Abstract: A digital demodulator (10) operates by multiplying an input signal with first and second orthogonal demodulation reference signals (Loa, LOb) to generate respective product signals, which are then integrated to generate first and second integrated values (a, b) indicative of digital data encoded in the input signal. These integrated values (a, b) are digitized to generate first and second digital values (a, b). A first error signal a-a) indicative of the difference between the first integrated value (a) and the first digital value (a) is generated, and the first error signal (a-a) is combined with the second digital value (b) to generate a first feedback signal. This first feedback signal is utilized to generate a control signal (ab-ba) indicative of phase difference between the input signal and the demodulation reference signals (LOa, LOb).

Abstract: A ribbon crossover cable assembly (10) and method provides for longitudinally splitting a first ribbon cable (12) between a centrally located pair (22) of conductors (14) through a limited segment (24) of the first ribbon cable (12) thereby forming an opening (26). The first end (18) of the first ribbon cable (12) is passed through the opening (26) such that the first end (18) of the first ribbon cable (12) is looped through opening (26). An end (30) of a second ribbon cable (28) is passed through the opening (26) and connectors (34,36) are terminated to the ends (18,30;20,32) of the cables (12,28).

Abstract: A key retention system for electrical connectors which includes a connector (12) including a lower backshell (42) having at least one generally T-shaped slot (51) extending therein from a side face (52) thereof for receiving a generally T-shaped key (61). Slot (51) and key (61) are configured to permit key (61) to be easily inserted into slot (51) in the correct orientation and to prevent key (61) from rotating or from moving laterally or longitudinally within slot (51) to any appreciable extent. Locking means comprising a projection (81) extending inwardly from the cover (43) for the lower backshell (42) is positioned to extend into the slot when cover (43) is mounted to lower backshell (42) to lock key (61) in position within slot (51).

Abstract: A shunt assembly (20) adapted to be secured on a connector (22) or a shunt connector assembly (24) where the electrical connector (22) has a housing (26) with spaced contacts (62) secured therein. The contacts (62) have exposed contact portions along a side wall (32) of housing (26). A contact support lever (152) is pivotally mounted to housing (26). The contact support lever (152) has an inner surface (250) having interdigitated channels (254,256,258,260,262,264) has a pair of shunt contacts (156,158) received and secured therein for engaging a surface of the exposed contact portions of preselected ones of the spaced contacts (62). The contact support lever (152) is rotatable through a limited arc from a first position with the shunt contacts (156,158) engaging the spaced contacts (62), to a second position where the shunt contacts (156,158) are electrically isolated from the spaced contacts 62.

Abstract: A cover assembly (20) for receiving a connector (56) terminated to a cable (92) is disclosed in which the cover assembly has a exterior contoured surface (118), a cavity (134) for receiving the connector and first (74) and second (76) cable exits from the cavity to the exterior contoured surface. Each cable exit is adapted to receive either the cable or a cable exit plug (28). The cable exit plug has first (120) and second (116) surfaces and is adapted to be received in the first cable exit (74) with the first surface (120), contoured to conform to the exterior surface of the housing surrounding the first cable exit, facing outwardly from the cavity. The cable exit plug is also adapted to be received in the second cable exit (76) with a second surface (116) facing outwardly from the cavity. The second surface is contoured to conform to the exterior surface of the housing surrounding the second cable exit.

Abstract: An electrical connector (10) for terminating a multi-conductor cable (100) has a housing (12) including a cable terminating face (18), an opposed mating face (16) and opposed end walls (24,26) having latch means (58,60) thereon. The cable terminating face (18) has major edges and minor edges, with the minor edges contiguous with the end walls (24,26). The major edges extend laterally beyond the profile of the mating face (16). The cable terminating face (18) has a rib (44,46) extending along the major edges, upstanding from the cable terminating face (18). A plurality of contacts (30) are secured in the housing (12) and have respective insulation displacement plates (34) extending from the cable terminating face (18). A terminating cover (14) defines an inner surface (80) and major side edges and has latch arms (86, 88) at opposite ends thereof adapted to engage the latch means (58,60) on the connector housing (12) to retain the terminating cover (14) on the housing (12).

Abstract: A shielded backshell system (24,26,28,30) provides strain relief to a cable (52) and assures electrical continuity between the cable shield (182) and a shielded backshell member (24 or 26). The shielded backshell assembly (24, 26) includes shielding means (24 or 26) having a cable passage (86) for receiving the shielded cable (52). The shielding means (24 or 26) has an extension (88) extending proximate the cable exit (86). Insert means (32,34) are received in the shielded backshell system proximate the cable exit (86) to engage and compress the cable (52) while simultaneously pressing the shielding member extension (88) into engagement with the shield (182) on the cable (52) to provide electrical continuity therewith.

Abstract: A local area network timing analyzer responds to a signal on a local area network to generate a carrier detect signal which is indicative of the presence or absence of signaling activity on the local area network. The carrier detect signal alternates between two logic states indicative of packets and gaps between packets. The timing analyzer stores an array of timing entries, and individual ones of these timing entries are indicative of the time duration of individual gaps and packets. These timing entries are sorted and otherwise used to display timing information for the local area network.

Abstract: A one-piece, cast metal insert (40) has a base (42) from an edge of which upstands a flange (54). The base has a bore (48) therethrough for receiving a resilient locking metal clip (86) for securing the bracket (40) to a circuit board (CB) and for making contact with a ground conductor (GC) on the circuit board (CB). An internally screw threaded shank (60) projecting from the flange (54) has external retention ribs (68 and 70) for securing it in an opening (26) in a mounting ear (34) of a shielded electrical connector housing (2). The housing (2) with the bracket (40) assembled thereto can be mounted on the circuit board (CB) by means of a robot. The connector can then be secured to a panel (P) for example in a computer, by passing a screw (S) through the panel (P) to mesh with the screw thread (66) of the shank (60).

Abstract: A one piece, molded, insulating connector body (14) for a surface mounted, shielded, electrical connector (10), comprises a plug portion (16) projecting from the body (14) into a forward hood (68) thereto, for mating with a shielded electrical socket (18) inserted into the hood (68). There projects from a terminal receiving face (70) of the body (14), a terminal leg spacer plate (74) having notches for receiving the `U`-shaped retaining members (108) on the legs (100) of the terminals (95) in through cavities (62) in the body (14). Each leg (100) has a lance (112) for insertion in a hole (H) in a substrate (S). The legs (100), and cranked arms (102) connecting them to receptacles (96) of terminals (95), are so shaped and dimensioned that even where the cavities (62) are arranged in three superposed rows, the lances (112) can be inserted into the holes (H) where these are arranged in only two rows, and with a different spacing from that of the rows of cavities.

Abstract: An electrical connector (20) for mounting to a printed circuit board (24) includes a boardlock (22) secured thereto by an interference fit. The boardlock (22) has a first portion (58) including means for securing the boardlock (22) to the connector housing (26) and a second portion (68). The second portion (68) comprises spring means (72,74) extending from the first portion (58) to an end (80) beyond the mounting face (30) for reception in a boardlock receiving aperture (56) in the printed circuit board (24). The spring means (72,74) have a slot (70) therebetween and barb means (84) thereon with the barb means (84) positioned along the spring means (72,74) between the first portion (58) and the end (80) to engage wall means (92) of the boardlock receiving aperture (56).

Abstract: An electrical connector (20,20') for terminating to conductors of a cable (24,24') and for mounting through an aperture (150) in a panel (152) has an electrically conductive die cast housing (26) having an aperture (52) therein. The connector (20,20') is adapted to be mounted to the panel (152) proximate the aperture (150) in the panel. A drawn shell (28) having an aperture therein is received in the die cast housing aperture (52) such that the drawn shell (28) and die cast housing (26) are electrically commoned. The drawn shell (28) is adapted to extend through the aperture (150) in the panel (152). An insulative insert having terminals (32) secured therein is received and secured in the drawn shell aperture. The terminals (32) have a cable conductor engaging portion (94,170) adapted to be terminated to respective conductors of the cable (24,24').

Abstract: An optical interface which is adapted for use in a local area network is provided. The optical interface comprises an optical transmitter section and an optical receiver section. The optical transmitter section receives data in a non-return to zero inverted (NRZI) format from a LAN controller which the optical interface is part of a remote node. The optical transmitter section converts the non-return to zero inverted data to an alternate mark insertion (AMI) format. An LED driver circuit smooths out and extends the alternate mark insertion data and uses it to drive an LED. The LED driver alternately drives the LED from a fifty percent reference output level to zero percent output and one hundred percent output corresponding to alternate positive-going and negative-going transition of the data. The optical receiver section has a light sensitive detector and preamplifier which receives optical signals encoded with digital data and generates corresponding electrical signals.

Abstract: An electrical terminal (32) for insertion into a passage (30) in a dielectric housing (22) or a high density ribbon cable connector (20) incorporating the terminal is disclosed. The high density ribbon cable connector (20) has an insulative housing (22) having passages (30) extending therethrough. Each of the passages (30) have an electrical terminal (32) secured therein. Each terminal (32) has a mating section (34), an intermediate section (56) and an insulation displacement section (38). A first transition section (60) is disposed between the mating section (34) and the intermediate section (56); a second transition section (72) is disposed between the intermediate section (56) and the insulation displacement section (38). The intermediate section (56) provides forwardly facing stop shoulders (58) for engagement with stop shoulders (64) in the insulative housing (22) to position the terminal (32) in a passage (30).

Abstract: An electrical connector (20) for terminating a multiconductor cable (62) includes a housing (22) having a cable receiving face (28), opposed side walls (30,32) and an end wall (36). The end wall (36) has protrusions (64,66,68) extending outwardly therefrom. The first protrusion (64) is located adjacent the cable receiving face (28), centrally located with respect to the side walls (30,32). The lower surface (70) of the first protrusion (64) defines a latching surface. Second (66) and third (68) protrusions are located adjacent respective side walls (30,32), remote from the cable receiving face (28), with each of the second (66) and third (68) protrusions defining a sloped surface (82,84) angled toward the other protrusion, and a latch shoulder (96,98). A terminating cover (24) has a pair of spaced latch arms (124,126) depending therefrom, and an inner surface (114) for engaging a ribbon cable (62) terminated in the housing (22 ).

Abstract: A first-in-first out (FIFO) register 100 for storage of up to two-bytes of data is operable by two control units 10, 20 for simultaneous read and write operations with no wait states. The FIFO register 100 comprises a first register 101, a second register 102 and a controller U35. The first register 101 may be multplexed between the two control units 10, 20 for write operations by either unit. The second register 102 is in communication with the first register 101 and may be read by either control unit 10, 20. Data is transferred from the first register 101 to the second register 102 under the direction of the controller U35 such that data may be read by one control unit 10, 20 while data is being simultaneously written by the other control unit 10, 20.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (10) has a drawn solderable insert (42) received in a mounting aperture (28) of an electrical connector housing (12) and secured therein by a shell (30). The insert (42) has an internally threaded (52) hollow tubular shank (44). Flange means (46) on the insert (42) are received in a recess (54) in either a shell means or the housing (12) and cooperates therewith to prevent the insert (42) from rotating. The flange means (46) are thicker than the depth of the recess (54) to assure electrical continuity between the insert (42) and the shell (30). In a first embodiment, the shank (44) extends beyond the connector housing (12) to a closed end (50) that may be tapered. An alternate embodiment insert (42') has an open end. Yet another alternate embodiment insert (42") has spring means (74,76) that cooperate with insert receiving aperture (60) to secure connector assembly (10) to printed circuit board (62). A further alternate embodiment insert has a spacer means (102) thereon.

Abstract: A method for mounting an electrical connector (10) to a printed circuit board or other support panel (12) with a top-actuated eyelet (20), and an actuation tool (50, 100) for use in practicing the method. The method comprises essentially a two-step mounting process whereby the actuating tool (50, 100) first grips and restrains the connector (10), and thereafter the connector (10) is positioned relative to a printed circuit board (13) and the tool (50, 100) operated to actuate the eyelet (20) to attach the connector (10) to the board (12). The method of the invention permits the eyelet (20) to be used to facilitate positioning of the connector (10) on the printed circuit board (12) and, in general, the method and actuating tool (50, 100) permit connectors (10) to be mounted to printed circuit boards (12) in an efficient, automated manner utilizing less complex and less costly tooling.

Abstract: A connector assembly (16) having a dielectric housing (20) with contacts (27,29) secured in contact receiving passages (26) has a flange (32) extending from the housing (20). The flange (32) has a pair of spaced apertures (46,48) for securing the connector assembly (16) to a complementary or mating connector assembly (14). A latching member (50) having an aperture (70) to receive housing (20) has slots (74,76) coextensive with apertures (46,48) is received in engagement with flange (30). Received in a flange aperture (46,48) and latching member 50 slot 74,76 is a slidelatch securing post (56,58) having first shoulder (78) spaced from and facing the flange (32), a second shoulder (96) facing the flange (30), and engaging the flange (32) so as to position the first shoulder (78) a predetermined distance from the flange (32), and a shank (92) extending into the aperture ( 46,48) and rolled to secure the slidelatch securing post (52,54) to the flange (32).

Abstract: An electrical connector (10; 10'; 10") includes a housing (11) that defines a solder element receiving channel (20). A solder element (24) is disposed within the channel (20), and a conductive pin (28; 28') is mounted in the housing (11) to pass through the channel (20) and the solder element (24). The channel (20) defines a loading axis (22) angled with respect to the pin (28; 28'), and the channel (20) is shaped to receive the solder element (24) along the loading axis (22) and positively to retain the solder element (24) from movement along the pin (28; 28'). The pin (28; 28') prevents the solder element (24) from moving along the loading axis (22) out of the channel (20).