Abstract: A timer circuit for tracking an elapsed time of an electronic device is provided. The timer circuit compares differences in elapsed times written to memory addresses of a memory chip with a periodic interval to determine whether any elapsed times written to the memory chip is corrupt. If so, then the corrupt data is discarded and the device elapsed time is tracked once again based on a valid elapsed time.

Abstract: In a vehicle (102) a method of detecting air bag (106) deployment includes detecting an acoustic energy level increase (150) and developing a spectral content (502) of the increase. Further comparing the spectral content (502) to a template (134) and if spectral content (502) correlates to template (134), outputting an air bag deployment signal (138). An apparatus for detecting air bag deployment includes a means for detecting an acoustic energy level increase (150) in a vehicle (102), a spectral content (502) of the acoustic energy level increase (150) and a template (134), where the spectral content (502) is compared to template. An air bag deployment signal (138) is outputted if the spectral content (502) correlates to the template (134).

Abstract: In a vehicle (102) a method of detecting air bag (106) deployment includes detecting an acoustic energy level increase (150) and developing a spectral content (502) of the increase. Further comparing the spectral content (502) to a template (134) and if spectral content (502) correlates to template (134), outputting an air bag deployment signal (138). An apparatus for detecting air bag deployment includes a means for detecting an acoustic energy level increase (150) in a vehicle (102), a spectral content (502) of the acoustic energy level increase (150) and a template (134), where the spectral content (502) is compared to template. An air bag deployment signal (138) is outputted if the spectral content (502) correlates to the template (134).

Abstract: A cable access unit (CAU) (60) capable of monitoring power levels for a plurality of channels couples a television (80) and communication equipment (70) to an operations and maintenance center (OMC) (20). At some determined interval, the OMC (20) determines the need to measure the television signal at some particular subscriber's location and sends a message to the CAU (60). The CAU (60) determines if the communications equipment is in use. If not, the CAU receiver is tuned to the channel, and samples and digitizes the power level. The digitized power level is assembled into a message packet and transmitted to the OMC (20).

Abstract: A cable system (10) has a plurality of CAUs (34) coupled to a variety of network devices (58-68) in the subscriber's premise (36). The network devices (58-68) transmit signals to the CAU (34) in a clear frequency (100). The signals are coupled to a filter (70) which blocks any ingress noise from the premise (36). The filter (70) is coupled to a mixer (76), which down converts the signals from the clear frequency (100) to a desired frequency (104). Upstream signals in a bypass band (102) are coupled from the network devices to a low pass filter (72). The signals are then combined with the downconverted signals and transmitted into the cable system (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing ingress noise (304) in the upstream frequency band and reducing power consumption in a cable communication system (200) by not allowing signals generated in the customer premise (104) to enter the upstream frequency band on the cable network (110) unless a customer premise device (102) is attempting to establish a communication link. An RF detector (206) monitors the signals on the coaxial cable for an RF signal. The comparator (208) indicates to the logic circuit (210) when the RF signal has exceeded a minimum threshold. The logic circuit (210) determines if the subscriber premise device (102) is attempting to establish a communication link. If the subscriber premise device (102) is transmitting the logic circuit (210) closes the ingress switch (212) to connect the subscriber premise device (102) to the network.