OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION DEVICES AND METHODS OF OPERATION THEREOF

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/308,770 filed February 10, 2022, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/308,784 filed February 10, 2022, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/323,761 filed March 25, 2022, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/352,863 filed June 16, 2022, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/352,864 filed June 16, 2022; the entire contents of each of the aforementioned patent applications are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] At a cellular radio access network (RAN) macro cell site, electrical power is conveyed from a power source, near a base of a tower, through electrical power conductors, which run from the base to at or near a top of the tower, to at least one radio mounted on the tower.

Such a tower may be hundreds of feet in height and made of metal. Thus, the tower attracts lightning strikes.

[0003] To protect the radio(s) and the power source from high voltages, e.g., due to lightning strikes, overvoltage protection (OVP) unit may be provided at or near the base of the tower and at or near the top of a tower. The OVP unit by the top of the tower protects the at least one radio by suppressing high voltages so that they do not reach, e.g., a power input of each of, the radio(s) and disable or damage the radio(s). The OVP unit by the bottom of the tower protects the power source by suppressing high voltages so that they do not reach, e.g., an output of, the power source and disable or damage the power source.

[0004] The electrical power conductors have radio ends and power source ends, where the radio ends are opposite the power source ends. The OVP at the top of the tower is located between the radio ends of the electrical power conductors and an electrical power input of the radio(s). The OVP at the bottom of the tower is located between the power source ends of the electrical power conductors and the output of the power source. [0005] Electrical component(s), of an overprotection unit, which provide suppression of high voltages, have a finite lifetime after which the OVP unit has a diminished ability to suppress high voltages. Thus, such electrical component s) or the OVP unit, must be replaced.

[0006] Replacing the OVP unit, or electrical component(s) therein, by the top of the tower is physically challenging, financially costly, and/or potentially hazardous to a service technician. The tower may be hundreds of feet in height. Firstly, the OVP unit must be disconnected, e.g., from the electrical power conductors, and removed from the top of the tower. Then, a replacement OVP unit must be mounted by the top of the tower and connected, e.g., to the electrical power conductors. Alternatively, secondly, the enclosure of the OVP unit by the top of the tower must be removed, electrical component(s) removed and replaced, and the enclosure reattached.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An overvoltage protection (OVP) electrical power cable is provided. The OVP electrical power cable comprises: an enclosure comprising a cavity, a first enclosure end, and a second enclosure end; first electrical power cable comprising a first cable electrical conductor comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a second cable electrical conductor comprising a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end; wherein the first cable electrical conductor and the second cable electrical conductor are within the first enclosure end; a first connector electromechanically connected to the first end and the third end; a second connector attached to the second enclosure end, or is electromechanically connected to the second end and the fourth end and the first cable electrical conductor and the second cable electrical conductor are within the second enclosure end; a printed circuit board (PCB) in the cavity, and comprising: an internal electrical ground conductor configured to be electrically coupled to an external ground; a first electrical conductor electrically connected to the second end; and a second electrical conductor electrically connected to the fourth end; and OVP circuitry mounted on the PCB and enclosed within the cavity, and comprising a first OVP circuit electrically connected between the first electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor, and a second OVP circuit electrically connected between the second electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor; wherein the first connector is configured to facilitate an electrical connection of a first external electrical conductor to the first end and of a second external electrical conductor to the third end; wherein the second connector is configured to facilitate an electrical connection of a third external electrical conductor to the first electrical conductor and of a fourth external electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor.

[0008] A hybrid cable with overvoltage protection (OVP) is provided. The hybrid cable with OVP comprises: at least one OVP unit, wherein each OVP unit comprises: an insulative enclosure comprising a cavity; a printed circuit board (PCB) in the cavity, and comprising: an internal electrical ground conductor configured to be electrically coupled to an external ground; a first electrical conductor connected to a line electrical conductor of a section of a corresponding set of electrical conductors; and a second electrical conductor electrically connected to a neutral conductor of the section of the corresponding set of electrical conductors; and OVP circuitry mounted on the PCB and comprising a first OVP circuit electrically connected between the first electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor, and a second OVP circuit electrically connected between the second electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor; at least one set of electrical conductors, wherein each set comprises a line electrical conductor and a neutral electrical conductor, wherein a line electrical conductor of a set is electrically connected to the first electrical conductor of a unique OVP unit, and wherein a neutral electrical conductor of a set is electrically connected to the second electrical conductor of the unique OVP unit; and at least one optical fiber; wherein a segment of the at least one optical fiber and a segment of the at least one set of electrical conductors are covered by the insulative enclosure.

[0009] An overvoltage protection (OVP) module is provided. The OVP module comprises: an enclosure comprising a cavity, a first end, and a second end; a first connector attached to the first end of the enclosure; a second connector attached to the second end the enclosure; a printed circuit board (PCB) enclosed in the cavity, and comprising: an internal electrical ground conductor configured to be electrically coupled to an external ground; a first electrical conductor; and a second electrical conductor; and OVP circuitry mounted on the PCB and enclosed within the cavity, and comprising a first OVP circuit electrically connected between the first electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor, and a second OVP circuit electrically connected between the second electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor; wherein the first connector is configured to facilitate an electrical connection of a first external electrical conductor to the first electrical conductor and of a second external electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor; wherein the second connector is configured to facilitate an electrical connection of a third external electrical conductor to the first electrical conductor and of a fourth external electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor.

[0010] An overvoltage protection (OVP) device is provided. The OVP device comprises: OVP circuitry configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical ground, configured to dissipate electrical energy with a voltage exceeding a threshold voltage level, and comprising: temperature circuitry configured to generate temperature data comprising an indication of whether a temperature of the OVP circuitry or at least one portion thereof has exceeded a temperature threshold; and alarm circuitry configured to: receive, from the temperature circuitry, the temperature data for the OVP circuitry; increment or decrement a count; determine if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determine that the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level, then generate an alarm indicator indicating that the OVP device or the OVP circuitry needs to be replaced; and an OVP radio communicatively coupled to the alarm circuitry and configured to wirelessly transmit an alarm signal, derived from the alarm indicator, to an alarm monitoring system.

[0011] An apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises: an enclosure; an at least two optical fibers connector mounted through the enclosure; an at least two electrical power inputs connector mounted through the enclosure and configured to receive two or more pairs of an external line electrical conductor and an external neutral electrical conductor; a first electrical power and optical connector mounted through the enclosure; a second electrical power and optical connector mounted through the enclosure; a first overvoltage protection (OVP) circuitry within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the first electrical power and optical connector; a second OVP circuitry within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the second electrical power and optical connector; a first optical fiber optically coupling the first electrical power and optical connector to the at least two optical fibers connector; a second optical fiber optically coupling the second electrical power and optical connector to the at least two optical fibers connector; an internal ground electrical conductor in the enclosure electrically coupled between (a) at least one of: (i) a ground electrical conductor connector mounted through the enclosure and configured to be electrically coupled to an external ground electrical conductor and (ii) the at least two electrical power inputs connector configured to be electrically coupled to the external ground electrical conductor, and (b) each of the first OVP circuitry and the second OVP circuitry; a first internal line electrical conductor in the enclosure electrically coupled between the first OVP circuitry and the at least two electrical power inputs connector; a second internal line electrical conductor in the enclosure electrically coupled between the second OVP circuitry and the at least two electrical power inputs connector; a first internal neutral electrical conductor in the enclosure electrically coupled between the first OVP circuitry and the at least two electrical power inputs connector; and a second internal neutral electrical conductor in the enclosure electrically coupled between the second OVP circuitry and the at least two electrical power inputs connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Comprehension of embodiments of the invention is facilitated by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the annexed drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 A illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a power sourcing system for radio(s) implemented with at least one overvoltage device implemented using techniques described herein;

[0014] Figure IB illustrates a plan view of one embodiment of an overvoltage protection module which can be more readily inserted and removed;

[0015] Figure 1C illustrates a cross sectional view of one embodiment of an overvoltage protection module which can be more readily inserted and removed

[0016] Figure ID illustrates a plan view of another embodiment of an overvoltage protection module which can be more readily inserted and removed;

[0017] Figure IE illustrates one perspective of one embodiment of a terminal connector; [0018] Figure IF illustrates another perspective of one embodiment of the terminal connector; [0019] Figure 1G illustrates a three dimensional perspective of one embodiment of an OVP module;

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of one embodiment of a connector;

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of overvoltage protection circuitry;

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a pictorial of one embodiment of overvoltage protection circuits mounted on and perpendicular to a printed circuit board;

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a pictorial of one embodiment of overvoltage protection circuits mounted on and parallel to the printed circuit board;

[0024] Figure 6 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for determining when an overvoltage protection module should be replaced;

[0025] Figure 7A illustrates a plan view of one embodiment of an OVP electrical power cable; [0026] Figure 7B illustrates a plan view of another embodiment of an OVP electrical power cable;

[0027] Figure 7C illustrates a three dimensional perspective of one embodiment of an OVP electrical power cable;

[0028] Figure 8A illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of an OVP hybrid cable;

[0029] Figure 8B illustrates one embodiment of an OVP unit;

[0030] Figure 9A illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of an exterior of an electrical power distribution with overvoltage protection and optical signal distribution enclosure;

[0031] Figure 9B illustrates a diagram of another embodiment of an electrical power distribution with overvoltage protection and optical signal distribution enclosure;

[0032] Figure 10 illustrates a diagram of yet another embodiment of an electrical power distribution with overvoltage protection and optical signal distribution enclosure; and

[0033] Figure 11 illustrates one embodiment of an OVP device comprising OVP circuitry communicatively, e.g., electrically and/or optically, coupled to an OVP radio.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Embodiments of the invention implement an overvoltage protection device which can be more easily inserted or uninserted in line with electrical power conductors, e.g., of a power cable, and optical fiber cable, and/or a hybrid cable. As a result, maintenance costs and/or risk to service personal are diminished. In some embodiments, an alarm signal is wirelessly transmitted by a radio to indicate that the OVP device, or component(s) thereof, need to be replaced; this eliminates the need for and cost of electrical conductors to convey the alarm signal.

[0035] An OVP device is configured to convey electrical power through electrical conductors, and provide overvoltage protection for the electrical conductors and/or electrical components electrically connected to the electrical conductors. The electrical components, for example, are radio(s) and/or a power source. The OVP device may be an OVP module, an OVP electrical power cable, an OVP hybrid cable, an OVP distribution enclosure (or OVP enclosure), or any other unit which provides the aforementioned overvoltage protection and implemented as described herein. [0036] Although the electrical power conductors are described as being part of a power cable or a hybrid cable, the electrical power conductors may be part of other types of cables; however, power and hybrid cables are exemplified herein for pedagogical purposes. A hybrid cable means a cable including at least two electrical power conductors and at least one optical fiber; the at least one optical fiber is configured to convey data modulated on optical signal(s). A power cable means a cable including at least two electrical power conductors configured to convey electrical power, e.g., direct current (DC) electrical power.

Electrical and/or optical input(s) and/or output(s) may be referred to herein as port(s). [0037] Optionally, the OVP device is configured to be more easily inserted or uninserted (e.g., by the top of the tower) between radio ends of the electrical power conductors and power input(s) of respective radio(s). The radio ends are ends of the electrical power conductors configured to be electrically connected or coupled to the radio(s) so that the radio(s) receive electrical power through the electrical power conductors and from a power source so as to permit the radio(s) to operate.

[0038] Optionally, the OVP device is configured to be more easily inserted or uninserted (e.g., by the bottom of the tower) between power source ends of the electrical power conductors and the output of the power source. The power source ends are ends of the electrical power conductors configured to be electrically connected or coupled to a power source so that the power source can provide electrical power, through the electrical power conductors, to the radio(s) from the power source to permit the radio(s) to operate.

[0039] Optionally, the power source may be a power supply and/or at least one battery. Optionally, the electrical conductors described herein may be implemented as wires, e.g., in a cable, and/or traces, e.g., on and/or in a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0040] Optionally, an OVP device is configured to be inserted between radio ends and the power source ends of the electrical power conductors. Optionally, this OVP device may be placed substantially half way along the power electrical connectors between the radio ends and the power source ends. Any combination of one, two, or three of the three aforementioned techniques may be utilized in combination.

[0041] For example, optionally, a first OVP device is configured to be placed between the power source and the power source ends, and a second OVP device is configured to be placed between the radio ends and the power input(s) of respective radio(s). This configuration may have the following benefits. Each OVP device is electrically connected to ground through which undesired electrical energy, e.g., from a lightning strike is dissipated. The undesired electrical energy has a voltage level which can damage equipment, e.g., the radio(s) and/or the power source. The OVP device is configured to prevent the voltage level exceeding a threshold voltage level of an OVP circuit of the OVP device, and thus is configured to prevent undesired electrical energy (having a voltage level exceeding the threshold voltage level) from detrimentally affecting such equipment by dissipating the undesired electrical energy through an OVP circuit. Optionally, the OVP circuit may include at least one of a metal oxide varistor and a gas discharge tube. If the OVP device comprises more than one OVP circuit, e.g., each of which electrically couples different electrical conductor to ground, each OVP circuit may have a different threshold voltage level at which it dissipates the undesired electrical energy. Optionally, the ground may be an Earth ground connected though external ground electrical conductor(s), e.g., a ground rod, in the earth, where the external ground electrical conductor(s) are electrically connected to the OVP device. Thus, use of the first OVP device by the power source (e.g., at the bottom of the tower) may dissipate the undesired electrical energy (with a voltage level exceeding a first threshold voltage level of a first OVP circuit of the first OVP device) before it reaches either the power source and/or radio ends of the electrical power conductors. Use of the second OVP device by the radio(s) (e.g., at the top of the tower) may dissipate the undesired electrical energy (with a voltage level exceeding a second threshold voltage level of a second OVP circuit of the first OVP device) before it reaches either the radio(s) and/or the power source ends of the electrical power conductors.

[0042] If the electrical power conductors are surrounded by an optional conductive shield to suppress external electromagnetic interference (EMI) from being induced in the electrical power conductors (and an optional power ground electrical conductor that is also optionally part of the electrical power conductors), the conductive shield can be connected to the same Earth ground connection. As a result, EMI shielding of the electrical power conductors is enhanced. Optionally, a third OVP device may be placed between the radio ends and the power source ends of the electrical power conductors to further protect the power source and the radio(s), and to further suppress EMI.

[0043] Optionally, an OVP device may be further configured to generate at least one alarm indicator identifying that the OVP device needs to be replaced. Optionally, the at least one alarm indication includes illuminating a visible light source, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), on or in the OVP device and/or transmitting an alarm electrical signal, e.g., to an alarm monitoring system, e.g., monitored by a network operator. The optional visible light source is configured to emit visible light external to the OVP device, e.g., to identify the OVP device (or an OVP circuitry component therein) which needs replacement. Optionally, the alarm signal may be conveyed through a radio and a core network to the alarm monitoring system.

[0044] Figure 1 A illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a power sourcing system for radio(s) 114 implemented with at least one OVP device implemented using techniques described herein. A power source 114A is configured to provide electrical power, e.g., direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) electrical power, to radio(s) 114E.

[0045] The power source 114A is electrically connected through a first set of electrical power conductors 114F to a first OVP device 114B, a second OVP device 114C, or a third OVP device 114D. Any combination of the illustrated OVP devices may be used. Each OVP device may be implemented according to one of the OVP devices described herein. Each OVP device is electrically connected to an Earth ground 114J through which undesired electrical energy is dissipated. If only one OVP device is utilized, then a second set of electrical power conductors 1141 electrically connects the OVP device to the radio(s) 114E. [0046] Optionally, the radio(s) 114E are mounted on an optional mounting structure 114K, e.g., a tower. The first OVP device 114B is located near the power source 114A, e.g., near the base of the mounting structure 114K, to primarily protect the power source 114A from damage from an overvoltage condition. The second OVP device 114C is located between the power source 114A and the radio(s) 114E, and may be used to protect both the radio(s) 114E and the power source 114A from damage from an overvoltage condition. Optionally, the second OVP device 114C may be located substantially midway in a length of sets of electrical power conductors connecting the power source 114A to the radio(s) 114E. The third OVP device 114D is located near the radio(s) 114E to primarily protect the radio(s) 114E from damage from an overvoltage condition.

[0047] In another embodiment, the first OVP device 114B and the third OVP device 114D may be used. In such a case, the second set of electrical power conductors 1141 electrically connects the radio(s) 114E to the third OVP device 114D. The first set of electrical power conductors 114F electrical connects the power source 114A to the first OVP device 114B. Either the third set of electrical power conductors 114G or the fourth set of electrical power conductors 114H electrically connects the first OVP device 114B to the third OVP device 114D. Overvoltage Protection Module

[0048] An OVP module will first be described. Some aspects of the OVP module are applicable to other OVP devices described herein

[0049] Figure IB illustrates a plan view of one embodiment of an OVP module which can be more readily inserted and removed (hereinafter OVP module) 100B. The OVP module 100B comprises OVP circuitry 101, a first connector 102a, a second connector 102b, a PCB 104, and an enclosure 106. The OVP circuitry 101 comprises at least one OVP circuit, e.g., at least two OVP circuits. Optionally, each OVP circuit may be a metal oxide varistor (MOV) or a gas discharge tube. Each OVP circuit comprises two electrical terminals. Optionally, one of the two electrical terminals is configured to be electrically connected to an external electrical ground, e.g., the Earth ground, to facilitate dissipation by the OVP circuit(s) of undesired electrical energy, e.g., from a lightning strike, e.g., to protect the radio(s) and/or the power source. Each OVP circuit is configured to create an electrical short circuit when a voltage across two electrical terminals of an OVP circuit exceeds a voltage threshold level (or short circuit voltage threshold level) corresponding to the OVP circuit. Each OVP circuit or each type of OVP circuit may have a different voltage threshold level.

[0050] The enclosure 106 comprises a cavity 112, a first end 106a, and a second end 106b. Optionally, the first end 106a is opposite the second end 106b. If the enclosure 106 comprises, at least in part, an electrical insulator, the enclosure 106 may be made, at least in part, from injection molded plastic.

[0051] Each of the first connector 102a and the second connector 102b provides an electromechanical interface to at least a first external electrical conductor and a second external electrical conductor of electrical power conductors of a power or hybrid cable. The power or hybrid cable may be configured to electrically connect the OVP module 100B (through a connector 102a, 102b) to the radio(s) or to the power source.

[0052] Each connector 102a, 102b may be made from electrical conductor(s) and/or electrical insulator(s). Optionally, a power or hybrid cable comprising the electrical power conductors further comprises the power ground electrical conductor (configured to be electrically connected to the external ground, e.g., Earth ground) and/or the conductive shield 113, 113’ (which may be configured to be electrically connected to the external ground, e.g., Earth ground). [0053] Optionally, a portion, e.g., an exterior lip, of one or both of the first connector 102a and the second connector 102b provides an electromechanical interface to the power ground electrical conductor and/or the conductive shield. The portion of the connector(s) is electrically connected to an optional conductive portion of an exterior surface of the enclosure 106 and/or to an optional ground electrical conductor connection (or ground electrical conductor connector) GECC (so that the power ground electrical conductor and/or the conductive shield are configured to be electrically connected to the external ground, e.g., the Earth ground). Each of the optional conductive portion of the exterior surface of the enclosure 106 and/or the ground electrical conductor connection GECC are configured to be electrically connected to an external ground, e.g., Earth ground. The conductive shield and/or the power ground electrical conductor may be each electrically connected to the internal electrical ground conductor.

[0054] The first connector 102a is mounted on the first end 106a of the enclosure 106. The second connector 102b is mounted on the second end 106b of the enclosure 106. The first connector 102a is configured to be receive a first external electrical conductor and a second external electrical conductor of first external electrical conductors (first electrical conductors) 110. The second connector 102b is configured to be receive a third external electrical conductor and a fourth external electrical conductor of second external electrical power conductors (second electrical conductors) 110’. Optionally, for the OVP module, the first external electrical conductors 110 may include at least one external optical fiber. For purposes of clarity, although the first and the second external electrical conductors 110, 110’ are illustrated in figures of OVP devices, the first and the second external electrical conductors 110, 110’ are not necessarily part of those OVP devices.

[0055] The enclosure 106, the first connector 102a, and the second connector 102b are configured to enclose, and thus protect from an external environment the components, e.g., PCB 104 and OVP circuitry 101. The enclosure 106 may be made of electrical conductor(s) and/or electrical insulator(s). Optionally, the electrical terminal of each OVP circuit of the OVP circuitry 101 is electrically connected to the optional electrical conductive portion of the surface of the enclosure 106 and/or to the optional ground electrical conductor connection GECC (so as to be configured to be electrically connected to the external ground, e.g., the Earth ground, through the electrical conductive portion and/or the ground electrical conductor connection GECC to permit dissipation, from the OVP circuitry 101, of undesired electrical energy, e.g., from a lightning strike). [0056] The OVP module 100B optionally includes the ground electrical conductor connection GECC. The optional ground electrical conductor connection GECC may be an electrical conductor such as a wire (insulated or uninsulated) or an external ground terminal. The external ground terminal may be an electrical socket, screw, or other electromechanical mechanism configured to electromechanically attach an external electrical conductor which provides an electrical connection to the external ground, e.g., Earth ground. The external ground terminal includes a portion that is electrically conductive and which can be electrically connected to the external ground, e.g., the Earth ground. The optional ground electrical conductor connection GECC may be used not only if the enclosure 106 comprises insulator(s) but also if the exterior of the enclosure 106 comprises conductor(s) including on an exterior surface of the enclosure 106.

[0057] Figure 1C illustrates a cross sectional view of one embodiment of an OVP module which can be more readily inserted and removed 100C. Exemplary electrically conductive vias 109a, 109b, each of which electrically connects an electrically conductive trace on the upper surface 104a of the PCB 104 or in the PCB 104 to an electrically conductive trace on the lower surface 104b of the PCB 104, are illustrated in Figure 1C. The upper surface 104a is opposite the lower surface 104b.

[0058] Optionally, the PCB 104 may be mounted in two optional slots 116a, 116b in opposite sides of an interior lip 107 of each connector 102a, 102b. The OVP circuitry 101 is mechanically mounted on the upper surface 104a; electrical conductors of the OVP circuitry are electrically connected to the PCB 104 through electrically conductive traces on and/or in the PCB 104, electrically conductive via holes in the PCB 104, and/or other electrical components electromechanically connected to the PCB 104.

[0059] Returning to Figure IB, the first external electrical conductors 110 are coupled to or through the first connector 102a. Each of a first electrical conductor (e.g., a line conductor) of the first external electrical conductors 110 (or a first pin from an external connector connected to the first electrical conductor) 110a and a second electrical conductor (e.g., a neutral conductor) of the first external electrical conductors 110 (or a second pin from the external connector connected to the first external electrical conductor) 110b are configured to be electrically connected to the OVP circuitry 101 through electrically conductive traces on the PCB 104, electrically conductive via holes in the PCB 104, and/or other electrical components electromechanically connected to the PCB 104. [0060] The second external electrical power conductors 110’ are coupled to or through the second connector 102b. Each of a first electrical conductor of the second external electrical power conductors 110’ (or a fourth pin from another external connector connected to the second electrical conductor) 110a’ and a second electrical conductor of the second external electrical power conductors (or a fifth pin from the other external connector connected to the second electrical conductor) 110b’ are configured to be electrically connected to the OVP circuitry 101 through electrically conductive traces on the PCB 104, electrically conductive via holes in the PCB 104, and/or other electrical components electromechanically connected to the PCB 104. An external connector means a connector configured to be connected to either the first connector 102a and/or the second connector 102b, and which may have conductive pins which protrude through the first connector 102a or the second connector 102b to make electrical contact with the PCB 104 or a terminal connector.

[0061] The first external electrical conductors 110 may comprise an optional first power ground electrical conductor. The optional first power ground electrical conductor (or a third pin, from the first connector 102a, connected to the optional first internal ground electrical conductor and/or the optional conductive shield) 110c may optionally be configured to be electrically connected to an electrical conductor (e.g., the optional conductive portion of the exterior of the enclosure 106 and/or the optional ground electrical conductor connection GECC) and/or the OVP circuitry 101 through electrically conductive traces on the PCB 104, electrically conductive via holes in the PCB 104, and/or other electrical components electromechanically connected to the PCB 104. The second external electrical power conductors 110’ may comprise an optional second power ground electrical conductor. The optional second internal ground electrical conductor (or a sixth pin, from the second connector 102b, connected to the optional second external electrical ground conductor and/or the optional conductive shield) 110c’ may optionally be configured to be electrically connected to an electrical conductor e.g., the optional conductive portion of the exterior of the enclosure 106 and/or the optional ground electrical conductor connection GECC) and/or the OVP circuitry 101 through electrically conductive traces on the PCB 104, electrically conductive via holes in the PCB 104, and/or other electrical components electromechanically connected to the PCB 104. The OVP circuitry 101 is also configured to be enclosed within the cavity 112.

[0062] Optionally, the power ground electrical conductor(s) and/or the conductive shield(s) surrounding the electrical power conductors (described elsewhere herein) are electrically connected, e.g., through one or both connectors 102a, 102b to the ground plane electrical conductor. Optionally, the ground plane electrical conductor is on the lower surface 104b of the PCB 104; optionally, an electrically conductive via through the PCB electrically connects the ground plane electrical conductor to each power ground electrical conductor and/or each conductive shield surrounding the electrical power conductors. Optionally, the ground plane electrical conductor is configured to be electrically connected to the internal electrical ground conductor.

[0063] Figure ID illustrates a plan view of another embodiment of an OVP module which can be more readily inserted and removed 100D. The OVP module 100D may be implemented as described for the OVP module 100B, except that one or more terminal connectors may be used. Optionally, each of the aforementioned electrical power conductors of the external electrical power conductors (or pins of external connectors) 110a, 110b may be electrically connected to the OVP circuitry 101 through a connector and a terminal connector. Figure ID illustrates an optional first terminal connector 103a and an optional second terminal connector 103b. Each terminal connector may be electromechanically connected to the PCB 104; electrically conductive traces on and/or in the PCB 104 electrically connect the terminal connectors 103a, 103b to the OVP circuitry 101. Each of a first external electrical conductor (or a first pin from an external connector) 110a and a second external electrical conductor (or a second pin from an external connector) 110b are configured to be attached to the terminal connector by electromechanical locking mechanism, e.g., a screw or spring connector. Optionally, the optional first internal ground electrical conductor (or a third pin from an external connector connected to the ground electrical conductor or conductive shield) 110c may be configured to be electrically connected - through one or both connectors 102a, 102b - to an electrical conductor (e.g., the optional conductive portion of the exterior of the enclosure 106 and/or the optional ground electrical conductor connection GECC) and/or the OVP circuitry 101 through electrically conductive traces on the PCB 104, electrically conductive via holes in the PCB 104, and/or other electrical components electromechanically connected to the PCB 104. Each optional terminal connector 103a, 103b is mounted on the PCB 104 and configured to be enclosed within the cavity 112. The first terminal connector 103a is configured to further facilitate electrical connection of a first external electrical conductor to the first electrical conductor and of a second external electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor. The second terminal connector 103b is configured to further facilitate electrical connection of a third external electrical conductor to the first electrical conductor and of a fourth external electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor.

[0064] Figure 1G illustrates a three dimensional perspective of one embodiment of an OVP module 100G. The illustrated OVP module 100G is show without an enclosure 106. However, other components utilize the same element numbers described with respect to other figures of the OVP modules described herein. Further, Figure 1G includes an optional external alarm conductor(s) 108’ which are electrically connected to the alarm conductor(s) described herein. [0065] Figure IE illustrates one perspective of one embodiment of a terminal connector 103’. The illustrated terminal connector 103’ comprises a first electrical socket 103 ’-1 and a second electrical socket 103 ’-2 in a body 103 ’-3 of the terminal connector 103’. Although only two electrical sockets are illustrated in Figure ID, the terminal connector 103’ may comprise three electrical sockets in the body 103 ’-3 of the terminal connector 103’. Each electrical socket is configured to receive a different external electrical conductor of electrical power conductors (or a different pin from an external connector). Each electrical socket comprises a conductor configured to be electrically connected to the received external electrical conductor or pin. An exterior of the body may comprise an electrical insulator and/or an electrical conductor.

[0066] Figure IF illustrates another perspective of one embodiment of the terminal connector 103’. The illustrated terminal connector 103’ further comprises a first terminal connector electrical conductor 103’-la, a second terminal connector electrical conductor 103’-2a, and one or more sets of one or more support members 103 ’-4. Figure IE illustrates four sets of support members.

[0067] The first terminal connector electrical conductor 103 ’-la is electrically connected to the conductor of the first electrical socket 103’-l. The second terminal connector electrical conductor 103’-2a is electrically connected to the conductor of the second electrical socket 103’-2. The first terminal connector electrical conductor 103’-la is configured to be inserted into and electrically connected to a first conductive via hole in the PCB 104; the first conductive via hole is electrically connected to the OVP circuitry 101, e.g., through first conductive trace(s). The second terminal connector electrical conductor 103 ’-lb is configured to be inserted into and electrically connected to a first conductive via hole in the PCB 104; the second conductive via hole is electrically connected to the OVP circuitry 101, e.g., through second conductive trace(s).

[0068] Each support member of each set of one or more support members is configured to be inserted into a via hole. The via hole may be conductive or insulating. Each support member of each set may be a conductor or an insulator. A support member that is a conductor may optionally be used to couple electrical ground to the terminal connector 103’ through a conductive via hole of the PCB 104. The electrical ground may optionally be electrically connected through the support member to the body 103 ’-3 or an external surface of the body 103 ’-3 to provide electromagnetic shielding for the terminal connector 103’.

[0069] Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of one embodiment of a connector 202. Optionally, the connector 202 may be used to implement the first connector 102a and/or the second connector 102b.

[0070] For pedagogical purposes, the connector 202 is illustrated as a female connector configured to be electromechanically attached to a male connector. Thus, the receptacles for electrical conductors, e.g., pins, of the male connector may be substituted for such electrical conductors if the connector 202 is to be a male connector configured to be electromechanically attached to a female connector.

[0071] The connector 202 comprises an exterior lip 220, a first receptacle 222a in the exterior lip 220, a second receptacle 222b in the body 221, and a flange 224 attached to or formed with the exterior lip 220. The flange 224, of each of the first connector 102a and the second connector 102b, is configured to be mechanically connected, or electromechanically connected (if the flange 224 and the enclosure 106 are conductive and intended to be electrically connected), e.g., by mechanical means such as by conductive or non-conductive screw(s), etc., by an adhesive such as by an electrically conductive or electrically insulating adhesive, or by any other connective means.

[0072] Optionally, the connector 202 further comprises a third receptacle 222c and/or at least one optical socket 226a, 226b, e.g., each of which is implemented with small form factor pluggable (SFP) socket. Each optional socket is configured to receive an optical plug, e.g., an SFP plug, terminating an optical fiber.

Returning to Figure 1A, optionally the OVP module comprises at least one optical fiber 111. Each of the at least one optical fiber I l l is configured to be optically coupled to external optical connectors, e.g., through optical connectors described herein. Each optical fiber is optically coupled to an optical socket in each of the first connector 102a and the second connector 102b. Each optical fiber permits transmission of optical communications signals. Each optical connector of the first connector is optically connected to a first end of a unique optical fiber. Each optical connector of the second connector is optically connected to a second end of the unique optical fiber.

[0073] Returning to Figure 2, the first receptacle 222a and the second receptacle 222b are configured to receive a corresponding electrically conductive pin electrically connected to respectively the first external electrical conductor and the second external electrical conductor. The optional third receptacle 222c is configured to receive an electrical conductor, e.g., a pin, electrically connected to the ground electrical conductor and/or the conductive shield surrounding the electrical power conductors.

[0074] Optionally, one or more of the receptacles may be an opening if a portion of the body contacting the body is an electrical insulator. Optionally, one or more receptacles may be an electrical conductor electrically isolated from the body (to avoid electrically shorting the body to the electrically conductive pin inserted into a corresponding receptacle) or electrically connected to the body (to purposefully electrically short the body to the electrically conductive pin inserted into a corresponding receptacle, e.g. to connect to electrical ground); in the case of the former, the electrically isolated electrical conductor may be connected to another electrical conductor, e.g., an electrical wire or trace.

[0075] The electrical conductors, or pins, of an external connector are configured to be attached to one of the first connector 102a or the second connector 102b (when such first or second connector is a female connector) and electrically connected (directly or indirectly) to the OVP circuitry 101 as described elsewhere herein. Optionally, electrically conductive receptacles receiving the electrical conductors, and not the electrical conductors, e.g., pins, of the external connector, are electrically conductive and electrically connected to the OVP circuitry 101 through traces on the PCB 104.

[0076] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of the OVP circuitry 301. As discussed above the OVP circuitry 301 comprises at least one OVP circuit and may be mounted on a PCB 304; optionally, the PCB 304 may comprise two or more electrical conductors 330a, 330b, 310c”.

[0077] The illustrated the OVP circuitry 301 comprises at least one line OVP circuit (e.g., a first line OVP circuit 331a) electrically connected between a first electrical conductor (or line conductor) 330a (configured to be electrically connected to the first external electrical conductor of the electrical power conductors) and an internal electrical ground conductor 310c”. The internal electrical ground conductor 310c” is configured to be electrically connected to the external ground (and optionally the conductive shield), e.g., by the techniques described elsewhere herein. Any optional, additional line OVP circuit (e.g., a second line OVP circuit 331c) is electrically connected in parallel with the first line OVP circuit 331a and between the first electrical conductor 330a and the internal electrical ground conductor 310c”. Optionally, the PCB 104 comprises all or part of the first electrical conductor 330a, all or part of the second electrical conductor 330b, and/or all or part of the internal electrical ground conductor 310c”.

[0078] The illustrated the OVP circuitry 101 further comprises at least one neutral OVP circuit electrically (e.g., a first neutral OVP circuit 331b) connected between a second electrical conductor (or neutral conductor) 330b (configured to be electrically connected to the second external electrical conductor of the electrical power conductors) and the internal electrical ground conductor 310c”. Any optional, additional neutral OVP circuit (e.g., a second line OVP circuit 33 Id) is electrically connected in parallel with the first neutral OVP circuit 331b and between the second electrical conductor 330b and the internal electrical ground conductor 310c”.

[0079] Because each OVP circuit has a finite life which is diminished when the OVP circuit is used to discharge energy, e.g., from a lightning strike. Each such discharge may be determined by measuring a temperature of the OVP circuitry, e.g., of one or more OVP circuits. When such a discharge occurs, a temperature - of the OVP circuit which affects such discharge - dramatically increases as the OVP circuit(s) convert some of each discharge into heat. By monitoring a number of the temperature increases (or excursions), of the OVP circuitry 101, or one or more of its constituent OVP circuits, above a temperature threshold level, a number of discharges can be tracked. The OVP circuitry 101 may have to be replaced upon an occurrence of a maximum number of discharges, e.g., as determined by temperature excursions. Such maximum number may be specified by law, regulation, and/or industry standard.

[0080] Optionally, the OVP circuitry 101 comprises alarm circuitry 333 and temperature circuitry 335. Optionally, the alarm circuitry 333 may be implement with processor circuitry communicatively coupled to memory circuitry.

[0081] The optional alarm circuitry 333 is configured to monitor a number of times the temperature threshold level has exceeded a temperature threshold level temperature based upon data provided by the optional temperature circuitry 335. Upon the number exceeding a counter threshold level, the optional alarm circuitry 333 generates an indication that the OVP module 100B, 100D needs to be replaced. Optionally, as illustrated in Figures IB and ID, such indication may be activating an optional visible light source (LS) 115, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), mounted in or on the enclosure 106 of the OVP module 100B, 100D; the optional visible light source is electrically connected to the OVP circuitry 101 which is configured to provide power, or transmit a control signal, to the optional visible light source to turn on the optional visible light source.

[0082] Returning to Figure 3, optionally, additionally or alternatively, such an indication may be an alarm signal transmitted by the optional alarm circuitry 333 through optional alarm conductor(s) (or alarm electrical conductor(s)) 308. The alarm signal is configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the OVP module 100B, 100D. Optionally, the alarm conductor(s) 308 may be electrically connected to the at least one radio which convey the alarm to a network operator, e.g., through a core network by communicating the alarm from the at least one radio, e.g., through a common public radio interface (CPRI) or a similar interface, to the core network.

[0083] The optional temperature circuitry 335 may be temperature sensor(s) and/or thermally activated switch(es). A temperature sensor is configured to measure temperature. A thermally activated switch is configured to indicate that a temperature of the thermally activated switch has exceeded a temperature threshold level. A thermally activated switch may be implemented with a mechanical spring whose spring constant increases with temperature and is configured to close or open an electrical switch when a temperature of the thermally activate switch, e.g., the mechanical spring, exceeds a certain temperature. Optionally, one temperature sensor and/or one thermally activated switch may be used to respectively indicate a temperature of the OVP circuitry 101 or indicate whether a temperature of the OVP circuitry 101 has exceeded the temperature threshold level. Optionally, more than one temperature sensor and/or more than one thermally activated switch may be used to provide redundancy (in the event a temperature sensor or a thermally activated electromechanical switch has failed). The optional alarm circuitry 333 may optionally utilize averaging of temperatures received from temperature sensor(s), and optionally, may exclude received temperature(s) which are outlier(s) (i.e., is greater than a first temperature level or is less than a second threshold level). The alarm circuitry 333 may optionally utilize voting mechanism to determine whether a temperature of the OVP circuitry 101 has exceeded the temperature threshold level based upon data from two or more thermally activated switches. Optionally, a temperature sensor and/or a thermally activated electromechanical switch may be placed adjacent to each OVP circuit of the OVP circuitry 301.

[0084] Each time the optional alarm circuitry 333 determines that the temperature of the OVP circuitry 101 has exceeded the temperature threshold level, the alarm circuitry 333 increments a counter and determines if a number of counts of the counter equals or exceeds a counter threshold level. If the number of counts equals or exceeds the counter threshold level, then the OVP circuitry 101, e.g., the alarm circuitry 333, issues an alarm, e.g., causing the optional visible light source to be illuminated and/or transmitting the alarm signal. The optional alarm circuitry 333 determines that the temperature of the OVP circuitry 101 has exceeded the temperature threshold level by determining that an indication of temperature (received from the temperature sensor(s) is equal or has exceeded the temperature threshold level and/or by receiving an indication that that a temperature of thermally activated switch(es) have exceeded the temperature threshold level

[0085] Figure 1A illustrates an exemplary, optional visible light source (LS) 115 and optional alarm conductor(s) 108, each of which is electrically connected to the OVP circuitry 101. The visible light source 115 may be mounted on or through the enclosure 106. The optional alarm conductor(s) 108 may extend through the enclosure 106 and terminate, e.g., at the at least one radio or with electrical conductors electrically connected to the at least one radio. Alternatively, the optional alarm conductor(s) 108 may be electromechanically connected to a first electromechanical terminal ET1, e.g., a screw or socket, to which other electrical conductor(s) may be electromechanically connected to electrically connect the first electromechanical terminal ET1 to, e.g., the at least one radio. The first electromechanical terminal ET1 may be mounted on or through the enclosure 106. The first electrical terminal is configured to be electrically connected a component remote from the OVP module

[0086] Optionally, the ground electrical conductor connection GECC may be mounted on or through the enclosure 106, and electrically connected to a third internal electrical ground conductor 110c”, and thus the OVP circuits; optionally the ground electrical conductor connection GECC is configured to be electrically connected to the conductive shield. Optionally, the third internal electrical ground conductor 110c” is electrically connected to the electrical ground conductor 110c, the first internal electrical ground conductor 110c, the second internal electrical ground conductor 110c’, and/or to a portion, e.g., the exterior lip 220, of one or both of the first and second connectors 102a, 102b. The ground electrical conductor connection GECC is configured to provide an optional means of coupling the internal electrical ground conductor 110c”, e.g., the OVP circuitry 101, and thus the OVP circuits, to an external ground, e.g., Earth ground.

[0087] Figure 4 illustrates a pictorial of one embodiment of OVP circuits mounted on and perpendicular to the PCB 404. The illustrated OVP circuits 431a, 43 lb, 431c, and 43 Id may be metal oxide varistors. Further, Figure 4 illustrates exemplary terminal connectors 403a, 403b.

[0088] Figure 5 illustrates a pictorial of one embodiment of OVP circuits mounted on and parallel to the PCB 504. The illustrated OVP circuits 531a, 53 lb, may be metal oxide varistors. Further, Figure 5 illustrates exemplary terminal connectors 503a, 503b.

[0089] Figure 6 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 660 for determining when an OVP module should be replaced. For pedagogical reasons, the method 660 of Figure 6 is illustrate with respect to the OVP module; however, the method 660 of Figure 6 is applicable to any type of OVP device. To the extent that the methods shown in any Figures are described herein as being implemented with any of the systems illustrated herein, it is to be understood that other embodiments can be implemented in other ways. The blocks of the flow diagrams have been arranged in a generally sequential manner for ease of explanation; however, it is to be understood that this arrangement is merely exemplary, and it should be recognized that the processing associated with the methods (and the blocks shown in the Figures) can occur in a different order (for example, where at least some of the processing associated with the blocks is performed in parallel and/or in an event-driven manner). Optionally, the method may be performed by the apparatus described elsewhere herein.

[0090] In block 660A, temperature data is received. The temperature data may be one or more temperatures measured, e.g., by temperature sensor(s), in the OVP module, e.g., adjacent to each of one or more OVP circuits, and/or an indication that the temperature in the OVP module, e.g., at one or more OVP circuits, has exceeded a temperature threshold. Then, proceed to optional block 660B or to block 660C

[0091] Optionally, in optional block 660B, if the temperature data includes measured temperatures, then the determine whether the measured temperatures exceed a temperature threshold. In block 660C, increment or decrement a counter, e.g., in the alarm circuitry; if the temperature data includes the measured temperature, then only upon the temperature exceeding the temperature threshold level is the count is incremented or decremented. The counter indicates a number of times the temperature at the OVP module, e.g, at one or more OVP circuits, has exceeded a temperature threshold.

[0092] In block 660D, whether a count of the counter respectively exceeds (when incrementing) or is less than (when decrementing) a counter threshold level is determined. Optionally, the counter threshold level is an integer number greater than zero and may be specified by law, regulation, and/or industry standard. If the count of the counter is respectively greater than (when incrementing) or less than (when decrementing) the counter threshold level, then in block 660E an alarm indicator is generated, e.g., by the alarm circuitry. The alarm indicator indicates that the OVP module needs to be replaced. Optionally, if the count of the counter is respectively not greater than (when incrementing) or not less than (when decrementing) the counter threshold level, then proceed to block 660A.

[0093] Optionally, the alarm indicator includes illuminating a visible light source, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), on or in the OVP module (e.g., generating visible light on an exterior of the OVP module, e.g., the enclosure) and/or transmitting an alarm electrical signal, e.g., to an alarm monitoring system as described elsewhere herein. If the count of the counter has not exceeded the counter threshold level, then return to block 660A.

OVP Power Cable

[0094] Figure 7A illustrates a plan view of one embodiment of an OVP electrical power cable 770A. The illustrated OVP electrical power cable 770A comprises OVP circuitry 701, a first connector 702a, a second connector 702b, a PCB 704, an enclosure 706, and a cable 778. Optionally, the OVP electrical power cable 770A comprises a mechanical cap or seal which provides to isolate the interior of the enclosure 706 from the external environment. The PCB 704 has an upper surface 704a. The enclosure comprises a cavity 712, a first end 706a, and a second end 706b. Optionally, alarm conductor(s) 708 are electrically coupled to the OVP circuitry 701 and provide the functionality described herein for other types of OVP devices. The first connector 702a is configured to receive a first external electrical conductors (first electrical conductors) 710 described elsewhere herein for other types of OVP devices. The second connector 702b is configured to receive a second external electrical power conductors (second electrical conductors) 710’ described elsewhere herein for other types of OVP devices. The first external electrical conductors 710 may optionally comprise a first ground shield 713; the second external electrical conductors 710’ may optionally comprise a second ground shield 713’. The first and the second external electrical conductors 710, 710' are not necessarily part of the OVP electrical power cable 770A. An internal ground electrical conductor 710c” electrically couples the OVP circuitry 701 to an external electrical ground through one or both of the first connector 702a and/or the second connector 702b, and/or through the ground electrical conductor connector GECC. Optionally, a visible light source 715 may be mounted in or on the enclosure 706 and electrically coupled to the OVP circuitry 701; the visible light source 715 may be configured to operate as described herein for other types of OVP devices.

[0095] The cable comprises a first cable electrical conductor (e.g., a line cable electrical conductor and configured to be electrically connected to the line electrical conductor) comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a second cable electrical conductor (e.g., a neutral cable electrical conductor and configured to be electrically connected to the neutral electrical conductor) comprising a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end. Optionally, the cable comprises a third cable electrical conductor (e.g., a ground cable electrical conductor configured to be electrically connected to the internal electrical ground conductor) comprising a fifth end and a sixth end opposite the fifth end.

[0096] The OVP electrical power cable 770A of Figure 7A differs from the OVP modules 100B, 100D by the inclusion of the cable 778 between PCB 704 and the second connector 702b. The cable 778 is configured to provide electrical power and comprises electrical conductors to do so. The cable 778, which has flexibility, provides the OVP electrical power cable 770A more mechanical flexibility to permit the OVP electrical power cable 770A to be utilized where external electrical power conductors may be unable to connect to both sides of the OVP module 100B, 100D. The additional mechanical flexibility is at a cost of adding the cable.

[0097] Due to its similarity to the OVP modules 100B, 100D, the OVP electrical power cable 770A may be implemented with numerous techniques described herein for the OVP modules 100B, 100D of Figures IB and ID; such techniques will not be repeated for sake of brevity. Similar element numbers commencing with the number 7, rather than the number 1, represent the same elements described above with respect to Figures IB and ID. Such elements may be optional as described elsewhere herein, including without limitation for the OVP modules 100B, 100D. Further, for purposes of clarity, the OVP electrical power cable 770A may optionally be configured to implement method 660 described elsewhere herein.

[0098] Returning to Figure 7A, the cable 778 comprises electrical conductors and couples electrical power through the electrical conductors between the second connector 702b and the PCB 704. The OVP circuitry 701 comprises at least one OVP circuit. Each OVP circuit is implemented and operates as described elsewhere herein with respect to the OVP module 100B.

[0099] The cable 778 comprises two electrical conductors 778a, 778b, three electrical conductors 778a, 778b, 778c, or more than three electrical conductors. Some or all of the electrical conductors (e.g., a first electrical conductor 778a, a second electrical conductor 778b, and/or a third electrical conductor 778c) are electrically connected to corresponding electrical conductive traces of the PCB 704 (e.g., respectively a first electrical conductive trace 710a, a second electrical conductive trace 710b, (and a third electrical conductive trace 710c)). Optionally, a first conductive electrical port 772a, a second conductive electrical port 772b, and/or a third conductive electrical port 772c are mounted on, e.g., of the second end 706b, the PCB 704. The first conductive electrical port 772a, the second conductive electrical port 772b, (and the optional third conductive electrical port 772c) are respectively electrically connected to the first electrical conductive trace 710a, the second electrical conductive trace 710b, (and the third electrical conductive trace 710c). Optionally, each electrical conductor of the cable 778 is electrically connected to a corresponding electrical conductive trace of the PCB 704 through a corresponding conductive electrical port 772a, 772b, 772c attached to an edge, e.g., of the second end 706b, of the PCB 704. Optionally, each conductive port is configured to have an opening configured to receive the corresponding electrical conductor and a set screw for securing the corresponding electrical conductor in the conductive port. Further, optionally, each electrical conductor of the cable 778 is electrically connected to a corresponding electrical conductive trace and/or other electrical conductor (e.g., electrically conductive via hole(s)) of the PCB 704 through a terminal connector described with respect to Figure ID.

[0100] Each of the first electrical conductive trace 710a and the second electrical conductive trace 710b are respectively electrically connected to respective electrical conductors of the OVP module (through electrically conductive traces on the PCB 704, electrically conductive via holes in the PCB 704, and/or other electrical components electromechanically connected to the PCB 704). The optional third electrical conductive trace 710c is connected (through electrically conductive traces on the PCB 704, electrically conductive via holes in the PCB 704, and/or other electrical components electromechanically connected to the PCB 704) to an electrical conductor (e.g., the conductive portion of the exterior surface of the enclosure 706, the ground electrical conductor connection GECC), the OVP circuitry 101 through electrically conductive traces on the PCB 704, electrically conductive via holes in the PCB 704, and/or other electrical components electromechanically connected to the PCB 704. Optionally, the enclosure partially encloses an end of the cable 778, electrically connected to the PCB 704, to shield the end from the environment.

[0101] Figure 7B illustrates a plan view of another embodiment of an OVP electrical power cable 770B. This other embodiment of an OVP electrical power cable 770B is implemented similar to the embodiment of the OVP electrical power cable 770A illustrated in Figure 7A, except that each of the first connector 702a and the second connector 702b are each electrically connected to the PCB 104 through a cable (respectively the first cable 778’ and the second cable 778”). Each such cable is configured to provide electrical power and comprises electrical conductors to do so. Because two cables are utilized, the OVP electrical power cable 770B of Figure 7B has even more mechanical flexibility than either the OVP electrical power cable 770A of Figure 7A and the OVP modules of Figures IB and ID. This permits the OVP electrical power cable 770A to be utilized where external electrical power conductors may be unable to connect to both sides of the OVP module 100B, 100D or the OVP electrical power cable 770A of Figure 7A. The additional mechanical flexibility is at a cost of adding two cables.

[0102] Due to its similarity to the OVP modules 100B, 100D and the OVP electrical power cable 770A of Figure 7A, the OVP electrical power cable 770B of Figure 7B may be implemented with numerous techniques described herein for the OVP modules 100B, 100D and the OVP electrical power cable 770A. The first cable 778’ comprises two electrical conductors 778a’, 778b’, three electrical conductors 778a’, 778b’, 778c’, or more than three electrical conductors. Some or all of the electrical conductors (e.g., a first electrical conductor 778a’ and a second electrical conductor 778b’ (and optionally a third electrical conductor 778c’)) are electrically connected to corresponding electrical conductive traces of the PCB 704 (e.g., respectively a first electrical conductive trace 710a, a second electrical conductive trace 710b, (and an optional third electrical conductive trace 710c)). Optionally, a first conductive electrical port 772a, a second conductive electrical port 772b, and/or a third conductive electrical port 772c are mounted on, e.g., of the second end 706b, the PCB 704. The first conductive electrical port 772a’, the second conductive electrical port 772b’, (and the optional third conductive electrical port 772c’) are respectively electrically connected to the first electrical conductive trace 710a and the second electrical conductive trace 710b (and the optional third electrical conductive trace 710c). Optionally, each electrical conductor of the first cable 778’ is electrically connected to a corresponding electrical conductive trace of the PCB 704 by a corresponding conductive electrical port 772a’, 772b’, 772c’ attached to an edge, e.g., of the second end 706b, of the PCB 704.

[0103] The second cable 778” comprises two electrical conductors 778a”, 778b’, three electrical conductors 778a”, 778b”, 778c”, or more than three electrical conductors. Some or all of the electrical conductors (e.g., a fourth electrical conductor 778a” and a fifth electrical conductor 778b” (and an optional sixth electrical conductor 778c”) are electrically connected to corresponding electrical conductive traces of the PCB 704 e.g., respectively a fourth electrical conductive trace 710a’ and a fifth electrical conductive trace 710b’ (and an optional sixth electrical conductive trace 710c’)). Optionally, a fourth conductive electrical port 772a” and a fifth conductive electrical port 772b” (and an optional sixth conductive electrical port 772c”) are mounted on, e.g., of the second end 706b, the PCB 704. The fourth conductive electrical port 772a” and the fifth conductive electrical port 772b”, (and the optional sixth conductive electrical port 772c’ ’) are respectively electrically connected to the fourth electrical conductive trace 710a’ and the fifth electrical conductive trace 710b’, (and the sixth electrical conductive trace 710c’). Optionally, each electrical conductor of the second cable 778” is electrically connected to a corresponding electrical conductive trace of the PCB 704 by a corresponding conductive electrical port 772a”, 772b”, 772c” attached to an edge, e.g., of the second end 706b, of the PCB 704 or by a terminal connector (as described above with respect to Figure ID).

[0104] Optionally, a cap or a washer 779, 779a, 779b, may be mechanically attached to a corresponding end of the enclosure and/or a corresponding cable (or the cable’s electrical conductors) protruding through an opening in the corresponding end of the enclosure. The cap or washer provides a mechanical seal to protect the electrical contents of the enclosure from being exposed to the environment, e.g., water.

[0105] Figure 7C illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of an OVP electrical power cable 770C. The illustrated OVP electrical power cable is similar to the implementation of the OVP electrical power cable illustrated in Figure 7 A. Components utilize the same element numbers described with respect to other figures of the OVP electrical power cables found herein.

OVP Hybrid Cable

[0106] Figure 8A illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of an OVP hybrid cable 880A. A hybrid cable comprises one or more sets of electrical conductors and one or more optical fibers. Some components of the OVP unit 880B have been described elsewhere herein, and have similar element descriptors, except that the first number begins with a number 8. An electrical ground conductor 883 is electrically connected to an OVP unit is described elsewhere herein; the electrical ground conductor 883 is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical ground, e.g., an Earth ground.

[0107] The electrical conductors are used to convey electrical power, e.g., direct current or alternating current electrical power. The optical fibers are used to convey data modulated on optical signals.

[0108] The illustrated OVP hybrid cable 880A comprises an optical connector 881, an electrical power connector 882, one or more optical fibers 886, one or more sets of electrical conductors 884, and one or more OVP units. The OVP hybrid cable 880A comprises a trunk section which contains both the one or more optical fibers 886 and the one or more sets of electrical conductors 884. The one or more sets of electrical conductors 884 are electrically connected to the electrical power connector 882. The one or more optical fibers 886 are optically connected to the optical connector 881. The optical connector 881 is configured to provide an optical connection between one or more optical fibers 886 and one or more corresponding optical ports of another device, e.g., a processing system or circuitry, e.g., a server, communications system, or baseband unit. Each optical fiber is terminated with an optical connector 885a-885h. Each optical connector 885a-885h is configured to be optically coupled to an optical input of a radio.

[0109] The OVP hybrid cable 880A comprises a segment 889 including a segment of each of the one or more optical fibers 886 and a segment of each of the one or more electrical conductors 884. An insulator 889A, e.g., a plastic, covers the segment 889.

[0110] Each set 884a, 884b, 884c, 884d of the one or more sets of electrical conductors 884 comprises a line conductor and neutral conductors, and optionally a ground conductor. Optionally, each set 884a, 884b, 884c, 884d of the one or more sets of electrical conductors 884 is configured to be electrically coupled to a direct current (DC) power input of a radio.

[OHl] The one or more OVP units may be placed in different locations of the OVP hybrid cable 880A. Optional location A of the one or more OVP units is electrically connected between the electrical power connector 882 and the one or more sets of electrical conductors. Optional location B is a first end of the trunk section 887 of the OVP hybrid cable 880A. Optional location D is a second end of the trunk section 887 of the OVP hybrid cable 880A, where the first and second ends are opposite one another. Each of the one or more OVP units is placed electrically in series with a unique set of electrical conductors. Optional location C is between the first and the second ends of the trunk section 887 of the OVP hybrid cable 880A. Thus, each set of electrical conductors has an OVP unit electrically connected in series with the set.

[0112] Figure 8B illustrates one embodiment of an OVP unit 880B. Operation of the OVP unit is described elsewhere herein for other OVP devices. The OVP unit 880B may be implemented using techniques described elsewhere herein for other OVP devices, including interfacing electrical conductors to the PCB 804. Components of the OVP unit 880B have been described elsewhere herein, and have similar element descriptors, except that the first number begins with a number 8. Each set of electrical conductors of the OVP hybrid cable 880A has an OVP unit 880B connected between, e.g., a first portion 888a of, a set of electrical conductors and an electrical connector 886, e.g., at location A, or connected in series in between the first portion 888a of the set of electrical conductors and a second portion 888b of the set of electrical conductors, e.g., at locations B, C, or D.

[0113] Thus, optionally, one or more, e.g., each, of the sets 884a, 884b, 884c, 884d (of the one or more sets of electrical conductors 884 of the OVP hybrid cable 880A, may each be separated into a first portion 888a of a set of electrical conductors and a second portion 888b of the set of electrical conductors. Optionally, at location A, a first electrical power conductor 887a, a second electrical power conductor 887b, and an optional power ground electrical conductor 887cof external electrical conductors are electrically connected either through the electrical connector 886 to conductors of the PCB 804. The electrical connector 886 may or may not be part of the OVP unit 880B. The first electrical power conductor 887a’, the second electrical power conductor 887b’, and an optional power ground electrical conductor 887c’ of a set of the electrical conductors 884 of the OVP hybrid cable 880A are electrically connected to conductors of the PCB 804.

[0114] In locations B, C, and D, a first electrical power conductor 887a, a second electrical power conductor 887b, and an optional power ground electrical conductor of a first portion of 888a of a set of electrical conductors of the sets of electric conductors 884 of the OVP hybrid cable 880A are electrically connected to conductors of the PCB 804; a first electrical power conductor 887a’, a second electrical power conductor 887b’, and an optional power ground electrical conductor 887c’ of a first portion of 888a of a set of electrical conductors of the sets of electric conductors 884 of the OVP hybrid cable 880A are electrically connected to conductors of the PCB 804.

[0115] Optionally, the enclosure 806 may be the same material, e.g., an insulator, used to form an exterior of a connector (to which the OVP unit is physically adjacent) or covering at least a portion of the OVP hybrid cable 880A, e.g., the trunk section 887; such material and its formation has been described elsewhere herein for at least one other OVP device.

[0116] The OVP unit 880B comprises OVP circuitry 801 is mounted on and electrically connected to the PCB 804. Optionally, the OVP unit 880B comprises one or more terminal connectors which may be used to electrically connect the electrical power conductors to conductors of the PCB 804.

[0117] Optionally, the OVP unit 880B further comprises a visible light source 815, an alarm conductor(s) 108, and/or an electrical ground conductor 883. Optionally, each of the visible light source 815, the alarm conductor(s) 108, and/or a ground conductor 883 is electrically connected to the OVP circuitry 101. The ground conductor 883 is configured to be electrically connected to an external ground, e.g., Earth ground.

Electrical Power Distribution with OVP and Optical Signal Distribution Enclosure

[0118] Figure 9A illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of an exterior of an electrical power distribution with overvoltage protection and optical signal distribution enclosure (OVP enclosure) 990A. Optionally, the OVP enclosure may be used to couple electrical power from a power supply through an external hybrid cable (described elsewhere herein) to a radio, and to couple optical signals between the radio and a baseband unit. The illustrated OVP enclosure comprises an enclosure 906, an at least two electrical power inputs port 992, an at least two optical fibers port 993, four OVP circuitries 901 A, 901B, 901C, 901D, and four electrical power and optical ports (electrical P & O ports) 996A, 996B, 996C, 996D. An at least two electrical power inputs port is configured to receive at least two external electrical power, e.g., from at least two pair of external electrical conductors. Other embodiments may include more than one at least two electrical power inputs port and/or more than one at least two optical fibers port and/or two or more electrical power and optical ports. Optionally, an at least two optical fibers port may be implemented with a with a receptacle configured to receive a multi-fiber push on (MPO) connector. Each electrical power and optical port is configured to be electrically connected to one pair of external line and neutral electrical conductors and an external optical fiber; optionally, one or more of the electrical power and optical ports is configured to be electrically connected to an external ground conductor. The pair of external line and neutral electrical conductors, the optional external ground conductor, and the external optical fiber are not part of the OVP enclosure 990A, are external to the OVP enclosure 990A, and configured to be connected to a radio. Although a single port is illustrated for pedagogical purposes to serve as an interface to external electrical conductors and an external optical fiber, a separate connector for electrical power and a separate connector for optical signals can be used. Each OVP circuitry 901 A, 901B, 901C, 901D may be implemented as described elsewhere herein.

[0119] Each enclosure of each type of OVP device described herein forms a cavity inside of the enclosure. Thus, enclosure 906 forms a cavity 912 inside of the enclosure 906. The enclosures described herein for different types of OVP devices may be electrically insulative, electrically conductor, or a mix of both. Each OVP circuitry is contained inside of the enclosure and is in the corresponding cavity of each type of OVP device.

[0120] The at least two electrical power inputs port 992, the at least two optical fibers port 993, and the four electrical power and optical ports 996A, 996B, 996C, 996D are mounted in the enclosure 906. The four OVP circuitries 901A, 901B, 901C, 901D, line electrical conductors 993 A, 993B, 993C, 993D, the neutral electrical conductors 995A, 995B, 995C, 995D, the optical fibers, 911 A, 91 IB, 911C, 91 ID, and the internal ground electrical conductors 910c are located within the enclosure 906. The optional alarm conductor(s) 908A, 908B, 908C, 908D are located within, through, and/or outside of the enclosure 906. The optional light source(s) are located on the enclosure 906. Figure 9A illustrates a separate optional visible light source 115A, 115B, 115C, 115D each of which is electrically coupled to a corresponding unique OVP circuitry 901 A, 901B, 901C, 901D; thus, each light source indicated specific OVP circuity which need be replaced; this technique can be implemented in other types of OVP devices, e.g., illustrated herein. Each of the four visible light sources 115A, 115B, 115C, 115D is mounted in or on the enclosure 906. Alternatively, a single light source may be mounted in or on the enclosure 906 and electrically coupled to each OVP circuitry; this technique can also be implemented in other types of OVP devices, e.g., illustrated herein. The single light source indicates that the OVP enclosure needs to be replaced. The optional ground electrical conductor connection GECC is located on and/or in the enclosure 906.

[0121] The OVP enclosure 990A is configured to distribute electrical power received at each at least two electrical power inputs port from a cable which includes more than one pair of an external line electrical conductor and an external neutral electrical conductor; optionally the electrical power cable includes an external ground electrical conductor. The electrical power received at the OVP enclosure 990A from a unique pair of an external line electrical conductor and an external neutral electrical conductor through an at least two electrical power inputs port is distributed to unique OVP circuitry in the OVP enclosure 990A. Such cable may be an electrical power cable (with at least two pairs of line and neutral electrical conductors) or a hybrid cable (with at least two pairs of external line and neutral electrical conductors) described elsewhere herein. Each OVP circuity is further configured to be electrically coupled to the external ground electrical conductor, e.g., through the internal ground electrical conductor 910c. Further, each OVP circuity is configured to operate as described elsewhere herein including having optional functionality such as alarm circuitry described elsewhere herein. In the event an alarm is used, the OVP enclosure may include a visible light source (LS) configured to optically indicate an alarm and/or alarm conductors configured to convey an alarm signal (as described elsewhere herein). If a single visible light source is used, then the single visible light source is illuminated when one or more of the OVP circuitry need be replaced. A single set of alarm conductors may be used to indicate through an alarm signal that the OVP enclosure 990A needs to be replaced or may convey information (e.g., OVP circuitry identifiers) indicating one or more specific OVP circuitry need to be replaced. Figure 9A illustrates using one optional visible light source 115x and/or one optional set of alarm conductor(s) 908x electrically coupled to each OVP circuitry 90 lx and used to provide an alarm signal to indicate when a corresponding OVP circuitry 90 lx, to which the visible light source and/or set of alarm conductors are electrically coupled, needs to be replaced. This technique can be utilized by different types of OVP devices, e.g., illustrated herein. Alternatively, a single alarm conductor can be electrically coupled to each OVP circuitry 90 lx, and used to provide an alarm signal indicating that the OVP enclosure needs to be replaced; this technique can be utilized by different types of OVP devices, e.g., illustrated herein. Optionally, the OVP enclosure 990A includes an optional ground electrical conductor connection GECC electrically coupled to the internal ground electrical conductor 910c for the reasons described elsewhere herein.

[0122] The OVP enclosure 990A is further configured to distribute optical signals, received at each at least two optical fibers port from a cable which includes more than one external optical fibers, to different electrical power and optical ports configured to receive an optical connector connected to a single external optical fiber. Such cable may be an optical fiber cable comprising two or more external optical fibers or a hybrid cable (with two or more external optical fibers) described elsewhere herein.

[0123] The at least two optical fibers port 993 is configured to receive two or more external optical fibers. Each external optical fiber is optically coupled through the at least two optical fibers port 993 to a unique electrical power and optical port 996x, e.g., through a corresponding unique optical fiber 91 lx. Thus, optical signals conveyed on a unique external optical fiber are optically conveyed to a unique single optical fiber port 994x.

[0124] The at least two electrical power inputs port 992 is configured to receive two or more pairs of an external line electrical conductor and an external neutral electrical conductor, and optionally an external ground electrical conductor. Each pair of an external line electrical conductor and an external neutral electrical conductor, and the ground electrical conductor, are electrically coupled from the at least two electrical power inputs port 992 to unique OVP circuitry 90 lx, e.g., through a corresponding pair of an internal line electrical conductor 993x and an internal neutral electrical conductor 995x, and an internal ground electrical conductor 910c. A line electrical output and neutral electrical output, and optionally an electrical ground port, of the unique OVP circuitry 90 lx are also electrically connected to a unique electrical power and optical port 996x.

[0125] Figure 9B illustrates a diagram of another embodiment of an electrical power distribution with overvoltage protection and optical signal distribution enclosure (OVP enclosure) 990B. The diagram is of an exterior of the other embodiment of the OVP enclosure 990B. Optionally, the OVP enclosure 990B may be used to couple electrical power from a power supply through an external hybrid cable (described elsewhere herein) to a radio, and to couple optical signals between the radio and a baseband unit. Optionally, the OVP enclosure 990B includes an optional ground electrical conductor connection GECC electrically coupled to an internal ground electrical conductor (as illustrated in other embodiment) for the reasons described elsewhere herein. Optionally, the OVP enclosure 990B may include visible light source(s) and/or set(s) of alarm electrical conductors (as illustrated in other embodiment) for the reasons described elsewhere herein.

[0126] The embodiment illustrated in Figure 9B may be implement similarly as described with respect to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9A, except that each electrical power and optical port is replaced by a separate electrical power port 997x and a separate optical port 994x. Each electrical power port 997x is configured to be connected to external line and neutral electrical conductors, and optionally to an external ground electrical conductor, e.g., electrically coupled to a radio. Each optical port 994x is configured to be optically coupled to an optical fiber, e.g., optically coupled to the radio.

[0127] Figure 10 illustrates a diagram of yet another embodiment of an electrical power distribution with overvoltage protection and optical signal distribution enclosure (OVP enclosure) 1000. The OVP enclosure 1000 encloses a cavity 1019. Optionally, the OVP enclosure 1000 may be used to couple electrical power from each of two or more of sets of external electrical conductors to another set of external electrical conductors, and to couple optical signals between each of two or more of external optical fibers to another external optical fiber. In this embodiment, a first internal optical fiber 1011 A optically couples a first optical port 1094A and a second optical port 1094B. A second internal optical fiber 101 IB optically couples a third optical port 1094C and a fourth optical port 1094D. A first electrical power port 1097A is electrically coupled to a second electrical power port 1097B through a first set of internal electrical conductors 1011 A, first OVP circuitry 1001 A, and a second set of internal electrical conductors 101 IB. A third electrical power port 1097C is electrically coupled to a fourth electrical power port 1097D through a third set of internal electrical conductors 1011CA, second OVP circuitry 100 IB, and a fourth set of internal electrical conductors 101 IB. Each set of internal and external electrical conductors comprises line and neutral electrical conductor, and optionally a ground electrical conductor. The electrical power ports and the optical ports are mounted in the enclosure 1006 which encloses the internal optical fibers, the internal electrical conductors, and the OVP circuitry. Optionally, the OVP circuity are implemented as described elsewhere herein. Optionally, the OVP enclosure 990B includes an optional ground electrical conductor connection GECC electrically coupled to an internal ground electrical conductor (as illustrated in other embodiment) for the reasons described elsewhere herein. Optionally, the OVP enclosure 990B may include visible light source(s) and/or set(s) of alarm electrical conductors (as illustrated in other embodiment) for the reasons described elsewhere herein.

Alarm Radio

[0128] Optionally, any OVP device, e.g., described elsewhere herein, can convey the alarm signal through an alarm radio rather than exclusively through alarm conductor(s) as illustrated elsewhere herein. Thus, the OVP device may comprise other components illustrated in the other embodiments described herein. The alarm signal is configured to indicated that an OVP device or specific OVP circuitry in the OVP device (which may comprise more than one OVP circuitry) needs to be replaced.

[0129] Figure 11 illustrates one embodiment of an OVP device 1101 comprising OVP circuitry 1101 A communicatively, e.g., electrically and/or optically, coupled to an OVP radio 1111. Although one OVP circuitry 1101 A is illustrated in Figure 11, the OVP device may comprise more than one OVP circuitry as illustrated in other embodiments herein. If the OVP device comprises more than one OVP circuitry, each OVP circuitry may be communicatively coupled to an OVP radio by a unique set of one or more alarm conductors. Each OVP circuitry, e.g., OVP circuitry 1101 A, may comprise temperature and alarm circuitry described elsewhere herein.

[0130] Optionally the OVP radio 1111 may be a local area network (LAN), a personal area network (PAN), and/or a wide area network (WAN) radio. Optionally, a LAN radio may be compliant with the IEEE802.11 standard. Optionally, a PAN radio may be compliant with a Bluetooth or Zigbee standard. Optionally, a WAN radio is a cellular or fixed wireless access (FWA) radio configured to communicate with user equipment or consumer premises equipment; optionally a WAN radio may be compliant with 4G, 5G, or other wireless communications standards. Thus, the OVP radio 1111 may communicate with an alarm monitoring system 1113 through at least one of a wide area network, a local area network, and a personal area network.

[0131] Optionally, the OVP circuitry 1101 A, e.g., alarm circuitry, is electrically coupled to the OVP radio 1111 through alarm electrical conductor(s) (alarm conductor(s)) 1108. The OVP radio 1111 is configured to wirelessly communicate alarm signal(s) from the OVP circuitry 1101 A through a communications link to another radio communicatively coupled to an alarm monitoring system 1113. The generation of alarm signal(s) is described elsewhere herein.

[0132] Optionally, a LAN or PAN (LAN/PAN) radio 1112a attached to or part of a first WAN radio 1112. The first WAN radio 1112 may be a cellular or fixed wireless access radio configured to communicate with user equipment or consumer premises equipment. The first WAN radio 1112 is wirelessly communicatively coupled with the OVP radio 1111 through a first communications link 1114A. The first WAN radio 1112 is communicatively coupled with a baseband unit (BBU) 1115 through a second communications link 1114B. Optionally, the second communications link 1114B is an optical and/or a wired electrical communications link, e.g., cable. If the OVP radio 1111 is communicatively coupled to the LAN/PAN radio 1112a (which communicatively coupled to the first WAN radio 1112), then the any alarm signal(s) conveyed from the OVP radio 1111 to the LAN/PAN radio 1112a are conveyed through the first WAN radio 1112, e.g., through control, management, and/or user planes of an interface protocol. Optionally, the protocol may be common public radio interface (CPRI) or enhanced CPRI (eCPRI). The BBU 1115 is configured to transmit the alarm signal over a third communications link 1114C, e.g., compliant with an internet protocol standard, or through a core network 1117 to an alarm monitoring system (or alarm monitoring circuitry) 1113. The alarm monitoring system 1113 is configured to inform maintenance personnel to replace the OVP device or OVP circuitry indicated by the alarm signal as needing to be replaced. Alternatively, the OVP radio 1111 may be a WAN radio and configured to wirelessly communicate the alarm signal, over a fourth communications link 1114D, to a second WAN radio 1113a attached to or part of the alarm monitoring system 1113.

[0133] Optionally, the alarm signal transmitted by the OVP radio includes a unique identifier indicating the OVP device 1101 (or the OVP device 1101 and OVP circuitry 1101 A) which need to be replaced. As a result, the alarm monitoring system 1113 (or other recipient of the information in the alarm signal such as a technician) is informed as to which unit needs to be replaced.

[0134] The processor circuitry described herein may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processing (DSP) elements, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and/or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In this exemplary embodiment, processor circuitry includes or functions with software programs, firmware, or other computer readable instructions for carrying out various process tasks, calculations, and control functions, used in the methods described herein. These instructions are typically tangibly embodied on any storage media (or computer readable medium) used for storage of computer readable instructions or data structures.

[0135] The memory circuitry described herein can be implemented with any available storage media (or computer readable medium) that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or processor, or any programmable logic device. Suitable computer readable medium may include storage or memory media such as semiconductor, magnetic, and/or optical media. For example, computer readable media may include conventional hard disks, Compact Disk - Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), DVDs, volatile or non-volatile media such as Random Access Memory (RAM) (including, but not limited to, Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)), Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), and/or flash memory. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media.

[0136] Methods of the invention can be implemented in computer readable instructions, such as program modules or applications, which may be stored in the computer readable medium that is part of (optionally the memory circuitry) or communicatively coupled to the processing circuitry, and executed by the processing circuitry, optionally the processor circuitry. Generally, program modules or applications include routines, programs, objects, data components, data structures, algorithms, and the like, which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.

[0137] Databases as used herein may be either conventional databases or data storage formats of any type, e.g., data files. Although separate databases are recited herein, one or more of such databases may be combined.

Exemplary Embodiments

[0138] Example 1 includes an overvoltage protection (OVP) electrical power cable, comprising: an enclosure comprising a cavity, a first enclosure end, and a second enclosure end; first electrical power cable comprising a first cable electrical conductor comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a second cable electrical conductor comprising a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end; wherein the first cable electrical conductor and the second cable electrical conductor are within the first enclosure end; a first connector electromechanically connected to the first end and the third end; a second connector attached to the second enclosure end, or is electromechanically connected to the second end and the fourth end and the first cable electrical conductor and the second cable electrical conductor are within the second enclosure end; a printed circuit board (PCB) in the cavity, and comprising: an internal electrical ground conductor configured to be electrically coupled to an external ground; a first electrical conductor electrically connected to the second end; and a second electrical conductor electrically connected to the fourth end; and OVP circuitry mounted on the PCB and enclosed within the cavity, and comprising a first OVP circuit electrically connected between the first electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor, and a second OVP circuit electrically connected between the second electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor; wherein the first connector is configured to facilitate an electrical connection of a first external electrical conductor to the first end and of a second external electrical conductor to the third end; wherein the second connector is configured to facilitate an electrical connection of a third external electrical conductor to the first electrical conductor and of a fourth external electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor. [0139] Example 2 includes the OVP electrical power cable of Example 1 wherein each of the first OVP circuit and the second OVP circuit comprises a metal oxide varistor or a gas discharge tube.

[0140] Example 3 includes the OVP electrical power cable of any of Examples 1-2, wherein the enclosure comprises a conductor electrically connected to the internal electrical ground conductor; wherein the internal electrical ground conductor configured to be electrically coupled to the external ground through the conductor of the enclosure.

[0141] Example 4 includes the OVP electrical power cable of any of Examples 1-3, further comprising an electrical ground terminal mounted on or in the enclosure and electrically connected to the internal electrical ground conductor; wherein the internal electrical ground conductor is configured to be electrically coupled to the external ground through the electrical ground terminal.

[0142] Example 5 includes the OVP electrical power cable of any of Examples 1-4, wherein the OVP circuitry comprises a third OVP circuit electrically connected between the first electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor, and a fourth OVP circuit electrically connected between the second electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor.

[0143] Example 6 includes the OVP electrical power cable of Example 5, wherein each of the first OVP circuit and the second OVP circuit each comprise a metal oxide varistor; wherein each of the third OVP circuit and the fourth OVP circuit comprise a gas discharge tube.

[0144] Example 7 includes the OVP electrical power cable of any of Examples 1-6, wherein the second connector comprises an interior lip; and wherein the interior lip comprises slots in opposite sides of the interior lip; wherein the PCB is mounted in the slots.

[0145] Example 8 includes the OVP electrical power cable of any of Examples 1-7, further comprising: a terminal connector mounted on the PCB and enclosed within the cavity, and configured to further facilitate an electrical connection of the third external electrical conductor to the first electrical conductor and of the fourth external electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor.

[0146] Example 9 includes the OVP electrical power cable of any of Examples 1-8, wherein the PCB comprises at least one of electrically conductive traces on at least one surface of the PCB, electrically conductive via holes through the PCB, and other electrical components electromechanically connected to the PCB; wherein the OVP circuitry is configured to be electrically connected to each of the first external electrical conductor, the second external electrical conductor, the third external electrical conductor, and the fourth external electrical conductor through at least one of: the electrically conductive traces, the electrically conductive via holes, and the other electrical components.

[0147] Example 10 includes the OVP electrical power cable of any of Examples 1-9, wherein the OVP circuitry further comprises: temperature circuitry configured to generate temperature data comprising an indication of whether a temperature of the OVP circuitry or at least one portion thereof has exceeded a temperature threshold; and alarm circuitry configured to: receive, from the temperature circuitry, the temperature data for the OVP electrical power cable; increment or decrement a count; determine if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determine that the count is respectively greater than or less than the count threshold level, then generate an alarm indicator indicating that the OVP electrical power cable needs to be replaced.

[0148] Example 11 includes the OVP electrical power cable of Example 10, wherein the alarm circuitry is further configured to determine if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; and wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented.

[0149] Example 12 includes the OVP electrical power cable of any of Examples 10-11, further comprising a visible light source on or in the enclosure and electrically connected to the alarm circuitry; wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises generate visible light, from the visible light source, on an exterior of the OVP electrical power cable.

[0150] Example 13 includes the OVP electrical power cable of any of Examples 10-12, wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises transmit an alarm signal configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the OVP electrical power cable.

[0151] Example 14 includes the OVP electrical power cable of Example 13, further comprising: at least one alarm electrical conductor electrically coupled to the alarm circuitry; and an electromechanical terminal electrically connected the at least one alarm electrical conductor and mounted on or in the enclosure; wherein the electromechanical terminal is configured to be electrically connected a component remote from the OVP electrical power cable.

[0152] Example 15 includes a method to determine when an OVP electrical power cable should be replaced, the method comprising: receiving temperature data for the OVP electrical power cable; incrementing or decrementing a count; determining if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determining that the count is respectively greater than or less than the count threshold level, then generating an alarm indicator indicating that the OVP electrical power cable needs to be replaced.

[0153] Example 16 includes the method of Example 15, further comprising determining if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; and wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented.

[0154] Example 17 includes the method of any of Examples 15-16, wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises at least one of generating visible light on an exterior of the OVP electrical power cable and transmitting an alarm signal configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the OVP electrical power cable.

[0155] Example 18 includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing at least one processor to execute a process to determine when an OVP electrical power cable should be replaced, the process comprising: receiving temperature data for the OVP electrical power cable; incrementing or decrementing a count; determining if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determining that the count is respectively greater than or less than the count threshold level, then generating an alarm indicator indicating that the OVP electrical power cable needs to be replaced.

[0156] Example 19 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of Example 18, wherein the process further comprises determining if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; and wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented.

[0157] Example 20 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of Examples 18-19, wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises at least one of causing generation of visible light on an exterior of the OVP electrical power cable and transmitting an alarm signal configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the OVP electrical power cable.

[0158] Example 21 includes an apparatus, comprising: an enclosure comprising a cavity; a printed circuit board (PCB) in the cavity, and comprising: an internal electrical ground conductor configured to be electrically coupled to an external ground; a first electrical conductor configured to be electrically connected to a line electrical conductor of a set of electrical conductors; and a second electrical conductor configured to be electrically connected to a neutral electrical conductor of the set of electrical conductors; and OVP circuitry mounted on the PCB and comprising a first OVP circuit electrically connected between the first electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor, and a second OVP circuit electrically connected between the second electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor.

[0159] Example 22 includes the apparatus of Example 21 wherein each of the first OVP circuit and the second OVP circuit comprises a metal oxide varistor or a gas discharge tube. [0160] Example 23 includes the apparatus of any of Examples 21-22, further comprising a ground electrical conductor electrically connected to the internal electrical ground conductor and configured to be electrically connect the internal electrical ground conductor to the external ground.

[0161] Example 24 includes the apparatus of any of Examples 21-23, wherein the OVP circuitry comprises a third OVP circuit electrically connected between the first electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor, and a fourth OVP circuit electrically connected between the second electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor.

[0162] Example 25 includes the apparatus of Example 24, wherein each of the first OVP circuit and the second OVP circuit each comprise a metal oxide varistor; wherein each of the third OVP circuit and the fourth OVP circuit comprise a gas discharge tube.

[0163] Example 26 includes the apparatus of any of Examples 21-25, wherein the OVP circuitry further comprises: temperature circuitry configured to generate temperature data comprising an indication of whether a temperature of the OVP circuitry or at least one portion thereof has exceeded a temperature threshold; and alarm circuitry configured to: receive, from the temperature circuitry, the temperature data for the OVP circuitry; increment or decrement a count; determine if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determine that the count is respectively greater than or less than the count threshold level, then generate an alarm indicator indicating that the apparatus needs to be replaced.

[0164] Example 27 includes the apparatus of Example 26, wherein the alarm circuitry is further configured to determine if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; and wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented.

[0165] Example 28 includes the apparatus of any of Examples 26-27, further comprising a visible light source on or in the enclosure and electrically connected to the alarm circuitry; wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises generate visible light, from the visible light source, on an exterior of the apparatus.

[0166] Example 29 includes the apparatus of any of Examples 26-28, wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises transmit an alarm signal configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the apparatus.

[0167] Example 30 includes the apparatus of Example 29, further comprising at least one alarm electrical conductor electrically coupled to the alarm circuitry.

[0168] Example 31 includes the apparatus of any of Examples 21-30, further comprising the set of electrical conductors and at least one optical fiber, wherein a segment of the at least one optical fiber and a segment of the set of electrical conductors are covered by an insulator; wherein the set of electrical conductors comprises at least one portion.

[0169] Example 32 includes a hybrid cable with overvoltage protection (OVP), comprising: at least one OVP unit, wherein each OVP unit comprises: an insulative enclosure comprising a cavity; a printed circuit board (PCB) in the cavity, and comprising: an internal electrical ground conductor configured to be electrically coupled to an external ground; a first electrical conductor connected to a line electrical conductor of a section of a corresponding set of electrical conductors; and a second electrical conductor electrically connected to a neutral conductor of the section of the corresponding set of electrical conductors; and OVP circuitry mounted on the PCB and comprising a first OVP circuit electrically connected between the first electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor, and a second OVP circuit electrically connected between the second electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor; at least one set of electrical conductors, wherein each set comprises a line electrical conductor and a neutral electrical conductor, wherein a line electrical conductor of a set is electrically connected to the first electrical conductor of a unique OVP unit, and wherein a neutral electrical conductor of a set is electrically connected to the second electrical conductor of the unique OVP unit; and at least one optical fiber; wherein a segment of the at least one optical fiber and a segment of the at least one set of electrical conductors are covered by the insulative enclosure. [0170] Example 33 includes the hybrid cable with OVP of Example 32, wherein each of the first OVP circuit and the second OVP circuit comprises a metal oxide varistor or a gas discharge tube.

[0171] Example 34 includes the hybrid cable with OVP of any of Examples 32-33, further comprising a ground electrical conductor electrically connected to the internal electrical ground conductor and configured to be electrically connect the internal electrical ground conductor to the external ground.

[0172] Example 35 includes the hybrid cable with OVP of any of Examples 32-34, wherein the OVP circuitry comprises a third OVP circuit electrically connected between the first electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor, and a fourth OVP circuit electrically connected between the second electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor.

[0173] Example 36 includes the hybrid cable with OVP of Example 35, wherein each of the first OVP circuit and the second OVP circuit each comprise a metal oxide varistor; wherein each of the third OVP circuit and the fourth OVP circuit comprise a gas discharge tube. [0174] Example 37 includes the hybrid cable with OVP of any of Examples 32-36, wherein the OVP circuitry further comprises: temperature circuitry configured to generate temperature data comprising an indication of whether a temperature of the OVP circuitry or at least one portion thereof has exceeded a temperature threshold; and alarm circuitry configured to: receive, from the temperature circuitry, the temperature data for the OVP circuitry; increment or decrement a count; determine if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determine that the count is respectively greater than or less than the count threshold level, then generate an alarm indicator indicating that the hybrid cable with OVP needs to be replaced.

[0175] Example 38 includes the hybrid cable with OVP of Example 37, wherein the alarm circuitry is further configured to determine if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; and wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented.

[0176] Example 39 includes the hybrid cable with OVP of any of Examples 37-38, further comprising a visible light source on or in the insulative enclosure and electrically connected to the alarm circuitry; wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises generate visible light, from the visible light source, on an exterior of the hybrid cable. [0177] Example 40 includes the hybrid cable with OVP of any of Examples 37-39, wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises transmit an alarm signal configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the OVP electrical power cable.

[0178] Example 41 includes the hybrid cable with OVP of Example of 40, further comprising at least one alarm electrical conductor electrically coupled to the alarm circuitry.

[0179] Example 42 includes a method to determine when an OVP hybrid cable should be replaced, wherein the OVP hybrid cable comprises at least one set of electrical conductors and at last one optical fiber, and wherein a portion of the at least one set of electrical conductors and a portion of the at last one optical fiber are covered by an insulator, the method comprising: receiving temperature data for OVP circuitry of the OVP hybrid cable; incrementing or decrementing a count; determining if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determining that the count is respectively greater than or less than the count threshold level, then generating an alarm indicator indicating that the OVP hybrid cable needs to be replaced.

[0180] Example 43 includes the method of Example 42, further comprising determining if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; and wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented.

[0181] Example 44 includes the method of any of Examples 42-43, wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises at least one of generating visible light on an exterior of the OVP hybrid cable and transmitting an alarm signal configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the OVP hybrid cable.

[0182] Example 45 includes a n on-transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing at least one processor to execute a process to determine when an OVP hybrid cable should be replaced, wherein the OVP hybrid cable comprises at least one set of electrical conductors and at last one optical fiber, and wherein a portion of the at least one set of electrical conductors and a portion of the at last one optical fiber are covered by an insulator, the process comprising: receiving temperature data for OVP circuitry of the OVP hybrid cable; incrementing or decrementing a count; determining if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determining that the count is respectively greater than or less than the count threshold level, then generating an alarm indicator indicating that the OVP hybrid cable needs to be replaced. [0183] Example 46 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of Example 45, wherein the process further comprises determining if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; and wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented.

[0184] Example 47 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of Examples 45-46, wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises at least one of causing generation of visible light on an exterior of the OVP hybrid cable and transmitting an alarm signal configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the OVP hybrid cable. [0185] Example 48 includes an overvoltage protection (OVP) module, comprising: an enclosure comprising a cavity, a first end, and a second end; a first connector attached to the first end of the enclosure; a second connector attached to the second end the enclosure; a printed circuit board (PCB) enclosed in the cavity, and comprising: an internal electrical ground conductor configured to be electrically coupled to an external ground; a first electrical conductor; and a second electrical conductor; and OVP circuitry mounted on the PCB and enclosed within the cavity, and comprising a first OVP circuit electrically connected between the first electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor, and a second OVP circuit electrically connected between the second electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor; wherein the first connector is configured to facilitate an electrical connection of a first external electrical conductor to the first electrical conductor and of a second external electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor; wherein the second connector is configured to facilitate an electrical connection of a third external electrical conductor to the first electrical conductor and of a fourth external electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor.

[0186] Example 49 includes the OVP module of Example 48 wherein each of the first OVP circuit and the second OVP circuit comprises a metal oxide varistor or a gas discharge tube. [0187] Example 50 includes the OVP module of any of Examples 48-49, wherein the enclosure comprises a conductor electrically connected to the internal electrical ground conductor; wherein the internal electrical ground conductor configured to be electrically coupled to the external ground through the conductor of the enclosure.

[0188] Example 51 includes the OVP module of any of Examples 48-50, further comprising an electrical ground terminal mounted on or in the enclosure and electrically connected to the internal electrical ground conductor; wherein the internal electrical ground conductor is configured to be electrically coupled to the external ground through the electrical ground terminal.

[0189] Example 52 includes the OVP module of any of Examples 48-51, wherein the OVP circuitry comprises a third OVP circuit electrically connected between the first electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor, and a fourth OVP circuit electrically connected between the second electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor.

[0190] Example 53 includes the OVP module of Example 52, wherein each of the first OVP circuit and the second OVP circuit each comprise a metal oxide varistor; wherein each of the third OVP circuit and the fourth OVP circuit comprise a gas discharge tube.

[0191] Example 54 includes the OVP module of any of Examples 48-53, further comprising at least one optical fiber; and wherein the first connector comprises a first set of at least one optical connector, wherein each optical connector of the first connector is optically connected to a first end of a unique optical fiber; wherein the second connector comprises a second set at least one optical connector, wherein each optical connector of the second connector is optically connected to a second end of the unique optical fiber.

[0192] Example 55 includes the OVP module of any of Examples 48-54, wherein the first connector comprises a first interior lip; wherein the first interior lip comprises first slots in opposite sides of the first interior lip; wherein the second connector comprises a second interior lip; wherein the second interior lip comprises second slots in opposite sides of the second interior lip; and wherein the PCB is mounted in the first slots and the second slots. [0193] Example 56 includes the OVP module of any of Examples 48-55, further comprising: a first terminal connector mounted on the PCB and enclosed within the cavity, and configured to further facilitate an electrical connection of the first external electrical conductor to the first electrical conductor and of the second external electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor; and a second terminal connector mounted on the PCB and enclosed within the cavity, and configured to further facilitate an electrical connection of the third external electrical conductor to the first electrical conductor and of the fourth external electrical conductor to the second electrical conductor.

[0194] Example 57 includes the OVP module of any of Examples 48-56, wherein the PCB comprises at least one of electrically conductive traces on at least one surface of the PCB, electrically conductive via holes through the PCB, and other electrical components electromechanically connected to the PCB; wherein the OVP circuitry is configured to be electrically connected to each of the first external electrical conductor, the second external electrical conductor, the third external electrical conductor, and the fourth external electrical conductor through at least one of the electrically conductive traces, the electrically conductive via holes, and the other electrical components.

[0195] Example 58 includes the OVP module of any of Examples 48-57, wherein the OVP circuitry further comprises: temperature circuitry configured to generate temperature data comprising an indication of whether a temperature of the OVP circuitry or at least one portion thereof has exceeded a temperature threshold; and alarm circuitry configured to: receive, from the temperature circuitry, the temperature data for the OVP module; increment or decrement a count; determine if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determine that the count is respectively greater than or less than the count threshold level, then generate an alarm indicator indicating that the OVP module needs to be replaced.

[0196] Example 59 includes the OVP module of Example 58, wherein the alarm circuitry is further configured to determine if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; and wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented.

[0197] Example 60 includes the OVP module of any of Examples 58-59, further comprising a visible light source on or in the enclosure and electrically connected to the alarm circuitry; wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises generate visible light, from the visible light source, on an exterior of the OVP module.

[0198] Example 61 includes the OVP module of any of Examples 58-60, wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises transmit an alarm signal configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the OVP module.

[0199] Example 62 includes the OVP module of Example 61, further comprising: at least one alarm electrical conductor electrically coupled to the alarm circuitry; and an electromechanical terminal electrically connected the at least one alarm electrical conductor and mounted on or in the enclosure; wherein the electromechanical terminal is configured to be electrically connected a component remote from the OVP module.

[0200] Example 63 includes a method to determine when an OVP module should be replaced, the method comprising: receiving temperature data for the OVP module; incrementing or decrementing a count; determining if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determining that the count is respectively greater than or less than the count threshold level, then generating an alarm indicator indicating that the OVP module needs to be replaced.

[0201] Example 64 includes the method of Example 63, further comprising determining if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; and wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented.

[0202] Example 65 includes the method of any of Examples 63-64, wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises at least one of generating visible light on an exterior of the OVP module and transmitting an alarm signal configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the OVP module.

[0203] Example 66 includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing at least one processor to execute a process to determine when an OVP module should be replaced, the process comprising: receiving temperature data for the OVP module; incrementing or decrementing a count; determining if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determining that the count is respectively greater than or less than the count threshold level, then generating an alarm indicator indicating that the OVP module needs to be replaced.

[0204] Example 67 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of Example 66, wherein the process further comprises determining if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; and wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented.

[0205] Example 68 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of Examples 66-67, wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises at least one of causing generation of visible light on an exterior of the OVP module and transmitting an alarm signal configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the OVP module.

[0206] Example 69 includes an overvoltage protection (OVP) device comprising: OVP circuitry configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical ground, configured to dissipate electrical energy with a voltage exceeding a threshold voltage level, and comprising: temperature circuitry configured to generate temperature data comprising an indication of whether a temperature of the OVP circuitry or at least one portion thereof has exceeded a temperature threshold; and alarm circuitry configured to: receive, from the temperature circuitry, the temperature data for the OVP circuitry; increment or decrement a count; determine if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determine that the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level, then generate an alarm indicator indicating that the OVP device or the OVP circuitry needs to be replaced; and an OVP radio communicatively coupled to the alarm circuitry and configured to wirelessly transmit an alarm signal, derived from the alarm indicator, to an alarm monitoring system.

[0207] Example 70 includes the OVP device of Example 69, wherein the OVP radio is configured to communicate with the alarm monitoring system through a wide area network. [0208] Example 71 includes the OVP device of any of Examples 69-70, wherein the OVP radio is configured to communicate with the alarm monitoring system through a first wide area network radio.

[0209] Example 72 includes the OVP device of Example 71, wherein the OVP radio is further configured to communicate with the alarm monitoring system through a baseband unit coupled to the first wide area network radio through at least one of an optical communications link and an electrical wired communications link.

[0210] Example 73 includes the OVP device of any of Examples 69-72, wherein the OVP circuitry comprises at least one of a metal oxide varistor and a gas discharge tube.

[0211] Example 74 includes the OVP device of any of Examples 69-73, wherein the alarm circuitry is further configured to determine if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; and wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding the temperature threshold level is the count is incremented or decremented.

[0212] Example 75 includes the OVP device of any of Examples 69-74, further comprising a visible light source mounted on an enclosure of the OVP device and electrically connected to the alarm circuitry; wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises generate visible light external to the OVP device.

[0213] Example 76 includes a method to determine when an overvoltage protection device (OVP) device which comprises at two OVP circuitry, or an OVP circuitry of the OVP device, should be replaced, the method comprising: receiving temperature data for the OVP circuitry of the OVP device; incrementing or decrementing a count; determining if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; determining that the count is respectively greater than or less than the count threshold level, then generating an alarm indicator indicating that the OVP device or the OVP circuitry needs to be replaced; and wirelessly transmitting an alarm signal to an alarm monitoring system.

[0214] Example 77 includes the method of Example 76, further comprising determining if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; and wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count is incremented or decremented.

[0215] Example 78 includes the method of any of Examples 76-77, wherein generating the alarm indicator further comprises at least one of generating visible light on an exterior of the OVP device.

[0216] Example 79 includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing at least one processor to execute a process to determine when an overvoltage protection device (OVP) device which comprises at two OVP circuitry, or an OVP circuitry of the OVP device, should be replaced, the process comprising: receiving temperature data for the OVP circuitry of the OVP device; incrementing or decrementing a count; determining if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determining that the count is respectively greater or less than the count threshold level, then generating an alarm indicator indicating that the OVP device needs to be replaced; and wirelessly transmitting an alarm signal to an alarm monitoring system.

[0217] Example 80 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of Example 79, wherein the process further comprises determining if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count is incremented or decremented.

[0218] Example 81 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of Examples 79-80, wherein generate the alarm indicator further comprises causing generation visible light on an exterior of the OVP device and transmitting an alarm signal configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the OVP device.

[0219] Example 82 includes an apparatus, comprising: an enclosure; an at least two optical fibers connector mounted through the enclosure; an at least two electrical power inputs connector mounted through the enclosure and configured to receive two or more pairs of an external line electrical conductor and an external neutral electrical conductor; a first electrical power and optical connector mounted through the enclosure; a second electrical power and optical connector mounted through the enclosure; a first overvoltage protection (OVP) circuitry within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the first electrical power and optical connector; a second OVP circuitry within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the second electrical power and optical connector; a first optical fiber optically coupling the first electrical power and optical connector to the at least two optical fibers connector; a second optical fiber optically coupling the second electrical power and optical connector to the at least two optical fibers connector; an internal ground electrical conductor in the enclosure electrically coupled between (a) at least one of (i) a ground electrical conductor connector mounted through the enclosure and configured to be electrically coupled to an external ground electrical conductor and (ii) the at least two electrical power inputs connector configured to be electrically coupled to the external ground electrical conductor, and (b) each of the first OVP circuitry and the second OVP circuitry; a first internal line electrical conductor in the enclosure electrically coupled between the first OVP circuitry and the at least two electrical power inputs connector; a second internal line electrical conductor in the enclosure electrically coupled between the second OVP circuitry and the at least two electrical power inputs connector; a first internal neutral electrical conductor in the enclosure electrically coupled between the first OVP circuitry and the at least two electrical power inputs connector; and a second internal neutral electrical conductor in the enclosure electrically coupled between the second OVP circuitry and the at least two electrical power inputs connector.

[0220] Example 83 includes the apparatus of Example 82, wherein each of the first OVP circuitry and the second OVP circuitry comprises a metal oxide varistor or a gas discharge tube.

[0221] Example 84 includes the apparatus of any of Examples 82-83, wherein the first OVP circuitry comprises a first OVP circuit electrically connected between a first line electrical conductor and an internal electrical ground conductor, and a second OVP circuit electrically connected between a first neutral electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor; wherein the second OVP circuitry comprises a third OVP circuit electrically connected between a second line electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor, and a fourth OVP circuit electrically coupled between a second neutral electrical conductor and the internal electrical ground conductor. [0222] Example 85 includes the apparatus of Example 84, wherein each of the first OVP circuit and the third OVP circuit each comprise a metal oxide varistor; wherein each of the second OVP circuit and the fourth OVP circuit comprise a gas discharge tube.

[0223] Example 86 includes the apparatus of any of Examples 82-85, wherein each of the first OVP circuitry and the second OVP circuitry further comprises: temperature circuitry configured to generate temperature data comprising an indication of whether a temperature of the first or the second OVP circuitry or at least one portion thereof has exceeded a temperature threshold; and alarm circuitry configured to: receive, from the temperature circuitry, the temperature data for the first or the second OVP circuitry; increment or decrement a count; determine if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determine that the count is respectively greater than or less than the count threshold level, then generate an alarm indicator indicating that the apparatus, or the first or the second OVP circuitry, needs to be replaced.

[0224] Example 87 includes the apparatus of Example 86, wherein the alarm circuitry is further configured to determine if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; and wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented.

[0225] Example 88 includes the apparatus of Example 87, further comprising a visible light source on or in the enclosure and electrically connected to the alarm circuitry; wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises generate visible light, from the visible light source, on an exterior of the enclosure.

[0226] Example 89 includes the apparatus of any of Examples 87-88, wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises transmit an alarm signal configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the apparatus.

[0227] Example 90 includes the apparatus of Example 89, further comprising at least one alarm electrical conductor electrically coupled to the alarm circuitry.

[0228] Example 91 includes a method to determine when an overvoltage protection (OVP) enclosure or an OVP circuitry within the OVP enclosure should be replaced, wherein the OVP enclosure comprises at least two OVP circuitry, the method comprising: receiving temperature data for the OVP circuitry of the OVP enclosure; incrementing or decrementing a count; determining if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determining that the count is respectively greater than or less than the count threshold level, then generating an alarm indicator indicating that the OVP enclosure or the OVP circuitry needs to be replaced.

[0229] Example 92 includes the method of Example 91, further comprising determining if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; and wherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented.

[0230] Example 93 includes the method of any of Examples 91-92, wherein generating the alarm indicator comprises at least one of generating visible light on an exterior of the OVP enclosure and transmitting an alarm signal configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the OVP enclosure.

[0231] Example 94 includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing at least one processor to execute a process to determine when an overvoltage (OVP) enclosure or OVP circuitry within the OVP enclosure should be replaced, wherein the OVP enclosure comprises at least two OVP circuitry, the process comprising: receiving temperature data for the OVP circuitry of the OVP enclosure; incrementing or decrementing a count; determining if the count is respectively greater than or less than a count threshold level; and determining that the count is respectively greater than or less than the count threshold level, then generating an alarm indicator indicating that the OVP enclosure needs to be replaced.

[0232] Example 95 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of Example 94, wherein the process further comprises determining if the temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold level; andwherein the temperature data further comprises a temperature; wherein only upon the temperature exceeding a temperature threshold level is the count incremented or decremented.

[0233] Example 96 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of any of Examples 94-95, wherein generate the alarm indicator comprises at least one of causing generation of visible light on an exterior of the OVP enclosure and transmitting an alarm signal configured to be conveyed to a system or person remote from the OVP enclosure. [0234] A number of embodiments of the invention defined by the following claims have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.