Abstract: An inexpensive and low power consumption power control unit that does not require a separate interface or network. In the power off state only a detector and a power controller require power, this power is supplied from a power source. Upon detection of traffic a frame decoder is powered up to receive frames. When the link is quiet, the decoder is powered down while the power controller and receiver remain powered and await further traffic.

Abstract: A fault isolation system for use in a network in which bit errors resulting in detected code violation errors or disparity errors may be propagated from a first link to a second link of a network in which multiple serially coupled links may couple two devices. Errors in excess of a first threshold are detected at the receiving end of the first link, while errors in excess of a second threshold greater than the first threshold are detected at the receiving end of the second link. Errors are attributed to the first link in response to the detection of errors in excess of the thresholds on both links and are attributed to the link for which the threshold was exceeded in response to the detection of errors in excess of the threshold on only one of the links. If a substantial number of the bit errors resulting in the threshold being exceeded on the second link originated on the first link, the first threshold will also be exceeded with a high degree of probability.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for isolating faults in link-connected systems utilizing fault reports generated from within the system itself. The reports are transmitted to a central location, preferably during a predetermined time period, and are used to create a single error message identifying the probable nature and location of the fault. A preferred embodiment of the invention does not require either the construction or maintenance of systemwide configuration tables, commonly used performing fault location and analysis. Instead, each unit of a pair of link coupled units, initially or on reconnection, interrogates a link adapter at the other end of the link for an identifier that identifies both the remote unit and the remote link adapter. This "nearest neighbor" information is stored locally at each unit, and is transmitted to the central location when an error is detected.

Abstract: An improved connector assembly includes a resistor coated guide pin to facilitate coupling or decoupling a circuit card to a circuit board. A first embodiment of the pin configuration comprises a single taper pin for eliminating current surges during insertion of the pin into its associated plug. A second embodiment of the pin configuration comprises a dual taper pin having two zones of resistance for also eliminating the spark and associated high frequency noise resulting from pin insertion into or removal from the connector assembly.