defining an interior volume  208 . The housing  202 , which may be of a metal or partially metal construction, and e-coated with a corrosion resistant solution, or, alternatively, a plastic or other non-metal material, may be suitably ruggedized and sealed with a sealing element  210  positioned at an interface  212  of the base  204  and the removable cover  206 . As examples, the sealing element  210  may be a gasket or an O-ring, or other component or material suitable for protecting the interior volume  208  and its contents from any environmental effects or contamination. The removable cover  206  may attach to the base  204  using any suitable fasteners  213 , such as, for examples screws or the like. The fasteners  213  may fasten the removable cover  206  and the sealing element  210  to the base  204  at the interface  212 . 
     As used herein, the term single port refers to the number of electrical cable ports  214  of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200 . In  FIG. 3 , the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200  is shown as having one electrical cable port  214 . The electrical cable port  214  extends into the interior volume  208  and is accessible externally from the housing  202 . Since it extends into the interior volume  208 , the electrical cable port  214  is sealed to prevent ingress of dust and water into the interior volume  208 . Similarly, a fiber optic cable port  216  extends into the interior volume  208  and is accessible externally from the housing  202 . As with the electrical cable port  214 , since the fiber optic cable port  216  extends into the interior volume  208 , the fiber optic cable port  216  is sealed to prevent ingress of dust and water into the interior volume  208 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , compression fittings  220  may be used to seal the electrical cable port  214  and fiber optic cable port  216 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , an electrical cable  222 , having a first end  224  and a second end  226  passes through the electrical cable port  214  and the compression fitting  220  therein. The first end  224  of the electrical cable  222  locates in the interior volume  208 , while the second end  226  of the electrical cable  222  locates outside of the interior volume  208 . The electrical cable  222  may be an electrical cable pigtail with an electrical connector (not shown on  FIG. 2 ) attached to the second end  226 . Additionally, a fiber optic cable  230 , having a first end  232  and a second end  234 , passes through the fiber optic cable port  216  and the compression fitting  220  therein. The first end  232  of the fiber optic cable  230  locates in the interior volume  208 , while the second end  234  of the fiber optic cable  230  locates outside of the interior volume  208 . The fiber optic cable  230  may be a fiber optic pigtail with a hardened connector  236  attached to the second end  234 . 
     Referring also now to  FIG. 4  in addition to  FIG. 3 , a conversion assembly  238  may be positioned in the interior volume  208  of the housing  202 . The conversion assembly  238  includes a PCB  240  and fiber optic cable tray  242  supported in stacked alignment with the PCB  240 . The PCB  240  may be attached to the housing  202  using any suitable fasteners  241 , such as, for example screws or the like. As shown with particular reference to  FIG. 4 , the fiber optic cable tray  242  has four (4) stand-offs  244  extending from its surface  246 . In  FIG. 4 , three (3) of the four (4) stand-offs  244  are shown extending from the surface  246  at corners  248  of the fiber optic cable tray  242 . The stand-offs  244  position in receiving holes  245  in the PCB  240  and extend for a certain distance above the surface of the PCB  240  to maintain a defined spacing between the fiber optic cable tray  242  and the PCB  240  to allow clearance for the components mounted on the PCB  240  and to facilitate dissipation of any heat produced by any of the components mounted on the PCB  240 . The stand-offs  244  not only maintain spacing between the PCB  240  and the fiber optic cable tray  242 , but, also, maintain the PCB  240  and the fiber optic cable tray  242  in appropriate lateral alignment. The PCB  240  and the fiber optic cable tray  242 , shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , are approximately the same size, i.e., their respective footprints may be coextensive. The PCB  240  and the fiber optic cable tray  242  maintain such space and alignment as the conversion assembly  238  is positioned in the housing  202 . Additionally, when the removable cover  206  is attached to the base  204 , the fiber optic cable tray  242  is sandwiched between the removable cover  206  and the PCB  240 , securing the fiber optic cable tray  242  in the housing  202  and, thereby, further maintaining the spacing and alignment of the fiber optic cable tray  242  with the PCB  240 . 
     The fiber optic cable tray  242  may be used to manage and store fiber optic cable  230  that is extended into the housing  202  and provide a platform for any connection  231  between the fiber optic cable  230  extended through the fiber optic cable port  216  and fiber optic cable  233  in optical communication with the optical/electrical converter (see  FIG. 2 ). The connection  231  may be in the form of a fusion splice or a mechanical connection. 
     Referring now primarily to  FIG. 3 , a heat dissipation component  250  positions in the housing  202  in such a way as to be in thermal transference with the conversion assembly  238 , and particularly, the PCB  240 . In  FIG. 3 , the heat dissipation component  250  is shown as a thermal pad  252  that may be positioned with a raised pedestal  253  located on the base  204  of the housing  202 . A mylar film  254  may be included in the interior volume  208  of the housing  202  to inhibit electrostatic discharge between the PCB  240  and the housing  202 . The thermal pad  252  may be any suitable thermally conductive product, such as for example a product constructed of highly conformable and low modulus, thermally conductive material for use with electronic components. Other heat dissipation components  250  may be used, including, without limitation, heat sink structures, as will be discussed with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 10 . 
     In  FIGS. 5 and 6 , there are shown a top plan view and a bottom plan view, respectively, of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200 . The electrical cable  222  may extend from the housing  202  at the electrical cable port  214  to the second end  226 . The fiber optic cable  230  may extend from the housing  202  at the fiber optic cable port  216  to the second end  234  and have a hardened connector  236  attached to the second end  234 . The hardened connector may be an OptiTap® as provided by Corning Optical Communications LLC of Hickory, N.C. In  FIG. 5 , the removable cover  206  is shown attached to the base  204  (see  FIG. 6 ) of the housing  202 . In  FIG. 6 , the base  204  is shown as having a heat dissipation component  250  in the form of heat sink structures  256  extending from the surface of the base  204 . As discussed with respect to  FIG. 3 , the thermal pad  252  may be positioned on a raised pedestal  253  and the mylar film  254  may be included to inhibit electrostatic discharge between the PCB  240  and the housing  202 . The heat sink structures  256 , provide a thermal transference for dissipating heat that may build up from the components mounted on the PCB  240 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-10 , there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a four port fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200 ′. As discussed above with reference to “single port” in  FIG. 3 , the term “four port” refers to the number of electrical cable ports  214  of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200 ′. The description of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200 ′ having four electrical cable ports  214  is the same as the description for fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200 , except with respect to the number of electrical cable ports  214  and electrical cables  222  extending from the housing  202 ′. Therefore, except for any substantive differences associated with having four electrical ports  214  instead of one electrical port  214 , the discussion of the four port fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200 ′ which is similar to the discussion of the single port fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200  will not be repeated here with respect to  FIGS. 7-10 . 
     One difference, though, is the size of the housing  202 ′. The housing  202 ′ is shown in  FIGS. 7-10  as being sized to accommodate the increased number of electrical cable ports  214 . Additionally, the PCB  240 ′ may be expanded in accordance with the requirement to convert one optical signal into four (4) electrical signals. However, although there are three (3) additional electrical cable ports  214  and electrical cables  222 , there is one fiber optic cable port  216  receiving one fiber optic cable  230 , as with fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200 . As such, the fiber optic cable tray  242  may retain the same size as used in the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200 . In this regard, with reference to  FIG. 8 , a conversion assembly  238 ′ has PCB  240 ′ with a fiber optic cable tray  242  shown supported in stacked alignment with the PCB  240 ′. The fiber optic cable tray  242  has four (4) stand-offs  244  shown extending from the surface  246  at corners  248  of the fiber optic cable tray  242 . The stand-offs  244  position in receiver holes  245  on the PCB  240 ′. Since the PCB  240 ′ is larger than the fiber optic cable tray  242 , they do not have the same platform size; their respective footprints may not be coextensive. As with the discussion involving  FIG. 4 , the stand-offs  244  may provide sufficient spacing between the fiber optic cable tray  242  and the PCB  240 ′ to allow clearance for the components mounted on the PCB  240 ′ and to promote dissipation of any heat produced by any of the components mounted on the PCB  240 ′. The stand-offs  244  maintain such spacing even as the conversion assembly  238 ′ is positioned in the housing  202 ′. 
     In  FIG. 9 , the removable cover  206 ′ is shown attached to the base  204 ′ (see  FIG. 10 ) of the housing  202 ′. In  FIG. 10 , the base  204 ′ is shown as having a heat dissipation component  250  in the form of heat sink structures  256  extending from the surface of the base  204 ′. As shown in  FIG. 7  when discussing fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200 , the thermal pad  252  is positioned on a pedestal  253  in the housing  202 ′. The heat sink structures  256 , thereby, provide a thermal transference for dissipating heat that may build up from the components mounted on the PCB  240 ′. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic/electrical distribution device  300 . Fiber optic/electrical distribution device  300  has a housing  302  having a base  304  which may be open at opposing first end  306  and second end  308 , a first removable cover  310  may attach to the base  304  at the first end  306 , while a second removable cover  312  may attach to the base  304  at the second end  308 . The housing  302  defines an interior volume  314 , and may be constructed of extruded aluminum. The housing  302  may be sealed with a first sealing element  316  positioned at an interface  318  of the base  304  and the first removable cover  310 . A second sealing element  320  may be positioned at an interface  322  of the base  304  and the second removable cover  312 . As examples, the first sealing element  316  and the second sealing element  320  may be a gasket or an O-ring, or other component or material suitable for protecting the interior volume  314  and its contents from any environmental effects. The first removable cover  310  and second removable cover  312  may be attached to the base  304  using any suitable fasteners  329 , such as, for example screws or the like. The fasteners  329  may fasten the first removable cover  310  and the first sealing element  316  to the base  304  at interface  318 , as well as the second removable cover  312  and the second sealing element  320  to the base  304  at interface  322 . 
     In  FIG. 11 , the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  300  is shown as having one electrical cable port  324 . The electrical cable port  324  extends into the interior volume  314  through the first removable cover  310  and is accessible externally from the housing  302 . Since electrical cable port  324  extends into the interior volume  314 , the electrical cable port  324  is sealed to prevent ingress of dust and water into the interior volume  314 . Similarly a fiber optic cable port  326  extends into the interior volume  314  through first removable cover  310  and is accessible externally from the housing  302 . As with the electrical cable port  324 , since the fiber optic cable port  326  extends into the interior volume  314  of the housing  302 , the fiber optic cable port  326  is sealed to prevent ingress of dust and water into the interior volume  314 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , compression fittings  328  may be used to seal the electrical cable port  324  and fiber optic cable port  326 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 11 , an electrical cable  330 , having a first end  332  and a second end  334  passes through the electrical cable port  324  and the compression fitting  328  therein. The first end  332  of the electrical cable  330  locates in the interior volume  314 , while the second end  334  of the electrical cable  330  locates outside of the interior volume  314 . The electrical cable  330  may be an electrical cable pigtail with an electrical connector (not shown on  FIG. 11 ) attached to the second end  334 . Additionally, a fiber optic cable  338 , having a first end  340  and a second end  342  passes through the fiber optic cable port  326  and the compression fitting  328  therein. The first end  340  of the fiber optic cable  338  locates in the interior volume  314  while the second end  342  of the fiber optic cable  338  locates outside of the interior volume  314 . The fiber optic cable  338  may be a fiber optic pigtail with a hardened connector  344  attached to the second end  342 . 
     A conversion assembly  346  may be positionable in the interior volume  314  of the housing  302 . The conversion assembly  346  includes a PCB  348  and fiber optic cable tray  350  supported in stacked alignment with the PCB  348 . The fiber optic cable tray  350  has four (4) stand-offs  352  extending from its surface  354 . In  FIG. 11 , three (3) of the four (4) stand-offs  352  are shown extending from the surface  354  at corners  356  of the fiber optic cable tray  350 . The stand-offs  352  position in receiving holes  345  in the PCB  348  and extend for a certain distance above the surface of the PCB  348  to maintain a defined spacing between the fiber optic cable tray  350  and the PCB  348  to provide sufficient space between the fiber optic cable tray  350  and the PCB  348  to allow clearance for the components mounted on the PCB  348  and promote dissipation of any heat produced by any of the components mounted on the PCB  348 . 
     The conversion assembly  346  attaches to the first removable cover  310  such that when the first removable cover  310  is disconnected from the base  304 , the first removable cover  310  may be used to withdraw the conversion assembly  346 , the electrical cable  330  and the fiber optic cable  338  from the interior volume  314 , extending them out of and separating them from the housing  302 .  FIG. 12  illustrates the first removable cover  310 , the conversion assembly  346 , the electrical cable  330  and the fiber optic cable  338  extended from the housing  302 . The electrical cable  330  and the fiber optic cable  338  remain attached to the first removable cover  310  due to the compression fittings  328 . In this way, the first removable cover  310 , the conversion assembly  346 , the electrical cable  330 , and the fiber optic cable  338  may extend from the housing  302  as a single assembly at and through the first end  306  of the base  304 . The second removable cover  312  remains attached to the second end  308  of the base  304 . 
     Heat dissipation components  360  may include thermal pads  362  and heat sink structure  364 . Four thermal pads  362  are shown extending from the PCB  348  through the fiber optic cable tray  350 . The thermal pads  362  extend through the fiber optic cable tray  350  to the heat producing components on the PCB  348 . Additionally, a heat sink structure  364  may extend from the base  304  of the housing  302 , which provides for the outside of the housing  302  to be a heat dissipation component  360 . In this way, the thermal pads  362  and heat sink structure  364  provide a thermal transference of heat away from the conversion assembly  346 , especially the PCB  348 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , in addition to  FIG. 12 , a guide system  370  is shown attached to the housing  302  in the interior volume  314 . The guide system  370  includes a first tray track  372  and a second tray track  374  used to guide the fiber optic cable tray  350  into and out of the housing  302 . The guide system  370  also includes a first PCB track  376  and a second PCB track  378  used to guide the PCB  348  into and out of the housing  302 . In this regard, as the first removable cover  310  is used to withdraw the conversion assembly  346  from the housing  302 , a first tray edge  380  movably slides in the first tray track  372  and a second tray edge  382  movably slides in the second tray track  374 . In a similar manner, a first PCB edge  384  movably slides in the first PCB track  376  and a second PCB edge  386  movably slides in the second PCB track  378 . Since the first tray track  372 , second tray track  374 , first PCB track  376 , and second PCB track  378  are fixed with the housing  302 , the guide system  370  may also serve to maintain the spacing and lateral alignment between the PCB  348  and fiber optic cable tray  350 . 
     In  FIG. 15 , a fully assembled fiber optic/electrical distribution device  300  is shown. The first removable cover  310  and the second removable cover  312  are attached to the base  304  of the housing  302 . An electrical cable  330  and a fiber optic cable  338  extend from the housing  302  through the first removable cover  310 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates another example of fiber optic/electrical distribution device  400 . The fiber optic/electrical distribution device  400  has a housing  402  with a base  404  and a cover  406 . An electrical cable port  408  and a fiber optic cable port  410  extend from the base  404 . However, although the fiber optic cable port  410  is shown as similar to the fiber optic cable ports shown and discussed previously including with a compression fitting  416 , the electrical cable port  408  shown in  FIG. 16  has a different form. In  FIG. 16 , the electrical cable port  408  includes a pair of insulation displacement contacts (IDC)  412 . Although not shown, the IDCs  412  are electrically connected to the optical/electrical converter and other active components of the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  400  in the housing  402 . In this way, the electrical wiring from the subscriber premises can be connected by attaching them to the IDC on the outside of the housing  402 . A fiber optic cable  414  attaches to the housing  402  in the manner described previously. Fiber optic/electrical distribution device  400  is shown as having a heat sink structure  420  extending from the base  404  to provide thermal transference from the housing  402 . 
       FIG. 17  depicts another example of a fiber optic/electrical distribution device  500 . In  FIG. 17 , the fiber optic/electrical distribution device  500  is shown having a housing  502  with an interior volume  504  and a coverless base  506 . Potting material  508  is disposed in the housing  502  into the interior volume  504 . Electrical cable port  509  and fiber optic cable port  510  are formed by an electrical cable  512  and a fiber optic cable  520 , respectively, at the point where they extend out of the potting material  508 . Although not shown in  FIG. 17 , the electrical cable  512  was connected to the optical/electrical converter and other active components prior to the potting material  508  being disposed in the interior volume  504  over the conversion assembly in the housing  502 . Similarly, the fiber optic cable  520  was connected, either directly or indirectly through another cable, to the optical/electrical converter positioned in the interior volume  504  prior to the potting material  508  being disposed in the interior volume  504  over the conversion assembly in the housing  502 . An end  514  of the electrical cable  512  extends externally of the housing  502 . Also, an end  522  of the fiber optic cable  520  extends externally from the housing  502  and has a hardened fiber optic connector  524  attached to it. Three thermal transfer pads  530  also extend from the potting material  508  to provide heat dissipation from the active components in the housing  502 . 
       FIG. 18  depicts a method of sealing a fiber optic/electrical distribution device  200 ,  200 ′,  300 . The method may be implemented by extending the electrical cable port  214 ,  324  into the interior volume  208 ,  314  of the housing  202 ,  202 ′,  302 , the electrical cable port  214 ,  324  being accessible externally from the housing  202 ,  202 ′,  302  (block  600  in  FIG. 18 ); sealing the electrical cable port  214 ,  324  to prevent ingress of dust and water into the interior volume  208 ,  314  (block  602  in  FIG. 18 ); extending a fiber optic cable port  216 ,  326  into the interior volume  208 ,  314  of the housing  202 ,  202 ′,  300 , the fiber optic cable port  216 ,  326  being accessible externally from the housing  202 ,  202 ′,  300  (block  604  in  FIG. 18 ); sealing the fiber optic cable port  216 ,  326  to prevent ingress of dust and water into the interior volume  208 ,  314  (block  606  in  FIG. 18 ); positioning a conversion assembly  238 ,  238 ′,  346  in the interior volume  208 ,  314  the conversion assembly  238 ,  238 ′,  346  having a PCB  240 ,  240 ′,  348  and a fiber optic cable tray  242 ,  350 , the PCB  240 ,  240 ′,  348  having an optical/electrical converter  192  (see  FIG. 2 ) and an electrical power circuit  194  (see  FIG. 2 ), with the fiber optic cable tray  242 ,  350  supported in stacked alignment with the PCB  240   240 ′,  348  (block  608  in  FIG. 18 ); sealing the interior volume  208 ,  314  from environmental effects; maintaining a defined spacing between the PCB  240 ,  240 ′,  348  and the fiber optic cable tray  242 ,  350  (block  610  in  FIG. 18 ); maintaining the PCB  240 ,  240 ′,  348  and the fiber optic cable tray  242 ,  350  in lateral alignment (block  612  in  FIG. 18 ); extending a plurality of stand-offs  244 ,  352  from the surface of the fiber optic equipment tray  242 ,  350  (block  614  in  FIG. 18 ); positioning ones of the plurality of stand-offs  244 ,  352  in respective ones of the plurality of receiving holes  245 ,  345  in the PCB  240 ,  240 ′,  348  (block  616  in  FIG. 18 ); and e-coating the housing  202 ,  202 ′,  302  with corrosion resistant solution (block  618  in  FIG. 18 ). 
     Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Since modifications combinations, sub-combinations and variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.