Abstract: Self-timed clock circuitry for use in a compilable memory instance using a common timing synchronization node. A plurality of memory banks are provided in the memory instance wherein each memory bank is independently selectable by a bank select (BS) signal generated by a global control circuit. A global timing circuit is provided to drive a common node signal on the common timing synchronization node to a high value upon application of an external master clock and a memory enable signal to the memory instance. The global timing circuit is operable to drive the common node signal high for a predetermined time period. A local driver circuit associated with a particular memory bank selected by a specific BS signal takes over control of driving the common node signal thereafter so as to maintain its high state. Upon completing the memory access operation, a reference signal within the particular memory bank is driven low.

Abstract: A traffic simulator for a cellular radio telecommunications network. The traffic simulator includes a function handler which generates a plurality of basic call functions performed by mobile stations (MSs) over an air interface link with the network. A sequence handler utilizes the basic functions to generate a plurality of call sequences, and a traffic mix handler utilizes the plurality of call sequences to generate an overall traffic mix. A MS handler includes a plurality of MS state machines for different types of MSs and a database of MS properties. The MS handler interfaces with the basic functions to generate realistic inputs to the sequence handler. A cells handler includes a database of cells in the network and parameters relating to radio conditions. The cells handler also interfaces with the basic functions to generate realistic inputs to the sequence handler. A traffic repository may inject recorded real mobile station traffic into the traffic mix.

Abstract: A system and method in a radio telecommunications network for automatically conveying a Wireless Office System (WOS) frequency set to a mobile station (MS) belonging to the WOS. The network includes a public cell, and a private WOS located within the public cell. A WOS controller sends the WOS frequency set from the WOS to an Equipment Identity Register (EIR) in the network whenever the WOS changes its frequency set. When the MS registers in the public cell in which the WOS is located, a mobile switching center (MSC) serving the public cell notifies an Intelligent Roaming Database (IRDB) of the registration. The IRDB fetches the WOS frequency set from the database, and obtains location information for the MS from a home location register (HLR). The IRDB then sends the WOS frequency set to the MS in an IS-136 R-DATA message.

Abstract: A method of reducing speech delay and improving speech quality in digital transmission systems by implementing a single coder-decoder (codec) for an entire speech path from a calling party to a called party. The method is applicable to calls between mobile subscribers and between a mobile subscriber and an H.323 client terminal in a data network. After obtaining location information for the called party, an indication of a requested codec is sent from the calling party to the called party utilizing Integrated Services Data Network User Part (ISUP) or Primary Rate Interface (PRI) out-of-band signaling during call setup. If the called party supports the requested codec, a confirmation of the requested codec is sent from the called party to the calling party. A speech path is then established between the parties, and a single codec translation is performed for the entire speech path.

Abstract: A system and method of correlating alarms from a plurality of network elements (NEs) in a large communications network. A plurality of uncorrelated alarms are collected by an alarm collector from alarm reporters. An alarm correlator then partitions the alarms into correlated alarm clusters such that alarms of one cluster have a high probability that they are caused by one network fault. The partitioning of the alarms is performed by creating alarm sets, expanding the alarm sets into alarm domains, and merging the alarm domains into alarm clusters if predefined conditions are met. The sets are formed by selecting an alarmed NE at the highest network hierarchy level which is not tagged, finding all of its contained NEs, and finding NEs that are peer-related to those contained NEs that are in an alarmed state. The sets are expanded into domains by finding NEs that are not in an alarmed state which contain the highest level alarmed NE in each alarm set.

Abstract: A full signal swing differential output path circuit for rapidly transferring a latched data value on a pair of complementary global data nodes (QT and QB) to a single-ended output of a compilable memory instance. At least one tri-statable sense amplifier is disposed between the complementary global data nodes which operates to sense a small differential voltage between a pair of complementary bitlines disposed in a bank of memory storage cells during an access operation associated therewith. A pair of precharge pull up devices are provided for precharging the complementary global data nodes QT and QB to a predetermined voltage, e.g., VDD. In a preferred embodiment, the precharge pull up devices preferably comprise P-channel MOS (PMOS) devices and are actuatable by an active low precharge signal. A first output of the sense amp is coupled to one of the complementary global data nodes (QB) and the complementary output (i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of optically inspecting printed circuit boards (PCBs) for defects, that reliably determines the dimensions of components including those having the same color as the background, and which can detect components which are missing, misoriented, misaligned, or not properly seated. The apparatus uses a camera and a coherent primary light source mounted at an angle away from the vertical so as to produce sharply defined PCB component shadows on the top surface of the PCB. An image of the PCB is captured, the shadow edges are symbolically decomposed into primitives from which gradients are produced, and then compared to a previously captured gradient of a defect-free PCB. Differences in the two image gradients, if any, are used to identify missing, misaligned, misoriented, and improperly seated components, and to detect foreign objects and other PCB defects.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing semiconductor samples for analytical techniques such as backside emission microscopy. Samples may be prepared from a wafer or packaged die. In package form, the package is affixed to a polishing jig such that the backside of the die is oriented to face a polishing wheel. The package material is removed until die attach paddle and the backside of the die are exposed. The material is further removed until a selected thinness of the die is obtained. If the package's leadframe or a portion thereof remains after the removal of package material, a suitable testing fixture is attached thereto. If the leadframe is sacrificed, wire spots on the polished side of the semiconductor die are wire-to-wire bonded to a second leadframe's conductive fingers. In wafer form, the die is separated and encapsulated with a suitable substantially rigid material to form a substantially rigid body that is affixed to the polishing jig.

Abstract: A method of sharing capabilities information between a plurality of nodes in a telecommunications network. The method begins when a new node is installed in the telecommunications network or the capabilities of a node are modified. The new or modified node sends an Exchange Data Directive (EXDATADIR) Invoke message to one or more cooperating nodes in the network. The EXDATADIR message is an intersystem node capabilities declaration message which includes parameters relating to communications capabilities and service support capabilities of the new or modified node. If the node is a new node, this is followed by sending EXDATADIR Return Result messages from each cooperating node to the new node. The EXDATADIR Return Result message is an intersystem node capabilities declaration message which includes parameters relating to services supported by the cooperating nodes.

Abstract: A system and method in a radio telecommunications network for reconnecting an emergency call between a roaming mobile station with an emergency (emergency MS) and a public safety answering point (PSAP) when the call has been disconnected before the call was finished. The network includes a serving mobile switching center (MSC) serving the emergency MS, a border MSC bordering the serving MSC, and a home location register (HLR) that stores features and subscription data for the emergency MS. When the emergency call begins, a hotlining feature for the emergency MS is activated in the HLR which automatically reconnects the emergency MS to the PSAP when the MS accesses the network through a registration or by originating a subsequent call. Inter-exchange messages ensure that the emergency MS is automatically connected to the PSAP, even if the emergency MS accesses the network in the border MSC.

Abstract: A divided wordline memory architecture for memory compilers wherein a main memory array is organized into a plurality of local memory arrays. A plurality of local wordline decoders are provided such that each local memory array is associated with a local wordline decoder for selecting local wordline segments. Main wordline signals are generated based on a first portion of wordline address signals in a main wordline decoder provided as an integrated centrally located decoder structure. A combination of Plane signals, Set signals, or both, which are generated in the integrated centrally located decoder structure, are provided to the local wordline decoder in conjunction with a portion of the main wordline signals for selecting a local wordline segment based on a select main wordline signal and one of a select Plane signal, a select Set signal, or a combination of both.

Abstract: An operation and maintenance control point (OMCP) operates at an intermediate level in a telecommunications network between the network elements and the network management system (NMS). The OMCP reduces the processing load on the NMS, and rather than reporting symptoms, provides the NMS with suggested corrective actions to correct reported problems. The NMS executes the suggested corrective actions and compares the actual results in the network with predicted results. Feedback on the results is then provided to the OMCP to improve its analysis and provide more effective corrective actions are suggested if the problem recurs. By automatically interfacing with the NMS, which analyzes and executes the suggested corrective actions, the OMCP creates a self-engineering telecommunications network.

Abstract: A home location register (HLR) and method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number in a radio telecommunications network. The network includes an originating mobile switching center (O-MSC) and a Number Portability Database (NPDB). The O-MSC first sends a Location Request (LOCREQ) message to the HLR requesting a routing number. The LOCREQ message includes a dialed directory number. The HLR determines whether a routing number is assigned to the dialed directory number. If not, the HLR sends a Number Portability Request (NPREQ) message to the NPDB and includes the dialed directory number. A location routing number (LRN) assigned to the dialed directory number is then retrieved from the NPDB and sent to the HLR. The HLR forwards the LRN to the O-MSC, which then routes the call to the LRN.

Abstract: A system and method of deploying a plurality of aesthetically unobtrusive radio frequency (RF) antenna systems or complying with zoning ordinances and other restrictive covenants, and for providing an array configuration which is intelligently controlled to overcome many of the limitations of conventional RF antenna systems. Antennas and communications systems components including filter-preamplifier, frequency-converter, and beam-selection/manipulation subsystems are concealed by packaging and integrating them within common pole-like objects and panel-like structures. The pole-like objects include utility poles, street lamps, flagpoles, signs, church steeples, columns, railings, and roof balconies. Panel-like structures include advertising billboards and road signs, and building panels. The concealed antennas and related components are then integrated into larger scale antenna subsystems.

Abstract: An expandable safety flag stowed in a pouch attached to a flotation vest. The pouch includes an opening leading to an interior of the pouch. When not in use, the safety flag is stowed within the interior of pouch. When desired, the safety flag is removed from the pouch and expanded to a larger size. The user can then wave the flag to attract the attention of others.

Abstract: An engine service monitoring system and method for an engine having a spark plug, an ignition circuit with a transformer and a spark plug wire disposed between the spark plug and a coil of the transformer. A counting circuit for counting the ignition or spark pulses is inductively coupled to the spark plug wire such that for every spark pulse generated, a DC pulse is provided by a rectifier of the counting circuit. The DC pulses are provided to a computing element which computes the total number of the pulses, selectively adjusts the count on the basis of a low-oil pressure condition, an out-of-range temperature condition or other suitable operator-defined condition. The computing element also compares the adjusted count with one or more service change interval threshold values to provide an alarm to indicate that a service change is needed. The threshold values are either factory-set or field-adjustable.

Abstract: A mapping function and method for mapping a Signaling System 7 (SS7) telecommunication signaling message from a Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) protocol layer to an Internet Protocol (IP) protocol layer in order to transmit the SS7 signaling message over a data network from an origination node to a destination node. The mapping function receives the SS7 signaling message from the SCCP protocol layer by sending and receiving Message Transfer Protocol (MTP) primitives from the mapping function to the SCCP protocol layer. The mapping function then maps the received SS7 signaling message into an IP message by mapping MTP primitives into IP primitives, mapping the SS7 message address into an IP message address, and utilizing a user interface to set IP protocol parameters that cannot be transferred by the SCCP protocol layer. The mapping function then sends the mapped IP message to the IP protocol layer by sending and receiving IP primitives from the mapping function to the IP protocol layer.

Abstract: An Event Management System (EMS) for logging and correlating alarm events in a network, and a method of efficiently integrating the EMS, which communicates in a standard format, with external devices and external viewers which communicate in device-specific formats. A plurality of core EMS components which log and correlate events are functionally separated from a plurality of EMS boundary components which interact with external devices and external viewers. The boundary components perform both generic external interface functions and device-specific functions. An external device's information, including a class and location for a protocol handler and a content handler for the external device, is stored in an information repository associated with the EMS. When a connection is initiated from the external device to one of the boundary components, the boundary component obtains the external device information from the information repository.

Abstract: A method of routing a call directed to a portable directory number in a radio telecommunications network having an originating mobile switching center (O-MSC), a home location register (HLR), and a Number Portability Database (NPDB). The O-MSC determines whether to send a Location Request (LOCREQ) message to the HLR for a routing number, or to send a Number Portability Request (NPREQ) message to the NPDB for a location routing number (LRN). The determination may be based on operator preference, a default preference, or statistics indicating that either the HLR or the NPDB is more likely to return a routing number. The O-MSC then attempts to obtain a routing number from the determined destination. If an error message is returned, the O-MSC attempts to obtain a routing number from the alternate destination. Upon receipt of a routing number, the O-MSC routes the call.

Abstract: A method in a radio telecommunications network of automatically providing a roamer port number to a calling party when a called roaming mobile station (MS) is in the calling party's exchange. A Roamer Port Notification (RPN) subscriber class is set in the roaming MS's home location register (HLR), and is used to activate a RPN feature. When the RPN feature is activated, the roamer port number for the visited mobile switching center (MSC) is sent to the HLR in either a Feature Request (FEATREQ) Invoke message or a Registration Notification (REGNOT) Invoke message. Thereafter, when the calling party initiates a call directed to the roaming mobile station, it is determined whether the RPN service is activated for the roaming MS, and whether the roaming mobile station is in the calling party's exchange.