Abstract: A system and method that overcomes the deficiencies of prior optical data communication systems for local area networks by employing a centralized controller in conjunction with a robust protocol and contention scheme. This combination facilitates the transport of data between a number of optical nodes without collision. The invention is particularly suited to transmissions between several mobile optical nodes and one or more stationary network infrared collector/transmitters, allowing communication with the network as the mobile nodes roam from the vicinity of one network infrared collector/transmitter to the next.

Abstract: A remotely reconfigurable switching network including an N×N Benes switch having a plurality of stages of beta networks. The Benes switch is separated into a left half section and a right half section, with one of the sections having one less stage of beta networks than the other section. An additional stage of beta networks is connected to the section having one less stage of beta networks so that the stages of beta networks in the left and right half sections mirror one another. At least one attachment device is interposed between the left and right half sections. An adjunct device is connected to the attachment device to provide additional service simultaneously with original service. The remotely reconfigurable switching network requires less nodes and thus, is less costly and takes up less space than conventional switching networks.

Abstract: A printed circuit board that reduces parasitic effects on devices mounted thereon. The printed circuit board comprises a top layer and a bottom layer of a first insulating material having a first dielectric constant. The layers are configured to form holes whereby each of the holes has a first part extending through the top layer and a second part extending through the bottom layer. The bottom layer is further configured to comprise a second insulating material having a second dielectric constant, which second insulating material surrounds the second part of the hole. The devices mounted onto the printed circuit board have pins that extend through the holes. When the second dielectric constant is less than the first dielectric constant, the parasitic effects on the pins of the mounted devices are reduced.

Abstract: The amplification of crosstalk between two isolated circuits due to a resonant condition between the two circuits is reduced by coupling the electrical grounds associated with the circuits with a series Resistor-Capacitor network.

Abstract: A system and method that overcomes the deficiencies of prior television/multimedia system integrity monitoring schemes by providing a system and method wherein a remote field component receives a test signal from a given source via a particular signal path, and, in response, provides feedback indicative of the received test signal to the source via a standard voiceband telephone connection. This enables the invention to facilitate simple, economical real-time testing/monitoring of television/multimedia distribution systems. The invention is particularly suited to television/multimedia systems that employ terrestrial cables as a means to distribute signals to end-users or remote nodes, but can also be applied to wireless signal distribution systems.

Abstract: The amplification of crosstalk between two isolated circuits due to a resonant condition between the two circuits is reduced by coupling the electrical grounds associated with the circuits with a series Resistor-Capacitor network.

Abstract: In an amplifier for driving a large capacitive load, a boost circuit is included to improve the efficiency of the amplifier where an input to the amplifier has a small signal swing. The amplifier comprises a stack of series-connected charge-storage capacitors serving as secondary power sources. During a charging of the capacitive load, charge is obtained from voltage nodes between the stack capacitors. One or more low-voltage power supplies are connected to the capacitive load in the boost circuit. With these power supplies, during a discharge of the capacitive load, the latter appears to be charged to a higher voltage than it actually is so as to return some charge to the highest voltage node from where a portion of its charge was obtained. As a result, the power consumption in the amplifier is substantially reduced.