Abstract: A generic cell rate monitoring algorithm (GCRA) which is implemented in an ATM network element must be tested during operation. The method uses a second GCRA of the same kind which is synchronized with the first one, and a conformity test is carried out by comparing the results of both GCRAs. The synchronization is preferred when both GCRAs are in a regeneration state. This is artificially produced during operation of the GCRA to be tested by temporarily changing a parameter of the agreement in such a way, that a contract violation can no longer occur. The time of reaching the regeneration state can be limited by special steps of the method. An apparatus for carrying out the method (30) comprises a conformity decision unit (20), which counts arriving cells and compares counter positions, an implementation of the second GCRA (14) and a circuit (13) for synchronization, together with a return line (15) to an insertion circuit (16) for the cell stream in the line (1).

Abstract: From a stream of digital data units (10), which exhibits gaps as a result of parameter monitoring, the number of missing data units must be determined and the response time of the parameter monitoring must be estimated at the place of determination for non-conforming data units (15, 16, 17; 21). The method is based on using the identification number (12, 13, . . . ), which is carried by the data unit (10), to detect the gaps. A starting time (L12) is established with the arrival of a first conforming data unit, which is continuously updated as long as no gap occurs. After a gap is detected, the updated time (L14) of the last conforming data unit serves as the lower barrier (L[1]) of the response time, that of the first conforming data unit (18) after the gap as the upper barrier (U[1]) of the response time. The number of missing data units can be derived from the gap in the identification numbers. The method can be immediately continued, so that many values can be stored and used for a statistical evaluation.

Abstract: A relay includes a plastic enclosure, contacts disposed in the plastic enclosure for selectively operating to make and/or break at least one electrical connection, a gas filling containing at least one electronegative gas, and a sealed plastic encapsulation for preventing the at least one electronegative gas from diffusing away, whereby the dielectric strength of the at least one electronegative gas is maintained throughout the intended life of the relay.

Abstract: A dialing receiver (1) for determining multifrequency dialing signals on an incoming signal in a telecommunication switching system, including a sampling circuit (4) for taking N values of the incoming signal at a given sampling rate, where N is a positive integer; a zero value generator circuit (6) for supplementing at the given sampling rate the N samples with M successive zero values so as to yield N+M values, where M is a positive integer; a discrete Fourier transformation circuit (7) for performing a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) of said N+M values in accordance with the Goertzel algorithm; and a result evaluating circuit (8) for directly evaluating the results of the DFT processing of the N+M values without interpolation so as to determine the identity of the multifrequency dialing signals.