Abstract: A dedicated protocol generation unit provides the ability to detect validity of data received from a configurable logic block, such as a programmable logic device (PLD). Data valid signaling is provided by the configurable logic block, such that invalid data received from the configurable logic block is replaced with programmable insertion data prior to transmission, while valid data is allowed to be transmitted without replacement. Also, data received by Input/Output (I/O) portions of the dedicated protocol generation unit are compared to programmable data patterns. After a positive comparison, matching data is either truncated and not delivered to the configurable logic block, or the matching data is delivered to the configurable logic block with appropriate data valid signaling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-service queuing method and apparatus that provides exhaustive arbitration, load balancing, and support for rapid port failover. Routers and switches according to the present invention can instantaneously direct the flow of traffic to another port should there be a failure on a link, efficiently handle multicast traffic and provide multiple service classes. The fabric interface interfaces the switch fabric with the ingress and egress functions provided at a network node and provides virtual input and output queuing with backpressure feedback, redundancy for high availability applications, and packet segmentation and reassembly into variable length cells. The user configures fixed and variable-length cells. Virtual input and output queues are coupled to a switch fabric.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling data utilizes a number of queues for receiving data. A programmable criteria table comprises a number of entries each associated with one of the queues. The entries of the criteria table comprise programmable traffic parameters selected to associate the queues with particular traffic characteristics governing a flow of data through the queues. A programmable mapping table maps each of the queues to one of the criteria table entries. The criteria table is programmable independently from the mapping table. A scheduling period timer produces epoch time signals that define scheduling time periods. The scheduling of queues changes between scheduling time periods in accordance with the traffic parameters associated with the queues. The scheduling time period is dynamically programmable. The traffic parameters are dynamically programmable to alter a scheduling prioritization of the queues.

Abstract: An oscilloscope that is capable of displaying simultaneously multiple waveforms representing time evolution of a signal during respective acquisition intervals acquires waveform data using a first set of acquisition parameters and generates a display based on that waveform data. If the display includes a waveform that is visually distinct from other displayed waveforms, the user selects a feature that distinguishes the visually distinct waveform from other displayed waveforms. The oscilloscope automatically derives updated acquisition parameters that discriminate between the selected feature and other features of the displayed waveforms. The oscilloscope then acquires waveform data using the updated acquisition parameters and generates a display based on that waveform data.

Abstract: A frequency domain analysis system incorporated into time domain measurement instrument has duration and resolution controls that respectively adjust the acquisition time intervals of a waveform record in seconds and adjusts the number of digital data samples over a specified duration. The duration of the acquisition waveform may be controlled using the duration control adjustment, a sample rate adjustment and a record length adjustment. The resolution controls concurrently adjusts the sample rate and the record length of the acquisition waveform while maintaining the duration constant. A movable and variable length frequency spectrum gate is applied to the digital data samples of the acquired waveform. A window filter is applied to the digital data samples within the gated region a spectrum analysis generator generates frequency domain values over the gates waveform record.

Abstract: A system and method for programming a programmable circuit. A graphical interface is provided to allow a user to graphically define at least one type of input data unit that is expected to be received at the programmable circuit. A visual representation of the input data format corresponding to the defined type of input data unit is presented to the user. The user graphically manipulates the visual representation of the input data format to graphically transform the input data format to a visual representation of a desired output data format of output data units to be output from the programmable circuit. Program code is automatically generated for directing the programmable circuit at run-time deployment to transform actual input data units of the defined type of input data units to actual output data units having the desired output data format in a manner corresponding to the graphical transformation of the input data format to the desired output data format.

Abstract: A method for controlling a transmitter for a serial data port is provided. The method includes receiving a set of data at the serial data port. The data in the set of data is compared with a selected pattern of bits. When data in the set of data matches the selected pattern of bits, a bit in a register is set. When the bit in the register is set, transmissions stop. The method further includes processing the set of data to determine a flow control state. When processing the set of data determines that the flow control state is a first state, transmissions re-start.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling commands and data in a serial data stream received by a serial controller in a serial interface. A character count register is programed with a maximum number of characters that a serial controller will send to a direct memory access controller (DMAC) before sending an end of frame (EOF) indication. Characters in an incoming data stream are counted using the character count register. An EOF signal is passed to the DMAC after the maximum number of characters programmed in the character count register have been written to a direct memory access (DMA) buffer. The character count register is reset any time the serial controller passes an EOF to the DMAC. In one embodiment, a character is programmed into a match register. Data in an incoming data stream is compared with the character in the match register. When a character in the incoming data stream matches the character programmed in the match register, a match bit is set corresponding to the match register.

Abstract: A system and method for programming a programmable circuit. A graphical interface is provided to allow a user to graphically define at least one type of input data unit that is expected to be received at the programmable circuit. A visual representation of the input data format corresponding to the defined type of input data unit is presented to the user. The user graphically manipulates the visual representation of the input data format to graphically transform the input data format to a visual representation of a desired output data format of output data units to be output from the programmable circuit. Program code is automatically generated for directing the programmable circuit at run-time deployment to transform actual input data units of the defined type of input data units to actual output data units having the desired output data format in a manner corresponding to the graphical transformation of the input data format to the desired output data format.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling data utilizes a number of queues for receiving data. A programmable criteria table comprises a number of entries each associated with one of the queues. The entries of the criteria table comprise programmable traffic parameters selected to associate the queues with particular traffic characteristics governing a flow of data through the queues. A programmable mapping table maps each of the queues to one of the criteria table entries. The criteria table is programmable independently from the mapping table. A scheduling period timer produces epoch time signals that define scheduling time periods. The scheduling of queues changes between scheduling time periods in accordance with the traffic parameters associated with the queues. The scheduling time period is dynamically programmable. The traffic parameters are dynamically programmable to alter a scheduling prioritization of the queues.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-service queuing method and apparatus that provides exhaustive arbitration, load balancing, and support for rapid port failover. Routers and switches according to the present invention can instantaneously direct the flow of traffic to another port should there be a failure on a link, efficiently handle multicast traffic and provide multiple service classes. The fabric interface interfaces the switch fabric with the ingress and egress functions provided at a network node and provides virtual input and output queuing with backpressure feedback, redundancy for high availability applications, and packet segmentation and reassembly into variable length cells. The user configures fixed and variable-length cells. Virtual input and output queues are coupled to a switch fabric.

Abstract: A cable management apparatus guides and supports cables when mounted as part of an electronics assembly. Preferably, cables enter the electronics assembly through the rear of the electronics assembly and through each side of the electronics assembly. Cables entering the electronics assembly are guided to the electronic components within the electronics assembly. Cables are organized such that individual cables or groups of cable may be associated with specific electronic components within the electronics assembly. Cables or groups of cables associated with specific electronic components within the electronics assembly may be accessed individually while handling a large bundle of cables. In one embodiment of the present invention fiber optic cables are supported such that a minimum bend radius is maintained. Thus, in accordance with one specific aspect of the present invention, fiber optic cables may be supported and organized as part of an electronics assembly.

Abstract: A pivotable arm assembly functions to demount a door on an electronics assembly and position a display. Preferably, an electronics assembly has a removable door. The removable door has an integral display device for communicating with equipment within the electronics assembly. The door is attached to the electronics assembly by a pivotable arm. In one embodiment, the door, including the display device, may be positioned in a variety of locations with respect to the equipment within the electronics assembly. Thus, in accordance with one specific aspect of the present invention, a display device and the equipment that it communicates with may be simultaneously viewed and accessed.