Variable equalizer with independently controlled branches based on different frequency breakpoints

A variable equalizer, comprising:

• a main signal path,
• at least one independently controllable, variable top branch coupled in parallel with the main signal path and coupled to receive at least one control signal that selectively establishes at least one frequency breakpoint for the at least one top branch;
• and
• at least one independently controllable, variable bottom branch coupled between a node in the main signal path and ground, and coupled to receive at least one, different control signal that selectively establishes at least one frequency break point for at least one bottom branch.

A cable system comprising:

• at least one head end;
• a network of coaxial cable portions that pass signals from the head end to a number of subscribers;
• a number of network amplifiers that are dispersed throughout the region served by the cable system and selectively coupled into the network of cable to amplify the signals transmitted to the subscribers;
• wherein each network amplifiers includes a variable equalizer having a two port bridge “T” network with a number of independently controllable top and bottom branches;
• and
• wherein the frequency response of the variable equalizer is controlled by selectively and independently adjusting frequency breakpoints of the top and bottom branches to compensate for the characteristic attenuation of the coaxial cable portions associated with the network amplifier.