Abstract: A multifunction test apparatus which is capable of performing total communication network measurments and includes a primary processor linked to a number of dependent processors. The primary processor plays a number of different roles in the functioning of the test system, which roles require substantial interaction between the primary processor and dependent processors. In some test configurations, the primary processor becomes a dependent processor. In other configurations, the primary processor is timeplexed and interleaved with the operation of the dependent processors in performing subfunctions for the dependent processors. The architecture also provides for direct communication and resource sharing between the dependent processors. In another aspect of the subject invention, the primary processor performs overflow calculations for the dependent processors. Finally, the device is arranged such that all test functions are displayed with consistent screen formats.

Abstract: A digital signal processing apparatus for operating upon analog signals having wide dynamic and frequency ranges is described. The invention includes a digital section and an analog section, the digital section providing digital words representative of analog signals to be transmitted, and receiving digital representations of analog signal received from the test subject, and processing said digital representations. The analog section transforms the digital representations of the signals to be transmitted into analog form and applies them to the test subject by way of a balanced output driver. The analog section includes a receiving section which receives analog signals from the test subject and transforms the analog signals into digital representations thereof. The digital section also provides control information to the analog section. The data and control information being communicated between the analog and digital sections are transferred by way of optical isolators.