Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc.

Keptel, Inc.

Michael T Calderwood

George R Steenton

A connector unit (21) for automatically terminating a digital data services (DDS) line whenever a mating modular plug (30) is not inserted into the connector. The connector utilizes a switchable DDS jack (25) that mates with the modular plug (30) for connecting a data-transmit line and a data-receive line of a DDS network (41) to a customer's equipment (45). The connector unit has a maintenance termination circuit (40) with terminating impedances (r, r1, C and C1) and diodes (D and D1). When the plug and jack are not engaged, the maintenance termination circuit is connected to the data-transmit and data-receive lines via the normally closed jack contacts (33 and 34). As the plug and jack are engaged, the plug abuts against and, as movement continues, increasingly opens the jack contacts, causing the maintenance termination circuit to be disconnected from the customer's equipment and to be connected to the DDS network. The diodes are oppositely polarized to provide a signature for testing proper installation of the connector unit. When connected to the DDS network, the terminating impedances provide electrical terminating loads which reduce network noise.

Growing community of inventors

Chantilly, VA, United States of America

Michael T Calderwood