Patent Description:
Rapid growth of portable high-speed wireless transceiver devices (e.g., smart phones, tablets, laptop computers, etc.) continues in today's market, thereby creating higher demand for untethered contact. Thus, there is growing demand for integrated voice, data and video capable of being transmitted wirelessly at data rates of 10Gbits/second and faster. To provide the bandwidth needed to support this demand will require the cost effective and efficient deployment of additional fixed location transceivers (i.e., cell sites or nodes) for generating both large and small wireless coverage areas.

<CIT> discloses a power and communication transmission system comprising:
a hybrid cable with an electrical conductor and an optical fibre; a first interface for connecting one end of the cable to a AC/DC power converter; and a second interface for connecting the other end of the cable to a device via a DC/DC power converter.

Optional embodiments are set out in the dependent claims. One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an architecture that allows both power and communications to be transmitted over one cable to a device for generating a cellular coverage area (e.g., macrocell, microcell, metrocell, picocell, femtocell, etc.). In certain examples, aspects of the present disclosure are particularly advantageous for deploying small coverage area devices (e.g., microcell devices, picocell devices, femtocell devices).

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices that facilitate the fast, low cost and simple deployment of optical fiber and power lines to interface with active devices such as devices for generating wireless communication coverage areas (e.g., wireless transceivers) and other active devices (e.g., cameras).

Still other aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods and devices that facilitate the deployment of wireless communication coverage areas at various locations such as stadiums, shopping areas, hotels, high rise office buildings, multi-dwelling units, suburban environments, corporate and university campuses, in-building areas, near-building areas, tunnels, canyons, roadside areas and coastal areas.

Still further aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for enhancing the coverage areas provided by cellular technologies (e.g., GSM, CDMA, UMTS, LTE, WiMax, WiFi, etc.).

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for providing electrical power and communication signals to an active device. The method includes converting the electrical power from a first voltage to a second voltage at a first location. The method also includes transmitting the electrical power having the second voltage through a hybrid cable from the first location to a second location, and transmitting the communication signals in an optical form through the hybrid cable from the first location to the second location. The method further includes converting the electrical power to a third voltage at the second location and converting the communication signals from the optical form to an electrical form at the second location. The method additionally includes powering the active device with the electrical power having the third voltage and supplying the communication signals to the active device at the second location.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the examples disclosed herein are based.

Various examples will be described in detail with reference to the figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible variations of the inventive aspects disclosed herein.

<FIG> shows a system <NUM> in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure for enhancing the coverage areas provided by cellular technologies (e.g., GSM, CDMA, UMTS, LTE, WiMax, WiFi, etc.). The system <NUM> includes a base location <NUM> (i.e., a hub) and a plurality of wireless coverage area defining equipment 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e and 12f distributed about the base location <NUM>. In certain example, the base location <NUM> can include a structure <NUM> (e.g., a closet, hut, building, housing, enclosure, cabinet, etc.) protecting telecommunications equipment such as racks, fiber optic adapter panels, passive optical splitters, wavelength division multi-plexers, fiber splice locations, optical fiber patching and/or fiber interconnect structures and other active and/or passive equipment. In the depicted example, the base location <NUM> is connected to a central office <NUM> or other remote location by a fiber optic cable such as a multi-fiber optical trunk cable <NUM> that provides high band-width two-way optical communication between the base location <NUM> and the central office <NUM> or other remote location. In the depicted example, the base location <NUM> is connected to the wireless coverage area defining equipment 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e and 12f by hybrid cables <NUM>. The hybrid cables <NUM> are each capable of transmitting both power and communications between the base location <NUM> and the wireless coverage area defining equipment 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e and 12f.

The wireless coverage area defining equipment 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e and 12f can each include one or more wireless transceiver <NUM>. The transceivers <NUM> can include single transceivers <NUM> or distributed arrays of transceivers <NUM>. As used herein, a "wireless transceiver" is a device or arrangement of devices capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals. A wireless transceiver typically includes an antenna for enhancing receiving and transmitting the wireless signals. Wireless coverage areas are defined around each of the wireless coverage area defining equipment 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e and 12f. Wireless coverage areas can also be referred to as cells, cellular coverage areas, wireless coverage zones, or like terms. Examples of and/or alternative terms for wireless transceivers include radio-heads, wireless routers, cell sites, wireless nodes, etc..

In the depicted example of <FIG>, the base location <NUM> is shown as a base transceiver station (BTS) located adjacent to a radio tower <NUM> supporting and elevating a plurality the wireless coverage area defining equipment 12a. In one example, the equipment 12a can define wireless coverage areas such as a macrocells or microcells (i.e., cells each having a coverage area less than or equal to about <NUM> kilometers wide). The wireless coverage area defining equipment 12b is shown deployed at a suburban environment (e.g., on a light pole in a residential neighborhood) and the equipment 12c is shown deployed at a roadside area (e.g., on a roadside power pole). The equipment 12c could also be installed at other locations such as tunnels, canyons, coastal areas, etc. In one example, the equipment 12b, 12c can define wireless coverage areas such as microcells or picocells (i.e., cells each having a coverage area equal to or less than about <NUM> meters wide). The equipment 12d is shown deployed at a campus location (e.g., a university or corporate campus), the equipment 12e is shown deployed at a large public venue location (e.g., a stadium), and the equipment 12f is shown installed at an in-building or near-building environment (e.g., multi-dwelling unit, high rise, school, etc.). In one example, the equipment 12d, 12e, and 12f can define wireless coverage areas such as microcells, picocells, or femtocells (i.e., cells each having a coverage area equal to or less than about <NUM> meters wide).

<FIG> shows a cable system <NUM> that can be used to transmit power and communications from a first location <NUM> to an active device <NUM> at a second location <NUM>. The second location <NUM> is remote from the first location <NUM>. In certain example, the first location <NUM> can be a base location and the active device <NUM> can include wireless coverage area defining equipment. Examples of wireless coverage area defining equipment and locations where such equipment may be installed are described above. Examples of other types of active devices include cameras such as high definition video cameras.

The first location <NUM> receives optical signals from a remote location <NUM> via a fiber optic trunk cable <NUM>. Optical fibers of the trunk cable <NUM> can be separated at a fan-out device <NUM> at the first location. Alternatively, optical power splitters or wavelength division multi-plexers can be used to split optical communications signals from the trunk cable <NUM> to multiple optical fibers. The fibers can be routed to a patch panel <NUM> having fiber optic adapters <NUM> (i.e., structures for optically and mechanically interconnecting two fiber optic connectors <NUM>). The first location <NUM> can also include a combined power/communication panel <NUM> having fiber optic adapters <NUM> paired with power adapters <NUM> (i.e., ports). Connectorized fiber optic patch cords <NUM> can be routed from the fiber optic adapters <NUM> to the fiber optic adapters <NUM>.

The first location <NUM> can receive electrical power from a main power line <NUM>. In one example the main power line <NUM> can be part of a mains power system that provides <NUM>-<NUM> nominal volt alternating current (example frequencies include <NUM> and <NUM> Hertz). The first location <NUM> can include a converter <NUM> for converting the electrical power from the first voltage (e.g., 100v, 120v, 220v, 230v, 240v etc. nominal voltage) to a second voltage that is less than the first voltage. In one example, the second voltage is less than or equal to <NUM> volts and less than or equal to <NUM> Watts such that the output voltage complies with NEC Class II requirements. In one example, the converter <NUM> is an AC/DC converter that converts the electrical power from alternating current to direct current. Connectorized power cords <NUM> can be used to route electrical power having the second voltage from the converter <NUM> to the power adapters <NUM>. In certain examples, the combined power/communications panel <NUM> can include at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> fiber optic adapters paired with corresponding power adapters <NUM>. In certain examples, the converter <NUM> is large enough to provide NEC Class II compliant power through separate hybrid cables to at least <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> active devices. Of course, converter having smaller capacities could be used as well. Additionally, the converter <NUM> can be part of a voltage conversion package including overvoltage protection that provides protection/grounding in the event of lightning strikes and main crosses.

A hybrid cable <NUM> can be used to transmit electrical power and optical communication signals between the first and second locations <NUM>, <NUM>. The hybrid cable <NUM> can include an outer jacket <NUM> containing at least one optical fiber <NUM> for carrying the optical communication signals and electrical conductors <NUM> (e.g., wires such as ground and power wires) for transmitting the electrical power having the second voltage. The hybrid cable <NUM> can include a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> can include a first interface for connecting the hybrid cable to electrical power and fiber optic communication at the first location <NUM>. In one example, the first interface can include a power connector <NUM> (e.g., a plug) that connects the electrical conductors <NUM> to one of the connectorized power cords <NUM> at the power/communications panel <NUM>. The power connector <NUM> can be plugged into the adapter <NUM> and can be provided at a free end of a cord that extends outwardly from the outer jacket <NUM> at the first end of the hybrid cable <NUM>. The cord can contain the electrical conductors <NUM>. The first interface can also include a fiber optic connector <NUM> (e.g., an SC connector, LC connector, ST-style connector or other type of connector) that connects the optical fiber <NUM> to one of the patch cords <NUM>. The fiber optic connector <NUM> can plug into one of the fiber optic adapters <NUM> and can be mounted at the free end of a cord that contains the optical fiber <NUM> and extends outwardly from the outer jacket <NUM> at the first end of the hybrid cable <NUM>.

The second end <NUM> of the hybrid cable <NUM> can include a second interface for connecting the hybrid cable <NUM> to the active device <NUM> such that electrical power is provided to the active device <NUM> and such that fiber optic communication signals can be transmitted between the first and second locations <NUM>, <NUM>. The second interface includes an interface structure <NUM> including a power connection location <NUM> and a communication connection location <NUM>. In one example, the interface structure <NUM> includes a power converter <NUM> for converting electrical power carried by the hybrid cable <NUM> to a direct current third voltage that is less than the second voltage. In one example, the third voltage corresponds to an electrical voltage requirement of the active device <NUM>. In one example, the power converter <NUM> is a DC/DC converter. In one example, the third voltage is 12V, 24V or 48V. In examples where AC current is transmitted by the hybrid cable <NUM>, the power converter <NUM> can be an AC/AC converter and the power converter <NUM> can be an AC/DC converter. In certain examples, the interface structure <NUM> can include an optical-to-electrical converter for converting the communications signals carried by the optical fiber <NUM> from an optical form to an electrical form. In other examples, optical-to-electrical conversion can be performed by the active device <NUM> or can take place between the active device <NUM> and the interface structure <NUM>.

In one example, the interface structure <NUM> includes a converter interface that allows power converters <NUM> with different conversion ratios to interface and be compatible with the interface structure <NUM>. The conversion ratio of the particular power converter <NUM> used can be selected based on factors such as the voltage requirement of the active device <NUM> and the length of the hybrid cable <NUM>. The power converters <NUM> can have a modular configuration can be installed within the interface structure <NUM> in the field or in the factory. In one example, the power converters <NUM> can have a "plug-and-play" interface with the interface structure. The modular configuration also allows the power converter <NUM> to be easily replaced with another power converter <NUM>, if necessary. In certain examples, the interface structure <NUM> can include overvoltage protection and grounding arrangements such as fuses, metal oxide varistors, gas tubes or combinations thereof.

In one example, the electrical power having the third voltage can be output to the active device <NUM> through the power connection location <NUM>. The power connection location <NUM> can include a power connector, a power port, a power cord or like structures for facilitating connecting power to the active device <NUM>. In one example, the power connection location <NUM> can have a modular configuration that allows interface connectors having different form factors to be used.

In one example, the communications signals can be transferred between the hybrid cable <NUM> and the active device through the communication connection location <NUM>. The communication connection location <NUM> can include a connector, a port, a cord or like structures for facilitating connecting to the active device <NUM>. In one example, the communication connection location <NUM> can have a modular configuration that allows interface connectors having different form factors to be used. In the case where the optical to electrical converter is provided within the interface structure <NUM>, the connection location can include electrical communication type connectors (e.g., plugs or jacks) such as RJ style connectors. In the case where the optical to electrical converter is provided at the active device <NUM>, the communication connection location <NUM> can include fiber optic connectors and or fiber optic adapters (e.g., SC connectors/adapters; LC connectors/adapters, etc.). In certain examples, ruggedized, environmentally sealed connectors/adapters can be used (e.g., see <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. It will be appreciated that when the active devices include wireless transceivers, the active devices can receive wireless signals from the coverage area and such signals can be carried from the active devices to the base station <NUM> via the hybrid cables. Also, the active devices can covert signals received from the hybrid cables into wireless signals that are broadcasted/transmitted over the coverage area.

In one example, the second voltage is less than the first voltage and greater than the third voltage. The third voltage is the voltage required by the active device at the second location. In one example, the second voltage is sufficiently larger than the third voltage to account for inherent voltage losses that occur along the length of the hybrid cable.

<FIG> shows another system <NUM> in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The system <NUM> is adapted for inexpensively providing optical signals and power to a relatively small number of small cell devices <NUM> (i.e., transceivers). In certain examples, the system <NUM> provides optical signals and power to only <NUM>, <NUM> or two small cell devices <NUM>. In other examples, provides optical signals and power to a single small cell device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the system <NUM> includes a network interface device <NUM> which typically includes a housing, box or enclosure that may mount at a subscriber location (e.g., on an exterior wall). The network interface device <NUM> connects to an interface <NUM> (e.g., a customer/subscriber interface, a central office interface, etc.) via line <NUM> such that two-way communication of data, voice and video can be provided between the network interface device <NUM> and the interface <NUM>. In certain examples, the line <NUM> can include a patch cord having connectorized ends that are plugged into corresponding ports provided at the interface <NUM> and at the network interface device <NUM>. In other examples, the line <NUM> can include spliced connections with the interface <NUM> and/or with the network interface device <NUM>. In some examples, optical signals are conveyed through the line <NUM>. In such examples, the network interface device <NUM> includes structure that optically couples the line <NUM> to an optical fiber of a hybrid cable <NUM> routed form the network interface device <NUM> to a device interface <NUM> that interfaces with the small cell device <NUM>. Signals received from the hybrid cable <NUM> by the small cell device <NUM> can be wirelessly transmitted by the small cell device <NUM> to the coverage area. Wireless signals received by the small cell device <NUM> can be transmitted back through the hybrid cable <NUM> and the line <NUM> to the interface <NUM>.

In other examples, electrical signals can be conveyed through the line <NUM>. In such examples, the network interface device <NUM> can include a media converter (e.g., and electrical to optical converter) for converting the electrical signals received from the interface <NUM> to optical signals that are conveyed through an optical fiber of the hybrid cable <NUM> to the device interface <NUM> that interfaces with the small cell device <NUM>. The media converter also converts optical signals received from the hybrid cable <NUM> to electrical signals sent to the interface <NUM> via the line <NUM>. Signals received from the hybrid cable <NUM> by the small cell device <NUM> can be wirelessly transmitted by the small cell device <NUM> to the coverage area. Wireless signals received by the small cell device <NUM> can be transmitted back through the hybrid cable <NUM> and the line <NUM> to the interface <NUM>.

The network interface device <NUM> also receives power from a small scale power supply <NUM>. In one example, the small scale power supply <NUM> includes a small scale AC/DC converter <NUM> (e.g., a wall wart type device having a converter brick with an integrated or corded plug) that converts only enough power to support no more than <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> active devices. In one example, the small scale power supply supports only one active device per each AC/DC converter <NUM> provided. Thus, separate AC/DC converters <NUM> can be provided for each active device needed to be powered. In certain examples, each AC/DC converter <NUM> provides DC voltage that is less than or equal to <NUM> volts and less than or equal to <NUM> Watts. Each AC/DC converter <NUM> can interface with an uninterrupted power supply unit (UPS) <NUM> that receives power from a mains power system <NUM> (e.g., a power system/grid having AC power ranging from <NUM>-<NUM> volts). In certain examples, separate UPS <NUM> units can be provided for each AC/DC converter <NUM>. The UPS <NUM> provides a battery back-up so that the power supply <NUM> continues to provide power for a predetermined amount of time even if power from the mains power system <NUM> is interrupted.

The network interface device <NUM> includes circuitry for electrically connecting the power from the small scale power supply <NUM> to electrical conductors of the hybrid cable <NUM>. The electrical conductors of the hybrid cable <NUM> carry power to the device interface <NUM> which supplies power to the space cell device <NUM>. The device interface <NUM> can include overvoltage protection and can include voltage conversion circuitry. For example, the device interface <NUM> can reduce the DC voltage from the hybrid cable to a lower voltage compatible with the small cell device <NUM>. The network interface device <NUM> also includes circuitry for providing overvoltage protection. In certain examples, the level of overvoltage protection provided by the interface device <NUM> can be compatible with or equal to the levels of safety and protection of present POTS telephone systems. As depicted at <FIG>, the overvoltage protection provided at the network interface device <NUM> can include gas discharge tubes <NUM> that connect to ground when the interior gas is ionized by high voltage, metal oxide varistors <NUM> that couple to ground in response to voltage surges, and fast acting fuses <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the various electrical components within the network interface device <NUM> can be circuit board mounted.

In certain examples, the AC/DC converter <NUM> and the UPS <NUM> are not housed within the housing of the network interface device <NUM>. Instead a power line <NUM> directs power from the small scale power supply <NUM> to the network interface device <NUM>. Conductors of the power line <NUM> are coupled to the conductors of the hybrid cable <NUM> at the network interface device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A power and communication transmission system, for transmitting power and communications to an active device, the system comprising:
a hybrid cable (<NUM>) having an electrical conductor (<NUM>) and an optical fiber (<NUM>), the hybrid cable (<NUM>) including a first end (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>);
a first interface for connecting the first end (<NUM>) of the hybrid cable (<NUM>) to electrical power and to fiber optic communication;
a second interface for connecting the second end (<NUM>) of the hybrid cable (<NUM>) to the active device such that electrical power and fiber optic communication are provided to the active device, the second interface including an independent interface structure (<NUM>) including an interface unit that is independent from the active device;
the first interface including an AC/DC power converter that converts the electrical power provided to the first end of the hybrid cable from alternating current to direct current having a first DC voltage, the hybrid cable being used to transmit the electrical power from the AD/DC power converter to the second interface and being used to transmit optical communication signals between the first and second interfaces; and
the interface unit of the second interface including a DC/DC power converter for converting the electrical power provided from the hybrid cable to a second DC voltage that corresponds to an electrical voltage requirement of the active device, the interface unit of the second interface also including an optical-to-electrical converter for converting the communications signals carried by the optical fiber from an optical form to an electrical form such that the communications signals are provided to the active device in the electrical form.