Abstract: The serial communication device includes a first module coupled to a second module via a serial cable. Each of the first and second modules comprise one or more of: a power interface, a controller, memory, a first interface, and a second interface. The power interface is configured to receive operating power for the respective module from an external power source. The controller is configured to obtain digital diagnostic data representative of operational characteristics of at least the respective module. The memory is configured to store the digital diagnostic data. The first interface is configured to allow an external host to read the digital diagnostic data from the memory. The second interface, which is distinct and separate from the first interface, is configured to serially communicate data to the second module via the serial cable.

Abstract: In estimating subjective video quality corresponding to main parameters which are input as an input frame rate representing the number of frames per unit time, an input coding bit rate representing the number of coding bits per unit time, and an input packet loss rate representing a packet loss occurrence probability of an audiovisual medium, a degradation model specifying unit specifies a degradation model representing the relationship between the packet loss rate and the degradation in reference subjective video quality on the basis of the input frame rate and input coding bit rate. A desired subjective video quality estimation value is calculated by correcting the reference subjective video quality on the basis of a video quality degradation ratio corresponding to the input packet loss rate calculated by using the degradation model.

Abstract: A system includes a programmable transmitter device (e.g., a PLD) connected to a programmable receiver device (e.g., another PLD) via a transmission medium for transmitting a high-speed data signal from the transmitter to the receiver. During a test mode of operation a low-speed communication link between the transmitter and receiver allows those devices to work together to transmit test signals having known characteristics from the transmitter to the receiver via the transmission medium, to analyze the test signals as received by the receiver, and to adjust at least some aspect of the system (e.g., equalizer circuitry in the receiver) to at least partly compensate for losses in the test signals as received by the receiver.

Abstract: I/Q gain and phase mismatches of both transmit and receive paths of an OFDM FDD transceiver are simultaneously estimated. An up-converted RF signal is generated when the transmit path performs IQ modulation on a reference signal having a single sideband tone. The up-converted RF signal is sent via a loop-back path to the receive path. A down-converted evaluation signal is generated when the receive path performs IQ demodulation on the up-converted RF signal. The single evaluation signal is used to determine the transmit path gain and phase mismatches and the receive path gain and phase mismatches. The four I/Q mismatches are estimated without using significant hardware nut otherwise used in the regular transmission of data signals. The I/Q mismatches in data signals are corrected by pre-processing the up-converted RF signals and post-processing the down-converted RF signals by adding attenuated components of the in-phase and quadrature-phase signals to each other.

Abstract: A diversity receiver includes a first receiving channel and a second receiving channel. The receiver also includes a baseband processor that computes a difference between the received signal strengths of the signals received from the first and second channels, wherein the processor disables the signal received from the second channel if the difference is greater than a first threshold value and a BER associated with the second receiving channel is greater than a BER threshold value, and disables the signal received from the first channel if the difference is less than the negative first threshold value and the bit error rate (BER) associated with the first channel is greater than the BER threshold value. The receiver further includes a bypass circuit coupled to an input of an amplifier and a RSSI circuit that provides a conduction path between the input and a ground when the RSSI circuit detects a blocker signal.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes various problems by defining two upstream masks (U1, U2) and two downstream masks (D1, D2) and using a mask selectable system for the long reach digital subscriber line (LDSL), in which a unique modem feature is activated during handshake to automatically check for physical layer status in terms of spectral compatibility and, thus, automatically optimize the boosted mode with the use of the mask selectable system choose the best combination of upstream/downstream masks in any physical layer noise scenario.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate integrating a list-sphere decoding design in a multiple input-multiple output (MIMO wireless communication environment. According to various aspects, optimal rank selection and CQI computation for an optimal rank can be performed in conjunction with a non-linear receiver, such as a maximum life (ML) MMSE receiver, a non-linear receiver with a list-sphere decoder, and the like. Optimal rank selection can be performed using a maximum rank selection protocol, a channel capacity-based protocol, or any other suitable protocol that facilitates rank selection, and CQI information can be generated based in part on effective SNRs determined with regard to a selected optimal rank.

Abstract: A method of determining a data rate of a high speed serially transmitted data stream comprises statistically examining edge timing characteristics of the incoming data stream. Based on the edge characteristics, a signature is identified that is associated with the edge characteristics. Based on the identified signature, a data rate at which the data stream is being transmitted is determined.

Abstract: Pulses are detected in a communications receiver by programming each of a plurality of comparators (44a, 44b, . . . , 44n) with a sampling time point selected from a plurality of sampling time points (58, 60) and with a reference level selected from a plurality of reference levels (54, 56). The received signal is applied to each of the comparators such that each of the comparators produces a respective output signal based on a comparison between the received signal level and the selected reference level at the selected sampling time point. The combinations of sampling time points and reference levels can be selected based on knowledge about the expected arrival times of the pulses, and based on knowledge about the possible shapes of said pulses, with the result that the device can detect received pulses without requiring large amounts of hardware, in a device which has an acceptable power consumption. The communications system may be a signaling system, or a radar or positioning system.

Abstract: Method, system and article of manufacture are provided for continually monitoring reliability, or aging, of a digital system and for issuing a warning signal if digital system operation degrades to or past a specified threshold. The technique includes periodically determining a maximum frequency of operation of the digital system, and generating a warning signal indicative of a reliability degradation of the digital system if at least one of: (i) a measured or estimated maximum frequency of operation of the digital system is below a warning threshold frequency of operation of the digital system, wherein the warning threshold frequency is greater than or equal to a manufacturer specified minimum frequency of operation for the digital system; or (ii) a rate of change in the difference between measured maximum frequencies of operation of the digital system exceeds an acceptable rate of change threshold for the digital system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving Channel Quality Information (CQI) in a communication system. A Base Station (BS) transmits, to a Subscriber Station (SS), a request for CQI of a resource region corresponding to a frequency reuse factor K, which is designated by the BS. The BS then receives, from the SS, the CQI of the resource region corresponding to a channel quality measured by the SS. The channel quality is measured by the SS by measuring a boosted reference signal and compensating the boosted reference signal for a non-boosted signal.

Abstract: A variable equalizer apparatus for forward and/or reverse equalizers in an amplifier. The system can include a structure to allow continuous contact of the signal flow as an equalizer is removed; jumpers with fixed resistors and associated capacitors and inductors to produce a variable range over many different values; and/or variable resistance potentiometers with fixed resistors and associated capacitors and inductors to produce a variable range over separate value equalizers.

Abstract: A method for auto provisioning for a communication device in a wireless communication network comprises the steps of: receiving a request from a station; determining the validity of the request according to a verification code carried by the request; sending a response to the station; receiving a security message from the station; retrieving a security key carried by the security message; and executing network provisioning according to the security key.

Abstract: When an operating unit is operated to designate an arbitrary width W and an arbitrary angle ?, a mask region limiting unit limits the effective range of a reference mask set for compliance measurement of the data signal to be evaluated by a reference mask setting unit to the range determined by the designated width and angle and displays the limited effective range on a display unit. When the mask region limiting unit limits the effective range of the reference mask, a quality evaluating unit performs compliance measurement and quality evaluation for the limited effective range in operative association with the limitation of the effective range.

Abstract: To address the need for efficient and reliable testing of integrated devices, system on chips, and computers, deterministic behavior for an interface is accomplished by fixing variation in latency associated with receiver and transmitter data stream. The interface may be a serial interface that is PCIe compliant and corrects latency variations in the receiver that consequently results in deterministic transmit data. Consequently, the data received and/or transmitted is predictable with respect to time and facilitates testing and validation of the devices and logic associated with the interface.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a clock generator for generating a second clock signal having a frequency that varies over time by using a first clock signal having a fixed frequency, a test circuit for generating a digital signal according to a difference between a first frequency corresponding to the first clock signal and a second frequency corresponding to the second clock signal by a digital logic operation based on the first clock signal and the second clock signal, and a signal path for outputting the digital signal generated by the test circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying information for analyzing a signal transmitted in a communication system. The method can include displaying digital diagnostic data received from a monitoring interface of a transceiver. An eye-diagram for the signal is also displayed. The digital diagnostic data, network protocol analysis results, and/or the eye-diagram can be selectively displayed using a combined unit or stand alone units. Additionally, results of network protocol analysis can also be displayed with the digital diagnostic data and eye diagram.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving performance in communication systems is provided. In one implementation, information is accessed indicating the quality of at least one communication channel. Based on the accessed information, a modulation scheme is indicated for sending data over the channel encoded with a rateless code. Various different information relating to the communication channel can be used to determine a quality metric for the channel.

Abstract: A measurement indicator, “transfer efficiency,” is provided for evaluating conditions of propagation paths of wireless communication systems having a plurality of transmitting and receiving antennas. Transfer functions of signal paths are calculated from data of received signals that are obtained with receiving antennas by receiving OFDM signals transmitted by transmitting antennas. A demodulation matrix is calculated for demodulating a transmitting vector from a receiving vector concerning a desired subcarrier of the received signals. A noise amplification factor is calculated as a square root of a sum of second powers of components of the demodulation matrix of the receiving antennas concerning the desired transmitting antenna. The noise amplification factor or the inverse is displayed as a value or as a graph that has an axis concerning the subcarrier and an axis concerning the noise amplification factor or the inverse.

Abstract: Techniques for extracting the characteristic response of a non-linear channel are presented. In various implementations of the invention, a channel's characteristic response may be determined by identifying a first input sequence, determining the ones compliment of the first input sequence and then determining the response of the channel to these two input sequences. Subsequently, two input matrices and two response matrices may be generated based upon the two input sequences and their corresponding responses. Given these four matrices, a symmetrical response component may be determined by iteratively solving a system of equations formed from the columns of each matrix. Subsequently, given the symmetric component and these four matrices, an asymmetrical response component may be determined by again iteratively solving the system of equations for the columns of each matrix.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring impulse noise are described. At least one embodiment is a method, which comprises detecting whether impulse noise is present and in response to detecting the presence of impulse noise, performing time domain analysis to determine whether one or more impulse noise sources are present based on minimum interarrival time and maximum impulse length. The method further includes performing frequency domain analysis to estimate frequencies associated with the one or more impulse noise sources and based on the time domain analysis and frequency domain analysis, providing a total number of impulse noise sources and frequencies associated with the impulse noise sources. In this regard, the embodiments described herein provide dual-speed monitoring of impulse noise in the form of short-term and long-term monitoring.

Abstract: Constellation display allows a user to evaluate the quality of a signal under test with the constellation display even if the signal is a digital modulation signal that has many possible ideal phases. A signal analyzer 10 acquires time domain data of the signal under test that has N ideal phases. The signal analyzer 10 demodulates the signal under test to measure the phases ?m and amplitudes Am of the symbols of the signal. Phase differences d? between the ideal and measured phases of the measured symbols are calculated. K group phases ?gi are assigned to N of the ideal phases. The signal analyzer displays a constellation using phases ?gi+d? and the measured amplitudes Am. That is, points are plotted at locations of X=Am*cos (?gi+d?)+jAm*sin (?gi+d?) on a complex plane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining if ringing in an output signal from a receiver that processes an input signal is the result of a bandwidth limitation in the receiver that processes an input signal rather than ringing in the input signal is disclosed. The apparatus includes the receiver and a ring suppression filter. The ring suppression filter receives the receiver output signal and generates a ring suppressed output signal therefrom. The receiver and the ring suppression filter provide a first aggregate system response such that the ring suppressed output signal does not include ringing introduced by the receiver. The first aggregate system response is linear in phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing an analog waveform on a serial bus. The method comprises the steps of designating a predetermined digital data sequence, decoding a serial data signal carried on a serial data bus, and comparing the decoded serial data signal to the predetermined digital data sequence. When it is determined that a portion of the decoded serial data matches the predetermined digital data sequence, the portion of the serial data signal corresponding to the matching portion of the decoded serial data signal is marked.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for performing an internal operations test to a set top terminal (STT). At least one embodiment of a method includes creating a test pattern for testing video functionality of the STT, sending the created test pattern to a digital encoder, and converting the test pattern to an analog signal.

Abstract: A communication device including: mapping frequency domain signals including phase information onto, of a band of subcarriers for transmitting the frequency domain signals, a band in which a twiddle factor for shifting the band of the subcarriers to a specified band is an integer power of an imaginary unit; performing inverse fast fourier transform on the subcarriers on which the frequency domain signals are mapped, to transform the subcarriers into time domain signals; increasing the number of samples by up-sampling the time domain signals; and executing, when the twiddle factor is an integer power of the imaginary unit, interchange processing for interchanging a real number component and an imaginary number component of each of the samples up-sampled or sign-reversal processing for reversing a sign of the real number component or the imaginary number component to shift the band of the frequency-domain-mapped subcarriers to the specified band.

Abstract: A home network testing device includes an input port with any one or more of a variety of different connectors for receiving different types of communication cables, e.g. coaxial cable, telephone cable, and electrical cable; and a testing apparatus section with a variety of different testing apparatuses for testing for the presence of different forms of home networks, e.g. MoCA, HomePlug, and HPNA. The present invention uses discrete components to analyze the physical layer in the time domain, looking for a specifically timed RF power pulse that is characteristic of and different in each of the network protocols.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques to facilitate the improvement of network throughput. An implementation described herein measures throughput over a data-communications network and between at least two endpoints on the network. This implementation also displays a graphical representation depicting the present throughput of the network as it is measured. The graphical representation has an identified target throughput threshold, and that threshold is indicative of an acceptable level of throughput for the usage being targeted, such as high-quality video streaming.

Abstract: Methodologies are disclosed for analyzing periodic jitter is a signal pattern using a continuous time interval analyzer. Sampled signal patterns may be correlated using time interval error calculations to determine start and stop sequences within sampled blocks of signal data while sampling synchronization may be achieved based on time interval calculations or pattern interval error calculations.

Abstract: A digital spectrum analysis apparatus and method for direction finding (DF) and location is provided. The digital spectrum analysis apparatus for single-channel direction finding includes: a digital processing unit configured to receive a signal, convert the received signal into a digital signal, reduce a sampling rate of the digital signal by using a digital down converter (DDC), and convert the digital signal into a baseband complex signal; a spectrum processing unit configured to map a bearing and a power level of the baseband complex signal into coordinate system, and allocate different colors to the power levels depending on the accumulation ratio of the power levels; and a display unit configured to display the power levels with colors in order to estimate the bearing of the signal.

Abstract: Any number of transceiver channels is tested for jitter generation/tolerance simultaneously. Tested channels use a serial loopback path to connect a transceiver transmit channel to a transceiver receiver channel. Both the transmitter and receiver PLLs are connected to a common reference clock. The reference clock is modulated with jitter at a frequency below the bandwidth of the transmitter PLL but above the bandwidth of the receiver PLL. The magnitude of eye closure (in an eye diagram), which is equivalent to the amplitude of the jitter, is used to filter out bad transceiver units.

Abstract: A system for receiving serial messages from a device under test includes a deserializer configured to i) receive the serial messages and, ii) based on the serial messages, form data frames. A frame sync module is configured to form Joint Task Action Group (JTAG) data bits based on the data frames. A plurality of virtual JTAG test access ports are configured to i) receive the JTAG data bits and ii) shift the JTAG data bits between the plurality of virtual JTAG test access ports.

Abstract: A signal receiving apparatus includes an indicating unit, a receiving, a system unit which comprises a plurality of electronic components to provide signal processing, a storing unit to store information related to a noise level, and a controlling unit to estimate a signal power level of the data received by the receiving unit, to compare the estimated signal power level of the data with the noise level generated by a power supply to the system unit, and to control the indicating unit to indicate whether the data can be received.

Abstract: A method and system is described for optimizing a digital filter defined by coefficients that are multiplied by input data and accumulated to generate output data. A factorization set of candidate factors is compiled based on the coefficients. For each of the candidate factors, an optimized solution is generated. To generate the optimized solution, the candidate factor is applied to the coefficients and a working set of terms is compiled. Terms in the working set are converted to power-of-two representations and grouped with other terms that have a common partial sum, or multiple of the partial sum, within their respective power-of-two representations. A reduction set is compiled from the grouped terms and an order of application is selected based on optimization objectives. The reduction set is then applied to the working set of terms to generate the optimized solution, which is ranked and stored based on the optimization objectives.

Abstract: A performance evaluation system for a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system receives simulation parameters from an input device, and simulates a MIMO antenna system accordingly. A method, also provided, further evaluates performance of the simulated MIMO antenna system when a series of radio frequency (RF) signals are transmitted through the MIMO antenna system, and displays a performance analysis result of the MIMO antenna system on a display device for evaluation of the performance of the simulated MIMO antenna system.

Abstract: A method for implementing program execution integrity (PEI) for a communication-based sensor includes receiving an output communication message from the sensor, the output communication message including sensor output data internally processed within the sensor. The output communication message further includes raw data used by the sensor in internally processing the sensor output data. The raw data is independently processed, and the results thereof are compared with the internally processed sensor output data so as to verify the processing integrity of the sensor to a desired tolerance.

Abstract: A method for detecting a channel condition for a wireless communication device is provided. The method includes measuring a plurality of power levels as received by the wireless communication device; determining a metric based on the plurality of power level measurements; and generating a high-speed fading indication signal based on the metric. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for performing beam tracking in a wireless communication network is provided. In the method, a transmitter station emits beam patterns including respective beam pattern indices to receiver stations and receives a feedback index indicating one of the beam patterns from each receiver station during a predetermined channel time after the emission of beam patterns is completed. A beam pattern feedback is processed using a simple code, thereby minimizing the amount of information and hardware required for beam search and tracking. In addition, in uni-directional beam tracking, it is possible to perform tracking on a number of beam links at once and a sub-channel that can be used for beam tracking and search is allocated to each station to allow a number of stations to simultaneously perform beam search, thereby reducing the amount of used channel time.

Abstract: A device for testing the operability of an AC power outlet, a DC power outlet and A/V input jacks may include an AC test circuit, a DC test circuit, an A/V test circuit, a logic circuit, and a system OK indicator. At least the AC test circuit and the DC test circuit may be operatively connected to the logic circuit such that when at least the AC plug and the DC plug are inserted in a functioning power outlets, the system OK indicator is activated.

Abstract: A device and method for determining and displaying on a display element the status of at least one synchronization implemented in an electronic measuring instrument or a telecommunications device is provided. The device includes several functional units provided within the electronic measuring instrument or the telecommunications device, and each functional unit determines at least one parameter, the value of which corresponds to the status of the synchronization implemented in the respective functional unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring radio channel quality in a radio communication system. In the method a modulated signal is received over a communication channel. The modulated signal has been modulated by using modulation parameters. A decoder decodes (305) the modulated signal and forms decoded data. The decoder creates (306) a decoder performance indicator (PS) that depends on the decoded data. Then a radio channel quality indicator (RCQI) is created, the radio channel quality indicator being essentially independent of the modulation parameters.

Abstract: A communication device of the present invention is a communication device which performs data communication via a power line (3) whose transmission characteristics fluctuate, and includes: a parameter group setting unit (111) which sets a first group of transmission parameters; a degree-of-limitation determining unit (40) which determines a degree of limitation on group of transmission parameters for limiting a part of the first group of the transmission parameters; a parameter group converting unit (20) which converts, into a second group of transmission parameters, the first group of the transmission parameters, by limiting the part of the first group of the transmission parameters; a channel communicating unit (30) which obtains a result of transmission parameter evaluation data using the second group of the transmission parameters; and a parameter determining unit (111) which determines an optimal transmission parameter for current data communication, based on the result of the transmission parameter eval

Abstract: A railway positioning system provides an on-board speed measurement device (6) inducing eddy currents in the wayside structure at two spots along the travelling direction, measuring the variations of the magnetic field emitted by the wayside structure and determining position and speed by correlating the 2 measured signals known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,177 and a wayside coded tag (1) providing a coding recognisable by the onboard speed measurement device (6). The coded tag (1) consists of a bar (4) with several slots (3) in which metal blocks (2) of different sizes are mounted. The block sizes and positions are selected to represent a coding according to Quadrature Amplitude Modulation.

Abstract: To address the need for new techniques that enable the identification of errant channel reporting devices, various embodiments are described. In some embodiments, a network node receives (201, 401) channel quality indicators (CQI) from user equipment (UE) via a connection and determines (202, 402) whether the CQI are erroneous. In response to determining that the CQI are erroneous, the network node records (203) a timestamp and a connection identifier corresponding to the connection between the UE and the network node. In other embodiments, the network node, in response to determining that the CQI are erroneous, records (403) a device hardware identifier for the UE. In the various embodiments, information is recorded and/or obtained and distributed in a manner that enables the identification of errant channel reporting devices within a communication system.

Abstract: An encoded serial data bit error analyzer captures the actual waveform of an encoded serial data stream associated with a bit error so that a user may readily validate the cause of the bit error. An encoded serial data stream decoder in the analyzer is modified to provide a signal for a trigger system when a characteristic of a bit error failure is detected. A power splitter produces a pair of incident encoded serial data streams from a programmable test signal, one of which is input to a device under test and the other is input to the analyzer. A re-transmitted encoded serial data stream from the device under test is input to another channel of the analyzer. The encoded serial data stream decoder provides an “error detected” output when a condition occurs in the re-transmitted encoded serial data stream indicative of a bit error. The “error detected” output is used as a trigger signal to capture the incident and re-transmitted encoded serial data waveforms surrounding the detected bit error.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a protocol tester for performing a protocol test, said protocol tester exhibiting an input for the feeding in of data, a protocol decoding device for the decoding of data, and an output for providing the decoded data, the protocol tester also comprising a device for measuring the bit error rate. A corresponding method for performing a protocol test is also provided.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus includes a test signal control unit that copies a test signal of a pseudo-random bit sequence and controls insertion of the same test signal in each member of a plurality of members of a concatenation signal, a concatenation signal transmitting unit that transmits each member of the concatenation signal with the test signal inserted therein by the test signal control unit to other apparatus via a plurality of transmission paths, a concatenation signal receiving unit that receives from the other apparatus each member of a plurality of members of a concatenation signal, and an individual-line-quality calculating unit that, using a test signal inserted in the members of the concatenation signal received by the concatenation signal receiving unit, individually evaluates each member of the concatenation signal received by the concatenation signal receiving unit and calculates a line quality of each transmission path.

Abstract: Using DSL modems as data collectors, the modems processes the data to, for example, allow easier interpretation of the line characteristics. In particular, the modems postprocess the data including calibration, filter compensation, determination of the SNR medley from the bits and gains tables and rate conversion. The interpretation process uses the postprocessed data and determines loop characterization, interferer detection, a data reduction estimation and a data rate estimation. The outputs of these determinations least allow for the characterization of the line conditions between the two modems.

Abstract: Kalman gain is used to calculate range accuracy for a passive angle-of-arrival determining systems, most notably for short-baseline interferometry, in which Kalman gain after arriving at a minimum proceeds to within a predetermined fraction or percent of zero gain, at which time the range estimate accuracy is known.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transceiver for receiving and transmitting data over a network, and a method for testing the same. In particular, the present invention provides a physical layer transceiver having a built-in-self-test (BIST) device that allows for, among other things, pulse density/width variation and jitter control.