Abstract: An optical transmitter is provided that includes a laser subassembly generating an optical signal having a plurality of operating characteristics. A controller, which drives the laser subassembly by applying at least one control parameter thereto, includes a predetermined, empirically derived database relating the plurality of operating characteristics of the laser subassembly to the control parameters. The controller adjusts at least one control parameter based at least in part on data extracted from the database so that the operating characteristic is substantially optimized.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for upgrading firmware in an embedded system, without impacting the system. More specifically, the present invention enables an embedded system to be upgraded without any system downtime, by providing two application areas in non-volatile programmable read only memory. A processor can boot up and run from either application area. A fixed vector table is provided, which, in cooperation with a software vector table, enables the processor to maintain proper interrupt vector addresses while being able to run from either application area. Upgraded firmware can be loaded into one application area while the system is running from the other application area. Resetting the processor allows the system to run the upgraded version of firmware.

Abstract: An optical transmitter is provided that includes a laser subassembly generating an optical signal having a plurality of operating characteristics. A controller, which drives the laser subassembly by applying at least one control parameter thereto, includes a predetermined, empirically derived database relating the plurality of operating characteristics of the laser subassembly to the control parameters. The controller adjusts at least one control parameter based at least in part on data extracted from the database so that the operating characteristic is substantially optimized.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for upgrading firmware in an embedded system, without impacting the system. More specifically, the present invention enables an embedded system to be upgraded without any system downtime, by providing two application areas in non-volatile programmable read only memory. A processor can boot up and run from either application area. A fixed vector table is provided, which, in cooperation with a software vector table, enables the processor to maintain proper interrupt vector addresses while being able to run from either application area. Upgraded firmware can be loaded into one application area while the system is running from the other application area. Resetting the processor allows the system to run the upgraded version of firmware.

Abstract: A device for installing and removing a removable computer component, such as a data storage drive or computer card, into or out of a computer housing. The device features a drive sled to which the data storage drive is mounted. A stationary carrier tray is secured to the computer housing. Interlocking angled tracks on the drive sled and the carrier tray secure the two structures together. To promote easy coupling of the drive's electrical interface connectors, the front end of the drive sled has a floating guide plate with forward-projecting locating pins, which pins are used to align the electrical connectors held by the floating guide plate. A rack and pinion mechanism is provided. The rack is disposed on the top of the carrier tray while the pinion is located on the underside of the drive sled. As the drive sled slides onto the carrier tray, the lever-actuated pinion gear engages the rack and consequently displaces the drive sled relative to the stationary carrier tray.