Abstract: A method for selecting a mode of operation for at least two modems is described. First, a handshake procedure is performed in order to determine a set of possible modes of operation supported by said modems. From said set of possible modes of operation, a set of favorable modes of operation is derived. In case there exist two or more favorable modes of operation, a probing-based selection is performed that comprises evaluating respective performances of said favorable modes of operation. The favorable mode of operation with the best performance is selected as a resultant mode of operation.

Abstract: A system and method in a television system for providing information associated with a user-selected information element in a television program, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Abstract: A system chains data frames in a communication network. A frame burst including a plurality of frames is received. A destination address and priority of the plurality of frames are compared. The frames having a matching destination address and priority are grouped. The grouped frames are sent together for transmitting.

Abstract: A network node module within a vehicle operates to manage devices coupled to a vehicular communication network of the vehicle based on a use mode defining rights and privileges for operating in the vehicular communication network. Upon being configured in accordance with a particular use mode of a set of use modes, the network node module can identify a device coupled to the vehicular communication network and enable the device to operate within the vehicular communication network in accordance with the use mode. The network node module is securely reconfigurable to any use mode in the set of use modes.

Abstract: A dual bus interface PCB includes a main chipset component, a first type bus interface connector, and a second type bus interface connector. The PCB can be configured at fabrication time to enable a variety of configurations for operation. Optionally, the PCB can also be provided at least one memory chip and a NIC (Network Interface Card) chip. By virtue of having a dual interface, the PCB can be used with either the first type or the second type bus. Furthermore, the dual interface PCB eliminates the need by chipset manufacturers to carry multiple PCB variations of the same product in order to support various bus interfaces. In one embodiment, the PCB is a dual PCI-X/PCI-E interface PCB.

Abstract: Binary indications are converted to an analog representation with significant reduction in ringing at the transitions between successive binary indications and in the period during each binary indication. The binary indications are disposed in a row-and-column matrix to provide a thermometer code. Each stage of the converter includes a decoder and latch arranged so the decoder inputs settle before the latch is set by the clock pulses. The stages are implemented in complementary CMOS. Complementary transistors are biased so one transistor of the pair is driven to the rail while the other transistor of the pair floats. A dummy CMOS transistor is used to balance the number of transistors in the decoder paths.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which communicate with one or two host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller provides selective interface means to be employed between the host computers and the base transceivers whereby low data rate base transceivers may be utilized with the network controller while spread spectrum or high data rate networked base transceivers may be also utilized. The network controller may allow selection of interface means for three of its ports from its front panel with use of three input keys. The network controller is entirely external to the host computer or computers, and can couple to a variety of commonly encountered host ports.