Abstract: A method of testing a device includes monitoring an output of the device, wherein the output is generated by the device in response to an applied test command; and resolving the output into atomic operations, wherein the atomic operations are substantially the smallest constituent operations which are substantially independent of the device. The method is used to provide a simple, comprehensive test environment that effectively tests 1394a and 1394-1995 designs, for example, in Verilog. The test environment contains rules which completely characterize the behavior of different 1394 bus protocols as defined by the IEEE specifications. The test environment provides portability between different devices under test and between different protocols, automated closed-loop reconciliation of test commands and protocol requirements, topology independence, and out-of-order execution of instructions or relative sequencing.

Abstract: An input buffer for an integrated circuit and providing reduced sensitivity to input noise present in a transmission line environment. This input buffer deskews an input signal where the rise time is much slower than the fall time, such as that from an open-collector output driver, so that the rising edge propagation delay and falling edge propagation delay of the input buffer are approximately equal.

Abstract: The invention is a time variable thermostatic device adapted for direct connection into a low voltage, two-wire, alternating current control circuit of a heating or cooling unit arranged to vary the temperature set point of a thermostat at selected times to control the operation of the heating or cooling unit. Circuit means including a transformer having primary and secondary windings interconnect in the two-wire control circuit a thermostat having a thermostatic switch, a starting relay or gas valve actuator and a timing means having a timing means that is a multiple of the frequency of the AC voltage in the control circuit together with mechanical means for changing the temperature set point at the desired time of day. The circuit permits actuation of the starting relay and operation of the heating or cooling unit only when the thermostatic switch is closed.

Abstract: A cut-back thermostat construction having a thermostat arrangement and a timer carried by a frame in such a manner that the timer will cut back the temperature setting of the thermostat arrangement by moving an electrical switch unit of the thermostat arrangement relative to a temperature responsive switch operator when a predetermined time is reached by the timer. A movable actuator is carried by the frame and is operatively associated with the switch unit to be adapted to cause a certain movement of the switch unit relative to the switch operator when the actuator is moved from a first position thereof to a second position thereof by the timer reaching the predetermined time.