KR20040101288A - A measurement arrangement and telecommunications assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention can be terminated in at least one terminal module 510 which acts as a signal transfer and enables connection with a communication line or in at least one auxiliary module of a communication wiring point connected to the terminal module 510. A contact bank 512 that may be or is terminated, and thus may or may be mounted at a communication wiring point, and (a) directly to contacts 530 of the module 510 with the contact bank 512 terminated; A plurality of tapping contacts permanently electrically connected, (b) a smaller number of outlet contacts than the tapping contacts, and (c) a plurality of remotely controllable switches for selectively electrically connecting the outlet contacts to the tapping contacts, And (d) a contact bank having a control device for controlling the plurality of switches.

Description

MEASUREMENT ARRANGEMENT AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSEMBLY

In general, in the field of signal transmission, in particular in the field of communication, terminal modules and isolation modules, usually configured as strips, are used to connect and partition subscriber lines and cross-connect these lines. This module is terminated at one side and the other side provided in the same amount pair in each case, the one side being referred to as the receiving side or the fixed side and the other side being referred to as the calling side or cross-connecting side. . Sometimes it is necessary to measure this connection, for example, between the subscriber's telephone connection and the network engineering of the network operator. This measurement serves, for example, to test the connection as a whole, or to localize any disturbances that may occur.

In addition, in other technical fields, particularly in the field of electronics, it is necessary to test or monitor the test object frequently. In the telecommunications field, for example, it is sometimes necessary to test access to a communication line that runs between a customer or subscriber and a telephone company's switch or exchange. A myriad of these communication lines are distributed between numerous subscribers and switches at the wiring points. A typical type of wiring point is the main distribution frame (MDF) in the telecommunications company's central management office. A further example is a network of coaxial cables, which can be used for example in CATV.

Until now, it has been common to test lines by plugging the appropriate test plugs, which are connected to the manual measuring device via test leads, into specific contacts of the terminal module. In other words, someone has to have a manual measuring device at the wiring point to make the necessary connections.

In general, numerous communication lines can be tested by manually connecting a test device to the line to be tested at a point on the line, which is suitable for obtaining test access. However, it is more effective if a "central" test device is provided. The device can be connected to multiple communication lines in a manner that allows for test or monitoring access when needed. For this purpose, a so-called star-architecture is known in which several terminal points of the test line can be connected with the test apparatus. At each terminal point, a separate line is required.

Also known is a bus architecture in which a testbus is provided, each of which is connected to a plurality of terminal points by a plurality of stub wires associated with one terminal point. The end point is the point at which the stub can be connected or connected to the line to be tested. At the end point of a particular stub wire, one or more switches are provided to enable the desired testing and monitoring. In particular, the placement of the switch may allow for testing in one direction, i.e., towards the subscriber or switch, and in both directions, or may allow monitoring of the communication line, i.e. the signal transmitted by the communication line It is sent to the test device without blocking it. By properly controlling the switch at the connection point, the particular line to be tested can be connected with the test device.

Apart from the manual measuring device, the measurement may also be carried out by a system which is usually used for transmission purposes. Such a system already has a corresponding measuring card and other devices, such as a DSLAM mounted on an ADSL or XDSL splitter, for example. For example, a measurement card can be integrated into the corresponding system. As an alternative, the external measuring device can be terminated and connected to the system via a corresponding coupling field. Another alternative is to install the corresponding measurement technique on the card. The measurement to be carried out in this case may be "specific to a particular service", i.e. performed as part of the service provided by the corresponding system, or for example measuring the disconnection in case of damage to the system or the like. It may be a general feature to. However, this measurement through the system is only possible if the system is already installed. This means that testing of lines not included as a function of the corresponding system is not possible. Thus, the line cannot be tested for its functionality prior to the planned installation of the new system.

EP 0 364 658 A2, for example, relates to a wiring point having a so-called terminal area feature opening into which a test plug can be inserted, among others. The relevant contacts in the terminal area are tapped by appropriate contacts, such as in test plugs, and the testing of the lines is made possible by the connection by manual measuring devices. Similar apparatus is the subject matter of US Pat. No. 4,629,836.

U.S. Patent 4,208,551 relates to a plug-in card for a line switching system, which can be connected to the switching system and extended by a number of additional lines.

WO 99/36987 relates to an assembly of telephone connection strips connected by a bus. A switch may be provided to connect the selected communication line with the remote control and test device.

The present invention relates to a contact bank, a measuring device having at least one such contact bank, a terminal having at least one contact bank or measuring device, an isolation or auxiliary communication module, and a communication assembly having a plurality of modules.

1 is a partial view of the switching circuit of the first embodiment of the contact bank.

Fig. 2 is a partial illustration of the switching circuit of the second embodiment of the contact bank.

3 is a schematic diagram of a circuit of a third embodiment of a contact bank.

4 is a schematic illustration of a stripped terminal module with a contact bank.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a strip type terminal module having a contact bank in the second embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of a plurality of stripped terminal modules having a contact bank in the third embodiment.

7 is a schematic illustration of a plurality of terminal modules having a contact bank in the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a side view of a strip-shaped terminal module having a contact bank in the fifth embodiment.

9 is a plan view of the contact bank according to FIG.

10 is a schematic diagram of a connection structure.

11 is a schematic diagram of a bus structure having a CAN bus.

The present invention provides an apparatus that enables very simple testing of multiple signal transmission lines in the center.

This is achieved by a contact bank, which may also be called a coupling area, because it allows one or more measurement systems to be permanently coupled to the contacts of the module. As will be explained in more detail below, testing of multiple signal transmission lines is thus performed from one central area without having to perform any special work at the wiring point, such as plug-in operation or replugging operation of the test plug. It becomes possible.

To this end, the contact bank according to the present invention may be connected to at least one module which may be configured as a terminal module or an auxiliary module for signal transmission, and is connected to at least one terminal module having a signal transmission function. Such an auxiliary module may for example be a terminal module, in particular an overvoltage protection module connected to the terminal strip or the separation strip. In the contact bank according to the invention, the connection to the terminal module or the isolation module as well as the auxiliary module mounted thereon can be considered. As another example of a module that can be connected to a contact bank according to the invention, a transmission module is mentioned. In addition, the contact bank can be connected to the splitter assembly or can be provided with such a splitter assembly. With regard to the splitter assembly, it should be noted that in the so-called ADSL art it is necessary to "split up" two signals carried in different frequency ranges. In particular, the audio signal is divided from the data signal. The data signal is sent to the DSLAM, for example, and the voice signal is sent to the switching system. It should be noted that in connection with the terminal module and / or the auxiliary module connected to the terminal module, it is to be interpreted that the terminal module has the effect that the communication lines can be connected together. In other words, the module is intended to provide a connection to the communication line. In particular, the line may be in the form of one or more wires or cables which can be connected with the contacts provided in the terminal module. In addition, one or more wires or cables may be terminated by a plug that may be connected with the module.

The contact bank or coupling area has several tapping contacts which are permanently electrically connected directly to the contacts of the module under the condition that the contact bank is terminated. In other words, the contact bank according to the invention achieves a permanent electrical connection to the contacts of the module and thus forms the basis on which the relevant lines can be directly tested directly, without the need to specifically apply a test plug. In addition, the contact bank can be mounted or mounted near the module. That is, a contact bank having not only the above features but also the features described below is disposed at the communication wiring point, in particular the main wiring board. Thus, the contact bank is closely associated with the module to which the wire can be connected. It should also be mentioned that this applies to the control device described below, which may be associated with a single module or multiple modules.

It should also be noted that the module which can be connected or connected to the contact bank according to the invention is preferably a module arranged at a communication wiring point, even if the invention is irrelevant to its preferred use. In particular, the contact banks and modules may be arranged in the main wiring board. This forms test access to numerous subscriber lines at a relatively central location in the communication system.

The contact bank according to the invention not only has the function of tapping a plurality of contacts as described above, but this tapping action is advantageously "concentrated" in a smaller number of outlet contacts than the tapping contacts. Finally, the contact bank has a plurality of remotely controllable switches for selectively connecting the outlet contact to the tapping contact. Thus, by using an appropriate measuring system, it is possible to carry out a test by means of a contact bank according to the invention from a central location or to trigger a test to be carried out by a measuring head on a spot. The switch may connect the signal line to the outlet or coupling area of the contact bank, which is the position at which the measurement system integrated in the contact bank ends. Thus, individual signal lines terminating at the contacts of terminal modules or isolation modules can be accessed simultaneously automatically via remote control. In addition or as an alternative to this remote controlled access, individual signal lines may be accessed “on the spot” in a parallel manner. That is, not only can the test be performed at a location remote from the test system, but it can also be triggered by using a system that is closer or less close to the means to be tested, ie usually by using a wiring harness. These systems can also be arranged more specifically in the same room. The decisive advantage, however, is that the test procedure is carried out via the contact bank, so that individual plugs do not have to be manually relocated. Thus, the measuring or monitoring system can be added to the signal line or permanently coupled by a remotely controllable switch. It should be noted at this point that the exit contact can be connected to one or more test buses by one or more test bus switches. In addition to the testbus switches, additional switches described above and below can be remotely controlled.

The contact bank further includes a control device for controlling the plurality of switches. As mentioned above, the control device, which is part of the contact bank, is closely associated with one or more modules, and in particular can be mounted near or even adjacent to the module. The tapping contacts of the contact bank can be integrated into the module. Multiple switches can be integrated into the module such that multiple lines extending through the module can be concentrated at the exit contacts. As an alternative, the module may only incorporate tapping contacts, and a plurality of switches as well as an outlet contact and a control device may be provided outside the module. In particular, a control module having these members can be provided in association with one or more so-called access modules provided with tapping contacts. In addition, a single control device may be associated with one or more contact banks described below. Thus, it can be said that an access and control assembly is formed by at least one contact bank, which can be at least partially integrated into a communication module, and a control device associated therewith. The control device controls a plurality of switches. The control device further forms part of a hierarchy structure in which multiple connections in multiple modules can be addressed for testing, monitoring and measurement. In this hierarchy, each module that will test its communication line may include one or more control devices for controlling the switches provided to the module. In particular, the module may be provided with a single control device for controlling a plurality of remotely controllable switches. In addition, additional control devices may be associated with the various modules. For example, a single control device may be associated with several modules to control the control devices of each module.

It is also possible to provide only two outlet contacts so that only one single line can be tested immediately at a particular point. However, many lines can be measured using any suitable multiplexing method. Moreover, the contact bank according to the present invention may inherently have several outlets allowing multiple lines to be measured simultaneously. In particular, when two lines are measured in combination, generally they measure side-to-side crosstalk between two lines, in particular "near-end crosstalk" and "far-end crosstalk". You can do it.

The contact bank according to the invention forms a so-called permanent bridge between the contacts of the module and the measuring system. The contact bank according to the invention is different from the known test plugs in that it has a plurality of contacts in the same amount as the contacts of the module in order to simultaneously tap all the contacts of the module. The contact bank according to the invention is also characterized in that in each case it is possible to determine by remote control which line to test. With regard to the form of connection between the contact bank and the contacts of the module according to the invention, it should be noted that add-on and "listen in" without interference with the connection are possible. With regard to "taps" it is to be understood that measurement, efficiency control or monitoring takes place. However, this does not always mean that the line is "tapped" in a way that is illegal in some countries.

In the case where the associated terminal module is an isolation module having an isolated contact which can be divided, the switching circuit in the contact bank according to the invention is both positively connected by making the connection through switching and, if necessary, the division. It can be configured such that the measurement in the direction can be made. Thus, the advantage is realized that the test bank no longer needs to be connected to the line to be tested due to the contact bank. There is no need for an isolation plug to be inserted. It should be emphasized here that the contact bank allows at least two types of measurements. The measurement can, on the one hand, be made "in service", ie during operation and during the continuous transmission of the signal, with the operation unaffected thereby. Measurement may also be considered when these services are not implemented. This is especially important in case of failure. It should also be noted that the measurement and testability provided by the contact bank is of particular importance for terminal modules with splitter assemblies. In this regard, reference may be made to the Applicant's PCT / EP01 / 15283 and DE 201 04 605 U1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, particularly in connection with the provision of at least one assembly.

At least one tapping contact of the contact bank may first be connected with a circuit having a permanent connection with the tapping contact and secondaryly having a single line switch. The permanent connection connects the outlet contact with the line in the same way as monitoring the line as described in more detail below. In some cases, a line switch is connected to the line to allow disconnection of the line that may be required. Note that the line consists of one or more wires that can be connected with the associated contacts of the communication module, where the contact bank can be terminated. As will be described in more detail below, the contacts of the communication module may have a separation location, also referred to as a separation point. In this separation position the line can not only be tapped but rather can extend through the contact bank. Thus, the contact bank may have a line switch capable of breaking the line. The permanent connection unit and the line switch may be connected to a mode switch which may be connected to at least one outlet contact. This connection can be realized via a testbus switch. The following functions can be performed by this circuit. First, when the line switch is in the uninterrupted state and the mode switch connects the testbus switch with the permanent connection, the outlet contact of the contact bank is connected with the permanent connection. In this situation, the line can be monitored. That is, the signal transmitted by the line remains unblocked. However, this signal is also sent to the exit contact and thus can also be sent to the test apparatus. Starting from the above situation, when the line switch is switched to cut off the line, the outlet contact is connected with the line in the first direction, ie the direction in which the permanent connection is formed. Thus, any test or measurement can be made in the first direction. When the mode switch is switched, the outlet contact is connected to the line switch in the disconnected state. Thus, the outlet contact is connected with the line in the second direction. Thus, testing and measurement in this direction can be made. The circuit is very reliable because a single switch placed in the line is sufficient for all necessary functions. As mentioned, measurements can be made in both directions of the line. In addition, the line can be monitored without interruption. Having a single switch on the line is advantageous in that such switches are generally disabled. Therefore, if the number of switches is reduced, the reliability of the line is improved even when the measurement in two directions is to be made. That is, a single switch can be used without compromising the flexibility of measuring in two directions. Given the known circuitry requiring two switches, the provision of a single line switch offers significant advantages. Line switches also generally attenuate transmitted signals. In addition, the line switch requires a certain space. Thus, the circuit using a single line switch has the advantages of excellent attenuation characteristics and space saving characteristics. With regard to the circuit, it is worth mentioning that this circuit does not necessarily need to be combined with the contact bank. Rather, a circuit having all of the above-described features alone or in combination with each other should be considered as part of the present invention. In particular, such a circuit represents the advantages in any form of test, monitoring or measurement application. Thus, the circuit can be advantageously used in communication systems such as at wiring points, in particular in main wiring boards and cable cabinets. The circuit can also be used in any other device, such as a DSLAM, that can also be deployed at the subscriber. For example, the circuit can also be included in a handheld device that can be used to test any form of equipment, such as in the communications field.

Unnecessary mounting of several additional members to one and the same terminal module is prevented by the preferred embodiment in which the integrated bank overvoltage protection means, the splitter assembly and the like are included in the contact bank according to the present invention. If an environment, such as a lightning strike hazard, requires overvoltage protection, it is therefore possible to protect the relevant lines and the devices connected thereto.

The contact bank according to the invention can in principle be integrated into a terminal module, an isolation module or an overvoltage protection module as described in more detail below. However, in order to supplement and adapt existing equipment, such as communication wiring points, it is preferred that the contact bank according to the invention be designed in an adaptable manner so that it can be connected continuously to one or more of said modules.

It has also been found advantageous for the contact bank to have a housing having at least one opening so that it can be mounted on an existing module, optionally with an additional member and can be terminated there. Existing members can be, for example, overvoltage protection, isolation plugs or similar systems that are accommodated in one or more of the openings and therefore do not impede the mounting of the contact bank at all.

In this regard, the frame is effectively framed so that the contact bank can be mounted by surrounding it from the outside with an existing module, with the cable conductor already terminated there, or freely accessible by the front side where the additional members are already mounted. It is particularly preferred to be designed with shaped housings.

Tests have shown particularly desirable handling characteristics in embodiments having a housing partitioned so that the contact banks can be mounted to the module and terminate there without difficulty by connecting two or more parts. It should be emphasized in connection with the above-described embodiments that these are embodiments of a contact bank which are largely independent of the details of the contact bank according to the invention. That is, a contact bank that can be modified in any manner and / or has an opening and / or has a frame-shaped housing and / or has a compartmentalized housing, provided that it does not have the structure described above with a remotely controllable switch. It can have a beneficial effect. The above embodiments are considered to be development independent of any other features.

The adaptable variant of the contact bank according to the invention is particularly advantageous if it has at least one plug provided with a tapping contact. In this case, a number of single plugs or one or more multi-plugs are provided which can be plugged into the accessible portion of the module where the contact bank is to be provided. Thus, the contacts of the module are tapped and the connection to the outlet contacts of the contact panel is made by the connection between the at least one plug and the remaining contact bank.

Such a plug can advantageously perform an additional function if it comprises one or more additional elements, such as for example overvoltage protection. Thus, the protection of the signal line or the device terminating there can be combined with the testability of the signal line or with the measurability therein in a particularly simple manner.

The present invention thus involves tapping a plurality of contacts of the module to reduce to a few outlet contacts, as described above. However, according to the invention it is preferred that at least one test device is integrated in the contact bank. The test apparatus can be a measurement system. The measuring system can be a measuring head. The following will mainly refer to the measurement system. However, it should be understood that any form of test, monitoring or measuring device or system may be used. Thus, when referring to measurement systems and / or measurement heads in the following, it is meant any type of test, monitoring or measuring device. The compact device, hereinafter referred to as the measuring device, can thus measure a large number of connections remotely and therefore fairly simply. In this device, the measuring means, in particular the measuring head, are supplied with current from an external power supply. Preferably at least one digital signal processor and A-D converter are used for the measurement means. As will be familiar to those skilled in the art, such a measurement system can on the one hand be configured to measure only physical parameters such as voltage or frequency dependent voltage, in which case it is also possible to measure the interference voltage. A suitable measuring head may likewise be configured to continuously measure the response to emit a specific signal and to obtain specific information about the state or characteristic of the line from it. For example, it is necessary to test a line before using it for the purpose of transmitting a higher frequency signal than before. To do this, a so-called frequency spectrum is formed and it is investigated in which frequency range there may be disturbance. In the case of disturbances, in particular an error analysis of whether short circuits or ground failures, degraded insulation, interference voltages, interference spectra, etc., can also be made by a measuring system integrated into the contact bank. In addition, it is possible to perform a defect location detection by measuring the resistance or using a measurement device in the form of a time domain reflector (TDR). In general, incorporating a measuring head with one or more sensors into a contact bank allows particularly accurate measurements because the measurement between the measuring technique and the line to be measured is usually in the frequency range requiring a short “path” or line length. This is provided. With regard to incorporating a measurement system in at least one contact bank according to the invention, one single measurement system for a plurality of contact banks can be assigned as a decentralized system and the connection is made via an appropriate bus. Be careful. The function of this bus is to control the contact bank, electrically access the contact bank, and supply a current.

It is economically advantageous if the contact bank according to the invention is integrated in the measuring means, but this is "without measuring intellignece" such that the evaluation of the measured signal is "with intelligence" at the remote central unit. will be. To this end, the measuring device according to the present invention may be provided with a transmission interface in the form of a terminal contact, of an air interface or an infrared interface. In a structure in which the measuring device is integrated into a terminal module, an isolation module or an overvoltage protection module, the terminal contact can be a terminal contact of the module, for example, reversed on the module for this purpose. The connection to the "evaluation unit" thus separated from the measuring system is made via a suitable line ending at these contacts. This connection allows, by means of a subscriber line or cable sheath, the measurement system to communicate with a special measurement stop, which is arranged at a distance and also referred to as the measurement end. A defined measurement can be made by controlling the state of the measuring end.

At least two tapping contacts and / or at least two complete contact banks may be connected to the test device via a connection structure having at least one test bus. "Connecting structure" means a suitable electrical connection member in the form of cables and / or wires, plugs, switches, etc. to form an electrical connection between the test device and at least two test objects, for example tapping contacts and / or contact banks. Means that is provided. Those skilled in the art will realize the conventional form of the test apparatus to be adapted to the form of the test object. In the field of communications, test objects will typically be communication lines. One skilled in the art knows various types of test apparatus, in particular test heads which serve this purpose. It should be noted that the novel connection structure is generally suitable for the connection of at least two objects of any type that require testing. The connection structure is efficient in that a remote test device can be used to test multiple objects that can be spaced apart from the "central" test device. When testing a communication line, the remote test apparatus may be connected at several points where sections of several lines are connected with other sections in the appropriate module or block. For example, test access may be provided to a module or block through a contact bank. Thus, in the case of applying a connection structure to test a communication line, many such modules or blocks and / or appropriate access points within the modules or blocks are connected by at least one testbus.

In this context, the testbus is an electrical connection that moves along the object to be tested. In contrast to star-architecture, multiple objects can be connected to the "central" test device by a testbus. It should be mentioned that the connection structure may be provided with more than one testbus.

The measuring device may further comprise a communication bus which can be formed as a fieldbus. Note that the testbus acts to transmit the signal to be tested. Communication buses, in particular fieldbuses, are provided for transmitting control signals to various control devices. The test bus and the communication bus may be provided in a parallel manner, ie in the same structure. However, they may have a different structure than each bus. The term "fieldbus" refers to a bus for connecting multiple remote connection points or objects with a central device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the fieldbus can be applied with the present invention. For example, the fieldbus can be a CAN bus. Regarding the features of the CAN bus, see ISO 11898. The contents of this document are incorporated herein by reference. Specific features of the CAN bus can be known from the above document. In connection with this test and measurement system, the CAN bus has the advantage of a relatively simple structure and the possibility of multiple connections with remote objects. In addition, the CAN bus is highly reliable. In particular, it may comprise two symmetrical lines. If one of these lines is interrupted or interrupted, a ground connection is used to maintain the potential difference that enables the transmission of the signal. CAN buses also have a reliable solution in terms of conflict resolution. This discloses a situation in which two remote stations want to send signals simultaneously. As can be seen from the above reference, the CAN bus is provided with facilities for organizing and handling this situation. The CAN bus can transmit signals that require access to certain objects, such as specific communication lines, as well as other data such as configuration data, authentication, and fault conditions at one station. The operating status of the bus as well as any connected station can be signaled. In addition, software can be downloaded to any connected station. The low rate bits of the message identifier of the CAN bus can be used to address a particular station. High rate bits (see above) may be used to prioritize the actual message. In this situation, if the number of connected stations reaches a maximum, a device capable of replicating information to the extended-bus segment may be used. The CAN bus also allows the payload data to be free from the addressing bits. At the same time, high priority traffic, for example the transmission of actual messages, can be maintained.

In addition, a fieldbus selected from the group consisting of DIN-measuring bus, interbus-C, bitbus, interbus-S, profibus, P-NET and ethernet can be used. See IEEE 1118 for inter-C and bit buses. Details on Interbus-S can be found in DIN 19528. Profibus is described in DIN 19245. All of these documents are incorporated herein by reference. It should be mentioned that Ethernet is known in computer systems. Novel means and display advantages with or without the connection structure of the contact bank and / or the contact bank including the test bus as to the use of Ethernet in combination with actual metallic access to the communication-subscriber line. This is considered. In general, the connection structure of a remote test device with a plurality of objects, such as subscriber lines, tapping contacts, contact banks, communication modules, etc., by one of the buses, is novel and considered as part of the present disclosure. . Thus, such a connection structure using one or more of these buses can be provided in the communication system alone, in particular with test, showing the advantages mentioned in connection with the connection structure and in particular the various buses.

The connection between the testbus and the test object, for example tapping contacts and / or contact banks, is provided for each object by a stub wire or stub cable. This generally means that a wire or cable is provided that terminates at the point where test or monitoring access to the test object is provided. This end point is provided with appropriate connections, switches and relays for connecting the selected object, in particular the communication line to be tested, with the remote test device. Whenever a particular line does not need to be tested, the switches and connections at the end point are controlled in a way that separates the particular point from the test bus. This control is at a higher level of hierarchy. However, in a conventional system, the stub wire between the end point and the test bus remains connected to the test bus.

In the novel connection structure, at least one primary switch is provided for separating at least one stub wire from the testbus. As mentioned above, at least two stub wires are provided, each associated with an object to be tested. This stub wire can be connected to or connected to the test bus. In conventional systems, this connection is maintained for all remaining objects, even if other objects of the plurality of objects connected to the testbus are tested. Any such stub wire connected to the testbus affects the signal transmitted by the testbus. The stub wire essentially acts as an antenna and picks up additional signals from the surroundings. This is particularly important where a relatively high frequency signal is transmitted by the communication line and therefore also by the test bus.

The novel connection structure provides excellent results with regard to the quality of the signal that can be transmitted by the test device. By means of at least one primary switch, one or more stub wires can be electrically disconnected from the testbus, so that the effect of deteriorating the signal transmitted by the testbus can be minimized. Although a positive effect is obtained for all stub wires that are separated from the testbus, it is desirable that all the stub wires present be able to be separated. In this way, the signal transmitted to the test apparatus can be kept as free as possible from the degrading effects when the particular object is tested. Thus, the electrical connection between the test device and the test object can be kept as free as possible from the stub wire or cable. In particular, many electrical connections and sections of unnecessary cables or wires are removed when a particular object is tested. Unnecessary stub wire separation may be provided to the extent that only a direct connection between the test device and the test object is maintained during the test.

It should be noted again that a switch in the connection structure that allows separation of the stub wires is provided at the lowest level of the hierarchy. That is, there may be additional switches in the stub wire, the additional stub wire extending from the first stub wire, as well as the end point where metallic access is provided between the stub wire and the test object, in particular the communication line. Otherwise, there is an advantage that any stub wire that will degrade the signal transmitted by the testbus can be disconnected. This is independent of the high hierarchical level at which such stub wires can be connected to or disconnected from the end point, in particular the object to be tested such as a communication line, as described above. In the connection structure, "dead end" stub wires, which may also be referred to as bridge taps, can be advantageously avoided. Thus, the cause of interference effects on the signal transmitted by the testbus can be eliminated.

In the connection structure, the secondary stub wire can be electrically connected or connected to the stub wire connected to the test bus. As an example, in a communication block with multiple communication modules, a primary stub wire extending from the testbus may be provided as a local bus along the entire module of the block. In addition, the secondary stub wire may extend from the primary stub wire. Each secondary stub wire can be connected to a particular module. Again, additional stub wires may be provided to allow metallic access to each of the plurality of contacts in the module. As a further example, multiple contact banks may be connected to the remote test device by a testbus and a plurality of stub wires. Secondary stub wires may be provided in the contact banks for connecting a plurality of tapping contacts or a plurality of outlet contacts with the primary stub wire. A switch can be provided at the appropriate connection point in order to select a special contact and thereby select a special communication line to be connected to the test bus for testing and monitoring purposes. With regard to the quality of the signal transmitted to the test apparatus, it is advantageous when at least one secondary stub wire connected with the primary stub wire can be separated from the primary stub wire by the secondary switch.

A positive effect will be obtained when the stub wire portions that remain connected to the testbus are kept as short as possible. In particular, the connection point of the stub wire and the test bus may be provided with a switch for separating a particular stub wire. In this case, there are virtually no stub wire parts left connected to the test bus, so any negative effects on the signal can be ruled out.

In order to provide good operating characteristics, one or more switches can be remotely controlled. In other words, an automated system can be provided that can remotely operate the required switches, connect the desired objects to the testbus, and control as many specific objects or communication lines as possible by disconnecting as many stub wires as possible.

In addition, the connection structure having any of the above features, alone or in combination, has advantages in combination with or without a combination of contact banks. In particular, a connection structure for electrically connecting at least one test device with at least two test objects and having at least one of the above characteristics should be considered as part of the present invention.

As for the connection between the measuring device in any of the above embodiments and the measuring terminal, an air interface (e.g., Bluetooth or any other integrated wireless technology) or infrared interface is provided in the measuring device. By integrating the line conduction of the connection can be advantageously prevented.

As mentioned above, the contact bank according to the invention is independent of the module which can be terminated, and in particular can be constructed in a retrofitable manner. In a particular application, however, the contact bank according to the invention, consisting of at least one contact bank and at least one measuring device, or a measuring device according to the invention is for example a terminal module, an isolation module or an auxiliary module, in particular an overvoltage protection magazine. It is preferred to integrate directly into. A feature here is that a module is provided that meets the requirements for selectively testing the line connections from the central location to be remotely controllable with little effort.

In this regard, a particularly preferred embodiment consists of a module which is an isolation module having an isolation contact with at least one separation position. In this case, if a measurement through the contact bank is made only in one direction, i.e. in the direction of the line or backbone side, only one single separation position may be sufficient. However, if two separate positions are provided at the contacts of the module, it is advantageously realized that measurements can be carried out on the line side as well as on the backbone side. The contact bank is terminated at the isolation module so that the isolation contacts are switched under normal conditions and are in normal connection. With a suitable switching circuit, the connection can be divided by the contact bank to make the necessary measurements in both directions.

In connection with providing at least one separation location or at least one separation point to the module, the circuitry for providing multiple test, measurement and monitoring functions can be created. In particular, a line switch may be provided at the separation position. This line switch and the tapping contact of the contact bank can be connected to the mode switch. The mode switch may be connected to a test bus switch connected to the test bus. As described above with respect to such circuitry provided in the contact bank, the circuit is capable of line testing and measurement in both directions as well as monitoring of the line. The function with this advantage can also be obtained for the latter feature combination in which the line switch is arranged in the module.

It is particularly preferable if the contact bank performs two functions, since switching to individual lines is possible first. Contact banks may also be integrated to ensure remotely controlled splitting of at least one separation location of the contacts of the module. This is achieved since at least one separation position can be manipulated, i.e. divided and closed by a remotely controllable switch. Control lines for each switch can be integrated into the switching and measuring device.

For at least one remotely controllable switch provided for selective connection between the outlet contact and the tapping contact, an electronic or electromechanical configuration, for example in the form of a relay, is preferred. Such a switch can be configured with the smallest possible space and can be integrated without difficulty in the contact bank according to the invention. Such an electromechanical or electromechanical switch may be provided in the contact bank, measuring device and / or terminal module in any of the above embodiments.

In addition, one or more switches used in the contact bank, the measuring device and / or the module may be formed as a semiconductor device.

The contact bank, measuring device and module can be used in a communication assembly. For example, one or more of the devices may be connected with a remote test device by the connection. For example, the object to be tested can be multiple communication devices, blocks, modules or individual communication lines. In particular, a communication assembly combined with a contact bank, measuring device or terminal module can be installed in the main wiring board.

The main wiring board is installed in the telecommunications company's central management room, thus becoming a common location where test, monitoring and measurement access to communication devices and / or individual communication lines is required. This provides the advantage that one or more centrally located test devices can be provided in an area that is easily accessible by the telecommunications company and thus test and monitoring actions can be made not only in this area but also on remote objects.

Also disclosed is a method of testing a selected one of at least two objects. The object is connected to the test device by at least one testbus and at least two stub wires each associated with a particular object. At this time, when a particular object is to be tested, at least one stub wire associated with another object is separated from the test bus. As outlined earlier, this allows testing of specific objects with the elimination of potential interference sources that degrade the signal submitted to the test device.

The method can be realized by initially having one or more stub wires separated from the testbus. When testing a specific object, the stub wire associated with that object is connected to the testbus.

Further, the above advantages can also be obtained when the stub wire is initially connected with the testbus and one or more stub wires associated with the object not to be tested immediately at a particular point are disconnected during the test of the particular object. In this context, it should be noted that a hierarchy of connection structures may be used to achieve the necessary connections and separations. In particular, when a particular object is processed by the test device, each object placed between the addressed object and the test device will receive a signal that can be interpreted as an unprocessed effect. This can also be done by any object placed "behind" the processed module along the testbus. As an alternative, the stub wire may be initially disconnected from the testbus, and during the test the switch may be controlled such that only the stub wire associated with the object to be tested is connected to the testbus.

Referring now to Figure 1, a portion of a switching circuit of a contact bank according to the present invention is shown. As mentioned above, the contact bank can be terminated or terminated at the terminal module having opposing contacts 40, 40 '; 42, 42'. Under normal conditions, signal transmission between the opposing contacts 40, 40 '; 42, 42' is achieved by closing each of the switches 44, 46 to connect the opposing contacts. It should be noted that the figure shows the position of the switches 44, 46, in which the line side measurement, i.e. the measurement in the direction of the contacts 40 ', 42' facing the line, can be made in the illustrated switching circuit of the coupling area. do. In the positions of the switches 44, 46, not shown, signal transmission takes place between the opposing contacts 40, 40 '; 42, 42'. The two switches 44, 46 forming the separation position can advantageously be remotely controlled by a control line 48 which can be integrated into the measuring device connected to the contact bank.

In the shown positions of the switches 44, 46, the contacts 40 ′, 42 ′ are connected to the test bus via one additional respective switch 50, 52, which in the case shown is four Has a line. In the illustrated position of the switches 50, 52, the conductor is connected to the test bus, referred to as test bus A2 / B2 and having two lines 54, 56. When the switch is switched from the position shown, a further connection to the so-called test bus A1 / B1 with lines 58 and 60 is made. A structure with two separate test buses constitutes a preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the switches 50 and 52 can be omitted if only one testbus is provided. Other variations may also be contemplated in which the opposing contacts 40, 40 '; 42, 42' do not have separate positions in the form of switches 44, 46. Instead, the opposing contacts 40, 40 '; 42, 42' may be directly and permanently connected to each other. In this case, the connection of at least one test bus and each contact pair may be made by the switches 50 and 52. For completeness it should be noted that the two switches 50, 52 can be driven by remote control by the control line 62.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a second embodiment of a switching circuit of a coupling region according to the present invention. The structure of the terminal module having opposing contacts 40, 40 '; 42, 42' and the configuration of switches 44, 46, 50, 52 having associated control lines 48, 62 are shown in FIG. Therefore, no further explanation is required for it. The switching circuit shown in FIG. 2, however, allows for backbone measurements in addition to the line side measurements according to FIG. That is, the measurement in the direction of the backbone contacts 40 and 42 is possible. In the preferred embodiment shown, in each case further switches 64, 66 are provided, which form additional separation positions. The two switches 64, 66 can be operated via remote control by the control line 68. According to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 shows a switching circuit in which contacts 40 ', 42' are connected to one test bus. The switches 64, 66 provided in the area of the contacts 40, 42 are switched so that no connection with the test bus is made at all. However, these contacts can be connected to the test bus by switching the switches 64, 66 via control line 68. For the sake of completeness, it should be understood that all of the illustrated switches can be configured as mechanical or electrical relays. In the latter case, integrated switching circuits can also be considered.

3 shows another circuit 70 for testing the line between the contacts 140, 140 ′ and monitoring access to it. First, a permanent connection 72 is formed to permanently tap the line. Subsequently, a line switch 74 is provided to the line. This line switch 74 allows the line to be interrupted. In the state shown, the line is not blocked. The line switch 74 and the permanent connection 72 are connected to the mode switch 76. As described below, the mode switch 76 is connected to the testbus switch to allow adjustment of the test mode, monitoring mode and measurement mode.

In particular, Figure 3 shows a situation where no testing or monitoring is done at all. Instead, the line is in continuous condition and the mode switch 76 is in a position to break the connection between the testbus switch and the permanent connection 72. When the mode switch 76 is switched in the state shown in Fig. 3, the test bus switch is connected to the permanent connection 72. If the testbus switch is in a position to connect a particular switch 70 with the exit contact of the contact bank as shown in FIG. 3, the line between the contacts 140, 140 'can be monitored. In particular, "taps" on the line are made possible, for example without breaking the line, the signal transmitted by the line can be transmitted to the test apparatus for evaluation.

When the line switch 74 as well as the mode switch 76 is switched, the permanent connection 72 is connected with the testbus switch and the line is cut off. In this state, the measurement can be performed in the direction of the contact 140. In particular, a line that continues beyond contact 140 can be tested and measurements can be made. This is also possible in the direction of contact 140 '. For this purpose, the mode switch 76 must be in the position shown in FIG. In addition, the line switch 74 should be switched to connect the test bus switch connected with the mode switch 76 to the line in the direction of the contact 140 '. In this situation, the line can be tested in this direction and appropriate measurements can be made.

Figure 4 shows a terminal module in the form of a terminal strip 110 in which a contact bank 112 is integrated in accordance with the present invention, which terminal module has a suitable housing portion or housing. As described, the tapping contact of the contact bank 112 permanently directly taps the contact of the terminal strip 110. Contacts 42, 42 'are shown in the figure as well as contacts 40, 40' that are accessible from the front to terminate the cable core. The illustrated embodiment is also a preferred variant in which the measuring head is integrated in the contact bank 112. To connect between the measuring head and the remote central unit to evaluate the measurement results, at least two contacts of the terminal strip 110 are reversed in the illustrated first embodiment, so that the line 114 is terminated to be connected to the central management office. Can be. The contacts provided to be terminated by a line leading to the central management office may, on the one hand, be formed by existing contacts of the terminal strip 110. As an alternative, it may be contemplated that one or more additional contacts are provided. The contact pair 120 may serve to supply a current, for example. Other contact pairs 122 may be provided for data connection. In addition, a third reserved or additional contact pair 124 may be provided to ensure data flow in both directions. In this case, the contact bank is arranged with the measuring head on top of the illustrated system. According to this, the central management office provides a control command. Corresponding measurement data is transmitted in the return path. This is preferably accomplished by a separate line.

The second embodiment according to FIG. 5 differs from the above in that a data plug connector 16 is provided on the terminal strip 210, through which a plurality of terminal strips 210 are connected to each other. The connector 16 may incorporate the above-described control device. In order to interconnect the plurality of terminal strips 210, the data plug connector 16 in the illustrated example has contact pins 20 on top. For example, ten pairs of contact pins 20 may be provided for connection with terminal strips disposed thereon. An additional pair of contact pins 220 that can be somewhat separated from the remaining contact pins provide power as well as data transfer. Additional contact pin pairs may be provided for the required control lines. The lower side of the terminal strip 210 may also be terminated by a suitable connector 18, which forms a data connection with the central management office through line 214 as shown in FIG. 5. It should be noted that a wireless or infrared interface may be provided on the contact bank in accordance with the invention in order to prevent line-conducted connections to the central unit according to FIGS. 4 and 5. As can be seen from the figure, a data plug connector 16 may be provided such that a number of juxtaposed terminal strips 210 are interconnected. For example, the contact pin 20 shown in the drawing may be disposed above the terminal strip 210. According to him, underneath each terminal strip 210 is provided a socket suitable for receiving the contact pin 20. The terminal strips are interconnected by data plug connectors 16. Note that the number of contact pins 20 need not be equal to the number of contacts of the terminal strip. Instead, the contacts 20 of the data plug connector 16 are members of different testbuses that can be considered. Contact 220 is also needed for the current supply and for the necessary control lines. In the embodiment shown, the additional connector 18, which incorporates the required lines 214 or the transmission mechanisms leading to the central system, is terminated at the bottom. As an alternative, the measuring head in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 does not necessarily need to be integrated into each terminal strip 210. It may instead be arranged as a central measuring head, for example in or near the connector 18.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, each of the plurality of terminal strips 310 shown is provided with a contact bank 312, none of which has an integrated measuring head. Rather, a measuring head 320 assigned to a plurality of terminal strips 310 is in each case connected to an individual contact bank 312 via one bus 322. That is, the number of buses provided matches the number of contact banks 312. The bus in the so-called "backplane" where the individual contact banks 312 are terminated is configured as a flexible cable, as a plug integrated into each terminal strip 310, as a circuit board or in any other way. Can be. That is to say that the measurement technique assigned to the center of the plurality of terminal strips 310 is configured as an auxiliary module which in this embodiment can be integrated in place of one or more terminal strips in a terminal block having a plurality of terminal strips. This variant provides the advantage that certain dimensions of the block can be maintained. However, it is also conceivable to mount a module incorporating the measuring head 320 in addition to the terminal strip 310 on the block to increase at least one dimension of the block. In this embodiment the connection of the measuring head 320 and the central unit can be made by providing a measuring line (line 314) or an infrared or wireless interface according to FIGS. 4 and 5 as shown in FIG. In the embodiments described above as well as in the embodiments described below, the contact bank 312 can be embedded in the measurement head 320. Alternatively, the measurement head 320 may be disposed in front of the contact bank 312 or at any other location near the associated system. The measuring head 320 may further incorporate a control device of the contact bank. This also applies to the measuring head 420 described later.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, one single measuring head, shown schematically, is likewise assigned to multiple contact banks 412. In this case, however, the measuring head 420 is arranged on the back plate which can be integrated into a block consisting of several terminal strips 410. This integration helps to maintain the depth of the block. Alternatively, the backplate can be mounted continuously to the back of the block, which generally increases the overall depth. Figure 7 also shows the front contact pins 440, 440 '; 442, 442'. In the case shown, the so-called "back plate" has an outgoing data line 414. However, data transmission can be in any manner, for example by means of infrared or radio signals. In the present embodiment, the contact bank or the joining region can be configured on the one hand as a joining region on the back plate on which the contacts of the plurality of terminal strips are tapped. Alternatively, a plurality of distributed coupling regions may be provided, each of which is arranged in the terminal strip 410. It should be noted that the above modifications may also be used for connection with the central management office in this embodiment. The device also extends the allocation of the central measuring head to additional terminal strips or terminal blocks in a particularly simple manner, not only by using concentrated or distributed contact banks, but also via a suitable bus. It is also clear from the foregoing that the contact bank according to the invention, in each case, not only replaces the existing connection technology comprising an integrated contact bank, but also retrofits and complements the existing connection technology. It may be configured to suit.

A contact bank 512 of a variant that is particularly suitable for retrofitting is shown in FIG. The contact bank 512 is configured in a substantially frame shape with a large central opening 524, as is apparent from FIG. 9, and thus may be mounted by surrounding the terminal strip 510. This also avoids the risk of mutual interference with additional members which may be mounted on the terminal strip 510, for example in the form of an overvoltage protection module 526.

As is apparent from Fig. 9, the area of the terminal strip 510 to which the contact is exposed can be accessed without any problem while the overvoltage protection module, the isolation plug, etc. can remain there or can be mounted continuously. Note that the details of the terminal strip 510 are not shown. In a particularly advantageous manner, the frame shape of the contact bank 512 expands the accessible area for the contacts of the terminal strip 510. That is, the user is no longer limited to the spatially defined area of the terminal strip 10 which forms the contour. This is shown in Figure 9, where the tapping of the contacts 530 of the terminal strip 510 is made by a simple plug 528 shown, which is provided to tap the two contacts in the case shown, the contact bank. Corresponding contacts 532 are disposed outside the contour of the terminal strip 510. For example, the contacts 530, 532 are connected to each other by strip conductors or similar members, thus connecting between the contacts 530 of the terminal strip 510 and the contacts 532 of the contact bank. In addition, the illustrated plug 528 may be provided as a multi-plug for tapping a plurality of contact pairs 530, or the contact bank 512 according to the present invention may include a plurality of illustrated simple plugs 528. Attention should be paid to the provision. The plug 528 may be an isolation plug that essentially achieves the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in which switches 44, 46, 64, 66 are provided by dividing the separation positions between opposing contacts. Embodiments of the contact banks according to the invention with such plugs are provided with parts of the contact area which are configured as standard practice, with suitable plugs which can be adapted to the respective connection technology and the design of the terminal or isolation module used. It offers the advantage of enabling a combination. The same applies to the last embodiment described above that the measuring head can be integrated into the contact bank 512. It may also be configured to be latch-mounted on contact bank 512.

10 schematically shows a connection structure between a test device 2 and a plurality of remote objects 4, such as communication modules or blocks. These communication blocks are hereinafter referred to as remote objects. In the situation of the illustrated embodiment, the test device 2 is connected with a plurality of remote objects 4 primarily by a testbus 622 and secondly by a stub wire 6 for each object 4. As mentioned above, an additional secondary stub wire, one of which is shown as 8, can be connected with each stub wire 6 and separated therefrom by a secondary switch 34, and can be placed in one or more objects 4. .

In the case shown, each of the three objects 4 has a switch 36, which can connect or disconnect each associated stub wire 6 to the testbus 622. The testbus 622 "runs along" all the objects 4 and is connected to the stub wire 6 associated with the particular remote object by a switch 36, thereby embedding the object 4 therein. Test of any device or communication line extending therethrough.

In testing, many stub wires of an object that will not be tested are separated from or separated from the test bus 622 to minimize possible causes of interference and external influences on the signals transmitted by the test bus 622. It remains in the state. The object 4 may be a block in a communication area containing a plurality of modules, which may be stacked up and down in the illustrated case. An additional stub wire such as 8 extends from the stub wire 6 shown in the figure and thus is generally possible to be associated with an individual module. Thus, communication lines connected with contacts and / or individual contacts in a particular module can be tested individually. It should be noted that one or more secondary stub wires, such as stub wires referred to with reference 8, may be connected with the primary stub wire 6. Each of the secondary stub wires can be separated from the primary stub wire. This structure of one primary stub wire and at least two secondary stub wires 8 constitutes a feature of the invention, which can be regarded as a bus in which primary stub wires 6 move along several objects, and secondary This is because the stub wires are each connected with the primary stub wire 6 and associated with a specific object. Thus, the testbus in the sense of the present invention may also be a stub wire connected to the further testbus.

In the case shown, the lower part of each object 4 is provided with a part 38 for receiving the switch 36, which part is carried out in connection with the module of the object 4, in particular the communication block, as well as the testing and monitoring. It can be provided as a module to control any other actions that are made.

The primary stub wire 6 and / or the secondary stub wire 8 may be connected to the line to be tested, and / or to the contacts to which the line sections are connected, in the manner described below. The circuits shown in Figures 1-3 are suitable for this purpose. In particular, the lines 54, 56, 58, 60 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be connected to respective stub wires 6 or 8. In addition, the stub wires 6 or 8 may thus constitute the lines 54, 56, 58, 60. 3, the stub wires 6 or 8 may be connected to the mode switch 76 or may be connected to the outlet contact of the contact bank having a connection with the mode switch 76.

FIG. 11 schematically shows a structure including a line 80 and a bus 722 that may be tested by the test apparatus 702. The line runs between the switch or exchange 82 and the subscriber 84. Line switch 774 is shown as line 80 may be shut off to enable monitoring and testing thereof. However, it should be understood that a circuit such as that shown in one of FIGS. 1-3 may be provided with line 80. 11 is mainly for showing a bus structure, and thus details are omitted.

The bus 722, which may be a CAN bus, travels along a number of control modules 86. Each of these control modules 86 may be associated with line 80 to be tested, for example. The bus 722 connects all control modules with a so-called management interface unit 88. Thus, the management interface unit 88 can communicate with either control module 86 and vice versa. In particular, as mentioned above, the specification of a CAN-bus or other fieldbus or ethernet enables the necessary communication and has the provision for resolving conflicts as described above. Thus, the bus structure schematically depicted in the figures also properly organizes communication with one or more of said contact banks and / or measurement devices and / or communication modules.

While various aspects of the invention have been described with reference to specific embodiments, these aspects can be practiced in various ways known to those skilled in the art based on the invention.

Claims (37)

Communication connected to at least one terminal module (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) or to the terminal module (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) that acts as a signal transfer and enables connection with a communication line Contact banks 112, 212, 312, 412, 512 that may terminate or terminate in at least one auxiliary module 526 of the wiring point, The contact banks 112, 212, 312, 412, 512 may also be mounted or mounted at the communication wiring point, Directly to contacts 40, 40 ′, 42, 42 ′, 530 of modules 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 526 with the contact banks 112, 212, 312, 412, 512 terminated. A plurality of tapping contacts that are electrically and permanently connected, Fewer outlet contacts than said tapping contacts, A plurality of remotely controllable switches for selectively electrically connecting the outlet contact to the tapping contact, and A contact bank having a control device for controlling said plurality of switches. The at least one tapping contact is connected to a circuit 70 having a permanent connection 72 and a single line switch 74 with the tapping contact, wherein the permanent connection 72 and the line switch are connected. 74 is connected to a mode switch 76, the mode switch 76 can be connected to at least one outlet contact. The contact bank according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one overvoltage preventing member (526). The contact bank according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one splitter assembly. The contact bank according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is configured in an adaptable manner. 6. Contact bank according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing having at least one opening (524). 7. Contact bank according to any one of the preceding claims, having a substantially frame shaped housing. 8. Contact bank according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a partitioned housing. 9. Contact bank according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one plug (528) having a tapping contact. 10. Contact bank according to claim 9, wherein the plug (528) further comprises at least one functional member, preferably an overvoltage protection member. A measuring device comprising at least one contact bank (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and at least one test device (320, 420). 12. The measuring device according to claim 11, wherein the test device is a measuring means (320, 420). 13. A measuring device according to claim 12, wherein said measuring means (320, 420) is a measuring head. The test apparatus 320, 420, at least two tapping contacts and / or at least two contact banks 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, A measuring device connected via a connection structure having at least one testbus 622. The measuring device according to claim 14, further comprising a fieldbus as a communication bus. The measuring device of claim 15, wherein the fieldbus is a CAN bus. 16. The measuring device of claim 15, wherein the fieldbus is selected from the group consisting of a DIN-measuring bus, an interbus-C, a bitbus, an interbus-S, a PROFIBUS, a P-NET, and an Ethernet. 18. The test bus 622 according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the test bus 622 is connected with the tapping contacts and / or contact banks 112, 212, 312, 412, 512 by at least two stub wires 6. Each of the stub wires may be electrically connected to or connected to the test bus 622 in association with the tapping contacts or contact banks 112, 212, 312, 412, 512 to be tested, And a measuring device further comprising at least one primary switch (36) for separating at least one stub wire (6) from the testbus (622). The stub wire 6 can be electrically connected to or connected to the stub wire 6, and at least one secondary stub wire is separated from the stub wire 6 by a secondary switch 34. Measuring device that can be. 20. The measuring device according to claim 18, wherein at least one switch (36) is provided at each connection point between the stub wire (6) and the test bus (622) and another stub. The measuring device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein at least one switch (34, 36) is remotely controllable. 22. The measuring device according to any one of claims 11 to 21, comprising a dispensing interface in the form of a terminal contact, wireless or infrared interface. Terminal module 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, isolation module or auxiliary module, In particular, the communication overvoltage protection magazine 526 has at least one contact bank 112, 212, 312, 412, 512 according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or claims 11 to 22. The module provided with the measuring apparatus in any one of Claims. 24. The module of claim 23 having an isolation contact with at least one separation position. 25. The module of claim 24, wherein a line switch is provided at the separation position, wherein the line switch and the tapping contact of the contact bank are connected with a mode switch, and the mode switch can be connected with at least one outlet contact. 26. Module according to claim 24 or 25, wherein at least one said disconnected position can be operated by a remotely-controllable switch (44, 46, 64, 66). A contact bank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one switch (44, 46, 50, 52, 64, 66) is configured electronically or electromechanically. 23. The measuring device according to any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein at least one switch (44, 46, 50, 52, 64, 66) is configured electronically or electromechanically. 27. Terminal module according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein at least one switch (44, 46, 50, 52, 64, 66) is configured electronically or electromechanically. 28. The contact bank of claim 27, wherein at least one switch is a relay. The measuring device of claim 28, wherein the at least one switch is a relay. 30. The module of claim 29 wherein at least one switch is a relay. The contact bank according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one switch is a semiconductor device. 23. The measuring device according to any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein at least one switch is a semiconductor device. 27. The module of any one of claims 23 to 26 wherein at least one switch is a semiconductor device. A communication assembly comprising a plurality of modules according to any one of claims 23 to 26, 29, 32 or 35. 37. The communication assembly of claim 36, wherein said assembly is disposed in a main wiring board.