Abstract: One aspect relates to a system and method for distributing TDM data using a packet-based infrastructure. In particular, a system and method is provided for distributing time division multiplexed (TDM) data through low latency connections between TDM conversion entities. In one example, a packet-to-TDM conversion method and device is provided that allows transport of TDM data over a packet-based infrastructure, and a method is provided to create and delete connections among separate conversion devices connected via the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism may include a packet transport such as Ethernet. Data may be switched based on MAC header information in an Ethernet frame. Because, according to one example, the network has a low latency in transmission of TDM data, receivers may be implemented without buffering, and therefore receiver circuitry may be less-expensive.

Abstract: A circuit (FIG. 1) for generating a current impulse comprises an avalanche transistor 2 which responds to a stimulus to apply an electrical impulse to the bases of a plurality of further avalanche transistors 3, 6. The further transistors respond to the impulse to discharge respective equal capacitors 9-12 through a laser diode 7. Further equal capacitors 22-25 connect the emitters of the transistors to the common junction of the transistor 2 and an impedance 21 to generate the electrical impulse when the transistor 2 responds to the stimulus. The arrangement of the further capacitors ensures that once one further transistor begins to conduct, the electrical stress on the others is increased, thus ensuring the further transistors simultaneously avalanche.