Abstract: Methods are described for identifying a dominant impairment on a communication channel impaired by an interference issue. The methods include systematic examination of total power loading, systematic examination of signal power reduction, statistical examination of communication channel noise power, and systematic examination of interleaver effectiveness. Each relates to automatically diagnosing and characterizing distortion-based interference issues by monitoring the performance of a communication channel during a testing procedure. These methods enable a technician or engineer to remotely diagnose distortion-based interference issues relatively quickly without having to use external test equipment and without having to deploy technicians to various locations within the cable plant. A system by which these methods can be implemented is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are described for identifying a dominant impairment on a communication channel impaired by an interference issue. The methods include systematic examination of total power loading, systematic examination of signal power reduction, statistical examination of communication channel noise power, and systematic examination of interleaver effectiveness. Each relates to automatically diagnosing and characterizing distortion-based interference issues by monitoring the performance of a communication channel during a testing procedure. These methods enable a technician or engineer to remotely diagnose distortion-based interference issues relatively quickly without having to use external test equipment and without having to deploy technicians to various locations within the cable plant. A system by which these methods can be implemented is also disclosed.

Abstract: Network elements are identified as being connected to optical nodes by instructing two network elements in a spectrum group of the CMTS to transmit at frequencies f1 and f2, respectively. Frequencies f1 and f2 are selected such that they produce intermodulation distortions (intermods) in the laser transmitter at f3 when combined. If intermods are produced which exceed a predetermined threshold, then the two network elements are determined to be on the same node. If the total power of the signal by the laser transmitter exceeds an impact threshold, then the test is stopped and new network elements are selected for testing.

Abstract: A logical channel is configured to match a modulation profile of an active channel. A network element is assigned to the logical channel and a ping request is sent to the network element. A response from the network element is measured, such as measuring the MER. The modulation profile is increased in the logical channel and another ping request is sent to the network element. The response is measured again, and the process is repeated until a non-linearity is detected in the response. The acceptable modulation profiles are indicated before the non-linearity is detected in the response.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for communicating information from a customer to a broadband access network. The method begins when a wireless access point receives from a subscriber module a wireless RF carrier signal modulated with customer information. The customer information is demodulated and forwarded to a broadband modem in accordance with a first network protocol. The customer information is modulated by the broadband modem onto a communication channel of the broadband access network, thereby preventing wireless noise and/or interference from being directly coupled into the broadband access network.

Abstract: The presence of micro-reflections is determined in a network by determining micro-reflections from amplifier and diplex filter impedance mismatches and micro-reflections from drop cable impedance mismatches. The micro-reflections from impedance mismatches are determined by instructing network element to transmit a test signal at a first symbol rate and a first resolution for amplifier and diplex filter impedance mismatches and a second frequency with a second symbol rate and second resolution for micro-reflections from drop cable impedance mismatches. The tests are performed with several frequencies and the channels with the least micro-reflections are identified.

Abstract: The available modulation schemes of a network are analyzed to determine which ones contain excessive phase noise or narrowband interference. A network element is selected and assigned to a test channel at a first modulation scheme at a predetermined power level to achieve a predetermined PER. The network element transmits a test signal and the network controller measures the signal to noise ratio (SNR) in the received test signal. If the SNR is not within a predetermined tolerance range of an estimated SNR for the modulation scheme at the predetermined PER, the modulation scheme is determined to have excessive phase noise or narrowband interference. Each available modulation scheme is tested by instructing the network element to transmit the test signal using each modulation scheme and assigning the power level of each modulation scheme. The suitable modulation schemes may be determined.

Abstract: Network elements are identified as being connected to optical nodes by instructing two network elements in a spectrum group of the CMTS to transmit at frequencies f1 and f2, respectively. Frequencies f1 and f2 are selected such that they produce intermodulation distortions (intermods) in the laser transmitter at f3 when combined. If intermods are produced which exceed a predetermined threshold, then the two network elements are determined to be on the same node. If the total power of the signal by the laser transmitter exceeds an impact threshold, then the test is stopped and new network elements are selected for testing.

Abstract: The available power margin in a network is determined by increasing the transmission power levels of selected network elements while transmitting a test signal. The quality of the test signal is measured during the successive increases in power level of the selected network elements by measuring the error rate of the test signal. Once the error rate of the test signal reaches a predetermined threshold, the power levels of the signals on the network are determined. The power margin is determined by the difference in the baseline power level on the network and the power level at which the error rate of the test signal exceeded the threshold.

Abstract: The dynamic range of an optical link in a network is determined by simultaneously transmitting signals from two network elements at first and second frequencies, which create a combined signal at a third frequency. The transmission power levels of selected network elements is successively increased until the measured power from the third frequency no longer changes in a predicatable manner, at which point the upper limit of the dynamic range of the optical link is determined.

Abstract: Collectible dice wherein each is unique and includes a cube-shaped element defining six flat sides; indicia positioned on predetermined of the sides; and an electromagnetic radiation transmitting/transponding element embedded within the cube-shaped element for transmitting a unique identifying signal or code for reception and reading by a receiver/reader. A packaging system for each die includes a base for receiving the die thereon and covers for removably fitting onto the base and over the die.

Abstract: Integral dielectric heatspreader for transferring heat from semiconductor devices. A semiconductor device is mounted to a thermally conductive electrically insulating substrate, which forms the integral dielectric heatspreader. The heatspreader is then mounted to a package or a lower cost substrate such as a printed circuit board. The integral dielectric heatspreader may also support integral transmission lines, resistors, capacitors, or other bulk components. Performance of the heatspreader is enhanced through the use of thermal vias on a printed circuit board.

Abstract: An improved tip for a phacoemulsification needle having a lumen and a wall; wherein the improved tip comprises an oblique, generally concave face in side view and concentrates the majority of the effective cross-sectional area of the lumen toward the rear. An exemplary embodiment employs a maximum total face angle of 40 degrees with the face further comprising in side view from top to bottom: a first lead-in angle; a second horizontal section at a height of approximately 20-25 percent the needle diameter; and a third section defined as an arc of a circle extending tangential to the second horizontal section and extending to the top wall of the needle wherein the radius of the circle is approximately the distance between the second section and the upper wall. The improved tip is for use on hollow, ultrasonically vibrated needles of the type used for the surgical removal of cataract, abscess, hemorrhage, or other unwanted material.