Abstract: To test the performance of a PCM terminal operating in the TDM mode, a simulated message or noise signal is generated by extracting a recurrent sequence of code words from a read-only memory, the stored code words representing a set of values logarithmically related to sucdessive amplitudes of a sine wave or other periodic oscillation to be reproduced. These words are read out at a fixed scanning frequency f.sub.o but with skipping of (p-l) memory stages if a signal frequency pf.sub.o is to be simulated. A volume selector generates supplemental code words which are additively or subtractively combined with the extracted code words to simulate a desired voltage level. The resulting code words are compressed in a code converter in which the quantum steps of the segments of a compander characteristic, conforming to the chosen logarithmic function, are stored in another read-only memory.

Abstract: To check the bit-distortion ratio of a transmission line carrying bipolar PCM signals, converted from a binary to a balanced ternary code at the tramsmitting end and reconverted into binary signals at the receiving end, binary test words and identical reference words are simultaneously read out from storage at opposite ends of the line. The test words are converted into bipolar form, for transmission, and the received pulses are distributed according to polarity over a first pair of leads while the binary pulses of the reference words are distributed over a second pair of leads according to the conversion code used at the transmitting end. The pulse trains on corresponding leads are compared, bit by bit, in a deviation monitor whose output, in response to any mismatch, advances a reversible counter which is reverse-stepped by timing pulses of a cadence reduced by a frequency divider to a fraction of the bit rate.