Abstract: A simulator of intelligent workstations at level 2 the OSI model for generating complete LAN frames for testing a system under test. The simulator includes a scripting facility that represents the actions of the human end-user at the client workstation. By providing a scripting facility, different complexions of a workload can be impressed upon the system under test without the need for human end-users nor the need for rebuilding the simulation tool. The simulator includes embedded protocol stacks allowing manipulation of the simulated LAN frames. The simulator also includes one or more embedded protocol application modules for emulating actions of an application, e.g., web browser, and enabling the handling of dynamic, application-related events.

Abstract: A circuit for providing protection to active termination devices and drive circuits from overshoot and undershoot noise is disclosed. The circuit includes an interconnect node, an active termination device, a drive circuit, and a voltage limiter for controlling noise overshoot and undershoot at the interconnect node. The voltage limiter controls the impedance at the interconnect node and the voltage swing at the interconnect node. Controlling the impedance reduces the overshoot and undershoot noise at the interconnect node. Controlling the voltage swing reduces the voltage swings across the transistors in the active termination devices and the drive circuits, which reduces the effects of overshoot and undershoot noise on the active termination devices and the drive circuits. The result is less stress on the oxide layers in the transistors and an increased transistor lifetime.

Abstract: An impedance matching arrangement, including an adaptive circuit. The adaptive circuit includes a first adaptive portion allowing impedance matching according to a predetermined first weighting scheme, and a second adaptive portion allowing impedance matching according to a predetermined second weighting scheme which differs from the first weighting scheme. The first adaptive portion is operable substantially during initialization times, and the second adaptive portion is operable substantially outside initialization times. The first adaptive portion may have a binary weighting scheme, and the second adaptive portion may have a linear weighting scheme. Finally, the adaptive 1 circuit is provided as a portion of an integrated circuit (IC) die.

Abstract: Plug and socket members of a break-away animal collar coupler are affixed to opposite end portions of a collar, each by a screw vising and optionally penetrating a collar end portion disposed in a cavity defined by an angular base member. In several embodiments the socket member comprises a second plug and a socket housing defining at opposite ends two sockets adapted to engage the plugs. The plugs are rigid and the socket housing is rubberized so as to disengage with a plug when a component of a force applied to the collar is of sufficient magnitude and in a direction urging disengagement. In an alternative embodiment, there is only one plug member and prongs of the plug member are rubberized whereas the socket has within it rigid shoulders which catch the prongs.