US 20120033977A1

(19) United States

(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2012/0033977 A1
Yang (43) Pub. Date: Feb. 9, 2012

(54) OPTICAL RELAYING R-TYPE AND GR-TYPE Publication Classi?cation

RECEIVER SYSTEM (51) Int CL
H04B 10/12 (2006.01)
. G08B 17/00 (2006.01)
(76) Inventor. Jong Suck Yang, Seoul (KR) H04B 10/16 (200601)
(52) US. Cl. ...................................................... .. 398/115
(21) Appl. No.: 13/258,752 (57) ABSTRACT
_ Some embodiments of R/GR type ?re alarm control system
(22) PCT Flled? APr- 8 2010 according to the invention comprises a plurality of detectors/
transmitters for issuing alarm signals, a plurality of ?re safety
equipments for operating under control signals, a plurality of
(86) PCT NO" PCT/KR2010/002172 optical repeaters and an R/GR type ?re alarm control panel.
The optical repeaters are connected to each other in daisy
371 (0X1 ) chain and connected to the plurality of the detectors/transmit
(2), (4) Date? seP- 22: 2011 ters and the ?re safety equipments, optically transmits the
alarm signals upwardly and optically transmits the control
_ _ _ _ _ signals doWnWardly, and are capable of electrically transact
(30) Forelgn Apphcatlon Pnonty Data ing the alarm signals With respect to the detectors/transmitters
and the control signals With respect to the ?re safety equip
Nov. 18, 2009 (KR) ...................... .. 10-2009-0111246 mems_ The R/GR type ?re alarm Control panel receives the
NOV- 18, 2009 (KR) - - - - - - - - -- 10-2009-0111252 alarm signals from one of the optical repeaters and transmits
Jan. 20, 2010 (KR) ...................... .. 10-2010-0005074 the control signals to one of the optical repeaters.

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Patent Application Publication Feb. 9, 2012 Sheet 1 0f 11 US 2012/0033977 A1

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Patent Application Publication Feb. 9, 2012 Sheet 2 0f 11 US 2012/0033977 A1

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Patent Application Publication Feb. 9, 2012 Sheet 3 0f 11 US 2012/0033977 A1

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Patent Application Publication Feb. 9, 2012 Sheet 4 0f 11 US 2012/0033977 A1

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Patent Application Publication Feb. 9, 2012 Sheet 5 0f 11 US 2012/0033977 A1

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Patent Application Publication Feb. 9, 2012 Sheet 6 0f 11 US 2012/0033977 A1

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Patent Application Publication Feb. 9, 2012 Sheet 7 0f 11 US 2012/0033977 A1

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Patent Application Publication Feb. 9, 2012 Sheet 8 0f 11 US 2012/0033977 A1

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Patent Application Publication Feb. 9, 2012 Sheet 9 0f 11 US 2012/0033977 A1

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Patent Application Publication Feb. 9, 2012 Sheet 10 0f 11 US 2012/0033977 A1

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Patent Application Publication Feb. 9, 2012 Sheet 11 0f 11 US 2012/0033977 A1

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US 2012/0033977 A1
OPTICAL RELAYING R-TYPE AND GR-TYPE
RECEIVER SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a ?re alarm control
system. More particularly, the present invention R type and
GR type ?re alarm control systems.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] National Fire Safety Criterion (NFSC) in Korea is
regulations Which prescribe various speci?cations With
regard to ?re safety facilities. For example, NFSC rule 203
?re safety standard for automated ?re detection facilities
regulates mandatory conditions for an automated ?re detec
tion facility of a building.
[0003] According to NFSC rule 203, a detector is de?ned as
a device capable of detecting ?re by itself to send alarm to a
control panel, and a transmitter is de?ned as a device for a
person Who recogniZes a ?re to report. P type class 1 trans
mitter, among various transmitters, has a push button and a
lamp for the person Who activates it to ascertain its operation,
With telephone circuitry betWeen the transmitter and the ?re
alarm control panel, While P type class 2 transmitter has a
push button Without telephone function. Fire alarm control
panels are classi?ed as P type, R type, M type, GP type, GR
type. R type and GR type control panels are capable of receiv
ing respective alarm signals from a plurality of detectors or
transmitters (for more than 100 pieces of repeaters), Which
are equivalent of more than 100 repeaters, and of notifying the
concerned authorities. R type and GR type control panels are
needed to easily identify installed location of the activated
detectors or transmitters, therefore each of detectors or trans
mitters may have its oWn identi?er. For a large scale building
or complex, it is irrational to directly connect thousands of
detectors or transmitters to a central ?re alarm control panel,
such that the regulation requires a repeater to receive alarm
signals (including identi?ers) from each of detectors or trans
mitters then to relay the alarm signals to the ?re alarm control
panel or another repeater.
[0004] Repeater is a device Which delivers signals caused
by activation of a detector or a transmitter to a ?re alarm
control panel, and control signals for smoke ventilation sys
tem or varying ?re extinguishing facilities. Thus, repeaters
necessarily have input channel from a ?re alarm control panel
and output channel to the ?re alarm control panel.
[0005] Conventional R type and GR type ?re alarm control
system utiliZes RS 485 or RS 422 speci?cation for connecting
several repeaters to an R/GR type ?re alarm control panel. RS
485/422 speci?cation may provide differential communica
tion netWork, Within 1 km length more or less, for up to 127 or
255 repeaters in case of multi-drop connections. Generally,
one R/GR type ?re alarm control system may cover one
moderate building. But, conventional R/GR type ?re alarm
control system is not suitable to construct an integrated ?re
control system for a residence complex or a college campus,
as Well as a skyscraper.
[0006] Actually, ?re surveillance systems constructed With
RS485/422 Wiring suffer frequent false alarms and malfunc
tions, causing janitors of the buildings to turn off and neglect
the surveillance systems. OWing to habitual constructions of
poorly performing ?re surveillance system, the system is
Feb. 9, 2012
practically considered as a formal requirement to get a permit
on the completion of a building.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0007] The present invention may provide a novel R/GR
type ?re alarm control system overcoming limitations of
communication length and the number of repeaters to be
connected in conventional R/GR type ?re alarm control sys
tem.
[0008] Furthermore, the present invention may provide
more reliable R/GR type ?re alarm control system issuing
much less false alarms.
Technical Solution
[0009] Example embodiments of the present invention pro
vide an optical signal converter, connecting betWeen multiple
detectors/transmitters or ?re safety equipments and an R/GR
type ?re alarm control panel such that the optical signal
converters be coupled in daisy-chain, the optical signal con
verter comprising:
[0010] an upstream signal path for electrically combining
an electric signal, electrically converted from an optical sig
nal optically received from a next optical converter connected
in daisy-chain, and an alarm signal, originated from at least
one of the multiple detectors/transmitters, so as to output a
optical signal optically converted from the electrically com
bined signal;
[0011] a doWnstream signal path for electrically converting
an optical signal optically received from a previous optical
converter connected in daisy-chain, and then for optically
reconverting the electrically converted signal so as to output
the optical signal; and
[0012] an I/O port for providing the alarm signal received
from at least one of the multiple detectors/transmitters to the
upstream signal path and for externally outputting the elec
trically converted signal from the doWnstream signal path,
[0013] Wherein the optical signal passing through the
upstream signal path is eventually destined to the R/GR type
?re alarm control panel through the daisy-chain, and Wherein
the optical signal passing through the doWnstream signal path
is originated from the R/GR type ?re alarm control panel.
[0014] Advantageously, the upstream signal path com
prises:
[0015] a ?rst optical input port for producing the electric
signal electrically converted from the optical signal from the
next optical signal converter connected in daisy-chain;
[0016] an upstream branch for combining the electric sig
nal from the ?rst optical input port and the alarm signal
originated from the detectors/transmitters, so as to produce
the electrically combined signal; and
[0017] a ?rst optical output port for producing the optical
signal optically converted from the electrically combined
signal from the upstream branch.
[0018] Advantageously, the upstream branch comprises a
Wire tap coupling an output conductive line of the ?rst optical
input port and a conductive line carrying the alarm signal
from the I/O port.
[0019] Advantageously, the upstream branch comprises an
adjustment circuit for delaying one of the electric signal from
the ?rst optical input port and the alarm signal from the
detectors/transmitters When those tWo signals arrive simulta
neously, so as to sequentially output those tWo signals.
US 2012/0033977 A1
[0020] Advantageously, the upstream branch comprises a
packet encoder for encoding a combined packet When the
electric signal from the ?rst optical input port and the alarm
signal from the detectors/transmitters arrive simultaneously.
[0021] Advantageously, the I/O port comprises:
[0022] an input port for receiving a differential alarm signal
satisfying RS485 or RS422 speci?cation or a DC 24 V alarm
signal from the detectors/transmitters, and for converting to a
single-ended alarm signal to be provided to the upstream
signal path; and
[0023] an output port for converting the electrically con
verted signal from the doWnstream signal path to a differential
signal satisfying RS485 or RS422 speci?cation or a DC 24 V
signal to be output externally.
[0024] Advantageously, the doWnstream signal path com
prises:
[0025] a second optical input port for producing the elec
trically converted signal from the optical signal optically
received from a previous optical converter connected in
daisy-chain; and
[0026] a doWnstream branch for forking the electrically
converted signal from the second optical input port to the I/O
port and a second optical output port,
[0027] Wherein the second optical output port optically
converts the electrically converted signal from the doWn
stream branch to be output externally.
[0028] Advantageously, the doWnstream branch comprises
a Wire tap coupling an output conductive line of the second
optical input port and a conductive line to the I/O port.
[0029] Advantageously, the doWnstream branch comprises
a detection circuit for detecting a control signal in the elec
trically converted signal from the second optical input port to
be transmitted to one of the ?re safety equipments, and for
outputting the control signal to the I/O port.
[0030] Further example embodiments of the present inven
tion provide an optical signal repeater, connecting betWeen
multiple detectors/transmitters or ?re safety equipments and
an R/GR type ?re alarm control panel With optical cables in
daisy-chain, comprising:
[0031] an upstream signal path for electrically combining
an electric signal, electrically converted from an optical sig
nal optically received from a next optical converter connected
in daisy-chain, and an alarm signal, originated from at least
one of the multiple detectors/transmitters, so as to output a
optical signal optically converted from the electrically com
bined signal;
[0032] a doWnstream signal path for electrically converting
an optical signal optically received from a previous optical
converter connected in daisy-chain, and then for optically
reconverting the electrically converted signal so as to output
the optical signal; and
[0033] a repeating controller for providing the alarm signal
from an I/O port to the upstream signal path and for extracting
a control signal in the electric signal from the doWnstream
signal path to be transmitted to the I/O port,
[0034] Wherein the I/O port provides the alarm signal
received from at least one of the multiple detectors/transmit
ters to the upstream signal path and for externally outputting
the control signal to corresponding ?re safety equipments,
and
[0035] Wherein the optical signal passing through the
upstream signal path is eventually destined to the R/GR type
?re alarm control panel through the daisy-chain, and Wherein
Feb. 9, 2012
the optical signal passing through the doWnstream signal path
is originated from the R/GR type ?re alarm control panel.
[0036] In example embodiment, the upstream signal path
comprises:
[0037] a ?rst optical input port for producing the electric
signal electrically converted from the optical signal from the
next optical signal converter connected in daisy-chain;
[0038] an upstream branch for combining the electric sig
nal from the ?rst optical input port and the alarm signal
originated from the detectors/transmitters, so as to produce
the electrically combined signal; and
[0039] a ?rst optical output port for producing the optical
signal optically converted from the electrically combined
signal from the upstream branch.
[0040] In example embodiment, the upstream branch com
prises a Wire tap coupling an output conductive line of the ?rst
optical input port and a conductive line carrying the alarm
signal from the I/O port.
[0041] In example embodiment, the upstream branch car
ries the electric signal from the ?rst optical input port to the
repeating controller and carries the electric signal, Which is
combined With the alarm signal from the repeating controller,
to the ?rst optical output port.
[0042] In example embodiment, the upstream branch com
prises an adjustment circuit for delaying one of the electric
signal from the ?rst optical input port and the alarm signal
from the detectors/transmitters When those tWo signals arrive
simultaneously, so as to sequentially output those tWo signals.
[0043] In example embodiment, the upstream branch com
prises a packet encoder for encoding a combined packet When
the electric signal from the ?rst optical input port and the
alarm signal from the detectors/transmitters arrive simulta
neously.
[0044] In example embodiment, the doWnstream signal
path comprises:
[0045] a second optical input port for producing the elec
trically converted signal from the optical signal optically
received from a previous optical converter connected in
daisy-chain; and
[0046] a doWnstream branch for forking the electrically
converted signal from the second optical input port to the
repeating controller and a second optical output port,
[0047] Wherein the second optical output port optically
converts the electrically converted signal from the doWn
stream branch to be output externally.
[0048] In example embodiment, the doWnstream branch
comprises a Wire tap coupling an output conductive line of the
second optical input port and a conductive line to the repeat
ing controller.
[0049] In example embodiment, the doWnstream branch
comprises a detection circuit for detecting a control signal in
the electrically converted signal from the second optical input
port to be transmitted to one of the ?re safety equipments, and
for outputting the control signal to the repeating controller.
[0050] Further example embodiments of the present inven
tion provide an R/GR type ?re alarm control system compris
mg:
[0051] a plurality of detectors/transmitters for issuing
alarm signals;
[0052] a plurality of ?re safety equipments for operating
under control signals;
[0053] a plurality of repeaters connected to the plurality of
detectors/transmitters and the plurality of ?re safety equip
ments;
US 2012/0033977 A1
[0054] a plurality of optical converts, connected to each
other in daisy-chain, for optically transmitting the alarm sig
nals upwardly and optically transmitting the control signals
doWnWardly, and capable of electrically transacting the alarm
signals and the control signals With respect to the plurality of
the repeaters; and
[0055] an R/GR type ?re alarm control panel for receiving
the alarm signals from one of the optical converters and for
transmitting the control signals to one of the optical convert
ers.
[0056] In example embodiment, the R/GR type ?re alarm
control panel system further comprises a single port optical
converter optically coupled to the one of the optical convert
ers and electrically coupled to the R/GR type ?re alarm con
trol panel.
[0057] Another example embodiment of the present inven
tion provides an R/GR type ?re alarm control system com
prising:
[0058] a plurality of detectors/transmitters for issuing
alarm signals;
[0059] a plurality of ?re safety equipments for operating
under control signals;
[0060] a plurality of optical repeaters, connected to each
other in daisy-chain and connected to the plurality of the
detectors/transmitters and the ?re safety equipments, for opti
cally transmitting the alarm signals upWardly and optically
transmitting the control signals doWnWardly, and capable of
electrically transacting the alarm signals With respect to the
detectors/transmitters and the control signals With respect to
the ?re safety equipments; and
[0061] an R/GR type ?re alarm control panel for receiving
the alarm signals from one of the optical repeaters and for
transmitting the control signals to one of the optical repeaters.
[0062] In example embodiment, the R/GR type ?re alarm
control panel system further comprises a single port optical
converter optically coupled to the one of the optical repeaters
and electrically coupled to the R/GR type ?re alarm control
panel.
[0063] Yet another example embodiment of the present
invention provides a 3-Way optical repeater, connecting
betWeen multiple detectors/transmitters or ?re safety equip
ments and an R/GR type ?re alarm control panel With optical
cables in daisy-chain, comprising:
[0064] an upstream signal path for optically receiving a ?rst
upstream signal, Which is eventually destined to the R/GR
type ?re alarm control panel, electrically converting the ?rst
upstream signal, electrically combining the converted ?rst
upstream signal With an alarm signal originated from at least
one of the detectors/transmitters to yield a second upstream
signal, and optically outputting the second upstream signal;
[0065] a doWnstream signal path for optically receiving a
?rst doWnstream signal, Which, originating from the R/GR
type ?re alarm control panel, is eventually destined to the at
least one of the ?re safety equipments, electrically converting
the ?rst doWnstream signal, extracting a control signal for the
at least one of the ?re safety equipments, and for optically
outputting the ?rst doWnstream signal after the extraction;
and
[0066] an optical I/O port for electrically converting an
alarm signal, Which, originating at the detectors/transmitters,
is optically provided, to be provided to the upstream signal
path, and for optically outputting the control signal extracted
at the doWnstream signal path.
Feb. 9, 2012
[0067] In example embodiment, the upstream signal path
comprises:
[0068] a ?rst optical input port for producing a ?rst
upstream electric signal electrically converted from the ?rst
upstream signal, Which is optically received from a next
3-Way optical repeater connected in daisy-chain;
[0069] an upstream branch for combining the ?rst upstream
electric signal from the ?rst optical input port and the alarm
signal originated from the detectors/transmitters, so as to
produce the second upstream electric signal; and
[0070] a ?rst optical output port for producing the second
upstream signal optically converted from the second
upstream electric signal outputted from the up stream branch.
[0071] In example embodiment, the upstream branch com
prises a Wire tap coupling an output conductive line of the ?rst
optical input port and a conductive line carrying the alarm
signal on from the optical I/O port.
[0072] In example embodiment, the upstream branch com
prises an adjustment circuit for delaying one of the ?rst
upstream electric signal from the ?rst optical input port and
the alarm signal from the detectors/transmitters When those
tWo signals arrive simultaneously, so as to sequentially output
those tWo signals.
[0073] In example embodiment, the upstream branch com
prises a packet encoder for encoding a combined packet When
the ?rst upstream electric signal from the ?rst optical input
port and the alarm signal from the detectors/transmitters
arrive simultaneously.
[0074] In example embodiment, the doWnstream signal
path comprises:
[0075] a second optical input port for producing a ?rst
doWnstream electrical signal from the ?rst doWnstream signal
optically received from a previous 3-Way optical repeater
connected in daisy-chain; and
[0076] a doWnstream branch for forking the ?rst doWn
stream electrical signal from the second optical input port to
the optical I/O port and a second optical output port,
[0077] Wherein the second optical output port optically
converts the ?rst doWnstream electrical signal from the doWn
stream branch to be output externally.
[0078] In example embodiment, the doWnstream branch
comprises a Wire tap coupling an output conductive line of the
second optical input port and a conductive line to the optical
I/O port.
[0079] In example embodiment, the doWnstream branch
comprises a detection circuit for detecting a control signal in
the ?rst doWnstream electrical signal from the second optical
input port to be transmitted to one of the ?re safety equip
ments, and for outputting the control signal to the optical I/O
port.
[0080] An embodiment of the present invention provides a
3-Way optical repeater, connecting betWeen multiple detec
tors/transmitters or ?re safety equipments and an R/GR type
?re alarm control panel With optical cables in daisy-chain,
comprising:
[0081] a ?rst optical input port for optically receiving a ?rst
signal from a ?rst 3-Way optical repeater connected in daisy
chain;
[0082] a ?rst optical output port for optically outputting a
second signal to a second 3-Way optical repeater connected in
daisy-chain;
[0083] a second optical input port for optically receiving a
third signal from the second 3-Way optical repeater;
US 2012/0033977 A1
[0084] a second optical output port for optically outputting
a fourth signal to the ?rst 3-Way optical repeater;
[0085] a third optical input port for optically receiving an
alarm signal eventually destined to the R/GR type ?re alarm
control panel;
[0086] a third optical output port for optically outputting a
control signal eventually destined to one of the ?re safety
equipments; and
[0087] a relaying part for electrically receiving the ?rst
signal and the alarm signal, Which are optically received from
respectively the ?rst optical input port and the third optical
input port and electrically converted, so as to electrically
produce the second signal to be provided to the ?rst optical
output port, for electrically receiving the third signal, Which is
optically received from the second optical input port and is
electrically converted, so as to extract the control signal from
the third signal to provided to the third optical output port, and
for producing the fourth signal, based on the third signal, to
the second optical output port, so as to deliver the fourth
signal to the ?rst 3-Way optical repeater.
[0088] Another embodiment of the present invention pro
vides an R/GR type ?re alarm control system comprising:
[0089] a plurality of detectors/transmitters for issuing
alarm signals;
[0090] a plurality of ?re safety equipments for operating
under control signals;
[0091] a plurality of 3-Way optical repeaters, connected to
each other in daisy chain through optical cables, for optically
transmitting the alarm signals upwardly and for optically
transmitting the control signals doWnWardly;
[0092] a plurality of 2-Way optical repeaters, connected to
the respective 3-Way optical repeater and connected to the
each other in daisy-chain through optical cables, among the
plurality of detectors/transmitters or the plurality of ?re
safety equipments, for optically transmitting the alarm sig
nals to a correspondingly connected 3-Way optical repeater,
and for optically transmitting the control signals to a corre
spondingly connected 3-Way optical repeater; and
[0093] an R/GR type ?re alarm control panel for electri
cally or optically receiving the alarm signals from one of the
3-Way optical repeaters and for electrically or optically trans
mitting the control signals to one of the 3-Way optical repeat
ers.
[0094] In example embodiment, the R/GR type ?re alarm
control panel system further comprises a single port optical
converter optically coupled to the one of the 3-Way optical
repeaters and electrically coupled to the R/GR type ?re alarm
control panel.
[0095] Yet another embodiment of the invention provides
an optical signal converter, connecting betWeen multiple
detectors/transmitters or ?re safety equipments and an R/GR
type ?re alarm control panel in daisy-chain using optical
cables, the optical signal converter comprising:
[0096] a ?rst optical module for receiving an upstream
optical signal from a next optical signal converter connected
in daisy-chain to be converted into an upstream electric sig
nal, for receiving a doWnstream electric signal to be converted
into a doWnstream optical signal, and for outputting the
doWnstream optical signal to the next optical signal converter;
[0097] a second optical module for receiving the doWn
stream optical signal from a previous optical signal converter
connected in daisy-chain to be converted into the doWnstream
electric signal, for receiving a combined upstream electric
signal to be converted into a combined upstream optical sig
Feb. 9, 2012
nal, and for outputting the combined upstream optical signal
to the previous optical signal converter;
[0098] a upstream branch for electrically combining the
upstream electric signal from the ?rst optical module and the
alarm signal originated from the detectors/transmitters, so as
to produce the combined upstream electric signal; and
[0099] a doWnstream branch for providing the doWnstream
electric signal from the second optical module to an I/O port
and the ?rst optical module,
[0100] Wherein the I/O port provides the alarm signal
received from the detectors/transmitters to the upstream
branch and for externally outputting the doWnstream electric
signal.
[0101] In example embodiment, the upstream branch com
prises a Wire tap coupling an output conductive line of the ?rst
optical module and a conductive line carrying the alarm sig
nal from the I/O port.
[0102] In example embodiment, the upstream branch com
prises an adjustment circuit for delaying one of the upstream
electric signal from the ?rst optical module and the alarm
signal from the detectors/transmitters When those tWo signals
arrive simultaneously, so as to sequentially output those tWo
signals.
[0103] In example embodiment, the upstream branch com
prises a packet encoder for encoding a combined packet to be
outputted as the combined upstream electric signal, When the
upstream electric signal from the ?rst optical module and the
alarm signal from the detectors/transmitters arrive simulta
neously.
[0104] In example embodiment, the I/O port comprises:
[0105] an input port for receiving a differential alarm signal
satisfying RS485 or RS422 speci?cation or a DC 24 V alarm
signal, from the detectors/transmitters, and for converting to
a single-ended alarm signal to be provided to the upstream
branch; and
[0106] an output port for converting the doWnstream elec
trical signal to a differential signal satisfying RS485 or RS422
speci?cation or a DC 24 V signal to be output externally.
[0107] In example embodiment, the doWnstream branch
comprises a Wire tap coupling an output conductive line of the
second optical module and a conductive line to the I/O port.
[0108] In example embodiment, the doWnstream branch
comprises a detection circuit for detecting a control signal in
the doWnstream electric signal from the second optical mod
ule to be transmitted to one of the ?re safety equipments, and
for outputting the control signal to the I/O port.
[0109] Further embodiments of the present invention pro
vide an optical repeater, connecting betWeen multiple detec
tors/transmitters or ?re safety equipments and an R/GR type
?re alarm control panel in daisy-chain using optical cables,
comprising:
[0110] a ?rst optical module for receiving an upstream
optical signal from a next optical repeater connected in daisy
chain to be converted into an upstream electric signal, for
receiving a doWnstream electric signal to be converted into a
doWnstream optical signal, and for outputting the doWn
stream optical signal to the next optical repeater;
[0111] a second optical module for receiving the doWn
stream optical signal from a previous optical repeater con
nected in daisy-chain to be converted into the doWnstream
electric signal, for receiving a combined upstream electric
signal to be converted into a combined upstream optical sig
nal, and for outputting the combined upstream optical signal
to the previous optical repeater;
US 2012/0033977 A1
[0112] a upstream branch for electrically combining the
upstream electric signal from the ?rst optical module and the
alarm signal originated from the detectors/transmitters, so as
to produce the combined upstream electric signal;
[0113] a doWnstream branch for providing the doWnstream
electric signal from the second optical module to a repeating
controller and the ?rst optical module; and
[0114] a repeating controller for providing the received
alarm signal to the upstream branch, and for extracting a
control signal from the doWnstream electric signal; and
[0115] an I/O port for providing the alarm signal received
from the detectors/transmitters to the repeating controller,
and for externally outputting the control signal provided from
the repeating controller.
[0116] In example embodiments, the upstream branch
delivers the upstream electric signal outputted from the ?rst
optical module to the repeating controller and delivers the
combined upstream electric signal received from the repeat
ing controller to the second optical module, and
[0117] the repeating controller is con?gured to combine the
alarm signal and the upstream electric signal to produce the
combined upstream electric signal.
[0118] In example embodiments, the upstream branch
comprises an adjustment circuit for delaying one of the
upstream electric signal from the ?rst optical module and the
alarm signal from the detectors/transmitters When those tWo
signals arrive simultaneously, so as to sequentially output
those tWo signals.
[0119] In example embodiments, the upstream branch
comprises a packet encoder for encoding a combined packet,
When the upstream electric signal from the ?rst optical mod
ule and the alarm signal from the detectors/transmitters arrive
simultaneously.
[0120] In example embodiments, the doWnstream branch
comprises a Wire tap coupling an output conductive line of the
second optical module and a conductive line to the repeating
controller.
[0121] In example embodiments, the I/O port comprises:
[0122] an input port for receiving a differential alarm signal
satisfying RS485 or RS422 speci?cation or a DC 24 V alarm
signal, from the detectors/transmitters, and for converting to
a single-ended alarm signal to be provided to the repeating
controller; and
[0123] an output port for converting the control signal from
the repeating controller into a differential signal satisfying
RS485 or RS422 speci?cation or a DC 24 V signal to be
output extemally.
[0124] Embodiments of the present invention may provide
an optical repeater, connecting betWeen multiple detectors/
transmitters or ?re safety equipments and an R/GR type ?re
alarm control panel in daisy-chain using optical cables, com
prising:
[0125] a ?rst optical module for receiving an upstream
optical signal from a next optical converter connected in
daisy-chain to be converted into an upstream electric signal,
for receiving a doWnstream electric signal to be converted
into a doWnstream optical signal, and for outputting the
doWnstream optical signal to the next optical repeater;
[0126] a second optical module for receiving the doWn
stream optical signal from a previous optical converter con
nected in daisy-chain to be converted into the doWnstream
electric signal, for receiving a combined upstream electric
signal to be converted into a combined upstream optical sig
Feb. 9, 2012
nal, and for outputting the combined upstream optical signal
to the previous optical repeater;
[0127] a upstream branch for electrically combining the
upstream electric signal from the ?rst optical module and the
alarm signal originated from the detectors/transmitters, so as
to produce the combined upstream electric signal;
[0128] a doWnstream branch for providing the doWnstream
electric signal from the second optical module to a repeating
controller and the ?rst optical module;
[0129] a repeating controller for providing the received
alarm signal to the upstream branch, and for extracting a
control signal from the doWnstream electric signal; and
[0130] a third optical module for optically receiving the
alarm signal originated from the detectors/transmitters, for
electrically converting the alarm signal to be provided to the
repeating controller, and for externally outputting the control
signal provided from the repeating controller.
[0131] In example embodiments, the upstream branch
comprises a Wire tap coupling an output conductive line of the
?rst optical module and a conductive line carrying the alarm
signal from the repeating controller.
[0132] the upstream branch delivers the upstream electric
signal outputted from the ?rst optical module to the repeating
controller and delivers the combined upstream electric signal
received from the repeating controller to the second optical
module, and
[0133] In example embodiments, the repeating controller is
con?gured to combine the alarm signal and the upstream
electric signal to produce the combined upstream electric
signal.
[0134] In example embodiments, the upstream branch
comprises an adjustment circuit for delaying one of the
upstream electric signal from the ?rst optical module and the
alarm signal from the detectors/transmitters When those tWo
signals arrive simultaneously, so as to sequentially output
those tWo signals.
[0135] In example embodiments, the upstream branch
comprises a packet encoder for encoding a combined packet,
When the upstream electric signal from the ?rst optical mod
ule and the alarm signal from the detectors/transmitters arrive
simultaneously.
[0136] In example embodiments, the doWnstream branch
comprises a Wire tap coupling an output conductive line of the
second optical module and a conductive line to the repeating
controller.
Advantageous Effects
[0137] According to the present invention, a novel R/GR
type ?re alarm control system may communicate farther and
faster, and connect up to 65535 repeaters With integrity, such
that a ?re alarm control system can be constructed for an
entire building, as Well as for a complex or a skyscraper, With
one R/GR type ?re alarm control panel.
[0138] According to the present invention, a novel R/GR
type ?re alarm control system may expand affordable capac
ity using already installed detectors and transmitters.
[0139] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the
present invention may provide reliable R/GR type ?re alarm
control system With much less error rate.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0140] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an R/GR type
optically repeating ?re alarm control system according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
US 2012/0033977 A1
[0141] FIGS. 2 to 4 are block diagrams illustrating 2-Way
optical repeaters available for an R/GR type optically repeat
ing ?re alarm control system according to an embodiment of
the present invention of FIG. 1.
[0142] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an optical
converting port available for an R/GR type optically repeating
?re alarm control system according to an embodiment of the
present invention of FIG. 1.
[0143] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an R/GR type
optically repeating ?re alarm control system according to a
different embodiment of the present invention.
[0144] FIGS. 7 and 8 are block diagrams illustrating 2-Way
optical converters available for an R/GR type optically
repeating ?re alarm control system according to an embodi
ment of the present invention of FIG. 6.
[0145] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a single port
optical converter available for an R/GR type optically repeat
ing ?re alarm control system according to an embodiment of
the present invention of FIG. 6.
[0146] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an R/GR type
optically repeating ?re alarm control system according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0147] FIGS. 11 to 13 are block diagrams illustrating 3-Way
optical repeaters available for an R/GR type optically repeat
ing ?re alarm control system according to an embodiment of
the present invention of FIG. 10.
[0148] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an optical
converting port available for an R/GR type optically repeating
?re alarm control system according to an embodiment of the
present invention of FIG. 10.
[0149] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an R/GR type
optically repeating ?re alarm control system according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0150] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a single port
optical converter available for an R/GR type optically repeat
ing ?re alarm control system according to an embodiment of
the present invention of FIG. 15.
[0151] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an R/GR type
optically repeating ?re alarm control system according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0152] FIGS. 18 to 20 are block diagrams illustrating 2-Way
optical repeaters available for an R/GR type optically repeat
ing ?re alarm control system according to an embodiment of
the present invention of FIG. 17.
[0153] FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an optical
converting port available for an R/GR type optically repeating
?re alarm control system according to an embodiment of the
present invention of FIG. 17.
[0154] FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an R/GR type
optically repeating ?re alarm control system according to yet
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0155] FIGS. 23 and 24 are block diagrams illustrating
2-Way optical converters available for an R/GR type optically
repeating ?re alarm control system according to an embodi
ment of the present invention of FIG. 17.
[0156] FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a single port
optical converter available for an R/GR type optically repeat
ing ?re alarm control system according to an embodiment of
the present invention of FIG. 22.
[0157] FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating an R/GR type
optically repeating ?re alarm control system according to still
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0158] FIGS. 27 to 29 are block diagrams illustrating 3-Way
optical repeaters available for an R/GR type optically repeat
Feb. 9, 2012
ing ?re alarm control system according to an embodiment of
the present invention of FIG. 26.
MODE FOR INVENTION
[0159] The invention is described more fully hereinafter
With reference to the accompanying draWings, in Which
embodiments of the invention are shoWn. This invention may,
hoWever, be embodied in many different forms and shouldnot
be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
[0160] Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure Will be thorough and complete, and Will fully
convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[0161] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an R/GR type
optically repeating ?re alarm control system according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0162] Referring to FIG. 1, an optically repeating R/GR
type ?re alarm control system 10 comprises an R/GR type ?re
alarm control panel 11, optical cables 12a and 12b, optical
repeaters 13a, 13b through 1311, detectors/transmitters 14 and
?re safety equipments 15. The optical repeaters 13a, 13b
through 1311 are connected in daisy-chain topology.
[0163] Speci?cally, the R/GR type ?re alarm control panel
11 includes a controller 111, an operation monitor 112, an
indicator 113, a netWork interface 114 and an optical l/ O port
115. The controller 111 may control operations such as recep
tion and regulation of alarm signals, identi?cation of detec
tors or transmitters issuing alarm signals, communications
With a control center, etc. The operation monitor 112 may
monitor Whether the repeaters and signal lines connected to
the control panel are operational right. The indicator 113,
including a display, LED lamps, or speakers, may visually or
aurally indicate alarm status or operation status. The netWork
interface 114 may perform communications to and from the
control center. According to embodiments, a storage may be
added to accumulate operational information Within the stor
age.
[0164] The optical I/O port 115 of the R/GR type ?re alarm
control panel 11 receives a ?re alarm issued at the detector/
transmitter 14 through the optical cable 12a in a fashion of an
optical signal, then converts the optical signal into an electric
signal to be transmitted to the controller 111, as Well as
receiving a control signal from the controller 111, Which is
provided from the control center to each ?re safety equip
ment, converting the control signal into an optical signal and
transmitting the optical signal through the optical cable 12b.
[0165] A doWnstream signal path denotes a path propagat
ing a control signal originated at the R/GR ?re alarm control
panel 11 via the respective optical repeaters 13 to correspond
ing ?re safety equipments 15, While an upstream signal path
in the repeater 13 may mean a path carrying an alarm signal
issued in a detector/transmitter 14 through the respective
optical repeater 13 to the R/GR type ?re alarm control panel
11.
[0166] According to the embodiments, the R/GR type ?re
alarm control panel 11 may have an RS485 or RS422 l/ O port,
as a conventional one does. In such a case, the optical I/O port
115 may be embodied an additional item, such as a single port
optical converter, Which can be installed to the RS485/422
port from exterior of the R/GR control panel 1 1, converting an
optical signal into an RS485/ 422 signal to be provided to the
R/GR control panel 11, or converting an RS485/422 differ
ential signal from the R/GR control panel 11 into an optical
signal.
US 2012/0033977 A1
[0167] The optical cable 1211 indicates a medium that may
carry an alarm signal to the R/GR type ?re alarm control panel
11, While the optical cable 12b indicates a medium that may
transfer a control signal from the R/GR type ?re alarm control
panel 11.
[0168] Although in FIG. 1 the optical cables 12a, 12b are
illustrated as physically separated cables, the cables 12a, 12b
may be implemented With respective optical ?bers placed
Within one optical cable.
[0169] The optical repeaters 13a, 13b through 1311 are opti
cally connected to each other With the optical cables 12a, 12b,
and are electrically connected to more than one detector/
transmitter 14, respectively. The detectors/transmitters 14
may be grouped by such as of?ce sections or ?oors in a
building, and each group of the detectors/transmitters 14 may
be then Wired by a simple DC line or an RS485/ 4222 Wire for
an optical repeater 13. The optical repeaters 13a, 13b through
1311 may electrically connected to ?re safety equipments 15
such as ?re extinguishers, i.e. ?re hydrants, sprinklers, or
halogen extinguishers, or smoke ventilation system, i.e.
dampers, ?re doors, smoke shutters, smoke WindoWs, evacu
ation guide light, etc.
[0170] The optical repeaters 13a, 13b through 1311 are con
nected to each other in daisy-chain, deliver to an antecedent
optical repeater 13 alarm signals, Which are delivered from a
folloWing optical repeater 13, or issued at detectors/transmit
ters 14, selectively according to embodiments, or combining
the alarm signals received. Furthermore, the optical repeaters
13a, 13b through 1311 deliver control signals, Which are trans
mitted from the R/GR type ?re alarm control panel 11 or from
an antecedent optical repeater 13, to ?re safety equipments
15, to Which the control signals are destined, or to a folloWing
optical repeater 13.
[0171] The optical repeaters 13a, 13b through 1311 of the
invention may be optically connected other optical repeaters
13, and be electrically connected to the detectors/transmitters
14 or ?re safety equipments 15. Thus, the optical repeater 13
may convert received optical signals ?rst into electrical sig
nals, process the converted signal, and then convert the pro
cessed electric signals into optical signals to be output.
[0172] The detectors/transmitters 14 may be conventional
detectors for ?re, smoke, heat, or gas, or push-button call
points (also knoWn as transmitters) Which are activated by a
direct action of a man to issue an alarm. The detectors/trans
mitters may issue electric alarm signals and transmit the
alarm signals to the optical repeaters 13. Commercially avail
able detectors or transmitters may generally produce differ
ential signal satisfying RS485/422 speci?cations. In these
cases, the optical repeaters 13 may also equip With RS485/
422 I/O ports and transact the alarm signals via the I/O ports.
Other commercially available detectors or transmitters may
produce alarm signals in DC 24 V single-ended signals. In
this case, the optical repeaters 13 can equip With the DC I/O
ports, through Which the alarm signals may proceed.
[0173] According to the embodiments, the detectors/trans
mitters 14 may issue alarm signals optically, and be con
nected to the optical repeaters 13 With optical cables.
[0174] FIGS. 2 to 4 are block diagrams illustrating 2-Way
optical repeaters available for an R/GR type optically repeat
ing ?re alarm control system according to an embodiment of
the present invention of FIG. 1.
[0175] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the optical repeater 13
includes a ?rst optical input port 131, an upstream branch
132, a ?rst optical output port 133, a second optical output
Feb. 9, 2012
port 134, a doWnstream branch 135, a second optical input
port 136, a repeating controller 137, an I/O port 138. In FIGS.
2 to 4, the upstream branch 132 and the doWnstream branch
135 may have different con?gurations, While remaining ele
ments in FIGS. 2 to 4 of the optical repeater 13 are substan
tially identical.
[0176] The ?rst optical input port 131, the upstream branch
132 and the ?rst optical output port 133 constitute an
upstream signal path, Which delivers alarm signals from other
optical repeaters and alarm signals from the detectors/trans
mitters 14, Which are connected to the concerned optical
repeater 13, to the R/GR type ?re alarm control panel 11.
LikeWise, the second optical input port 136, the doWnstream
branch 135 and the second optical output port 134 constitute
a doWnstream signal path, Which delivers control signals from
the R/GR type ?re alarm control panel 11 to other optical
repeaters 13 and the repeating controller 137.
[0177] The repeating controller 137 determines Whether
the alarm signals from the detectors/transmitters 14 are per
tinent or not, and then delivers the alarm signals to the
upstream branch 132. Furthermore, the repeating controller
137 determines Whether the control signal from the doWn
stream branch 135 regards the ?re safety equipment con
nected to the concerned optical repeater 13, and When the
control signal is related to the ?re safety equipment connected
to the concerned optical repeater 13, then deliver the control
signal to the ?re safety equipment.
[0178] The repeating controller 137 and the detectors/
transmitters 14 may be Wired With the I/O port 138 in RS485/
422 speci?cation or using DC 24 V line. According to the
embodiments, the I/O port 138 may include an optical I/O
port, Which can be coupled to the detectors/transmitters 14
With optical cables.
[0179] Speci?cally, the ?rst optical input port 131 may
receive alarm signals delivered via an optical cable from other
optical repeater, and then convert the received optical alarm
signals into electric alarm signals. The upstream branch 132
may combine alarm signals transferred through the repeating
controller 137 originated at the detectors/transmitters 14, and
alarm signals electrically converted at the ?rst optical input
port 131, and then deliver the combined electric signals to the
?rst optical output port 133. The ?rst optical output port 133
converts the delivered electric signals into optical signals to
be output via another optical cable.
[0180] The upstream branch 132 may be implemented in
varying fashions. Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments,
the upstream branch 132 may just be a Wired tap, Which
connects tWo conductive lines. In this case, although the
con?guration of the upstream branch 132 may be simple,
collision may be occurred When alarm signals simultaneously
arrive from detectors/transmitter 14 and the other optical
repeater 13.
[0181] Referring to FIG. 3, in another embodiment, the
upstream branch 132 may be con?gured to electrically con
nect the ?rst optical input port 131 and the repeating control
ler 137, and to electrically connect the repeating controller
137 and the ?rst optical output port 133. In this case, alarm
signals from other optical repeater 13 are delivered via Wiring
of the upstream branch 132 to the repeating controller 137
Which combines the alarms signals from different sources, so
as to deliver the combined alarm signals to the ?rst optical
input port 133 via Wiring of the upstream branch 132.
[0182] Referring to FIG. 4, the upstream branch 132 may
be implemented as an adjustment circuit, Which, for example
US 2012/0033977 A1
When tWo alarm signals arrives at the same time, is capable of
selectively outputting one signal before the other and delay
ing the other signal for avoiding collision. The upstream
branch 132, further, may be implemented as a packet encoder,
Which, for example, can encode a combined packet loading
tWo alarm signals into one payload to be output. The doWn
stream branch 135 may a detection circuit to extract a control
signal to be sent to the ?re safety equipment that is connected
to the concerned optical repeater 13.
[0183] Besides, the second optical input port 136 receives
control signals, delivered through an optical cable, originated
at the R/GR ?re alarm control panel 11, and then converts the
received optical control signals into electrical control signals.
The doWnstream branch 135 transfers the control signals,
originated at the R/GR ?re alarm control panel 11, to the
repeating controller 137 and the second optical output port
134, respectively. The second optical output port 134 converts
the control signals received into optical control signals to be
output through another optical cable.
[0184] The doWnstream branch 135 may be implemented
in varying fashions. Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodi
ments, the doWnstream branch 135 may just be a Wired tap. In
this case, the control signals are directed to both of the second
optical output port 134 and the repeating controller 137.
[0185] Referring to FIG. 3, according to additional embodi
ments, the doWnstream branch 135 may be implemented to
electrically connect the second optical input port 136 and the
repeating controller 137, and to electrically connect the
repeating controller 137 and the second optical output port
134. In this case, control signals from antecedent optical
repeater 13 are delivered via Wiring of the doWnstream branch
135 to the repeating controller 137. When the repeating con
troller 137 outputs accordingly processed control signals, the
processed control signals are delivered to the second optical
output port 134 via Wiring of the doWnstream branch 135. The
repeating controller 137 may output the received control sig
nals intact, or may output regenerated control signals by
removing part related to the concerned optical repeater 13.
[0186] Referring to FIG. 4, the doWnstream branch 135
may be implemented as a detection circuit, Which, for
example, may direct control signals to the repeating control
ler 137 only When there exists any control signal correspond
ing to the concerned optical repeater 13 among the received
control signals, otherWise directing the control signals to the
second optical output port 136.
[0187] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an optical
converting port available for an R/GR type optically repeating
?re alarm control system according to an embodiment of the
present invention of FIG. 1.
[0188] Referring to FIG. 5, the optical I/O port 115 includes
an optical output port 1151 and an optical input port 1152.
The optical output port 1151 converts electrical control sig
nals of the R/GR control panel 11 into optical signals to be
output. The optical input port 1152 receives alarm signals in
optical fashion, converts the alarm signals to electric signals,
and then provides them to the R/GR control panel 11.
[0189] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an R/GR type
optically repeating ?re alarm control system according to a
different embodiment of the present invention.
[0190] Referring to FIG. 6, an optically repeating R/GR
type ?re alarm control system 40 comprises an R/GR type ?re
alarm control panel 11, a single port optical converter 41,
optical cables 12a and 12b, 2-Way port optical converters 43a,
43b through 4311, repeaters 44a, 44b through 4411, detectors/
Feb. 9, 2012
transmitters 14 and ?re safety equipments 15. The 2-Way port
optical converters 43a, 43b through 4311 are connected in
daisy-chain topology.
[0191] The R/GR type ?re alarm control panel 11, includ
ing a controller 111, an operation monitor 112, an indicator
113, a netWork interface 114 and an optical I/O port 115, may
substantially be identical to the R/GR type ?re alarm control
panel 11 of FIG. 1, so that description related to those may be
safely omitted, except that the I/O port 116 of FIG. 6, corre
sponding to the optical I/O port 115 transacting optical sig
nals in FIG. 1, may transact electric signals satisfying RS485/
422 technical speci?cation in FIG. 6.
[0192] The single port optical converter 41 couples
betWeen the I/O port 116 of the R/GR control panel 11 and the
optical cables 12a, 12b, and converts optical alarm signals
received via the optical cable 1211 into electric alarm signals to
be provided to the I/O port 116 of the R/GR control panel 11,
While converting control signals from the I/O port 116 of the
R/GR control panel 11 into optical control signals to be output
via the optical cable 12b.
[0193] The 2-Way port optical converter 43 may perform
signal transfer via the optical cables 12a, 12b betWeen tWo
neighboring repeaters 43 or betWeen the repeater 43 and the
control panel 11, and speci?cally may be connected to the
repeaters 44 via RS485/422 communication speci?cation to
perform transfer of alarm signals.
[0194] The repeater 44 may be implemented as a conven
tional repeater using RS485/422 communication speci?ca
tion, While the detector/transmitter 14 may be conventional
ones.
[0195] FIGS. 7 and 8 are block diagrams illustrating 2-Way
port optical converters available for an R/GR type optically
repeating ?re alarm control system according to an embodi
ment of the present invention of FIG. 6.
[0196] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the 2-Way optical con
verter 43 includes a ?rst optical input port 431, an upstream
branch 432, a ?rst optical output port 433, a second optical
output port 434, a doWnstream branch 435, a second optical
input port 436, an I/O port 438. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the upstream
branch 432 and the doWnstream branch 435 may have differ
ent con?gurations, While remaining elements in FIGS. 7 and
8 of the 2-Way optical converter 43 are substantially identical.
The ?rst optical input port 431, the upstream branch 432 and
the ?rst optical output port 433 constitute an upstream signal
path, Which delivers alarm signals from other 2-Way optical
converter 43 and alarm signals from the detectors/transmit
ters 14, Which are connected to the concerned 2-Way optical
converter 43, to the R/GR type ?re alarm control panel 11.
Likewise, the second optical input port 436, the doWnstream
branch 435 and the second optical output port 434 constitute
a doWnstream signal path, Which delivers control signals from
the R/GR type ?re alarm control panel 11 to other 2-Way
optical converters 43 and the I/O port 438.
[0197] The I/O port 438 may convert alarm signals in
RS485/422 con?guration received from the detector/trans
mitter 14 via the repeater 44, or DC 24 V signal into a single
ended electric signal Which is suitable to be converted to an
optical signal, and then deliver the single ended signal to the
upstream branch 432. Further, the I/O port 438 receives
single-ended control signal from the doWnstream branch 435,
and converts that into RS485/422 regulated control signal or
DC 24 V control signal to be output.
[0198] Speci?cally, the ?rst optical input port 431 may
receive alarm signals delivered via an optical cable from other