Method and device for detecting the presence of a carrier signal transmitted in the reverse RF path

This invention relates generally to broadband communications systems, such as cable television networks, and more specifically to a carrier-detect device that detects the presence of a carrier signal that is transmitted in the reverse path of the broadband communications system. The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for detecting a reverse carrier signal. The present invention utilizes a peak detector/envelope filter for determining the peak level of the reverse analog waveform. The peak level is compared to a threshold level during a predetermined time period to determine the presence of a valid reverse carrier signal. Once determined, an enable signal is provided to an electronics device that allows further transmission of the reverse signals.