Showing papers by "Brian P. Gaucher published in 1997"

AC power line network simulator

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, the AC power line network simulator includes an enclosure for containing elements of the system. An AC coupling network coupled to the network simulator implements the functions relating to a particular simulation. A distribution panel connected to a power feed distributes power and includes outgoing circuits and circuit breakers for protecting the outgoing circuits. A plurality of outlets are connected to the breakers of the panel. Through the use of the simulator, with the AC coupling network, simulation of an AC power line network, such as measuring electrical signals, recording electrical signals, simulating electrical signals and inserting electrical signals, can be easily performed. The measured, recorded, simulated and inserted signals correspond to electrical characteristics of elements found in an AC power line network, and can be stored for later analysis. In addition, once simulation information has been stored, it can be reproduced as desired.

Controlled environment radio test apparatus and method

Abstract: A controlled environment radio test apparatus includes first and second chambers for receiving respective first and second radio devices therein. The chambers are sized in proportion to an operational frequency of the radio devices to be tested. A signal-carrying conductor is coupled to the first and second chambers to carry a radio signal therebetween. A signal control device is connected to the radio test apparatus and configured for adjustably introducing selected signal impairments into the radio signal in order to controllably impair the radio signal. An output coupler may be provided for monitoring the effect of the signal impairments on the radio signal. An input coupler may be provided for introducing one or more perturbing signals into the radio signal. The first chamber is adapted so that transmission control inputs can be provided to the first radio device and the second chamber is adapted so that reception monitoring outputs can be received from the second radio device. The first chamber may be further adapted so that auxiliary input and output signals are provided to and received from the first chamber.

Cordless connection for a data/fax modem

Abstract: A cordless modem comprises a radio pair interfaced to a standard data/fax modem which allows a user of a personal computer to wirelessly connect to a telephone line. One end of the radio pair is a remote unit interfaced to the modem contained within the PC while the other end is a base unit connected to a standard telephone wall jack. The base unit can selectively discriminate and adjust for signals received from a telephone voice handset or data signals received from the cordless modem remote unit. Upon receiving an off-hook signal or an incoming call signal, the base unit identifies the type of data (i.e., voice or computer modem data) and adapts accordingly by placing an FM modulator in either of a narrow band deviation or a wide band deviation covering the required range of the particular signal combined with local echo. That is, when voice data is present, a low deviation, narrow filter combination is selected. If, on the other hand, the computer data from the cordless modem is detected, a higher deviation, wider bandwidth filter is selected. In addition, the remote unit switches a pre-detection filter from one mode to another depending on whether it is connected to a computer modem or to a voice handset. Security from eavesdroppers as well as the mitigation of signal fading is provided by overlaying a pseudo-random number (PN) code on the FM modulated signal.

Cordless or wireless system protocol for providing reliable channel connections

Abstract: A method of channel selection between a remote and a base for a cordless or wireless communication system includes the steps of creating a history table having channels assigned to columns and intervals assigned to rows, scanning the channels to determine if interference exists, recording the channels having interference for a given interval in the history table and determining which channel has the least amount of interference over a predetermined number of intervals to select the best channel for communications.