Importance

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Abstract

A broadband signal tap includes a reversible directional coupler and a make-before-break signal continuity bridge. The electronic circuitry of the directional coupler is provided on a daughterboard that is removably connected to a motherboard in the tap. The removable daughterboard has a plurality of symmetrically arranged connection means and the motherboard has a plurality of symmetrically arranged connection points for accepting connections with the plurality of symmetrically arranged outputs on the daughterboard. The connections on the motherboard and on the daughterboard are physically and functionally symmetrical, thereby permitting the daughterboard to be reversed. The daughterboard is maintained in a housing. The housing has elongated fingers which, when pushed downward onto the motherboard, penetrate through retaining holes in motherboard, thereby retaining the housing on the motherboard. An electrically conductive continuity bridge is provided on the bottom of the motherboard for maintaining electrical continuity of the broadband signal when the daughterboard is removed from the motherboard. The continuity bridge includes a unitary spring metal having a center portion and two end portions. Upon connection of the housing to the motherboard, the elongated fingers push against and urge the end portions of the continuity bridge away from connections on the motherboard, thus disengaging the electrically conductive continuity bridge. Conversely, when the housing is removed from the motherboard, the end portions of the continuity bridge make contact with connections on the motherboard before the connectors of the daughterboard are disconnected from the motherboard, thereby maintaining continuity of the broadband signal through the tap when the daughterboard is disconnected from the motherboard.

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First Claim