Digital interface unit apparatus and system

#I. Field of the Invention.

#The present invention relates generally to the field of digital service in cable television systems, and more particularly to a digital interface apparatus and system.

#II. Description of the Related Art.

#FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a digital interface unit apparatus;

#FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram view of an embodiment of a digital interface unit apparatus;

#FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram view of an alternate embodiment of a digital interface unit apparatus;

#Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to FIG. 1 that illustrates an embodiment of a digital interface unit apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 typically includes a housing 100. In an embodiment, the housing is typically a metallic substance that is resistant to corrosion such as chromate zinc. A housing lid 106 covers an opening of the housing 105 that exposes the internal circuitry of the apparatus 100. In one embodiment, the lid 106 is typically a metallic substance that is weather resistant such as brass with tin plating. The apparatus 100 also typically includes mounting tabs 110 that are adapted to be aligned with a surface such as the exterior of a house. The tabs 110 can be attached to the surface with suitable implements such as screws, nails and the like. The apparatus 100 also typically includes a grounding device 115. The grounding device is electrically coupled to the internal circuitry that is described in more detail below. The grounding device 115 typically includes a screw 120 that can be used to attach the grounding device 115 to a grounding wire (not shown) that is coupled to a grounding rod or other suitable grounding device, such as a power service grounding electrode system.

#The apparatus 100 also typically includes an input port 125. The input port 125 is typically adapted to receive a cable line of the coaxial type. The input signal is typically a cable signal carrying both a television signal and a data signal adapted to be received by a cable modem. The apparatus can also include two output ports 130, 135. One output port 130 typically carries the portion of the input cable signal containing the cable modem data. The other output 135 typically carries the portion of the cable signal having the television signal. In another embodiment, both outputs 130, 135 can carry the data signal. In another embodiment, both outputs 130, 135 can carry the television signal. The ports 125, 130, 135 typically include a gold plate 360-degree center pin socket that helps to insure good contact and proper impedance matching with respective coaxial cables. In an embodiment, a ferrite material is located between the output port 130 and the output port 135 to minimize over driving of the input of a connected television during the transmission of a connected digital cable modem high level upstream signaling. This material provides isolation between the two ports 130, 135.

#In an embodiment, the lid 106 and the input 125 and outputs 130, 135 are soldered to the housing or are integral parts of the housing. This soldering and integration helps to reduce RF leakage. Further RF leakage is attained by having a reduced number or input and output ports on the apparatus 100.