BACKGROUND

[0001] Patching or interconnect systems are commonly used in communication networks in order to provide flexibility in implementing communication links. One example of a patching or interconnect system is a patch panel. A patch panel typically includes a panel in which a plurality of ports are formed or otherwise housed. Each port includes a "front" connector and a "rear" or "fixed" connector (or other attachment mechanism such as a punch-down block or permanently attached optical fiber). The port is configured to communicatively couple any cable attached to the front connector of that port to any cable that is attached to the rear of that port. Other patching systems are implemented in similar ways.

[0002] Many types of physical layer management (PLM) systems have been developed in order to keep track of which cables are attached to which ports of a patching system. In one type of system, each connector that is attached to a front connector of a patch panel has a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to it. An RFID reader can then be used to wirelessly read an identifier from each connector's RFI D tag in order to keep track of what connectors and cables are attached to the front connectors of the patch panel.

[0003] Conventional RFI D PLM systems are typically used within an enterprise or a central office environment. As a result, such RFI D PLM systems typically have convenient access to power for the active components of the RFID PLM. However, this is not always the case in the outside plant of a telecommunications network, where access to power is typically an issue. Consequently, such RFI D PLM systems have not typically been used in the outside plant. [0004] Moreover, in conventional patching or interconnect systems that incorporate RFID PLM technology, it is common to integrate RFID antennas into the structure of the system near the ports in the system. This done in order to read RFID tags that are attached to connectors inserted into the ports. However, this approach typically requires a wired electrical connection between each of the RFID antennas and an RFID reader. This increases the cost and complexity of implementing such a system.

SUMMARY

[0005] One embodiment is directed to an adapter (or other apparatus) that comprises a first side configured to be connected to a connecter. The adapter (or other apparatus) also comprises an RFID tag. The adapter (or other apparatus) is configured to read data from an electronic storage device attached to the connecter using power supplied via a radio frequency interrogation signal received by the RFID tag from an RFID reader. The RFID tag is configured to transmit at least a portion of the data read from the electronic storage device to the RFID reader.

[0006] Other embodiments are disclosed.

DRAWINGS

[0007] FIGS. 1A-1D are block diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of a fiber adapter.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of one exemplary embodiment of a method of reading data from an RFID tag and electronic storage device.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an RFID tag suitable for use in the adapter shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] FIGS. 1A-1D are block diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 100. FIGS. 1A-1D are collectively referred to here as "FIG. 1". In the exemplary embodiment described here in connection with FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 is a fiber adapter 100 (though it is to be understood that the apparatus can be implemented in other ways). The adapter 100 is especially well-suited for use in an RFID physical layer management system used in the outside of plant of a telecommunication service provider's network and/or other environments where access to power can be an issue; however, the apparatus 100 and RFID-powered reading techniques described here can be used in other PLM systems and other applications (including, without limitation, within an enterprise or central office environments and/or in environments where access to power is not an issue) as well as in other RFID systems and applications.

[0011] The adapter 100 is configured to optically couple two optical cables. In this example, the adapter 100 comprises two sides 102 and 104, where one side 110 of the adapter 100 serves as the "patch" side 102 and the other side 104 serves as the "fixed" side 104. The patch side 102 is the side where optical patching is performed using a patch cord 106 having a connector 108 attached to one end. The connector 108 attached to one end of the patch cord 106 can be connected to the patch side 102 of the adapter 100. One end of the fixed optical cabling 110 is attached to the fixed side 104 of the adapter 100 (for example, by manufacturing the adapter 100 with the fixed optical cabling 110 attached to it or by splicing the fixed optical cabling 110 to the adapter 100). The fixed optical cabling 110 could also be attached to the fixed side 104 of the adapter 100 using a connector.

[0012] The adapter 100 is configured to mate with the connector 108 attached to one end of the patch cord 106 and to hold it in place while it is optically coupled to the fixed optical cable 110 that is attached to the adapter 100. Examples of fiber optic adapters 100 and connectors 108 that can be used include SC, LC, FC, LX.5, MTP, or MPO adapters and connectors. Other adapters and connectors can also be used.

[0013] The adapter 100 has an RFID tag 112 attached to it. The RFID tag 112 is used to store an identifier for the adapter 100. The RFID tag 112 can also be used to store other information, such as other information about the adapter 100 and the fixed optical cabling 110 attached to the adapter 100 (for example, the make and/or model of the adapter 100 and/or the fixed optical cabling 110).

[0014] In the exemplary em bodiment shown in FIG. 1, the RFID tag 112 comprises an RFI D antenna circuit 114 (shown in FIG. ID) and an RFID integrated circuit (IC) 116 (shown in FIG. ID).

[0015] The RFID antenna 114 is used to receive and send a radio frequency (RF) signal with an RFID reader 118 (shown in FIG. 1A). In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the RFID antenna 114 comprises one or more inductive elements (for example, a coil or antenna) and one or more capacitive elements (for example, a capacitor), which form an LC circuit that is tuned to resonate at the particular RF frequency used by the RFI D tag 112 and RFID reader 118.

[0016] The RFID reader 118 can be implemented in many ways. For example, the RFID reader 118 can be implemented using a handheld device that includes appropriate RFI D reader functionality. For example, the handheld device can be a smartphone, PDA, or a handheld computer that is outfitted with RFID reader functionality. In this example, the RFI D reader 118 is also configured to communicate with a larger physical layer management (PLM) system 136 that is used to track connections made in the network that the adapter 100 is a part of. The RFID reader 118 can communicate with the PLM system 136 wirelessly (for example, over a cellular or wireless local area network link) or over a wired connection (for example, by connecting the RFID reader 118 to a network to which the PLM system 136 is connected or by connecting the RFID reader 118 directly to the PLM system 136).

[0017] The RFID IC 116 implements the conventional functions of the RFID tag 112. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the RFID IC 116 collects power from the radio frequency interrogation signal received by the antenna circuit 114, demodulates the radio frequency interrogation signal received by the antenna circuit 114, responds to any information modulated onto the radio frequency interrogation signal transmitted by the RFID reader 118, stores information, and modulates information that is transmitted back to the RFID reader 118. In this exemplary embodiment, the RFID IC 116 implements a controller 120 (shown in FIG. ID) that can also be programmed to carry out one or more functions described here as being performed by the RFID tag 112. The RFID IC 116 can be a part of a passive smart RFID IC 116. In other embodiments, a controller separate from the main RFID IC and/or the RFID tag itself can be coupled to the RFID IC.

[0018] In this example, the connector 108 attached to one end of the patch cord 106 has an electronic storage device 122 attached to it. The electronic storage device 122 is used to store an identifier for the patch cord 106 and/or the connector 108. The electronic storage device 122 can also be used to store other information, such as other information about the patch cord 106 and/or the connector 108 (for example, the make and/or model of the patch cord 106 and/or the connector 108). The electronic storage device 122 can be implemented using, for example, an Electrically Erasable

Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) or other non-volatile memory device.

[0019] The electronic storage device 122 comprises an interface 124 by which power is provided to the electronic storage device 122 and data is read from and written to the electronic storage device 122. In this example, the storage device interface 124 comprises a set of contacts 126 (for example, a power contact for supplying power to the electronic storage device 122, a ground contact for supplying a ground to the electronic storage device 122, and a serial data contact for communicating data to and from the electronic storage device 122 using a serial bus protocol such as the UNI/O bus protocol). In one implementation of this embodiment, the electronic storage device 122 and the interface 124 are implemented using the QUAREO(TM) electronic identifier technology commercially available from TE Connectivity. The electronic storage device 122 and the interface 124 can be implemented in other ways. [0020] The RFID tag 112 is configured to provide power and ground to the electronic storage device 122 attached to any connector 108 connected to the adapter 100 as wells as to read data from and/or write data to the electronic storage device 122. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the adapter 100 comprises an electronic storage device interface 128 that is configured to couple the RFID tag 112 (and the controller 120) to the electronic storage device 122 attached to any connector 108 connected to the adapter 100. In this example, the electronic storage device interface 128 comprises a set of contacts 130 that corresponds to the set of contacts 126 used on the connector 108 (for example, including power, ground, and serial data contacts). Each contact 130 is configured to come into physical contact with a corresponding contact 126 used on the connector 108 and create an electrical connection therebetween. As shown in FIG. IB, in this exemplary embodiment, the contacts 130 extend into the cavity into which the connector 106 is inserted and are arranged to touch the corresponding contacts 126 on the exterior of the connector 106.

[0021] In this exemplary embodiment, power and ground are supplied to the electronic storage device 122 on the connector 108 from the RFID IC 116 via appropriate contacts 130 and 126. That is, in this embodiment, the electronic storage device 122 is powered using the power captured by the RFID IC 116 from the RF interrogation signal supplied by the RFID reader 118. Also, in this exemplary embodiment, data can be read from the electronic storage device 122 on the connector 108 by the controller 120 included in the RFID tag 112 via appropriate contacts 130 and 126. The data that is read from the electronic storage device 122 on the connector 108 can be communicated to the RFID reader 118 along with data otherwise stored in the RFID tag 112. In this embodiment, data can be written to the electronic storage device 122 on the connector 108 by the controller 120 included in the RFID tag 112 via appropriate contacts 130 and 126. Data provided to the RFID tag 112 from the RFID reader 118 can be written to the electronic storage device 122 by the controller 112. [0022] The RFID tag 112 can also include a visual indicator 132. The controller 120 can use the visual indicator 132 to provide a visual indication to a user (for example, to indicate that the RFID tag 112 has been powered on or to indicate that the RFID tag 112 is the one indicated in a command transmitted by the RFID reader 118). In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the visual indicator 132 is implemented using at least one LED 134. In this embodiment, the LED 134 is powered using the power captured by the RFID IC 116 from the RFID interrogation signal supplied by the RFID reader 118, and the illumination of the LED 134 is controlled by the controller 120.

[0023] The visual indicator 132 can be implemented in other ways, for example, using electronic ink display technology (such as the electrophoretic display technology used in electronic reader devices such as the AMAZON KINDLE). Other types of visual indicators 132 can be used.

[0024] Although the electronic storage device interface 128 and visual indicator 132 are shown as being separate from the RFID IC 106, it is to be understood that the electronic storage device interface 128 and/or visual indicator 132 can be integrated into the RFID IC 106 and/or into one or more other RFID ICs.

[0025] The following description refers to two different ways for an RFID reader 118 to interrogate the RFID tag 112. With the first way of interrogating the RFID tag 112 (also referred to here as "polling"), the RFID reader 118 encodes a command onto the RF interrogation signal it broadcasts that indicates that any RFID tag 112 receiving the RF signal should respond by transmitting at least some of the information stored in the RFID tag 112 back to the RFID reader 118. The transmitted information typically includes a unique identifier for that RFID tag 112 (also referred to here as the "tag identifier").

[0026] With the second way of interrogating the RFID tag 112 (also referred to here as "targeted interrogation"), the RFID reader 118 encodes onto the RF interrogation signal it broadcasts a command that includes the tag identifier for a specific RFID tag 112. The command indicates that any RFID tag 112 receiving the RF interrogation signal should check the tag identifier included in the command to see if that identifier matches the tag identifier for the receiving RFID tag 112. If they match, the RFID tag 112 responds by transmitting at least some of the information stored in that RFID tag 112 back to the RFID reader 118. If the tag identifier included in the command does not match the tag identifier for the receiving RFID tag 112, the receiving RFID tag 112 does not respond to the command.

[0027] That is, all receiving RFID tags 112 respond to a polling command, whereas only the RFID tag 112 specified in a targeted command responds to that command.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of one exemplary embodiment of a method of reading data from an RFID tag and electronic storage device. The exemplary embodiment of method 200 is described here as being implemented using the adapter 100 shown in FIG. 1, though it is to be understood that other embodiments can be implemented in other ways.

[0029] Method 200 comprises interrogating the RFID tag 112 (block 202). The RFID tag 112 is interrogated by bringing the RFID reader 118 into close proximity (for example, within a few inches) of the adapter 100 (and the RFID tag 112 attached thereto). Then, the RFID reader 118 is used to interrogate the RFID tag 112 by transmitting an RF interrogation signal at a frequency to which the antenna circuit 114 of the RFID tag 112 is tuned.

[0030] The RFID reader 118 can interrogate the RFID tag 112 using a polling command (which requests that any RFID tag 112 receiving the signal respond to it) or a targeted command (which specifies the tag identifier for the RFID tag 112 that should respond to the command). The command is modulated onto the RF interrogation signal broadcast by the RFID reader 118. [0031] Method 200 further comprises powering the components of the adapter 100 using the interrogation signal (block 204). In response to receiving the RF signal broadcast by the RFID reader 118 when interrogating the RFID tag 112, a tank circuit in the antenna circuit 114 in the RFID tag 112 resonates. When sufficient voltage is established, power supply functionality in the RFID IC 116 is able to power the other components of the RFID tag 112. At close distances, in the near field, the power coupling between the RFID reader 118 and the RFID tag 112 occurs mainly via direct induction, which enables significant amounts of energy to be coupled into the antenna circuit 114 of the RFID tag 112. This enables the RFID IC 116 to supply sufficient power to, for example, power the LED 134 and the electronic storage device 122.

[0032] Demodulator functionality in the RFID IC 116 demodulates the information encoded onto the RF interrogation signal received at the RFID tag 112 from the RFID reader 118, and the RFID IC 116 responds to the encoded information if necessary.

[0033] If the encoded information includes a polling command, the RFID IC 116 proceeds to respond to the command as described below. If the encoded information includes a targeted command, the RFID IC 116 checks the tag identifier included in the targeted command. If the tag identifier included in the command matches the tag identifier for that RFID tag 112, the RFID IC 116 proceeds to respond to the command as described below. If the tag identifier included in the command does not match the tag identifier for that RFID tag 112, the RFID IC 116 does not respond to the command and the processing associated with blocks 206 through 210 is not performed for this command.

[0034] Method 200 further comprises reading the electronic storage device 122 (block 206). In this example, if it is determined that the RFID tag 112 should respond to the command included in the interrogation signal, the controller 120 uses the electronic storage device interface 128 to power the electronic storage device 122 by providing power to the electronic storage device 122 over a power contact 126 and reading information from the electronic storage device 122 using a data contact 126. In this example, the controller 120 reads all of the data stored in the electronic storage device 122. However, in other examples, the controller 120 can be configured to read only certain information from the electronic storage device 122 (for example, information specified in the command received from the RFID reader 118). The information read from the electronic storage device 122 is also referred to here as "electronic storage device information". In this example, the electronic storage device information includes a unique identifier for the patch cord 106 and/or connector 108. The electronic storage device information can also include other information such as the make and model of the patch cord 106 and/or connector 108.

[0035] Method 200 further comprises transmitting a response to the RFID reader 118 that includes at least some of the information read from the electronic storage device 122 by the RFID tag 112 (block 208). In this example, the controller 120 in the RFID IC 116 transmits a response to the RFID reader 108 that includes at least some of the electronic storage device information as well as at least some information that is stored in the RFID tag 112. The information stored in the RFID tag 112 is also referred to here as the "RFID information". In this example, the RFID information includes a unique identifier for the adapter 100 and/or fixed cabling 104. The RFID information can also include other information such as the make and model of the adapter 100 and/or fixed cabling 104. The response is transmitted to the RFID reader 118 by modulating the data that makes up the response onto a version of the RF signal transmitted by the RFID reader 118.

[0036] The information included in this response, which includes electronic storage device information and RFID information, can then be provided to the physical layer management system 136 in order to track the connection made using the adapter 100. In this way, both the RFID tag 112 on the adapter 100 and the electronic storage device 122 on the patch cord 106 can be read using the RFID reader 118 and provided to the PLM 136 without having to provide separate wiring or other connectivity to the patching or interconnect system in which the adapter 100 is used. Also, this can be done in environments where AC power is not typically available (for example, in the outside plant of a telecommunication network).

[0037] Method 200 is useful in capturing information about a number of adapters that are located within a particular patching or interconnect system. Method 200 can also be used in connection with helping a technician carry out an electronic work order.

[0038] Method 200 can optionally include providing a visual indication using the visual indicator 132 (block 210). The controller 120 can use power provided by the

interrogation signal to illuminate (or otherwise actuate) the LED 134. For example, where the command included in the interrogation signal is a targeted command, once the RFID tag 112 determines that the command is addressed to it, the controller 120 can use power provided by the interrogation signal to illuminate (or otherwise actuate) the LED 134 in order to help a technician locate the adapter 100 (for example, where method 200 is performed in connection with carrying out an electronic work order). The visual indication can also be provided as a visual confirmation that the RFID reader 118 is communicating with the RFID tag 112 attached to that particular adapter 100. This can be done with both polling commands and target commands.

[0039] The RFID-powered reading techniques described here can be used and implemented in other ways. For example, in the exemplary embodiments described above in connection with FIGS. 1-2, the RF interrogation signal that is used for powering the normal RFID communication functionality (for example, the RFID IC 116) is also used for powering the electronic storage device 122 and visual indicator 132. In other embodiments, more than one RF signal is received by an RFID tag, where one RF signal is used for powering the RFID tag and another RFID signal is used for communications. One such embodiment is shown in FIG. 3. [0040] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a RFID tag 312 that can be used in the adapter 100 of FIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the RFID tag 312 is configured to receive at least two RF interrogation signals. In this embodiment, the RFID tag 312 includes a first antenna circuit 314 (also referred to here as the "power antenna circuit" 314) and a second antenna circuit 315 (also referred to here as the "communication antenna circuit" 315). The power antenna circuit 314 is tuned to receive a first RF interrogation signal (also referred to here as the "power RF signal" or "power signal") that is better for powering the RFID tag 312 (and the components thereof), and the communication antenna circuit 315 is tuned to receive a second RF interrogation signal (also referred to here as the "communication RF signal" or "communication signal") that is better for communicating.

[0041] Conventional RFID technology has been used with various frequency bands (for example, 120-150 KiloHertz (kHz) (low frequency (LF) unregulated band); 13.56

MegaHertz (MHz) (high frequency (HF); worldwide ISM band); 433 MHz (ultra-high frequency (UHF)); 868-870 MHz (Europe) or 902-928 MHz (North America) (UHF; ISM band); 2450-5800 MHz (microwave; ISM band); and 3.1-10 GigaHertz (GHz) (microwave; ultra wide band). Generally, the lower frequency bands have better power transfer characteristics (both from a regulatory and physical standpoint) whereas the higher frequency bands have higher data transmission characteristics. For example, around 5 Watts can be transferred to the RFID tag 312 using the LF frequency bands, whereas only around 1-100 milliwatts can be transferred using the HF and UHF frequency bands.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the power antenna circuit 314 is tuned (using an appropriate tank or other antenna circuit) to receive a LF radio frequency signal where as the communication antenna circuit 315 is tuned (using an appropriate tank or other antenna circuit) to communicate using a higher frequency RF signal. [0043] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the RFID tag 312 can be used with an RFID reader 318 that includes power functionality 317 that is configured to transmit the power RF signal for powering the RFID tag 312. The RFID reader 318 also includes communication functionality 319 that is configured to transmit and receive the communication RF signal for communicating with the RFID tag 312. Although the power functionality 317 and communication functionality 319 of the RFID reader 318 are shown separately in FIG. 3, it is to be understood that the power functionality 317 and communication functionality 319 can be implemented, at least in part, using the same devices or functionality.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the RFID tag 312 further includes an RFID IC 316. In this embodiment, the power antenna circuit 314 is coupled to the power functionality in the RFID IC 316 so that the power functionality can use the power RF signal to power the RFID tag 312 (and the components thereof). In this embodiment, the communication antenna circuit 315 is coupled to the communication functionality in the RFID IC 316 so that the communication functionality can use the communication RF signal to communicate.

[0045] By using a power RF signal that can deliver a relatively higher amount of power, the RFID tag 312 can provide power to devices or components included in and/or attached to the adapter 100 that require a higher amount of power and/or provide power to a greater number of such devices or components, even if faster data communication are needed.

[0046] A number of embodiments 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. Also,

combinations of the individual features of the above-described embodiments are considered within the scope of the inventions disclosed here.