JP2005535158A - Measuring device and telecommunication assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The terminal module (510) can be terminated or terminated with at least one terminal module (510) terminal configured to serve for signal communication and allow a telecommunication line to be connected thereto. A contact bank (512) that can be terminated or terminated with at least one supplemental module of the telecommunication wiring point, connected to the telecommunications wiring point, thereby (a) the contact bank A plurality of tap contacts electrically connected to and directly connected to the contacts 530 of the module (510) in the terminal state of (512), and (b) a number of lead contacts less than the number of tap contacts, (C) a plurality of remotely controllable switches for selectively and electrically connecting the drawer contacts to the tap contacts; Including a switch, and a control device for controlling a plurality of switches (d).

Description

  The invention relates to a contact bank, a measuring device comprising at least one such contact bank, a terminal, a separate or supplemental telecommunications module provided with at least one contact bank or one measuring device, a plurality of modules And a telecommunication assembly comprising:

  In general in the field of signal communication, especially in the field of telecommunications, terminals and separation modules, often configured as strips, are used to connect and distribute subscriber lines and to cross connect these lines. Such modules are terminated not only on one side, called the input side or the fixed side, but also on the other side, called the output side or the cross-connect side, in each case with the same amount of pairs. The measurement of the connection thus established often needs to be performed, for example, between the subscriber's telephone connection and the telecommunications network operator's system engineering. These measurements are useful, for example, to test connections in general or to localize faults that may have occurred.

  Also, in other technical fields, particularly in the electronics field, it is often necessary to test or monitor objects. For example, in the telecommunications field, it is sometimes necessary to test access a telecommunications line that passes between a customer or subscriber and a telephone company switch or switch. These numerous telecommunications lines are wired between numerous subscribers and wiring point switches. A typical type of wiring point is the main distribution board of a telecommunications company central office. A further example is a coaxial cable network that can be used, for example, in CATV.

  In the past, it was common to test a line by inserting the appropriate test plug, usually connected to a manual measurement device via a test lead, into a specific contact on the terminal module. In other words, someone is required to be at the wiring point with a manual measurement device in order to establish the connection required for testing.

  In general, a large number of telecommunications lines can be tested by manually connecting a test device with the line to be tested at the point of the line, which is suitable for test access. However, it is more efficient if a “central” test device is provided. The device can or can be connected to multiple telecommunications lines in a manner that allows for test or monitor access when test or monitor access is desired. For this purpose, so-called star structures are known, in which case several termination points of the test line can be connected to the test device. Each termination point requires a separate line.

  Furthermore, a bus structure is known, in which case a test bus is provided, which is connected to a plurality of termination points by a plurality of stub lines each associated with one termination point. A termination point is a point at which a stub line is connected or connectable to the line to be tested. At the end point of a particular stub line, one or more switches are provided to allow the desired test and monitoring. In particular, the arrangement of the switches allows testing in one direction, i.e. in both directions mentioned, in the direction relative to the subscriber or switch, or thereby allows the monitoring of telecommunication lines. That is, a signal transmitted through the telecommunication line is transmitted to the test device without blocking the line. By properly controlling the switch at the connection point, the particular line to be tested can be connected to the test device.

  Apart from the manual measuring device, the measurement can also be performed by a system normally used for transmission purposes. Such a system is already provided with a corresponding measurement card and other devices such as, for example, DSLAM attached to an ADSL or XDSL splitter. For example, the measurement card can be integrated into a corresponding system. Alternatively, it is possible to terminate the external measurement device and connect it to the system via a corresponding coupling field. In another alternative, the measurement technique corresponding to the card is installed. The measurement performed in this case may be “specific to a particular service”. That is, these measurements are performed as part of the service provided by the corresponding system, or are of a general nature for measuring, for example, line interruptions in the case of system failures, etc. Can also. However, these measurements through the system are only possible if the system is already installed. This means that it is impossible to test a line that is not included as a function of the corresponding system. Therefore, it is impossible to test the line for functionality before installing a new system.

  For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,047,051 relates to a wiring point having a so-called terminal field characterized by an opening into which a test plug can be inserted. The associated contact in the terminal field is tapped by the appropriate contact in such a test plug, and line testing is enabled by connection to a manual measurement device. A similar device is the subject of US Pat.

  Patent Document 3 relates to a plug-in card for a line switching system, but this card can be connected to a switching system and can be expanded by a plurality of additional lines.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,059 relates to a telephone connection strip assembly that can be connected by a bus. A switch may be provided to connect the selected telecommunications line to the remote control and test device.
European Patent No. 0 364 658 A2 US Pat. No. 4,629,836 US Pat. No. 4,208,551 International Publication No. 99/36987 Pamphlet

  The present invention provides an apparatus that allows a central, and thus significantly simplified, testing of multiple signal communication lines.

  This is accomplished by a contact bank, which may also be called a coupling field, as it allows one or more measurement systems to be permanently coupled to the module's contacts. . As will be described in more detail below, testing multiple signal communication lines does not require any specific work, such as plugging in or reinserting test plugs, at a wiring point, as follows: It becomes possible.

  For this purpose, the contact bank according to the invention can be connected to at least one module configurable as a terminal module for signal communication or as a supplemental module, and to at least one terminal module serving for signal communication. Connected. Such a supplement module can be, for example, an overvoltage protection module connected to the terminal module, in particular a terminal or a cutting strip. Not only the connection to the terminal or separation module as such, but also the connection to the supplementary module attached thereto is conceivable for the contact bank according to the invention. A transmission module is another example of a module that can be connected to a contact bank according to the present invention. Further, the contact bank can connect to or include such a splitter assembly. It should be noted with respect to splitter assemblies that in the so-called ADSL technology field, two signals communicated in different frequency domains need to be “split”. The audio signal is in particular divided from the digital signal. The data signal is transferred to the DSLAM, for example, and the voice signal is transferred to the exchange system. In connection with the terminal module and / or the supplemental module connected to the terminal module, it should be noted that the terminal module should be interpreted in the sense that a telecommunication line can be connected thereto. In other words, the module is intended to provide a connection to a telecommunication line. In particular, the line can exist in the form of one or more wires or cables that can be connected to contacts provided on the terminal module. In addition, one or more wires or cables can be terminated by a plug connectable to the module.

  In the contact bank or coupling field, there are several tap contacts that are directly, permanently and electrically connected to the module contacts in the contact bank termination state. In other words, the contact bank according to the present invention provides a permanent electrical connection with the module contacts, thereby allowing the relevant lines to be tested directly and immediately without the need for special test plugs. Form the basis for In addition, the contact bank is attachable or attached near the module. In other words, a contact bank having the features described below as well as the above features is located at the telecommunications wiring point, particularly the main wiring point. Thus, the contact bank is closely associated with the module to which the wire can be connected. It should also be mentioned that this also applies to the control devices described below, which can be associated with single or multiple modules.

  It should be further noted that although it is preferred that the module connectable to or connected to the contact bank according to the present invention is a module located at a telecommunication wiring point, the present invention is suitable for this preferred use. It is not dependent. In particular, the contact banks and modules can be located on the main wiring board. This establishes test access to a large number of subscriber lines at a relatively central location in telecommunications.

  The contact bank according to the present invention not only has the function of tapping a plurality of contacts as described above, but the operation for this tap is advantageously performed in a small number of drawer contacts, which are fewer than tapped contacts. “Concentrated”. Finally, the contact bank includes a plurality of remotely controllable switches for selectively connecting the drawer contacts to the tap contacts. Thus, by using an appropriate measurement system, it is possible to start a test from the central location with the contact bank of the present invention or to immediately start a test performed by the measurement head. The contact bank or coupling field outlet, terminated by a measurement system integrated in the contact bank, can be connected to a single line by means of a switch. In this way, individual signal lines that terminate at the contacts of the terminal module or separation module can be automatically and simultaneously accessed via remote control. As an addition or alternative to such remote control access, individual signal lines can also be accessed “instantly” in a parallel manner. In other words, not only can the test be performed from a location remote from the test system, but also a system that is more or less close to the medium to be tested, i.e., typically using a wiring device You can also. These systems can in particular also be located in the same room. However, the decisive advantage is that the test process is carried out via a contact bank and there is no need to manually relocate individual plugs. Thus, a measurement or monitoring system is added to the signal line or is permanently coupled to the signal line by a remote control switch. It should be noted that the pull-out contact can be connected to one or more test buses by one or more test bus switches. In addition to the test bus switch, any 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 described above, the control device that is part of the contact bank is closely associated with one or more modules, and can be particularly mounted at the periphery of the module or adjacent to the module. The tap contacts of the contact bank can be integrated with the module. A plurality of switches can be integrated with the module so that a large number of lines passing through the module can be concentrated on the lead-out contacts. Alternatively, the module can include only tap contacts and a plurality of switches as well as drawer contacts and control devices can be provided outside the module. In particular, a control module comprising these components can be provided in association with one or more so-called access modules provided with tap contacts. Further, a single control device can be associated with one or more contact banks, as described below. In this way, it can be said that the access and control assembly is formed by at least one contact bank that can be at least partially integrated into the telecommunication module and the associated control device. The control device controls a plurality of switches. In addition, the control device forms part of a hierarchical structure in which multiple connections in multiple modules are addressed for testing, monitoring and measurement. In this hierarchical structure, each module is tested for its telecommunications line, but can include one or more control devices for controlling the switches provided in the module. In particular, a single control device can be provided in a module for controlling a plurality of remotely controllable switches. Furthermore, further control devices can be associated with several modules. For example, a single control device can be associated with several modules to control each module's control device.

  It is also possible to provide only two lead contacts so that only one single line can be tested at a particular time. However, by using an appropriate multiplexing method, a plurality of lines can be measured. Furthermore, the contact bank according to the invention can naturally be provided with several outlets, which makes it possible to measure several lines simultaneously. In particular, when measuring two lines in combination, generally measure side-to-side crosstalk between the two lines, especially so-called “near-end crosstalk” and “far-end crosstalk”. Is possible.

  The contact bank according to the invention forms a permanent bridge between the module contacts and the measuring system. The contact bank according to the invention differs from the known test plugs, at least that the contact bank has a plurality of contacts, preferably a total number of contacts equal to the contacts of the module, for all the contacts of the module. That means tapping at the same time. Furthermore, the contact bank according to the invention is characterized by the possibility of defining via the remote control which line is to be tested in each case. In connection with the type of connection between the contact bank according to the invention and the contacts of the module, it should be noted that it is possible to add on and “listen”, which does not interfere with the connection. In this regard, “listening” should be understood in that measurement, efficient control or monitoring is performed. However, in some countries it does not mean anything to “sniff” the line in an illegal way.

  When the associated terminal module is a separation module having a separable separation contact, the configuration of the switching circuit of the contact bank according to the present invention outputs the connection as it is in a normal state, and if necessary, the division is performed. Carried out, thus allowing measurements in both directions. With this advantage, the following is realized. That is, thanks to the contact bank, not only is it no longer necessary to connect the test plug to the line to be tested, it is also not necessary to insert a separate plug. It must be emphasized here that the contact bank allows at least two different types of measurements. For one thing, measurements can be made “in service”, ie during operation and during continuous communication of signals, and operation is thereby not affected. Measurements are also considered when these services are not running. This is particularly important in the case of a failure. It should also be noted that the measurement and test feasibility provided by the contact bank is particularly important for terminal modules including splitter assemblies. In this regard, reference is made to the applicant's holding PCT / EP01 / 15283 and DE201 04 605U1, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, in particular with regard to providing at least one splitter assembly. ing.

  At least one tap contact of the contact bank can connect first with a fixed connection with the tap contact and second with a circuit comprising a single line switch. This fixed connection connects the lead contacts to the line in such a way as to monitor the line, as will be explained in more detail below. The line switch is connected to the line to allow the line to be interrupted, which may be necessary in certain circumstances. It should be noted that the circuit consists of one or more wires that are connected to the associated contacts of the telecommunications module where the contact bank can be terminated. As will be described in more detail below, the contacts of the telecommunications module can be provided with branch positions, also called separation points. At such a separation point, the line can not only be tapped, but rather the line can pass through the contact bank. In this way, the contact bank can be composed of the mentioned line switches that can interrupt the line. Both the fixed connection and the line switch described above can be connected to a mode switch, which can be connected to at least one drawer contact. This connection can be realized via a test bus switch. The following functions are executed by this circuit. First, when the line switch is in a state where the line is not interrupted and the mode switch connects the test bus switch to the fixed connection portion, the lead-out contact of the contact bank is connected to the fixed connection portion. In this situation, the line can be monitored. In other words, the signal transmitted over the line is left unblocked. However, this signal is also transmitted to the withdrawal contact, and thus can be further transmitted to the test device. Starting from the situation described, when the line switch is switched to block the line, the lead-out contact is connected to the line in the first direction, i.e. the direction in which the fixed connection is formed. Thus, any test or measurement can be performed in this first direction. When the mode switch is switched, it connects the lead-out contact with the line switch in the cut-off state. In this way, the lead-out contact is connected to the line in the second direction. Therefore, testing and measurements are done in this direction. Since the single switch placed on the line is sufficient for all necessary functions, the described circuit is very reliable. As mentioned, measurements can be made in both directions of the line. Furthermore, the line can be monitored without interrupting the line. The presence of a single switch on the line is advantageous in that such switches are generally prone to malfunction. Therefore, the number of switches is reduced, and when the measurement can be performed in two directions, it improves the reliability of the line. In other words, a single switch can be used without losing the flexibility of having the possibility to measure in two directions. In view of the well-known circuits where two switches are required, providing a single line switch provides significant advantages. In addition, line switches typically attenuate transmitted signals. Furthermore, the line switch requires a certain space. Thus, the described circuit using a single line switch has the advantage of excellent attenuation and space saving characteristics. With regard to the above circuit, it is worth mentioning that this circuit does not necessarily have to be coupled to the described contact bank. Rather, single or combined circuits including all the mentioned features are to be considered part of this disclosure. In particular, such a circuit exhibits the mentioned advantages in any type of test, monitoring or measurement application. Thus, the described circuit can be advantageously used in telecommunications systems, such as in wiring points, particularly in main distribution boards and cable housings. Furthermore, any other device, such as DSLAM that can also be located on the subscriber side, can use the described circuit. For example, the described circuit can be incorporated into a portable device that can be used to test any type of equipment, such as in the telecommunications field.

  A preferred embodiment comprising overvoltage protection means, splitter assemblies etc. with integrated contact banks according to the present invention prevents the unnecessary attachment of a number of additional components to the exact same terminal module. This allows for protection of not only the associated lines but also the devices connected to them when overvoltage protection is required by the situation, such as the risk of lightning strikes.

  The contact bank according to the invention can in principle be integrated into a terminal module, a separation module or an overvoltage protection module, as will be explained in more detail below. However, designing a contact bank according to the present invention to be improved and to be able to continue to connect to one or more listed modules complements and improves existing equipment, such as telecommunications wiring points. It is preferable for this purpose.

  It has further been shown that it is advantageous if the contact bank has a housing with at least one opening so that it can be attached to an existing module, optionally provided with further components, and can be terminated there. Existing components are possible, for example, overvoltage protection, isolation plugs, or similar systems that do not interfere with contact bank mounting in that they are inserted into one or more openings in the contact bank.

  In this regard, the contact bank is specifically designed with a frame-shaped housing, allowing the existing module to be attached to it by enclosing it from the outside, while the cable conductor is already terminated or enumerated It is particularly preferred that the front side, on which the additional components are already attached, remains freely accessible.

  Tests have revealed particularly favorable handling characteristics for one embodiment, but in this embodiment, the contact bank has a partitioned housing, and the contact bank is formed by connecting two or more parts. Can be attached to the module without difficulty and can be terminated with the module. It should be emphasized in connection with the previously described embodiments that these are contact bank embodiments that are generally independent of the enumerated details of the contact banks according to the present invention. In other words, the contact bank can be improved in any way and / or provided with openings and / or has a frame-shaped housing and / or has a partitioned housing, including remote controllable switches. Even when the configuration described in detail above is not provided, the advantageous effect can be obtained. The listed embodiments are considered developments independent of any other feature.

  It is particularly advantageous for this variant if the modifiable variant of the contact bank according to the invention has at least one plug provided with a tap contact. In this case, a plurality of single plugs or one or more multi-plugs are provided that can be plugged into an accessible part of the module in which the contact bank is provided. Thereby, the contacts of the module are tapped and a connection to the pull-out contacts of the contact panel is established by the connection between the at least one plug and the rest of the contact bank.

  Such plugs can perform additional functions in an advantageous manner if they include one or more functional components, for example, overvoltage protection. It is therefore possible in a particularly simple manner to combine the protection of the signal line or the devices terminating there with the possibility of testing the signal line or measuring there.

  Thus, as described above, the present invention includes permanently tapping the multiple contacts of the module and reducing them to a small number of drawer contacts. However, it is preferred that at least one test device is integrated in the contact bank according to the invention. The test device can be a measurement system. The measuring system can be a measuring head. In the following, the measurement system will be mainly referred to. However, it should be understood that any type of test, monitoring or measurement device or system can be used. Thus, when a measurement system and / or measurement head is referred to below, any type of test, monitoring or measurement device is meant. By means of a compact device, hereinafter referred to as a measuring device, a remote control of the connection and thus a considerably simplified measurement of multiple connections is thus possible. In this device, an external power supply supplies power to the measuring means, in particular to the measuring head. It is preferred to use one or more digital signal processors and A-D converters for the measuring means. As is well known to those skilled in the art, such a measurement system, on the other hand, can be configured to measure only physical parameters such as voltage or frequency dependent voltage, but also in this case It is also possible to measure the interference voltage. On the other hand, a suitable measuring head can likewise be configured to send a special signal and subsequently measure the response to obtain special information about the state or characteristics of the line. For example, it is necessary to test a line before using it to communicate higher frequency signals than before. For this purpose, a so-called frequency spectrum is established and it is investigated in which frequency region there are disturbances. In the presence of disturbances, preferably an error analysis is carried out by means of a measurement system that is preferably integrated in the contact bank, in particular as to whether a short circuit or ground fault, insulation loss, interference voltage, interference spectrum, etc. have occurred. Is done. It is also possible to examine the fault location by measuring resistance or using a measuring device in the form of a time domain reflectometer (TDR). The integration of a measuring head, usually having one or more sensors, into the contact bank offers the advantage that particularly accurate measurements are possible. This is because measurements are usually performed in a short, “path” or frequency domain that requires a line length between the measurement technique and the line to be measured. It should be noted with respect to integrating the measurement system into at least one contact bank according to the invention that one single measurement system can be assigned as a distributed system for multiple contact banks, This is done via an appropriate bus. The function of this bus is to control the contact bank, to electrically access the contact bank, and to supply power to the latter.

  It is economically advantageous if the contact bank according to the invention is integrated with the measuring means, however, this is such that the evaluation of the measured signal is performed at a "centralized" remote central unit. , “There is no intelligence of measurement”. For this purpose, the measuring device according to the invention may include a delivery interface in the form of a terminal contact, a wireless interface or an infrared interface. In a configuration in which the measuring device is integrated with a terminal module, a separation module or an overvoltage protection module, the terminal contact can be, for example, a module contact reserved in the module for this purpose. The connection with the “evaluation unit”, which is thus separated from the measurement system, is established via suitable lines terminating at these contacts. Through such a connection, by means of a subscriber line or cable sheath, the measurement system can be located remotely and communicate with a major stop, also called a measurement termination. The defined measurement is performed via a controlled change of state at the end of the measurement.

  At least two tap contacts and / or at least two complete contact banks can be connected to the test device via a connection structure including at least one test bus. What is meant by “connection structure” is to provide a suitable electrical connection in the form of cables and / or wires, plugs, switches, etc., and a test device and at least two objects, for example tap contacts and / or contacts An electrical connection is made with the bank. Those skilled in the art will understand typical types of test devices that generally fit the type being tested. In the field of telecommunications, the test object is typically a telecommunications line. The person skilled in the art knows various types of test devices suitable for this purpose, in particular test heads. It should be noted that the new connection structure is generally suitable for the connection of at least two objects of any type that requires testing. The connection structure is efficient in that the remote test device can be used to test multiple objects that can be located remotely from the “central” test device. When testing telecommunication lines, remote test devices can be connected to several points, at which point some line sections connect to other sections in the appropriate module or block Is done. For example, test access can be provided in a module or block by a contact bank. Thus, when applying a connection structure to test a telecommunication line, a plurality of such modules or blocks and / or suitable access points within the modules or blocks are connected by at least one test bus. Is done.

  In this context, a test bus is an electrical connection that passes “along” the test object. Unlike star structures, multiple objects can be connected to a “central” test device by a test bus. It should be mentioned that one or more test buses can be provided in the connection structure.

  The measuring device can further include a communication bus that can be configured as a field bus. It should be noted that the test bus described above serves to transmit the signal to be tested. A communication bus, in particular a field bus, is provided for transmitting control signals to various control devices. The test bus and the communication bus can be provided in a parallel manner, that is, in the same structure. However, they can also have different structures for each bus. The term “field bus” refers to a bus for connecting a plurality of remote connection points or objects with a central device. Those skilled in the art will be aware of fieldbuses that are thus applicable in connection with the present invention. For example, the fieldbus can be a CAN bus. Regarding the characteristics of the CAN bus, reference is made to ISO 11898. The disclosures of these documents are incorporated herein by reference. The unique features of the CAN bus can be understood from these documents. In connection with the present test and measurement system, the CAN bus has the advantage that it is relatively simple in structure and allows multiple connections with remote objects. Furthermore, the CAN bus is very reliable. In particular, the CAN bus includes two symmetric lines. If one of the lines is interrupted or obstructed, a grounded connection is used to maintain a potential difference that allows signal transmission. In addition, the CAN bus has a reliable solution for resolving collisions. This describes a situation where two remote stations are trying to send signals simultaneously. As can be understood from the documents referred to above, the CAN bus provides provisions for organizing and dealing with such situations. The CAN bus not only transmits signals requesting access to certain objects, such as specific telecommunications lines, but also other data such as configuration data, confirmation, failure status in one of the stations, It can be transmitted via the CAN bus. The operating state of the bus itself as well as any connected station can be signaled. In addition, the software can be downloaded to any connected station. A lower station bit in the CAN bus message identifier can be used to address a particular station. The high order bit (see the document referenced above) can be used to prioritize the actual message. In some situations, when the maximum number of connected stations is reached, a device is available that can replicate information to the expansion bus segment. The CAN bus also makes it possible to hold payload data without address bits. At the same time, high priority traffic can be maintained, for example, sending actual messages.

  Further, a field bus selected from the group consisting of a DIN measurement bus, an interbus-C, a bit bus, an interbus-S, a profibus, a P-NET, and an Ethernet can be used. With respect to Interbus-C and Bitbus, reference is made to IEEE 1118. Details regarding the Interbus-S can be found in DIN 19258. Profibus is described in DIN 19245. All documents mentioned are incorporated herein by reference. It should be mentioned that Ethernet is known in computer systems. Regarding the use of Ethernet in combination with actual metallic access to telecommunications subscriber lines, this is considered a new measurement method, and there is a connection structure including the above contact bank and / or its test bus. With or without the benefits. In general, the connection structure of one of the above buses between a remote test device and a subscriber line, a tap contact, a contact bank, a telecommunications module, etc. is novel and as such is considered part of this disclosure. Thus, such a connection structure using one or more of the above buses can be provided alone in a telecommunication system, in particular in connection with testing, monitoring and measurement, in particular the connection structure and various The advantages mentioned in relation to the bus are shown.

  Connections between the test bus and test objects such as tap contacts and / or contact banks are provided for each object by stub wires or stub cables. This generally means that a wire or cable is provided that terminates at that point, where test or monitoring access to the test object is provided. At this measuring point, suitable connections, switches and relays are provided to allow connection of the object, in particular a selected one of the telecommunication lines to be tested, with a remote test device. Whenever it is not necessary to test a particular line, the termination point switches and connections are controlled to disconnect that particular point from the test bus. This control is performed at a higher level in the hierarchy. However, in conventional systems, the stub line between the termination point and the test bus remains connected to the test bus.

  In the new connection structure, at least one main switch is provided for disconnecting at least one stub line from the test bus. As outlined above, there are at least two stub lines associated with each test object. The stub line is connected to or connectable to the test bus. In conventional systems, this connection remains for all remaining objects even if another object of the plurality of objects connected to the test bus is tested. Any such stub line connected to the test bus affects the signal transmitted by the test bus. The stub wire essentially acts as an antenna and picks up additional signals from around. This is particularly critical when relatively high frequency signals are transmitted over the telecommunication line and therefore also over the test bus.

  The new connection structure provides excellent results with respect to the quality of the signal that can be transmitted to the test device. At least one main switch allows one or more stub lines to be electrically disconnected from the test bus, minimizing adverse effects on the signals transmitted by the test bus. Since all the stub lines that are cut off from the test bus have a positive effect, it is preferable that all existing stub lines can be cut. In this way, when a particular object is tested, the signal transmitted to the test device can be kept as bad as possible. Thus, the electrical connection between the test device and the test object is kept free from stub wires or cables as much as possible. In particular, the same number of electrical connections and sections of unnecessary cables or wires and sections are removed when a particular subject is tested. During testing, unnecessary stub lines can be cut to the extent that only a direct connection between the test device and the test object remains.

It should be noted again that the connection switch, which allows the stub lines to be disconnected, is provided at the lowest level of the hierarchy. In other words, there is an additional switch not only at the stub line and the further stub line extending from the first stub line, but also at the termination point where the metallic access between the stub line and the test object, in particular the telecommunication line, is provided. Can exist. The advantage is that any stub lines that would otherwise degrade the signal transmitted by the test bus can be disconnected. This, as mentioned, is independent of the higher levels of the hierarchy in which the stub lines are connected or disconnected as a termination point, in particular a test object such as a telecommunication line. In the connection structure, “dead end” stub lines, also called bridge taps, can be advantageously avoided. In this way, this cause of interference that can affect the signal transmitted by the test bus can be eliminated.

  In the connection structure, the second stub line can be electrically connected to or connected to the stub line connected to the test bus. As an example, in a telecommunication block having a plurality of telecommunication modules, a main stub line extending from the test bus can be provided along the local bus along all modules of the block. Further, the second stub line can extend from the main stub line. Each of the second stub lines can be connected to a specific module. Again, additional stub lines can be provided to allow metallic access to each of the plurality of contacts in the module. As a further example, multiple contact banks can be connected to a remote test device by a test bus and multiple stub lines. A second stub line may be provided in the contact bank to connect a plurality of tap contacts or a plurality of lead contacts to the main stub line. At the appropriate connection point, a switch can be provided to select a specific contact and thus a specific telecommunication line connected to the test bus for testing and monitoring purposes. This is advantageous with regard to the quality of the signal transmitted to the test bus when at least one second stub line connected to the main stub line can also be disconnected from the main stub line by the second switch. .

  A positive effect will be obtained if the part of the stub line that remains connected to the test bus is kept as short as possible. In particular, a switch for cutting off a specific stub line can be provided at a connection point between the test bus and the stub line. In this case, there is literally no stub line portion that remains connected to the test bus, and negative effects on the signal can be avoided.

  In order to provide good handling characteristics, one or more switches can be remotely controllable. In other words, an automated system can be provided, in which not only the necessary switches are remotely activated and the desired object is connected to the test bus, but also by disconnecting as many stub lines as possible. Control is possible, such as addressing specific objects or telecommunication lines.

  Also, the above connection structure including any mentioned features can show advantages, either alone or in combination with each other, and whether or not coupled to a contact bank. In particular, a connection structure that electrically connects at least one test device to at least two test objects and includes one or more of the above features should be considered part of the present invention.

  With regard to the connection between the measurement device in any of the above embodiments and the above measurement termination, this connection integrates the measurement device with a wireless interface (eg Bluetooth or any other integrated wireless technology) or an infrared interface By doing so, it can be prevented in an advantageous manner from conduction by the line.

  As mentioned, the contact bank according to the invention is independent of the module on which it can be terminated and can in particular be constructed in a modifiable manner. However, a contact bank according to the invention or a measuring device according to the invention, consisting of at least one contact bank and at least one measuring device, is suitable for such modules, for example terminal modules, separation or supplementary modules, in particular overvoltage protection magazines, etc. It is preferred for special applications that it is directly integrated into. A feature of this is that with little effort, a module that can be remotely controlled from a central location and that meets the requirements for performing selective testing of circuit connections is provided.

  In this regard, a particularly preferred embodiment resides in a module that is a separation module having a separation contact with at least one branch location. In this case, one single branch location may be sufficient if the measurement through the contact bank is made only in one direction, ie the line or backbone side direction. If two branch positions are provided at the contact points of the module, the possibility of performing measurements on both the line side and the backbone side is realized in an advantageous way. The contact bank terminates in the separation module in such a way that the separation contacts are output as they are in the normal state, as is the case with normal connections. By using appropriate switching circuits, connections can be split at the contact bank and the necessary measurements can be performed in both directions.

  In connection with at least one branch location or at least one separation point provided in the module, a circuit as described above for providing a plurality of test, measurement and monitoring functions can be created. In particular, the branch position can include a line switch. The line switch and the tap contact of the contact bank can be connected to the mode switch. The mode switch can be connected to a test bus switch that is connected to the test bus. As explained above in connection with such a circuit provided in the contact bank, this circuit allows not only testing and measurement in both directions of the line but also monitoring of the line. These functions, including the mentioned advantages, can also be obtained for the latter, combination of features, where the line switch is located in the module.

  It is particularly advantageous if the contact bank performs two functions, one allowing switching to individual lines. Alternatively, the contact bank can be integrated with the possibility of reliably dividing at least one branch position in the module contacts by remote control. This is achieved in that at least one branch position is activated by a remote controllable switch, in other words it is split and closed. The control line of each switch can be integrated with the switching and measuring device.

  For example, an electronic or electromechanical configuration, such as a relay shape, is preferred for at least one remotely controllable switch provided for selective connection between a pull-out contact and a tap contact. Such a switch can be configured in the smallest possible space and can be easily integrated into the contact bank according to the invention. Such an electronic or electromechanical switch can be provided in the contact bank, measuring device and / or terminal module in any of the above embodiments.

  Furthermore, the switch or switches used in the contact bank, measuring device and / or module can be formed as a semiconductor device.

  Modules as well as contact banks, measuring devices can be used in the telecommunication assembly. For example, more than one of the above devices can be connected to a remote test device by the described connection. For example, the test object can be a number of telecommunications devices, blocks, modules or individual telecommunications lines. In particular, the telecommunication assembly in which the contact bank, measuring device or terminal module is combined can be located in the main distribution board (MDF).

  The main distribution board is located at the central office of the telecommunications company and is therefore a typical location where testing, monitoring and measurement access to telecommunications devices and / or individual telecommunications lines is required. The advantage provided by this is that one or more centrally located test devices can be provided in an area that is easily accessible by the telecommunications company, and thus also in this area as well as for remote objects. It also enables the execution of test and monitoring functions.

  A method for testing a selected one of at least two subjects is also disclosed. The subject is connected to the test device by at least one test bus and at least two stub lines each associated with a particular subject. At the same time, when a particular object is tested, at least one stub line associated with another object is disconnected from the test bus. As outlined above, this allows for the testing of specific objects by removing sources of interference that can degrade the signal transmitted to the test device.

  This method can be implemented by first disconnecting one or more stub lines from the test bus. When testing a particular object, the stub line associated with this object is connected to the test bus.

  In addition, the benefits described when first connecting a stub line to the test bus and disconnecting one or more stub lines associated with an object that is not tested at a particular point in time when testing that particular object Can be obtained. In this context, it should be mentioned that the necessary connection and disconnection can be achieved using a hierarchy of connection structures. In particular, when a particular object is addressed by a test device, each object located between the addressed object and the test device receives a signal that can be interpreted as meaning it is not addressed. . In particular, appropriate components can be provided to analyze the signal and thus control the switch so that the stub line associated with the unaddressed object is disconnected. This can also be performed by any object located along the test bus “behind” the addressed module. Alternatively, the stub line can be disconnected from the test bus first and the switch can be controlled so that only the stub line associated with the test object is connected to the test bus during the test.

  Several exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail in conjunction with the drawings.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a portion of a contact bank switching circuit according to the present invention. As mentioned above, the contact bank can be terminated or terminated with a terminal module having opposing contacts 40, 40 'and 42, 42'. Under normal conditions, signal communication between the opposed contacts 40, 40 'and 42, 42' is accomplished by closing the switches 44 and 46, respectively, and connecting the opposed contacts. The figure shows the position of the switches 44, 46, in which case the line side measurement, ie the measurement of the direction of the contacts 40 ', 42' facing the line, can be performed with the illustrated switching circuit in the coupling field. It should be noted. Although not shown, signal communication is performed between the opposed contacts 40 and 40 ′ and 42 and 42 ′ at the positions of the switches 44 and 46. The two switches 44, 46 forming the branch position can be remotely controlled in an advantageous manner by means of a control line 48 that can be integrated into the measuring device connected to the contact bank.

  At the position shown of the switches 44, 46, the contacts 40 ', 42' are connected to the test bus via one further switch 50, 52, respectively, which in the case shown is 4 Includes one line. In the illustrated position of switches 50, 52, the listed conductors are referred to as test bus A2 / B2 and are connected to a test bus that includes two lines 54 and 56. When the switches 50, 52 are switched from the position shown, a connection is established to a so-called test bus A1 / B1 further comprising lines 58, 60. A configuration that includes 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 test bus is provided. Another variation is conceivable in which the opposed contacts 40, 40 'and 42, 42' do not have a branch position in the form of a switch 44, 46. Rather, the opposing contacts 40, 40 'and 42, 42' may be directly and fixedly connected to each other. In this case, the connection between at least one test bus and the respective contact pair will be realized by means of switches 50, 52. It should be noted that for the sake of completeness, the two switches 50, 52 can be driven via remote control by the control line 62.

  Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a second embodiment of a coupled field switching circuit according to the present invention. The structure of the terminal module, including the opposing contacts 40, 40 'and 42, 42', and the configuration of the switches 44, 46, 50 and 52 including the associated control lines 48, 62 are shown in FIG. Further explanation is not necessary. However, the switching circuit shown in FIG. 2 makes it possible to perform a backbone measurement in addition to the line side measurement according to FIG. In other words, measurement in the direction of the backbone contacts 40, 42 is possible. In the preferred embodiment shown, additional switches 64, 66 are provided in each case, which form additional branch positions. The two switches 64, 66 can be driven by a control line 68 via remote control. In accordance with FIG. 1, FIG. 2 shows a switching circuit in which contacts 40 ', 42' are connected to one of the test buses. The switches 64 and 66 provided in the area of the contacts 40 and 42 are switched so that the connection with the test bus is not established. However, it is also possible to connect these contacts to the test bus by switching these switches 64, 66 via the control line 68. It should be noted that for completeness, all of the illustrated switches can be configured as mechanical or electronic relays. In the latter case, an integrated switching circuit is also conceivable.

  FIG. 3 shows an alternative circuit 70 for providing test and monitoring access to the line between contacts 140 and 140 '. First, a fixed connection 72 is formed to tap the line. Second, a line switch 74 is provided on the line. The line switch 74 can block the line. In the illustrated state, the line is not blocked. Both the line switch 74 and the fixed connection 72 are connected to the mode switch 76. As will be described below, the mode switch 76 is connected to the test bus switch and allows adjustment of the test, monitoring and measurement modes.

  In particular, FIG. 3 shows a situation in which neither testing nor monitoring is performed. Rather, the line is in a continuous state and the mode switch 76 is in a position to break the connection between the test bus switch and the fixed connection 72. In the state shown in FIG. 3, when the mode switch 76 is switched, the test bus switch is connected to the fixed connection portion 72. When the test bus switch is in the position to connect the particular circuit 70 shown in FIG. 3 to the contact point of the contact bank, the line between the contacts 140 and 140 'can be monitored. In particular, the line can be “listened”, such as a signal that is transmitted by the line and additionally transmitted to the test device without interrupting the line, and thus can be evaluated.

  When the line switch 74 is switched in addition to the mode switch 76, the fixed connection 72 is connected to the test bus switch and the line is cut off. In such a state, the measurement can be performed in the direction of the contact 140. In particular, the line that continues beyond contact 140 can be tested and a measurement can be performed. This is also possible in the direction of the contacts 140 '. For this purpose, the mode switch 76 must be in the position shown in FIG. Furthermore, the line switch 74 must be switched so that the test bus switch connected to the mode switch 76 is connected 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 performed.

  FIG. 4 shows a terminal module in the form of a terminal strip 110 with an integrated contact bank 112 according to the invention, which terminal module includes a suitable housing part or housing. As described, the tap contacts of the contact bank 112 permanently and directly tap the contacts of the terminal strip 110. The contacts 40, 40 'as well as 42, 42' etc., which are accessible on the front side for the termination cable core, are shown in the figure. Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment is a preferred variant in which the measuring head is integrated in the contact bank 112. In order to realize a connection between the measuring head and the remote central unit for evaluating the measurement results, at least two contacts of the terminal strip 110 are reserved in the first embodiment shown, so that the line 114 Can be terminated for connection to a central office. The contact provided for terminating the line leading to the central office, on the other hand, can be formed with the existing contact of the terminal strip 110. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide one or more additional contact pairs. The contact pair 120 can serve for power supply, for example. Another contact pair 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, together with the measuring head, is located at the top of the illustrated system. Thereby, the central office supplies control commands. Corresponding measurement data is communicated in the reverse direction. This is preferably realized via a separate line.

  Accordingly, the second embodiment according to FIG. 5 is different in that the data plug connector 16 is provided in the terminal strip 210, and a plurality of terminal strips 210 are interconnected via the connector 16. is there. The connector 16 can include the control device described above. In order to interconnect a plurality of terminal strips 210, the data plug connector 16 in the illustrated example is provided on the upper side together with the contact pins 20. For example, ten pairs of contact pins 20 may be provided for connection to the terminal strip located thereon. The additional pair of contacts 220 may be somewhat separated from the remaining contact pins, but provide data transmission as well as power. Additional pairs of contact pins may be provided for the necessary control lines. In addition, the underside of the terminal strip 210 may also be terminated with a suitable connector 18, which establishes a data connection to the central office via line 214 as shown in FIG. It should be noted that the contact bank according to the invention may be provided with a wireless or infrared interface to prevent a connection conducted by a line to the central unit according to FIGS. As can be seen, the data plug connector 16 can be provided such that a plurality of juxtaposed terminal strips 210 are interconnected. As an example, the contact pin 20 shown in the figure may be located on top of the terminal strip 210. Thereby, a socket suitable for receiving the contact pins 20 is provided under each terminal strip 210. The terminal strips are interconnected by a data plug connector 16. It should be noted that the number of contact pins 20 need not be the same as the number of contacts in the terminal strip. Rather, the contact pin 20 of the data plug connector 16 is a different test bus component. Furthermore, the contacts 220 are necessary for power supply and the necessary control lines. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 18 that includes the necessary lines 214 to the central system or that includes the communication mechanism terminates on the top side. Alternatively, the measurement head in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 does not necessarily have to be integrated into each terminal strip 210. Rather, the measurement head may also be located as a central measurement head, for example at or near the connector 18.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, each of the illustrated terminal strips 310 is provided with a contact bank 312 but none of the contact banks 312 has an integrated measuring head. . Rather, the measurement heads 320 assigned to the plurality of terminal strips 310 are connected in each case to individual contact banks 312 via one bus 322. In other words, the number of buses provided corresponds to the number of contact banks 312. The buses in so-called “backplanes” terminated by individual contact banks 312 may be configured as flexible cables, as plugs integrated into respective terminal strips 310, as circuit boards, or in any other manner. . The measurement technique assigned to the plurality of terminal strips 310, so to speak, is not one or more terminal strips in a terminal block having a plurality of terminal strips, but in this embodiment as a supplemental module that can be integrated. Composed. This deformation provides the advantage that the predetermined dimensions of the block can be maintained. However, it is equally conceivable to attach the module containing the measuring head 320 to the block in addition to the terminal strip 310 of the block, thus increasing at least one dimension of the block. The connection between the central unit and the measuring head 320 can be realized in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 by providing the means according to FIGS. 4 and 5 (line 314) or an infrared or wireless interface. In further embodiments as well as the foregoing embodiments, the contact bank 312 may be included in the measurement head 320. Alternatively, the measurement head 320 may be in any other location in front of the contact bank 312 or near the associated system. The measuring head 320 may further include a contact bank control device. This is also true for the measurement head 420 described below.

  In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, one single, schematically shown measuring head is likewise assigned to a plurality of contact banks 412. In this case, however, the measuring head 420 is arranged on a backplane that can be integrated into several blocks of terminal strips 410. Thanks to such integration, it is possible to maintain the depth of the block. Alternatively, the backplane can be continuously attached to the back side of the block, but this usually increases the overall depth. Further, FIG. 7 shows contact pairs 440, 440 'and 442, 442' on the front side. In the illustrated case, an output data line 414 is included in a so-called “backplane”. However, data communication can be performed in any way, for example using infrared or radio signals. In this embodiment, the contact bank or coupling field, on the other hand, can be configured as the central coupling field of the backplane from which the contacts of multiple terminal strips can be tapped. Alternatively, a plurality of distributed coupling fields, each located on the terminal strip 410, may be provided. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the aforementioned variants can also be used for connection with the central office. Furthermore, it can be realized in this embodiment by using a central or distributed contact bank, as well as a particularly simple way to extend the assignment of the central measuring head to an additional terminal strip or terminal block via a suitable bus. is there. Furthermore, as is clear from the above, the contact bank according to the invention not only makes it suitable for a switch of existing connection technology for connection technology including an integrated contact bank, but also an improvement of the existing connection technology. And may be configured in each case to be suitable for supplementary purposes.

  A variation of the contact bank 512 that is particularly suitable for improvement is shown in FIG. As will also become apparent from FIG. 9, the contact bank 512 comprises a large central opening 524, is configured substantially like a frame, and may be attached by surrounding the terminal strip 510. This also eliminates the risk of manual interference associated with additional components that can be attached to the terminal strip 510, for example in the form of an overvoltage protection module 526.

  As is apparent from FIG. 9, access to the region of terminal strip 510 where the contacts are exposed is possible without problems, while overvoltage protection modules, isolation plugs, etc. may remain there. Or can be attached subsequently. It should be noted that details of the terminal strip 510 are not shown. In a particularly advantageous manner, the frame-like shape of the contact bank 512 enlarges the area accessible to the contacts of the terminal strip 510. In other words, the user is no longer restricted to the spatially limited area of the terminal strip 10 that forms the outline of the terminal strip. This is shown in FIG. 9 in the following points. That is, tapping of the contacts 530 in the terminal strip 510 is performed by the single plug 528 shown, which in the illustrated case is provided to tap two contacts, and the corresponding contact 532 in the contact bank is It is that it is outside the outer shape of the terminal strip 510. For example, contacts 530 and 532 are connected to each other by strip conductors or the like, thereby establishing a connection between contacts 530 of terminal strip 510 and contacts 532 of the contact bank. The illustrated plug 528 can also be provided as a multi-plug for tapping a plurality of contact pairs 530 or the contact bank 512 according to the present invention includes a plurality of single plugs 528 as shown. Further attention should be paid. This plug 528 is a separation plug that divides the branch position between the opposed contacts in that the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided in which switches 44, 46, 64, 66 are provided. Also good. The advantages provided by the embodiments of the contact bank according to the invention, including such plugs, are the connection technology of the part of the contact field configured as a standard implementation and the respective terminal module or separation module used And it can be combined with an appropriate plug that can be adapted to the design. The fact that the measuring head may be integrated into the contact bank 512 also applies to the last described embodiment. It can also be configured so that it can be latched to the contact bank 512.

  FIG. 10 shows, in schematic representation, the connection structure between the test device 2 and a number of remote objects 4 such as telecommunications modules or blocks. These telecommunication blocks are hereinafter referred to as remote objects. In the exemplary situation shown, the test device 2 is first connected to a number of remote objects 4 by a test bus 622 and secondly by a stub line 6 for each object 4. As described above, an additional second stub line, one of which is shown at 8, can be connected to each stub line 6, from which it can be disconnected by the second switch 34, It can be arranged in one or more subjects 4.

  In the illustrated case, each of the three objects 4 has a switch 36 by which each associated stub line 6 can be connected to or disconnected from the test bus 622. The test bus 622 “passes along” all the objects 4 and connects the stub line 6 associated with a particular object to the test bus 622 by means of a switch 36 so that the object 4 or any device contained therein Or testing telecommunication lines passing through it.

  During testing, the same number of stub lines to be tested are disconnected or left disconnected from the test bus 622 to account for possible interference and external influences on the signals transmitted by the test bus 622. Minimize. The object 4 can be a block in the telecommunications field containing a number of modules, which in the illustrated case are stacked on top of each other. It is generally possible that further stub lines such as 8 extend from the stub line 6 shown in the drawing and are thus associated with the individual modules. Thereby, the telecommunication lines connected to the contacts and / or individual contacts in a particular module can be tested individually. It should be noted that more than one second stub line, such as the stub line indicated by reference numeral 8, can be connected to the main stub line 6. Each of the second stub lines can be cut from the main stub line. This feature of the main stub line and the at least two second stub lines 8 implements the features of the present invention. This is because the main stub line 6 can be regarded as a bus that runs along several objects, and each second stub line is connected to the main stub line 6 and is associated with a particular object. Thus, a test bus in the sense of the present invention can also be a stub line connected to a further test bus.

  In the illustrated case, a section 38 is provided at the bottom of each object 4, but this section 38 houses the switch 36 and is not only for testing and monitoring, but also the modules of the object 4, in particular the telecommunication block. It can be provided as a module that controls several other functions performed in connection with the.

  The main stub line 6 and / or the second stub line 8 can be connected in the following way with the contact to which the line to be tested and / or the section of the line is connected. The circuits shown in FIGS. 1-3 are suitable for this purpose. In particular, the lines 54, 56, 58 and 60 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be connected to the respective stub lines 6 or 8. Furthermore, the stub line 6 or 8 may constitute the mentioned lines 54, 56, 58 and 60 as such. Further, in connection with FIG. 3, the stub line 6 or 8 can be connected to the mode switch 76 or to a contact bank withdrawal contact having a connection to the mode switch 76.

  FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a structure including a bus 722 and a line 80 that can be tested by a test device 702. The circuit passes between the switch or switch 82 and the subscriber 84. Line switch 774 indicates that line 80 can be blocked to allow its monitoring and testing. However, it should be understood that a circuit such as that shown in any one of FIGS. Since FIG. 11 mainly functions to show the bus structure, details are omitted in FIG.

  A bus 722, which can be a CAN bus, passes along a number of control modules 86. Each of these control modules 86 may be associated with a line 80 to be tested, for example. The bus 722 connects all control modules to a so-called management interface unit 88. Thus, the management interface unit 88 can communicate with any of the control modules 86, and vice versa. In particular, as described above, the CAN bus or field bus or Ethernet specification allows for the necessary communication and includes provisions for resolving collisions as specified above. Accordingly, the bus structure schematically illustrated also properly coordinates communication in connection with one or more of the above contact banks and / or measurement devices and / or telecommunications modules.

  Although various aspects of the invention have been described in connection with specific embodiments, these aspects of the invention may be implemented in various ways well known to those of skill in the art based on the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a partial view of a switching circuit in the first embodiment of the contact bank. It is a partial diagram of a switching circuit in a second embodiment of the contact bank. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a circuit in a third embodiment of a contact bank. 2 is a schematic illustration of a strip type terminal module including a contact bank. 6 shows a strip-type terminal module including a contact bank in a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a plurality of strip type terminal modules including contact banks in a third embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of a plurality of terminal modules containing a contact bank in a 4th embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view of a plurality of strip type terminal modules including a contact bank in a fifth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the contact bank according to FIG. 8. It is the schematic of a connection structure. 1 is a schematic diagram of a bus structure including a CAN bus.

Claims (37)

Can or is terminated with at least one terminal module (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) configured to serve for signal communication and to allow a telecommunication line to be connected thereto; Or can be terminated or terminated at at least one supplementary module (526) of a telecommunication wiring point connected to a terminal module (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) and further attached at said telecommunication wiring point Possible or attached contact banks (112, 212, 312, 412, 512),
In the terminal state of the contact bank (112, 212, 312, 412, 512), the contact (40, 40 ′, 42, 42 ′, 530) of the module (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 526) Direct and fixed, electrically connected tap contacts, and
Fewer drawer contacts than tap contacts,
A plurality of remotely controllable switches for selectively and electrically connecting the drawer contacts to the tap contacts;
A control device for controlling the plurality of switches;
Contact banks (112, 212, 312, 412, 512).   At least one tap contact is connected to a circuit (70) including a fixed connection (72) to the tap contact and a single line switch (74), the fixed connection (72) and the line switch ( The contact bank according to claim 1, wherein both 74) are connected to a mode switch (76), said mode switch (76) being connectable to at least one drawer contact.   A contact bank according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one overvoltage protection component (526).   4. The contact bank according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one splitter assembly.   5. The contact bank according to claim 1, wherein the contact bank is constructed in a modifiable manner.   The contact bank according to claim 1, comprising a housing with at least one opening (524).   7. A contact bank according to any one of the preceding claims, having a substantially frame-shaped housing.   The contact bank according to claim 1, comprising a partitioned housing.   The contact bank according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one plug (528) having a tap contact.   The contact bank according to claim 9, wherein the plug (528) further comprises at least one functional component, preferably overvoltage protection.   11. Measuring device comprising at least one contact bank (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) and at least one test device (320, 420) according to any one of the preceding claims.   12. The measuring device according to claim 11, wherein the test device is a measuring means (320, 420).   The measuring device according to claim 12, wherein the measuring means (320, 420) is a measuring head.   The test device (320, 420) via a connection structure in which at least two tap contacts and / or at least two contact banks (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) include at least one test bus (622). The measuring device according to claim 11, connected to the device.   The measuring device according to claim 14, further comprising a field bus as a communication bus.   The measuring apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the field bus is a CAN bus.   The measurement device according to claim 15, wherein the field bus is selected from the group consisting of a DIN measurement bus, an interbus-C, a bit bus, an interbus-S, a profibus, a P-NET, and an Ethernet.   The test bus (622) is connected to the tap contacts and / or the contact banks (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) by at least two stub lines (6), each stub line (6) being At least one stub line (related to the tap contact or bank to be tested (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) and electrically connected to or connectable to the test bus (622) 18. The measurement device according to any one of claims 12 to 17, further comprising at least one main switch (36) configured to disconnect 36) from the test bus (622).   A second stub line (8) is electrically connected or connectable to the stub line (6), and at least one of the stub lines (8) is connected by a second switch (34). 19. The measuring device according to claim 18, wherein the measuring device can be cut from the stub line (6).   20. Measuring device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein at least one switch (36) is provided at a connection point between the test bus (622) and another stub line and the stub line (6), respectively.   21. Measuring device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein at least one switch (34, 36) is remotely controllable.   23. The measuring device according to any one of claims 11 to 22, comprising a delivery interface in the form of a terminal contact, wireless or infrared.   A measuring device according to any one of claims 11 to 22, comprising at least one contact bank (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A terminal module (110, 210, 310, 410, 510), a separation module or a supplemental module, in particular a telecommunications overvoltage protection magazine (526).   24. The module of claim 23, comprising a separation contact having at least one branch location.   25. The branching position of claim 24, wherein the branch location includes a line switch, the line switch and the tap contact of the contact bank are connected to a mode switch, and the mode switch is connectable to at least one drawer contact. module.   26. Module according to claim 24 or 25, wherein at least one of the branch positions can be actuated by a remotely controllable switch (44, 46, 64, 66).   11. The 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.   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.   The terminal module according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the 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.   30. The measuring device according to 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 claim 1, wherein the at least one switch is a semiconductor device.   The measuring apparatus according to claim 11, wherein at least one switch is a semiconductor device.   27. A module according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the at least one switch is a semiconductor device.   36. A telecommunications assembly comprising a plurality of modules according to any one of claims 23 to 26, 29, 32 or 35. 37. The telecommunications assembly of claim 36, wherein the assembly is located on a main distribution board.

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