Abstract: A system and method for testing a transmission line to a protected system includes measuring voltages between a tip-side node of an overcurrent protection device and the protected system, between a ring-side node of the overcurrent protection device and the protected system, between the tip of the transmission line and the protected system, and between the ring of the transmission line and the protected system. Using the measured voltages, the status of the overcurrent protection device and the overvoltage device may be recognized, and the magnitude of a voltage surge on either of the tip and ring wires may be determined.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a surge protection module that includes an overvoltage protection component and a ground pin configured on a bottom end of the surge protection module. The ground pin is in electrical communication with the overvoltage protection component. The surge protection module also includes a pair of outside plant tip and ring pins configured on the bottom end of the surge protection module. The pair of outside plant tip and ring pins in electrical communication with the overvoltage protection component. The surge protection module is configured to receive a wire wrap pair consisting of a central office tip wire and a central office pin wire. The central office tip wire and the central office pin wire are configured to be in electrical communication with the overvoltage protection component.

Abstract: A system and method for managing battery slump in a battery-powered communications device including: an input configured for receiving battery voltage level information; an output configured for sending a signal for terminating a transmission; and a controller connected to the input and the output and configured to receive the battery voltage level information from the input; monitor the battery voltage level information; and send a signal via the output to terminate a transmission if the battery voltage level information crosses a predetermined threshold during the transmission. In particular, the system and method may further include an input connected to the controller and configured for receiving a signal indicating when a transmission is beginning or occurring and the controller is further configured to receive and monitor the battery voltage level information only when the transmission is occurring.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a digital network to telephone interface device having a controller capable of detecting foreign voltage faults without interrupting telephone service. Upon detection of a foreign voltage fault the controller can deactivate the telephone service and initiate a test sequence to confirm the foreign voltage fault. If the fault is confirmed the telephone service remains deactivated and an operator of the digital network is notified. The device will improve the quality of service and save the cost of sending some one to investigate the fault. The operator can take proactive action once the device provides fault analysis and information remotely.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a surge protection module that includes an integrated signal splitter configured to combine a signal from a DSL tip wire with a signal from the POTS tip pin to generate a DSL/POTS tip output signal, and combine a signal from a DSL ring wire with a signal from the POTS ring pin to generate a DSL/POTS ring output signal. The integrated signal splitter is configured to be in electrical communication with an overvoltage protection component and to output the DSL/POTS tip output signal and the DSL/POTS ring output signal to the overvoltage protection component.

Abstract: A removable telecommunication sensor module is configured to be removably coupled between a power protection device and a bus bar and/or a backplane. The removable telecommunication sensor module monitors energy usage at a telecommunication equipment circuit level for a piece of telecommunication equipment arranged in a telecommunication network infrastructure.

Abstract: An end-to-end test and diagnostic manager and a method of diagnosing service problems in a multi-domain, multi-service network are provided. A database receives and stores service and network inventory data identifying and describing the customer and the network components necessary to deliver a service to the customer over a multi-domain network. An interface for displaying service information to an operator and for receiving commands from an operator is also provided. A plurality of test tools for testing operational status and verifying the configuration of components necessary to deliver the service to the customer. An application server is configured to execute instructions for invoking the test tools. The results of the test are displayed for the operator via the interface.

Abstract: A telephone line terminator has a plug-in end to connect to a protector socket instead of the protector, which in turn is plugged in at a protector receptacle integrated with the terminator to provide continuous line protection while the terminator is connected to the telephone line. The terminator is dimensioned to fit in between adjacent protectors in a main frame. The terminator has circuitry powered by batteries to receive remote control signals for selectively ground connecting the wires. The batteries may be replaceable or rechargeable via voltage from the connected telephone line or via a separate charger that connects also via the plug-in end. A tone generator may provide a line tone and a warble tone in conjunction with several operation modes activated by a multi selecting push button.

Abstract: Each of the host transmitting/receiving blocks of a plurality of I/O units connected to a CNC reads the destination specification data and a diagnostic result bit each time the host transmitting/receiving block receives a signal packet from the CNC. When the diagnostic result bit indicates the execution of a diagnosis, the signal packet contains diagnostic DO data, and the relevant DO signal output terminal is short-circuited to the relevant DI signal input terminal to form a diagnostic loop. The diagnostic packet signal passes through the diagnostic loop, the external signal transmitting/receiving block, and the host transmitting/receiving block and returns to the CNC through the host transmitting/receiving block of an adjacent I/O unit closer to the CNC. The CNC analyzes the packet signal to determine whether each of the I/O units is operating normally or not.

Abstract: A port detection and protection circuit utilizes a voltage detection circuits to output a detection signal according to a voltage difference between the tip signal and the ring signal and utilizes a ring detection circuit to output another detection signal according to a voltage difference between a Subscriber Line Interface Circuit (SLIC) tip signal and a SLIC ring signal signaling an incoming call. In addition, the port detection and protection circuit utilizes at least one logic component to output logic signals according to the detection signals. The port detection and protection circuit further switches a loop of a tip wire, a ring wire and the SLIC on or/and off based on logic signals, and issues an alarm according to the logic signals.

Abstract: A compact multifunction 5-terminal type compatible telephone line tester has batteries fitted in its frontal access shaft that fits into a to be tested connector between tightly arrayed protectors assembled in a cross connect box. A light powered by the battery is integrated at the tester front face in between the connection pins. The protector removed from the to be tested connector may be inserted in a terminal that laterally extends from the tester. An electric circuit tests and indicates the protector condition and switches the light on upon manual pushing of a switch. The electric circuitry is powered by the batteries. A mechanical switch is actuated by the protector housing while the protector is connected to the terminal for automated protector through connection to the to be tested connector. Lateral terminals and a jack connector on the back side provide access to the connector.

Abstract: A phone jack connection detection system and method of operating the same, including a phone jack circuit having a data access arrangement circuit in communication with at least two pins, a stimulus input in communication with the phone jack circuit, the stimulus input being adapted to communicate a stimulus to the phone jack circuit, and a detection circuit in communication with the phone jack circuit, the detection circuit being adapted to detect a response of the phone jack circuit to the stimulus and notify a user of the status of the connection.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a device having a low voltage SLIC to perform SLIC functions at a low voltage and to provide metallic and longitudinal currents to a high voltage SLIC. The low voltage SLIC may be designed based on an operational amplifier cell architecture, and the high voltage SLIC may receive the metallic and longitudinal currents and generate first and second amplified output currents therefrom.

Abstract: Whether or not protection circuitry for a span-powered remote digital subscriber loop unit is properly connected to earth ground is determined by the deliberate assertion and detection of a ground fault from a central office line card location. The span-powered remote unit is augmented to place a controllable conduction path in circuit with the span-powered loop and an earth ground pin. If the earth ground pin has been properly connected to earth ground, applying the conductive path will place a ground fault on the span, which is detected by a ground fault detector within the central office line card. If the ground fault detector does not detect a ground fault in response to the application of the conductive path, the line card forwards a negative ground fault event message to a test center, so that a service technician may be dispatched to the remote unit to correct the problem.

Abstract: A monitor access is gradually applied an removed from a communications circuit, including a digital subscriber line (DSL), by a gradual monitor access (GMA) technique, in which a variable impedance element is gradually applied to the communications circuit until the monitor can be introduced to the communications circuit without data disruption.

Abstract: An electrical system is described comprising none or one or two function boards and at least one voltage converter. The function board/s and the voltage converter are connected such that a voltage generated by the voltage converter is supplied to the function board/s. The electrical system comprises an electrical circuit for checking whether two function boards are present and whether these two function boards are identical, and for disabling the voltage converter under the condition that two non-identical function boards are present.

Abstract: An adaptive unit that taps into an existing POTS line, DLC POTS line, DLC channel unit designed for sealing current outputs, or AC-DC transformer designed for sealing current output, to provide sealing current to a DSL circuit thereby avoiding having to deploy a separate sealing current unit to supply the desired sealing current to the DSL circuit. The adaptive unit, or sealing current derivation device, is preferably deployed at remote terminals thereby facilitating the offering of new DSL service, but may also be utilized in a central office.

Abstract: Whether or not protection circuitry for a span-powered remote digital subscriber loop unit is properly connected to earth ground is determined by the deliberate assertion and detection of a ground fault from a central office line card location. The span-powered remote unit is augmented to place a controllable conduction path in circuit with the span-powered loop and an earth ground pin. If the earth ground pin has been properly connected to earth ground, applying the conductive path will place a ground fault on the span, which is detected by a ground fault detector within the central office line card. If the ground fault detector does not detect a ground fault in response to the application of the conductive path, the line card forwards a negative ground fault event message to a test center, so that a service technician may be dispatched to the remote unit to correct the problem.

Abstract: A data access arrangement (DAA) having improved surge protection. The DAA incorporates a high voltage clamping device functioning to protect line side circuitry from signal paths created by EMI capacitors. In one embodiment of the invention, EMI capacitors are added between the “plus” and “minus” terminals of the diode bridge of the DAA to balance and reduce noise injection onto the TIP and RING lines. These EMI capacitors also reduce EMI interference. However, by adding EMI capacitors on this side (the “rectified side” or “line side”) of the diode bridge, a high voltage signal path to earth ground is created that may have deleterious effects on the line side circuitry. To effectively negate undesirable signal paths through the EMI capacitors, the DAA includes a high voltage clamping device (e.g., a MOV, SIDACTor™, gas discharge tube or similar device) disposed between the plus and minus terminals of the diode bridge for suppressing high voltage spikes.

Abstract: A bit error rate test (BERT) system is configured as a field programmable gate array that emulates multiple independent BERT generators. The BERT generators produce test frames containing test pattern codes associated with respectively different time division multiplexed (TDM) digital communication channels, that are not necessarily mutually contiguous within a plurality of TDM timeslots of a network communication frame serving digital communication circuits. A framing unit assembles the test code patterns into a test frame and transmits the test frame over a serial network interface to a plurality of digital channel units of a channel bank. The framing unit also interfaces contents of test code patterns within test frames returned from the channel units over the serial network interface with a plurality of data channel-specific virtual BERT receivers, associated with respective digital communication channels.

Abstract: A power fault testing apparatus for testing telecommunications equipment interfaces to Telcordia's 2nd Level AC power fault standards. The apparatus is powered by a three-phase 480 VAC, 600 A power service. A plurality of transformers, including a variable autotransformer and a fixed transformer, and load resistor banks are coupled to the power source in a network organized as a plurality of selectable and switchable power paths for interfacing with an Equipment Under Test (EUT) operable to be disposed in a test chamber. Power output of the fixed transformer is referenced to a single point ground positioned at a relay bank. The power to the EUT is referenced to building ground that is tied to the single point ground of the fixed transformer. The fixed transformer thereby operates as an isolation transformer, which allows for testing the EUT while operating under power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing telephone equipment for longitudinal balance. A signal generating circuit places a test signal at a certain frequency on the tip and ring wires of a telephone line. The telephone line is monitored and the signals on the tip and ring wires are measured and compared against each other. The frequency is gradually increased in set increments until the test frequency is in the megahertz range.

Abstract: A surge reset circuit used to automatically reset a surge protection circuit within a telephone line interface circuit. A sensor (e.g., a zenering device) advantageously generates a voltage level representing current draining out of the transient voltage suppression portion of the surge protection circuit after a transient energy surge. If the current is draining, which may indicate a potential lockup situation, feedback circuitry generates a reset feedback signal that is provided to a cutoff device. The cutoff device, in response to receiving the feedback signal, disables a current limiter portion of the surge protection circuit to reduce the current draining from the transient voltage suppression portion. As the current level is reduced, the transient voltage suppression portion will reset when the current drops below a threshold value or is substantially eliminated. As a result, the feedback circuitry removes the reset feedback signal from the cutoff device to re-enable the current limiter.

Abstract: Signature apparatus and techniques that make home networking devices, e.g., in-Home Phoneline Network (herein referred to as “HPN”) devices, isolation filters, network interface devices, etc., detectable by commercially available metallic loop termination (MLT) test equipment. The invention also provides a method of testing a telephone line for the existence of a signature circuit identifying a home network. The home network signature circuit includes a series combination of a voltage breakdown device (e.g., Zener diodes) and an impedance (e.g., 200K ohm resistor). In operation, the home network signature circuit shunts the tested subscriber line loop with a voltage-dependent impedance in the presence of an appropriate test voltage exceeding 80 volts. Different high voltage thresholds of the voltage breakdown portion and/or different resistance values of the shunt impedance can be implemented in the home network signature device to produce uniquely detectable signatures.

Abstract: The line interface circuit of a modem to be connected to a standard RJ11 jack of a digital PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is used along with software routines resident in the modem to detect the presence of a PBX connected to the modem. Upon going off-hook, the modem, by the software routines, determines whether the connection will harm the interface by one of several software routines. If it appears that the interface circuit may be damaged because a PBX line is present, the modem is instructed to go on-hook (hang up), or if the connection is not harmful to the interface, alerts the user that the modem is connected to a wrong jack.

Abstract: A telephonic apparatus comprises terminals for connecting it to respective electric cables, telephonic circuitry, and a switch between the terminals and the circuitry. It also includes a sensor for detecting a DC voltage above a first level between said terminals. It the sensor detects a DC voltage between said terminals above the first level, it prevents the switch from connecting the circuitry between the terminals.

Abstract: A sensor capable of being coupled to a transmission line and monitoring a foreign voltage on the transmission line includes a voltage monitoring circuit. The voltage monitoring circuit is adapted to operate in a foreign voltage detection mode in response to receiving a first logic signal and a foreign voltage measurement mode in response to receiving a second logic signal. A method for operating a circuit to detect and measure a foreign voltage on a transmission line includes providing a first logic signal to configure the circuit to detect the foreign voltage. The foreign voltage is detected on the transmission line in the circuit. A second logic signal is provided to configure the circuit to measure the foreign voltage, and the foreign voltage is measured.

Abstract: A network interface circuit employing differentially driven capacitive couplings across a high voltage isolation boundary and in which a &Sgr;/&Dgr; CODEC is positioned on the line side of the high voltage interface. In this manner, only four wires cross the high voltage boundary, namely differential pairs for transmit data and receive data. The transfer functions for setting AC and DC parameters, such as impedance matching, are provided by digital filters. Further, with the CODEC on the line side of the high voltage isolation interface, the data which crosses the interface is modulated at the &Sgr;/&Dgr; data rate and, thus, capacitive coupling can be used across the high voltage isolation boundary without the loss of DC data.