Title of Invention

MEDIA CONVERTOR

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for conversion of signals between Ethernet cables and fiber-optic cables. A media converter unit with the entire circuit assembly contained within the housing with ports for receiving the data and power cables on the face plate surface along with the two adjacent ports mounted preferably on the same side of the PCB and having the internal supply power card as power source and a internal, network card with dual BCM 5521 10/ 100 base - TX/ Fx Mini PHY Transceivers connected using RMII interface, without the use of an external buffer or switch IC, employed for receiving, converting and transmitting data signal from one media into second media and vice verse with delay in conversion process brought. down to minimum.

Full Text

PRIOR ART The Media Convertor Unit is to convert Fast Ethernet data entering on one Data Port, on twisited pair Copper wire to a fonnat. suitable for transmission on Fiber Optic Media on the other Data Port anti vice-versa. Some of the existing Media Convertors in the Industry are known to have used a Two Port Switch Intergrated Circuit to Translate between the two encoding schemes, since two different signal encoding schemes on Copper and Fiber have to be made to communicate with each other. The existing Media convertor are packaged as stand alone convertor" with appropriate connectors for the 100Base-Tx; copper side and 100Base-Fx Fiber side, as per the corresponding standards, in order to supply electrical power for the functioning of the Media Converter , an external AC or DC Adaptet is used. This Adapter steps down the standard line AC or DC volatage to a lower value which is input to the Media Convertor . The 100Base-TX Copper media can be in the form of a straight cable or a cross cable" depending on whether the Media Convertor is connected to an Interconnecting equipment such as a Hub oran end station such a Computer. An ititenial or external switch is used to make the Media Converotr recognize whether straight or cross cable is used. In some cases, this switch is not Available and the user is compelled to use the appropriate cable during installation . In other case seperate connector are provided on the Media Convertor for connection to a straight and cross cable. Demerits of the known art and object of the new invention Since a Two Port Switch Intergrated Circuit is known to use a Store and forward** mechanism in which a entire incoming frame in stored internally and then forwarded to the output port, this introduces a delay in the media conversion process. The external power supply Adaptor is in the form of a heavy encapsulated module with an integral plug The weight of the Adapter does not give a reliable connection to the mains socket and is a possible cause of faihire of the end-to-end data link when it becomes loose comes out of the socket and disrupts power supply to the converter, Moreover as part of the installation process the user has to keep track of both the Converter and the Adapter In case an internal or external switch is used to indicate to the Media Convertor that a straight or cross cable is being used, the user has to set the switch appropriately depending on the cable being used. In case different connectors are earmarked Cor straight or cross cables the user has to take the precaution to use the appropriate connector based on the Cable available and the equipment he wants to connect the Convertor to. If neither a switch nor a seperate connector is available the user is compelled to ensure the use of the appropriate cable during installation. All these methods, increase the complexity and time taken for installation and commissioning of the network. The objective of the invention is to develop aMEdia Convertor which • Converts from. Copper Media, to Fiber Media by consuming the least amount of time and introducing minimum delay in the path of data transmission • Simplify the installation procedure • Reduce possibility of errors due to wrong types of cbles beiong used • Decrease in the overall time needed for the instailatiooi and commissioning process. "Describtion of the invention as per the drawing the drawing of the invention is illustrated in Fig 1, the Media Convertor is based on a Network Card connects internally to an AC/DC Power supply Card housed in a Metallic enclosure. Media conversiott is accomplished in. the network Caid. and is liased on interconnecting two BCMi5221 10/ 100 Base-Tx/Fx Mini-PHy Tanvceivcsr from Broadcom Corporation (directly on their RMII interface the BCH5221 is a Single chip Fast Ethernet transcevier. It performs all of tins physical layer interface function for 100Base Tx connection on twisted pair copper meciia. It can also be configured for 100Base Fx transmission. When fiber-optic media when paired with an external liber-optic transceiver When connected to each other on their RMTf interlace a» shown in the EAock Diagram the internal receive channel FIFOs included in the BCM5221 allows the data to crosss over the clock boundaries without the requirement tor external buffering or clock muliplexing. On the twisted pair cooper media side the BCM5221 is connected to an RJ-45 connector through isolation magnetics. The BCM5221 normally transmits on its TD+/- pins and RD+/ pins . When connected by a straight cable to another device that does not perform Auto-MDI/MDIX crossover the BCM5221 automatically switches its transmitter to RUN-/- and receiver to TD+f- to communicate with the remote device. If two devices are connected that both have Auto MDJ/MDIX crossover capability, then a random algorithm determines which end performs the crossover function. The BCM5221 is configures for 100Base Fx operation by connection the SD+ input, to a 100Base-Fx compliant Fiber optic Transceiver and setting the bias volatge on the S>D pin to 1.7v The diferent SD+/ pins input are then compatible 3.3v powered Fast Therenet compatible Fiber optic Tratisceivers. In this Media Convertor unit fiber optic Transceiver with SC LC connectors are spported for Multimode Singlemode and single fiber media, A SO MHz Crystal Oscillator with 50ppm frequency stability is used as the timing reference for the RHII interface the Ethernet. and the Fiber optic interface. The Media Convertor Unit can be fed with electrical power for its operation from a standard 3 pin 230 Volt 50 Hz AC socket by connecting it to the socket using a standard AC Power Chord. A DC compatible unit is also available which operates from nominal 4aV DC. The Dimensions of the enclosure is 120x I70x40mm and its weight 0.9kg, Indicators are available on the Media Convertor Unit for indicatmg to the user the status of the 100Base-TX link 100 Base-FX link and activity in the Fiber link. Mode setting switches are available on the Network card for setting default conditions and troublesliooting. Merits of the invention Since the Media convertor unit uses a direct conncention between the / BCM522 1 ICa using the RMII interface without the use of an external buffer or Switch IC the delay in the conversion process is brough down to a minimum. By reducing the number of operations and parts involved in the installation and commissioning process, the installation proceudure is very much simplified. the user makes only one simple connecting for power by cotuiectbtig the Mains Calile to the socket instead of connecting an Adulter which contains active devices and is heavier. The installation. procedure is therefore simplified. The 100Base-Tx RJ-4S port has the intelligence to sense the type of cable (straight cable or cross cable that has been connected to it and will automatically configure itself appropriately. Network managers and Installation personnel need not take a "hit or miss" approach when installing our Media Convertor into their network and try different: cables until they find the right match (cables are not always clearly marked. This effectively eliminates the need for any intervention or troubles hooting by the person installing it. Possibility of errors due to wrong types of cables being used is eliminated. The Converter is made up of only one Assembly since the power supply cables are used for data connection and an active device, namely power Adapter is used for power connection By reducing the nunber and type of connections to be made to the Media Convertor Unit, the installation and commissioning process is simpliGed very much and time taken for this process is mjnmiized. DESCRIBTION OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, there is provided a Media Couvertor Unit as a single housing and all circuit assembly within the housing, the circuit assembly comprising of Supply power0 Card as power- source and Network Card, for receiving data in one media converting and transmitting the data signal suitable for second meiiia and vice versa. the present invention relates to apparatus and method for conversion of signals between Ethernet cables and fiber optic cables A Media Convertor Unit, comprisiong housing including the power card and the Network card within the said housing and portss for receiving the dat cables an d power cables omn the face ]plate surface of the housing. The power supply card is located within the housing and such as to receive the external power supply at Its input end and to supply desired power to the network card, also located within the honsingr The elimination of external power supply adapter is useful a it reduces cost and clitter. Hie Media Convertor Unit as per the inventton comprises of a housing including within a power supply cord and a Network card. The network cord derives supply from power supply card. The external power supply required is standard 3 pin, 230 volts 50 Hz AC, hidkators and ports are on the housing surface. All the connections to Media Convertor" Unit Is through power cables and data cables. The Network card enclowed within the Media Convertoar Unit includes 2 BCM 5221 10/100 Base-Tx/Fx Mini-PHY Transceivcarv such that one of the 10/ 100 Base-TX is configured for connection at twisted pair copper media The second 10/ 100 Base-Fx is configured for connectcd at. fiber optic media and the 2 BCM 5221 are interfaced on their RMII inrterface such that, the Internal receive channel FIFOs includes in BCM 5221 allows the data to crossover the clock boundaries, The BCM 5221 at the twisted pair copper media end is cinfigured for the 100 Base-Tx operation by connecting through a isolation magnetic to RJ 45 connector which senses the type of cable whether - straight or cross cable and configures suitably. The signals received through RJ 45 Jack is isolated by a magnetics transformer from BCM 5221 The BCM 5221 at fiber-optic media end, is configured for 100 Base Fx operation by connecting the SD input to a 100 Base Px complaint fiber-optic transceiver and setting the bias voltage on SD- [un to LTV, The differential SD/+- pins inputs are then compatible to 33V powered fast Ethernett compatible fiber optic transceivers For the RMII interface, th Ethernet and fiber-optic interface, a 50 Mega Hertz crystal oscillator with 50 ppm frequency is used. Further the Network card has the mode setting switches for setting default. conditions and for trouble shooting. In the preferred embodiment, while the two data ports can be in the same front face plate tins two port can be |positioned in. side face plate of the housing also in other embodiment. The preferred embodiment includes that the two ports are mounted on the same side of the Printed circuit Board (Pcb) however it can be designed so that two ports are disposed on different sides of PCD in other embodiment. The housing is comprising of a base a top slidale cover and four side walls. The said four side walls being further strengthened with ribs. The components of the Media Convertor Unit are mounted on a FCB which is suitably configiured and suitabty adapted to seat in a fixed card slot in the housing, althought the FCB -may also be designed far seating in a different card slot the the housing. As illustrated direct current to power the Media Convertor Unit is obtained irom power supply FCB also mounted within the housing. As descried in the preceeding pares, the Media Conversor Unit as per the present invention has achieved a hifh speed media conversion at. low cost, easily operable easily connectable easily assembled and trouble free in operation and made up from readily commercially available components to provide an excellent assemboled Media Convertor Unit. The PCB is so designed that is suitable for single Fiber, Multimode Single mode Fiber Optic Transceiver with SC and LC connector at port. The commercially available electronic components are used bly as per the invention is the schedule of components Manufactures and part no. I.Broadcom BCM532lAKPT 2. SIPEX AS82l5AT 3. MAXIM MAX825TEUK-T 4. PULSE HI 102 5. NAMTECH 50000-lOSBAT-050 6. DELTA OFT- 155B2MI As per the invention, a Media Convertor Unit in a housing made of metal having a dimension of 120X170X40 mm and wcighting 0.9 kg with a silidahle top cover including:- a. Two ports for- receiving data cables on front face plate surface of the housing; h. One part for receiving power cables on rear face plate surface of the houstng; c. a power supply card within the housing and; d. a network card for media conversion within the housing; e. LED indicators visible on front face plate (J Wherein the power supply card is mounting within the housing capable of receiving AC power supply from external source and converts into the DC supply suitalbe for network Card; and (_) Wherein the Network Card also mounted within the housing includes two DCM 5221 10/100 Base - Tx/Fx Mini - PHYlVanscehrers suitably configured and connected to each other on their RMIT interface such as to follow data to cross over the clock boundaries without external buffering or clock multiplexing. (4 Wherein the two ports In the housing,, one for- receving Ethernet data cablle and other for receiving fiber optic ata cablire positioned the front face plate surface of the housing adjacent, to each other alongwith the LED indicator such that the Ethernet port is on left hand side and fiber opticc port is on Right hand aide of the front face plate of the housing, (J Wherein the housing is suitalile fior both floor mounting and wall mounting. ()J Wherein the top clover in sliding type openable cover for inspection and service of the components poshtioned therein within the housing. the electronic components are so assembled and fabricated at very ow-cost, and easily to achieve an efliciient. fast. Media Convertor NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Tim Media Convertor unit as per the invention (_) The external separate power adapter has been eliminated (J the error (_} Hie delay in the conversion process within the Media Convert Unit is highly reduced i. A Media Convertor Unit ina housing made of metal having a dimension of 120X170X40 mm and weighting 0.9kg with a slidable top over including:- a. Two ports for revveiving data cables on fromnt face plate surface of the housing; b. One port for receiving power cables on rear face plate surface of the housing; c. a power supply card within the housing and d. a network card for media conversion within the housing e. LED indicators visible on front face plate. (4 Wherein the power suuply card is mounted within the housing capable of receiving AC power supply from external source and converts into the DC supply suitable for Network Card; and (_) Wherein the Network Card also monnted within the housing includes two BCH 5221 10/100 Base - Tx/Fx Mini - PHY Transceiver suitability cinfigured and connected to each other on their RMII interface such as to allow data to cross over the clock boundaries without external buffering or clock multiplexing. 2. AMedia convertor Unit in a housing wherein the two ports as claimed in claim la means one port for receiving Ethernet data cable and one pott for receiveing fiber optic media cable.. 3. A Media convertor Unit in a housing wherein the two ports a claimed in claim 1 means that two ports are positioned in the front face plate surface of the housing adjacent to each other along with the LED indicators such that the Ethernet port is on left hand side and fiber optic port is on Right. hand side of the front face plate of the housing, 4. A Media Convertor Unit in as housing wherein the network card as claimed in ld means FCB of the network card adequatable for single Flber, Multimode single mode Fiber Optic Transceiver with lc and SC connector, 5. A Media Convertor Unit in a housing wherein the top cover means top cover slidahle type openalble totally removal top cover lor inspection and service of the components positioned therein within the housing. 6. A Media convertor Unit in a housing wherein the housing means a housing suitablefor both floor- mounting and wall mounting. 7, A Modia Convoeriterin a housing as claimed in claim 1, is as explained substantially heroin before described in specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, to Tbo CiMitrolLar of Patents, the Patent Office, Chennal

Documents:

0021-mas-2003 abstarct.pdf

0021-mas-2003 claims-duplicate.pdf

0021-mas-2003 claims.pdf

0021-mas-2003 correspondence-others.pdf

0021-mas-2003 correspondence-po.pdf

0021-mas-2003 description (completeion)-duplicate.pdf

0021-mas-2003 description (completeion).pdf

0021-mas-2003 drawings.pdf

0021-mas-2003 form-1.pdf

0021-mas-2003 form-19.pdf

0021-mas-2003 form-26.pdf

0021-mas-2003 form-5.pdf

0021-mas-2003 others.pdf