Patents by Inventor Arnold Muralt

Arnold Muralt has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9660695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for sensing noise sources in a wireline communications environment such as a customer premises environment in a DSL system. In embodiments, the invention includes an additional sensor that is connected to power mains in a DSL customer premises environment either to characterize, at their source, noises coupling into the DSL lines, and/or to mitigate their impact into the DSL lines. One objective is associated with diagnostics that help to better characterize the noise signals themselves and derive correlation of signals sensed from the power mains and their possible projection onto the DSL line. Another objective makes use of these power line sensor signals to mitigate or to eliminate power line noises that make their way onto the DSL line. Example embodiments further include and exploit signals from additional secondary sensors such as secondary common mode, differential mode and phantom mode sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Ikanos Communication, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Francis Alloin, William Edward Keasler, Jr., Laurent Pierrugues, Arnold Muralt
  • Patent number: 9564946
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to addressing performance issues in xDSL communication systems, and more particularly to methods and apparatuses to measure and characterize CM noise impacting a DSL line in a customer premises, measurements and characterization of the projection of these CM signals in Differential Mode (DM), and finally a derivation of an estimate of the loop balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ikanos Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Francis Alloin, James T. Schley May, Arnold Muralt, Vinay Kumar Chapala
  • Publication number: 20160308580
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for sensing noise sources in a wireline communications environment such as a customer premises environment in a DSL system. In embodiments, the invention includes an additional sensor that is connected to power mains in a DSL customer premises environment either to characterize, at their source, noises coupling into the DSL lines, and/or to mitigate their impact into the DSL lines. One objective is associated with diagnostics that help to better characterize the noise signals themselves and derive correlation of signals sensed from the power mains and their possible projection onto the DSL line. Another objective makes use of these power line sensor signals to mitigate or to eliminate power line noises that make their way onto the DSL line. Example embodiments further include and exploit signals from additional secondary sensors such as secondary common mode, differential mode and phantom mode sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Laurent Francis Alloin, William Edward Keasler, JR., Laurent Pierrugues, Arnold Muralt
  • Publication number: 20160294443
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to addressing performance issues in xDSL communication systems, and more particularly to methods and apparatuses to measure and characterize CM noise impacting a DSL line in a customer premises, measurements and characterization of the projection of these CM signals in Differential Mode (DM), and finally a derivation of an estimate of the loop balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Laurent Francis Alloin, James T.Schley May, Arnold Muralt, Vinay Kumar Chapala
  • Patent number: 9426283
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method by which an xDSL modem can be properly connected and/or optimally tuned to achieve a desired performance goal based on knowledge obtained by first performing a SELT test and then post-processing the results of that test. In embodiments, the processed SELT results are used to detect bad connections or other anomalies such as split pairs. In embodiments, the processed SELT results are used to configure programmable components and filters in the analog front end in a manner that achieves the performance goal. In these and other embodiments, the performance goal is to maximize the attainable data rate. As such, through various hardware design options and configurations according to the invention, the performance of the modem can be tuned such that even in the presence of undesirable loop characteristics, adequate, or even good performance, can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Ikanos Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Levonas, Vipin Pathak, Arnold Muralt
  • Patent number: 9413424
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for sensing noise sources in a wireline communications environment such as a customer premises environment in a DSL system. In embodiments, the invention includes an additional sensor that is connected to power mains in a DSL customer premises environment either to characterize, at their source, noises coupling into the DSL lines, and/or to mitigate their impact into the DSL lines. One objective is associated with diagnostics that help to better characterize the noise signals themselves and derive correlation of signals sensed from the power mains and their possible projection onto the DSL line. Another objective makes use of these power line sensor signals to mitigate or to eliminate power line noises that make their way onto the DSL line. Example embodiments further include and exploit signals from additional secondary sensors such as secondary common mode, differential mode and phantom mode sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Ikanos Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Francis Alloin, William Edward Keasler, Jr., Laurent Pierrugues, Arnold Muralt
  • Patent number: 9385781
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to addressing performance issues in xDSL communication systems, and more particularly to methods and apparatuses to measure and characterize CM noise impacting a DSL line in a customer premises, measurements and characterization of the projection of these CM signals in Differential Mode (DM), and finally a derivation of an estimate of the loop balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ikanos Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Francis Alloin, James T. Schley May, Arnold Muralt, Vinay Kumar Chapala
  • Publication number: 20160043772
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for sensing noise sources in a wireline communications environment such as a customer premises environment in a DSL system. In embodiments, the invention includes an additional sensor that is connected to power mains in a DSL customer premises environment either to characterize, at their source, noises coupling into the DSL lines, and/or to mitigate their impact into the DSL lines. One objective is associated with diagnostics that help to better characterize the noise signals themselves and derive correlation of signals sensed from the power mains and their possible projection onto the DSL line. Another objective makes use of these power line sensor signals to mitigate or to eliminate power line noises that make their way onto the DSL line. Example embodiments further include and exploit signals from additional secondary sensors such as secondary common mode, differential mode and phantom mode sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Laurent Francis Alloin, William Edward Keasler, JR., Laurent Pierrugues, Arnold Muralt
  • Patent number: 9166651
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for sensing noise sources in a wireline communications environment such as a customer premises environment in a DSL system. In embodiments, the invention includes an additional sensor that is connected to power mains in a DSL customer premises environment either to characterize, at their source, noises coupling into the DSL lines, and/or to mitigate their impact into the DSL lines. One objective is associated with diagnostics that help to better characterize the noise signals themselves and derive correlation of signals sensed from the power mains and their possible projection onto the DSL line. Another objective makes use of these power line sensor signals to mitigate or to eliminate power line noises that make their way onto the DSL line. Example embodiments further include and exploit signals from additional secondary sensors such as secondary common mode, differential mode and phantom mode sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ikanos Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Francis Alloin, William Edward Keasler, Jr., Laurent Pierrugues, Arnold Muralt
  • Publication number: 20150281434
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method by which an xDSL modem can be properly connected and/or optimally tuned to achieve a desired performance goal based on knowledge obtained by first performing a SELT test and then post-processing the results of that test. In embodiments, the processed SELT results are used to detect bad connections or other anomalies such as split pairs. In embodiments, the processed SELT results are used to configure programmable components and filters in the analog front end in a manner that achieves the performance goal. In these and other embodiments, the performance goal is to maximize the attainable data rate. As such, through various hardware design options and configurations according to the invention, the performance of the modem can be tuned such that even in the presence of undesirable loop characteristics, adequate, or even good performance, can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Robin LEVONAS, Vipin PATHAK, Arnold MURALT
  • Publication number: 20150244419
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to addressing performance issues in xDSL communication systems, and more particularly to methods and apparatuses to measure and characterize CM noise impacting a DSL line in a customer premises, measurements and characterization of the projection of these CM signals in Differential Mode (DM), and finally a derivation of an estimate of the loop balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Laurent Francis ALLOIN, James T. Schley MAY, Arnold MURALT, Vinay Kumar CHAPALA
  • Publication number: 20140177694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for sensing noise sources in a wireline communications environment such as a customer premises environment in a DSL system. In embodiments, the invention includes an additional sensor that is connected to power mains in a DSL customer premises environment either to characterize, at their source, noises coupling into the DSL lines, and/or to mitigate their impact into the DSL lines. One objective is associated with diagnostics that help to better characterize the noise signals themselves and derive correlation of signals sensed from the power mains and their possible projection onto the DSL line. Another objective makes use of these power line sensor signals to mitigate or to eliminate power line noises that make their way onto the DSL line. Example embodiments further include and exploit signals from additional secondary sensors such as secondary common mode, differential mode and phantom mode sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Laurent Francis ALLOIN, William Edward KEASLER, JR., Laurent PIERRUGUES, Arnold MURALT
  • Patent number: 8687770
    Abstract: One embodiment is a method for performing 2-wire line imbalance measurements. The method comprises receiving a probe signal and based on the probe signal, determining one of more of: an estimated transverse conversion loss (TCL) coupling transfer function and an estimated transverse conversion transfer loss (TCTL) coupling transfer function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ikanos Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Francis Alloin, Arnold Muralt, Laurent Pierrugues
  • Patent number: 8619969
    Abstract: An adaptive hybrid system is coupled to a loop for adjusting trans-hybrid loss. The system comprises a fixed portion comprising a first receiver transfer function block and a first hybrid transfer function block. The fixed portion is configured to receive a far-end signal and mitigate frequency dependent attenuation experienced by the far-end signal. The system also comprises a variable portion comprising a second receiver transfer function block and a second hybrid transfer function block configured to subtract a transmit echo from the received far-end signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Ikanos Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold Muralt, Eduard Sackinger, Fenghua Zheng, Fred Larsen
  • Publication number: 20110268258
    Abstract: One embodiment is a method for performing 2-wire line imbalance measurements. The method comprises receiving a probe signal and based on the probe signal, determining one of more of: an estimated transverse conversion loss (TCL) coupling transfer function and an estimated transverse conversion transfer loss (TCTL) coupling transfer function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Ikanos Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Francis Alloin, Arnold Muralt, Laurent Pierrugues
  • Publication number: 20110044415
    Abstract: An adaptive hybrid system is coupled to a loop for adjusting trans-hybrid loss. The system comprises a fixed portion comprising a first receiver transfer function block and a first hybrid transfer function block. The fixed portion is configured to receive a far-end signal and mitigate frequency dependent attenuation experienced by the far-end signal. The system also comprises a variable portion comprising a second receiver transfer function block and a second hybrid transfer function block configured to subtract a transmit echo from the received far-end signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Ikanos Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold Muralt, Eduard Sackinger, Fenghua Zheng, Fred Larsen
  • Patent number: 7558316
    Abstract: A system and a method for constructing a signal integrity supervisor capable of both detecting and triggering an appropriate response when transmit path signals indicate a potential damaging transmitter operating mode. The system and method of the present invention takes advantage of the inherent property of a Delta-Sigma Modulator (DSM) which makes the probability of encountering a long string of consecutive ones or zeroes during nominal operation very small. The signal integrity supervisor ensures safe transmitter operation by monitoring the data and the clock inputs to a digital to analog converter. The system may comprise a data signal supervisor and a clock signal supervisor. The data supervisor may comprise a comparator and a counter and may be configured to power down a line driver upon detecting a data stream having a continuous voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Brooktree Broadband Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Eichrodt, Frode Larsen, Arnold Muralt
  • Patent number: 7555036
    Abstract: A system and a method for constructing a signal integrity supervisor capable of both detecting and triggering an appropriate response when transmit path signals indicate a potential damaging transmitter operating mode. The system and method of the present invention takes advantage of the inherent property of a Delta-Sigma Modulator (DSM) which makes the probability of encountering a long string of consecutive ones or zeroes during nominal operation very small. The signal integrity supervisor ensures safe transmitter operation by monitoring the data and the clock inputs to a digital to analog converter. The system may comprise a data signal supervisor and a clock signal supervisor. The data supervisor may comprise a comparator and a counter and may be configured to power down a line driver upon detecting a data stream having a continuous voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Brooktree Broadband Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Eichrodt, Frode Larsen, Arnold Muralt
  • Patent number: 7031378
    Abstract: A single unified digital subscriber line (DSL) transceiver can be used for DSL applications, can be integrated on a single board or chip, or within a less board space. An embodiment of the unified DSL transceiver comprises a transmit circuit coupled to a line driver/transformer circuit. The line driver/transformer circuit is coupled to a receive circuit that comprises a switching circuit. A signal is transmitted from the transmit circuit to the line driver/transformer circuit; the switching circuit is configured based on DSL applications, and the signal is propagated from the line driver/transformer circuit to a line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Globespan, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold Muralt, Christian Eichrodt
  • Patent number: 7010025
    Abstract: An improved analog front end and methods for increasing the power efficiency of duplex signals on a transmission line are disclosed. The improved analog front end bifurcates a hybrid into a fixed portion and an adaptive portion. The adaptive portion combines a biquad and a summer to produce a filter transfer function suited to compensate for transmission line irregularities. A method for configuring a local transceiver to minimize power requirements at a remote transmitter is disclosed. Broadly the method entails, applying a transmit signal to a front end in the absence of a remote signal; optimizing the transmit signal power; recording the reflected transmit signal; applying an adaptive filter in response to transmission line irregularities; and controllably adjusting the adaptive filter to minimize the amplitude of the reflected version of the transmit signal in the receive path. A method for recovering a remotely generated signal is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: GlobespanVirata, Inc.
    Inventors: Markus Helfenstein, Drahoslav Lim, George S. Moschytz, Arnold Muralt