Standby Power Supply
Monitoring Agent

Datasheet

The Phoenix Broadband Technologies PBT-PA-1 PowerAgent is a special purpose status monitoring agent that allows a Cable TV network power supply to be remotely monitored and controlled using a cable modem.

The PowerAgent interfaces to the cable modem via an ethernet connection, and to the monitored power supply via a flexible and configurable interface. The PowerAgent has two separate monitoring interfaces built-in: A multi-wire analog/digital interface for use with legacy power supplies made by Alpha Technologies and others, and an RS-485  serial interface for use with newer generation power supplies that support the HMS-022 serial monitoring standard.

The PowerAgent obtains its operating power from the monitored supply’s 60-90 VAC output and generates a 12VDC nominal voltage that powers the companion cable modem, thus eliminating the need for a separate modem power unit.

The PowerAgent has a built-in SNMP proxy, a built-in web server, and a built-in SMTP mail client. The SNMP proxy supports SNMP standard and HMS MIB’s.  Additional SNMP functionality not presently defined under HMS is available using a Phoenix Broadband enterprise MIB.  HMS traps are generated based on alarm conditions defined using the HMS property MIB. The built-in web server allows the status of the monitored supply to be analyzed from anywhere in the network using a common web browser. This eliminates the need for expensive client application software licenses. Web-based monitoring is read-only as a security precaution. The built-in SMTP mail client can be set up to send alarm messages to another computer or to a mobile phone when an alarm occurs. 

The PowerAgent is completely downloadable over the network, facilitating firmware upgrades and feature enhancements as they become available. The unit also contains a special “Watchdog timer” that monitors the cable modem and automatically resets it in case of a modem “hang” situation.

The PowerAgent is compatible with several popular brands of UPS power supplies merely by using the correct interface wire harness, and in some cases downloading new firmware to the unit. 

More technical information about the technology built into the PowerAgent can be found in the PBT-NA-1 nanoAgent datasheet. Contact Phoenix Broadband Technologies for more information.

·         Allows a DOCSIS modem to monitor network UPS power supplies

·         Built-in SNMP proxy agent implements SCTE/HMS monitoring standards

·         No special software licenses or expensive controllers required

·         Built-in web server allows convenient read-only monitoring from any computer on the network

·         Built-in SMTP mail client sends alarm messages to another computer or to a mobile phone.

·         Fully downloadable operating firmware

·         Provides power to cable modem, eliminating extra power module

·         Built-in “watchdog timer” resets cable modem in event of a modem “hang”