Abstract: A fleet node management system may include a metadata store, a plurality of fleet nodes, and one or more metadata mutation devices. The metadata store may be configured to store dynamic metadata. The plurality of fleet nodes may be configured to determine, based on a gossip protocol, whether to continue performance of a function that uses a local version of the metadata. The one or more metadata mutation devices may be configured to determine, based on a global state of the fleet nodes, whether to modify the dynamic metadata for the fleet nodes.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing network link bonding and management is presented. At least one physical link is established between a first endpoint and a second endpoint. A logical link is established at an application server level between the first endpoint and the second endpoint, the logical link including said at least one physical link. At least one physical link is used to provide communications between the first endpoint and the second endpoint. Messages are distributed among the physical links and the received messages are ordered into a single stream for the higher layer application.

Abstract: Optical sensor devices, and methods of manufacturing the same, are described herein. In an embodiment, a monolithic optical sensor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a trench, with a photodetector region under said trench. An optical filter is formed in the trench and over at least a portion of the photodetector region. One or more metal structures extend above a top surface of said optical filter. The trench, photodetector region and optical filter are formed as part of a front-end-of-line (FEOL) semiconductor fabrication process. The one or more metal structures are formed as part of a back-end-of-line (BEOL) semiconductor fabrication process.

Abstract: A system for powering up an electronic circuit with telephone line power such that the electronic circuit does not enter a lockup state. The system includes a voltage detector that measures the voltage across the telephone line and a switch coupled with the voltage detector. The voltage detector generates a Reset signal when the measured voltage exceeds a selected voltage level, and the switch applies power to the electronic circuit in response to the generated Reset signal.

Abstract: An ADSL front end is implemented with an adaptive AM interference canceller to cancel out either a carrier signal of an interfering AM radio signal, or a carrier signal and its sidebands of an interfering AM radio signal, from a received ADSL signal. By canceling an interfering AM radio signal rather than simply filtering out the relevant interfered with frequency band, the interfered with frequency band remains useable for ADSL transmission. In one embodiment, a reference AM radio receiver is either fixedly or adaptively tuned to the carrier frequency of an interfering AM radio station, and the received signal in the frequency band surrounding that carrier frequency is digitized and provided to an adaptive interference canceller. The adaptive interference canceller adaptively adjusts a time delay and phase of the generated AM interference signal to optimize cancellation at a hybrid of the same AM radio signal received as interference over a subscriber line.

Abstract: A method for forming multiple resistors on a substrate. The method initially includes providing a first resistor on the substrate. A first dielectric layer is deposited, patterned, and selectively etched over the first resistor. Second resistor material is provided over the first dielectric layer. Furthermore, landing pad material is provided over the second resistor material. The landing pad material and the second resistor material are then selectively etched. The selective etching forms contacts for the first resistor in a first region, and forms a second resistor and associated contacts in a second region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a telephone line interface or data access arrangement (DAA) which includes a shunt regulator in series with a line modulator. A sense resistor is placed in series between the shunt regulator and the line modulator to provide a measurement of the amount of current distortion in the DAA. The line modulator contains a Darlington pair which reduces the amount of current drawn by the line modulator, allowing the sense resistor to sense a majority of the system current. The voltage across the sense resistor is fed back to the line modulator. The line modulator is capable of adjusting the AC modulation and the DC termination presented to the telephone line. The method includes drawing power from the telephone line using a shunt regulator, modulating the telephone line in series with the shunt regulator, sensing a level of distortion in the DAA, and feeding the sensed level of distortion to the line modulator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a data access arrangement (DAA) which includes a line modulator containing capacitive elements to increase system stability. The invention provides improved stability during system startup and normal system operation. The line modulator is capable of adjusting the AC modulation and the DC termination presented to the telephone line. Capacitive elements are added to the modulator to provide enhanced system stability. The method includes drawing power from the telephone line, modulating the telephone line, sensing a level of distortion through the line modulator, feeding the sensed level of distortion to the line modulator, and using capacitive circuits to provide additional system stability.

Abstract: The digital-to-analog converter includes an output line, and a plurality of converters receiving control signals representative of digital data. Each converter selectively connects the output line to a voltage in response to a respective one of the control signals. Optionally, the digital-to-analog converter further includes a reset circuit for resetting the voltage on the output line to a reset voltage between portions of the analog waveform representing a digital data symbol.

Abstract: A digital device for controlling the DC line current on a telephone line which includes a digital device that utilizes a digital filter for setting the DC line current. By controlling the DC line current digitally, software can be used to set the DC line current in accordance with predefined characteristics. Predefined characteristics can be set to accommodate varying country specifications instead of using switches to control resistors and capacitors. In addition, changes in a country's requirements can be accomplished through software, instead of changing components or redesigning a circuit board. The device also incorporates a method for maintaining DC current level during changes in digital filter characteristics. The use of software results in increased flexibility by allowing an infinite number of settings via software or software updates, and allowing changes to be made quickly and easily throughout the world.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a telephone line interface or data access arrangement (DAA) which includes a shunt regulator in series with a line modulator. A first sense resistor is placed in series between the shunt regulator and the line modulator to provide a measurement of the amount of current distortion in the DAA shunt regulator. The voltage across the first sense resistor is fed back to the line modulator. A second sense resistor is inserted into the line modulator circuitry to provide a measurement of the system current distortion that is outside of the path containing the sense resistor used to monitor the current distortion in the DAA shunt regulator. The voltage across the second sense resistor is also fed back to the line modulator. The line modulator is capable of adjusting the AC modulation and the DC termination presented to the telephone line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving digital data in a noisy environment. Digital data is transmitted with a degree of noise immunity by generating and transmitting a reference signal along with the transmitted digital data signal. The reference signal has a voltage level between a logic level low and a logic level high of the digital data signal. The reference signal can be used to identify the center point of the transmitting device logic levels. Furthermore, the reference signal allows the receiver to track and compensate for noise introduced at the transmitter of the digital data signal.

Abstract: A circuit provides a modulation signal to an input terminal of a line modulator which places a line current modulated in accordance with the modulation signal on a telephone line. An amplifier of the circuit amplifies an analog input signal to provide the modulation signal at an output terminal. A first resistor and a first capacitor are coupled in series between a first input terminal of the amplifier and the line, and a second resistor and a second capacitor are coupled in series between a second input terminal of the amplifier and the line. First and second precharge amplifiers are used to precharge the first and second capacitors, respectively, to reduce DC setup time.

Abstract: A mobile electrical transformer assembly is mounted on a trailer and includes a three phase transformer. The electrical switching for the transformer includes a circuit interrupter having three vertical towers at transversely spaced positions. Each tower and its associated lightning arrester is mounted on two arms of one of three vertical posts in a row. In respect of the outer posts, both of the arms are pivotal about the vertical axis of the post to move the tower and the arrester outwardly to increase the spacing. The arm of each tower includes a bracket at the bottom mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis for movement of the tower from a vertical operating position to an inclined transport position. The arm of each arrester is movable so that the arresters are moved in the transport position to a location out of alignment with the respective tower.

Abstract: The digital-to-analog converter includes an output line, and a plurality of converters receiving control signals representative of digital data. Each converter selectively connects the output line to a voltage in response to a respective one of the control signals. Optionally, the digital-to-analog converter further includes a reset circuit for resetting the voltage on the output line to a reset voltage between portions of the analog waveform representing a digital data symbol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the DC line current on a telephone line and reducing the amount of error introduced to the system. The error is reduced by compensating for a DC error term introduced by an analog to digital converter having a DC offset. The DC offset is controlled digitally, allowing software to be used to limit the DC error in accordance with predefined parameters. Predefined parameters can be set to accommodate varying country specifications instead of using switches to control resistors and capacitors. In addition, changes in a country's requirements can be accomplished through software, instead of changing components or redesigning a circuit board. The use of software results in increased flexibility by allowing an infinite number of settings via software or software updates, allowing changes to be made quickly and easily throughout the world, and allowing error terms to be accommodated digitally.

Abstract: A low power differential comparator wherein the input stage bias is used not only to set a bias level but is also used to set the hysteresis level of the differential comparator circuit. The positive and/or negative inputs to the differential comparator circuit are referred to ground to reduce the total DC current draw, e.g., by a factor of 7. The multiple use of the input stage bias and grounded connections to the positive and/or negative inputs reduce the overall current requirements of the differential comparator circuit substantially while maintaining full operating speed as compared to conventional differential comparator circuits. In one embodiment using the low power differential comparator circuit, a clock receiver implements hysteresis which is relatively independent from variations in environmental factors such as temperature, and from power supply variations. In this embodiment, the input stage of a low power comparator circuit is biased by the output of a bias circuit.

Abstract: A network interface circuit employing differentially driven capacitive couplings across a high voltage isolation boundary and in which a &Sgr;/&Dgr; CODEC is positioned on the line side of the high voltage interface. In this manner, only four wires cross the high voltage boundary, namely differential pairs for transmit data and receive data. The transfer functions for setting AC and DC parameters, such as impedance matching, are provided by digital filters. Further, with the CODEC on the line side of the high voltage isolation interface, the data which crosses the interface is modulated at the &Sgr;/&Dgr; data rate and, thus, capacitive coupling can be used across the high voltage isolation boundary without the loss of DC data.

Abstract: An ADSL front end is implemented with an adaptive AM interference canceller to cancel out either a carrier signal of an interfering AM radio signal, or a carrier signal and its sidebands of an interfering AM radio signal, from a received ADSL signal. By canceling an interfering AM radio signal rather than simply filtering out the relevant interfered with frequency band, the interfered with frequency band remains useable for ADSL transmission. In one embodiment, a reference AM radio receiver is either fixedly or adaptively tuned to the carrier frequency of an interfering AM radio station, and the received signal in the frequency band surrounding that carrier frequency is digitized and provided to an adaptive interference canceller. The adaptive interference canceller adaptively adjusts a time delay and phase of the generated AM interference signal to optimize cancellation at a hybrid of the same AM radio signal received as interference over a subscriber line.

Abstract: A method of modifying a layer of thin film composite material to achieve one or more desired properties for the thin film layer which cannot be achieved by heat treatment at all practical temperatures of operation allowable by particular integrated circuit processes. In particular, the thin film composite material is subjected to an ion implantation process. Depending on the doping species, the doping concentration, the doping energy, and other ion implantation parameters, one or more properties of the deposited thin film resistive layer can be modified. Such properties may include electrical, optical, thermal and physical properties. For instance, the sheet resistance and/or the temperature coefficient of resistance of the thin film composite material may be increased or decreased by appropriately implanting ions into the material. The ion implantation can be applied globally in order to modify one or more properties of the entire deposited thin film composite layer.