Amplifier switch controller for headend cable transmission system

The controller includes an input sampler (40) for sampling the signal on an input signal path, and measuring the input signal level. An output sampler (42) is provided for sampling the amplified signal on an output signal path and measuring the amplified signal level. A microcontroller (110) with a program receives the input signal level and the amplified signal level, and determines whether the currently activated amplifier (24 or 26) is functioning properly, for generating a control signal when the currently activated amplifier is not functioning properly. An input signal switch (47) and an output signal switch (48) are energized in response to the control signal for disconnecting the input and output signal paths from the currently activated amplifier, and connecting each of the input and output signal paths to the other amplifier. The program calculates a desired amplifier gain range for the currently activated amplifier, calculating the actual amplifier gain from the input and output signal levels. The program compares the actual amplifier gain with the desired range of amplifier gain, and generates the control signal when the actual amplifier gain falls outside the desired range. The controller includes an input sampler (40) for sampling the signal on an input signal path, and measuring the input signal level. An output sampler (42) is provided for sampling the amplified signal on an output signal path and measuring the amplified signal level. A microcontroller (110) with a program receives the input signal level and the amplified signal level, and determines whether the currently activated amplifier (24 or 26) is functioning properly, for generating a control signal when the currently activated amplifier is not functioning properly. An input signal switch (47) and an output signal switch (48) are energized in response to the control signal for disconnecting the input and output signal paths from the currently activated amplifier, and connecting each of the input and output signal paths to the other amplifier. The program calculates a desired amplifier gain range for the currently activated amplifier, calculating the actual amplifier gain from the input and output signal levels. The program compares the actual amplifier gain with the desired range of amplifier gain, and generates the control signal when the actual amplifier gain falls outside the desired range. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) Perfeccionamientos introduc