Abstract: A technique for storing and managing optical fiber is disclosed. In one embodiment, the technique is realized as an optical fiber spool assembly comprising an inner spool component and an outer housing component. The inner spool component beneficially comprises a first center base section surrounded by a first annular ring section. The outer housing component beneficially comprises a second center base section surrounded by a second annular ring section. An annular optical fiber cavity for retaining an optical fiber is formed when the inner spool component and the outer housing component are assembled.

Abstract: An optical performance monitoring device and corresponding diffraction grating are disclosed for utilization within a fiber optic communications network. The diffraction grating includes a substrate and reflective material adjacent the substrate, wherein the diffraction grating is substantially polarization insensitive over a wavelength range of approximately 30 nm.

Abstract: A device for monitoring wavelength division multiplexed optical signals for use in an optical network and in an optical performance monitor. A device has a structure for supporting components of the device. An optical component is supported at one end of the structure for transmitting the optical signals. A diffraction grating is supported at an opposing end of the structure for diffracting the optical signals from the optical component. An optical sensor is supported in relation to the diffraction grating by the structure for monitoring the optical signals. A telephoto lens assembly is supported by the structure and disposed between the optical sensor and the diffraction grating, the lens assembly having a focal length for focusing the optical signals in relation to the optical sensor. Thermal effects on the structure are balanced against thermal effects on the lens assembly. A prism is disposed between the lens assembly and diffraction grating.

Abstract: A device for monitoring wavelength division multiplexed optical signals for use in an optical network and in an optical performance monitor. A device has a structure for supporting components of the device. An optical component is supported at one end of the structure for transmitting the optical signals. A diffraction grating is supported at an opposing end of the structure for diffracting the optical signals from the optical component. An optical sensor is supported in relation to the diffraction grating by the structure for monitoring the optical signals. A telephoto lens assembly is supported by the structure and disposed between the optical sensor and the diffraction grating, the lens assembly having a focal length for focusing the optical signals in relation to the optical sensor. Thermal effects on the structure are balanced against thermal effects on the lens assembly. A prism is disposed between the lens assembly and diffraction grating.

Abstract: A protocol and bit rate independent test system for detecting bit errors on a digital communications channel regardless of format or rate, comprising a receiver for receiving an input, a clock recovery unit, a threshold sampling circuit for providing at least two threshold detectors for respective two sampling points including at least one static sampling point positioned proximate to the center of an eye pattern and at least one dynamic sampling point, the output of which are sampled by the recovered clock and if the signal passes between the thresholds, an error signal is generated and counted.

Abstract: A shutter mechanism for rack mounted chassis systems, comprising a first apertured shutter and a second apertured shutter, the first apertured shutter having a plurality of first holes formed therein in a first pattern, the second apertured shutter having a plurality of second holes formed therein in a second pattern, the first holes and the first pattern being configured relative to the second holes and the second pattern such that the shutters are positionable in a non-aligned position blocking air flow therethrough and in an aligned position allowing air flow therethrough, the shutters being movable to the non-aligned position when exposed to a temperature above a predetermined amount and means for positioning the first apertured shutter adjacent to the second apertured shutter allowing relative slidable movement thereof.

Abstract: A novel graphical user interface for test device applications which permits simultaneous display of system status and alarm information while supporting graphically based test device I/O and configuration. The present invention also includes a novel graphical representation I/O scheme whereby test device configuration is accomplished through intuitive manipulation of an image of the test device. The present invention also includes embedded menuing features and a "one button down" user input section which facilitates ease of operation of the system. The present invention may be advantageously applied to a test device designed to extract and process telecommunications signals such as DS1, DS3, SONET, and ATM communication protocols.

Abstract: A novel high speed telecommunications testing apparatus and method which utilizes field programmable gate arrays to produce dynamic test modules for DS1, DS3, SONET and ATM signals interconnected by a high speed switching fabric. The high speed switch permits the direct exchange of signals from one test module to another thereby permitting simultaneous testing of different communications line protocols and further provides for multiple tests on a single data stream. Individual line interfaces are provided for DS1, DS3, and SONET lines which terminate and frame incoming and outgoing signals. Data exchange between modules in accomplished through the high speed switch fabric.

Abstract: A novel graphical user interface for test device applications which permits simultaneous display of system status and alarm information while supporting graphically based test device I/O and configuration. The present invention also includes a novel graphical representation I/O scheme whereby test device configuration is accomplished through intuitive manipulation of an image of the test device. The present invention also includes embedded menuing features and a "one button down" user input section which facilitates ease of operation of the system. The present invention may be advantageously applied to a test device designed to extract and process telecommunications signals such as DS1, DS3, SONET, and ATM communication protocols.