Patent US5457729A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5457729A
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Communication network signalling system link monitor and test unit
Assignee: Microsemi Frequency and Time Corp
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Filing: 1995-02-07
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Granted: 1995-10-10
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Expires: 2015-02-07
Abstract
Abstract A communication network signalling system couples a signal transfer point to a plurality of channel banks through links which include link monitor and test units. The link monitor and test units, which monitor the links in a passive, non-obtrusive manner and which at the same time are capable of being serially coupled into the link so as to insert signals in series with the link and to otherwise accomplish in-depth link testing and analysis, each include a pair of channel units coupled to opposite portions of an associated link and which are coupled together through a metallic through connection in the form of a normally unenergized relay. The metallic through connection provided by the relay maintains the signal path through the link during a variety of fault conditions, while at the same time permitting electronic portions of the channel units to be cross-connected to accomplish monitoring and testing functions. Each channel unit includes a dataport or other interface capable of coupling to the interface of the other channel unit as well as to monitor and test equipment, and which is coupled to the link through a high impedance to provide isolation of the link therefrom.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary L. Hamann
- 👤 Robert P. Hamilton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 20:16
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/22; H04M3/26; H04M3/28; H04J; H04J3/00; H04J3/02; H04J3/14; H04M3/2254
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
Apparatus for introduction into a link in a communication network signaling system, comprising a terminal for serial coupling in a link between opposite first and second portions of the link, the terminal including a first channel unit for coupling to the first portion of the link, a second channel unit for coupling to the second portion of the link, and means for coupling the first channel unit to the second channel unit, the first channel unit having a first data port and a first high impedance for coupling the first data port to the first portion of the link, and the second channel unit having a second data port and a second high impedance for coupling the second data port to the second portion of the link.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
Apparatus for introduction into a link in a communication network signaling system, comprising a terminal for serial coupling in a link between opposite first and second portions of the link, the terminal including a first channel unit for coupling to the first portion of the link, a second channel unit for coupling to the second portion of the link, and means for coupling the first channel unit to the second channel unit, the first channel unit having a first data port and a first high impedance for coupling the first data port to the first portion of the link, and the second channel unit having a second data port and a second high impedance for coupling the second data port to the second portion of the link.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention set forth in claim 1, wherein the means for coupling is capable of selectively uncoupling the first channel unit from the second channel unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention set forth in claim 1, further including test equipment coupled to the first and second data ports for testing the link.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention set forth in claim 3, wherein the test equipment includes a matrix coupled to the first and second data ports and a protocol analyzer coupled to the matrix and including a monitor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
77 words
For use in an integrated digital service terminal serially coupled in a link between a signal transfer point and a channel bank in a communication network signaling system, a link monitor and test unit comprising a first channel unit for coupling to a signal transfer point through a link, a second channel unit for coupling to a channel bank through the link, and means for selective coupling of the first channel unit to the second channel unit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
77 words
For use in an integrated digital service terminal serially coupled in a link between a signal transfer point and a channel bank in a communication network signaling system, a link monitor and test unit comprising a first channel unit for coupling to a signal transfer point through a link, a second channel unit for coupling to a channel bank through the link, and means for selective coupling of the first channel unit to the second channel unit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention set forth in claim 5, wherein the means for selective coupling comprises a plurality of normally closed, relay operated switch contacts.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention set forth in claim 5, wherein each of the first and second channel units comprises a data port coupled to the link through a high impedance.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
81 words
Communication network signalling apparatus comprising the combination of: a signal transfer point; a channel bank; a switching arrangement; a link coupling the signal transfer point to the channel bank through the switching arrangement; and monitor and test apparatus coupled to the link in parallel with the switching arrangement and including first and second channel units coupled to the link at opposite sides of the switching arrangement and test equipment coupled to the first and second channel units for testing the link.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
81 words
Communication network signalling apparatus comprising the combination of: a signal transfer point; a channel bank; a switching arrangement; a link coupling the signal transfer point to the channel bank through the switching arrangement; and monitor and test apparatus coupled to the link in parallel with the switching arrangement and including first and second channel units coupled to the link at opposite sides of the switching arrangement and test equipment coupled to the first and second channel units for testing the link.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention set forth in claim 8, wherein the switching arrangement comprises a plurality of normally closed, relay operated switch contacts.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
43 words
The invention set forth in claim 8, wherein the switching arrangement comprises a plurality of switch contacts for selectively opening and closing the link between the first and second channel units under the control of one of the first and second channel units.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention set forth in claim 10, wherein each of the first and second channel units includes a data port coupled to the link through a high impedance.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
51 words
The invention set forth in claim 11, wherein the switching arrangement and the monitor and test apparatus comprise part of an integrated digital service terminal having a matrix coupled to the first and second channel units, and further including a protocol analyzer coupled to the matrix and including a link monitor.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of monitoring and testing a link in a communication network signalling system, the link being separated into first and second portions, comprising the steps of: coupling first and second channel units to the first and second portions of the link, respectively; coupling the first and second channel units together to maintain a signal path through the link when a first operating condition exists within the link; and monitoring the link when the first and second channel units are coupled together.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of monitoring and testing a link in a communication network signalling system, the link being separated into first and second portions, comprising the steps of: coupling first and second channel units to the first and second portions of the link, respectively; coupling the first and second channel units together to maintain a signal path through the link when a first operating condition exists within the link; and monitoring the link when the first and second channel units are coupled together.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 13, comprising the further steps of: uncoupling the first and second channel units when a second operating condition exists within the link; and testing the link while the first channel unit is uncoupled from the second channel unit.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 14, wherein the step of testing the link while the first channel unit is uncoupled from the second channel unit includes the step of inserting messages into the link for testing and analysis of the link.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
70 words
A method of monitoring and testing a link in a communication network signaling system, comprising the steps of: serially coupling first and second channel units within the link; coupling the first and second channel units together to monitor the link when a first operating condition exists within the link; and uncoupling the first and second channel units to open the link when a second operating condition exists within the link.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
70 words
A method of monitoring and testing a link in a communication network signaling system, comprising the steps of: serially coupling first and second channel units within the link; coupling the first and second channel units together to monitor the link when a first operating condition exists within the link; and uncoupling the first and second channel units to open the link when a second operating condition exists within the link.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 16, comprising the further step of coupling test equipment to the first and second channel units to test the link when the link is opened.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method according to claim 17, wherein the step of coupling test equipment to the first and second channel unit to test the link when the link is opened includes the step of serially inserting signals into the link from the test equipment for in-depth testing and analysis of the link.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4870638A
Cited
US5195124A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-10-09 | 1999-04-10 | 1999-10-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-10-09 | 2003-04-10 | 2003-10-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-10-09 | 2007-04-10 | 2007-10-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |