Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for monitoring the quality and/or performance of a processing aid or a component during manufacture, storage, or use of electronics or electronic assemblies is provided. The apparatus incorporates a sampling device, a multivariate sensing system (e.g., a multi-sensor array or at least one sensor capable of measuring multiple variables) capable to process an analysis of low vapor pressure or vaporizable constituents in electronics by detecting some changes in the physico-chemical properties of the sensor and/or electronics and applying multivariate analysis. In one embodiment, the sensing system comprises an array of metal oxide sensors and a multivariate analysis algorithm for data processing. This method and apparatus can be employed for various quality control purposes such as contamination analysis or failure analysis of integrated circuits components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of carrying out a molecular modeling calculation and displaying the results thereof through a task-oriented user interface. The overall computational task is divided into subtasks, each of which is outfitted with a tailored graphical user interface. In a preferred implementation, the subtask user interfaces are accessed via tab icons whose layout reflects the normal order of carrying out the subtasks, and downstream subtask user-interfaces are not activated until the information they require is available from upstream subtasks. The invention also provides software that allows the user to view the setup and results of a calculation, but does not provide computational capabilities. The invention is applicable to a wide range of computational tasks.

Abstract: A system, method and computer product track a stent characteristic during a coating process. For example, a method comprises receiving an implantable medical device from a coating apparatus, after the coating apparatus has applied a coating to the implantable medical device; measuring a characteristic of the implantable medical device with the coating; determining if the characteristic of the implantable medical device with the coating is within selected parameters; and generating feedback to the coating apparatus based on the determining, the feedback informing the coating apparatus to adjust a variable for future coatings, if so determined.

Abstract: The present teachings describe a solubility prediction approach that is based, in part, upon quantitative-structure property relationships (QSPR). In various embodiments, the solubility prediction methodology comprises identifying a reduced descriptor set from which a solubility equation is derived. The descriptors used in the solubility equation are based upon simplified structural and molecular features which facilitate researcher understanding and solubility model refinement. Moreover, the present teachings provide solubility prediction relationships that may be used to rapidly screen large libraries or collections of compounds.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the daily operating performance parameters for water treatment processes through the collection of localized data. The data is manipulated to generate preconfigured performance, maintenance, and quality assurance reports and further provide automatic submission of data as required for regulatory review of certain water treatment systems such as potable water treatment. The data is collected from sensors located at an equipment site and transferred to a remote computer located by use of the Internet, further all data received and used for generation of reports is also accessible by Internet connection and be delivered directly to the regulatory agency without additional process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for management of chemical materials comprising the steps of providing a first data set containing which substances comprise the materials, providing a second data set containing which of the substances are to be controlled, providing a third data set containing a ratio of discharge of the controlled substances in a process, analyzing a preset amount of the materials in the process and determining a quantity of the controlled substances utilizing the first and second data sets, determining an emissions quantity of the controlled substances utilizing the ratio and the quantity of the controlled substances and maintaining the third data set according to a preset interval of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for formulating and controlling concentrations of deactivating chemicals in a gas mixture inside a chamber. The gas mixture may include chemical components that are deactivating chemicals, as well as chemical components that are base chemicals, acting as a dilutant for the deactivating chemical, or as a vehicle or carrier for the deactivating chemical. A capacitor is exposed to the gas mixture, wherein the gas mixture comprises a dielectric material between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the relative concentrations of the chemical components, and thus a measurement of the capacitance is used to determine the concentration levels of multiple chemical components in the gas mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for formulating and controlling concentrations of deactivating chemicals in a solution inside a chamber. The solution may include chemical components that are deactivating chemicals, as well as chemical components that are base chemicals, acting as a diluent for a deactivating chemical, or as a vehicle or carrier for a deactivating chemical. A capacitor is exposed to the solution, wherein the solution comprises a dielectric material between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the relative concentrations of the chemical components, and thus a measurement of the electrical properties of the capacitor can be used to determine the concentration levels of multiple chemical components in the solution.

Abstract: A system and methods for integrating laboratory instrumentation and applications to provide a unified control and coordination architecture under a common interface. The system provides mechanisms for detection of various hardware and software components wherein the individual functionalities and input/output data types for each component are automatically recognized and incorporated into a centralized control system that provides live monitoring of the operational status of available components.

Abstract: A synthetic gas generator and gas reactor test system. The system is configurable to provide a number of alternative flow paths, each with different furnace and reactor configurations. Various types of reactors, and combinations of two or three reactors, may be installed and tested. Injected agents, such as reducing agents, are injected in a manner that prevents unwanted reactions with the test gas. The system is especially useful for testing vehicle emissions aftertreatment devices.

Abstract: A complex multivariate analysis system is provided. The system has a storage module, a selecting module, an analyzing module, a correlation searching module and a reporting module. The storage module includes a first database and a second database. The first database records at least two data sets, each of the data sets including a plurality of items associated with a manufacturing process and data of the items. The second database records correlations of the items between the two data sets. The selecting module selects a first item from a first data set. The analyzing module analyzes the first item selected by the selecting module and determines whether the data of the first item conform to specifications or not. The correlation searching module searches the second database when the analyzing module determines that the data of the first item do not conform to the specifications, and selects a second item correlated to the first item from a second data set.

Abstract: A semiconductor test data analysis system (1) automatically recording, during an analysis operation, operation information of the analysis operation, including analysis conditions or an analysis procedure for input test data, or analysis information obtained by the analysis operation. The analysis system includes a processing means (101), an analysis target data storage means (109), which stores the test data as analysis target data, a historical data storage means (107), which stores as historical data either operation information of the analysis operation or analysis information obtained by the analysis operation, and a display data storage means (112), which stores analysis information obtained by the analysis operation, which stores analysis display data generated by the processing means for the purpose of displaying the analysis information obtained by the analysis operation.

Abstract: An analytical method and apparatus using principal component analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data for rapid molecular structure/function pattern recognition. The presence of a molecular substructure in an organic compound is determined by comparing principal components calculated from chemical shift values of the substructure in selected compounds with those calculated from the chemical shift values of the organic compound. Alternatively, principal components are calculated from the intensities of NMR signals for a full spectrum, or selected regions thereof, to determine whether an organic compound belongs to or is excluded from a set of structurally related compounds. Also, the presence of a pharmacophore in an organic compound can be determined by comparing the principal components derived from data on a set of compounds known to bind to a particular receptor, or have a common biological effect, with the principal components of the data set of the organic compound.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for controlling chemical dispense operations based on a conductivity offset determined for a chemical solution. The chemical dispense operations are performed by or in conjunction with operation of a utility device, such as a warewashing machine. The chemical solution is formed in a solution tank device by combining water with at least one component chemical product. The conductivity offset, which is the conductivity of the water, is used to normalize the conductivity estimated for the chemical solution relative to the component chemical product in the solution. During various points in time during operation of the utility device, the normalized conductivity is compared to a conductivity setpoint, and if the normalized conductivity falls below the conductivity setpoint, a specified volume of the component chemical product is supplied to the solution tank.

Abstract: A chemical detection system performs controlled exposures to diagnose the pneumatic components and chemical sensors prior to measuring a chemical emission. A control module provides the system control and data processing to perform the diagnosis. The control module manipulates an emission sample retrieval system to provide precise exposure during the diagnostic routines. A sensor interface circuit interrogates the chemical sensors and stores the data for analysis. The chemical sensor exhibits predictable changes in response during predetermined exposure scenarios. By utilizing numerous time domain signal processing techniques, both system and sensor level fault conditions are determined.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for the collection, analysis, and disposal of controlled substances are described. A collector receives an excess of controlled substance and stores the controlled substance so that unauthorized access is minimized. An analysis determines the chemical composition and concentration. The results of the analysis are reviewed and reconciled against information in an overseeing authority information system or against information provided by the depositor of the controlled substance or both. The controlled substance is disposed of once it has been confirmed that the substance deposited in the collector is the same substance claimed to be deposited and the same substance issued by the pharmacy or other qualified authorities.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for extracting signals which are indicative of the level of consciousness of a patient comprises subjecting the patient to a repetitive audio stimulus, monitoring AEP produced by the patient using an autoregressive model with exogenous input, and then calculating an index (AAI), which is displayed or used otherwise,indicative of the anaesthetic depth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automated production and iterative automated optimization of a substance library and/or at least one reaction parameter relating to a performance characteristic comprising at least two substances comprising the steps of: a) defining at least one production parameter and at least one test parameter; b) automated preparation of a substance library by producing at least two substances on the basis of the at least one production parameter; c) automated testing of the at least two substances of the substance library with respect to at least one performance characteristic on the basis of the at least one test parameter; d) evaluating the test using electronic data analysis; e) varying the at least one production parameter and/or the at least one test parameter for optimizing the performance characteristics, and single or repeated repetition of steps b) to e) or c) to e); characterized in that the steps b) to e) are carried out in an integrated automated process.

Abstract: A measurement technique that generates a number value identifying the width of a noisy pulse in an analog signal that has particular application for determining whether a defect exists in a cylinder valve of a locomotive diesel engine. The algorithm samples the analog signal, and then the samples are bunched into successive groups where each group includes a predetermined number of samples. A root mean square is taken of the samples in each group to generate a representative amplitude value for that group. Successive amplitude values are multiplied together to generate product values. The product values are averaged over a predetermined number of product values to generate the number value that can be analyzed to determine if a defect in a valve exists.

Abstract: A method for indirect gas species monitoring based on measurements of selected gas species is disclosed. In situ absorption measurements of combustion species are used for process control and optimization. The gas species accessible by near or mid-IR techniques are limited to species that absorb in this spectral region. The absorption strength is selected to be strong enough for the required sensitivity and is selected to be isolated from neighboring absorption transitions. By coupling the gas measurement with a software sensor gas, species not accessible from the near or mid-IR absorption measurement can be predicted.

Abstract: A device and process for preventing medical errors due to the improper administration of an intravenously delivered medication includes the spectroscopic analysis of intravenous fluid components. An emission source and detector are placed adjacent to the intravenous tubing of an administration set to generate signals for spectroscopic analysis. The signals are processed to identify the medication and, in certain embodiments of the invention, can determine the medication's concentration. In a preferred embodiment, the emission source, detector, and hardware and software for the spectroscopic analysis are placed in an infusion pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distributed sensing system in a networked environment for identifying an analyte, including a first sensor array connected to the network comprising sensors capable of producing a first response in the presence of a chemical stimulus; a second sensor array connected to the network comprising sensors capable of producing a second response in the presence of a physical stimulus; and a computer comprising a resident algorithm. The algorithm indicates or selects the most relevant sensor in the network to identify the analyte. The sensors can be separated over large spatial areas, wherein the sensor arrays are networked. Suitable networks include a computer local area network, an intranet or the Internet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ensuring effective and efficient vehicle vapor recovery performance, storage tank system integrity relative to both vapor and liquid containment and for reducing the probability that inaccurate information causes companies to undertake unnecessary, expensive and wasteful loss investigations at gasoline dispensing facilities. A fuel storage and delivery system is transformed from an “open system” communicating directly with the environment to a “closed system” which ensures capture, containment and accurate accounting of both hydrocarbon vapors and liquid phase product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting sewerage pipes, comprising in combination with a first mobile pipe vehicle, a gas sensor vehicle for detecting pipe ambient gas. The combination includes an interface cable conveying power and operably connecting the combination to a control station positioned outside the pipe, a second vehicle having a support frame connected to the first mobile pipe vehicle, a gas sensor positioned on the second vehicle support frame and connected to the interface cable for sensing pipe ambient gas level, and a transceiver communicating with the gas sensor and connected to the interface cable for therethrough communicating with the control station. The second vehicle is preferably connected to the first mobile pipe vehicle by the interface cable and is thereby towed in the pipe.

Abstract: A fluorometer for sensing the fluorescence of a sample utilizes an optical energy source for exciting a sample to be tested and an optical energy detector for detecting the emitted energy from the excited sample. Drive electronics are used for positioning the sample with respect to the optical components allowing a plurality of sample regions to be tested. A processor is utilized to control the operation of the test in accordance with test instructions and for processing the emitted energy detected from the sample to determine test results. A ROM chip socket accepts a plurality of ROM chips, wherein each ROM chip stores test data sets for one or more test types to be performed. ROM chips can be swapped to allow the fluorometer to be configured and reconfigured to perform a plurality of different tests. A communications interface facilitates the sharing of test information between the fluorometer and external entities.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for controlling chemical dispense operations based on a conductivity offset determined for a chemical solution. The chemical dispense operations are performed by or in conjunction with operation of a utility device, such as a warewashing machine. The chemical solution is formed in a solution tank device by combining water with at least one component chemical product. The conductivity offset, which is the conductivity of the water, is used to normalize the conductivity estimated for the chemical solution relative to the component chemical product in the solution. During various points in time during operation of the utility device, the normalized conductivity is compared to a conductivity setpoint, and if the normalized conductivity falls below the conductivity setpoint, a specified volume of the component chemical product is supplied to the solution tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the on-line analysis of liquid substance mixtures by means of NIRS. For evaluation by spectral data comparison, merely the binary mixtures of the possible components in quantitative graduations are used as calibration spectra. In order to accelerate the evaluation, all data points of a spectrum are summated, and each spectrum is characterized by only one characteristic number.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer program product or code in memory for detecting and transmitting sensory data from a portable field device 10 to a processor 12 via a computer network 10 for analytic purposes. The product includes a code directed to capturing analyte data pertaining to an unknown analyte using a field device 10. The product further includes a code directed to encoding the captured analyte data and transmitting the encoded analyte data via a computer network 18 to a processor 12 for analysis. The product also includes a code directed to performing an analysis of the captured analyte data at a remote location by the processor 12 using data of known analytes retrieved from an electronic library 14. This code and others can be used with the present invention to perform the functionality described herein as well as others.

Abstract: An optimum method for deposition time is provided that can improve uniformity of processing time of oxidation thickness. When starting a heat oxidation process, a time for optimum oxidation processing in the process management system is calculated based on atmospheric pressure data, a target thickness of that process, oxidization time, thickness data and atmospheric pressure data in the immediately preceding process under the same oxidization processing job. The optimum system comprises a process management system such as a host computer, a device having a barometer, a heat oxidation-processing device and a thickness-measuring device. The host computer, the barometer, the heat oxidation processing device and the thickness-measuring device are connected via a network so as to transmit data to and from each device.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for measuring impedance and voltage characteristics of individual ceils of multi-cell electrochemical devices, for example a battery or a fuel cell stack. The electrochemical system comprises a plurality of cells; a measuring device including a plurality of inputs connected across the plurality of cells to generate voltage and current signals indicative of voltage and current characteristics of the plurality of cells; a current supply/draw means for superimposing modulated current values through the plurality of cells; and a controller for controlling at least one system operating condition based on the voltage and current characteristics received from the measuring device, the controller being connected to the measuring device.

Abstract: A system for carrying out reactions that includes a small volume rotary selector valve having a plurality of peripheral ports and a small volume rotary switching valve, also having a plurality of peripheral ports, where the selector valve and switching valve are controlled by a computer. The rotary selector valve is connected by common port to a peripheral port of the rotary switching valve. The internal volumes of the rotary selector valve and rotary switching valves are 1.5 &mgr;l or less.

Abstract: The operation of a fossil-fired thermal system is quantified by recognizing and correcting data collections which must be synchronized to improve the accuracy of analytical models which determine fuel chemistry, fuel heating value, boiler efficiency, fuel energy flow and/or system heat rate.

Abstract: A method for specifying a multi-component composition without human intervention includes customer specification of at least two physical property limitations, and determination of a recommended composition meeting those limitations using a continuous model relating the physical properties to the compositional variables. The method may extend to supplying a multi-component composition by further including one or more of calculating the cost of the recommended composition, calculating the price of the recommended composition, formulating a contracted amount of the recommended composition, and billing for a contracted amount of the recommended composition.

Abstract: A probabilistic map generator for indicating the probability of a chemical, biological or other agent in a structure or building. The building is mapped in to floors and several levels of cubes in each floor. The probability of an agent's presence is indicated for each cube. Sensors are placed in various locations on each floor of the building. Inputs from the sensors go to a data processor. The probabilities of an agent's presence may be calculated by the data processor in conjunction with a Kalman filter. The probabilities may be displayed in a diagram of cubes, each having a certain shading indicating a probability of the agent's presence for the respective cube.

Abstract: There are many inventions described herein. In one aspect, the present invention is a method of acoustically monitoring a wind power installation that generates electrical power. The wind power installation includes a plurality of components, including at least rotor blades. The method comprises detecting an operating acoustic spectrum generated by at least one of the components during operation of the wind power installation and comparing the operating acoustic spectrum to a reference acoustic spectrum. The method of this aspect of the invention further comprises detecting a deviation between the operating acoustic spectrum and the reference acoustic spectrum and detecting whether the deviation exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A sensor capable of simply and quickly measuring the electrical activities of a number of cells simultaneously and a device comprising the sensor and capable of detecting the signal transmission between subject cells are provided. The sensor comprises a plurality of electrodes provided on a substrate. The electrodes individually measure a signal generated by a biological sample held by each of the electrodes. Each of the electrodes comprises a depression for holding the biological sample, a throughhole which is in communication with the depression and penetrates to a rear side of the substrate, an electrode portion, and a drawing line from the electrode portion. The electrodes are arranged so that the samples held by the depressions electrically communicate with one another.

Abstract: A process tool controller of a semiconductor processing tool is provided with software that enables collecting, monitoring and logging information regarding the tool's consumption. Data is collected from the devices used for control of process conditions via the analog and digital inputs and outputs of the process tool controller. Consequently, the devices for controlling the process conditions have the additional function of measuring the tool's consumption. In this way the information regarding the tool's consumption is completely collected on board of the process tool. The parameters to be monitored and reported can be configured by the user, with use of a configuration editor, resulting in optimum flexibility of the system. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface of the consumption monitoring and logging software is integrated into the user interface of the process control and monitoring software.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for managing data. The invention is intended to provide a data managing method and data managing system capable of classifying created files and managing them without depending on the operator's ability. The method is for use in an analytical instrument having a function of imaging a specimen and a function of analyzing the specimen. The area of the specimen from which the image has been taken is analyzed totally or partially. The analytical instrument includes an analytical data managing unit for recording the resulting data hierarchically in a corresponding manner to the specimen area.

Abstract: A system and a method for operating and monitoring an automation system, in which, via virtual installation models (1), processes of the automation system are, by means of a display unit (2), displayed or represented as a representation of real installation components (7). The display unit 2 includes input screen sections (4a, 4b, 4c) in order to allow a user to interactively operate displayed installation components 8. The method allows the user to navigate in the virtual installation models 8, which exactly reflect the real conditions and the current conditions of the automation system. By combining 2D and 3D displays or representations, the user can choose the most appropriate form of representation for the individual case at hand. The invention thus facilitates a reality-based representation of the automation system, which makes it possible to intuitively operate and monitor even complex processes.

Abstract: A process for providing a real-time estimation of in-cylinder NOx production rates during a combustion process in an internal combustion engine. The process employs a model that takes into account fundamental in-cylinder variables such as temperature, pressure and oxygen content. The process can be used with calibrated or uncalibrated internal combustion engines and can be used to capture the effects in variations of engine speed, engine torque, EGR, injection timing, and engine boost levels.

Abstract: A graphical display for a medical monitor includes a graphical means for displaying past, present and future predicted values. The display may also show trend data and indicate whether a patient's condition or a monitored parameter is improving. The display may be pictorial, or be a combination of graphics and text. Colors, blinking, shading, and moving arrows may illustrate and communicate various information to a patient using the display. The display is well suited for use with various devices, including continuous blood glucose monitors. In some cases the display will be integral with the monitoring means, in other cases, typically bifurcated devices, the display will be used on a monitor that is interfaced or otherwise communicates with the sensor and measuring the patient's condition. In some cases the sensor might be remotely located on the patient and it might communicate with a processor that is interfaced with a monitor having the above described display.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for aiding a consumer in choosing a beverage based upon personal preferences of the consumer, including obtaining spectral information of an inventory of beverages, obtaining spectral information of a sample of a beverage, and comparing the spectral information of the sample with that of the inventory to determine a beverage from the inventory that is similar to the sample. The spectral information for at least one of the inventory and the sample is obtained in a non-destructive manner.

Abstract: A user wearable device for providing a sterile environment for connecting a user's catheter to a fill-drain tube for performing an exchange of used and fresh peritoneal dialysis fluid includes a pouch. The pouch has exposeable openings for inserting the catheter and a fill-drain tube into the interior of the pouch from the exterior of the pouch. The user connects the catheter to the fill-drain tube within the interior of the pouch for draining and feeding dialysis fluid in a sterile environment. Hand covering elements in communication with the exterior of the pouch are disposed internal to the pouch such that the user can insert his hands into the hand covering elements and connect the catheter to the fill-drain tube within the interior of the pouch. The hand covering elements enable the user to manipulate the catheter and the fill-drain tube from a non-sterile environment external to the pouch.

Abstract: A polarization measurement system and method that determines the polarization of a received signal within one received pulse. The polarimeter accepts series of samples representing horizontal and vertical signal components representing the polarization of a received signal. The samples are discrete time measurements, with each sample representing a magnitude separated in time by a predetermined angular resolution. The samples are combined with other samples in numerous sets of calculations operating in parallel, the various sets of calculations employing different transfer functions, so as to produce numerous series of output values. Characteristics of these series are examined to select a particular series, and thus select the transfer function which provided the series having a desired characteristic such as a best null. The parameters of the transfer function which provides the desired characteristic provide information representative of the signal polarization.

Abstract: In a data acquisition system and method for real time monitoring of stack gases in a continuous monitoring system, data is collected from sensors and prepared for output to a regulatory agency. The data collected may relate to emissions of oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and oxides of sulfur, typically from an industrial facility. Sensors in the exhaust gas pathway report data to a programmable logic control device and are then stored in a data storage area. A data acquisition module quantifies the stored emissions data. The quantified emissions data is then sent to a regulatory agency via a communications link.

Abstract: A method comprising: a) selecting a loading variable from operating variables, the loading variable being directly related to total energy input into the system and equipment constraint of the system; b) selecting a performance specification variable which is required to be kept within a defined target at all times during operation of the system; and c) pairing the performance specification variable with a manipulated variable having a mass/balance relationship to the performance specification which is not the loading variable and; d) controlling the manipulated variable to maintain the performance specification variable with the defined target.

Abstract: An event pipeline and vernier summing apparatus for high speed event based test system processes the event data to generate drive events and strobe events with various timings at high speed to evaluate a semiconductor device under test. The event pipeline and vernier summing apparatus is configured by an event count delay logic, a vernier data decompression logic, an event vernier summation logic, an event scaling logic, and a window strobe logic. The event pipeline and summing method and apparatus of the present invention is designed to perform high speed event timing processing with use of a pipeline structure. The window strobe logic provides a unique means for detecting a window strobe request and generating a window strobe enable.

Abstract: Data indicating a material, a use step of the material and a use amount of the material which are transmitted from a client terminal through a network are inputted and stored; a chemical substance contained and a content thereof are searched by searching for a database of material components which stores the contained chemical substance and the content thereof corresponding to the material by using the inputted material as a key; the database of a material balance coefficient which stores a ratio in which the chemical substance is discharged and transferred by every separate whereabouts is searched corresponding to the chemical substance and the use step of the material by using the searched chemical substance and the inputted use step of the material as a key; the discharge and transfer amount of the chemical substances by every separate whereabouts is calculated based on the searched discharge and transfer amount, the inputted use amount of the material and the searched content; and the calculated discharge

Abstract: A system for measuring plasma electon densities (e.g., in the range of 1010 to 1012 cm−3) and for controlling a plasma generator (240). Measurement of the plasma density is essential if plasma-assisted processes, such depositions or etches, are to be adequately controlled using a feedback control. Both the plasma measurement method and system generate a control voltage that in turn controls the plasma generator (240) to maintain the plasma electron density at a pre-selected value. The system utilizes a frequency stabilization system to lock the frequency of a local oscillator (100) to the resonant frequency of an open microwave resonator (245) when the resonant frequency changes due to the introduction of a plasma within the open resonator. The amplified output voltage of a second microwave discriminator may be used to control a plasma generator (240).

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of nodes. The plurality of nodes each communicate signals pursuant to a single channel plan. The channel plan includes predefined characteristics for each of a plurality of signal channels. The system further includes a spectrum analyzer, a switch, and a controller. The switch connects the spectrum analyzer to the nodes. The controller tests communication signals on at least one of the nodes by conducting a test plan. The test plan prescribes performance of at least an average power test. The controller also derives a total node power based on the average power test results.