Mini-backplane “T” assembly

Details Mini-backplane “T” assembly Mini-backplane “T” assembly

1999-09-01

2001-06-05

Gaffin, Jeffrey (Department: 2841)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...

For electronic systems and devices

C361S788000, C361S756000, C361S704000, C361S741000, C361S796000, C361S797000, C439S325000, C439S326000, C439S327000, C439S260000, C439S261000, C439S630000, C439S631000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06243273

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to modular signal network equipment, and more particularly to apparatus for installing retrofit equipment modules into modular equipment mounting cabinets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With the rapid growth in communications technologies and the increased demand of network users for improved signal speed and reliability, network operators are faced with a constant need to upgrade network performance. The upgrades may be the result of improved technology or the availability of expanded system features. Other than in the case of generation changes where an entire system is replaced, these system upgrades are provided incrementally; generally through the retrofit of certain elements of the network circuitry with improved designs of those elements. With modular equipment, where function is often segregated into individual modules, the new design features can be installed in new version modules which are form and fit compatible with those of the existing installation.
There are, however, certain improvements which necessarily compromise form and fit compatibility, such as where a new design expands a particular function, requiring expanded signal connectivity to a module. This expanded connectivity can arise from a need for a greater number of input data sources or for added output load requirements. In these instantances the existing plant wiring is the bottleneck and some manner of plant wiring modification is required. This of course increases the cost of retrofit and may jeopardize the form and fit of the existing installed equipment. With changes in signal protocols and improvements in communications technologies, the frequency of occurrence of this type event is increasing. It is desirable, therefore, to provide a means to retrofit these type improvements into existing systems without the need for plant modifications.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is to apparatus capable of mounting retrofit modules to the mounting cabinetry of an installed modular equipment network. According to one feature of the invention the apparatus includes a combination mini-backplane and interface module which together provide surrogate mounting of the retrofit module with expanded connectivity external of the cabinet but with full functional connection with other equipment modules of the network. In further accord with this feature of the invention the present invention is configurable in either or both of the interface module and the mini-backplane to be adaptable for use in different network applications.
According to another feature of the invention, the apparatus is capable of mounting redundant, first and second retrofit modules in a manner which provides duplicate expanded connectivity and duplicate full functional connection to the network for each retrofit module, thereby providing for the addition of a high reliability retrofit function. In further accord with this feature of the invention the present mounting apparatus itself provides for full interconnectivity between the primary and secondary retrofit modules and for connection of each module with the network.
The mini-backplane T assembly of the present invention provides for the mounting of retrofit equipment modules into the existing equipment mounting cabinetry of an installed modular equipment signal network with minimum cost and disruption of the network operational The assembly includes an interface module and mini-backplane combination which is adapted for insertion into the equipment cabinetry with electrical signal connection of the mini-backplane to the cabinetry master backplane, and for mounting retrofit modules inserted therein in electrical signal interconnectivity with others of the network equipment modules. The interface module is capable of receiving expanded network signal lines external of the mounting cabinet backplane thereby providing for expanded connectivity of the retrofit modules with no modification of the cabinet itself.
These and other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying Figures.


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“High Capacity Lineup Dramatically Boosts Efficiency, Lowers Network Costs For Operators,” Discovery, vol. 48, Fourth Quarter 1998, pp. 12-16, XP000667405, ISSN: 0780-3931.
Rosenlund, H., “The Base Transceiver Station (BTS) To Base Station Controller Interface A-bis,” Proceedings of Digital Cellular Radio Conference, Oct. 1, 1998, XP000198903.
Carrie, A., Cellmer, J. and Marciguey, M., “MATRACOM 9200 ET AXE 10: Un système flexible pour les réseux GSM,” Commutation et Transmission, FR, Sotelec, Paris, vol. 13, No. 1, 1991, pp. 5-18, XP000247526, ISSN: 0242-1283.

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