Abstract: Methods and systems for automated testing of extremely-high frequency devices are disclosed. A device under test (DUT) is set in a simultaneous transmit and receive mode. The DUT receives a lower frequency radio frequency (RF) signal from a test unit and up-converts the lower frequency RF signal to a higher frequency RF signal. The DUT transmits the higher frequency RF signal using a first antenna, and receives the higher frequency RF signal using a second antenna. The DUT down-converts the received higher frequency RF signal to a received test RF signal and provides the received test RF signal to the test unit for comparing measurements derived from the received test signal to a design specification for the DUT.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a TDR measurement comprising determining an echo profile of a calibration trace, and comparing a determined length of an actual physical length taking into account dimensional variables due to temperature fluctuations, then deriving and storing a calibration factor, and using that calibration factor to determine a system clock distance calibration, with the calibration factor being a ratio of the clock cycles to ensure that the determined electronic length is equal to the actual physical length. Once the system clock has been calibrated, measurement of the distance along the probe to the liquid height, plunger height, and so on, can then be determined with very high accuracy, using very low-cost electronic components.

Abstract: An arc fault detector includes: a first electric line; a sensor for monitoring an electric current or voltage spectrum in the first electric line and outputting a broadband measurement signal as a monitored signal; a minimum detection unit for detecting a minimum signal value of the monitored signal over a broadband measurement range as a detected minimum signal value; and a controller unit connected to an output of the minimum detection unit, the controller unit comparing the detected minimum signal value with a predefined arc pattern, and outputting a trigger signal on a trigger output if the detected minimum signal value matches the arc pattern.

Abstract: Device for checking the integrity of a digital transmission for an analog output of a system. The analog output may be checked for transient errors that can be attributed to a digital transmission path embedded somewhere within the vehicle system. A test signal is introduced into a digital transmission that can be reassembled from an analog path of the analog output, and, if not, allows the test device to pinpoint that errors are appearing due to the digital path, and not because of the analog output. In this way, debugging an installation of a system becomes easier; obtaining confidence in reliability of a mixed analog and digital system becomes less of a challenge and less time consuming.

Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system includes a turbine generator for producing electricity at a well site, the turbine generator producing electrical energy at a voltage. The system also includes an electric pump electrically coupled to the turbine generator and receiving operative power from the turbine generator. The system further includes switch gear arranged between the electric pump and the turbine generator, the switch gear distributing electrical energy from the turbine generator to the electric pump, wherein the voltage remains substantially constant from the turbine generator to the electric pump.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for locating a fault in a conductor such, as a break in a buried wire. The system includes a first conductor portion and a second conductor portion separated from each other by the fault, the system including a field generator, having: a first connection connectable to the first conductor portion, a first signal generator configured to apply a first oscillating signal between the first connection and an earth, the first oscillating signal having a frequency of between 1 and 20 kHz, and a mobile detector for detecting an electric field produced by the application of the first oscillating signal to the first conductor portion, the detector including a capacitive sensor element, a signal processor to which the sensor element is connected and having an output, and a monitor receiving the output from the signal processor and providing a signal to an operator to indicate the position of the fault.

Abstract: Systems and methods for health monitoring and fault detection in power distribution networks are provided. Aspects include providing a first power supply coupled to a power channel, providing a load coupled to the power channel, providing a transmitting sensor coupled to the power channel between the first power supply and the load, providing a receiving sensor coupled to the power channel between the transmitting sensor and the load, operating the transmitting sensor to provide an AC test signal to the power channel, the AC test signal comprises a predefined test signal pattern, operating the receiving sensor to sense, from the power channel, a continuous power signal including the AC test signal, analyzing, by the controller, the AC test signal to determine a fault of the power channel based on comparing the predefined test signal pattern with a predefined nominal probe signal pattern corresponding to a specific network configuration.

Abstract: A wire harness manufacturing system includes a conduction inspection device configured to inspect a conductive state at a position of other end of each of a plurality of sub-harnesses in a state that one end of each of the plurality of sub-harnesses is connected to a control box, and an information writing device configured to write terminal information of the plurality of sub-harnesses in a box side storage portion of the control box.

Abstract: A method for controlling a battery charger circuit of a vehicle. The method includes injecting a first current pulse between at least one line and a protective earth connection of the battery charger circuit. The method also includes measuring at least one line voltage value of at least one node of the battery charger circuit. The method also includes identifying a noise value by performing one or more operations on the battery charger circuit. The method also includes determining a protective earth connection impedance based on the at least one line voltage value and the noise value.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems and methods. Front-end circuitry transmits radar signals, receives return radar signals, and outputs digital radar data. FFT circuits process the digital radar data without zero-padding to generate FFT data corresponding to oversampled pixel range values. A processor further processes the FFT data to generate radar pixel data representing a radar image. Further, the FFT circuits can interpolate the FFT data based upon pixel ranges using a streamlined range computation process. This process pre-computes x-axis components for pixels in common rows and y-axis components for pixels in common columns within the FFT data. For one embodiment, a navigation processor is coupled to a SAR system within a vehicle, receives the radar pixel data, and causes one or more actions to occur based upon the radar pixel data, such as an advanced driver assistance system function or an autonomous driving function.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating a customer premise equipment (CPE) device. A network element management system may send an alteration request to a configurable coaxial tap that cause the configurable coaxial tap to alter the characteristics of the configurable coaxial tap and/or to manipulate the radio frequency (RF) characteristics of a customer premise device (CPE) coupled to the configurable coaxial tap. The network element management system may then receive impaired operation reports from a cable modem termination system, sending an un-alteration request to the configurable coaxial tap to undo the alterations, and receive restored operation reports from the cable modem termination system. The network element management system may use any or all of the received information to generate and use modem-tap-port correlations to determine the physical location of the CPE.

Abstract: A method of prioritizing estimated fault locations within a network includes monitoring multiple different performance parameters for unacceptable threshold levels via communications with a set of terminal network elements and separately analyzing the different performance parameters to identify potential network fault locations on the network. Accordingly, a plurality of priority rankings of potential network fault locations can be generated, one for each performance parameter monitored, and then combined to generate an overall priority ranking of potential fault locations including at least a highest priority inspection point estimated as being a most likely source of a fault on the network.

Abstract: Described is a method for performance estimation of a communication device. The method comprises: executing active probing to determine active probing data; reading operational data which includes data related to channel and its noise condition and counter values related to user data traffic between the communication device and another communication device, wherein the operational data is relevant to the current settings of the communication device; and training a performance estimation algorithm for the communication device according to the active probing data and the operational data.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method (45) for identification (53, 73) of an impairment (59) within a telecommunication line (13), the method (45) comprising determining (49) first measurement data (Hlog) that characterize a transfer function of the telecommunication line (13). In order to provide a method (45) for identification of an impairment (59) within the telecommunication line (13) that can be applied on the telecommunication line (13) without interrupting the operation of the line (13) and that can easily be implemented in connection with existing system such as existing DSL systems, it is suggested that the method (45) further comprise determining (55) at least one periodicity interval (?f1, ?f2) of oscillations of the transfer function and that the impairment (59) be identified depending on said determining (55).

Abstract: An approach for subscriber migration to alternative access networks is described. A subscriber migration platform determines a fault in a wireline voice network associated with a subscriber premise, determines that the subscriber premise is associated with a chronic account based on the fault, and migrates the subscriber premise from the wireline voice network to a wireless voice network.

Abstract: A system for monitoring connection status of a cable in a network comprising a detector operationally connected to the cable, a metal line test module, and a processor for receiving from the detector one or more connection status reports about connection of the cable to a network node, and configured to cause, upon a connection status report threshold being reached, a test of the cable by the metal line test module to confirm the connection status of the cable. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of notification and troubleshooting of interruptions, failures, and updates are described. In one embodiment, a customer premises equipment (CPE) device determines a status of the CPE device, which may include a status of connectivity with a service provider. When the status indicates an error, a type of the error may be identified and a message selected for audible playback by the CPE device. The CPE device may further ring a telephonic device, to alert a user and playback the message to the user. The message may indicate that a connectivity error exists and, in some cases, assist the user to troubleshoot the error. In other aspects, the CPE device may receive an update from the service provider and ring the telephonic device, to advise the user of upgraded functions or features, for example, or provide a promotional message.

Abstract: A system and method for testing lines to determine service-affecting conditions on a line, such as telephone wiring. Conditions may be identified from low frequency variations in a frequency spectrum measured on the line. The line may be stimulated with a broad spectrum signal, such as may be generated by a DSL modem operating in the L0 state or may be the result of noise on the line. Analysis of the low frequency variations may yield information about the nature of service-affecting conditions allowing conditions, such as un-terminated or poorly-terminated extensions to be identified. The method may be performed by a test device attached to premises wiring in a telephone network and used to determine whether the premises wiring will support VDSL2 or other high speed data services without modification or may indicate changes at the premises to enable the wiring to support high speed data services.

Abstract: A method of estimating a location of a fault in a network including the detection of a status of nodes connected to a head end of the network via a trunk of the network as being in-service or out-of-service. A node is considered out-of-service when the head end loses communication with all terminal network devices associated with the node. In addition, a status of head end network components is monitored for faults occurring therein. The location of a fault is automatically estimated as being on the trunk of the network when the head end network components are without a monitored fault condition and when at least one node on the trunk is detected as being out-of-service.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose an ATCA data exchange system which includes: a backboard, at least one exchange board and service board. The exchange board includes at least one Fabric port group, each of which is connected to a service board through the backboard to form a first exchange channel for broadband service, the Fabric port group includes four difference sending and receiving port pairs, and each port pair includes a pair of difference receiving and sending ports. A connector 20 in the Fabric interface of the exchange board includes at least one port pair, and each port pair is connected to a service board through the backboard to form a second exchange channel and is configured for a separate narrowband service data exchange that is independent of the broadband data exchange. Thus to simplify the processing of narrowband data and to decrease the time delay.

Abstract: A system for monitoring quality of calls in a network. A server receives information concerning calls which begin or end in a network and at the same time receives measurements of a quality parameter such as bandwidth. This measurement data is provided by a probe, so that the server is able to correlate calls which are placed through the network with the quality of service in the network at that time. When the quality falls below a desired level, the server notifies the customer or the network operator so that appropriate action may be taken.

Abstract: Fiber to the user (“FTTU’), fiber to the curb (“FTTC”), fiber to the node (“FTTN”), and fiber to the premise (“FTTP”) platforms (referred to herein as “FTTx”), require plain old telephony service (“POTS”) emulation using voice over IP (“VoIP”) signaling and bearer channels. Such a POTS emulation service requires emulation of existing fault isolation mechanisms in POTS and also must be extended to the topologies in the VoIP environment. The present invention is adapted to provide POTS emulation using existing fault isolation mechanisms in POTS and also provides POTS emulation for topologies in VoIP environments in the scope of FTTx.

Abstract: An anomaly detection system comprises an echo canceler and anomaly detection logic. The echo canceler has a plurality of taps respectively associated with a plurality of tap coefficients. The anomaly detection logic is configured to determine a difference between a new tap coefficient associated with one of the taps and a previous tap coefficient associated with the one tap. The anomaly detection logic is configured to perform a comparison between the difference and a threshold and to detect an anomaly along a telecommunication line based on the comparison.

Abstract: A system for testing a conductor of a structure can include a test device connected to the conductor. The test device is configured to test an electrical characteristic of the conductor and to produce a test result based at least in part on the electrical characteristic. A service provider network may be configured to communicate with the test device to initiate a test and/or to obtain the test result. A customer may use a computing device to obtain information regarding the test result, as well as guidance for troubleshooting and resolving a problem detected with the electrical conductor, such as a fault.

Abstract: A modem or associated computing or testing device is configured to detect the presence of one or more faults that affect DSL communications, and upon their detection, generate, for example, an indication, communication or message that recommends corrective action. In this context, a fault is generally caused by one or more unfiltered devices, impulsive noises, malfunctioning modems, or other factor that does not affect measured attenuation or measured noise, but does affect the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the link. In addition to being able to generate a message guiding a user through corrective action, the system can estimate the rate impact of the detected fault.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, an exemplary system includes a test management subsystem configured to provide a user portal to a user of a circuit provided by a service provider, the user portal including a tool enabling the user to select a signal loop for testing at least a section of the circuit, the signal loop being selected from a plurality of signal loop options. The system also includes a network management subsystem communicatively coupled to the test management subsystem, the network management subsystem being configured to receive data representative of the selection from the test management subsystem and instruct, based on the selection, a network device along the circuit to execute a loop-back mode. In certain embodiments, the selected signal loop defines a test pattern signal flow for testing a subsection of the circuit.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of detecting faults within a telecommunications network, said telecommunications network comprising a plurality of entities. The method comprises grouping said entities into one or more groups based on the call traffic handled by said entities or on the call traffic said entities are configured to handle, for at least one of said groups, monitoring the call length pattern of a plurality of grouped entities of said group, and for at least one of said grouped entities, comparing the monitored call length pattern of the grouped entity with the monitored call length pattern of one or more of the other grouped entities to determine if the behavior of said grouped entity is indicative of a fault. The entities may comprise nodes of the network or hardware elements within one or more nodes of the network.

Abstract: An application that resides on a subscriber PC with a constantly updated back-end knowledge base provides solutions to specific problems. The resident application, termed Computer Health and Performance Check (“CHPC”), performs preventative maintenance tasks on the subscriber's PC, such as checking for adware/spyware, viruses, determining whether the disk needs to be defragmented, and the like. In its various embodiments, the system includes a client-side resident PC diagnostic and health performance check tool that is used in conjunction with live customer assistance to provide in-home managed PC support services. Additionally, or in the alternative, customer support is automated with a knowledge base. The system supports VoIP SIP clients to automate and set up certain features.

Abstract: A processing method and a transceiver for channel changing in a joint transceiving mode are provided. The method includes: performing fault detection for one or more direct channels; after a fault is detected on a direct channel, stopping sending signals on the direct channel; detecting whether the direct channel with fault has been recovered; and when recovery of the direct channel with fault is detected, resuming sending signals on the direct channel.

Abstract: A modem or associated computing or testing device is configured to detect the presence of one or more faults that affect DSL communications, and upon their detection, generate, for example, an indication, communication or message that recommends corrective action. In this context, a fault is generally caused by one or more unfiltered devices, impulsive noises, malfunctioning modems, or other factor that does not affect measured attenuation or measured noise, but does affect the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the link. In addition to being able to generate a message guiding a user through corrective action, the system can estimate the rate impact of the detected fault.

Abstract: Data indicative of a level of stability of a DSL link is received. Based on the received data, it is determined whether the data indicates a level of stability of the DSL link that is above or below a minimum threshold. If the level of stability of the DSL link is below the minimum threshold, die noise associated with the DSL link before the time of failure is compared with the noise associated with the DSL link after the time of failure. If the difference between the noise before and after the time of failure exceeds a threshold, then the difference in noise is characterized as a stationary noise associated with the DSL link. However, if the difference between the noise before and after the time of failure is below the threshold, a determination is made whether the failure is associated with a loss of power to the DSL link or a severe impulse noise event—the difference in noise is characterized accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing a transmission line from a copper access network. The transmission line is tested to generate values for a plurality of network parameters. Using previously determined test results, it is possible to calculate an estimate of the length of the transmission line based on the values of each of the measured parameters. These estimates of the transmission line length can then be used to compute a weighted average of the transmission line length. An inference of the condition of the transmission line can be made by comparing the estimates of the length of the transmission line with the weighted average length.

Abstract: Communications patching system and methods utilizing common-mode channel communications are provided for identifying patch panel ports to which a backbone cable is connected in a communications patching system, for identifying a patch panel port to which a horizontal cable terminating at a telecommunications outlet is connected in a communications patching system, and for identifying the physical location of first and second connectors of a patch cord in a communications patching system having multiple patching zones.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to trigger preemptive maintenance of vectored digital subscriber line (DSL) systems are disclosed. An example method includes obtaining a value representing crosstalk coupling between a first subscriber loop and a second subscriber loop, the first and second subscriber loops belonging to a vectored DSL group of subscriber loops, determining whether to automatically perform a diagnostic test on the first subscriber loop based on the value, submitting a trouble ticket for the first subscriber loop based on a result of the diagnostic tests, and generating a maintenance report for the vectored DSL group based on the value and the results.

Abstract: Methods for detecting and recovering from client-link, server-link, and server-node failures are disclosed. One method comprises providing a dual link architecture. A Link-Status-Notice (LSN) message detailing at least one phone client associated with the client-link failure is sent from a primary telephony server to a secondary telephony server via a server-link. A type of redirect command is sent from the secondary telephony server to the at least one phone client associated with the client-link failure via a secondary client-link. The type of redirect command is based on a content of the LSN message.

Abstract: A system includes at least one adaptive filter coupled to a first communication channel and at least one other communications channel. The at least one adaptive filter includes at least one set of adaptive filter coefficients. A memory stores at least one predetermined set of filter coefficient thresholds. The filter coefficient thresholds may be indicative of channel faults, channel to channel faults or a length of the channel. A controller is configured to compare the set of filter coefficients to the predetermined set of filter coefficient thresholds. The controller is configured to determine the information about the channels based on compare results.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting crossover faults in a telecommunications access network having a plurality of access lines. Each access line includes a pair of wires for connection to a user terminal, e.g. a telephone handset. The system includes a monitor for monitoring each of the access lines to detect the presence of an off-hook state; a current sensor for each of the access lines for determining a fault condition on an access line for which an off-hook state has been detected when a imbalance is detected between currents in the wires of the access line; a controller for generating a report of each fault condition determined on an access line, in which each report comprises a time record relating to the time of generation of the report; and a crossover fault detector for recording a possible crossover fault involving two access lines upon the reporting within a set time period of one or more fault condition on each of the two access lines.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer readable media defining computer instructions for isolating subscriber and service issues on a service provider network methods by retrieving status information from active network elements of a service provider network, associating the status information with a subscriber session, call setup, or service, then displaying that information along with the KPI or SLAs associated with those active elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for determining a state of loop termination. One embodiment comprises receiving an un-calibrated echo signal for the loop under test using frequency domain reflectometry single-ended line testing (FDR-SELT) and determining the state of loop termination based on phase of the un-calibrated echo signal. The step of determining the state of loop termination comprises determining whether the loop is terminated by an open termination or a short termination by correlating the phase of the echo signal with an expected phase of the echo signal derived from measurements taken at the same loop length for open and short terminations. For other embodiments, the amplitude of the un-calibrated echo signal is analyzed to determine whether the loop is terminated by a matched-impedance termination.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the integrity of a cable shield utilizing wideband noise-to-ground measurements is provided. Upon determining that trouble with the cable shield exists, a method s is provided to isolate the location of the trouble with the cable shield. The method utilizes access locations along the cable and therefore does not require opening of the cable shield to isolate the trouble in the shield.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for blocking leakage signals and uncoupling connections in a communication system. A leakage signal (LS) blocking splitter employs a high-pass filter which effectively blocks the lower frequency leakage signal. The high-pass filter (an LS filter) has a cut-off frequency selected to fall between the upper range of the leakage signal (which is approximately 4 KHz in the preferred embodiment) and the low-end frequency of a data signal. A detect and terminate function detects service on the communication connection to which each one of the leakage signal (LS) filters are coupled to. The detect and terminate function detects service on the communication connection to ensure that each LS blocking splitter is coupled to an in-service communication connection.

Abstract: A system and method for telephone service technicians to retrieve telephone line assignment information, including receiving a telephone call from a telephone service technician. A telephone number assigned to a customer of a communications carrier may be received, where the telephone number is associated with a telephone operating on a wired communications network, such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Telephone line assignment information may be requested, where the telephone line assignment information includes cable and line pair information. The telephone line assignment information may be converted into speech synthesized audible signals and communicated to the telephone service technician during the telephone call. The conversion of the telephone line assignment information may be performed by an interactive voice response system.

Abstract: A method for identifying among a plurality of devices, through which a voice communication path is connected, a device transmitting an echo signal onto the voice communication path, includes transmitting a predetermined signal to each of the devices from a predetermined portion on the voice communication path, receiving a response signal for the predetermined signal from each of the devices, measuring a period of time for the predetermined signal to travel from the predetermined portion to each of the devices and for the response signal to travel back to the predetermined portion, monitoring a upstream signal and a downstream signal traveling on the voice communication path, extracting an echo component from the downstream signal to determine an echo delay time, and comparing the period of time and the echo delay time to determine a device which causes the echo signal.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting a call in a client/server architecture. A client device initiates a telephone call and converts first analog voice signals associated with the telephone call to digital signals. The digital signals are then transmitted over the Internet to a first gateway server. The first gateway server processes the digital signals using a codec algorithm and transmits the processed digital signals over the Internet to a second gateway server. The second gateway server converts the processed digital signals to second analog voice signals and transmits the second analog voice signals over a public switched telephone network.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for diagnosing loop anomalies for bonded-loop communication media. In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication medium comprises a plurality of bonded loops that couple network communication equipment (e.g., communication equipment at a central office) to customer premises (CP) communication equipment residing at a customer premises. If communication occurring over one of the loops becomes significantly degraded (e.g., if the SNR of the loop falls below a predefined threshold or id communication across the loop is interrupted), then loop diagnostic logic at the customer premises performs a diagnostic test on the loop. Information indicative of the diagnostic test is then communicated to the network equipment via one of the other bonded loops. Thus, the network service provider is able to receive information indicative of the diagnostic test without having to send a technician to the customer premises.

Abstract: A problem detection and repair system receives a trouble indication indicating a problem with a network. The trouble indication may be the result of automated monitoring of the network, or a user of communication services contacting an operator of the network to report trouble. Communication services may include telephone service, television service, Internet service, and other services delivered via a network. The trouble indication may be paired with the user's account, and one or more status determinations may be made prior to handing the user to a support person. Based on the results of the status determinations, problems may be detected, and repairs automatically attempted. If needed, the user may be forwarded to a support person along with the results of the status determinations and any attempted repairs.

Abstract: A server for automatically handling dial-up connectivity problems via a voice connection can include a controller to interface with a caller during a voice call, query a network operations center using a data connection to determine whether a dial-up number associated with the caller and received by the server is out of service, and present alternative dial-up numbers during the voice call without prompting the caller for further information. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, an exemplary system includes a test management subsystem configured to provide a user portal to a user of a circuit provided by a service provider, the user portal including a tool enabling the user to select a signal loop for testing at least a section of the circuit, the signal loop being selected from a plurality of signal loop options. The system also includes a network management subsystem communicatively coupled to the test management subsystem, the network management subsystem being configured to receive data representative of the selection from the test management subsystem and instruct, based on the selection, a network device along the circuit to execute a loop-back mode. In certain embodiments, the selected signal loop defines a test pattern signal flow for testing a subsection of the circuit.

Abstract: A method for determining if a which node through which a signal is propagated i (e.g., PSTN or VOIP) when the distances from the source to VOIP modem and PSTN connections are both known, the steps making a measurement that indicates a distance that a signal travels from a source to a point of reflection (e.g., a PSTN or VOIP connection) and comparing the measurement to known values corresponding to the distances from the source to closest VOIP and PSTN nodes.

Abstract: A system for locating corresponding ends of a communications or data patch cable used to conduct a signal between computing or telecommunications devices. The invention provides a physical indication of the location of an opposite end of a given patch cable when a switching means on the first end of the same cable is activated. The invention utilizes an existing pair of wires in category-type cables to send a DC voltage when activated to illuminate a light emitting diode in the opposite end of a patch cable thereby providing an immediate indication of the location of the termination of the opposite end of a patch cable making it possible to visually identify a cable without removing the cable from service or from connection of the modular plugs on either end of the cable.