Abstract: A system includes at least two IEEE 1588 nodes. The nodes are connected by two paths: a low latency communication path and a high bandwidth path. The clocks within the nodes are synchronized to one another at a network interface. Data and timing are transmitted on the high bandwidth path while critical timing signals are passed on the low latency communication path thereby improving timing synchronization.

Abstract: A synthetic instrument and method for operating the same is disclosed. The synthetic instrument includes a plurality of component modules and a controller. Each component module includes signal processing circuitry that processes input signals thereto to provide output signals that are coupled to a device external to that component module. Each module also includes a memory for storing information specifying the manner in which the input signals are processed to provide the output signals and a network interface that connects the component module to a network within the apparatus. A component download manager within that module loads information into the memory in response to messages received on the network, the component module executing a function that is specified by that information. The controller generates messages on the network specifying data that is to be loaded into at least one of the component modules.

Abstract: A synthetic test system for swept-frequency measurements that has a clock synchronization device to enable test boxes and devices that form the synthetic test system to have a common sense of time when conducting swept-frequency tests.

Abstract: A system includes at least two IEEE 1588 nodes. The nodes are connected by two paths: a low latency communication path and a high bandwidth path. The clocks within the nodes are synchronized to one another at a network interface. Data and timing are transmitted on the high bandwidth path while critical timing signals are passed on the low latency communication path thereby improving timing synchronization.

Abstract: An apparatus having a local network and a plurality of component modules is disclosed. Each component module has an input for receiving an input signal, an output for transferring an output signal derived from the input signal by that component module, and a network port that connects that module to the local network. A first component module introduces an error in the output signal derived by the first component module, the error causing that output signal to differ from an ideal output signal for that component module. The first component module communicates error information on the local network to a second component module, which alters its output signal to compensate for at least a portion of the error introduced by the first component module.

Abstract: A synthetic instrument having a local area network, a plurality of component modules and a data source module is disclosed. Each component module has an input for receiving an input signal, an output for transferring an output signal derived from the input signal by that component module, and a network port that connects that module to the local area network. One of the component modules receives a signal that is external to the instrument for processing on that component module's input port. The data source module generates data that can be displayed. The data source module is connected to the local area network and broadcasts the data on the network. The data includes information identifying the data. The instrument may also include a display module connected to the local area network, the display module displaying the data on a display connected to the display module.