Electronic patching system for telecommunications devices

Abstract

An electronic patching system includes a first plurality of ports connected to the terminations of a plurality of telephone and data lines from the utility central office, and a second plurality of ports wired to a plurality of telecommunications devices. Both pluralities of ports are coupled to inputs of a controlled switching matrix, which connects each of the telecommunications devices to one or more of the telephone and data lines. The switching matrix is operated by a programmable logic array that directs the matrix to establish and maintain the desired connections between the telephone equipment and the telephone and data lines, computer network lines, and the like. The switching matrix includes a high voltage switch portion to handle analog telephone instruments. An algorithm for controlling the programmable logic array is created using a personal computer, and stored in memory. The algorithm comprises a database program that provides a graphical user interface on the computer display to indicate the desired connection scheme between the telephone devices and telephone lines and computer networks. The computer is provided with software to convert the database program to instructions for setting the PLA and operating the switching matrix. The connection scheme of all telephone devices may be displayed on-screen by the personal computer at any time, and the connection scheme may be easily altered to accommodate personnel movement, changes in telecommunications devices, and office reconfigurations. A line test subroutine may be included in the controller, so that the telephone/data line and connecting line to each telephone device may be checked with a test signal every time the line is used.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.