Cable identification using a unique signal carried on an external conductor

摘要

A cable identification system is provided. The cable identification system includes a cable having a plurality of conductors with an electrical connector secured to at least one end. All but one of the conductors are enclosed in a shield conductor. The remaining additional conductor is positioned external to the outer surface of the shield conductor. The electrical connector is adapted to connect the plurality of conductors to a mating connector. The cable identification system further includes a signal generator adapted to connect the electrical connector to the mating connector. The signal generator is configured to generate and transmit a unique signal over the additional conductor in the cable. The cable identification system further includes a portable device configured to detect the unique signal when positioned adjacent the cable at any point along the cable.

主权项

1. A cable identification system, comprising:
A cable having a plurality of conductors, all but one of the conductors enclosed in a shield conductor, the remaining additional conductor positioned external to the outer surface of the shield conductor, the cable having a first and second electrical connector, wherein the first electrical connector is adapted to connect the plurality of conductors to a first mating connector associated with a signal generator; the signal generator adapted to connect the second electrical connector to a second mating connector electrically coupled to a network device, the signal generator configured to generate and transmit a unique signal over the remaining additional conductor, wherein the signal generator comprises a memory unit to store a unique identification number and the signal generator is configured to include logic and control operations to repeatedly transmit the unique signal over the remaining additional conductor after a predetermined time, wherein the unique signal comprises the unique identification number; and a portable device configured to detect the unique signal when positioned adjacent the cable at any point along the cable.