Abstract: A method of ramping up a power supply that supplies power on a communication medium. The method includes supplying power on the communication medium with the power supply operating at a first set point, determining if an overload condition exists, and, if the overload condition does not exist, signaling a first alarm. If the overload condition exists, power is supplied on the communication medium with the power supply operating at a second set point. It is determined if the overload condition continues to exist while operating the power supply at the second set point. If the overload condition continues to exist while operating the power supply at the second set point, a second alarm is signaled.

Abstract: A device for determining speeds of a digital signal in a serial transmission line. The device comprises a first and second counter and a logic circuit. The first counter is adapted to count the duration of a first pulse in a first byte of the digital signal in the transmission line. The second counter is adapted to count the duration of a second pulse in the first byte. The logic circuit is coupled to the first and second counters. The logic circuit is adapted to compare the smallest duration of the first and second pulses with a plurality of pulse duration's of known baud rates to determine the baud rate of the digital signal in the transmission line.

Abstract: Managing line power for network elements in an access network. In one embodiment a current sense system in a line power network is disclosed. The current sense system includes a power supply, a splitter and a sense circuit. The power supply is adapted to supply output current to a twisted pair drop. The splitter is adapted to combine communication signals and the output current on a twisted pair drop. The sense circuit is coupled to sample the output current of the power supply between the power supply and the splitter. The sense circuit is further adapted to output a sense signal that is representative of the output current.

Abstract: A splitter for enabling a power signal and a communication signal to be transmitted over a common communication link is provided. The splitter includes a line port adapted to be coupled to a communication line, a power port adapted to be coupled to a power supply to receive a power signal, and a communication port adapted to be coupled to a communication circuit that generates and receives communication signals. The splitter also includes a low pass filter coupled between the power port and the line port, the low pass filter including a coupled inductor, a high pass filter coupled to the communication port, and wherein the communication signals and the power signal are transported on the communication line at the line port.

Abstract: Methods and systems of monitoring voltage input to network elements are provided. One method includes receiving an input voltage for a line-powered network element, applying the input voltage across a primary winding of a flyback power converter during an on-time of a primary switch, and transferring the input voltage from the primary winding to a secondary winding of the flyback power converter during an off-time of the primary switch. The method further includes sensing the voltage of the secondary winding during the on-time of the primary switch; and drawing minimal current from the flyback power converter.

Abstract: A method of ramping up a power supply that supplies power on a communication medium. The method includes supplying power on the communication medium with the power supply operating at a first set point, determining if an overload condition exists, and, if the overload condition does not exist, signaling a first alarm. If the overload condition exists, power is supplied on the communication medium with the power supply operating at a second set point. It is determined if the overload condition continues to exist while operating the power supply at the second set point. If the overload condition continues to exist while operating the power supply at the second set point, a second alarm is signaled.

Abstract: A splitter for enabling a power signal and a communication signal to be transmitted over a common communication link is provided. The splitter includes a line port adapted to be coupled to a communication line, a power port adapted to be coupled to a power supply to receive a power signal, and a communication port adapted to be coupled to a communication circuit that generates and receives communication signals. The splitter also includes a low pass filter coupled between the power port and the line port, the low pass filter including a coupled inductor, a high pass filter coupled to the communication port, and wherein the communication signals and the power signal are transported on the communication line at the line port.

Abstract: Methods and systems of monitoring voltage input to network elements are provided. One method includes receiving an input voltage for a line-powered network element, applying the input voltage across a primary winding of a flyback power converter during an on-time of a primary switch, and transferring the input voltage from the primary winding to a secondary winding of the flyback power converter during an off-time of the primary switch. The method further includes sensing the voltage of the secondary winding during the on-time of the primary switch; and drawing minimal current from the flyback power converter.

Abstract: A method of responding to an overload condition includes supplying power on a communication medium in order to provide power to a network element coupled to the communication medium. The method further includes determining if an overload condition exists. If the overload condition exists, the supply of power on the communication medium is stopped for a predetermined period of time. After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, resuming supplying power on the communication medium. If the overload condition still exists after resuming supplying power on the communication medium, signaling a first alarm and/or shutting down a power supply used to supply power on the communication medium.

Abstract: Managing line power for network elements in an access network. In one embodiment a current sense system in a line power network is disclosed. The current sense system includes a power supply, a splitter and a sense circuit. The power supply is adapted to supply output current to a twisted pair drop. The splitter is adapted to combine communication signals and the output current on a twisted pair drop. The sense circuit is coupled to sample the output current of the power supply between the power supply and the splitter. The sense circuit is further adapted to output a sense signal that is representative of the output current.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation controller is coupled to a feedback voltage that is proportional to the power supply output voltage. The controller adjusts a current sense threshold in the controller in response to the feedback voltage. An offset voltage is generated for a predetermined time after the power-up of the power supply. A sum of the offset voltage and a primary current sense node voltage is applied to a current sense input of the controller. The controller generates a switch control signal in response to the sum voltage being less than the current sense threshold. The duty cycle of an output control switch is changed by the switch control signal thus adjusting the output voltage ramp.

Abstract: A device for determining speeds of a digital signal in a serial transmission line. The device comprises a first and second counter and a logic circuit. The first counter is adapted to count the duration of a first pulse in a first byte of the digital signal in the transmission line. The second counter is adapted to count the duration of a second pulse in the first byte. The logic circuit is coupled to the first and second counters. The logic circuit is adapted to compare the smallest duration of the first and second pulses with a plurality of pulse duration's of known baud rates to determine the baud rate of the digital signal in the transmission line.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation controller is coupled to a feedback voltage that is proportional to the power supply output voltage. The controller adjusts a current sense threshold in the controller in response to the feedback voltage. An offset voltage is generated for a predetermined time after the power-up of the power supply. A sum of the offset voltage and a primary current sense node voltage is applied to a current sense input of the controller. The controller generates a switch control signal in response to the sum voltage being less than the current sense threshold. The duty cycle of an output control switch is changed by the switch control signal thus adjusting the output voltage ramp.

Abstract: A method of operating a processing device is provided. The method includes defining an effective memory address space with a cached address space and a non-cached address space wherein the cached address space and the non-cached address space each translate to overlap a single physical memory space. Further, the method includes accessing a memory address of the physical memory space without accessing a cache memory system from the non-cached effective address space. The method also includes accessing a memory address of the physical memory space from the cached effective address space with the benefit of the cache memory system.