WO2020072261A1

WO2020072261A1 - Full duplex amplifier

Info

Publication number: WO2020072261A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/053041
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shi Man LI; Mark Vogel
Original assignee: Commscope, Inc. Of North Carolina
Priority date: 2018-10-03
Filing date: 2019-09-25
Publication date: 2020-04-09

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a CATV RF amplifier (200C) with MoCA signaling between output ports (211-225). The CATV RF amplifier may include plural, e.g. three or four, amplified "MoCA and CATV" ports (211-217) and a resistive splitter network (241) connected to plural "MoCA only" ports (219-225), e.g., four or more. A full duplex amplifier design (140, 142, 301, 303) may be incorporated into the CATV RF amplifier to amplify signals in the downstream and upstream directions in overlapping frequency bands. Alternatively, the full duplex amplifier may be housed as a separate powered unit to be used as a building block with other passive devices, e.g., splitters.

Description

FULL DUPLEX AMPLIFIER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention is directed to a CATV RF amplifier with MoCA® signaling between output ports, which may include plural amplified "MoCA® and CATV" ports and a resistive splitter network connected to plural "MoCA® only" ports. Also, a full duplex amplifier may be incorporated into the CATV RF amplifier to amplify signals in the downstream and upstream directions in overlapping frequency bands. Alternately, the full duplex amplifier may be housed as a separate powered element to be used as a building block with other passive devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

[002] Cable television ("CATV") networks are known types of communications networks that are used to transmit information between a service provider and a plurality of subscriber premises, typically over fiber optic and/or coaxial cables. The service provider may offer, among other things, cable television, broadband Internet and Voice- over-Internet Protocol ("VoIP") digital telephone service to subscribers within a particular geographic area. The service provider transmits "forward path" or "downstream" signals from the headend facilities of the cable television network to the subscriber premises. "Reverse path" or "upstream" signals may also be transmitted from the individual subscriber premises back to the headend facilities. In the United States, the forward path signals are typically transmitted in the 54-1,002 MHz frequency band, and may include, for example, different tiers of cable television channels, movies on demand, digital telephone and/or Internet service, and other broadcast or point-to-point offerings. The reverse path signals are typically transmitted in the 5-42 MHz frequency band and may include, for example, signals associated with digital telephone and/or Internet service and ordering commands, i.e., for movies-on-demand and other services.

[003] Each subscriber premises typically includes one or more power divider networks that are used to divide the downstream signals received from the service provider, so that the downstream signals may be fed to a plurality of service ports, such as wall outlets that are dispersed throughout the subscriber premises. These power divider networks also combine upstream signals that may be transmitted from one or more of the service ports into a composite upstream signal that is transmitted over the CATV network back to the headend facilities, e.g., in the 5-42 MHz frequency band.

[004] A recent trend is to use the coaxial cables that are installed throughout most homes, apartments and other subscriber premises as an "in-premises" or "in-home" network that may be used to transmit signals from a first end device that is connected to a first wall outlet in a subscriber premises to other end devices that are connected to other wall outlets in the same subscriber premises. An industry alliance known as the Multi- media Over Coax Alliance ("MoCA®") has developed standards which specify frequency bands, interfaces and other parameters that will allow equipment from different standards-compliant vendors to be used to distribute multi-media content over such in premises coaxial cable networks. These standards specify that such "MoCA®" content is transmitted over the in-premises coaxial cable networks in the 850 MHz to 1675 MHz frequency band, although some service providers only distribute MoCA® content within a narrower frequency band that is above the cable television band, such as, for example, the 1,125 MHz to 1,675 MHz frequency band. Thus, the MoCA® content is transmitted over the in-premises network in a pre-selected MoCA® frequency band. The power divider network in the in-premises network may be designed to support communications between its output ports in this pre-selected MoCA® frequency band.

[005] Examples of MoCA® content that may be distributed over an in-premises coaxial cable network are digital television, video-on-demand programming and digitally-recorded television or music programming. In an exemplary application, such programming may be transmitted via the in-premises network of a home from a primary set-top box (which may be a full service set top box having a digital television receiver, DVR and/or video-on-demand capabilities, etc.) to less capable, less expensive, auxiliary set-top boxes that are installed on other televisions throughout the premises or directly to televisions, DVD players, etc. with MoCA® ports. In this manner, the full capabilities of the primary set top box may be enjoyed at all of the televisions within the residence without having to provide a primary set top box for each television. [006] In many cases, significant attenuation may occur as signals are passed through the cable television network of a service provider, and hence the power level of the RF signal that is received at a subscriber premises may be on the order of 0-5 dBmV/channel. Such received signal levels may be insufficient to support the various services at an acceptable quality of service level. Accordingly, an RF signal amplifier may be provided at or near an entrance point of an individual subscriber's premises. The RF signal amplifier is used to amplify the downstream RF signals to a more useful level. The RF signal amplifier may also be configured to amplify the upstream RF signals that are transmitted from the subscriber premises to the headend facilities of the cable television network. Typically, the RF signal amplifiers are incorporated into the power divider network as the first unit, which takes the form of a powered bi-directional RF signal amplifier with an input port for receiving a coaxial cable from the service provider side and plural output ports which receive coaxial cables connected to the various service ports, such as the wall outlets that are dispersed throughout the subscriber's premises. Such a powered bi-directional RF signal amplifier is typically made to be compliant with requirements the latest version of DOCSIS (data over cable service interface specifications).

[007] In accordance with the known power divider network unit, a RF signal amplifier receives a composite downstream RF signal of approximately 5 dBmV/channel in the range of approximately 54-1,002 MHz comprising information for telephone, cable television (CATV), Internet, VoIP, and/or data communications from a service provider. The RF signal amplifier may increase this downstream signal to a more useful level of approximately 20 dBmV/channel at each output port of the unit and pass the amplified downstream signal to one or more devices in communication with the RF signal amplifier through connections to the various coaxial wall outlets. Such devices may include, but need not be limited to: televisions, modems, telephones, computers, and/or other communications devices known in the art. In the event of power failure, unamplified signals may still be passed (in both directions) through a passive communications path between the service provider and at least one communications device.

[008] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a bi-directional RF signal amplifier 100 according to the background art. More information concerning the bi-directional RF signal amplifier 100 can be found in the Assignee's U.S. Patent 9,699,516, published July 4, 2017, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[009] The RF signal amplifier 100 includes a plurality of RF output ports 181- 188 that may be used to pass downstream and upstream signals between a service provider and multiple communications devices located in the subscriber premises when the RF signal amplifier is powered and operating normally. Moreover, the RF signal amplifier 100 further includes a non -interruptible RF output port 189 that may be used to maintain bi-directional RF communications even during power outages.

[010] As shown in Figure 1, RF signal amplifier 100 includes a bi-directional RF input port 105 for receiving downstream RF signals from a service provider, or any other appropriate signal source. The RF input port 105 can also pass upstream signals in the reverse direction from the RF signal amplifier 100 to the service provider. Due to the bi-directional nature of communications through RF signal amplifiers, it will be appreciated that an "input" port will act as an "output" port and an "output" port will act as an "input" port if the direction of signal flow is reversed. Consequently, it will be appreciated that the terms "input" and "output" are used herein solely for purposes of distinguishing various ports from one another, and are not used to require a direction of signal flow.

[011] As noted above, RF signal amplifier 100 further includes a plurality of bi directional output ports 181-189 that may be used to pass downstream RF signals from the RF signal amplifier 100 to one or more devices in communication with the output ports 181-189, and to receive upstream RF signals from those devices so that they may be passed through the RF signal amplifier 100 to the service provider. It will be appreciated that any appropriate device that may advantageously send and/or receive an RF signal may be placed in communication with one or more of the various output ports 181-189. For example, it is contemplated that telephone, CATV, Internet, VoIP, and/or data communication devices may be placed in such communication with a service provider where the RF signal amplifier 100 is installed in the residence of a subscriber. However, it will further be appreciated that any desired combination of these and/or other devices may be used where appropriate. [012] Signals received through RF input port 105 can be passed through RF signal amplifier 100 via an active communications path 114 that extends between RF input port 105 and RF output ports 181-188. Specifically, the downstream signals that are received at RF input port 105 from the service provider are passed to a passive directional coupler 110 that has a first output port that connects to the active communications path 114 and a second output port that connects to a passive communications path 118. The directional coupler 120 splits downstream RF signals onto the active communications path 114 and the passive communications path 118. It will be appreciated that the directional coupler 120 may either evenly or unevenly split the power of the downstream signals between the communications paths 114, 118, depending on the design of the overall circuit. The active communications path 114 amplifies at least one of downstream signals from the service provider to the subscriber premises or upstream signals from the subscriber premises to the service provider. The passive communications path 118 acts as a "non-interruptible" communications path that has no active components thereon, which allows downstream and/or upstream signals to traverse the passive communications path 118 even if a power supply to the RF signal amplifier 100 is interrupted. In some embodiments, the passive communications path 118 may provide a communications path for VoIP telephone service that will operate even during power outages at the subscriber premises (assuming that the modem and/or telephone, as necessary, are powered by a battery backup unit).

[013] As is further shown in Figure 1, downstream signals traversing the active communications path 114 pass from the first output of directional coupler 110 to an input port of a switching device such as, for example, an SPDT non-latching relay 120. A first output 122 of the relay 120 is connected to an input of a first high/low diplexer 130. A second output 124 of the relay 120 is connected to a resistor 126, such as a 75 ohm resistor connected between the second output 124 and ground.

[014] The first high/low diplexer 130 separates the high frequency downstream signal from any low frequency upstream signals incident in the reverse direction. In various embodiments, the first high/low diplexer 130 can filter the signals in a manner such that signals with frequencies greater than approximately 45-50 MHz are passed as high frequency downstream signals, while signals with frequencies lower than such range are passed in the reverse direction as low frequency upstream signals received from ports 181-188. It will be appreciated, however, that other diplexer designs may be utilized.

[015] The high frequency downstream signals filtered by the first high/low diplexer 130 can be amplified by individual power amplifier 140, and passed through a second high/low diplexer 150 to a MoCA® rejection filter 160. MoCA® rejection filter 160 attenuates any frequencies in the MoCA® frequency range. Typically, no signals in the downstream direction will contain MoCA® frequencies and hence the downstream signal will be unaffected.

[016] Next, the downstream signal passes to an input 169 of a power divider network 170. The power divider network 170 splits the downstream signal so that it may be distributed to each of ports 181-188. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the power divider network 170 includes a power divider 171 in a first tier, feeding power dividers 172 and 173 in a second tier, feeding power dividers 174, 175, 176 and 177 in a third tier. The first, second and third tiers form a pyramid structure. While the power divider network 170 illustrated in Figure 1 splits the downstream signals for distribution to eight different ports, it will be appreciated that the power divider network 170 may split the downstream signals for distribution to different numbers of ports (e.g., four, six, ten, etc.).

[017] Turning now to the reverse (upstream) signal flow through the active communications path 114 of RF signal amplifier 100, upstream signals received by the RF signal amplifier 100 from devices in communication with ports 181-188 are passed to power divider network 170 where they are combined into a composite upstream signal. This composite upstream signal is fed out of input 169 through the MoCA® rejection filter 160. The MoCA® rejection filter 160 attenuates frequencies in the MoCA® frequency range so as to prevent the MoCA® signaling, which freely traverses between the ports 181-188, from entering the second high/low diplexer 150. The MoCA® rejection filter 160 may also be constructed to reflect MoCA® signals in a direction back toward the input 169 of the power divider network 170.

[018] The second high/low diplexer 150 separates the low frequency composite upstream signal from any high frequency downstream signals incident in the forward direction. As previously discussed in relation to first high/low diplexer 130, the second high/low diplexer 150 can filter the signals such that signals with frequencies greater than approximately 45-50 MHz are passed in the forward direction as high frequency downstream signals, while signals with frequencies lower than such range are passed in the reverse direction as low frequency upstream signals received from ports 181-188.

[019] The composite low frequency upstream signal filtered by the second high/low diplexer 150 can be passed directly to the first high/low diplexer 130 (or optionally the upstream signal filtered by the second high/low diplexer 150 can pass through an upstream power amplifier 142 prior to reaching the first high/low diplexer 130), where it is then passed through the first output port 122 of the non-latching SPDT relay 120 to the first output port of the directional coupler 110. The directional coupler 110 combines the upstream signal received at output port 122 with any upstream signal received from the passive communications path 118 and passes this combined signal to the RF input port 105 for output to a service provider or other entity in communication with RF input port 105.

[020] The power amplifiers 140 and 142 that are included on the active communications path 114 are active devices that must be powered via a power source, such as a DC linear regulator 195 that outputs a power supply voltage VCC. During normal operation, the RF signal amplifier 100 can be powered from a power input port 190 and/or power that is reverse fed through one of the RF output ports (e.g., output port 188, which is labeled "VDC IN"). In a typical installation at a subscriber premises, it is contemplated that RF signal amplifier 100 may be powered by an AC/DC adapter receiving power provided by the residence (for example, 100-230 VAC, 50/60 Hz). As illustrated in Figure 1, the power received from either power input 190 or power input 188 may be provided to the DC voltage regulator 195 which supplies an operating voltage VCC to the power amplifiers 140 and 142.

[021] In the event that power to the DC voltage regulator 195 is interrupted, DC voltage regulator 195 will be unable to provide operating voltage VCC to power amplifiers 140 and 142. Consequently, during power outages, the downstream portion (and also the upstream portion, if the upstream power amplifier 142 is employed) of the active communications path 114 will be lost. [022] As noted above, RF signal amplifier 100 also has the passive communications path 118 that extends from the second output of the directional coupler 120 to the non-interruptible RF output port 189. This passive communication path 118 bypasses the power amplifiers 140 and 142 and does not include any active components. Consequently, the passive communications path 118 will remain available to pass communications between the RF input port 105 and the non-interruptible RF output port 189, even when the power supply to the RF signal amplifier 100 is interrupted. Accordingly, the passive communications path 118 is also referred to as a "non- interruptible" communications path. The passive communications path 118 may be used to maintain essential services to the subscriber premises such as, for example, 911 emergency lifeline services, even during power outages, so long as the subscriber has a battery backup for the necessary devices connected to the non-interruptible RF output port 189.

[023] The passive communications path 118 is connected to the active communications path 114 at the input 169 of the power divider network 170. Within the passive communication path 118, upstream signals from the non-interruptible RF output port 189 pass into an input 168 of a diplexer 162. Signals in the MoCA® frequency range exit the diplexer 162 via output 164 and pass to the active communication path directly upstream of the power divider network 170. By this arrangement, MoCA® signals from the non-interruptible RF output port 189 may enter the input 169 of the power divider network 170. Hence, MoCA® signals may be passed between all of the devices connected to ports 181-189.

[024] The signals from the non-interruptible RF output port 189 which pass into the input 168 of a diplexer 162, which are in the high/low frequency range for downstream and upstream communication with the service provider exit the diplexer 162 via output 166 and pass to the second output of the directional coupler 110, where the signals are combined with the signals on the active communication path 114 and are then passed to the RF input port 105.

[025] Additional background art can be found in US Patent Nos. 3,676,744; 6,969,278; 7,310,355; 7,530,091; 8,230,470, 8,695,055; 8,752,114; 8,810,334; 9,167,286; 9,209,774; 9,356,796; 9,516,376 and 9,743,038, and in US Published Application Nos. 2005/0044573; 2006/0205442; 2008/0120667; 2009/0320086 and 2013/0081096, which are herein incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[026] The Applicant has appreciated some drawbacks in the RF signal amplifier 100 of Figure 1. One drawback is that the downstream signal from the service provider must be provided to the RF input port 105 at a relative high power level, or the downstream amplifier 140 must be made rather robust and will consume a high level of power, if the CATV signal is to be provided at each of the ports 181-188 at a power level sufficient to provide a high quality of service. In other words, assuming that each power divider 171-177 is set to split the incoming signal power to 50% going to each output leg, the CATV signal entering the input 169 of the power divider network 170 will be reduced by at least 87.5% before it reaches the port 181. Assuming no losses in the power dividers 171-177, each of the eight ports 181-188 will present, at best, 12.5% of the signal power level initially provided to the input 169 of the power divider network 170.

[027] The Applicant has appreciated that it is common in household installations that not every coaxial outlet in the household needs to be prepared for CATV downstream signal feeds. Rather, many of the coaxial outlets are simply used for MoCA® devices. For example, a typical household might need only one, two, three or at most four, coaxial outlets with CATV downstream and upstream signaling abilities. Most houses seem to have one or two of the expensive set top boxes with DVR abilities and a modem for internet communications. Other outlets in the house might only need MoCA® abilities. Examples where only MoCA® signaling is needed are a TV that is used to watch recorded events from the DVR of a set top box connected to another wall outlet, a TV that is only used to watch online programming via the modem, a computer that interacts with the modem for internet access, a VoIP phone that interacts with the modem, a gaming station that only interacts with another gaming station at another wall outlet, etc.

[028] Therefore, the Applicant has appreciated a new device, which functions as a RF signal amplifier that has less than eight active ports, e.g., four active ports, and has at least two ports which are "MoCA® only" ports, e.g., four "MoCA® only" ports. Such an RF signal amplifier can have a downstream amplifier 140 and an upstream amplifier 142 which are less robust in construction, e.g., cheaper, and/or which consume less power to operate. Further, the "MoCA® only" ports may be supported by a resistive splitter network. A resistive splitter network is accomplished with fewer and/or less expensive component parts, as compared to the power dividers 171-177 of the power divider network 170.

[029] The Applicant has also appreciated that demand is increasing for upstream bandwidth. It is becoming more common for customer devices with modems to transmit large amounts of data to the service provider. For example, the customer may be hosting a web site with stored demonstration videos for potential customers, or stored family videos for other to view online. Alternatively, the customer may be hosting live-feed video and/or sound for plural security cameras, nanny cams, weather cameras, etc.

[030] With the configuration of Figure 1, the frequency band of 5-42 MHz is reserved for data being sent upstream from the customer to the service provider, and the frequency band of 54-1,002 MHz is reserved for data being sent downstream from the service provider to the customer. The first and second diplexers 130 and 150 are needed so that both the upstream and downstream data flow can be amplified. This form of multiple access to a single communication medium, e.g., a single coaxial cable, is sometimes referred to as frequency division multiple access (FDMA). Other potential techniques include code division multiple access (CDMA) and time division multiple access (TDMA). Both CDMA and TDMA would allow the full frequency band (limited only by the bandwidth of the transmission medium and components parts) to be used in the transmission of upstream data, as well as the downstream data.

[031] With CDMA, codes, indicating upstream and downstream data, are appended to data segments. The first and second diplexers 130 and 150 would need to be replaced by code driven routers to send the data segments to the downstream first amplifier 140 or the upstream second amplifier 142 based upon the appended codes.

[032] With TDMA, the first and second diplexers 130 and 150 could be replaced with less expensive power dividers, like element 171. However, the devices at the customer end and at the service provider end would need to be synchronized. For example, a sophisticated timed powering device would need to control the downstream, first amplifier 140 and the upstream, second amplifier 142, so that the first amplifier 140 is powered and the second amplifier 142 is unpowered during the downstream time window, and so that the first amplifier 140 is unpowered and the second amplifier 142 is powered during the upstream time window.

[033] The Applicant has appreciated a new device, which functions as a RF signal amplifier that allows full duplex communication channels, i.e., no dedicated upstream or downstream frequency bands. The device also does not require the coding burdens of CDMA or the synchronizing burdens of TDMA. The new RF signal amplifier uses a full duplex amplifier with low cost components and offers a cost savings and simplifies the overall system design.

[034] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[035] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limits of the present invention, and wherein:

[036] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a bi-directional RF signal amplifier, according to the background art;

[037] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a bi-directional RF signal amplifier, according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[038] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a bi-directional RF signal amplifier, according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[039] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a housing of the bi-directional RF signal amplifier of Figures 2-3 and 8-9;

[040] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a full duplex amplifier, in accordance with the present invention; [041] Figure 5A is a block diagram of a full duplex amplifier, showing a first modification of the connections in Figure 5;

[042] Figure 5B is a block diagram of a full duplex amplifier, showing a second modification of the connections in Figure 5;

[043] Figure 5C is a block diagram of a full duplex amplifier, showing a third modification of the connections in Figure 5;

[044] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a housing of the full duplex amplifier of Figures 5, 5 A, 5B or 5C;

[045] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a bi-directional RF signal amplifier including the full duplex amplifier of Figure 5, according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[046] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a bi-directional RF signal amplifier including the full duplex amplifier of Figure 5, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

[047] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a bi-directional RF signal amplifier including the full duplex amplifier of Figure 5, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[048] The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[049] Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity. Broken lines illustrate optional features or operations unless specified otherwise.

[050] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

[051] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as "between X and Y" and "between about X and Y" should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as "between about X and Y" mean "between about X and about Y." As used herein, phrases such as "from about X to Y" mean "from about X to about Y."

[052] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on", "attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" with, "contacting", etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, "directly on", "directly attached" to, "directly connected" to, "directly coupled" with or "directly contacting" another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[053] Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”,“lateral”,“left”,“right” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as“under” or“beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented“over” the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the descriptors of relative spatial relationships used herein interpreted accordingly.

[054] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a CATV bi-directional RF signal amplifier 200, according to a first embodiment of the present invention The CATV RF amplifier 200 includes many of the same or similar elements, as compared to Figure 1, and these elements have been labeled by the same reference numerals.

[055] The CATV RF amplifier 200 includes a housing 201, as best seen in Figure 4. An input port 207 is located on the housing 201. The input port 207 receives downstream service provider signals and transmits upstream signals from customer devices to the service provider.

[056] As in the background art, the CATV RF amplifier 200 includes a first diplexer 130 having a full frequency band terminal, a high frequency band terminal and a low frequency band terminal. The full frequency band terminal is connected to the input port 207, via a relay 120 and a first directional coupler 110.

[057] A second diplexer 150 has a full frequency band terminal, a high frequency band terminal and a low frequency band terminal. The full frequency band terminal is connected to the input 169 of a power divider network 203, via the in-home network frequency rejection filter 160 and a second directional coupler 110 A.

[058] A first amplifier 140 has an input connected to the high frequency band terminal of the first diplexer 130 and an output connected to the high frequency band terminal of the second diplexer 150. A second amplifier 142 has an input connected to the low frequency band terminal of the second diplexer 150 and an output connected to the low frequency band terminal of the first diplexer 130.

[059] The power divider network 203 has a plurality of first output ports 211, 213, 215 and 217 located on the housing 201 for outputting service provider signals to customer devices. The first output ports 211, 213, 215 and 217 are also configured for receiving signals directed to the service provider from the customer devices. The first output ports 211, 213, 215 and 217 are also for transmitting and receiving signals associated with an in-home network, allowing customer devices within the home network to communicate with each other. Hence, the first output ports 211, 213, 215 and 217 function as "CATV and in-home network" ports, and may be so marked in an adjacent space on the exterior of the housing 201.

[060] A plurality of second output ports 219, 221, 223 and 225 is also located on the housing 201. The second output ports 219, 221, 223 and 225 are for transmitting and receiving in-home network signals allowing customer devices within the home network to communicate with each other. The second output ports 219, 221, 223 and 225 do not output service provider signals to customer devices and do not pass customer device signals to the service provider. The second output ports 219, 221, 223 and 225 function as "in-home network only" ports, and may be so marked in an adjacent space on the exterior of the housing 201.

[061] An electrical path 205 existing between the input 169 of the power divider network 203 and the plurality of second output ports 219, 221, 223 and 225. A filtering device 227 is disposed along the electrical path 205 to limit signals traversing along the electrical path 205 to in-home network frequencies. As in the background art, the in- home network frequencies may reside within a MoCA® frequency band of 1125 to 1675 MHz, making the filtering device 227, a MoCA® pass filter. The MoCA® pass filter may pass frequencies above 1125 MHz and attenuate frequencies below 1125 MHz. However, in a preferred embodiment, the MoCA® pass filter also attenuates frequencies above 1675 MHz.

[062] As with the background art, the CATV RF amplifier 200 may include a passive communications path 118 formed within the housing 201. The passive communications path 118 has no powered elements disposed therein. A first end of the passive communications path 118 is connected to the input port 207 via the first directional coupler 110.

[063] A passive output port 189 is located on the housing 201. The passive output port 189 is connected to a second end of the passive communications path 118, opposite the first end of said passive communications path 118. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the passive output port 189 is connected to the second end of the passive communications path 118 via the diplexer 162, as discussed in relation to the background art of Figure 1. In Figure 3, the passive output port 189 is connected to the second end of the passive communications path 118 via a third directional coupler 110B and a MoCA® rejection filter 160A, which may be configured the same as the MoCA® rejection filter 160, as discussed in relation to the background art of Figure 1.

[064] The first, second and third directional couplers 110, 110A and 110B may each be configured the same. Namely, each of the first, second and third directional couplers 110, 110A and 110B has first, second and third terminals 11, 13, and 15, respectively. Signals passing between the first and third terminals 11 and 15 in either direction encounter a first level of attenuation. Signals passing between the second and third terminals 13 and 15 encounter a second level of attenuation greater than the first level of attenuation. Signals passing between the first and second terminals 11 and 13 encounter a third level of attenuation greater than the second level of attenuation.

[065] The first level of attenuation is less than 2 dB, such as between 0.5 to 1.0 dB, like about 0.7 dB. The second level of attenuation is between 3 and 15 dB, such as between 5 and 10 dB, more particularly in the 7dB to 9dB range. The third level of attenuation is greater than 25 dB, such as greater than 30 dB, like 40dB or more.

[066] In the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3, the first terminal 11 of the second directional coupler 110A is directly connected to the MoCA® rejection filter 160 with no intervening elements. The third terminal 15 of the second directional coupler 110A is directly connected to the input 169 of the power divider network 203 with no intervening elements. The second terminal 13 of the second directional coupler 110A is directly connected to a first end of the electrical path 205.

[067] In the embodiment of Figure 2, a power divider 231 is part of the electrical path 205. An input 233 of the power divider 231 is connected to the second terminal 13 of the second directional coupler 110A. A first output leg 235 of the power divider 231 is connected to a first terminal of the MoCA® pass filter 227. A second terminal of the MoCA® pass filter 227 is directly connected to a resistive splitter network 241, or connected to the resistive splitter network 241 via a resistor RA. The value of RA is preferable less than 75 ohm. Also, the resistor RA may be omitted. [068] The resistive splitter network 241 includes four resistors Rl, R2, R3 and R4. A first terminal of each of the resistors Rl, R2, R3 and R4 is directly connected to the second terminal of the MoCA® pass filter 227, or connected to the second terminal of the MoCA® pass filter 227 via the resistor RA. A second terminal of each of the resistors Rl, R2, R3 and R4 is directly connected to the plurality of second output ports 219, 221, 223 and 225, respectively. The resistive splitter network 241 may include more or fewer resistors for provide for more or fewer second output ports, respectively.

[069] The resistive values of the resistors Rl, R2, R3 and R4 are selected to produce a port resistance of 75 ohm. Hence, the resistance of each resistor Rl, R2, R3 and R4 is less than 75 ohms, typically in the range of 40 to 65 ohms, more particularly in the range of 45 to 60 ohms. Examples of a common resistor value for Rl, R2, R3 and R4, which balanced the resistive splitter network 241 are 47 ohms, 53.5 ohm and 60 ohms, depending upon design parameters within the circuit, like the resistor value RA, the number of ports in the plurality of second ports, etc.

[070] The second output leg 237 of the power divider 231 is connected to the high frequency band terminal 164 of the diplexer 162. The high frequency band terminal 164 of the diplexer 162 passes only MoCA® frequencies to the second output leg 237 of the power divider 231.

[071] In the embodiment of Figure 3, the power divider 231 is again part of the electrical path 205. A first terminal of the MoCA® pass filter 227 is connected to the second terminal 13 of the second directional coupler 110A. The second terminal of the MoCA® pass filter 227 is connected to the input 233 of the power divider 231. The first output leg 235 of the power divider 231 is directly connected to the resistive splitter network 241, or connected to the resistive splitter network 241 via the resistor RA.

[072] The second output leg 237 of the power divider 231 is connected to a second terminal 13 of the third directional coupler 110B. A third terminal 15 of the third directional coupler 110B is directly connected to the passive output port 189 without any intervening element. A first terminal 11 of the third directional coupler 110B is connected to a first terminal of the MoCA® rejection filter 160 A.

[073] With reference to Figure 5, a description will be made of a full duplex amplifier 300, in accordance with the present invention. The block diagram of Figure 5 shows that the full duplex amplifier 300 has an upstream directional coupler 301. The upstream directional coupler 301 has a first terminal 11, a second terminal 13 and a third terminal 15. Signals passing between the first and third terminals 11 and 15 in either direction encounter a first level of attenuation. Signals passing between the second and third terminals 13 and 15 encounter a second level of attenuation greater than the first level of attenuation. Signals passing between the first and second terminals 11 and 13 encounter a third level of attenuation greater than the second level of attenuation.

[074] The first level of attenuation is less than 2 dB, such as between 0.5 to 1.0 dB, like about 0.7 dB. The second level of attenuation is between 3 and 15 dB, such as between 5 and 10 dB, more preferably in the 7dB to 9dB range. The third level of attenuation is greater than 25 dB, such as greater than 30 dB, like 40dB or more.

[075] The full duplex amplifier 300 also has a downstream directional coupler 303, having first, second and third terminals 11, 13 and 15, respectively. The downstream directional coupler 303 may be configured to have the same performance characteristics as the upstream directional coupler 301, regarding the dB losses between the first, second and third terminals 11, 13 and 15.

[076] A first amplifier 140 has an input 305 connected to the first terminal 11 of the upstream directional coupler 301 and an output 307 connected to the first terminal 11 of the downstream directional coupler 303. A second amplifier 142 has an input 309 connected to the second terminal 13 of the downstream directional coupler 303 and an output 311 connected to the second terminal 13 of the upstream directional coupler 301.

[077] In the embodiment of Figure 5, the input 305 of the first amplifier 140 is directly connected to the first terminal 11 of the upstream directional coupler 301 without any intervening element. The output 307 of the first amplifier 140 is directly connected to the first terminal 11 of the downstream directional coupler 303 without any intervening element. The input 309 of the second amplifier 142 is directly connected to the second terminal 13 of the downstream directional coupler 303 without any intervening element. Also, the output 311 of the second amplifier 142 is directly connected to the second terminal 13 of the upstream directional coupler 301 without any intervening element.

[078] The third terminal 15 of the upstream directional coupler 301 is considered a first input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300. The third terminal 15 of the downstream directional coupler 303 is considered a second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300.

[079] Figure 5A is a block diagram of a full duplex amplifier 300A, showing a first modification of the connections in Figure 5. In the embodiment of Figure 5A, the input 305 of the first amplifier 140 is directly connected to the second terminal 13 of the upstream directional coupler 301 without any intervening element. The output 307 of the first amplifier 140 is directly connected to the second terminal 13 of the downstream directional coupler 303 without any intervening element. The input 309 of the second amplifier 142 is directly connected to the first terminal 11 of the downstream directional coupler 303 without any intervening element. Also, the output 311 of the second amplifier 142 is directly connected to the first terminal 11 of the upstream directional coupler 301 without any intervening element.

[080] As with Figure 5, the third terminal 15 of the upstream directional coupler 301 is considered a first input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300A, and the third terminal 15 of the downstream directional coupler 303 is considered a second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300A.

[081] Figure 5B is a block diagram of a full duplex amplifier 300B, showing a second modification of the connections in Figure 5. In the embodiment of Figure 5B, the input 305 of the first amplifier 140 is directly connected to the first terminal 11 of the upstream directional coupler 301 without any intervening element. The output 307 of the first amplifier 140 is directly connected to the second terminal 13 of the downstream directional coupler 303 without any intervening element. The input 309 of the second amplifier 142 is directly connected to the first terminal 11 of the downstream directional coupler 303 without any intervening element. Also, the output 311 of the second amplifier 142 is directly connected to the second terminal 13 of the upstream directional coupler 301 without any intervening element.

[082] As with Figure 5, the third terminal 15 of the upstream directional coupler 301 is considered a first input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300B, and the third terminal 15 of the downstream directional coupler 303 is considered a second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300B. [083] Figure 5C is a block diagram of a full duplex amplifier 300C, showing a third modification of the connections in Figure 5. In the embodiment of Figure 5C, the input 305 of the first amplifier 140 is directly connected to the second terminal 13 of the upstream directional coupler 301 without any intervening element. The output 307 of the first amplifier 140 is directly connected to the first terminal 11 of the downstream directional coupler 303 without any intervening element. The input 309 of the second amplifier 142 is directly connected to the second terminal 13 of the downstream directional coupler 303 without any intervening element. Also, the output 311 of the second amplifier 142 is directly connected to the first terminal 11 of the upstream directional coupler 301 without any intervening element.

[084] As with Figure 5, the third terminal 15 of the upstream directional coupler 301 is considered a first input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300C, and the third terminal 15 of the downstream directional coupler 303 is considered a second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300C.

[085] Comparing the performance of Figures 5 and 5 A, it can be noted that the signal loss imposed by the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303 is different depending upon which way a signal passes through the full duplex amplifier 300 or 300A. Signals passing from the first input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300 to the second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300 in Figure 5 experience a dB loss of approximately 1 to 2 dB, like 1.4 dB, due to the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303. Signals passing from the second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300 to the first input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300 in Figure 5 experience a dB loss of approximately 14 to 18 dB, like 16 dB, due to the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303.

[086] In Figure 5A, the losses due to signal travel direction are reversed. Signals passing from the first input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300A to the second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300A in Figure 5A experience a dB loss of approximately 14 to 18 dB, like 16 dB, due to the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303. Signals passing from the second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300A to the first input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300A in Figure 5A experience a dB loss of approximately 1 to 2 dB, like 1.4 dB, due to the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303.

[087] In Figure 5B, it can be noted that the signal loss imposed by the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303 is the same regardless of which way a signal passes through the full duplex amplifier 300B. Signals passing from the first input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300B to the second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300B in Figure 5B experience a dB loss of approximately 7.5 to 10 dB, like 8.7 dB, due to the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303. Signals passing from the second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300B to the first input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300B in Figure 5B experience a dB loss of approximately 7.5 to 10 dB, like 8.7 dB, due to the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303.

[088] In Figure 5C, as in Figure 5B, it can be noted that the signal loss imposed by the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303 is also the same regardless of which way a signal passes through the full duplex amplifier 300C. Signals passing from the first input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300C to the second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300C in Figure 5C experience a dB loss of approximately 7.5 to 10 dB, like 8.7 dB, due to the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303. Signals passing from the second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300C to the first input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300C in Figure 5C experience a dB loss of approximately 7.5 to 10 dB, like 8.7 dB, due to the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303.

[089] The different circuitry alternatives of Figures 5, 5A, 5B and 5C can be used depending upon the requirements or context of the deployment of the full duplex amplifier 300, 300A, 300B or 300C. For example, the circuitry of Figure 5 is particularly well suited when the full duplex amplifier 300 is employed within the CATV RF amplifiers 100, 200 and 200A of Figures 1-3, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 7-9.

[090] The reason for using the full duplex amplifier 300 of Figure 5 in the CATV RF amplifiers 100, 200 and 200A is because the downstream signal must be divided, by the power divider network 170 (Figure 1) or 203 (Figures 2-3), before it reaches the RF output ports 181-188 (Figure 1) or 211, 213, 215 and 217 (Figures 2-3). Hence, it would be important to reduce the dB losses on the downstream signals through the upstream and downstream couplers 301 and 303 since the first amplifier 140 is already required to deal with boosting the downstream signals significantly. The upstream signals are less frequent and also are not divided by the power divider network 170 (Figure 1) or 203 (Figures 2-3) before reaching the second amplifier 142. Hence, the second amplifier 142 has more remaining capacity to deal with the higher db losses associated with the second terminals 13 of the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303.

[091] The balanced losses created by the circuitry of Figures 5B and 5C may be better suited when the full duplex amplifier 300B and 300C is used as standalone unit, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a housing 313 of the full duplex amplifier 300, 300A, 300B or 300C of Figures 5, 5A, 5B or 5C, respectively. A first female coaxial port 315 is located on the housing 313 and electrically connected to the first input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300, 300A, 300B or 300C. A second female coaxial port 317 is located on the housing 313 and electrically connected to the second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300, 300A, 300B or 300C.

[092] A power port 190 is also located on the housing 313. The power port 190 may be formed as a third female coaxial port, but may also take other forms. The power port 190 is connected to a regulator 195 disposed within the housing 313. When power is supplied to the regulator 195, the regulator 195 supplies a voltage VCC to the first and second amplifiers 140 and 142 and optionally to a "power indicating" device 319, such as an LED.

[093] The device of Figures 5, 5A, 5B, 5C and 6 can be used as a standalone unit to provide full duplex amplification to downstream and upstream CATV signals between a service provider and devices within a customer's premises. For example, one or more splitters many be connected downstream of the full duplex amplifier 300, 300A, 300B or 300C to provide more than one CATV/MoCA® port and plural "MocA® only" ports within the customer's premises. For example, see the various splitter configurations shown in Figures 2-5 and 12-14 in the Assignee's co-pending application Serial Number 15/869,184, with the title "HYBRID SPLITTER PASSING CATV+MOCA AND MOCA SIGNALS," which is herein incorporated by reference.

[094] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a bi-directional RF signal amplifier 200B including the full duplex amplifier 300 of Figure 5, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. Basically, Figure 7 is the same as the background art's bi-directional RF signal amplifier 100 of Figure 1, except that the first and second diplexers 130 and 150 have been replaced by the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303. The same or similar elements have been labeled by the same or similar reference numerals.

[095] Replacing the first and second diplexers 130 and 150 with the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303 reduces the costs of the component parts. Also, in the initial design phase, the first and second diplexers 130 and 150 are more complex and require frequency tuning to balance the filtering performance of the circuitry. The upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303 are easier to design from a circuitry perspective.

[096] In Figure 7, the first input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300, i.e., the third terminal 15 of the upstream directional coupler 301, is directly connected to the second terminal 122 of the relay 120 without any intervening element. Also, the second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300, i.e., the third terminal 15 of the downstream directional coupler 303, is directly connected to the MoCA® rejection filter 160 without any intervening element. Hence, Figure 7 illustrates how the background art's FDMA amplifier system may be upgraded to a full duplex amplifier system so as to provide greater bandwidth to both the upstream and downstream signals.

[097] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a bi-directional RF signal amplifier 200C including the full duplex amplifier 300 of Figure 5, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Basically, Figure 8 is the same as the bi-directional RF signal amplifier 200 of Figure 2, except that the first and second diplexers 130 and 150 have been replaced by the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303. The same or similar elements have been labeled by the same or similar reference numerals. [098] Replacing the first and second diplexers 130 and 150 with the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303 provides the same benefits as discussed above with regard to Figure 7, such as increased upstream and downstream bandwidth, reduced costs and simplification of the circuitry design parameters.

[099] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a bi-directional RF signal amplifier 200D including the full duplex amplifier 300 of Figure 5, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Basically, Figure 9 is the same as the bi-directional RF signal amplifier 200A of Figure 3, except that the first and second diplexers 130 and 150 have been replaced by the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303. The same or similar elements have been labeled by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0100] Replacing the first and second diplexers 130 and 150 with the upstream and downstream directional couplers 301 and 303 provides the same benefits as discussed above with regard to Figure 7, such as increased upstream and downstream bandwidth, reduced costs and simplification of the circuitry design parameters.

[0101] Although the Figures herein have depicted devices with a certain number of ports. The port counts may be increased or decreased. For example, the power divider network 203 or 170 may supply more or fewer than four or eight output ports, respectively, such as three ports, five ports or six ports. Further, the circuitry of Figure 5 may be modified to include one or more power dividers downstream of the second input/output of the full duplex amplifier 300, so that the housing 313 of Figure 6 has at least one additional female coaxial output port.

[0102] The housings 201 and 313 may be formed of brass or any other conductive material. In a preferred embodiment, the housings 201 and 313 are formed of zinc or a zinc alloy. Although not illustrated, the housings 201 and 313 may include color coded labels to assist in identifying the ports. The female coaxial ports described herein, each have a dielectric insert surrounding a pin receiving portion. The dielectric inserts may have color shading to assist in identifying the ports.

[0103] The power dividers 171, 172, 173 and 231 may be constructed in accordance with the Assignee's prior US Patent No. 8,397,271, which is herein incorporated by reference. Optionally, each of the power dividers 171, 172, 173 and 231 may have a MoCA® bypass filter, which assists in passing MoCA® signals between the first and second output legs of the power dividers 171, 172, 173 and 231, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 of US Patent No. 8,397,271. Further, the power dividers 171, 172, 173 and 231 may be configured to divide an input signal 50-50 between the first and second output legs, or alternatively to divide the input signal by other ratios, like 60-40 or 70-30, to pass most of the input signal to a preferred output leg, e.g., the first output leg.

[0104] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A full duplex amplifier device comprising:

an upstream directional coupler having first, second and third terminals, wherein signals passing between said first and third terminals in either direction encounter a first level of attenuation, signals passing between said second and third terminals encounter a second level of attenuation greater than said first level of attenuation, and signals passing between said first and second terminals encounter a third level of attenuation greater than said second level of attenuation;

a downstream directional coupler having first, second and third terminals, wherein signals passing between said first and third terminals in either direction encounter a first level of attenuation, signals passing between said second and third terminals encounter a second level of attenuation greater than said first level of attenuation, and signals passing between said first and second terminals encounter a third level of attenuation greater than said second level of attenuation;

a first amplifier having an input connected to one of said first and second terminals of said upstream directional coupler and an output connected to one of said first and second terminals of said downstream directional coupler; and

a second amplifier having an input connected to the other of said first and second terminals of said downstream directional coupler and an output connected to the other of said first and second terminals of said upstream directional coupler, wherein said third terminal of said upstream directional coupler is considered a first input/output of said full duplex amplifier and said third terminal of said downstream directional coupler is considered a second input/output of said full duplex amplifier.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said input of said first amplifier is connected to said first terminal of said upstream directional coupler, said output of said first amplifier is connected to said first terminal of said downstream directional coupler, said input of said second amplifier is connected to said second terminal of said downstream directional coupler, and said output of said second amplifier is connected to said second terminal of said upstream directional coupler.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first level of attenuation is less than 2 dB, said second level of attenuation is between 3 and 15 dB and said third level of attenuation is greater than 25 dB.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein said first level of attenuation is between 0.5 to 1.0 dB, said second level of attenuation is between 5 and 10 dB and said third level of attenuation is greater than 30 dB.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said input of said first amplifier is directly connected to said first terminal of said upstream directional coupler, said output of said first amplifier is directly connected to said first terminal of said downstream directional coupler, said input of said second amplifier is directly connected to said second terminal of said downstream directional coupler, and said output of said second amplifier is directly connected to said second terminal of said upstream directional coupler.

6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a housing enclosing said upstream and downstream directional couplers and said first and second amplifiers;

a first female coaxial port located on said housing and electrically connected to said first input/output of said full duplex amplifier; and

a second female coaxial port located on said housing and electrically connected to said second input/output of said full duplex amplifier.

7. The device according to claim 6, further comprising:

a power port located on said housing, wherein said power port is connected to said first and second amplifiers to provide power to said first and second amplifiers.

8 The device according to claim 7, further comprising: a regulator disposed within said housing and electrically connected between said power port and said first and second amplifiers.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein said power port is formed as a third female coaxial port.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein said input of said first amplifier is connected to said first terminal of said upstream directional coupler, said output of said first amplifier is connected to said second terminal of said downstream directional coupler, said input of said second amplifier is connected to said first terminal of said downstream directional coupler, and said output of said second amplifier is connected to said second terminal of said upstream directional coupler.

11. A CATV RF amplifier device comprising:

a housing;

an input port located on said housing, said input port for receiving downstream service provider signals and for transmitting upstream signals from customer devices to the service provider;

a power divider network having an input;

a plurality of first output ports located on said housing and configured as outputs of said power divider network, said plurality of first output ports for outputting service provider signals to customer devices and for receiving signals directed to the service provider, and said plurality of first output ports also for transmitting and receiving signals associated with an in-home network, allowing customer devices within the home network to communicate with each other, said plurality of first output ports functioning as "CATV and in-home network" ports; and

a full duplex amplifier including:

an upstream directional coupler having first, second and third terminals, wherein signals passing between said first and third terminals in either direction encounter a first level of attenuation, signals passing between said second and third terminals encounter a second level of attenuation greater than said first level of attenuation, and signals passing between said first and second terminals encounter a third level of attenuation greater than said second level of attenuation; a downstream directional coupler having first, second and third terminals, wherein signals passing between said first and third terminals in either direction encounter a first level of attenuation, signals passing between said second and third terminals encounter a second level of attenuation greater than said first level of attenuation, and signals passing between said first and second terminals encounter a third level of attenuation greater than said second level of attenuation; a first amplifier having an input connected to one of said first and second terminals of said upstream directional coupler and an output connected to one of said first and second terminals of said downstream directional coupler; and

a second amplifier having an input connected to the other of said first and second terminals of said downstream directional coupler and an output connected to the other of said first and second terminals of said upstream directional coupler, wherein said third terminal of said upstream directional coupler is considered a first input/output of said full duplex amplifier and is connected to said input port, and wherein said third terminal of said downstream directional coupler is considered a second input/output of said full duplex amplifier and is connected to said input of said power divider network.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein said input of said first amplifier is connected to said first terminal of said upstream directional coupler, said output of said first amplifier is connected to said first terminal of said downstream directional coupler, said input of said second amplifier is connected to said second terminal of said downstream directional coupler, and said output of said second amplifier is connected to said second terminal of said upstream directional coupler.

13. The device according to claim 11, further comprising:

an in-home network frequency rejection filter located in the connection between said second input/output of said full duplex amplifier and said input of said power divider network.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein upstream and downstream signals sent to and from the service provider reside within a frequency band of 5 to 1002 MHz, and wherein the signals associated with the in-home network reside within a MoCA® frequency band of 1125 to 1675 MHz, making said in-home network frequency rejection filter, a MoCA® rejection filter.

15. The device according to claim 11, wherein signal paths passing through said first and second amplifiers are considered an active communications path, and further comprising:

a passive communications path formed within said housing, wherein said passive communications path has no powered elements disposed therein, and wherein a first end of said passive communications path is connected to said input port; and

a passive output port located on said housing, which is connected to a second end of said passive communications path, opposite said first end of said passive communications path.

16. The device according to claim 15, further comprising:

a first directional coupler, having first, second and third terminals, wherein signals passing between said first and third terminals in either direction encounter a first level of attenuation, signals passing between said second and third terminals encounter a second level of attenuation greater than said first level of attenuation, and signals passing between said first and second terminals encounter a third level of attenuation greater than said second level of attenuation, wherein said first terminal of said first directional coupler is connected to said first input/output of said full duplex amplifier, said second terminal of said first directional coupler is connected to said first end of said passive communication path, and said third terminal of said first directional coupler is connected to said input port.

17. The device according to claim 16, further comprising: a relay having a first terminal directly connected to said first terminal of said first directional coupler, a second terminal directly connected to said first input/output of said full duplex amplifier, and a third terminal directly connected to a grounded impedance, wherein said relay connects said first terminal to said second terminal when power is being provided to said first and second amplifiers, and said relay connects said first terminal to said third terminal when power is not being provided to said first and second amplifiers.

18. The device according to claim 15, further comprising:

an electrical path between said input of said power divider network and said passive output port; and

a filtering device disposed along said electrical path to limit signals traversing along said electrical path to in-home network frequencies.

19. The device according to claim 18, further comprising:

a plurality of second output ports located on said housing, said plurality of second output ports for transmitting and receiving in-home network signals allowing customer devices within the home network to communicate with each other, wherein said plurality of second output ports do not output service provider signals to customer devices and do not pass customer device signals to the service provider, said plurality of second output ports functioning as "in-home network only" ports, wherein said electrical path also extends between said input of said power divider network and said plurality of second output ports.

20. The device according to claim 16, further comprising:

an in-home network frequency rejection filter located in the connection between said second input/output of said full duplex amplifier and said input of said power divider network;

an electrical path between said input of said power divider network and said passive output port; a plurality of second output ports located on said housing, said plurality of second output ports for transmitting and receiving in-home network signals allowing customer devices within the home network to communicate with each other, wherein said plurality of second output ports do not output service provider signals to customer devices and do not pass customer device signals to the service provider, said plurality of second output ports functioning as "in-home network only" ports, wherein said electrical path also extends between said input of said power divider network and said plurality of second output ports; and

a second directional coupler, having first, second and third terminals, wherein signals passing between said first and third terminals in either direction encounter a first level of attenuation, signals passing between said second and third terminals encounter a second level of attenuation greater than said first level of attenuation, and signals passing between said first and second terminals encounter a third level of attenuation greater than said second level of attenuation, wherein said first terminal of said second directional coupler is directly connected to said in-home network frequency rejection filter, said second terminal of said second directional coupler is connected to a first end of said electrical path, and said third terminal of said second directional coupler is directly connected to said input of said power divider network.

21. The device according to claim 20, further comprising:

a power divider forming a part of said electrical path, said power divider having an input connected to said second terminal of said second directional coupler, a first output leg connected to a resistive splitter network which is in turn connected to said plurality of second output ports, and a second output leg connected to said passive communication path.

22. The device according to claim 21, further comprising:

a filtering device disposed between said input to said power divider and said third terminal of said second directional coupler, said filtering device limiting signals traversing between said power divider and said second directional coupler to in-home network frequencies.

23. A CATV RF amplifier device comprising:

a housing;

a power divider network having an input;

a plurality of first output ports located on said housing and configured as outputs of said power divider network, said plurality of first output ports for outputting service provider signals to customer devices and for receiving signals directed to the service provider, and said plurality of first output ports also for transmitting and receiving signals associated with an in-home network, allowing customer devices within the home network to communicate with each other, said plurality of first output ports functioning as "CATV and in-home network" ports;

a first diplexer having a full frequency band terminal, a high frequency band terminal and a low frequency band terminal, wherein said full frequency band terminal is connected to said input port;

a second diplexer having a full frequency band terminal, a high frequency band terminal and a low frequency band terminal, wherein said full frequency band terminal is connected to said input of said power divider network;

a first amplifier having an input connected to said high frequency band terminal of said first diplexer and an output connected to said high frequency band terminal of said second diplexer;

a second amplifier having an input connected to said low frequency band terminal of said second diplexer and an output connected to said low frequency band terminal of said first diplexer;

a plurality of second output ports located on said housing, said plurality of second output ports for transmitting and receiving in-home network signals allowing customer devices within the home network to communicate with each other, wherein said plurality of second output ports do not output service provider signals to customer devices and do not pass customer device signals to the service provider, said plurality of second output ports functioning as "in-home network only" ports;

an electrical path between said input of said power divider network and said plurality of second output ports; and