CN102257733A

CN102257733A - Bandwidth conditioning device

Info

Publication number: CN102257733A
Application number: CN2009801508225A
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·A·奥尔森; D·克尔马; J·赖; R·帕林卡斯; S·K·沙菲尔; T·K·科克斯
Original assignee: PPC Broadband Inc
Current assignee: PPC Broadband Inc
Priority date: 2008-10-16
Filing date: 2009-10-16
Publication date: 2011-11-23
Also published as: KR20110094281A; WO2010045552A1

Abstract

A device is provided for conditioning a total bandwidth. The device includes a return path extending at least a portion of a distance between a supplier side connector and a user side connector, and a forward path extending at least a portion of a distance between the supplier side connector and the user side connector. An upstream section including a variable signal level adjustment device connected within the return path. A downstream section including a forward coupler connected within the forward path. The device further includes at least one microprocessor. The microprocessor is connected electrically upstream the variable signal level adjustment device. The microprocessor reduces an amount of signal level adjustment applied to the return path in response to a reduction in a level of a downstream bandwidth at the forward coupler.

Description

Bandwidth adjustment equipment

Technical field

Present invention relates in general to be used for the signal regulating equipment of system of community antenna television (" CATV ").

Background technology

It is known using the CATV system that the Internet, internet voice protocol (" VOIP ") phone, TV, safety and music service are provided in the art.In these services are provided, downlink bandwidth (promptly, radio frequency (" RF ") signal, digital signal and/or light signal) be provided to the user from the supply of serving, and upstream bandwidth (that is, radio frequency (" RF ") signal, digital signal and/or light signal) is delivered to supply from the user.Most of distances between supply and user, downlink bandwidth and upstream bandwidth constitute the total bandwidth of transmitting via signal transmssion line (for example, coaxial cable).Downlink bandwidth for example is the relative higher signal of frequency in the total bandwidth of CATV system, and upstream bandwidth for example is the relatively low signal of frequency.

Traditionally, the CATV system comprises head-end facility, begins to enter main CATV distribution system at this downlink bandwidth, and it generally includes a plurality of main lines, and every main line is at least one Local Distribution Network service.Conversely, downlink bandwidth is delivered to the user of the relative small number related with specific Local Distribution Network (for example, near 100-500).Equipment such as high pass filter is set at the intrasystem all places of CATV, in turn flows through main line to guarantee downlink bandwidth from head-end facility, and Local Distribution Network finally flows to the user.

On all places between head-end facility and the user, have the amplifier and the inclination adjustment device that are used to keep the downlink bandwidth quality.Three terms (that is, quality, amplifier and inclination adjustment device) of overstating and wanting for all the other discussion have been introduced in this explanation.These will be discussed below widely.

The quality of downlink bandwidth usually is the measurement to following content: (i) signal level of particular channel in the downlink bandwidth, and this signal level only is called " level "; (ii) level is crossed over the general consistency of all channels in the downlink bandwidth, and this general consistency is called as " inclination ".These objective measurements are usually used by technician, analyst and/or miscellaneous equipment, with CATV systematic function and the solution client complaint of estimating run duration.

The level of each channel should belong to and has been confirmed as the particular range that the user provides satisfied video, sound and rate of information transmission.What help to understand this discussion is, may change in a plurality of CATV systems even single CATV system although be used for the particular demands of each channel and target, and the level of each channel has specific target.Notice that this is the definition of explaining the simplification of " level ", also note that this definition does not comprise that other changes, for example have the channel and variation of analog-modulated form with interchannel of digital modulation formats.

Inclination is the measurement that is used to estimate most of waste that experiences owing to the length of the signal transmssion line that carries downlink bandwidth.Although all channels of downlink bandwidth experience some loss, use the interior upper frequency institute of downlink bandwidth channel transmitted than using the lower frequency channel transmitted to experience more loss.Thereby, when the level that is used for all channels in the downlink bandwidth with graphical representation, so that they when arranging in order, from the lowest frequency channel to the highest frequency channel, may occur in the drawings significantly according to the frequency range of respective channel can with eye see downward-sloping.This is downward-sloping to become more obvious along with the increase of signal transmssion line length.Notice that this is to explain the consistency of level on all channels and defined by the simplification of " inclinations " that loss generated that produce in signal transmssion line.Notice that also this definition does not comprise other variation of level, for example have the channel and variation of analog-modulated form with interchannel level of digital modulation formats.

The existence of tilting is not typically removed with house type amplifier (drop-style amplifier) by using.Only amplify whole downlink bandwidth with the house type amplifier.In other words, these promote the level of each channel comparably with the house type amplifier.Further, if there are a large amount of inclinations, for example when user's guard station (premise) comprises the signal transmssion line of long distance, can cause level demand or the target of some channels with the house type amplifier, and other channel can remain under their demand or target above them.

Known when having long signal transmssion line, add fixing or manual adjustable heel compensator/low cut device.But these equipment need expensive test equipment to determine whether and should and/or how many slope compensations should be offered specific guard station with slope compensation.In addition, owing to installation cost with about how the common misunderstanding of this equipment is installed, compare with the quantity of needed this equipment, they seldom exist.Except the problem that downlink bandwidth experienced, upstream bandwidth also should be conditioned to guarantee customer satisfaction.

The upstream bandwidth that passes each Local Distribution Network is compile (compilation) of the upstream bandwidth that produces in the guard station (being connected to specific distribution network) each user.The upstream bandwidth that produces in each guard station for example comprises from the uplink information signal of the expectation of modulator-demodulator, set-top box and the signal of other expectation.The upstream bandwidth that produces in each user resident also comprises the interference signal of not expecting, for example noise or other glitch.Many generators of the interference signal that these are not expected are for because their operation but not produce the electric equipment of the signal of telecommunication wittingly.These equipment comprise vacuum cleaner, motor, family expenses transformer, soldering apparatus and many other household electric appliances.Many other generators of the interference signal that these are not expected comprise part because their operation but not produce the equipment of RF signal wittingly.These equipment comprise wireless home or office telephone, mobile phone, wireless internet appliance, civil band (" CB ") radio, personal communication devices etc.Although expect for their purpose that is intended to by the RF signal that these equipment described later produce, if allow them to enter the CATV system, then these signals will with the uplink information signal conflict of expecting.

No matter whether the interference signal of not expecting is that the non-signal of telecommunication of having a mind to produce also is non-RF signal of having a mind to generation, they all can be allowed to enter the CATV system, pass through equipment, impaired coaxial cable and/or the impaired separator (splitter) of port, operation inadequately for no reason usually.As mentioned above, descending/upstream bandwidth passes the signal transmssion line (coaxial cable that is used for the major part distance between user and the head end) of particular type.This coaxial cable is by shielding the interference signal of not expecting wittingly from the setting of central conductor outward radial and with the conductive layer of the coaxial setting of central conductor.Similarly, the equipment that is connected to coaxial cable provides the shielding to the interference signal of not expecting usually.But, when not having extra coaxial cable or not being connected to the equipment of port, for example in the guard station, have under the situation of untapped port in the room, the central conductor of port is exposed in the room interference signal of not expecting arbitrarily that exists, and the work that will play similar miniature antenna is in order to collect the interference signal that those are not expected.Similarly, coaxial cable or the equipment with impaired or the shielding of breaking down also may be collected the interference signal of not expecting.

The interference signal of not expecting has given the extra burden of upstream bandwidth part of CATV system.When the user uploads to big image file photo and shares the website, image file will be broken down into many packets, and above-mentioned packet can mix with other packet by the specific part of the upstream bandwidth that is positioned at other user on the CATV system specific signal line.For the total data throughout on the optimization signal specific transmission line, packet can postpone under the situation that any knowledge that does not need the user also can not made troubles to the user and/or recombinate significantly.When the user used the VOIP telephone service, their sound was converted into and the data packet format similar data bag that is used to upload image file.Because typical session is carried out in real time, meaning needs packet to flow incessantly and intactly, thereby will notice the obvious delay of data packet delivery and/or packet reorganization soon with anyone of user talk, this causes the audio distortion of user voice.Any this reorganization and/or delay during the packet of carrying VOIP telephone service is uploaded are measured with regard to the shake aspect, and are critically monitored owing to the obvious quality of service characteristics of its performance.Because the interference signal of not expecting is usually damaged, is replaced and/or destroys independent packet, thereby the interference signal of not expecting is easy to cause extra shake.

Consider above said content, should be clear that to have intrinsic system-level defective, it makes upstream bandwidth open, and easily by unique user influence arbitrarily.For example, when monitoring incessantly and being safeguarded by skilled network engineers, the user keeps upstream bandwidth and need not skills or knowledge and reduce the generation of interference signal and reduce interference signal and enter upstream bandwidth.When knowing that a user can easily influence all other users, this problem also is mixed with the number of users that links together in specific distribution network especially.

Use conventional method to attempt improving the not achieving success of overall signal quality of upstream bandwidth.The measurement of overall signal quality comprises the key element such as signal strength signal intensity and signal to noise ratio (that is the ratio of the information signal of expectation and the interference signal of not expecting) and so on.As mentioned, by in specific user resident or near the applied increase that has realized downlink bandwidth intensity with the house type amplifier.These successes of using the house type amplifier are mainly in view of the following fact: because top more complete description, the level of the interference signal of not expecting that occurs in the downlink bandwidth is very low.Because the information signal of the interference signal do not expected and expectation amplifies same amount, thereby the intrinsic existence of the interference signal of not expecting in the upstream bandwidth that is produced by each user is got rid of these usually typically in order to the use of the usefulness house type amplifier of amplification upstream bandwidth.Thereby signal to noise ratio keeps near constant, perhaps poorer, thereby when carrying out this typical usefulness house type amplifier, can not increase the overall signal quality of upstream bandwidth.

Solution is to increase the width of upstream bandwidth holding more information about a kind of trial of these problems of upstream bandwidth, thereby the interference signal that makes upstream bandwidth be subjected to not expect influences littler.Routinely, because the essence of the service that provides, the size of downlink bandwidth is considerably beyond the size of upstream bandwidth.For example, when downlink bandwidth must hold whole TVs and music program and the Internet and VOIP and downloads, upstream bandwidth only needed to hold that the Internet is uploaded, system control signal and VOIP upload.

A plurality of CATV supplies have the width of upstream bandwidth from the plan that 5-42MHz is increased to 5-85MHZ, flow to allow more up content.Along with this increase, the size of downlink bandwidth must correspondingly reduce, because the total bandwidth relative fixed.But this change is very difficult to carry out.

Conventional practice will need each node section ground with two-way (duplex) filter in house type amplifier and the network amplifier and CATV system to change along with the increase of upstream bandwidth size.Mixed the difficulty of carrying out this variation, all changes must be carried out on all places of whole C ATV system at single special time.Thereby this execution expends time in, price high and be difficult to adjustment.

Further, the increase of upstream bandwidth size impels supply to advance the more and more higher frequency part of their descending content to downlink bandwidth.As discussed above, these higher frequencies are easier to be subjected to the influence of the parasitic loss of the signal strength signal intensity that caused by equipment that is connected to signal transmssion line in the connector in signal transmssion line, user's the guard station, user's the guard station etc.Thereby because the increase of upstream bandwidth size, the quality that moves to the content of higher frequency in the downlink bandwidth may obviously diminish, and causes the service call that customer satisfaction descends and price is high to increase.

In addition, when the increase of upstream bandwidth size may increase upstream data bag mobile progressively, owing to make that upstream bandwidth is open and be easy to be subjected to the intrinsic system-level defective of any unique user influence, upstream bandwidth kept being subject to reliability/congested influence.

For above-mentioned at least reason, clearly need a kind of like this equipment, it can increase the total quality of downlink bandwidth, increases the total quality of upstream bandwidth and/or the ability of the width that strengthens upstream bandwidth is provided.

Summary of the invention

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of upstream bandwidth conditioning equipment, its can be inserted near or signal transmssion line near the CATV system of user resident in.This equipment comprises: the variable signal level is adjusted equipment, and it is configured to produce the signal level adjustment amount to upstream bandwidth; And circuitry for signal measurement, it is configured to measure and applies the extra level and adjust first signal strength values of upstream bandwidth before the recruitment and apply secondary signal intensity after the extra level adjustment amount.This equipment also comprises: be configured to the circuit that (i) compares described first signal strength signal intensity and described secondary signal intensity and (ii) remove during greater than described secondary signal intensity when described first signal strength signal intensity at least a portion of extra level adjustment recruitment.

According to one embodiment of present invention, the equipment that provides a kind of use to be positioned at user resident is regulated the method via the upstream bandwidth of the transmission line of CATV system.This method comprises the steps: that (a) provides the equipment with user side and supply side; (b) the variable signal level is set and adjusts equipment between user side and supply side; (c) measure first signal strength values that the variable signal level is adjusted the locational upstream bandwidth of device downstream; (d) recruitment with the adjustment of extra level is applied to upstream bandwidth; (e) measure the secondary signal intensity level; (f) first signal strength values and secondary signal intensity level are compared; (g) repeatedly execution in step (c)-(f) reaches predetermined period.At the secondary signal intensity level during, remove at least a portion of the recruitment that the extra level adjusts less than first signal strength values.

According to one embodiment of present invention, the equipment that provides a kind of use to be positioned at user resident is regulated the method via the upstream bandwidth of the transmission line of CATV system.This method comprises the steps: that (a) provides the equipment with user side and supply side; (b) the variable signal level is set and adjusts equipment between user side and supply side; (c) measure first signal strength values that the variable signal level is adjusted the locational upstream bandwidth of device downstream; (d) recruitment with the adjustment of extra level is applied to upstream bandwidth; (e) after the additional quantity that applies the signal level adjustment, measure the secondary signal intensity level; (f) first signal strength values and secondary signal intensity level are compared; (g) when secondary signal intensity level during, proceed to step (i) less than first signal strength values; (h) in a single day repeatedly execution in step (c)-(g) reaches predetermined period, and finishes predetermined period, then proceed to step (j); (i) reduce the scheduled volume of the recruitment of extra level adjustment, and proceed to step (j); (j) provide the continuous signal level adjustment of upstream bandwidth.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of downlink bandwidth output level and/or output level slope compensation equipment, it can be inserted in user's the guard station or near the signal transmssion line of the CATV system user's the guard station.Described equipment comprises: tuner, and it is configured to scan downlink bandwidth with identification low frequency channel and high frequency channel; With the Multiple Channel Analysis device, it is configured to determine each form of low frequency channel and high frequency channel.Described equipment also comprises: signal level measuring equipment, it is configured to measure low frequency channel level and high frequency channel level.Described equipment also comprises: off-centre circuit, and it is configured to carry out the step below one or more: (i) when low frequency channel is number format, increase deviant to the low frequency channel level; (ii) when low frequency channel is analog format, deduct deviant from the low frequency channel level; (iii) when high frequency channel is number format, increase deviant to the high frequency channel level; (iv) when high frequency channel is analog format, deduct the gain deviant from the high frequency channel level.Described equipment also comprises: microprocessor, it is configured to and will comprises that the low frequency channel level of any deviant and high frequency channel level and predetermined signal strength damage curve compare.Described equipment also comprises: variable output level compensation equipment is used to downlink bandwidth that the output level compensation rate is provided; Adjust circuit with variable tilted, be used to downlink bandwidth that the tilt adjustments amount is provided.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide in the user resident of a kind of CATV of adjusting service, near the user resident or near the method for the downlink bandwidth in user room.This method comprises: receive downlink bandwidth from the CATV supply; The scanning downlink bandwidth is to obtain low frequency channel and high frequency channel; With the low frequency channel level of measuring low frequency channel and the high frequency channel level of high frequency channel.This method also comprises: the modulation format of determining low frequency channel; Determine the modulation format of high frequency channel; And when one of low frequency channel and high frequency channel be that analog-modulated form and one of low frequency channel and high frequency channel are during for digital modulation formats, with one of low frequency channel and high frequency channel skew predetermined offset.This method also comprises: will comprise that the low frequency channel level of any deviant and high frequency channel level and predetermined signal strength gain/loss curve compare.This method also comprises: for downlink bandwidth provides the output level compensation rate; With the tilt adjustments amount is provided for downlink bandwidth.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of frequency band to select equipment, it can be inserted in the signal transmssion line of the CATV system in user's the guard station.Described equipment comprises: at least two signal path collection between supply side and the user side.Each signal path collection comprises two discrete signal paths, and forward path allows downlink bandwidth to pass to user side and return path allows upstream bandwidth to pass to the supply side from user side from the supply side.Forward path and return path end the jump frequency difference by separating by jump frequency for each signal path collection.This equipment also comprises: switch controller, have at least two discrete switching positions, and switch controller is selected the result of a switching position as information signal.Each switching position is corresponding to a corresponding signal path collection.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide in a kind of user resident that is used to change the CATV service, near the user resident or near the method for the CATV frequency band of user resident.This method comprises: in the guard station, near the guard station or near the guard station frequency band is set and selects equipment.This equipment comprises: at least two signal path collection between supply side and the user side.Each signal path collection comprises two discrete signal paths, forward path allow downlink bandwidth from the supply side through user side and return path allow upstream bandwidth from user side through the supply side.Forward path and return path end the jump frequency difference by separating by jump frequency for each signal path collection.This equipment also comprises: switch controller has at least two discrete switching positions.Switch controller is selected the result of a switching position as information signal.Each switching position is corresponding to a corresponding signal path collection.This method comprises that also the actuating switch controller arrives of the concentrated expectation of each signal path as the result of information signal.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of downlink bandwidth conditioning equipment, it can be inserted in the user resident, near the guard station or in the signal transmssion line near the CATV system of guard station.Described equipment comprises: forward path, it extends on the distance of at least a portion between supply side-connector and the user side connector.Coupler connects in described forward path, and described coupler provides second path.Tuner is connected to described coupler, and can carry out tuning based on the input of microprocessor.Described tuner provides the tuner output of selective channel, the channel of selection be in high frequency channel and the low frequency channel one of at least.The Multiple Channel Analysis device is connected to the output of described tuner.Described Multiple Channel Analysis device provides modulation output for microprocessor.It is different when described modulation output is digital modulation with the channel of selection when the channel of selecting is analog-modulated.The tilt adjustments circuit is connected between described forward path intercoupler and supply side-connector.Described tilt adjustments circuit can be exported and adjust based on the inclination control that microprocessor provides.The output compensating circuit is electrically connected between forward signal path intercoupler and supply side-connector.The output compensating circuit can be exported and adjust based on the level control of microprocessor.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide in a kind of user resident that is used to regulate the CATV service, near the guard station or near the method for the downlink bandwidth of guard station.Described method comprises: begin first pattern.Described first pattern comprises: from downlink bandwidth be tuned to the initial high frequency channel; With obtain high channel modulation format and high channel level from the initial high frequency channel.This method also comprises: from downlink bandwidth be tuned to the initial low frequency channel; With obtain low Channel Modulation form and low channel level from the initial low frequency channel.This method also comprises: the level adjustment amount that downlink bandwidth is provided; With the tilt adjustments amount that downlink bandwidth is provided.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of equipment that is used to regulate the total bandwidth of CATV system.Described equipment comprises: return path, and it extends on the distance of at least a portion between supply side-connector and the user side connector; And forward path, it extends on the distance of at least a portion between described supply side-connector and the described user side connector.Ascender comprises the variable signal level adjustment equipment that is connected in the described return path.Descender comprises the forward coupler that is connected in the described forward path.This equipment also comprises at least one microprocessor.The described variable signal level of the described up connection of microprocessor electricity is adjusted equipment.Described microprocessor responds reduces and reduces the signal level adjustment amount that is applied to described return path in the level of the downlink bandwidth at forward coupler place.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of method of regulating upstream bandwidth.Described method comprises: at least one attenuation incrementation is added on the described upstream bandwidth.This method also comprises: first level of measuring downlink bandwidth.This method also comprises: at least a portion that removes at least one attenuation incrementation in response to first level of described downlink bandwidth.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of measuring equipment that is used to measure upstream bandwidth.Described equipment comprises: return path, it extends on the distance of at least a portion between supply side-connector and the user side connector.Coupler connects in described return path, and described coupler provides second path.The described coupler of the testing circuit descending connection of electricity.Level detector is electrically connected descending described testing circuit, the described level detector of the microprocessor descending connection of electricity.Described microprocessor comprises first buffer and second buffer.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of method that obtains the level data of upstream bandwidth.Described method comprises: the frequency dependence voltage source is converted to comprise the time correlation voltage source that increases the voltage period.Described method also comprises: use low-pass amplifier and peak detector to amplify and keep increasing the period of voltage.Described method also comprises: the peak value of a plurality of voltage series in the record output voltage stream, each series begins with the voltage level of the measurement that surpasses HVT high voltage threshold, and finishes with the voltage level via the measurement under the low pressure threshold.Described method also comprises: place peak value in first buffer; Calculate the first buffer average with periodicity.Described method also comprises: each first buffer average is put in second buffer; Calculate the second buffer average with periodicity.Described method also comprises: at least one first buffer average and at least one second buffer average are outputed to output equipment, for checking for the technician who regulates the upstream bandwidth purpose.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of equipment that is used to regulate upstream bandwidth.Described equipment comprises: return path, and it extends on the distance of at least a portion between supply side-connector and the user side connector; And coupler, it connects in described return path, and described coupler provides second path.The described coupler of the testing circuit descending connection of electricity.The described testing circuit of the level detector descending connection of electricity.The described level detector of the microprocessor descending connection of electricity.Described microprocessor comprises first buffer and second buffer.The variable signal level is adjusted equipment described coupler of electric descending connection in described return path.Described variable signal level is adjusted equipment and is controlled by microprocessor.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of method of regulating upstream bandwidth.Described method comprises: the frequency dependence voltage source is converted to comprise the time correlation voltage source that increases the voltage period; With the period of using the amplification of low-pass amplifier and peak detector and keeping increase voltage.Described method also comprises: the peak value of a plurality of voltage series in the record output voltage stream, each series begins with the voltage level of the measurement that surpasses HVT high voltage threshold, and finishes with the voltage level via the measurement under the low pressure threshold.Described method also comprises: place peak value in first buffer; Calculate the first buffer average with periodicity.Described method also comprises: each first buffer average is put in second buffer; With definite first buffer average whether for being higher than the value scope and being lower than one of value scope, described value scope is to be placed on one of first buffer average in second buffer to add (+) upper deviation and deduct (-) lower deviation.Described method also comprises: when first buffer during greater than the value scope, attenuation incrementation is added to upstream bandwidth; With during scope, make upstream bandwidth reduce attenuation incrementation less than value when first buffer.

Description of drawings

In order further to understand characteristic of the present invention and purpose, should be in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and with reference to putting into practice optimal way of the present invention following detailed description, in the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is the diagram according to the CATV system of embodiment of the invention layout;

Fig. 2 is the diagram according to the user's of embodiment of the invention layout guard station;

Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram of describing to comprise the conditioning equipment of the ascender of making according to one embodiment of the invention, and dotted line is represented the position of optional descender, for example the descender of describing among Figure 18;

Fig. 4 is the circuit diagram of the coupler that uses in the conditioning equipment of describing according to the one embodiment of the invention manufacturing;

Fig. 5 is the circuit diagram of the high pass filter that uses in the conditioning equipment of describing according to the one embodiment of the invention manufacturing;

Fig. 6 is the circuit diagram of the RF testing circuit that uses in the conditioning equipment of describing according to the one embodiment of the invention manufacturing;

Fig. 7 is the circuit diagram of the level detector that uses in the conditioning equipment of describing according to the one embodiment of the invention manufacturing;

Fig. 8 is the diagram of the voltage source of the low-pass amplifier in the RF testing circuit that uses from the RF detector flows to conditioning equipment according to the one embodiment of the invention manufacturing;

Fig. 9 is the diagram that the low-pass amplifier in the RF testing circuit that uses from the conditioning equipment according to the one embodiment of the invention manufacturing flows to the voltage source of level detector;

Figure 10 is the diagram that the level detector that uses from the premises equipment according to the one embodiment of the invention manufacturing flows to the voltage source of nonlinear amplifier;

Figure 11 is the circuit diagram of the nonlinear amplifier that uses in the conditioning equipment according to the one embodiment of the invention manufacturing;

Figure 12 is the diagram of nonlinear amplifier in response to the theoretical response of the voltage of linearity increase;

Figure 13 is the diagram that the nonlinear amplifier that uses from the conditioning equipment according to the one embodiment of the invention manufacturing flows to the voltage source of microprocessor;

Figure 14 regulates the flow chart of program by the upstream bandwidth that the microprocessor that uses in the conditioning equipment according to the one embodiment of the invention manufacturing is carried out;

Figure 15 is a circuit diagram of describing to comprise the conditioning equipment of the ascender of making according to one embodiment of the invention, and dotted line is represented the position of optional descender, the descender that described descender is for example shown in Figure 180;

Figure 16 is a circuit diagram of describing to comprise the conditioning equipment of the ascender of making according to one embodiment of the invention, and dotted line is represented the position of optional descender, the descender that described descender is for example shown in Figure 180;

Figure 17 is that the upstream bandwidth of describing to be carried out by the microprocessor that uses in the conditioning equipment according to the one embodiment of the invention manufacturing is regulated the flow chart of program;

Figure 18 is a circuit diagram of describing to comprise the conditioning equipment of the descender of making according to one embodiment of the invention, and dotted line is represented the position of optional ascender, for example any of Fig. 3, Figure 15 and ascender shown in Figure 16;

Figure 19 is the flow chart of describing by the signal level measuring program of the microprocessor execution of using in the conditioning equipment according to the one embodiment of the invention manufacturing;

Figure 20 is the flow chart of describing by the signal level measuring program of the microprocessor execution of using in the conditioning equipment according to the one embodiment of the invention manufacturing;

Figure 21 represents level adjustment and tilt adjustments (slope adjustment) figure of the level curve of downlink bandwidth before;

On behalf of the level adjustment, Figure 22 reach the tilt adjustments figure of the level curve of downlink bandwidth before afterwards;

On behalf of the level adjustment, Figure 23 reach the tilt adjustments figure of the level curve of downlink bandwidth afterwards afterwards, and tilt adjustments produces constant 12dBmV level curve;

On behalf of the level adjustment, Figure 24 reach the tilt adjustments figure of the level curve of downlink bandwidth afterwards afterwards, and tilt adjustments produces being inclined upwardly of 2dBmV between 54MHz and 1000MHz;

Figure 25 is a flow chart of describing to be reduced by the decay of the microprocessor execution of using in the conditioning equipment according to the one embodiment of the invention manufacturing program; With

Figure 26 describes the circuit diagram that frequency band is selected equipment, and it comprises the ascender shown in Fig. 3, Figure 15 and Figure 16 any alternatively, and comprises descender shown in Figure 180 alternatively.

Embodiment

As shown in Figure 1, the CATV system generally includes supply (supplier) 20, it is transferred to the user by main distribution system 30 with downlink bandwidth (for example RF signal, digital signal and/or light signal), and receives upstream bandwidth (for example RF signal, digital signal and/or light signal) by same main signal distribution system 30 from the user.Tap 90 is set on main signal distribution system 30, with allow downlink bandwidth from main signal distribution system 30 pass out/upstream bandwidth is delivered to main signal distribution system 30.Then, use decline transmission line (drop transmission line) 120 that tap 90 is connected to house 10,60,

apartment building

50,70, cafe 80 etc.As shown in Figure 1, total bandwidth conditioning equipment 100 of the present invention (" conditioning equipment 100 ") can be connected between decline transmission line 120 and the user resident distribution system 130.Conditioning equipment 100 be arranged so that conditioning equipment 100 " supply side " be made as " user side " than conditioning equipment 100 on electric power more near tap 90.Thereby, conditioning equipment 100 be arranged so that " user side " of conditioning equipment 100 be made as " supply side " than conditioning equipment 100 on electric power more near user resident distribution system 130.

Still, it should be understood that conditioning equipment 100 can be placed on the optional position between tap 90 and the user resident distribution system 130 with reference to figure 1.This position can be positioned at guard station (for example house 10, apartment building 70 etc.) expediently, perhaps near guard station (for example, house 60, apartment building 50 etc.).It should be understood that conditioning equipment 100 can be placed on any position, for example other shopping centre of cafe 80 or use CATV service (comprising Internet service, VOIP service or other one-way/two-way service).

As shown in Figure 2, user resident distribution system 130 can use separator (splitter) to separate, and is delivered to television set 150 and modulator-demodulator 140 thereby can make downlink bandwidth pass out/make upstream bandwidth from television set 150 and modulator-demodulator 140 according to practice well known in the art.Modulator-demodulator 140 can comprise the VOIP ability that phone 170 services are provided.Modulator-demodulator 140 for example can also comprise the router that Internet service is provided for desktop computer 160 and portable computer 180.

In addition, common practice provides set-top box (" STB ") or machine ejection device (" STU ") directly uses for television set 150.But the diagram that does not comprise for brevity, STB or STU among Fig. 2.Mention that at this STB and STU are based on the following fact: the STB of many models and STU utilize the upstream bandwidth transmission to relate to " pay-per-use " transaction, bill, utilization and other user interactions, and all these may need information is sent to supply 20 from STB or STU.Thereby, be understood that, although Fig. 2 shows a premises equipment (promptly clearly, modulator-demodulator 140) only uses a conditioning equipment 100, but each conditioning equipment 100 can use together with the premises equipment (for example, modulator-demodulator, STB, STU and/or special-purpose VOIP server) more than one the uplink information signal that passes through upstream bandwidth transmission expectation.

This paper uses term " premises equipment " to describe any one above plurality of devices of the expectation part of generation upstream bandwidth in the whole text.More specifically, the term premises equipment is used to describe near the equipment that is positioned at user resident or the user resident, its for example by receive that downlink bandwidth is communicated by letter with supply 20 and by upstream bandwidth with message transmission to supply 20, or both.These premises equipments comprise internet access modulator-demodulator, STB, STU, television set, guard station safety monitoring equipment and may need to report or provide by upstream bandwidth any following equipment of information.

In addition, although in Fig. 2, clearly illustrate, can have more than a conditioning equipment 100 to be positioned at single guard station, approaching or close single guard station.For example, can have at the conditioning equipment 100 between modulator-demodulator 140 and the separator 190 and another conditioning equipment 100 between the STB on the television set 150 or STU and separator 190.Similarly, conditioning equipment can be arranged in any position (for example, from modulator-demodulator, STB, STU, VOIP server etc.) that guard station distribution system 130 passes upstream bandwidth.

In addition, although in Fig. 2, clearly do not illustrate,, can have a near conditioning equipment 100 that is positioned at two (or more a plurality of) user residents when having when being used for that tap 90 is connected to decline transmission line 120 of two (or more a plurality of) user residents.Although owing to may before regulating, be merged thereby this setting is not considered to desirable from two (or more a plurality of) users' upstream bandwidth, but when two (or more) guard stations of physical layout for the conditioning equipment 100 that separates be set to each other very near the time, this is provided with may be necessary.

Be understood that, the purpose that conditioning equipment 100 is placed on one of above-mentioned a plurality of positions is: before specific user's upstream bandwidth and other user's transmission merges, by increasing the signal to noise ratio of upstream bandwidth, it is constant to keep user resident, increases the total amount of the upstream bandwidth in the main distribution system 30.As discussed above, only amplify upstream bandwidth and can not realize the result that expects, this is because the interference signal of not expecting that exists in the upstream bandwidth also is exaggerated.

Refer now to Fig. 3, for following discussion, the explanation of conditioning equipment 100 will be divided into four general themes: (i) general parts; (ii) optional ascender 105; (iii) optional descender 108; (iv) mutual between ascender 105 and the descender 108; (v) frequency band is selected equipment.To general parts at first be discussed progressively illustrating in the whole text the term that uses, and help to explain how upstream bandwidth passes ascender 105 and how downlink bandwidth passes descender 108.In ascender 105, descender 108 and the frequency band selection equipment each will be discussed aspect hardware, operation and control.

(i) general parts

Still with reference to figure 3, conditioning equipment 100 can comprise user side connector 210 and supply side-connector 215.In these connectors 210,215 each all can be any connector that is used for equipment that signal cable is connected to used in the art.For example, each in the connector 210,215 all can be conventional matrix " F-type " connector.

Can electric respectively proximal subscribers side-connector 210 and supply side-connector 215 user side Surge Protector 220 and supply side Surge Protector 225 are set.This location of Surge Protector 220,225 allows protection to damage parts (below will discuss fully) at the electricity between the Surge Protector 220,225.In user side Surge Protector 220 and the supply side Surge Protector 225 each all can be any Surge Protector known in the electronic application field.

Each of user side switch 250 and supply side switch 255 all has two positions.At first default location (as shown in Figure 3), switch 250,255 makes signal pass bypass path 230.In the second place, user side switch 250 and supply side switch 255 are electrically connected to user side main path 240 with user side connector 210, and supply side-connector 215 is electrically connected to supply side main path 242.As following further discussion, the critical piece of conditioning equipment 100 electricity between user side main path 240 and supply side main path 242 is connected in series.

Break down in conditioning equipment 100, for example under the situation that power supply breaks down, then switch 250,255 allows total bandwidth to pass bypass path 230.Switch 250,255 can be any SPDT known in the art (single-pole double throw) switch.For example, can select and install switch 250,255 and make when conditioning equipment 100 electric power do not occur, switch 250,255 selects first default location automatically so that total bandwidth is passed through bypass path 230.On the contrary, when having electric power, switch 250,255 is shifted to its second place, thereby makes total bandwidth pass main path 240,242.If electrical short takes place in the conditioning equipment 100, short circuit causes extracurrent to flow probably, and it is with final damage insurance silk or circuit breaker type equipment (not shown).Thereby this short circuit may cause the power consumption of switch, and this allows total bandwidth to pass bypass path 230.

Microprocessor 310 (following discussion more fully) is actuated into switch 250,255 their primary importance (that is, to bypass path 230) in the time of can also being used to detect the fault except power consumption in conditioning equipment 100.Although the not shown circuit that is used for this connection among Fig. 3, the control that it should be understood that microprocessor 310 can also be located switch 250,255 automatically under the electric fault situation except automatic control switch 250,255 discussed above.

The term of Shi Yonging " microprocessor " should be understood to include all active circuits that can carry out in the function of this discussion in the whole text.For example, microprocessor 310 can be replaced by controller, system-specific digitial controller or complicated analog circuit.

Bypass path 230 can be the coaxial cable on the circuit board, non-shielding conductor and/or stitching.All these selections can both be passed total bandwidth with very little signal attenuation.

User side duplexer 260 and supply side duplexer 265 are conductively coupled to user side main path 240 and supply side main path 242 respectively.Duplexer 260,265 is provided with and is configured to produce betwixt forward path 244 and return path 246,248.Each of duplexer 260,265 all can play the effect of the combination of similar separator, high pass filter and low pass filter, separator is divided into two signal paths with each main path 240,242, one is used for low pass filter, and one is used for high pass filter.Use this combination condition, each high pass filter passes downlink bandwidth, and each low pass filter passes upstream bandwidth.In this example, downlink bandwidth passes along the forward path 244 between the duplexer 260,265.Upstream bandwidth passes along the return path 246,248 between the duplexer 260,265.

(ii) ascender

In order to be provided for the stage discussed below (stage), hardware, operation and the control of ascender 105 will very at length at first be described at this.Utilize following knowledge: in order to solve the decay of increase, typical premises equipment increase is utilized so that it transmits the electric power of upstream bandwidth (that is, expecting upstream bandwidth), thus the increment of ascender 105 selective attenuation upstream bandwidths.Consequently the percentage of Qi Wang upstream bandwidth will be greater than the percentage of remainder (that is the upstream bandwidth of non-expectation).In order to realize these targets, ascender 105 is accurately measured the level of the upstream bandwidth of expectation.Premises equipment can not be again when increasing its output power and solve decay, accurately measure and allow under the situation that does not increase too many decay, to increase attenuation.

The upstream bandwidth of expectation may be difficult to owing to the inherent function characteristic of premises equipment measure.For example, the premises equipment upstream bandwidth that only transmission is expected when premises equipment is requested to transmit information usually.For example, premises equipment (for example internet access modulator-demodulator) is usually only in user's transmission information when the Internet sends information.Owing to unpredictablely when send this information, thus the upstream bandwidth of the expectation that produces by premises equipment must to be assumed to be the time independent and the time is discontinuous.In addition, the continuity of transmitted information for example is uploaded between the Internet in single pay-per-use transaction request and with big, detailed photograph and alters a great deal.In other words, the part of the upstream bandwidth that is produced by premises equipment may produce at any time, and may produce long-time arbitrarily.

Ascender 105 comprises coupler 340, and it is connected to the part (Fig. 4) of subsequent apparatus to pass upstream bandwidth of ascender 105 via second path from coupler output 342 in return path 246,248 according to electric power and/or frequency range.Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that based on the size requirements of the application's description and specific installation, the coupler of what type is suitable for this purpose.For example, think over these optional objects may prerequisite to the influence of the characteristic impedance of conditioning equipment 100 under, can use simple resistor, power splitter, directional coupler and/or separator.Each parts that occur among the embodiment of coupler 340 are shown in Figure 4.

The term of Shi Yonging " connection " means optics or electrically is provided with so that electric current, voltage and/or light pass between the parts that connect in the whole text.It should be understood that term " connection " is not precluded within the possibility of insertion parts between the parts of connection or equipment.For example, be arranged between coupler 340 and the RF amplifier even high pass filter 350 is depicted as to insert relation, but coupler 340 is connected to RF amplifier 365.

Term " electric descending connection " also can use to help explanation about where or how connecting two parts in the whole text with " electric up the connection ".As an example, when descending connection first equipment of second equipment electricity, second equipment is from the first equipment received signal.This identical setting can also be described to make up connection second equipment of first equipment electricity.

Return with reference to figure 3, high pass filter 350 electric descending connection couplers 340 are so that coupler output 342 is electrically connected to high pass filter input 352 (Fig. 5).In this example, utilize high pass filter 350 to make a section of upstream bandwidth only pass all the other equipment of discussing below via high pass filter output 354 (Fig. 5).High pass filter 350 is not all to need in all examples, but may be useful be that its decay is known as the section of the upstream bandwidth that does not carry the expectation upstream bandwidth.For example, if premises equipment is known as the upstream bandwidth that their expectation is provided in the particular section of upstream bandwidth, what possibility was useful is configuration high pass filter 350 decays to the upstream bandwidth that is lower than the premises equipment transmission with the section with upstream bandwidth particular section.Those skilled in the art can easily be understood that, based on the size requirements of the application's description and specific installation, the high pass filter of what type is suitable for this purpose.Each parts that occur among the embodiment of high pass filter 350 are shown in Figure 5.

RF testing circuit 360 electric descending connection high pass filters 350, thus high pass filter output 354 is electrically connected to RF detector input 362 (Fig. 6).RF testing circuit 360 comprises RF amplifier 365, RF detector 366 and low-pass amplifier 367.The part that RF amplifier 365 amplifies the downlink bandwidth that passes high pass filter 350 is as the preparation of RF detector 366.RF detector 366 can play the effect of inverse laplace transform, and Laplace transform is widely used integral transformation, will partly converting the time domain voltage source to from the downlink bandwidth of frequency domain voltage source.Inverse laplace transform is a complex integral, and it is known as various titles, for example Bromwich integration, Fourier-plum forests integration and Mellin transform formula.The optional formula that is used for inverse laplace transform is provided by the Post inversion formula.In an example, the time domain voltage source is passed low-pass amplifier 367, it during the shorter part of too short increase voltage level, amplifies voltage source for use in differentiation has long part and below the circuit rank of increase voltage level of proper signal duration.

As an example, Fig. 8 describes from RF detector 366 to low-pass amplifier 367 time domain voltage source output 400.Time domain voltage source 400 comprises lasting with the increase voltage level 410 of change time quantum and 420 part.The long part of increase voltage 410 is described premises equipment usually and is sent quite a large amount of information, and the short part of increase voltage 420 is described " (ping) pings " usually, and it is the pulse of very lacking of representative than the short message amount.These long parts that increase voltage have the period that possibility is best suited for specific premises equipment.In other words, the long part of increase voltage 410 may have the short or longer part than the low voltage between the long part that increases voltage 410.In the discussion of the level detector 370 that provides below, this period that can change based on the type of the premises equipment that exists is very important.

Refer now to Fig. 9, low-pass amplifier 367 produces voltage source 402, and at this, the long part that increases voltage 410 (Fig. 8) produces high voltage 412, and at this, the short part that increases voltage 420 (Fig. 8) produces low voltage 422.This voltage source 402 outputs to level detector 370 from RF testing circuit output 364 then.Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that,, should use the parts of what type to produce RF testing circuit 360 based on the size requirements of the application's description and specific installation.Each parts that occur among the embodiment of RF testing circuit 360 are described in Fig. 6.

The descending connection RF testing circuit 360 of level detector 370 electricity is so that the output of RF testing circuit is electrically connected to level detector input 372 (Fig. 7).The voltage source that level detector 370 provides based on RF testing circuit 360 produces extra electric current, and level detector 370 comprises the relative big capacitor 376 with at least one of at least one diode, so that the electric current that is provided to be provided.It is relevant that the voltage source 404 (Figure 10) that is provided to level detector output 374 from large capacitor 376 and RF testing circuit 360 are imported 372 voltage source that provide 402 at level detector, just increases voltage 412,422 arbitrarily and recently keep for more time from the voltage source 402 of RF testing circuit 360.The maintenance dose that increases arbitrarily voltage is the factor of the strictness of the adjustment size of the adjustment size of at least one capacitor, dependent resistor and the electric current of being drawn by subsequent apparatus.

Refer now to Figure 10, level detector 370 produces voltage source 404, at this, increases the more consistent than long duration of electric current 412 (Fig. 9), thus increase that voltage 414 produced than long duration between have still less voltage ramp.Thereby this voltage source 404 outputs to nonlinear amplifier 380 from level detector output 374.

Each parts that exist among the embodiment of level detector 370 are shown in Figure 7.Although most of parts do not need to be illustrated to those skilled in the art, it should be noted that the level detector 370 according to an embodiment manufacturing comprises more than one 10 μ F capacitor 376, be enough to sustaining voltage and reach six seconds.This time quantum is found to be to be enough to the message voltage 412 (Fig. 9) in the voltage source 402 (Fig. 9) is attached to the measurement that is used for microprocessor 310 generations, and more completely discusses below.The consistency of the message that the time remaining amount is sent out according to the typical case and the speed of processor 310 can be littler or bigger.

Say that more generally required duration of present embodiment sustaining voltage is near ten times of period of the long part of the increase voltage 410 that is provided by premises equipment.Thereby the duration can change according to the premises equipment that exists.In addition, be understood that, term " approaching " uses to relevant with " ten times " multiplier at this, and this is because if the corresponding minimizing of low pressure threshold (" VIL ") to allow between the long part of increase voltage 410 bigger pressure drop being arranged, then is less than ten times and also enough works.May cause the duration oversize more than ten times, may not can fully descend rapidly at this voltage and pass VIL suitably to stop series (series).In case VIL is discussed more fully below and to the influence of sequence, these explanations will be understood.To understand based on the application's description as those skilled in the art, the desired capacitance of specific duration amount can realize by a large capacitor or a plurality of small electric container.

Return with reference to figure 3, nonlinear amplifier 380 electric descending connection level detectors 370 are so that level detector output 374 is electrically connected to nonlinear amplifier input 382 (Figure 11).The voltage source 404 that nonlinear amplifier 380 compression level detector 370 provide is given low voltage so that extra resolving power (resolution) to be provided.Particularly, nonlinear amplifier 380 provides extra details to low voltage, and needn't provide extra resolving power to high pressure.Because microprocessor 310 is accepted from the voltage source of the nonlinear amplifier output 384 (Figure 11) of nonlinear amplifier 380 and is converted thereof into the interior digital value of 0-255 scope, thereby this is important for the present embodiment of upstream bandwidth conditioning equipment.The extra resolving power that is applied to whole voltage source from level detector 370 need be greater than 255 digital values, may cause the measurement of upstream bandwidth of poor quality from the linear resolving power of the voltage source of level detector 370.Each parts that exist among the embodiment of nonlinear amplifier 380 are depicted in Figure 11.But it should be understood that the extra resolving power time spent in microprocessor 310, can not need nonlinear amplifier 380.

Nonlinear amplifier 380 is shown in Figure 11 to be to comprise near the resistors 386 that are positioned at the nonlinear amplifier input 382.This resistor 386 allows from voltage source 404 discharges of level detector 370 rather than keeps specific voltage indefinitely.Thereby, it should be understood that this resistor 386 may be considered the part of level detector 370 or nonlinear amplifier 380.

The linear example that changes input voltage stream 430 and non-linear change output voltage stream 440 can be found out in Figure 12.As shown in the figure, under relatively low input voltage level, compare with any variation in the input voltage stream 430, output voltage stream 440 obviously changes more.But, under relative higher voltage level, to compare with any variation in the input voltage stream 430, output voltage stream 440 obviously less changes.

The exemplary output voltage stream 405 that the voltage source 404 that Figure 13 describes to describe in response to Figure 10 produces.As shown in the figure, the effect of nonlinear amplifier 380 is to emphasize the details that exists in the low pressure, and does not emphasize high voltage.As mentioned above, this effect of linear amplifier 380 resolving power of helping to provide extra is used to measure purpose to low voltage.

Again with reference to figure 3, microprocessor 310 can electric descending connection nonlinear amplifier 380, so that microprocessor 310 is connected to nonlinear amplifier output 384.Microprocessor 310 is measured each voltage from nonlinear amplifier 380, and these voltage transitions can be become the digital calibration of 0-255.The scale that it should be understood that the 0-255 that is discussing is selected in the present embodiment only because the ability of microprocessor 310.Many other scales (comprising the virtual voltage measurement) also can work according to the ability of microprocessor 310.Because these possible differences of measured value scale will be used term " level value " to distribute to description in the whole text and input to the value that microprocessor 310 is imported with the specific voltage of further handling.In addition, as mentioned above,, then can not need nonlinear amplifier 380 if the microprocessor 310 that uses comprises the resolution capability bigger than present embodiment.

The operation and the control of ascender 105 are described in more detail with reference to flow chart shown in Figure 14.As mentioned above, ascender 105 upstream bandwidth of may not inadvertently decaying, the output level that will increase them up to most of premises equipments automatically is with the influence of the decay of offsetting any increase.Thereby, utilize the attenuation of each increase, because noise is attenuated and premises equipment has increased the output of its expected frequency, thereby the signal to noise ratio of upstream bandwidth increases.The restriction of this increase of signal to noise ratio is the recruitment of the expectation upstream bandwidth that can be increased by premises equipment.Thereby the level that must check and monitor upstream bandwidth can not surpass the possible extra output variable of premises equipment continuously with the attenuation of guaranteeing to increase.

Refer now to Figure 14, microprocessor 310 finishes series of processing steps 600, to determine the level value by the expectation upstream bandwidth of premises equipment generation.As this part of determining, microprocessor utilizes two buffers, buffer

With buffer 1.

In the present embodiment, buffer

Have eight input positions

Handling in 600 buffer

Input position can be mentioned with two independent modes.At first, buffer

Input position can be mentioned particularly and be buffer

Buffer

Buffer

Buffer

Buffer Buffer Buffer

And buffer

Secondly, buffer

Input position can be mentioned and be buffer Wherein X is the variable that increases and reset as a part of handling 600.Buffer

The mean value of input position is mentioned at this and is current average (" CAV ").

In the present embodiment, buffer 1 has eight input positions

Handling in 600, buffer 1 input position can specifically be mentioned as buffer

Buffer (1,1), buffer (1,2), buffer (1,3), buffer (1,4), buffer (1,5), buffer (1,6) and buffer (1,7).In addition, buffer 1 input position can be mentioned as buffer

Wherein Y is the variable that increases, reduces and reset as a part of handling 600.

Buffer

Each can comprise greater or less than eight input positions with buffer 1.Although found can work well for eight input positions of intended purposes that obtain the upstream bandwidth level, more input positions may provide has the still less more level and smooth level value of fluctuation.Extra input position is that cost obtains with the extra time, to obtain level measurement and additional processor consumption.

When conditioning equipment 100 energisings, microprocessor 310 is carried out start-up routine, and it comprises step 602,604,606 and 608.According to step 602, buffer

Input position X is made as

And buffer 1 input position Y is made as

In addition according to step 602, microprocessor 310 start delay timers, it is set at operation ten minutes in the present embodiment.To become in the following description is apparent that, this ten minutes timers are intended to discharge the decay that is added on the upstream bandwidth and reach ten minutes when not sensing the behavior of premises equipment.Use term " behavior " to be higher than the existence of high voltage limit (" VIH ") CAV with description at this.Ten minutes can be according to the experience of user on specific catv network and are shorter or longer.Most of people according to internet usage, VOIP and/or STB/STU will carry out the hypothesis of at least one function at ten minutes in the length, present embodiment is selected the ten minutes.Suppose the time span of being longer than ten minutes mean usually the current user of not having utilize the Internet, VOIP and/STB/STU.

According to step 602, return attenuator 320 (Fig. 3) and be made as decay 4dB in addition.This attenuation is the basic decay that the present embodiment of conditioning equipment 100 provides.This basic attenuation can increase based on the experience of specific CATV system or reduce.This base quantity of selecting 4dB be because: it provides some useful noise reductions, but it is low to not opening and disturb during operate as normal the premises equipment of testing arbitrarily at first at premises equipment.

According to step 604, microprocessor 310 is checked to check buffer Whether input position X equals 8.The purpose of step 604 is to determine buffer

Whether be full.Use value 8 be because: be placed on last buffer positions (that is buffer, at seed (below discussion)

) locate after, X increases by 1.Thereby although there is not position " 8 ", value eight is determined relevant with this.It should be understood that if occur at diverse location in the step of handling added value " X " in 600, also can use value " 7 ".If the answer of step 604 is "No", then microprocessor 310 moves to step 606.Otherwise microprocessor 310 moves to step 608.

According to step 606, microprocessor 310 is put into buffer with seed In, and be buffer in first example

Seed is the derived value based on experience, and connects and expect found level value in the recent period.In other words, the seed in the present embodiment is determined with experiment method based on observed actual value in the specific CATV system.Seed need start stabilized treatment to allow conditioning equipment 100 relatively near the original levels value of upstream bandwidth.Inserting buffer with seed

Afterwards, microprocessor 310 returns step 604, to check buffer

Whether full.This processing between the

step

604 and 606 continues to insert all buffers with seed

Input position.In case fill up, microprocessor 310 moves to step 608.

According to step 608, microprocessor 310 obtains buffer

CAV, and with this value be put into buffer (1, Y) in, and in this first example, be buffer

Microprocessor 310 is with buffer

Input position X is reset to

But with buffer

In seed stay buffer Input position.It will be understood by those of skill in the art that, if buffer In value be wiped free of or stay owing to it is rewritten after a period of time, this processing will normally move.

In addition, according to step 608, (1, Y) the CAV value in is calculated VIH and lower-pressure limit (" VIL "), and it is current buffer based on putting into buffer

Notice that this may be to calculate VIH and VIL based on CAV by wording also.In any case, VIH and VIL be used in after in the step to get rid of near the not calculated value of a large amount of level values the level value of expectation.This eliminating helps to make this conditioning equipment 100 to measure and more stable far below the false peaks of desired value by avoiding.Owing to after determining each new CAV, determine VIH and VIL, VIH and VIL allow just in case unsteady under the situation that great changes have taken place in the level value accepted.In this example, VIH be near buffer (1, Y) 94%, and VIL be near buffer (1, Y) 81%.VIH and VIL can be and allow more or less level value to be included in any peak value other ratios in determining.Peak value will further be discussed below determine, but it has and help to understand VIH at this and set high initial threshold, wherein the level value under the VIH is got rid of outside considering.Similarly, VIL is low second threshold value, wherein, considers that level value is lower than VIL up to the level value of particular sequence (sequence that starts) when level value surpasses VIH.In other words, the level value sequence will be examined single peak value, and this sequence begins with the level value that surpasses VIH and finishes with the level value that is lower than VIL.Because the seed of nearest CAV is 51, VIH is calculated as 48, and VIL is calculated as 41.Certainly, after obtaining actual value, these values will change along with the change of CAV.After this step was finished, microprocessor 310 moved to step 610.

According to step 610, microprocessor 310 obtains current level value (" CLV ").CLV is the magnitude of voltage that is provided by nonlinear amplifier 380 (Fig. 3) in the current time.In case obtain CLV, microprocessor 310 proceeds to step 612.

According to step 612, the CLV that microprocessor 310 is checked nearest acquisition whether greater than VIH to begin to consider level value series.As mentioned above, if specific CLV is the first acquisition value (owing to having the value that is lower than VIL) greater than VIH, then it is series first.Thereby if CLV is lower than VIH, then microprocessor 310 proceeds to step 614 to determine whether CLV is lower than VIL, if true, then it will stop series.If CLV is greater than VIH, then next step is a step 618.

According to step 614, microprocessor 310 checks that whether the CLV of nearest acquisition is less than VIL.As mentioned above, all that are obtained level values of being lower than VIL are excluded outside considering.When CLV is lower than VIL, handles 600 and move to step 616.Thereby, if CLV greater than VIL, then next step is got back to step 610 obtaining new CLV, thereby continues to start series by the CLV that has greater than VIH.It should be understood that replacement only less than/greater than, any these contrasts of VIH and VIL can be equal to or less than/greater than.Use or obsolete extra value will change the result not obviously.

In case microprocessor 31 passes through the enough number of times of steps 616 to increase buffer

Input position X will satisfy step 622, the expression buffer

Be about to by average.Thereby in case step 622 is satisfied, microprocessor 310 moves to step 624.

According to step 624, microprocessor 310 calculates CAV, and (it is a buffer

Average), and with buffer

Input position X is set to

Then, microprocessor 310 proceeds to step 626.

According to step 626, microprocessor 310 determine CAV whether greater than buffer (1, value Y)+6.In order to increase the clarity of this step, if buffer (1, be 51 Y), then whether microprocessor 310 determines CAV greater than 51+6, or 57.(1, Y) this value " 6 " of value has increased stability for handling 600, because CAV must be enough high to increase the excess-attenuation in the step 629 to be increased to buffer.Therefore, can use than " 6 " bigger value to emit the bigger stability of danger increase that reduces accuracy.Similarly, can use the value littler to reduce the stable bigger accuracy of danger increase to emit than " 6 ".If answer is yes for step 626, then microprocessor 310 moves to step 629 to increase decay.Otherwise microprocessor 310 moves to step 628.

According to step 629, microprocessor 310 increases the additional step of decay, and in the present embodiment, it is 1dB.In addition, microprocessor 310 has increased buffer 1 input position Y and thinks CAV is placed in the buffer 1 and prepare.Subsequently, microprocessor 310 moves to step 631.

According to step 631, microprocessor 310 determines whether buffer 1 input position is full.Because buffer 1,

Eight input positions are only arranged, thereby be worth 8 and will represent that buffer 1 is full.It is obvious that this reason will become below.If buffer 1 is full, next step is a step 634.Otherwise next step is a step 632.

According to step 632, CAV is placed on next and opens buffer 1 input position, and buffer (1, Y).Then, processing proceeds to step 636.

If buffer 1 is full, microprocessor 310 proceeds to step 634 rather than step 632.According to step 634, buffer 1 current all values moves down 1 position, thus buffer

In initial (that is, before step 634) value remove from buffer 1.Then, CAV is placed in the buffer (1,7).In addition, in step 634, buffer 1 input position Y is set as 7.The same with step 632, handle 600 and proceed to step 636.

According to step 636, microprocessor 310 be from buffer (1, VIH Y) and VIL calculate new value, if step 364 finish before, then this buffer (1, Y) can be buffer (1,7).After step 636, handle 600 and turn back to step 610, obtaining new CLV, and the relevant portion of reprocessing 600.

Now return refer step 628, microprocessor 310 determine CAV whether less than buffer (1, the Y) value in-4.The use buffer (1, value 51 Y), whether microprocessor 310 will determine CAV less than 51-5, or 47.In this example, handle 600 and will move to step 630.Otherwise, to handle 600 and will move to step 638, it will be discussed below.

According to step 630, microprocessor 310 is determined delay timer, and whether time is up, is that then microprocessor 310 does not proceed to step 646, resets delay timer at this if answer.Otherwise, handle 310 and move to step 642.

According to step 642, microprocessor 310 checks that whether buffer 1 input position Y is more than or equal to 4.If then microprocessor 310 moves to step 644, reduced 4 at this by the attenuation that variable attenuator 320 applies, and buffer 1 input position Y has reduced 4.If the decay more or less based on the time expectation reduces, then can use the value except " 4 ".Value " 4 " is found to be and applies enough decay minimizings to alleviate any extra duty of premises equipment and fast enough not making of premises equipment to be used as suitable trading off between the reaction.Subsequently, microprocessor 310 moves to step 646, resets delay timer at this.

Return refer step 648, if Y is not greater than or equal to 5 in step 642, then the attenuation that is provided by variable attenuator 320 will reduce to the base quantity of setting in the step 602 4, and buffer 1 input position Y will be set as Afterwards, microprocessor 310 moves to step 646, resets delay timer at this.

Return refer step 638, if microprocessor 310 determines that buffer 1 input position Y is

Then microprocessor 310 directly moves to step 636 to calculate new VIH and VIL.Otherwise, it is apparent that variable attenuator 320 can reduce by a step in step 640, it is 1dB in the present embodiment.In step 640, buffer 1 input position Y reduces 1 equally.After this, microprocessor 310 moves to step 636.

Step 636 is final steps of handling before restarting processing 600 in 600, does not have initialization process in step 610.When the processing time allowed, microprocessor 310 can handle 600 continuously.

Now return with reference to figure 3, use variable attenuator 320 to increase and reduce by handling 600 attenuations of determining, this variable attenuator 320 is by microprocessor 310 controls.Based on present disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that existence can provide the multiple different hardware configurations of variable attenuation.For example, an embodiment of conditioning equipment 100 can comprise fixed attenuator and variable amplifier, and it is connected to microprocessor 310 and is controlled by microprocessor 310.Imagine other embodiment and comprise variable amplifier and variable attenuator.In addition, variable signal level adjustment equipment can also be automatic gain control circuit (" AGC ") and operation well in current device.In other words, it will also be appreciated that any recruitment of signal level adjustment amount and the adjustment of extra level can be by various widely amplifiers and/or relaxation equipment are realized arbitrarily.

Based on the above, term used herein " the variable signal level is adjusted equipment " should be understood that not only to comprise variable attenuation equipment, also comprises the circuit that contains variable amplifier, agc circuit, other variable amplifier/attenuator circuit and can be used to reduce the relevant optical circuit of the signal strength signal intensity on the upstream bandwidth.

Refer now to Figure 15, imagine optional ascender 105.The variable signal level is adjusted equipment (it is variable attenuator 320 and fixing amplifier 330 in this example) and is controlled based on the input of level detector 375 by microprocessor 310.The current peak-to-peak signal intensity of upstream bandwidth measured and keeps by level detector 375 via coupler 340 and high pass filter 355.The microprocessor 310 of present embodiment comprises counting circuit, threshold value comparison circuit and level comparison circuit.Although it should be understood that and use microprocessor 310 in the present embodiment, it is contemplated that using conventional logical circuit or microcontroller to control the variable signal level in following described mode adjusts equipment.

Refer now to Figure 16, variable signal level adjustment equipment is depicted as and comprises variable amplifier 335 and the fixed attenuation equipment 325 that is connected to microprocessor 310 and is controlled by microprocessor 310.Imagine other embodiment and comprise variable amplifier 335 and variable attenuator 320.

Term " current demand signal intensity " is intended to describe with respect to the current or present signal strength signal intensity of the signal strength signal intensity (that is signal strength signal intensity before) of the time measurement of (for example before using the signal level adjustment or using the additional quantity that signal level adjusts) in the past.The reason of this point should become clear based on following description.

In operation, the microprocessor among the embodiment shown in Figure 16 and Figure 17 310 is carried out signal level setting program 1000 (they are depicted) to determine to impose on via variable signal level adjustment equipment the appropriate signals level adjustment amount of upstream bandwidth in Figure 17.Signal level setting program 1000 can be continuously, with predetermined space and/or according to order operation from supply 20 information transmitted signals.Once you begin, microprocessor 310 or logical circuit are carried out signal level setting program 1000 according to flow chart shown in Figure 17.

Refer now to Figure 17, in case 1000 initialization 1010 of signal level setting program, the counting circuit in the microprocessor 310 for example is reset to zero (0) in step 1020.Then, microprocessor 310 is execution in

step

1030,1040,1050,1060,1070,1080 and 1090 repeatedly, and the answer that reaches predetermined quantity (for example, 25) or step 1080 up to counter is for negating.

Particularly, in step 1030, microprocessor 310 reads current demand signal intensity from signal level detecter 375, and counter increases predetermined increment in step 1040, and for example one (1).Then, microprocessor 310 checks that whether counter is greater than predetermined quantity (that is, 25).If, microprocessor 310 termination routines then; But if not, then microprocessor 310 proceeds to step 1060.In step 1060, microprocessor 310 compares current demand signal intensity and predetermined threshold.If current demand signal intensity is greater than predetermined threshold, then microprocessor 310 indication variable signals are adjusted equipment extra level adjustment amount (for example, 1dB); If but current demand signal intensity is less than predetermined threshold, then microprocessor 310 returns step 1030.

After having increased the adjustment of extra level, microprocessor 310 reads new current demand signal intensity in step 1080, and preserving the current current demand signal intensity that reads (for example, from step 1030) simultaneously is that step 1090 is prepared as previous signal strength signal intensity.In step 1090, microprocessor 310 is compared to each other the previous signal strength signal intensity of measurement in the current demand signal intensity measured in the step 1080 and the step 1030.If current demand signal intensity equals previous signal strength signal intensity, then microprocessor 310 returns step 1030; If but current demand signal intensity is less than previous signal strength signal intensity, then microprocessor 310 proceeds to step 1100, adjust equipment at this its indication variable signal level the signal level adjustment amount is reduced scheduled volume (for example, the extra level adjustment amount that increases or greater than the extra level adjustment amount that increases in the step 1070) in step 1070.After step 1100, microprocessor 310 is preserved the total amount that signal level is adjusted in step 1110, and at step 1120 terminator.

As mentioned above, the importance of this signal level setting program is the comparison step of carrying out in the step 1090.The normal cable modulator-demodulator 140 (Fig. 2) that uses in the CATV system can be adjusted its output level based on the information signal that the supply from downlink bandwidth receives.Especially, if faint by the modulation-demodulation signal of supply 20 receptions, then supply 20 indication modulator-demodulators 140 increase its transmission signals level.Because this is relevant with present invention, modulator-demodulator will continue to increase signal level owing to the increase of upstream bandwidth signal level adjustment amount, can no longer increase its transmission signal strength up to modulator-demodulator 140.Thereby, if modulator-demodulator 140 can compensate the adjustment of extra level, then in step 1070, increasing after the adjustment of extra level, the current demand signal intensity of measuring in the step 1080 should equal previous signal strength signal intensity.But when being applied with the additional quantity of uplink bandwidth signal level adjustment, if modulator-demodulator 140 has produced its maximum signal, then current demand signal intensity will be less than previous signal strength signal intensity.

Because when modulator-demodulator 140 moves with its maximum output (, distorted signals may be very big and/or may sacrifices the durability of modulator-demodulator 140 when modulator-demodulator 140 moves with maximum level or near maximum level when modulator-demodulator 140 moves with maximum level or near maximum level), may produce various problems in the modulator-demodulator 140, in case the maximum output intensity of identification modulator-demodulator 140, the signal level adjustment amount can be reduced enough amounts in step 1100, to guarantee by the quality of output signals of modulator-demodulator 140 generations and the durability of modulator-demodulator 140.

Notice that in having the system more than an equipment that makes packet enter upstream bandwidth, ascender 105 can be discerned the maximum output intensity of an equipment, and the maximum output intensity of nonrecognition miscellaneous equipment.In other words, ascender 105 can be discerned first equipment that reaches its maximum output intensity, and the maximum output intensity of any miscellaneous equipment of nonrecognition.If ascender 105 can not be discerned the first maximum output intensity of observing, this equipment can continue with its maximum output intensity operation, and another determines circulation up to beginning.

The scheduled volume that compares in 1050 can be directly linked to the signal level adjustment amount.For example, if it is the same with the situation among the embodiment that Figure 16 is described, variable signal level adjustment equipment is the step attenuator that comprises 25 rank 1dB decay, then scheduled volume can be set as 25 to allow the meticulousst resolution (promptly, 1dB) and the broadest use of specific step attenuator scope (that is, 25dB).It should be understood that if expect overall operation faster, then should reduce step number, and should reduce resolving power (that is, 5dB, 5 steps).Also predictable is if utilization has more fine resolution power (that is, less than 1dB) or more the variable signal level adjustment equipment of broad range (that is, greater than 25dB), then can increase scheduled volume.The recruitment relevant for counter and scheduled volume in this discussion is one (1), thereby has 25 repetitions (, 25 rank) when scheduled volume is 25.According to total step number of scheduled volume and expectation, increment can easily be any amount (level, 1,5,10 ,-1 ,-10 etc.), and as discussed below, it is based on the resolving power of expectation and the signal level adjusting range of expectation.

The predetermined attenuation that reduces in excess-attenuation amount that increases in the step 1070 and the step 1100 is usually at least in part the variable based on the hardware designs restriction, and can be according to hardware by those skilled in the art based in the specific CATV system and the situation adjustment of specific CATV facility experience.As discussed above, the variable signal level adjustment equipment in one embodiment of the present of invention comprises the step attenuator with 1dB resolving power and 25dB scope.Thereby the excess-attenuation amount of using this hardware to increase in step 1070 can be the multiple of 1dB or 1dB.Similarly, the predetermined attenuation that reduces in step 1100 can be the multiple of 1dB or 1dB.It should be understood that then the attenuation that reduces in the step 1100 can be littler amount (for example 2dB or 4dB) if the excess-attenuation amount that increases in the step 1070 is the multiple (for example 5dB) of 1dB.The attenuation that reduces in step 1100 also can be greater than the excess-attenuation amount that increases in step 1070, and its reason is as mentioned above about the output quality of keeping modulator-demodulator 140 and the durability of modulator-demodulator 140.

Relatively predetermined threshold is to be enough to distinct in the signal level of interference signal with the upstream data bag in the upstream bandwidth in the step 1060.This value will change according to the power output of any cable modem 140, STB, STU etc. in the system and the average observation level of interference signal.For example, a purpose is to determine whether to exist the equipment that sends the upstream data bag via upstream bandwidth.If predetermined threshold is established too lowly, then interference signal may appear in the upstream data bag, if but predetermined threshold is established De Taigao, and then the upstream data bag may occur as interference signal.

(iii) descender

Return with reference to figure 3 and also with reference to Figure 18, be included in the descender 108 of connection in the forward path 244 according to the conditioning equipment 100 of present embodiment manufacturing.

Generally speaking, descender 108 uses microprocessor 310 to seek and observe two the different operational mode (patterns of using

With pattern 1) channel level.In pattern

In, microprocessor 310 only uses single high frequency channel and single low frequency channel, to carry out relative level/big correction according to level and inclination.In pattern 1, microprocessor 310 use greater than the average of a high frequency channel with greater than the average of a low frequency channel to carry out relative meticulous correction according to level and inclination.In each pattern in the present embodiment, the level of high frequency channel is used to set and amplifies, and the level of low frequency channel is used to set.It should be understood that with following mode similarly, the level of high frequency channel can be used to set to amplify, and the level of low frequency channel can be used to set.To go through hardware, control and the operation of descender 108 below.

In the present embodiment, microprocessor 310 is microprocessors identical with the microprocessor that uses 310 in the ascender 105.But, if use two or more independently microprocessor 310 some advantages are arranged, for example cost, space or complexity, then use two or more independently microprocessor 310 be useful.Using two independently under the situation of microprocessor 310, can have connection betwixt with the transmission of permission information.As below discussing, descender 108 has a lot of favourable reasons for ascender 105 provides information.These for example comprise: if/when the signal transmssion line between destruction conditioning equipment 100 and the supply 20, minimizing may suppress any decay via the upstream bandwidth of the information flow of upstream bandwidth.This will make an explanation below.

At first begin, as can be seen from Figure 18, in forward path 244, connect coupler 502 to pass the downlink bandwidth part of (being called the downlink bandwidth of coupling) towards tuner 506 at this via second path 504 with hardware.Coupler 502 (for example is connected in the forward path 244 user side duplexers 260 and functional parts, amplifier 508,510, variable attenuator 512 and inclination adjustment device 514, all these will further go through below) between, it is used for by the level of proofreading and correct downlink bandwidth and tilts to regulate downlink bandwidth.This of coupler 502 arranged and allowed downlink bandwidth sampled and analysis after being conditioned.The coupler 502 that uses in the present embodiment is conventional directional couplers, to tolerate continuous characteristic impedance.Think over miscellaneous equipment (for example simple resistor and/or separator) may prerequisite to the influence of the characteristic impedance of equipment under, can use these alternatives.

Fixing signal level adjustment arrangement 516 can be set between coupler 502 and the tuner 506.Fixing signal level adjustment arrangement 516 can be used to prevent that coupler 502 from drawing too many electric power from downlink bandwidth.In addition, Gu Ding signal level adjustment arrangement 516 can be resized and think that tuner 506 provides to have and be suitable for the tuner 506 and the downlink bandwidth of the coupling of the electric weight of equipment subsequently.Thereby, what one skilled in the art should appreciate that is, based on present disclosure, whether need the signal level adjustment arrangement 516 fixed and need the fixing signal level adjustment arrangement 516 of what size for the combination of the coupler 502 of any specific and tuner 506.

Tuner 506 is conventional tuners, and it can be " tuned ' the channel of selecting based on the input of microprocessor 310.Especially, the tuner 506 that uses in the present embodiment is provided with the target call number (index #) corresponding to the CATV channel, shown in following table 1.The purpose of pointing out these call numbers is to illustrate the CATV channel and is not introduced in regular turn.For example, the frequency of CATV channel 95 (index #5) is lower than CATV channel 14 (index #10).Thereby this microprocessor 310 is based on the FREQUENCY CONTROL tuner 506 of call number that increases with ascending order and call number representative.Below, the purpose of these call numbers will become obvious.More powerful microprocessor 310 and/or more complicated software control can use other method to come selective channel, rather than the index of channel, and be as follows.

The output voltage stream that comes self-tuner 506 is that tuner is distinctive, and wherein voltage source is arranged in the frequency domain, and voltage source is the television channel form of standard, and it is and the consistent 6MHz frequency spectrum of NTSC standard analog television channel form in the present embodiment.

Narrow relatively band pass filter 518 can be electrically connected to the output of tuner 506.Band pass filter 518 remove on the expected frequency that provides by tuner 506 (for example, vertical synchronizing frequency) and under external signal.Alternatively, when vertical synchronizing frequency in frequency range during modulated must hanging down according to NTSC, band pass filter 518 can be replaced by low pass filter.Similarly, band pass filter 518 can be replaced by high pass filter, and it removes the external signal that is lower than other expected frequency that tuner provides, for example horizontal sync frequencies.It should be understood that analog modulation scheme (for example, NTSC, PAL, SECAM etc.) the selection different frequency that can need according to expection.Then, resulting frequency domain voltage source is delivered to RF detector 520.

RF detector 520 will transmit the frequency domain voltage source of coming from band pass filter 518 and convert the time domain voltage source to.More particularly, RF detector 520 is carried out the effect of inverse laplace transform, and to be converted to time domain from frequency domain, Laplace transform is the integral transformation of extensive use.As discussed above, inverse laplace transform is a complex integral, and it is known as multiple title, includes but not limited to Bromwich integration, Fourier-plum forests integration and Mellin transform formula.Similarly, as described above, the optional formula that is used for inverse laplace transform is provided by the Post inversion formula.Thereby, can use any other can carry out this equipment and replace RF detector 520 from the frequency domain to time domain conversion.Afterwards, the time domain voltage source is delivered to synchronizing indicator 522 (" sync detector 522 ") and low-frequency level detector 524.

Sync detector 522 is synchronous with the voltage source (for example continuous 30Hz tone) with relative repetition continuously.Under the situation that does not have this continuous tone, sync detector 522 provides the stream of output voltage at random.Then, at random or synchronous voltage source output be delivered to low pass filter 526.

Low pass filter 526 is provided to decay and may appears at high frequency in the peak detector 528 as synchronizing frequency.Low pass filter 526 can be configured to tolerance frequency and rise to the frequency that 30Hz at least is higher than expected frequency with the synchronizing frequency that comprises expectation and eliminating.Low pass filter 526 can also comprise that the input blocking capacitor is to get rid of low-down frequency.

When synchronizing indicator 522 and low pass filter 526 provide the voltage source that comprises synchronizing voltage, peak detector 528 produces consistent relatively voltage source.Comprise at random in existence, under the situation of the voltage source of asynchronous voltage, peak detector 528 can not produce the big voltage that is always greater than ground connection.Peak detector 528 can also be for carrying out the integrator of similar functions.

The voltage source that obtains from peak detector 528 530 is input to microprocessor 310 along the path, as the signal of distinguishing analog-modulated channel and digital modulation channel.More particularly, when the voltage source from peak detector 528 was always the big voltage that is higher than ground connection, this voltage source represented that tuner 506 is transferred to the analog-modulated channel.On the contrary, when from the voltage source of peak detector 528 during all the time near ground connection, this voltage source represents that tuner 506 is transferred to the digital modulation channel.

As mentioned above, also be delivered to level detector 524 from the voltage source of RF detector 520, this helped to keep from the longer time period of the voltage level of RF detector.In other words, the voltage in the voltage source keeps (preventing to descend) to be delivered to the longer duration of level detector 524 than primary voltage stream with its special speed.Then, the voltage source from RF detector 520 is input to DC displacement amplifier 532.Level detector 524 also can be described as peak detector.

DC displacement amplifier 532 can be used as low-pass amplifier, thereby to provide the displacement scheduled volume that matches to make signal voltage be fit to the voltage source of microprocessor 310.Voltage shift and/or amplification quantity are by determining by adjusting the voltage source 534 that attenuator 536 is connected to DC displacement amplifier 532.Thereby DC displacement amplifier 532 also can be described as low-pass amplifier.Part from the voltage source of DC displacement amplifier 532 passes back to tuner 506 as control.And, be delivered to high-gain amplifier 538 from the part of the voltage source of DC displacement amplifier 532, and be delivered to low gain amplifier 540 from the part of the voltage source of DC displacement amplifier 532.

Amplifier 538 provides voltage source from DC displacement amplifier 532 to play the effect of voltage comparator.This configuration is provided to microprocessor 310 with the voltage source in the path 542, thereby identification is by the appearance of the transmission channel that exists at the call number place of tuner 506 adjustings.

Low gain amplifier 540 also provides the voltage source that transmits from DC displacement amplifier 532.The voltage source that is produced by low gain amplifier 540 is shifted in response to voltage source 544, and this voltage source 544 is connected to low gain amplifier 540 via adjusting attenuator 546.The voltage source that obtains from low gain amplifier 540 is relevant with the level of the channel of tuning call number.This configuration provides the voltage source in the path 548 to microprocessor 310, to discern the level of the transmission channel that is existed by tuner 506 tuning call number places.

The life that the remainder of the descender of discussing below 108 helps to give microprocessor 310 is carried out the actual downstream regulatory function.The working control series of these equipment will more completely be discussed below, but will at first go through the functional of hardware at this.

Amplifier 508 can be located near primary importance place or the primary importance according to downlink bandwidth in the descender 108 mobile.Amplifier 508 can be carried out at least two functions.At first, amplifier 508 can increase extra level to cause the natural attenuation in duplexer 265, the switch 255 etc. for downlink bandwidth.The second, the part that amplifier 508 can be used as the output compensating circuit increases the level of proofreading and correct downlink bandwidth and the required some or all of amplifications of tilting.For example, in an illustrated embodiment, amplifier 508 can be fixing output design (that is, not being subjected to microprocessor 310 controls), and adjacent variable attenuator 512 can be controlled by microprocessor 310.It will be understood by those of skill in the art that,, can realize the gain of 10db by comprising fixing 24db amplifier and 14db decay.It should be understood that according to these clues amplifier 508 only is a method of configuration output compensating circuit (it can be used to change amplification/level) with the combination of variable attenuator 512.Can produce a lot of other configurations of variable amplification in addition.For example, using the variable amplifier that does not have relaxation equipment subsequently can obtain identical expectation amplifies.In addition, known arbitrarily gain adjustable control (" AGC ") circuit can be replaced amplifier 508 and variable attenuator 512.

Tilt adjustments circuit 514 also is provided.The inclination of downlink bandwidth is provided in response to the voltage that provides from rectifier 550 this tilt adjustments circuit 514.Tilt adjustments circuit 514 provides the nonlinear attenuation amount, and it is similar to the curve that is passed the natural attenuation that the normal signal cable produced by downlink bandwidth.More particularly, tilt adjustments circuit 514 provides nonlinear attenuation, and at this, the decay of upper frequency is less than lower frequency, and nonlinear curve is similar to the attenuation curve that is produced by signal cable.Thereby the downlink bandwidth that has certain tilt (tilt is the nonlinear curve with more high attenuation of upper frequency) after process signal cable one length can be made as smooth or be made as to have slightly and be inclined upwardly by tilt adjustments circuit 514.

Importantly, flatten in order to make the level that passes downlink bandwidth, tilt adjustments circuit 514 does not provide amplification for downlink bandwidth.Alternatively, 514 decay of tilt adjustments circuit have the frequency of higher level.Thereby some modes (for example, variable attenuator 512) of the existence of at least one amplifier 508,510 and pair amplifier 508,510 controls will need to regulate downlink bandwidth according to inclination and level.

The tilt adjustments circuit 514 that uses in the present embodiment of describing among Figure 18 changes based on voltage.Because the output of microprocessor 310 inaccuracy of using among embodiment ground changes voltage, thereby use pulse-width modulation (" PWM ") to control tilt adjustments 514.The pwm signal of microprocessor 310 outputs converts the voltage of respective change to by rectifier 550 (it can be integrator).By voltage source 552 reference voltage is offered tilt adjustments circuit 514.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that according to the application's description pwm signal can be by the digital control replacement with simulation output.

Microprocessor 310 further is discussed, and more specifically, how microprocessor 310 can use the information that provides to proofread and correct the level and the inclination of downlink bandwidth, and initial step is a calibration descender 108.May be inessential although calibrate self, the explanation of calibration helps to introduce the many terms useful to remaining explanation.Calibration realizes that by conditioning equipment 100 is attached to the matrix generator this matrix generator provides downstream plant at least two known level at each call number place, for example 0dBmV and 20dBmV.Calibration series is proceeded that tuner 506 increases by each call number (figure that provides from above) and is each call number acquisition calibration level.In the present embodiment, to be saved be digital value between 0 to 255 to this calibration level.

Following table 2 is figure of exemplary correct level, selects these values only for purpose is shown:

Although be used for shown in two superincumbent tables 2 of calibration value of each channel, under at least one hypothesis, can only use a calibration value for each channel.For example, if/when the increase of hypothesis is used to voltage when changing, can only use a calibration value.Alternatively, can use more than two calibration values and guarantee to measure more accurately and proofread and correct, but this is to be cost with bigger complexity.

Based on the calibration value that is obtained, can obtain level and tilted target by the interpolate value of calibration value.For example, should be 12dBmV (or 14dBmV) and be not inclined upwardly if the CATV supplier determines the level of signal.The target of each channel can be shown in following table 3.

Similarly, if the CATV supplier determines that they want between 54MHz and the 1000MHz 12dBmV being inclined upwardly to 14dBmV to downlink bandwidth.In an example, the value shown in the following table 4 will be as target by interpolation.

It should be understood that in these that difference targets should calculate at any time or can offer microprocessor 310 with form by microprocessor 310.Be described to help the use of illustrating desired value and how obtain these desired values at this point.According to software strategy and microprocessor 310, may not need to use target according to the digital calibration value of its interpolation.For example, the digital calibration level value of particular channel can convert representational dBmV scale to, thereby target can be remained on the dBmV scale.What in addition, it will be appreciated that is that many remainder can be calibrated to determine the response amount of this equipment according to the input variable of microprocessor 310 as inclination adjustment device 514.

After calibration, when using in user resident or near the user resident, microprocessor 310 start-up mode

It is with the fast relatively mode correction channel level and the initial processing of inclination.Pattern

Discuss using flow chart shown in Figure 19 and the related example among Figure 21-Figure 24.

According to step 562, microprocessor 310 is attempted identification high frequency channel 810 (Figure 21).Microprocessor 310 is at first attempted the high frequency channel 810 at identification index #103 place.If do not find channel at index #103 place, then microprocessor 310 begins scanning index #105 and following index, up to the high frequency channel 810 that identifies existence.The particular index of using number can be different from other embodiment.But because channel should exist obtaining level value accurately, thereby importantly identification channel exists.In representational CATV system, find in the scope of index #105, to have channel usually at index #101.Thereby if desired, these call numbers should be changed in specific CATV system usually the position that channel occurs.

Then, microprocessor 310 obtains the level measurement of the channel of identification.If microprocessor 310 determines that by said method the channel of identification is digital, then microprocessor 310 will increase the measurement level of 10dBmV to that channel.Shown in the correlated digital value table 5 below of side-play amount 10dBmV.

In case use any side-play amount, microprocessor 310 determines whether to need to adjust arbitrarily.In pattern In, threshold value is set as and determines whether to adjust level and adjust how many level.In an example, select in the table 6 that these threshold values and adjustment amount can provide from below.

According to step 564, if range-to-go dBmV falls into state 1-3 in any one, then microprocessor 310 moves to step 566 and adjusts level according to top table 6.If range-to-go dBmV falls into state

Then microprocessor 310 moves to step 568.As the example that level is adjusted, the level curve 820 of Figure 21 is by linear amplification, thereby produces similar level curve 825 (Figure 22).Difference between the level curve 820 and 825 is initial level, and wherein the level at 1000MHz place is arranged in Figure 22 12dBmV target level place.Increase above 20dBmV although Figure 21 and Figure 22 illustrate level, this big level adjustment amount can not be realized in a step according to table 6.This of level is increased in more greatly shown in Figure 21 and Figure 22, only is used to know purpose.

According to step 568, microprocessor 310 seeks to discern low frequency channel 805 (Figure 21).In order to accomplish this point, microprocessor 310 is at first guided tuner 506 into index #14.If do not have the channel of identification at index #14, microprocessor 310 scanning index #12-16 then are up to identifying channel.With top similar, importantly discern at least one channel in the low frequency part of downlink bandwidth.After identification channel, microprocessor 310 will obtain the level of this channel, and if its be digital channel, then microprocessor 310 will increase 10dBmV to this level.

According to step 570, microprocessor 310 need to determine whether any tilt variation.With top similar, in pattern

In, threshold value is set as to determine whether to adjust and adjust how many inclinations.In an example, these threshold values and the adjustment amount table 7 that can provide from below is selected.

According to step 570, if range-to-go dBmV falls into state 1-3 in any one, then microprocessor 310 moves to step 5, and tilts according to the adjustment of top table 7.If range-to-go dBmV falls into state

Then microprocessor 310 moves to step 520.As Figure 22 and shown in Figure 23, forming level curve 830, it is depicted as and passes 54MHz to the frequency range of the 1000MHz level at the 12dBmV place level curve 825 with nonlinear way decay.Similarly, level curve 825 can be decayed with nonlinear way to form level curve 835, and it is shown in Figure 24 to be to have 2MHz between 54MHz and the 1000MHz to be inclined upwardly.Although level curve 830,835 is in order to know that purpose is depicted as straight line, these curves can have 54MHz to a lot of variations between the 1000MHz.

According to step 570, microprocessor 310 determines whether to adjust arbitrarily handling this level or inclination in repeating of 560.If level or inclination are adjusted, then microprocessor 310 will return step 562 and reprocessing 560.If level and inclination are not adjusted, microprocessor 310 will proceed to pattern 1.

Refer now to Figure 20, pattern 1 and pattern

Similar part is: for level and the inclination purpose of setting downlink bandwidth are sought high frequency channel 810 and low frequency channel 805.Main difference is that pattern 1 is sought by average " fine tuning " level and tilt adjustments more than a channel.Because collect the required time of information that needs from multichannel more, this method can not be used in pattern

In.It should be understood that " required time " is that tuner 506 changes the direct result of channel time and obtains to measure required random time.If be indifferent to timing and fast reaction, can use pattern 1 replacement pattern

To further go through these time correlation aspects below.

According to step 582, microprocessor 310 finds the average more than a high frequency channel.In an embodiment of descender 108, microprocessor 310 will be lower than pattern

The call number place of 5 of startup channels start, and be higher than pattern The call number place of 5 of startup channels stop.In other words, microprocessor 310 will begin collection index #97 (that is channel information of 103-5) locating and (that is, 103+5) locate stop to collect channel information at index #109.If index #103 does not comprise discernible channel, then microprocessor 310 can also be based on the representative pattern

The call number selective channel of the channel of middle actual identification.What in addition, it will be appreciated that is, handles usefully if having need finish more quickly to handle or finish apace, then can collect channel still less.Alternatively, when handle can allow to take the more time (that is, than still less channel more time) if the time or handle and can allow to take the more time, then can collect more channel.In other words, because average more channel (promptly, the influence of the level of randomly changing in the level and smooth adjacent channel) benefit may surpass to be selected and the required time of measured channel, if thereby the adjacent channel unanimity is (promptly in the specific CATV system, do not change with random fashion), then can collect channel still less.Similarly owing to select and extra time that measured channel is required may surpass the extra accuracy that on average more multichannel obtained, if thereby in the specific CATV system adjacent channel change greatly with random fashion, then can collect more channel.

The level of the channel that is used to discern in the call number based on scanning and the average of target, microprocessor 310 will move to step 584, need to determine whether any level adjustment.If in the scope that does not comprise discernible channel, have call number, then will not comprise these channels according to average level or average criterion.In addition, if microprocessor 310 determines do not have enough channels in order to obtain rational average, for example be 5 channel averages in one embodiment, thereby descender 108 can not advance to pattern 1, and be retained in pattern

In.

According to step 584, microprocessor 310 need to determine whether any level adjustment.In pattern 1, threshold value is set as and determines whether to adjust level and adjust how many level.In an example, select in the table 8 that these threshold values and adjustment amount can provide from below.

In addition, according to step 584, if the range-to-go of representing with dBmV falls into state 1 any one, then microprocessor 310 moves to step 588, and adjusts level according to top table 8.If the range-to-go of representing with dBmV falls into state 2, then microprocessor 300 moves to step 586, and it turns back to pattern

Need to turn back to pattern in this example

This is to solve the quick variation that the somewhere between supply 20 and descender 108 produces because required adjustment amount may take the long time.Thereby, this pattern that turns back to

What is appearred in level, and to change fast (for example when cable be damaged or amplifier breaks down fast) be autotelic reaction.

Microprocessor 310 can move to step 590 then, finds the average more than a low frequency channel this its.In an embodiment of descender 108, microprocessor 310 will be than pattern

The call number place of low 2 of startup channel start, and than pattern

High 2 the call number place of startup channel stop.In other words, microprocessor 310 will begin (that is, 14-2) to locate to collect channel information, and (that is, 14+2) locate termination and collect channel information at index #16 at index #12.If index #14 does not comprise discernible channel, then microprocessor 310 can also be based on the representative pattern

The call number of the channel of middle actual identification is come selective channel.Consider low frequency channel appear as more as one man exist with in the fact more consistent aspect the level, with respect to 11 high frequency channels, descender 108 attempts only collecting five low frequency channels.It should be understood that if speed is more unanimities of channel in problem and/or the specific CATV system or still less consistent, can collect more or less channel.

The level of the channel that is used to discern in the call number based on scanning and the average of target, microprocessor 310 will move to step 592 need to determine whether any tilt adjustments.Do not have call number if do not comprise in the scope of discernible channel, then will not comprise these channels according to average level or average criterion.

According to step 592, microprocessor 310 need to determine whether any tilt adjustments.In pattern 1, threshold value is set as to determine whether to adjust and adjust how many level.In an example, these threshold values and adjustment amount can be set according to the value shown in the following table 9.

According to step 592, if the range-to-go of representing with dBmV falls into state

With 1 any one, microprocessor 310 moves to step 596, and adjusts level according to top table 9.If the range-to-go of representing with dBmV falls into state 2, microprocessor 310 moves to step 594, and turns back to pattern

Need to turn back to pattern in this example

This is because required adjustment amount may need the long time to solve the quick change that the somewhere between supply 20 and descender 108 produces.Thereby, this pattern that turns back to

To change fast (for example when cable be damaged or amplifier breaks down fast) be autotelic reaction for what occurs in the level.

It should be understood that and to carry out small change to the said equipment, and it is to the design and/or the not significant change of operation of descender 108.The most especially, can switch use high frequency channel and low frequency channel.More particularly, if the use low frequency channel is set level and use high frequency channel to set inclination, then descender will normally move.

In optional embodiment, the downlink bandwidth of microprocessor 310 indication tuners 506 scanning couplings is to make great efforts the channel (being called high frequency channel 810 (Figure 21) at this) that location and identification have the channel (being referred to herein as low frequency channel 805 (Figure 21)) of low frequency and has high frequency.In this example, microprocessor 310 indication tuners 506 begin with low relatively frequency in downlink bandwidth, and to higher frequency scanning, up to finding low frequency channel 805.Similarly, microprocessor 310 indication tuners 506 begin with high relatively frequency in the downlink bandwidth of coupling, and to more low frequency scanning, up to finding high frequency channel 810.Thereby low frequency channel 805 can be near the channel the downlink bandwidth low-limit frequency that is positioned at coupling, and high frequency channel 810 can be near the channel of the interior highest frequency of the downlink bandwidth of coupling.Although for brevity, the low frequency channel 805 in the present embodiment and high frequency channel 810 are shown in Figure 21 to be single frequency, it should be understood that channel is generally frequency range.It will also be appreciated that low frequency channel 805 and high frequency channel 810 in the present embodiment do not need to be respectively minimum or highest frequency channel.But, two channels each other as far as possible at interval far be useful to the parasitic loss amount of estimating to pass whole downlink bandwidth experience better.

In order to locate and discern the low frequency and the high frequency channel 805,810 of present embodiment, microprocessor 310 can be provided with three types information during scan process, as top be relevant to descender 10 embodiment discussed.At first, represent that the signal that channel has been identified is provided to microprocessor 310 via path 542.The second, the signal of the level of the channel that expression is identified is provided to microprocessor 310 via path 548.The 3rd, the signal of the modulation of the channel of expression identification is provided to microprocessor 310 via path 530.

As discussed above, the number format channel can have the signal strength signal intensity less than the analog channel of response.In the present embodiment, the difference of signal strength signal intensity is assumed to be 6db.Thereby the microprocessor 310 of present embodiment can comprise that level deviation calculates, and it can solve this 6dB when comparing the relative signal intensity of low frequency channel 805 and high frequency channel 810 poor.This is poor if do not solve, and then any comparative result for two channels 805,810 of determining relative signal intensity may be invalid.For example, if high frequency channel 810 is digital, and low frequency channel 805 is simulated, and the poor possible errors ground expression of then extra intrinsic 6dB has than the more parasitic drain of parasitic drain that exists.Similarly, if high frequency channel 810 is simulated, and low frequency channel 805 is digital, and what obtain arbitrarily relatively will represent to have than in esse parasitic drain parasitic drain still less mistakenly.Thereby, it should be understood that whether 6dB skew is added to the signal strength signal intensity of number format channel or 6dB skew and whether deducts from the signal strength signal intensity of analog format channel that it doesn't matter.In addition, it should be understood that if 6dB skew is numeral then it can be added on the two the signal strength signal intensity of low frequency channel 805, high frequency channel 810, if perhaps 6dB skew is simulation, then it can deduct from the two signal strength signal intensity of low frequency channel 805, high frequency channel 810.Further, it should be understood that the canonical representation that deviant is observed by specific supply, thereby can be the value greater than 6dB, 10dB for example discussed above.

After finishing scan process and interpolation/remove the processing of any skew, microprocessor 310 has low frequency channel level (comprising any skew), low frequency channel frequency, high frequency channel level (comprising any skew) and high frequency band channel frequency.By microprocessor 310 (for example with the known information of low frequency channel 805, high frequency channel 810, level and frequency) (reach with prearranged signal intensity gain/damage curve, the gain/loss curve, it is corresponding to the relevant known parasitic drain of coaxial/optical cable type of using) relatively, as shown in figure 21.This step advantageously allows known information to insert whole downlink bandwidth.When parasitic drain will take place at descending place by conditioning equipment 100 in expection, use the curve that inserts, microprocessor 310 determine to apply how many signal level adjustment and in which way apply the level adjustment on the whole downlink bandwidth so that the gain/loss curve that obtains (that is, tilting) on the whole bandwidth near linear and preferably in the gain of upper frequency, have small increase.For example, by comprising that the high frequency channel level that highest frequency is carried out any interpolation determines the level amount, and by comprising that the low frequency channel that low-limit frequency is carried out any interpolation determines the level amount.

It should be understood that parasitic drain to the influence of upper frequency greater than influence to lower frequency.Thereby, if for example have-known signal of 10dB signal strength signal intensity transmitting on the whole downlink bandwidth and on the length of coaxial/optical cable with various frequencies, then draws the inclination that obtains.Because target end has near the inclination of the straight line of primary signal intensity or has the inclination that inclination increases with respect to frequency, microprocessor 310 directly control variable tilted is adjusted the downstream signal transmission that circuit is adjusted curve form, thereby the amplitude of lower frequency is lower than the amplitude of upper frequency.

For example, as shown in figure 21, for each use of low frequency channel 805 and high frequency channel 810 known frequency and signal strength signal intensity, can draw gain curve 820 on whole downlink bandwidth, it for example is depicted as from 50MHz to 1000MHz.Then, microprocessor 310 is determined to adjust total amount by amplifier 508 and/or amplifier 510 with in conjunction with the level that variable attenuator 512 (will replace the loss at highest frequency place at least) is increased.In this example, the level adjustment amount will at least+24dB, produce gain curve 825 as shown in figure 22.Based on the gain curve of the interpolation shown in Figure 21, microprocessor 310 indication inclination adjustment devices 514 apply similarly but the correcting value of opposite curvature, thereby produce the gain curve (that is, tilting) 830 of relatively flat as shown in figure 23.What can expect is to increase level adjustment amount that is applied and the curvature that increases tilt adjustments, thereby produces gain curve (that is, tilting) 835, and as shown in figure 24, it has the inclination that increases towards higher frequency.

The (iv) interaction between ascender 105 and the descender 108

As mentioned above, when occurring in the level changing fast, for example when cable was damaged or breaks down with the amplification of conditioning equipment 100 outsides, descender 108 was converted to pattern from pattern 1

Carry out this from pattern 1 to pattern

The reason of change be that descender 108 can be used to obtain to expect that the amplification quantity of level value and/or the slope compensation amount that is used to obtain to expect to tilt by quick increase respond this damage by quick increase.

Term " fast " is relative as used herein.Be known that because environmental change (for example temperature change, sunlight and humidity) actual level of specific CATV system and tilt and undoubtedly to change all the time.Any change ordinary representation outside these normal variation is damaged or is damaged between conditioning equipment 100 and supply 20.Normal variation normally given CATV system and/or geographical position are peculiar, and these normal variation amount are generally known to the technician of the specific CATV of maintenance system.Thereby term " increase fast " expression has amplifying speed rate and/or the inclination speed that surpasses the speed relevant with the normal variation of specific CATV system.

Term " amplifying speed rate " is meant that time per unit is applied to the speed of the amplification of downlink bandwidth.Similarly, term " inclination speed " is meant that time per unit is applied to the speed of the slant correction of downlink bandwidth.

Taken place or occurent damage between the conditioning equipment 100 and supply 20 although descender 108 can compensate in the CATV system, ascender 105 can not know by measuring the expectation upstream bandwidth that is produced by premises equipment what damage has taken place.In fact, when this damage took place, because any extra capacitor that ascender 105 removes premises equipment effectively to be increasing its output level, thereby ascender 105 may have problems.In other words, any loss that is caused by damage will be increased to the complete attenuation that is produced by ascender 105, thereby premises equipment will no longer can be communicated by letter with supply 20.

Solution has taken place between conditioning equipment 100 and the supply 20 in the CATV system or the ascender 105 of occurent any damage in order to have, descender 108 can provide has the microprocessor 310 that indication changes value of magnification and/or tilt adjustments value fast, for example when taking place from pattern 1 to pattern

Transformation the time.It should be understood that if same microprocessor 310 is used to the operation and the control of two parts 105,108 then microprocessor 310 needn't receive another indication so that microprocessor 310 is regulated ascender 105 from descender.

Refer now to Figure 25, describe ascender 105 in response to operation and control from descender 108 observed ANOMALOUS VARIATIONS.Note, for brevity, only amplifying (promptly, value of magnification and amplifying speed rate) aspect introduction and discuss to handle 700, it should be understood that if same processing 700 based on tilting (promptly, tilting value and inclination speed) or method and tilt both, then it is associated.

According to step 705, microprocessor 310 keeps descending value of magnification in first buffer.Term " reservation " is intended to enough wide in range to allow descender 108 to comprise the possibility of the microprocessor of himself, it can send to microprocessor 310 with descending value of magnification, and this term is intended to enough wide in range to allow descender 108 and ascender 106 to use the possibility of microprocessor 310 together.

Also according to step 705, microprocessor 310 restarts speed counter.Use this speed counter so that clocking capability to be provided at this, thereby measure the time that passes between the descending value of magnification that keeps.Thereby the microprocessor measurement time of passing has multiple other known method.For example, microprocessor 310 can comprise clock, thereby step 705 comprises the time that keeps descending value of magnification.Similarly, the reservation of descending value of magnification may produce at special time, thereby may not need speed counter or other clock.

According to step 710, microprocessor 310 checks whether value is arranged in second buffer.This step is used for allowing not starting during save value at second buffer regulates.If void value in second buffer, as in the initial launch of processing 700, then microprocessor 310 is stored in the value in first buffer in second buffer, returns step 705 then.If existing value in second buffer, then microprocessor 310 will advance to step 720.

According to step 720, microprocessor 310 will use value, the value in second buffer and the speed counter in first buffer to calculate the amplification rate of change.Especially, the value from first buffer deducts the value in second buffer, and with the result divided by speed counter.The amplifying speed rate that calculates then is delivered to step 725.

According to step 725, microprocessor 310 determines that whether amplifying speed rate is greater than threshold rates.The target of this step is to determine that current observed amplifying speed rate is whether outside the typical change limit of specific CATV system.Threshold rates also can be set as very high, for example 3db speed/minute or higher.Reason is, damages usually and takes place fast, for example when branch is fallen on the electric wire or when automobile bumps against on the pillar.In addition, change the ability that may influence ascender 105 solution damages unfriendly relatively fast.If the speed of amplifying is greater than threshold rates, then the up level of attenuation in the ascender 105 is made as the decay that removes increase again in step 730.Otherwise, if the speed of amplifying less than threshold rates, up level of attenuation does not change.After any result, microprocessor 310 moves to step 735.

According to step 735, microprocessor 310 replaces with value in first buffer with the value in second buffer, and turns back to step 705.

In optional embodiment, descender 108 may provide direct ongoing amplifying speed rate and/or inclination speed from descender information.In such an embodiment, microprocessor 310 will only need to monitor the speed and/or the inclination speed of amplification, and when at least one speed surpasses threshold rates, reset up level of attenuation.

As mentioned above, in one embodiment, descender 108 can comprise two pattern (that is patterns, that are used to provide amplification and/or tilt adjustments

With pattern 1) adjust and handle.In first pattern, adjust with bigger increment, and in second pattern, adjust with littler increment.Under this sight, first pattern can descender 108 need to determine bigger adjustment (greater than and/or faster than second rank in getable) any time use.Because any switching from second pattern to first pattern is represented need be to amplifying and/or tilt adjustments be carried out bigger adjustment, thereby can use same switch to reset up level of attenuation and remove the indicating device of the decay of any increase as ascender 105.

(v) Frequency Band Selection equipment

Refer now to Figure 26, conditioning equipment 100 can comprise the circuit block that produces Frequency Band Selection equipment.Frequency Band Selection equipment can be configured to corresponding to the configuration of before wire cable data, services interface specification (" DOCSIS ") standard and corresponding to after the configuration of generation standard (for example DOCSIS 3.0) between automatically switch.Although this feature from being favourable, keeps relevant after this feature permission miscellaneous equipment (for example ascender 105 and/or descender 108) changes between standard in conditioning equipment 100.Especially, because each of part 105,108 all needs the accurate separation of signal between upstream bandwidth and the downlink bandwidth, thereby the change of any necessity will cause part 105,108 not move in up/downlink bandwidth.Although it should be understood that top and, can keep and change up/downlink bandwidth configuration according to any protocol specification below with reference to docsis specification.

The conditioning equipment 100 of the embodiment shown in Figure 26 has been simplified thereby Frequency Band Selection equipment only has been shown, and optionally each of ascender 105 and descender 108 has been depicted as the frame of dotted line limit.The conditioning equipment 100 of present embodiment comprises a plurality of switchs 902,904,916,918,922 and 924, and it limits the first signal path collection 910 and secondary signal path collection 920.Each signal path collection includes two discrete signal paths, forward path 930 and return path 940.The first signal path collection 910 uses a pair of first frequency band separation equipment 906,908 to form, and secondary signal path collection 920 uses a pair of second frequency band separation equipment 912,914 to form.The cut-off frequency of 906,908 pairs of settings of the first frequency band separation equipment is narrower corresponding to having/docsis specification of less upstream bandwidth, and the cut-off frequency of 912,914 pairs of settings of the second frequency band separation equipment corresponding to after docsis specification, it comprise than DOCSIS standard before wideer/bigger upstream bandwidth.It should be understood that cut-off frequency varying is to hold the DOCSIS standard of renewal or only by other standards of 906,908 pairs of the first frequency band separation equipments and/or 912,914 pairs of replacements of the second frequency band separation equipment.High-quality, commercial available switch and frequency band separation equipment will move well arbitrarily in the ad-hoc location in conditioning equipment 100.

Switch 902,904,916,918,922,924 is respectively directly or indirectly controlled by microprocessor 310.Microprocessor 310 determines whether based on the transmission information signal that is preferably sent by supply 20 switch 902,904,916,918,922,924 to be actuated into the first signal path collection 910 or secondary signal path collection 920.Signal coupler 850 allows receivers 845 to receive transmission information signals, for example the well-known message transmission that can be understood with the expression switching position by microprocessor 310 of the operation signal of tone, coding or other.For example, the existence of information signal can be used to indicate microprocessor 310 should select secondary signal path collection 920, and does not have information signal can represent that microprocessor 310 should select the first signal path collection 910.For example, the existence of the continuous tone at 900MHz place can be carried the signal of tone for example and passes band pass filter 840 and the comparator 855 of removing unwanted signal and discern by making, this comparator 855 only when tone is better than the predetermined threshold of being determined by voltage source 865 and resitstance voltage divider, offers microprocessor 310 with tone.Can select frequencies by microprocessor 310, and can be by phase-locked loop control system 880 and amplifier 870 with tuning this frequency of mode well-known in the art.High-quality, commercial available switch and frequency band separation equipment will operations well in the ad-hoc location in conditioning equipment 100 arbitrarily.

Although the present invention is specifically illustrated and is described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, but it will be understood by those of skill in the art that, under the prerequisite that does not break away from the design that can obtain the invention that claims that printed instructions and accompanying drawing support limit and scope, can carry out various detailed changes to it.In addition, describe exemplary embodiment, will be appreciated that exemplary embodiment can be utilized and be less than or implement more than particular element quantity with reference to particular element quantity.

Be with the explanation of the form of claim below to various embodiment of the present invention.

A1. upstream bandwidth conditioning equipment, its can be inserted near user resident place, the user resident or the signal transmssion line near the CATV system of user resident in, described equipment comprises:

The variable signal level is adjusted equipment, and it is configured to produce the signal level adjustment amount to upstream bandwidth;

Circuitry for signal measurement, it is configured to measure first signal strength values that applies extra level adjustment recruitment upstream bandwidth before and applies extra level adjustment amount secondary signal intensity afterwards; With

Be configured to (i) and described first signal strength signal intensity and described secondary signal intensity compared and (ii) remove during greater than described secondary signal intensity the circuit of at least a portion of extra level adjustment recruitment when described first signal strength signal intensity.

A2. as the described equipment of claim A1, also comprise:

The first frequency band separation equipment, it is adjusted between equipment and the user side at described variable signal level; With

The second frequency band separation equipment, it is adjusted between equipment and the supply side at described variable signal level.

A3. as the described equipment of claim A1, wherein, described circuitry for signal measurement comprises: signal level detecter, it is configured to export the signal of the level of representing upstream bandwidth after any recruitment that applies the adjustment of signal level adjustment amount and extra level.

A4. as the described equipment of claim A3, wherein, described signal level detecter is configured to keep to represent the signal of the level of upstream bandwidth to reach circuit and reads the required time quantum of signal strength signal intensity.

A5. as the described equipment of claim A1, wherein, described circuit can keep in described first signal strength signal intensity and the secondary signal intensity one of at least up to later utilization.

A6. as the described equipment of claim A1, wherein, described circuit arrangement will apply the recruitment that the extra level is adjusted for repeatedly determining whether.

A7. as the described equipment of claim A6, wherein, described circuit arrangement repeats to determine for stopping, and removes the part of the recruitment that the extra level adjusts during greater than secondary signal intensity in first signal strength signal intensity.

A8. as the described equipment of claim A6, wherein, described circuit arrangement is for determining not apply the recruitment that the extra level is adjusted in the circulation during less than predetermined threshold in secondary signal intensity.

A9. as the described equipment of claim A1, wherein, described circuit is a microprocessor.

A10. as the described equipment of claim A1, wherein, described circuit is an analog circuit.

A11. as the described equipment of claim A1, wherein, described circuit also be configured to in first signal strength signal intensity and the secondary signal intensity one of at least with predetermined threshold relatively.

A12. the use equipment that is positioned at user resident is regulated the method via the upstream bandwidth of the transmission line of CATV system, and this method comprises the steps:

(a) provide equipment with user side and supply side;

(b) provide the variable signal level between user side and supply side to adjust equipment;

(c) first signal strength values of the upstream bandwidth of the downstream position of measurement variable signal level adjustment equipment;

(d) recruitment with the adjustment of extra level is applied to upstream bandwidth;

(e) measure the secondary signal intensity level;

(f) first signal strength values and secondary signal intensity level are compared; With

(g) repeatedly execution in step (c)-(f) reaches predetermined period,

Wherein, when secondary signal intensity level during, remove at least a portion of the recruitment that the extra level adjusts less than first signal strength values.

A13. as the described method of claim A12, wherein, described predetermined period is at least twice (2).

A14. as the described method of claim A12, also comprise with in first signal strength signal intensity and the secondary signal intensity one of at least with predetermined threshold relatively.

A15. the use equipment that is positioned at user resident is regulated the method via the upstream bandwidth of the transmission line of CATV system, and this method comprises the steps:

(a) provide equipment with user side and supply side;

(e) after the additional quantity that applies the signal level adjustment, measure the secondary signal intensity level;

(f) first signal strength values and secondary signal intensity level are compared;

(g) when secondary signal intensity level during, proceed to step (i) less than first signal strength values;

(h) repeatedly execution in step (c)-(g) reaches predetermined period, and then proceeds to step (j) when finishing predetermined period;

(i) recruitment that the extra level is adjusted reduces scheduled volume, and proceeds to step (j); With

(j) provide the continuous signal level adjustment of upstream bandwidth.

A16. as the described method of claim A15, wherein, described predetermined period is at least twice (2).

A17. as the described method of claim A15, also comprise with in first signal strength signal intensity and the secondary signal intensity one of at least with predetermined threshold relatively.

B1. downlink bandwidth output level and/or output level slope compensation equipment, its can be inserted near user resident place, the user resident or the signal transmssion line near the CATV system of user resident in, described equipment comprises:

Tuner, it is configured to scan downlink bandwidth with identification low frequency channel and high frequency channel;

The Multiple Channel Analysis device, it is configured to determine each form of low frequency channel and high frequency channel;

Signal measurement device, it is configured to measure the low frequency channel level of low frequency channel and the high frequency channel level of high frequency channel;

Off-centre circuit, it is configured to carry out one or more following steps: (i) when low frequency channel is number format, increase deviant to the low frequency channel level; (ii) when low frequency channel is analog format, deduct deviant from the low frequency channel level; (iii) when high frequency channel is number format, increase deviant to the high frequency channel level; (iv) when high frequency channel is analog format, deduct the gain deviant from the high frequency channel level;

Microprocessor, it is configured to and will comprises that the low frequency channel level of any deviant and high frequency channel level and predetermined signal strength damage curve compare;

Increase the variable output level compensation equipment of function; With

The variable tilted that increases function is adjusted circuit.

B2. as the described equipment of claim B1, wherein, described variable output level compensation equipment is adjusted circuit with variable tilted and is configured to make the gain relevant with high frequency channel greater than the gain relevant with low frequency channel.

B3. as the described equipment of claim B1, wherein, described predetermined signal strength damage curve be representative the guard station that CATV decide the consumer locate or near the standard losses curve of transmission line of use.

B4. as the described equipment of claim B1, wherein, described tuner configuration be from peak frequency towards low frequency scanning more seeking high frequency channel, and be configured to from minimum frequency towards higher frequency scanning to seek low frequency channel.

B5. as the described equipment of claim B1, wherein, determine based on the high frequency channel level by the signal level adjustment amount that variable output level compensation equipment provides.

B6. as the described equipment of claim B1, wherein, determine based on the low frequency channel level by the tilt adjustments amount that variable tilted adjustment circuit provides.

B7. as the described equipment of claim B1, wherein, described circuitry for signal measurement is set to measure the high frequency channel level and the low frequency channel level in variable output level compensation equipment downstream.

B8. the method for the downlink bandwidth of a user resident of regulating CATV service, this method comprises:

Receive downlink bandwidth from the CATV supply;

The scanning downlink bandwidth is to obtain low frequency channel and high frequency channel;

Measure the low frequency channel level of low frequency channel and the high frequency channel level of high frequency channel;

Determine the form of low frequency channel descriptor format;

Determine the form of high frequency channel descriptor format;

When one of low frequency channel and high frequency channel are that analog format and one of low frequency channel and high frequency channel are during for number format, with one of low frequency channel and high frequency channel skew predetermined offset;

To comprise that the low frequency channel level of any deviant and high frequency channel level and predetermined signal strength damage curve compare;

For downlink bandwidth provides the output level compensation rate; With

For downlink bandwidth provides the tilt adjustments amount.

B9. as the described method of claim B8, wherein, the tilt adjustments amount is for making the gain relevant with high frequency channel greater than the gain relevant with low frequency channel.

B10. as the described method of claim B8, wherein, described predetermined signal strength damage curve is representative at the place, guard station that decide consumer, decide near consumer's the guard station or the standard losses curve of the signal transmssion line of the approaching guard station use of deciding the consumer.

B11. as the described method of claim B8, wherein, carry out described scanning so that scan from peak frequency, and towards more low frequency extension, to seek high frequency channel.

B12. as the described method of claim B8, wherein, carry out described scanning so that scan, and extend, to seek low frequency channel towards higher frequency from minimum frequency.

B13. as the described method of claim B8, wherein, the output level compensation rate is determined based on the high frequency channel level.

B14. as the described method of claim B8, wherein, the tilt adjustments amount is determined based on the low frequency channel level.

C1. a frequency band is selected equipment, and it can be inserted in the signal transmssion line of CATV system of user resident, and described equipment comprises:

At least two signal path collection between supply side and the user side, each signal path collection comprises two discrete signal paths, allow downlink bandwidth to pass to the forward path of user side and allow upstream bandwidth to pass to the return path of supply side from user side from the supply side, described forward path and return path end the jump frequency difference by separating by jump frequency for each signal path collection; With

Switch controller, it has at least two discrete switching positions, and switch controller is selected the result of a switching position as information signal, and each switching position is corresponding to a corresponding signal path collection.

C2. as the described equipment of claim C1, also comprise:

Supply side filter collection, it comprises can be by at least two frequency band separation equipments of supply side switch collection selection; With

User side filter collection, it comprises can be by at least two frequency band separation equipments of user side switch collection selection;

Wherein said supply side switch collection and described user side switch collection and are activated by switch controller.How is the result?

C3. as the described equipment of claim C2, wherein, described supply side switch collection comprises descending switch of supply side and the up switch of supply side, and wherein, described user side switch collection comprises descending switch of user side and the up switch of user side.

C4. as the described equipment of claim C1, wherein, described information signal is a continuous tone.

C5. as the described equipment of claim C1, wherein, but described information signal comprises the operation signal of coding.

C6. as the described equipment of claim C2, wherein, a frequency band separation equipment in each of described supply side filter collection and described user side filter collection is configured to according to DOCSIS-1 upstream bandwidth and downlink bandwidth be separated.

C7. as the described equipment of claim C2, wherein, a frequency band separation equipment in each of described supply side filter collection and described user side filter collection is configured to according to DOCSIS-2 upstream bandwidth and downlink bandwidth be separated.

C8. as the described equipment of claim C2, wherein, a frequency band separation equipment in each of described supply side filter collection and described user side filter collection is configured to according to the DOCSIS-3 standard upstream bandwidth and downlink bandwidth be separated.

C9. as the described equipment of claim C1, comprise three or more signal path collection and three or more discrete switching position data passes agreements.

C10. the method for the CATV frequency band of a user resident that is used to change the CATV service, this method comprises:

Provide frequency band to select equipment in the guard station, this equipment comprises:

At least two signal path collection between supply side and the user side, each signal path collection comprises two discrete signal paths, allow downlink bandwidth from the supply side through the forward path of user side with allow upstream bandwidth from the return path of user side through the supply side, described forward path and described return path end the jump frequency difference by separating by jump frequency for each signal path collection; With

Switch controller, it has at least two discrete switching positions, and switch controller is selected the result of a switching position as information signal, and each switching position is corresponding to a corresponding signal path collection; With

The actuating switch controller is concentrated of expectation to each signal path as the result of information signal.

C11. as the described method of claim C10, wherein, this equipment also comprises:

User side filter collection, it comprises at least two frequency band separation equipments that can have user side switch collection to select;

Wherein said supply side switch collection and described user side switching collection are actuated into of the concentrated expectation of corresponding signal path by switch controller.

C12. as the described method of claim C11, wherein, described supply side switch collection comprises descending switch of supply side and the up switch of supply side, and wherein, described user side switch collection comprises descending switch of user side and the up switch of user side.

C13. as the described method of claim C10, wherein, described information signal is a continuous tone.

C14. as the described method of claim C10, wherein, but described information signal comprises the operation signal of coding.

C15. as the described method of claim C11, wherein, a frequency band separation equipment in each of described supply side filter collection and described user side filter collection is configured to according to DOCSIS-1 upstream bandwidth and downlink bandwidth be separated.

C16. as the described method of claim C11, wherein, a frequency band separation equipment in each of described supply side filter collection and described user side filter collection is configured to according to DOCSIS-2 upstream bandwidth and downlink bandwidth be separated.

C17. as the described method of claim C11, wherein, a frequency band separation equipment in each of described supply side filter collection and described user side filter collection is configured to according to the DOCSIS-3 standard upstream bandwidth and downlink bandwidth be separated.

C18. as the described method of claim C10, comprise three or more signal path collection and three or more discrete switching position data passes agreements.

D1. downlink bandwidth conditioning equipment, it can be inserted near the signal transmssion line of the CATV system user resident place or the user resident, and described equipment comprises:

Forward path, it extends on the distance of at least a portion between supply side-connector and the user side connector;

Coupler, it connects in described forward path, and described coupler provides second path;

Tuner, it is connected to described coupler, and can carry out tuningly based on the input of microprocessor, described tuner provides the tuner output of selective channel, the channel of selection be in high frequency channel and the low frequency channel one of at least;

The Multiple Channel Analysis device, it is connected to the output of described tuner, and described Multiple Channel Analysis device provides modulation output for microprocessor, and is different when described modulation output is digital modulation with the channel of selection when the channel of selecting is analog-modulated;

The tilt adjustments circuit, it is connected between described forward path intercoupler and supply side-connector, the inclination control output that described tilt adjustments circuit can provide based on microprocessor and adjusting; With

The output compensating circuit, it is electrically connected between forward signal path intercoupler and supply side-connector, and the output compensating circuit can be exported and adjust based on the level control of microprocessor.

D2. as the described equipment of claim D1, wherein, described microprocessor comprises at least one control model that is used to change inclination control input and level control input.

D3. as the described equipment of claim D2, wherein, first control model based at least one low frequency channel each low channel level and each the high channel level at least one high frequency channel change control input and level control in importing one of at least.

D4. as the described equipment of claim D2, wherein, first control model based on the high channel level of the low channel level of single low frequency channel and single high frequency channel change tilt control input and level control in importing one of at least.

D5. as the described equipment of claim D3, wherein, second control model based on the average of a plurality of low channel levels change tilt control input and level control in importing one of at least.

D6. as the described equipment of claim D3, wherein, second control model based on the average of a plurality of high channel level change tilt control input and level control in importing one of at least.

D7. as the described equipment of claim D5, wherein, first control model with distinguish than the second control model faster rate control input and level control in importing one of at least.

D8. as the described equipment of claim D1, wherein, described microprocessor comprises at least one control model, and it will hang down one of channel level and high channel level and compare the control input thereby change is tilted with the respective objects level.

D9. as the described equipment of claim D8, wherein, described control model will be hanged down one of channel level and high channel level and be compared with the respective objects level, thereby change level control input.

D10. as the described equipment of claim D9, wherein, will hang down before one of channel level and high channel level compare with the respective objects level, described control model optionally is added to first level and respective objects level with the digital channel skew.

D11. as the described equipment of claim D9, wherein, will hang down before one of channel level and high channel level compare with the respective objects level, described control model optionally deducts the digital channel skew from target level.

D12. as the described equipment of claim D1, wherein, described microprocessor comprises at least one control model, and its low channel level and respective objects level with at least one low frequency channel compares, thereby changes the inclination control input of tilt adjustments circuit.

D13. as the described equipment of claim D12, wherein, described microprocessor comprises at least one control model, and its high channel level and respective objects level with at least one high frequency channel compares, thereby changes level control input.

D14. as the described equipment of claim D1, wherein, described microprocessor comprises each that is used at least one low frequency channel and is used for each at least one calibration memory location of at least one high frequency channel.

D15. as the described equipment of claim D12, wherein, described microprocessor comprises each that is used at least one low frequency channel and is used for each target storage position of at least one high frequency channel.

D16. the method for user resident place that is used to regulate the CATV service or near downlink bandwidth, described method comprises:

Begin first pattern, described first pattern comprises:

From downlink bandwidth be tuned to the initial high frequency channel;

Obtain high channel modulation and high channel level from the initial high frequency channel;

From downlink bandwidth be tuned to the initial low frequency channel;

Obtain low Channel Modulation and low channel level from the initial low frequency channel;

The level adjustment amount of downlink bandwidth is provided; With

The tilt adjustments amount of downlink bandwidth is provided.

D17. as the described method of claim D16, wherein, described first pattern also comprises:

Obtain first poor between high channel level and the corresponding high channel target level; With

Obtain second poor between low channel level and the corresponding low channel target level.

D18. as the described method of claim D17, wherein, described first pattern also comprises:

Based on high channel modulation with hang down indication difference between the Channel Modulation change first difference with second in poor one of at least.

D19. as the described method of claim D17, also comprise:

Begin second pattern after finishing at least once the repeating of first mode step, described second pattern comprises:

Each modulation of acquisition high channel and high channel level for a plurality of high frequency channels;

Obtain the average of high channel level;

Low Channel Modulation of each acquisition and low channel level for a plurality of low frequency channels;

Obtain the average of low channel level;

The level adjustment amount of downlink bandwidth is provided; With

The tilt adjustments amount of downlink bandwidth is provided.

D20. as the described method of claim D19, wherein, described second pattern also comprises:

Obtain the 3rd poor between the average of the average of high channel level and corresponding high channel target level; With

Obtain the 4th poor between the average of the average of low channel level and corresponding low channel target level.

D21. as the described method of claim D19, wherein, described second pattern also comprises:

When in the 3rd difference and the 4th difference one of at least above corresponding predetermined threshold the time, turn back to first pattern.

D22. as the described method of claim D18, also comprise:

Each identification of each and a plurality of low frequency channels of a plurality of high frequency channels is provided for microprocessor, and whether described identification represents respective channel from the supply transmission,

Wherein, the average of described high channel level comprises the high channel level that only is used to be identified as those high frequency channels that come from the supply transmission; With

Wherein, the average of described low channel level comprises the low channel level that only is used to be identified as those low frequency channels that come from the supply transmission.

F1. measuring equipment that is used to measure upstream bandwidth, described equipment comprises:

Return path, it extends on the distance of at least a portion between supply side-connector and the user side connector;

Coupler, it connects in described return path, and described coupler provides second path;

Testing circuit, the described coupler of its electric descending connection;

Level detector, the described testing circuit of its electric descending connection; With

Microprocessor, the described level detector of its electric descending connection, described microprocessor comprises first buffer and second buffer.

F2. as the described measuring equipment of claim F1, also comprise: described level detector of electric descending connection and the electric up nonlinear amplifier that is connected described microprocessor.

F3. as the described measuring equipment of claim F1, wherein, described first buffer is serial peak value buffer, it comprises the relevant value of voltage output with level detector, and described second buffer is the average buffer, and it comprises at least one average that is placed on the value in the serial peak value buffer.

F4. as the described measuring equipment of claim F1, also comprise: the high pass filter that between described coupler and RF testing circuit, is electrically connected.

F5. as the described measuring equipment of claim F1, wherein, described testing circuit comprises amplifier and detector, and described detector converts the frequency dependence voltage source to very first time associated electrical baric flow.

F6. as the described measuring equipment of claim F5, wherein, described testing circuit also comprises the low-pass amplifier of the described detector of electric descending connection, described low-pass amplifier in first voltage source when long the amplification quantity of the amplification quantity comparison short time voltage of voltage big.

F7. as the described measuring equipment of claim F1, wherein, described level detector comprises at least one diode, at least one resistor and the electric descending electric capacity at least that is connected at least one diode, and described electric capacity has big at least ten times the constant discharge time of minimum period than the increase voltage of the expectation upstream bandwidth correspondence of expection.

F8. as the described measuring equipment of claim F3, wherein, described serial peak value buffer is filled by seed at first, and described seed is in the scope of desired value with respect to the voltage output of nonlinear amplifier.

F9. as the described measuring equipment of claim F2, wherein, described nonlinear amplifier provides low voltage amplification relatively still less than the voltage source of level detector for the high voltage of the voltage source of level detector.

F10. as the described measuring equipment of claim F1, wherein, described coupler is electrically connected between user side diplexer filter and supply side diplexer filter.

F11. as the described measuring equipment of claim F1, also comprise output equipment, it allows technical staff for optimization the purpose of the adjusting of upstream bandwidth to be stored, checked or analyzes, described output equipment be in watch-dog, memory device, network monitoring position, handheld device and the printer one of at least.

F12. as the described measuring equipment of claim F1, wherein, described microprocessor also comprises the memory location that is used for high voltage threshold and low voltage threshold, and each of high voltage threshold and low voltage threshold is calculated by the value that is placed in the average buffer.

F13. method that obtains the level data of upstream bandwidth, described method comprises:

The frequency dependence voltage source converted to comprise the time correlation voltage source that increases the voltage period;

Use low-pass amplifier and peak detector to amplify and keep increasing the period of voltage;

The peak value of a plurality of voltage series in the record output voltage stream, each series begins with the voltage level of the measurement that surpasses HVT high voltage threshold, and finishes with the voltage level via the measurement under the low pressure threshold;

In first buffer, place peak value;

Periodically calculate the first buffer average, it is the average of the peak value in first buffer;

Each first buffer average is put in second buffer;

Periodically calculate the second buffer average, it is the average of the first buffer average in second buffer; With

At least one first buffer average and at least one second buffer average are outputed to output equipment, check the purpose that is used to regulate upstream bandwidth for the technician.

F14. as the described method of claim F13, also comprise:

Before peak value being put in first buffer, use seed to fill first buffer, described seed is the interior value of desired extent of peak value.

F15. as the described method of claim F13, also comprise:

Based on average calculating HVT high voltage threshold that is placed on first buffer in second buffer and each of low pressure threshold.

F16. as the described method of claim F13, also comprise:

Amplify the period that increases voltage with nonlinear way,, thereby produce output voltage stream so that low voltage increases more amount than upper frequency.

G1. equipment that is used to regulate upstream bandwidth, described equipment comprises:

Coupler, it is connected in the described return path, and described coupler provides second path;

Testing circuit, the described coupler of its electric descending connection;

Microprocessor, the described level detector of its electric descending connection, described microprocessor comprises first buffer and second buffer; With

The variable signal level is adjusted equipment, and it is the described coupler of electric descending connection in described return path, and described variable signal level is adjusted equipment and controlled by microprocessor.

G2. as the described conditioning equipment of claim G1, also comprise: described level detector of electric descending connection and the electric up nonlinear amplifier that is connected described microprocessor.

G3. as the described conditioning equipment of claim G1, wherein, described first buffer is serial peak value buffer, comprises the relevant value of voltage output with level detector, described second buffer is the average buffer, comprises at least one average that is placed on the value in the serial peak value buffer.

G4. as the described conditioning equipment of claim G1, also comprise: be connected electrically in the high pass filter between described coupler and the RF testing circuit.

G5. as the described conditioning equipment of claim G1, wherein, described testing circuit comprises amplifier and detector, and described detector converts the frequency dependence voltage source to very first time associated electrical baric flow.

G6. as the described conditioning equipment of claim G5, wherein, described testing circuit also comprises the low-pass amplifier of the described detector of electric descending connection, described low-pass amplifier in first voltage source when long the amplification quantity of the amplification quantity comparison short time voltage of voltage big.

G7. as the described conditioning equipment of claim G1, wherein, described level detector comprises at least one diode, at least one resistor and the electric descending electric capacity at least that is connected at least one diode, and described electric capacity has big at least ten times the discharge time of minimum period than the voltage of the increase of the expectation upstream bandwidth correspondence of expection.

G8. as the described conditioning equipment of claim G3, wherein, described serial peak value buffer is filled by seed at first, and described seed is in the scope of desired value with respect to the voltage output of nonlinear amplifier.

G9. as the described conditioning equipment of claim G2, wherein, described nonlinear amplifier provides low voltage amplification relatively still less than the voltage source of level detector for the high voltage of the voltage source of level detector.

G10. as the described conditioning equipment of claim G1, wherein, described coupler is electrically connected between user side diplexer filter and supply side diplexer filter.

G11. as the described conditioning equipment of claim G1, wherein, described microprocessor also comprises the memory location that is used for high voltage threshold and low voltage threshold, and each of high voltage threshold and low voltage threshold is calculated by the value that is placed in the average buffer.

G12. as the described conditioning equipment of claim G1, also comprise delay timer.

G13. method of regulating upstream bandwidth, described method comprises:

In first buffer, place peak value;

Periodically calculate the first buffer average;

In the first buffer average each is put in second buffer;

Determine the first buffer average whether for being higher than the value scope and being lower than one of value scope, described value scope is to be placed on one of first buffer average in second buffer to add (+) upper deviation and deduct (-) lower deviation;

When first buffer during scope, is added to upstream bandwidth with attenuation incrementation greater than value;

When first buffer during scope, makes upstream bandwidth reduce attenuation incrementation less than value.

G14. as the described method of claim G13, also comprise:

G15. as the described method of claim G13, also comprise:

What calculates each of HVT high voltage threshold and low pressure threshold by based on the average that is placed on first buffer in second buffer.

G16. as the described method of claim G13, also comprise:

G17. as the described method of claim G13, also comprise:

Because the step of record peak value and calculate finishing one of at least in the step of the first buffer average when scheduled time past tense, makes upstream bandwidth reduce the decay gain.

Claims

1. equipment that is used to regulate the total bandwidth of CATV system, described equipment comprises:

Forward path, it extends on the distance of at least a portion between described supply side-connector and the described user side connector;

Ascender, it comprises the variable signal level adjustment equipment that is connected in the described return path;

Descender, it comprises the forward coupler that is connected in the described forward path;

At least one microprocessor, the described variable signal level of the described up connection of microprocessor electricity is adjusted equipment,

Wherein, described microprocessor responds reduces and reduces the signal level adjustment amount that is applied to described return path in the level of the downlink bandwidth at described forward coupler place.

2. equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described ascender also comprises:

Return coupler, it connects in described return path, and described coupler provides second path;

Testing circuit, the described coupler that returns of its electric descending connection; With

Level detector, the described testing circuit of its electric descending connection,

Wherein, the described level detector of the described microprocessor descending connection of electricity.

3. equipment as claimed in claim 2, wherein, described downstream plant also comprises:

Tuner, it is connected to described forward coupler and can carries out tuningly based on the input of described microprocessor, described tuner provides the tuner output of the channel of selection, the channel of described selection be in high frequency channel and the low frequency channel one of at least.

4. equipment as claimed in claim 3, wherein, described microprocessor comprises at least one control model, it will hang down one of channel level and high channel level and compare with corresponding target level.

5. equipment as claimed in claim 4, wherein, described microprocessor comprises level threshold, difference and described level threshold between one of low channel level and high channel level and the corresponding target level compare.

6. equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described ascender and described descender utilize himself corresponding microprocessor, have communication link between these microprocessors.

7. equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described ascender and described descender utilize same microprocessor.

8. method of regulating upstream bandwidth, described method comprises:

At least one attenuation incrementation is added on the described upstream bandwidth;

Measure first level of downlink bandwidth; With

Remove at least a portion of described at least one attenuation incrementation in response to first level of described downlink bandwidth.

9. method as claimed in claim 8 also comprises:

Measure second level of described downlink bandwidth, second level of described downlink bandwidth a period of time before measuring described first level is measured;

It is poor that second level of described downlink bandwidth and corresponding target level are compared to obtain second;

It is poor that first level of described downlink bandwidth and corresponding target level are compared to obtain first; With

When described first difference and the described second difference change during, carry out the removing an of part of described at least one attenuation incrementation than the bigger variable quantity of predetermined threshold.

10. method as claimed in claim 9, wherein, described predetermined threshold is at least one amount that expection changes, described expection change comprise with circulating temperature, humidity and sunlight at least one relevant variation.

11. method as claimed in claim 10, wherein, described predetermined threshold changes according to the time quantum of measuring described second level and measure between described first level.

12. method as claimed in claim 8 also comprises:

Begin first pattern, described first pattern comprises:

From downlink bandwidth be tuned to the initial high frequency channel;

Obtain high channel modulation and high channel level from described initial high frequency channel;

From described downlink bandwidth be tuned to the initial low frequency channel;

Obtain low Channel Modulation and low channel level from described initial low frequency channel;

The level adjustment amount of described downlink bandwidth is provided;

The tilt adjustments amount of described downlink bandwidth is provided;

Begin second pattern after finishing at least once the repeating of described first mode step, described second pattern comprises:

Obtain the average of described high channel level;

Obtain the average of described low channel level;

The level adjustment amount of described downlink bandwidth is provided;

The tilt adjustments amount of described downlink bandwidth is provided;

Obtain the 3rd poor between the average of the average of described high channel level and corresponding high channel target level;

Obtain the 4th poor between the average of the average of described low channel level and corresponding low channel target level;

When in the 3rd difference and the 4th difference one of at least above corresponding predetermined threshold the time, turn back to described first pattern; With

When turning back to described first pattern from described second pattern, carry out the removing an of part of described at least one attenuation incrementation.

13. method as claimed in claim 12 also comprises:

Each identification of each and described a plurality of low frequency channels of described a plurality of high frequency channels is provided for microprocessor, and whether described identification represents respective channel from the supply transmission,

Wherein, the average of described high channel level comprises the high channel level that only is used to be identified as those high frequency channels that come from the supply transmission; And