US 4,105,995 AGrant
Digitally Controlled Transmission Impairment Measuring Apparatus
Issue Date:1978-08-08
•26 Claims
•56 Drawing Sheets
Abstract
A portable microprocessor controlled transmission impairment measuring unit capable of operating as a master unit or a slave unit and responsive to digital or manual control measures all basic parameters necessary to characterize a voice channel for its ability to transmit data traffic, as defined by Bell System Technical Reference PUB41009, dated May 1975. Measurements can be made manually end-to-end with a unit at each end of a circuit to be tested; manually looped-back with a unit at one end of the circuit; or remotely from one end with a MASTER operated unit controlling a SLAVE operated unit with all measurements displayed on the MASTER unit. The unit can also be used as a voice frequency repeater and can be operated with other test sets and computers having compatible measurements and capabilities. All measurements are displayed on digital readouts. Two separate readouts allow simultaneous display of up to two different parameters. The displays can be selected to show either transmitted or received information. Measurement unit annunciators beside each readout automatically show an operator the measurement displayed. Ranging, decimal placement, and polarity are all completely automatic. Remote control capabilities of the unit allow measurement of specified line parameters on a common carrier telephone channel with complete control and display provided at a selected end of a line under test.
Metadata
Assignee
- Hewlett-Packard Company
Inventors
- Delwin L. Bothof
- Richard G. Fowles
- Johann J. Heinzl
- David R. Novotny
- Robert L. Weisickle
- John H. Wetzel
- Paul G. Winninghoff
Application Information
Application Number:US 6970710
Filing Date:1976-06-16
Priority Date:1976-06-16
Art Unit:236
Classifications
IPC:
G08C 2500G06F 1100
Field of Search:
235340445179324364153 AC;153 AK;302146.1 E;172.51175.2 R;175.3 R73 R200;900
Patent Drawings (56 sheets)
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
In the prior art it has been necessary to have a skilled craftsperson and a transmission test set at each end of a circuit under test. The skilled craftspeople manually operated each instrument and recorded data. Coordination of the test effort frequently required an additional unused circuit and the test effort frequently proved tedious, time-consuming and produced inconsistent results.
The invention provides a portable transmission impairment measuring instrument capable of operating as a MASTER or SLAVE unit and requiring only the circuit under test for communication. A microprocessor in the MASTER unit automatically controls operation of the MASTER unit and a SLAVE unit at each end of a line under test in accordance with preprogrammed micro-instructions stored in a read only memory.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting the system architecture for the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 2 shows a typical hookup employing two processor controlled MASTER/SLAVE transmission impairment measuring sets.
FIG. 3 shows controls, connectors and indicators for the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 4, comprised of FIGS. 4A and 4B, is a block diagram illustrating level and frequency measurements.
FIG. 5, comprised of FIGS. 5A and 5B, is a block diagram illustrating C-message noise measurements.
FIG. 6, comprised of FIGS. 6A and 6B, is a block diagram illustrating noise with tone and signal-to-noise measurements.
FIG. 7, comprised of FIGS. 7A and 7B, is a block diagram illustrating impulse noise measurements.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a subroutine for sychronization relative to the envelope delay distortion phase difference measurement.
FIG. 9 shows waveforms illustrating establishment of synchronization of gating in measuring EDD phase difference.
FIG. 10 is comprised of FIGS. RSA-10D, is a block diagram illustrating envelope delay measurements.
FIGS. 11A-11D and 12A-15E are schematic diagrams of Modem Board A8.
FIG. 13 comprised of FIGS. 13A-13H, is a schematic diagram of Transmitter and Latch A13.
FIG. 14, comprised of FIGS. 14A-14H, is a schematic diagram of Microprocessor Hardward Board A15.
FIG. 15, comprised of FIGS. 15A and 15B, is a block diagram of the transmitter system.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating how the ACIA is connected to the microprocessor system.
FIG. 17 is an expanded block diagram of FIG. 16.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1, processing and control in the preferred embodiment is done by a microprocessor or 2. The microprocessor 2 has control over receiver electronics 4, transmitter electronics 6 and displays 8 through the bus 10.
Upon POWER ON of the unit, the microprocessor 2 is restarted and begins executing a program stored in ROM 12. Its first action is to read front panel control status at hex addresses 1000 and 1100 corresponding to front panel switch setting. A Normal Measurement Routine, a MASTER/SLAVE Routine, or a Calculator Control Routine is then performed as described more fully hereinbelow.
NORMAL MEASUREMENT ROUTINE
Step 1: The preferred embodiment first analyzes front panel information corresponding to front panel switch settings and then goes to a look-up table to determine which bits of the system latches must be set to make the measurement.
Step 2: A receiver control latch within receiver electronics 4 is enabled, addr 1600, which programs the receiver electronics 4 into its proper configuration (e.g., selects Quasi RMS Detector or Average Detector) as described more fully hereinafter.
Step 3: A transmitter control latch within transmitter 6 is enabled, addr 1700, which programs the transmitter 6 to its proper configuration (e.g., selects fixed freq. or variable frequency as described more fully hereinafter).
Step 4: The measurement begins by selecting the proper data through a multiplexor, addr 1400, and enabling a counter.
Step 5: Data at the output of the counter is read by enabling a data acquistion latch, addr 1500.
Step 6: Data is converted, if necessary, to the proper units and then sent to the display 8, addresses 1200, 1300, IC00, and 1D00. The microprocessor 2 continually scans the front panel 8 and an HP-IB* interface 12, described more fully hereinafter, for qualifiers that may change the routine.
The transmitter 6 is controlled by front panel switches when in the variable frequency mode and is programmed by the microprocessor 2 when in the fixed frequency mode. Referring to FIG. 2, the direction of a measurement routine is defined on a front panel as MASTER-TO-SLAVE or SLAVE-TO-MASTER. MASTER-TO-SLAVE indicates a MASTER set 14 is transmitting and a SLAVE 16 is receiving. The SLAVE 16 makes the measurement and returns the information to the MASTER 14 via a return line by low speed FSK. In SLAVE-TO-MASTER direction, the MASTER 14 reads its front panel frequency controls and sends FSK data to the SLAVE 16 indicating which frequency the SLAVE should send. The MASTER 14 is then the receiver and makes the measurement.
MASTER/SLAVE ROUTINE: Master Set
The measurement requires a unit at each end, one set to MASTER and the other to SLAVE. The MASTER communicates the measurement and direction of test (which line is to be tested) to the SLAVE. It initializes the test through a handshake routine and then starts the measurement. All data is displayed at the MASTER. The hardware and microprocessor interface operation follows a format such as the following:
Step 1: Front panel information is analyzed, at address locations 1000 and 1100 and then a look-up table is checked for latch settings to make the measurement.
Step 2: Direction of test and measurement information is sent to the SLAVE by addressing a modem 18, address 2000 and 2001.
Step 3: a receiver control latch, addr 1600 is enabled which programs the receiver into its proper configuration.
Step 4: The A transmit, TRMT hereafter, TRMT control latch, addr 1700, is enabled which programs the transmitter 6 to its proper configuration.
Step 5: If SLAVE-TO-MASTER direction, the MASTER starts making the measurement by selecting the proper data through the multiplexor, addr 1400, and enables the counter. Also, the MASTER reads the transmitter counters, addr 1A00, & 1B00, and sends the data to the SLAVE for programming the SLAVE send frequency. It sends data via the modem 18 at address 2000.
Step 6: If SLAVE-TO-MASTER direction, the master reads the data at the output of the counter by enabling the data acquisition latch, address 1500. If MASTER-TO-SLAVE direction, the master reads the data from the modem, addresses 2000 and 2001, which the SLAVE has sent.
Step 7: Data is converted, if necessary to proper units and sent to the displays, addr 1200, 1300, 1C00 and 1D00.
The microprocessor 2 continually scans the front panel switch settings at hex addreses 1000 and 1100 and HP-IB* interface 12 for qualifier switch changes which would change the routine.
MASTER/SLAVE ROUTINE: Slave Set
When the front panel remote switch is in the SLAVE position, the instrument only scans this switch and ignores all other function and qualifier switches. It receives all its measurement information from the MASTER set. A typical routine is as follows:
When remote switch is in SLAVE position, modem address 2000 and 2001 is checked to receive front panel information, then the look-up table in ROM 12 is checked for instrument latch settings.
Step 2: the receiver control latch, addr 1600 within receiver 4 is enabled which programs the receiver to its proper configuration.
Step 3: The TRMT control latch, address 1700 within transmitter 6, is enabled which programs the transmitter to its proper configuration.
Step 4: If MASTER-TO-SLAVE direction, the SLAVE starts the measurement by selecting the proper data through the multiplexor, address 1400, and enabling the counter. If SLAVE-TO-MASTER direction, the SLAVE reads the transmitter data from the MASTER at the modem 18 address 2000, and programs its transmitter 6 by enabling a parallel load into TRMT counters, addresses 1800 and 1900.
Step 5: If MASTER-TO-SLAVE, the SLAVE reads the data at the output of its counter by enabling its data acquisition latch, address 1500.
Step 6: If MASTER-TO-SLAVE, the SLAVE sends the measurement data back to the MASTER via its modem 18, address 2000.
CALCULATOR CONTROL ROUTINE
Under computer or calculator digital control the routines are exactly the same as the previous sections with one exception. The microprocessor 2 now goes to the HP-IB 12, address 3000, for its front panel information instead of getting it from the front panel switch setting at addresses 1000 and 1100. When operated in the MASTER/SLAVE mode under HP-IB 12 control, a controller can completely test a private line telephone network with all data available at the controller.
Each unit has its own internal modem eletronics 18. The FSK frequencies are: 1200 Hz = Mark; 800 Hz = Space. A third frequency is used so that the modem 18 can differentiate between a single frequency near 800 and 12000 Hz and the FSK signal. This frequency is 1993 Hz and is also used as the reference carrier for Envelope Delay when measuring in the SLAVE-TO-MASTER DIRECTION. The preferred embodiment uses Motorola's ACIA from the 6800 microprocessor family. The ACIA has framing, parity, and overflow error checks. The modem 18 interfaces to the microprocessor 2 in the preferred embodiment. The communication between units is controlled by a microprocessor program described more fully hereinafter.
COMMUNICATION
Basically the communication can be broken into two categories. These are the Link-Up Routine and the Measurement Routine.
Link-Up Routine
A handshake routine insures that the instruments will not set up a test improperly and give invalid data. Condition codes in the format of H-XX (given in Table No. 1 below) are displayed if the instruments get false link-up codes because of extremely severe line conditions or an instrument failure or the like.
During link-up the following routine is used:
The format of the data word is as follows:
B1 b2 . . . b10 b11
b1 - start Bit: Low = Start
B2, b3 = type of Data (Control or Measurement)
10 = Control
01 = Measurement
B4-b9 = control Data: Measurement and Direction
B10 = parity Bit: Odd Parity
B11 = stop Bit: Stop = High
MEASUREMENT ROUTINE
Once the instruments are linked they change from the linkup routine to a measurement routine. For all measurements except Envelope Delay Distortion, EDD hereafter, one direction is carrying analog signals to be tested while the other is transmitting data. Since EDD requires a complete loop for measurement, the direction of test selects either forward or return reference. Data is sent only when testing Slave-to-Master. When testing Slave-to-Master, a forward reference is used and the reference modulation is carried by the 1993 Hz signal while frequency information is being sent to the Slave. When testing Master-to-Slave, the more traditional return reference is used and the reference is modulated on an 1804 Hz carrier.
Data communications and error checking is accomplished as follows:
1. A block of 5 words is sent by the Slave. Each word is received by the Master and stored until a whole block is received. If parity, framing or overflow errors have occurred in transmission of any of the words, the whole block is ignored and the Master set waits for a new block.
2. A block consists of:
Word 1 = Start
Word 2 = Least significant BCD digit of Master Display
Word 3 = Next least significant digit
Word 4 = Next least significant digit
Word 5 = Most significant digit
3. A word consists of 11 bits.
B1 b2 . . . b9 b10 b11
b1 = start: Start = Low
B2, b3 = control or Measurement Data
10 = Control
01 = Measurement
B4, b5 = open for Expansion
B6 - b9 = data Bits
B10 = parity
B11 = stop Bit
For ease of understanding and clarity, a Description of Controls and Operation Procedures; Description of System Measurements; Hardware Board Theories of Operation; and System Interface Theories of Operation will be separately described in accordance with the Table of Contents below:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS AND OPERATION PROCEDURES
Description of Controls, Connectors, and Indicators
Self-Check Procedure
Condition Codes
Slave Set-Up Procedure
Master Level and Frequency Procedures
Master C-Message Noise Procedure
Master Noise-With-Tone Procedure
Master Signal-To-Noise Procedure
Master Impulse Noise Procedure
Master Envelope Delay Procedure
DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM MEASUREMENTS
Level/Frequency
C-message Noise
Signal To Noise
Noise With Tone
Impulse Noise
Envelope Delay Distortion
HARDWARE BOARD DESCRIPTIONS OF OPERATION
Display
Input
Modem
Filter Modulator
Transmit Control
Output
Transmitter
Envelope Delay
C-message Filter
Autorange
Detector
Frequency Tracking
Hpib
power Supply
SYSTEM INTERFACE DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
Transmitter/Microprocessor Interface
Acia - microprocessor Interface
Mnemonic Table
System Program Routines and Subroutines
Rom listings
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS, CONNECTORS, AND INDICATORS
Power Cord Receptacle 20 and Fuse. Referring to FIG. 4, 117V ac (.+-.10%) 60 Hz power is applied to the test set through a male power cord receptacle, located on rear of test set. AC line fusing is provided by a 0.75 Amp (SB) fuse located in the fuse holder next to the power cord receptacle.
POWER Switch 22. Switches test set ac operating power ON and OFF.
RCV-TRMT Jacks 24. A two position toggle switch is used to reverse connections of the left and right jack fields. When switch 24 is in up position, the left jacks are connected for RCV (receive) and the right jacks for TRMT (transmit). When switch 24 is down, connections are reversed. Dot lamps 26-29 indicate functions of respective jack fields. Connections can be made either to the 310 jacks 30 and 31. or to the TIP and RING binding posts 32-35, which are multiplied. The left jack field should always be used for 2-wire wet transmit and receive connections; the right field for 2-wire dry connections. Both left and right jack fields are used for 4-wire connections.
SETUP CONTROLS 50.
NORMAL TEST - DIAL/TALK Switch 36. In NORMAL TEST position the selected TRMT jack is connected to the test set's transmitter circuitry, but not to the DIAL connectors. in DIAL/TALK position the TRMT jack is connected to the DIAL connectors, but not to the transmitter circuitry.
TEST WITHOUT HOLD - TEST WITH HOLD Switch 38. In TEST WITHOUT HOLD position the test set holding circuit is disconnected from the RCV-TRMT jacks. In TEST WITH HOLD position the holding circuit is connected across TIP and RING of the left jack field to hold 2-wire set (DDD) circuits while testing.
TALK BATTERY ON- TALK BATTERY OFF Switch 40. In TALK BATTERY ON position the test set provides the necessary talk battery to the DIAL terminals to talk on dry circuits with a lineman's handset. In TALK BATTERY OFF position, talk battery must be supplied by the circuit under test if talking is desired.
TERM-BRIDGE RECEIVE Switch 42. In TERM position the test set provides a termination on both the RCV AND TRMT circuits. The desired terminating impedance must be selected with the 600-900 switch. In BRIDGE-RECEIVE position the receiving test set is bridged across the circuit under test, which must be terminated with other equipment. NOTE: When using BRIDGE RECEIVE it is still necessary to select the proper impedance of the line under test with the 600-900 switch in order to normalize the measurements.
600-900 Switch 44. The 600.OMEGA. or 900.OMEGA. termination must be selected to match the characteristic impedance of the line under test. When operating in TERM mode, both the TRMT and RCV circuits are terminated in the selected impedance. When operating in BRIDGE RECEIVE mode, the TRMT circuit is still terminated in the selected impedance and the RCV circuit is bridged by more than 45k.OMEGA.. The selection also normalizes level measurements for the respective impedances.
NO SF SKIP-SF SKIP SWITCH 46. In NO SF SKIP position the test set will transmit all selected frequencies. In SF SKIP position the test set will not transmit any frequencies between 2450 Hz and 2750Hz. This feature prevents the circuit under test from being disconnected by SF signaling units on the dial-up network.
NORMAL TEST-SELF CHECK Swtich 48. In NORMAL TEST position the test set performs normal testing. In SELF CHECK position proper operation of the test set can be verified by performing the procedures given in the SELF CHECK section.
DIAL Connectors 52. Provides connections for a lineman's handset (butt-in). The terminals are connected to the selected TRMT jack when the DIAL/TALK mode is selected.
Digital Displays 54, 56. Two digital displays provide quantitative information and measurement units for all measurements. Ranging is automatic, and polarity and decimal points are automatically displayed when appropriate. Up to two parameters can be displayed simultaneously. The displays also indicate underrange and overrange conditions. Display of only a (-) sign indicates underrange. Display of only a (+) sign indicates overrange.
DISPLAY Switches 58.
TRMT - RCV Switch 60. Selects either the transmitted or received information to be displayed.
LEVEL-DELAY Switch 62. Used in ENVELOPE DELAY measurements to display either level (DBM) or delay (MICRO SEC) information.
MEASUREMENT Switch 64. Programs the test set to perform the selected measurement.
LEVEL ZERO Switch 66. Used in LEVEL & FREQUENCY mode to establish a zero dB reference. All subsequent measurements will be made in dB relative to this reference. If this switch is not operated, measurements will be in absolute dBm. NOTE: LEVEL ZERO switch has been actuated and it is desired to make an absolute dBm measurement, momentarily rotating MEASUREMENT switch to another position, then back to LEVEL & FREQUENCY again.
DELAY ZERO Switch 68. Used in ENVELOPE DELAY mode to establish a zero microsecond delay reference. All subsequent enveloped delay measurements will be relative to this reference.
LINE MONITOR Speaker and VOLUME Control 70. Permits listening to the circuit under test, or the test set transmitter. The DISPLAY TRMT-RCV switch determines whether the transmitted or received signal is being monitored. The speaker output is an amplified reproduction of signals on the circuit (except in C-MESSAGE NOISE mode, which produces a C-weighted output). Speaker output can be controlled with the VOLUME control.
TRANSMITTER Controls 72.
MANUAL - STEP 100HZ Switch 74. In MANUAL position frequency is continuously variable from 200 Hz to 3950 Ha by adjusting the FREQUENCY control 75. In STEP 100 HZ position frequency is manually stepped in 100 HZ increments from 204 Hz to 3904 Hz by depressing the UP 76 and DOWN pushbuttons.
OUTPUT LEVEL Control 78. Varies transmitter output level continuously from -39 dBm to +10 dBm. Output level is displayed on left display.
IMPULSE NOISE Controls 80.
THRESHOLD DBRNC Switches 82. Set the desired threshold above which impulse noise peaks will be totalized on the display. The threshold is adjustable from 30 to 109 dBrnC.
5 MIN - 15 MIN - NONSTOP Count Time Switch 84. Selects length of time for which impulse noise is counted. Counting is stopped automatically when either the 5 MIN or 15 MIN positions are selected. Counting must be stopped manually with the STOP - START/RESET switch when the NONSTOP position is selected.
STOP - START/RESET Switch 86. Impulse noise counting is stopped and total is held on display when switch is momentarily held in STOP position. All previous counts are reset to zero on display and new counting interval is initiated when switch is momentarily held in START/RESET position.
REMOTE Switches 88.
MASTER TO SLAVE - SLAVE TO MASTER Switch 90. Selects transmission path to be tested. Selecting the MASTER TO SLAVE position will cause the circuit connected to the TRMT jack at the MASTER unit to be tested. Selecting the SLAVE TO MASTER position will cause the circuit connected to the RCV jack at the MASTER unit to be tested. The dot lamp associated with the respective position indicates that the MASTER unit has achieved control of the SLAVE unit. The lamp should light within 10 seconds after the NORMAL - MASTER - SLAVE switches are properly positioned on both the MASTER and SLAVE units.
NORMAL - MASTER - SLAVE Switch 92. In NORMAL position all controls are under manual control. The test set can be operated manually with other compatible test sets. In MASTER position the unit is in remote control of the SLAVE unit for all MEASUREMENT functions. In SLAVE position the unit is remotely controlled by the MASTER unit for all MEASUREMENT functions.
DELAY Switch 94. Used in ENVELOPE DELAY mode to determine whether the test set is to measure envelope delay (NORM), or to retransmit the enveloped delay signal from the far-end of the circuit (REPEAT). This congtrol is not used during MASTER-SLAVE operation.
HP-IB Connector 96. Connections to Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus for controlling the preferred embodiment with a calculator or computer.
SELF-CHECK
NOTE
The SELF CHECK routine automatically makes an operational check of the test set, including its ability to operate in MASTER and SLAVE modes. The test set will automatically step through the SELF CHECK routine and should produce indications at each step as indicated below. At the end of the SELF CHECK routine, the display will indicate PASS if all checks are within specifications. If any steps fail to pass, the display will indicate failure codes at the end of the routine for those steps that fail to pass. A list of SELF CHECK failure codes, and their meanings are given at the end of this procedure.
The SELF CHECK procedure should be performed periodically to verify performance of the test set. SELF CHECK is recommended before transporting the test set to a remote testing site; or whenever there is any doubt about transmission measurement results.
1. PRELIMINARY SETUP
a. Disconnect test set from on-line testing.
b. Switch POWER ON.
c. Loop TRMT jack to RCV jack. Operate RCV/TRMT jack field switch and observe that corresponding dot lamps light.
d. Set all SETUP CONTROLS Switches to "up" positions.
e. Set REMOTE Switch to NORMAL or MASTER.
f. Set NORMAL TEST - SELF CHECK Switch to SELF CHECK.
2. STEP 1: DISPLAY AND ANNUNCIATOR CHECKS
a. Observe that left display indicates .+-.1888.8 and that right display indicates 8888. Observe that all numerical segments are present and evenly illuminated.
b. Observe that all display annunciators are on and evenly illuminated.
c. Observe that MASTER TO SLAVE and SLAVE TO MASTER dot lights are on.
NOTE
It is not necessary to observe the following test routine unless it is desired to analyze a specific problem with the test set. SELF CHECK status will be displayed at the end of the routine.
3. STEPS 2-4: LEVEL & FREQUENCY CHECKS
a. Left display should indicate +0.0 DBM (.+-.0.3 dBm). Right display should indicate 204 RCV HZ (.+-.2 Hz).
b. Left display should indicate +0.0 DBM (.+-.0.3 dBm). Right display should indicate 1004 RCV HZ (.+-.2 Hz).
c. Left display should indicate +0.0 DBM (.+-.0.3 dBm). Right display should indicate 3904 RCV HZ (.+-.2 Hz).
4. STEPS 5-7: C-MESSAGE FILTER CHECKS
a. Left display should indicate -16.0 DBM(.+-.1.0 dBm). Right display should indicate 304 RCV HZ (.+-.2 Hz).
b. Left display should indicate +0.0 DBM (.+-.0.3 dBm). Right display should indicate 1004 RCV HZ (.+-.2 Hz).
c. Left display should indicate -2.5 DBM (.+-.1.0 dBm). Right display should indicate 3004 RCV HZ (.+-.2 Hz).
5. STEP 8
a. Left display should indicate less than -50 DBM (algebraically). Right display should indicate 100r RCV HZ (.+-.2 Hz).
6. STEP 9: IMPULSE NOISE CHECK
a. Right display should indicate 70 COUNTS (.+-.4 Counts).
7. STEP 10: ENVELOPE DELAY CHECK
a. Left display should reset to 0 MICROSECONDS, then indicate 3000 MICROSECONDS (.+-.10.mu.S). Right display should indicate 1804 RCV HZ (.+-.2 Hz).
8. STEP 11: SELF CHECK STATUS DISPLAY
a. If all SELF CHECK tests are within specifications the display will indicate PASS until the NORMAL TEST - SELF CHECK Switch is returned to the NORMAL TEST position. The test set has passed all of the above visible tests, in addition to ENVELOPE DELAY response time and a complete check of the modem used for MASTER - SLAVE operation.
b. If the test set fails to pass any of the above tests, failure codes will be displayed indicating the tests that have failed. These codes will be displayed sequentially until the NORMAL TEST - SELF CHECK Switch is returned to the NORAML TEST position. Following are interpretations of the SELF CHECK Failure codes that can be displayed: t1 -CODE? MESSAGE? -H20 Level out of tolerance at 204 Hz (STEP 2) -H21 Level out of tolerance at 1004 Hz (STEP 3) -H22 Level out of tolerance at 3904 Hz (STEP 4) -H30 C-Message filter out of tolerance at 304 Hz (STEP 5) -H31 C-Message filter out of tolerance at 1004 Hz (STEP 6) -H32 C-Message filter out of tolerance at 3004 Hz (STEP 7) -H33 Noise-With-Tone notch out of tolerance (STEP 8) -H34 Impulse Noise counts out of tolerance (STEP 9) -H40 Frequency out of tolerance at 204 Hz, 1004 Hz, or - 3904 Hz (STEPS 2-4) -H70 Envelope Delay response time out of tolerance - (STEP 10) -H71 Envelope Delay accuracy out of tolerance (STEP 10) -H80, H81, Test set modem does not pass SELF CHECK (NOTE: -H82, H83 Failure of the modem affects only MASTER- - SLAVE operation. Normal operation is not affected).? -
9. SELF CHECK - MODEM ONLY.
If a quick SELF CHECK of only the modem is desired, the following procedure can be used:
a. Perform PRELIMINARY SETUP procedures (a) through (3).
b. Hold DELAY ZERO Switch in "down" position while setting NORMAL TEST - SELF CHECK Switch to SELF CHECK. Release DELAY ZERO Switch.
c. If modem passes SELF CHECK, display will immediately indicate PASS. Refer to failure codes, above, if failure code is displayed.
CONDITION CODES
Under certain conditions, the unit will abort or fail to achieve its normal display and indicate a "condition code" in the display. Following is a list of condition codes that can occur, their messages, probable causes, and recommended remedial actions to clear the condition. (Also refer to SELF CHECK procedure for listing of SELF CHECK failure codes).
SLAVE SETUP
1. set REMOTE Switch to NORMAL.
2. set MEASUREMENT Switch to LEVEL & FREQUENCY.
3. set DISPLAY Switch to TRMT.
4. set TRANSMITTER Switch to STEP 100 HZ.
5. adjust transmit frequency to 1004 Hz using TRANSMITER UP-DOWN Pushbuttons. Observe TRMT HZ in right display.
DATA LEVEL
All transmission measurements should be made at Data Level. The Data Level for data circuits is a power 13dB below the Transmission Level Point (TLP). For example, if the TLP is -16 dB, the Data Level would be -29 dBm. Therefore, an output level of -29 dBm would be applied in this case.
8. If IMPULSE NOISE is to be measured, set IMPULSE NOISE Thumbwheel Switches to desired DBRNC THRESHOLD.
9. set REMOTE Switch to SLAVE. The SLAVE unit is now set up for control by the MASTER unit. If desired, the display annunciators can be observed to determine the progress of the MASTER unit. The following annunicators indicate the mode of the MASTER unit:
Level & frequency . . . . dbm
c-message noise . . . . dbrnc
noise-with-tone . . . . dbrn and TRMT HZ
Signal-to-noise . . . . db
impulse noise . . . . counts
envelope delay . . . . micro sec
level and frequency master operation
master setup
1. set REMOTE Switch to NORMAL.
2. set MEASUREMENT Switch to LEVEL & FREQUENCY.
3. set DISPLAY Switch to TRMT.
4. set TRANSMITTER Switch to STEP 100 Hz.
If signaling units are used in the network under test, set BI SF SKIP - SF SKIP Switch to SF SKIP. This mode automatically blanks the transmitter output so that frequencies between 2450 Hz and 2750 Hz cannot be transmitted.
6. Adjust transmit frequency to 1004 Hz using TRANSMITTER UP-DOWN Pushbuttons. Observe TRMT HZ in right display.
7. Adjust OUTPUT LEVEL Control for "Data Level". Observe DBM level in left display.
DATA LEVEL
All transmission measurements should be made at Data Level. The Data Level for data circuits is a power 13dB below the Transmission Level Point (TLP). For example, if the TLP is -16dB, the Data Level would be -29 dBm. Therefore, an output level of -29 dBm would be applied in this case.
8. Set DISPLAY Switch to RCV.
9. set REMOTE Switch to MASTER.
MASTER TO SLAVE DIRECTION
10. set REMOTE Switch to MASTER TO SLAVE. Wait until associated dot light illuminates before proceeding. This dot light should come on within 10 seconds. It indicates that the MASTER unit has achieved control over the SLAVE unit. Observe that SLAVE annunicator is on, indicating that measurements will be made by SLAVE unit.
1000 HZ LOSS MEASUREMENT
11. observe MASTER generated TRMT HZ (nominally 1004 Hz) in right display. Observe DBM level received by SLAVE unit on left display.
ATTENUATION DISTORTION MEASUREMENT
12. momentarily hold down LEVEL ZERO Switch. This establishes a O dB reference at the reference frequency (1004 Hz).
13. Transmit desired test frequencies using TRANSMITTER UPDOWN Pushbuttons or MANUAL FREQUENCY Control. Observe MASTER generated TRMT HZ in right display and DB level received by SLAVE unit in left display at each test frequency. +DB indicates more loss and -DB indicates less loss, relative to the reference frequency.
SLAVE TO MASTER DIRECTION
14. set REMOTE Switch to SLAVE TO MASTER. Wait until associated dot light illuminates before proceeding. This dot light should come on within 10 seconds. It indicates that the MASTER unit has achieved control over the SLAVE unit.
1000 HZ LOSS MEASUREMENT
15. observe SLAVE generated by RCV HZ (nominally 1004 Hz) in right display. Observe DBM level received by MASTER unit in left display.
ATTENUATION DISTORTION MEASUREMENT
16. momentarily hold down LEVEL ZERO Switch. This establishes a 0 dB reference at the reference frequency (1004 Hz).
17. Command SLAVE unit to transmit desired test frequencies by operating MASTER unit TRANSMITTER UP-DOWN Pushbuttons or MANUAL FREQUENCY Control. Observe SLAVE generated RCB HZ in right display and DB level received by MASTER unit in left display at each test frequency. +DB indicates more loss and -DB indicates less loss, relative to the reference frequency.
NOTE
Attenuation Distortion measurements can also be made in absolute dBm. The test set is automatically in the dBm mode until the LEVEL ZERO Switch is operated. To return the test set to the dBm mode, momentarily rotate MEASUREMENT Switch to another position, then back to LEVEL & FREQUENCY again.
C-MESSAGE NOISE MASTER OPERATION
MASTER SETUP
1. set REMOTE Switch to NORMAL.
2. set MEASUREMENT Switch to LEVEL & FREQUENCY.
3. set DISPLAY Switch to TRMT.
4. set TRANSMITTER Switch to STEP 100HZ.
5. adjust transmit frequency to 1004 Hz using TRANSMITTER UP-DOWN Pushbuttons. Oserve TRMT HZ in right display.
6. Adjust OUTPUT LEVEL Control for "Data Level". Observe DBM level in left display.
DATA LEVEL
All transmission measurements should be made at Data Level. The Data Level for data circuits is a power 13 dB below the Transmission Level Point (TLP). For example, if the TLP is -16 dB, the Data Level would be -29 dBm. Therefore, an output level of -29 dBm would be applied in this case.
7. Set MEASUREMENT Switch to C-MESSAGE NOISE.
8. set DISPLAY Switch to RCV.
9. set REMOTE Switch to MASTER.
MASTER TO SLAVE DIRECTION
10. set REMOTE Switch to MASTER TO SLAVE. Wait until associated dot light illuminates before proceeding. This dot light should come on within 10 seconds. It indicates that the MASTER unit has achieved control over the SLAVE unit. Observe that SLAVE annunicator is on, indicating that measurements will be made by SLAVE unit.
11. Observe DBRNC noise level received by SLAVE unit in left display.
SINGLE FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE CHECK
12. in order to perform a Single Frequency Interference Check in the Master to Slave Direction, the SLAVE unit must turn on his LINE MONITOR by adjusting VOLUME Control until desired loudness is obtained in speaker. He should listen for any predominant tone which will indicaate a potential single frequency interference problem.
SLAVE TO MASTER DIRECTION
13. set REMOTE Switch to SLAVE TO MASTER. Wait until associated dot light illuminates before proceeding. This dot light should come on within 10 seconds. It indicates that the MASTER unit has achieved control over the SLAVE unit.
14. Observe DBRNC noise level received by MASTER unit in left display.
SINGLE FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE CHECK
15. turn on LINE MONITOR by adjusting VOLUME control until desired loudness is obtained in speaker. Listen for any predominant tone which will indicate a potential single frequency interference problem.
NOISE-WITH-TONE MASTER OPERATION
MASTER SETUP
1. set REMOTE Switch to NORMAL.
2. set MEASUREMENT Switch to NOISE-WITH-TONE.
3. set DISPLAY Switch to TRMT.
4. observe TRMT HZ in right display. Verify that 1004 Hz is being transmitted.
5. Adjust OUTPUT LEVEL Control for "Data Level". Observe DBM level in left display.
DATA LEVEL
All transmission measurements should be made at Data Level. The Data Level for data circuits is a power 13 dB below the Transmission Level Point (TLP). For example, if the TLP is -16 dB, the Data Level would be -29 dBm. Therefore, an output level of -29 dBm would be applied in this case.
6. Set DISPLAY Switch to RCV.
7. set REMOTE Switch to MASTER.
MASTER TO SLAVE DIRECTION
8. set REMOTE Switch to MASTER TO SLAVE. Wait until associated dot light illuminates before proceeding. This dot light should come on within 10 seconds. It indicates that the MASTER unit has achieved control over the SLAVE unit.
9. Observe MASTER generated TRMT HZ (1004 Hz) in right display. Observe DBRNC noise level received by SLAVE unit in left display.
SINGLE FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE CHECK
10. in order to perform a Single Interference Check in the Master to Slave Direction, the SLAVE unit must turn on his Line Monitor by adjusting VOLUME Control until desired loudness is obtained in speaker. He should listen for any predominant tone which will indicate a potential single frequency interference problem.
SLAVE TO MASTER DIRECTION
11. set REMOTE Switch to SLAVE TO MASTER. Wait until associated dot light illuminates before proceeding. This dot light should come within 10 seconds. It indicates that the MASTER unit has achieved control over the SLAVE unit.
12. Observe SLAVE generated RCV HZ (1004 Hz) in right display. Observe DBRNC noise level received by MASTER unit in left display.
SINGLE FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE CHECK
13. turn on LINE MONITOR by adjusting VOLUME control until desired loudness is obtained in speaker. Listen for any predomnant tone which will indicate a potential single frequency interference problem.
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE MASTER OPERATION
MASTER SETUP
1. set REMOTE Switch to NORMAL.
3. set MEASUREMENT Switch to SIGNAL-TO-NOISE.
3. set DISPLAY Switch to TRMT.
4. observe TRMT HZ in right display. Verify that 1004 Hz is being transmitted.
5. Adjust OUTPUT LEVEL Control for "Data Level". Observe DBM in left display.
DATA LEVEL
All transmission measurements should be made at Data Level. The Data Level for data circuits is a power 13 dB below the Transmission Level Point (TLP). For example, if the TLP is -16 dB, the Data Level would be -29 dBm. Therefore, an output level of -29 dBm would be applied in this case.
6. Set DISPLAY Switch to RCV.
7. set REMOTE Switch to MASTER.
MASTER TO SLAVE DIRECTION
8. set REMOTE Switch to MASTER TO SLAVE. Wait until associated dot light illuminates before proceeding. This dot light sould come on within 10 seconds. It indicates that the MASTER unit has achieved control over the SLAVE unit. Observe that SLAVE annunciator is on, indicating that measurements will be made by SLAVE unit.
9. Observe MASTER generated TRMT HZ (1004 HZ) in right display. Observe DB signal-to-noise ratio (S + N/N) received by SLAVE unit in left display.
SLAVE TO MASTER DIRECTION
10. set REMOTE Switch to SLAVE TO MASTER. Wait until associated dot light illuminates before proceeding. This dot light should come on within 10 seconds. It indicates that the MASTER unit has achieved control over the SLAVE unit.
11. Observe SLAVE generated RCV HZ (1004 Hz) in right display. Observe DB signal-to-noise ratio (S + N/N) received by MASTER unit in left display.
IMPULSE NOISE MASTER OPERATION
MASTER SETUP
1. set REMOTE Switch to NORMAL.
2. set MEASUREMENT Switch to IMPULSE NOISE.
3. set DISPLAY Switch to TRMT.
4. observe TRMT HZ in right display. Verify that 1004 Hz is being transmitted.
5. Adjust OUTPUT LEVEL Control for "Data Level". Observe DBM in left display.
DATA LEVEL
All transmission measurements should be made at Data Level. The Data Level for data circuits is a power 13 dB below the Transmission Level Point (TLP). For example, if the TLP is -16 dB, the Data Level would be -29 dBm. Therefore, an output level of -29 dBm would be applied in this case.
6. Set DISPLAY Switch to RCV.
7. set REMOTE Switch to MASTER.
MASTER TO SLAVE DIRECTION
8. set REMOTE Switch to MASTER TO SLAVE. Wait until associated dot light illuminates before proceeding. This dot light should come on within 10 seconds. It indicates that the MASTER unit has achieved control over the SLAVE unit. Observe that SLAVE annunciator is on, indicating that measurements will be made by SLAVE unit.
9. Set IMPULSE NOISE Switch to desired count interval (5 MIN, 15 MIN, or NON-STOP).
10. verify that SLAVE unit IMPULSE NOISE Thumbwheel Switches have been set up to desired DBRNC THRESHOLD. (This should have been performed during his SLAVE SETUP procedure).
11. Momentarily hold down and release IMPULSE NOISE STOP-START/RESET Switch to START/RESET position. Observe that IN PROCESS Annunciator comes on.
12. Left display indicates count time (in minutes) remaining in 5 MIN and 15 MIN modes. Elapsed time is indicated for NON-STOP mode.
13. Observe that IN PROCESS Annunciator goes out at completion of 5 MIN or 15 MIN interval. Observe impulse noise COUNTS received by SLAVE unit on right display.
14. If NON-STOP mode is used, momentarily hold up and release IMPULSE NOISE STOP-START/RESET Switch to STOP position at end of desired counting interval. Observe impulse noise COUNTS received by SLAVE unit in right display.
SINGLE FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE CHECK
15. in order to perform a Single Frequency Interference Check in the Master to Slave Direction, the SLAVE unit must turn on his LINE MONITOR by adjusting VOLUME Control until desired loudness is obtained in speaker. He should listen for any predominant tone which will indicate a potential single frequency interference problem.
SLAVE TO MASTER DIRECTION
16. set REMOTE Switch to SLAVE TO MASTER. Wait until associated dot light illuminates before proceeding. This dot light should come on within 10 seconds. It indicates that the MASTER unit has achived control over the SLAVE unit.
17. Set IMPULSE NOISE Switch to desired count interval (5 MIN, 15 MIN, or NON-STOP).
18. set IMPULSE NOISE Thumbwheel Switches to desired DBRNC THRESHOLD.
19. momentarily hold down and release IMPULSE NOISE STOP-START/RESET Switch START/RESET position. Observe that IN PROCESS Annuciator comes on.
20. Left display indicates count time (in minutes) remaining in 5 MIN and 15 MIN modes. Elapsed time is indicated for NON-STOP mode.
21. Observe that IN PROCESS Annunciator goes out at completion of 5 MIN or 15 MIN interval. Observe impulse noise COUNTS received by MASTER unit in right display.
22. If NON-STOP mode is used, momentarily hold up and release IMPULSE NOISE STOP-START/RESET Switch STOP position at end of desired counting interval. Observe impulse noise COUNTS received by MASTER unit in right display.
SINGLE FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE CHECK
23. turn on LINE MONITOR by adjusting VOLUME Control until desired loudness is obtained in speaker. Listen for any predominant tone which will indicate a potential single frequency interference problem.
NOTE
Count can be reset to zero and restarted at any time by momentarily holding switch to START/RESET position. Count can also be stopped at any time by momentarily holding switch to STOP position, however, count must be restarted at zero counts.
NOTE
The right display has a maximum capacity of 9999 COUNTS. If this capacity is exceeded, the display will indicate "H-12" to indicate "accumulator overflow condition".
NOTE
If a circuit drop-out exceeding one second occurs at any time during the counting interval, a condition code "H-14" will be displayed. If this occurs, it will be necessary to re-establish control over the SLAVE unit by momentarily throwing the REMOTE Switch to NORMAL, then back to MASTER again.
ENVELOPE DELAY MASTER OPERATION
MASTER SETUP
1. set REMOTE Switch to NORMAL.
2. set MEASUREMENT Switch to ENVELOPE DELAY.
3. set DISPLAY switches to TRMT and LEVEL.
4. set TRANSMITTER Switch to STEP 100 HZ.
5. if SF signaling units are used in the network under test, set NO SF SKIP - SF SKIP Switch to SF SKIP. This mode automatically blanks the transmitter output so that frequencies between 2450 Hz and 2750 Hz cannot be transmitted.
6. Adjust transmit frequency to reference frequency (e.g., 1804 Hz, or frequency of minimum delay) using TRANSMTTER UP-DOWN Pushbuttons. Observe TRMT HZ in right display.
7. Adjust OUTPUT LEVEL Control for "Data Level". Observe DBM in left display.
DATA LEVEL
All transmission measurements should be made at Data Level. The Data Level for data circuits is a power 13 dB below the Transmission Level Point (TLP). For example, if the TLP is -16 dB, the Data Level would be -29 dBm. Therefore, an output level of -29 dBm would be applied in this case.
8. Set DISPLAY Switch to RCV.
9. set REMOTE Switch to MASTER.
MASTER TO SLAVE DIRECTION (RETURN REFERENCE)
10. set REMOTE Switch to MASTER TO SLAVE. Wait until associated dot light illuminates before proceeding. This dot light should come on within 10 seconds. It indicates that the MASTER unit has achieved control over the SLAVE unit. Observe that SLAVE annunciator is on, indicating that measurements will be made by SLAVE unit.
11. Observe .+-. MICRO SEC in left display. This reading may be very erratic for a few seconds until the loop stabilizes. When the display stabilizes so that only the units and tens digits are changing, momentarily hold down and release DELAY ZERO Switch.
NOTE
This establishes a reference zero at the reference frequency. Typically, this reading will vary .+-. MICRO SEC. However, on very noisy circuits, the variation may be greater. A valid reference zero is established if these variations are evenly distributed above and below zero microseconds.
12. Observe MASTER generated TRMT HZ in right display. Select desired test frequencies using TRANSMITTER UP-DOWN Pushbuttons or MANUAL FREQUENCY Control.
13. At each test frequency observe .+-. MICRO SEC envelope delay received by SLAVE unit in left display. If readings vary, observe for an arithmetic mean (average).
SLAVE TO MASTER DIRECTION (FORWARD REFERENCE)
14. perform MASTER SETUP steps 1-9.
15. Set REMOTE Switch to SLAVE TO MASTER. Wait until associated dot light illuminates before proceeding. This dot light should come on within 10 seconds. It indicates that the MASTER unit has achieved control over the SLAVE unit.
16. Observe .+-. MICRO SEC in left display. This reading may be very erratic for a few seconds until the loop stabilizes. When the display stabilizes so that only the units and tens digits are changing, momentarily hold down and release DELAY ZERO Switch.
NOTE
This establishes a reference zero at the reference frequency. Typically, this reading will vary .+-. MICRO SEC. However, on very noisy circuits, the variation may be greater. A valid reference zero is established if these variations are evenly distributed above and below zero microseconds.
17. Observe SLAVE generated RCV HZ in right display. Command SLAVE unit to transmit desired test frequencies by operating MASTER unit TRANSMITTER UP-DOWN Pushbuttons or MANUAL FREQUENCY Control.
18. At each test frequency, observe .+-. MICRO SEC envelope delay received by MASTER unit in left display. If readings vary, observe for an arithmetic mean (average).
LEVEL/FREQUENCY MEASUREMENT
NORMAL MODE
Referring to FIG. 5, prior to entry into a routine for this measurement a transmitter control latch 1700 (memory address 1700) and a receiver control latch 1600 (memory address 1600) have been programmed by an executive program. The parameters of level and frequency are measured on a time division basis, i.e., a six decade data acquisition counter (memory address 1500-1507), not shown in FIG. 5, is shared between measuring frequency and measuring level on a time slice basis. This routine starts by calling an autorange subroutine, the operation of which is described in detail hereafter in SYSTEM PROGRAM ROUTINES AND SUBROUTINES and generally hereafter under the title AUTORANGING. On returning from the autorange routine the actual level is computed by adding the results from a log quantizer 100 to the gain value pointed to by the present range state. At this point the front panel is interrogated for a level zero request. This is accomplished by reading "PANEL" (memory address 1100). If the level zero switch is depressed the present computed value of signal level is stored as a reference value and is subsequently subtracted from all new measurements. The routine preceeds to measure frequency by calling the frequency subroutine which operates as described hereinafter.
Upon return the level data is written into the left display buffer (memory addresses 1COO-1C03) and displayed on the display 54 and frequency is written into the right display buffer (memory addresses 1D00-1D03) and displayed on the display 56. If there is no change the program loops to its beginning; otherwise it aborts back to executive.
MASTER/SLAVE MODE:
MASTER-to-SLAVE TEST DIRECTION
On entry the Master/Slave link has been estabilished by the executive routines. In the instrument considered to be the master the routine is altered in that data is being received on the master sets receive channel. The information is being transmitted by the Slave via FSK. The actual data is the level parameter and is being measured by the Slave and transmitted to the Master on the unused line. The Master set receives the FSK signals via its internal modem. Each time a word is received an interrupt is transmitted to the microprocessor 2 which acts on the received word. The master set uses this received information for the display instead of that which it measures as was done in the normal set mode.
SLAVE-TO-MASTER TEST DIRECTION
In this mode the Master set measures the level and frequency of the channel from Slave to Master as described under normal mode. The difference is that the Master has control of the Slave's transmitter frequency. This is accomplished by the Master set reading its internal frequency programming counter (memory addresses 1A00 and 1B00). The number stored there is encoded and transmitted via FSK over the Master-to-Slave channel to the Slave. The Slave set receives the FSK signals and services the received characters through an interrupt service request. When a complete data field has been received by the Slave, it programs its transmitter by writing to its frequency control counter (memory addresses 1800 and 1900). If the transmitter is already at the requested frequency, the request is ignored. In this mode the Slave's transmitter can be considered to be an extension of the Master set.
FREQUENCY
Frequency is measured through the use of a software generated gate. The frequency of the input signal is multiplied by a factor 32 in the analog processing section. The measurement proceeds as follows: the frequency data input port is selected to the six decade data acquisition counter (memory addresses 1500-1507). This is performed by writing a logic "01" to bits "D6" and "D5" of the hardward control latch. (Memory address 1400). Then a 10.mu.sec master reset pulse is applied to the six decade data acquisition counter (memory address 1500-1507) by writing a logic "1" followed by a logic "0" to bit D3 of the hardware control latch (memory address 1400). Next a 31.250 millisecond frequency gate pulse is generated by a software wait loop. The duration of this pulse is 1/32 second which has the effect of removing the multiplication by 32 described previously. This also allows a measurement of frequency accurate to .+-. 1 Hz in 1/32 of a second. After closing of the frequency gate another wait loop of 1 millisecond is executed. This allows for the worst case frequency gate synchronization time. Having completed this the microprocessor 2 reads the contents of the six decade data acquisition register (memory addresses 1500-1507) into a system RAM 13 (memory addresses 0-FF) for temporary storage and then returns to the calling point.
AUTORANGING
System autoranging is performed under program control which operates as follows: the first step is to select the log quantizer data input port to the six decade data acquisition counter. (Memory address 1500-1507). This is accomplished by writing a logic "0" to bits "D6" and "D5" of the hardware control latch (memory address 1400). The six decade data acquisition counter (memory address 1500-1507) is now reset by writing a logic =1" followed by a logic "0" to bit D3 of the hardware control latch (memory address 1400). This action produces a pulse of about 10.mu.sec on the output of bit D3 on the latch which is connected to the master reset of the six decade data acquisition counter (memory address 1500-1507). Next a sample of the input signal level is made by writing a logic "1" to bit D4 of the hardward control latch. This enables the log quantizer to decay exponentially, quantizing the level of the input relative to an internal reference which is considered to be 0dB. After 2 milliseconds a logic "0" is written to bit D4 of the hardware control latch disabling the log quantizer. The number stored in the six decade data acquisition counter (memory addresses 1500-1507) is a number indicating the magnitude of the input signal level relative to OdB. The contents of this counter are read by the microprocessor and stored in system RAM (memory addresses 0-FF). The program now checks to determine if the results satisfy the inequality 100 .ltoreq. count .ltoreq. 1300.
The numbers 100 and 1300 are the systems autorange points; they represent 1.00dB and 13.00dB respectively. If the inequality holds this program immediately returns to the calling program, otherwise more checks are made. Having determined that the signal level does not fall in the specified range the program continues as follows: the present autorange gain state is "fetched" from memory. The state is compared with the autorange limits stored in RAM. If the present range state is at either of the limits, this program returns to the calling routine with the MPU's overflow flag set as an indication that the system is out-of-range. It also blanks the left (1C00) and right 1D00) displays 54 and 56 by storing "FF" in the display buffers and sets either the minus or positive indicator to represent an under overrange condition to the operator. If the present range state is not at a limit the system gain is either increased or decreased by 10dB in an attempt to bring the signal in range. The procedure is as follows: the present range state is either incremented or decremented and is used to replace the present value in the receiver control latch (memory address 1600). This has the effect of either increasing or decreasing the system gain by 10dB. Since the requirement for the signal level input is 1dB .ltoreq. .times. .ltoreq. 13dB and the autorange amplifier has 10dB steps there is a 2dB hystersis which guarantees stability of the autorange loop. Once the present range has been changed the program enters a wait loop, the length of which is a function of which detector has been selected. The wait is 200 milliseconds for the average detector and 700 milliseconds for the Quasi RMS detector. The program now loops to its beginning and repeats this procedure until it returns either in-range of out-of-range.
C-MESSAGE NOISE MEASUREMENT
Referring to FIG. 6, in C-Weighted Message Circuit Noise, the signal source is a quiet terminated transmitter. The receiver uses a C-Weighting Filter and a Quasi-RMS detector. The exact specifications for these are set forth in Bell Publication 41009. The unit of Measurement is in DbrnC (90dBrn = 0dBm).
In normal mode operation, the microprocessor 2 determines the measurement selected by reading the front panel status latch at location 1100. In this case normal C-Message Noise has been selected. The processor 2 then programs the transmitter control latch at location 1700 for quiet termination and the receiver control latch at location 1600 to insert the C-Message Weighting Filter and select the QRMS Detector. At this point, the processor programs the programmable attenuator on A16 through location 1600 for maximum attenuation and autoranges, as described in the Level and Frequency Measurements, until the attentuation state is found. Next the processor 2 sends out a "Quantize" Pulse to the Log Quantizer on A18. The quantize output gates the six decade counter U29 on A15. This counter is read by the processor at location 1500. The processor then computes the level using the attenuation state and the quantity read from the data acquisition counter (6 decade). This is displayed on the front panel indicators.
In Master Mode Master-to-Slave Measurement, the processor determines the mode, direction, and measurement by reading the front panel status latch at location 1100. Here C-Message Noise, Master, Master-to-Slave is read. The processor, upon seeing that Master has been selected, proceeds to link up with the Slave and send the current code word to the Slave via the modem, A8. This procedure is described in the Master-Slave section. After link up has occurred, the Master processor programs its transmitter for quiet termination through the transmit control latch at location 1700. The receiver, though not used in this particular measurement, is programmed for No Filters and full wave average (FWA) detector. Measurement data is received from the Slave via FSK (as described in Master-Slave) modulation by the modem, A8. The processor reads the information from the modem via the ACIA at location 2000. The information is processed and displayed.
In Master Mode, Slave-to-Master direction, the processor determines the Mode, direction, and measurement by reading the front panel status latch at location 1100. In this case, C-Message Noise Maste, Slave-to-Master is read. Upon seeing the mode is Master, the processor initiates the link up with the Slave as described in the Master-Slave section. Included in this linking procedure is sending to the Slave the measurement code word. After link is acquired, the processor programs the transmitter through the transmitter control latch at location 1700 for fixed frequency output and sets this frequency to 1004Hz via the transmitter input latches at locations 1800 and 1900. This tone is used to retain the Master-Slave link. The receiver programming and data acquisition are identical to that in the Normal Mode, as previously described.
The processor detects the Slave mode setting by reading the front panel status latch at location 110. If the Slave mode is detected, the unit waits for the link sequence to be initiated by the Master. Part of the linking information is the current measurement code word. Upon receipt of this word, the Slave processor sets up the transmitter and receiver accordingly. The processor programs the receiver identical to the normal mode. The data acquisition method is also the same. However, the data, instead of being displayed, is sent via the modem to the Master set. This data transfer mechanism is explained in the Master-Slave section. At the Master set, the data is read and displayed. If the measurement direction is Slave to Master, the processor sets the receiver, through location 1600 to flat input and FWA detector. The processor autoranges, as described in Level-Frequency, to the 1004Hz tone being sent by the Master. If an under-range condition occurs, the Slave sends, via the modem, a status code indicating loss of tone. The processor also sets the transmitter to quiet termination through location 1700. This is identical to the transmitter configuration in the normal mode. The programming of the receiver and transmitter is defined by the code word set from the Master-to-the-Slave.
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE
Referring to FIG. 7, the Signal-to-Noise measurement is made by combining two measurements - Level Frequency and Noise-with-Tone. This is done uniquely through the use of the microprocessor. When the normal mode is selected. The transmitter is programmed via the transmit latches at locations 1700, 1800 and 1900 for a fixed frequency at 1004Hz. The receiver at location 1600 is first programmed with the C-Message weighting filter and Quasi RMS detector. The processor then autoranges on the incoming signal and takes a measurement when the proper gain state has been reached. The autoranging and measurement processes are described in the Level and Frequency section. The measurement is stored in the RAM memory. Next the processor programs the receiver latch at location 1600 to insert the 1004Hz notch filer. Now, the transmitted signal is notched out at the receiver. The processor then autoranges on the residual signal and makes a measurement. The processor then subtracts the second reading from the first to give the ratio of signal plus noise. This number is then displayed by the front displays located at 1C00 and 1D00. The processor also measures the frequency of the most predominant tone (1004Hz) and displays this in the same manner as Level and Frequency.
In the remote mode the measurement detection, mode and direction are analogous to the previous measurements. In the Master-to-Slave mode, the Master's trnsmitter is programmed to a fixed 1004Hz. The Slave does the signal processing and makes the signal-to-noise ratio measurement. The data is sent back to the Master via the modem scheme. The Master receives the signal-to-noise ratio data via its modem and displays it through locations 1C00 and 1D00. The frequency of the Master's transmitter as read from loctions 1A00 and 1B00 are also displayed.
NOISE-WITH-TONE
Referring to FIG. 7, the Noise-With-Tone measurement is made using a 1004Hz tone as the signal source. The receiver uses a 1004Hz Notch Filter to remove the 1004Hz tone, a C-Message weighting filter to condition the signal and a Quasi RMS detector are set forth in Bell Publication 41009. The unit of measurement is DbrnC.
As a part of the normal front panel scanning routine, the processor reads the front panel status latch at location 1100. Upon reading this latch, the processor determines the mode (normal, Master, or Slave), the measurement direction (Master-to-Slave or Slave-to-Master) and the measurement. In this case, the processor reads normal, noise-with-tone. Direction is meaningless in a normal measurement. The processor then programs the transmitter to the fixed frequency mode via the transmit control latch at location 1700. The transmitter frequency is programmed into the input latches at locations 1800 and 1900. The processor also programs the receiver through the receiver latch at location 1600. This inserts the 1004 notch filter, the C-Message weighting filter and selects the QRMS detector. The processor then autoranges, as described in the Level & Frequency Routine, on the signal. Since the 1004Hz tone has been notched out, the signal that is ranged on is just the remaining noise. The processor then reads the level of the signal by sending a 2msec pulse to the log quantizer. This pulse enables the quantizer which sends a gating pulse, whose width is proportional to the log of the level to the Data Acquisition Counter U29 on A15. The processor then reads this counter at location 1500 and combines this data with the attenuation state used in autoranging to determine the noise level. This quantity is than displayed on the front panel display.
In the measurement, the processor also reads the frequency of the received tone, which under normal conditions, is removed by the notch filter. The frequency measuring process is described in the Level and Frequency Section. The received frequency is also displayed on the front panel displays.
If, during the scan of the front panel latch location 1100 the processor sees that the Master mode has been selected, the processor initiates a link-up routine with the Slave. This routine is described in the Master-Slave section. Part of the linking procedure is the Master sending to the Slave a code word which contains the measurement and direction information. The Slave's processor decodes this code word and uses it to set up the Slave's transmitter and receiver. After a successful link, the Master processor programs its receiver and transmitter.
In the Master-to-Slave measurement direction, the Master's transmitter is the signal source and is programmed to fixed frequency at 1004Hz, identical to the normal mode. The Slave's receiver is the detector and is programmed, like the receiver in the normal mode, with the 1004Hz notch filter, C-Message weighting filter and QRMS detector selected. In this case, though, the data read by the Slave's processor is not displayed but sent to the Master set via the modem A8. The method of data transmission, including programming of the Slave's transmitter and Master's receiver, is covered in the Master-Slave section. The noise level data is received through the Master's modem A8 and is processed and displayed. The frequency displayed is that of the Master's transmitter as read from the output latches at 1A100 and 1B00.
In the Slave-to-Master measurement direction, the Master establishes link with the Slave as described in the Master-to-Slave section and a programming code word is sent to the Slave from the Master through their respective modems. The Slave interprets this code word and sets up its receiver and transmitter accordingly. The Slave's transmitter is set for fixed frequency at 1004Hz through the transmitter latches at locations 1700, 1800 and 1900 and is the signal source for the measurement. The Slave's receiver is programmed without filters to receive a holding tone from the Master. Loss of this tone will break the link. After link is established, the Master programs itself to transmit a fixed tone of 1004Hz through latches located at 1700, 1800 and 1900. This acts as a holding tone for retaining the established link. The Master's receiver is programmed identical to the receiver in the normal mode. Data acquisition and frequency measurement are also identical to the normal mode while in the Slave-to-Master direction.
IMPULSE NOISE
NORMAL NODE
Referring to FIG. 8, on entry this program is in an interrogation loop reading the program qualifier byte "panel" (memory location 1100).
When a "start" command is read the impulse noise data port is selected to the six decade data acquisition counter (memory addresses 1500-1507) by writing the proper control word to the hardware control latch (memory address 1400). The data acquisition counter is then reset by writing a logic "1" followed by a logic "0" to bit D4 of the hardware control latch (memory address 1400). The system time base generator is enabled by writing a logic 1" to memory address 1F00. The program enters the "RUN" mode in which the data acquisition counter (memory address 1500- 1507) is read and deposited to the right display buffer (memory address 1D00-1D03). The elapsed time or time to test termination is deposited to the left display buffer (memory address 1C00-1C03). The time is handled on an interrupt basis. The system time base generator (memory address 1F00) causes a nonmaskable interrupt once every second. The non-maskable interrupt service routine increments an internal software clock which is located in system RAM (memory address O-FF). This enables us to have an accurate system clock. The program now checks for a signal dropout by reading memory address 1E00. If there is a dropout the program will suspend waiting for the signal to return. If after one second the signal is still gone the operator is signaled by writing a word to emmory address 1200 which causes the negative sign to be illuminated. If at any time during the test the time interval is changed the test is automatically aborted. The program monitors "Panel" memory address 100 waiting for a "stop" command which will suspend the program.
MASTER/SLAVE MODE:
MASTER-TO-SLAVE TEST DIRECTION
In this mode the Slave automatically starts transmitting the contents of its data acquisition counter (memory addresses 1500-1507) to the Master set via the Slave-to-Master channel. The data transmission is as was previously described: the Master set enters the interrogation loop; when a "start" command is read from the front panel "Panel" memory address 1100, the next received data block is stored as a reference count and is subsequently subtracted from all following data received from the Slave set. The number displayed on the Master set is the present Slave count minus the reference value.
MASTER/SLAVE MODE:
SLAVE-TO-MASTER TEST DIRECTION
In this mode the Slave is used as a 1004Hz tone generator. Its receiver remains open waiting for new commands. The Master set operates as described in normal mode.
ENVELOPE DELAY MEASUREMENT
To make an envelope delay measurement one normally needs two sets. The direction of measurement determines what each set does. The "Normal" set generates the test signal and transmit it over the line to be tested to the "repeat" set. The "Repeat" set receives the envelope delay test signal and processes it the normal way (described later). The transmitter of the "Repeat" set returns the received modulation on a fixed carrier. (AM Modulation). This ensures that only the delay from Normal to Repeat is measured.
REPEAT - NORMAL
In this mode the Normal (Local) set sends the modulation on a fixed carrier to the Repeat set. The repeat set recovers the modulation and puts it on a variable carrier. The envelope delay of the line from the Repeat to Normal set is measured.
MASTER-SLAVE
The details of this mode of operation are described in more detail in the description hereinafter of the operation of the Modem board. This mode is identical to the NORMAL-REPEAT mode.
SLAVE-MASTER
The modulation (83.3Hz) is transmitted to the Slave set on a fixed carrier at about 2000Hz. The FSK signal which transmits the frequency programming information for the Slave transmitter is added to the AM modulated carrier. The combined signal sent to the Slave consists of one AM modulated signal and one frequency modulated signal. The Slave set separates the FSK signal from the AM in the Modem board by means of bandpass filters. The decoded FSK information is used to program the transmitter to the desired frequency. The AM signal is routed to the envelope delay board. As in the repeat mode the 83.3Hz modulation is recovered and modulated on the variable carrier frequency.
This scheme was developed to make a phase measurement on a comparison basis. It is necessary for the set which makes the delay measurement to have two signals identical in frequency, therefore, the 83.3 modulation is transmitted to the Slave. The Master set will have the transmitted 83.3Hz as well as the received 83.3Hz available which are identical in frequency but not in phase, because the phase of the received is a function of the parameters of the line or network to be measured.
ENVELOPE DELAY MEASUREMENT GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIGS. 9-11, the front panel of the preferred embodiment is read periodically by the executive routine. When measurement switch 64 shown in FIG. 4 is set to EDD the executive routine reads the "Normal 48, Master, Slave 92"; "NORM, REPEAT 94"; "TRMT, RCV 60" ; and "LEVEL, DELAY 62" switches and determines from that these how the transmitter has to be set up and which annuciators shall be lit up. It does most of the so-called "housekeeping" tasks. Once this is completed the executive routine hands control to the "Envelope Delay Routine". This routine checks the contents of a buffer called "F PANEL" at address $1000 to ascertain whether the set is a Slave. If it is a Slave it programs the "Hardware Control Latch" to switch U10 so that EDD board A14 receives its signal from the Modem Board. Then the EDD Routine goes through an autorange cycle. Should the input signal be below -40dBm or above +10dBm the displays will be blanked and a "-" sign displayed. In the case where a proper signal level is received the EDD routine synchronizes itself with the 83.3Hz modulation. This is described under "HOW DOES THE PROGRAM MEASURE THE EDD PHASE DIFFERENCE". Once sync has been established the "Hardware Control Latch" at address $1400 is programmed to route the signal from the main phase via the detector to the multiplexer U8 (on Board A15) to the input of the 6 decode counter (U29). The counter is reset and enabled for a period of 12000.mu.s. At the end of the 12000 .mu.s - this is the period of the 831/3Hz modulation - the number of 1MHz transition is latched in the counter and readout and stored in RAM (Random Access Memory).
The next step is to check if the delay zero switch 68 is active or not. If it is active, the routine jumps to a subroutine called Delzer (at $7199 of software listing). This subroutine determines whether the phase difference is greater or smaller than 3000.mu.s and calculates by how many microseconds the reference 831/3 has to be delayed so that the resulting phase difference is 3000.mu.s. The delay is accomplished by inhibiting the 1MHz .phi.2 signal on U21C - input to the divide by 12000. This enable pulse is generated by the software with the "Hardware Control Latch". From this subroutine operation returns to the main EDD Routine. Next operation is the frequency measurement. This is described in detail in the "Level/Frequency" Measurement. The execution time of the EDD routine is normally about 70ms. At the end of the EDD routine, control is handed back to the executive routine which checks the front panel to find out whether it has been altered.
From the executive routine operation returns to the EDD routine. The EDD routine executes the steps outlined above.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM MEASURE THE EDD PHASE DIFFERENCE?
Referring to FIG. 10, the output of the phase detector (U23A, U22A,B,C on the EDD Board) is a squarewave with a repetition rate of 831/3Hz. The pulse width is directly proportional to the phase difference - and can have any duration from 1 - 12000.mu.s. This signal is logically added with the 1mHz .phi.2 clock signal and applied to the input of the 6 decade counter. The phase measurement is done by counting the number of 1mHz transition of that signal. Frequency and the EDD phase measurement are similar. In the frequency measurement the routine generates a 32 ms gating pulse which enables the frequency signal to be connected to the counter. Since the frequency signal is a continuous signal it does not matter when this 32 ms gating pulse is generated. Envelope delay is different in that respect. The phase detector signal (PIN 1 of U23A) is analogous to the gating signal in the frequency measurement. It should be noted that this "gating" signal in the EDD measurement is not generated by the software and, therefore, its timing relationship is completely arbitrary. This makes it necessary to develop a special routine plus hardware to synchronize this "gating" signal to the software. The synchronization is established in the following way:
Whenever the routine executes a LDAA $1507 an enable pulse is generated which enables the memory location to be read, in our case it is 1507. 1507 is the address of that memory location - it really is a tri-state address of the 6 decade counter. This enable pulse is "nanded" with the 831/3/2Hz waveform. The logical NAND of those two waveforms controls Data Bus bit 7. So when LDAA $1507 is executed a word whose bit 7 is controlled by the polarity and repetition rate is loaded into the accumulator. Data bits 6-0 are always high.
Referring to FIG. 9 there is shown a flow chart of the section of the program which is relevant for the synchronization and reading of the 6 decade counter. First it checks whether bit 7 is low or high. If the enable pulse of this LDAA $1507 command occurs during time period 1 data bus bit 7, is high and the program stays in a loop until 8311/3/2 goes positive. Referring to FIG. 10, the program continues and resets the 6 decade counter. Referring to illustrated time slot 2 LDAA $1507 is used and this time whether data bit 7 is low is checked. The processor will execute those instructions as many times as necessary until 83-1/3/2 goes low as shown in time slot 3. It is during this time that the 6 decade counter will actually count the number of .phi.2 pulses (1mHz), which is a measure of the phase difference. Now the program will wait another 12 msec. before is used, i.e. reading the 6 decade counter. Again, we use the same technique LDAA $1507 and check whether Bit 7 is high. The processor will execute those instructions over and over until time slot 4. Now read the counter is read. The number read from the counter corresponds to the absolute phase difference in microseconds. If "delay zero" switch 13 is pressed down, the routine establishes a 3000 .mu.sec. phase difference. This phase difference in microseconds is then subtracted from the number read from the 6 decade counter and displayed in the left display.
DISPLAY THEORY OF OPERATION
The preferred embodiment uses 2, 4 digit displays to output test results. The displays use 7-segment Red LED's. Along with these numerical displays are 10 annunciators which indicate the units of measure. The annunciators also preferably use LED's for lighting.
A counter selects a proper digit which will be turned on, and selects the proper word from a 4 .times. 4 RAM addressed. 00 is the most significant digit and 11 is the least significant (far right) digit. The input to each of the two RAMS is connected to the system data bus, and they have address 1D00 & C00.
The data comes from the processor in BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) form, in four consecutive bytes.
The processor controls the display annunciators by loading CMOS latches. The addresses for these latches are 1200 and 1300 Hex.
MODEM BOARD
THEORY OF OPERATION
Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the modem board (A8) enables two units to communicate in the master slave mode. This board represents the analog world of the telephone system.
The heart of the modem for the preferred embodiment is the ACIA-XC6850. This device interfaces to the MPU. It takes parallel information from the microprocessor and converts it to a serial bit stream with a few extra bits added. One serial word has eleven bits, eight data, one start, one parity and one stop.
This is the information which is transmitted in an analog manner between instruments. In the reverse direction, the ACIA will take serial information, strip off the start, stop and parity bits and convert it to an eight bit parallel word for the microprocessor. In performing this task it also checks to see that the proper start and stop bits are there, and checks for the proper parity. If either of these are missing an internal error flag is set and then fed to the microprocessor.
Looking now at the analog portions of the modem, we first have the transmitter. The input to transmitter is the serial bit stream from the ACIA. The method used here is FSK (Frequency shift keying) wherein two frequencies are set; one representing a high, and one representing a low. In our case 800 HZ represents a zero, and 1200 HZ represents a one.
In the preferred embodiment this switching is done primarily by two IC's, U9 and U10. U9 is a solid state switch and U10 is an oscillator. The data stream is fed to the control line of U9. Switch U9, selects one of two timing resisters for oscillator U10. The output of the oscillator is filtered with a 1000 HZ low-pass, and then fed to A9 transmitter. The oscillator is turned off via Q3, when the modem is not needed. This reduces the system noise by several db. A 1990 HZ tone is added to the FSK signal and used to carry the 831/3 HZ reference in envelope delay distortion. It also serves a secondary purpose in the receiver.
The receiver portion of the modem decodes this string of frequency shifts and converts them to digital one's and zero's. Since the receiver is a frequency detector, theoretically it should be insensitive to level. However there is an ALC loop at the input, (U13, U14 and Q1) for making other signal measurements which are sensitive to level, i.e., data carrier detect. In order for the modem to recognize a valid word, two qualifiers must be satisfied:
1. data is being sent,
2. 1990 carrier is present.
Two sets of filters, one at 1KHZ and the other at 1990 HZ, divide the input signal into two paths. (Remember, the transmitter signal is always the combination of FSK and 1990 HZ). After the signal is passed through the 1990 HZ filter, (U15 and U16) it is full wave rectified and integrated (U3). This output is compared against a reference where it has two choices (U2B):
1. .sup.V out is greater than .sup.V ref-high output to gate U26B,
2. .sup.V out is less than .sup.V ref-low output to gate U26B.
The circuit checks for energy around 1990HZ of the frequency spectrum. If there is, then one of the conditions is fulfilled for valid data transmission. If there is inadequate energy here, then the modem is disabled, and ignores any data it may see.
The other path, for the FSK processing, flows first to a 1KHZ filter which removes the 1990HZ (U11 and U12). At this point two processes are performed on the signal.
(1) The signal is full wave rectified and integrated at U1 and compared to a reference at U2A. This output is then connected to the input of gate 26B. If there is data being transmitted this line is high, and if no data is transmitted then the line is low. This satisfies the condition for valid data.
(2) The signal is limited and converted to a zero to +15V square wave (U17 and Q2) and then fed to a one shot of 670 msec. (U18). As the frequency changes the duty cycle of the one shot output changes. This is averaged (U27, low pass filtered) and fed to a comparator (U19). For a high frequency (1200HZ) there is a high duty cycle, and thus a high output from the comparator. If 800HZ is seen, then the duty cycle is low, and the comparator output is low. This circuitry converts the FSK, back to one's and zero's. These one's and zero's are then read by the microprocessor via the ACIA.
One set of filters exist which are not normally for data transmission, the 1990HZ bandpass filters (U5, U4, U6, U7, U11). The input is connected to the output of the auto range, and the filters have a gain of unity. In envelope delay distortion, slave to master, it is necessary to send two pieces of information to the slave:
1. frequency data,
2. 831/3 HZ reference.
This filter strips the data from the 1990 HZ and 831/3 AM and sends the clean carrier to the envelope delay board. The requirements for this filter are that it remain stable in phase and gain with changes in temperature. For this reason, silvermica capacitors and wire wound resisters are used.
A central phase locked loop (U20, U22, U23, U25) provides a common source for all frequencies used of the modem. The PLL multiplies a 333.334 HZ clock signal of 382 to get 127.334 KHZ. This goes directly to A9 (filter modulator) where it is divided by 64 and filtered yielding a 1990HZ sine wave. Within the modem, it goes to U21 and U25 which divides it by 22 to get a 5787.8HZ signal which is the ACIA receiver and transmitter clock.
This completes the loop, the modem can transmit digital information by use of FSK, and can decode this analog signal back to digital. The modem provides the means by which two preferred embodiment can operate in the master slave mode.
TRANSMITTER BOARD A13
THEORY OF OPERATION
Referring to FIGS. 25A-D, the transmitter/board output is a squarewave 64 times the transmitter output frequency. This is generated by a phase lock loop which selectively locks on a harmonic at a multiple of 200 to 3950 times a 64Hz reference frequency. Which harmonic is determined by a 4 decade .div.N counter, controlled by the 14 bit output bus shown in the block diagram.
In order to speed up the response time to a change in frequency, the UCD is pretuned to close to the right frequency by a DAC operating off the output bus. Sync control is provided so that the programmable divider and phase lock loop do not respond in the middle of a reference cycle. In this fashion the loop never really loses lock as the frequency is changed. The loop only responds to small phase errors caused by inaccuracies in the DAC and VCO voltage vs. frequency characteristic.
ROM
A ROM is provided, driven by a Step/Manual line, an up-down line and the most significant output bus lines. The ROM senses the frequency with 50Hz resolution. The purpose of the ROM is to provide various control functions dependent on a particular operating frequency.
The ROM is divided into two major pages - STEP and MANUAL. Each of these pages is divided into two sections. Count UP and Count DOWN. Half of the Step page is not used, since normally the units and 10's digits are loaded with an 04. The following is a description of each of the ROM output lines, describing each function.
Pulse is generated so the UP down counters will read the input Bus controlled by the data bus input latches. This state also disables the phase lock loop and presets the program divider to start counting on the leading edge of the next reference clock cycle. The 2.mu.sec. load pulse also resets the flag so that the transmitter board will service any new data update which may occur in the transmitter blind period occurring during states 01 and 10. Do (Least significant output bit) is used to control the end of range. 204Hz to 390Hz in Step, 200Hz to 3950Hz in Manual. A high stops counting in Step. Since this output passes through an inverting gate (U6) in manual the output goes low to stop counting.
01 (Out of range) -- causes the synchronous control latch to toggle and thus force the 100's counter to step into range in the event it is out of state during power supply turn on.
02 (Skip) -- Goes high from 2450Hz to 2750Hz in manual (2504Hz, 2604Hz, 2704Hz in step).
03 Low pass filter control goes low 900Hz to 4000Hz.
04 Phase detector gain constant control goes high from 550Hz to 4000Hz.
05 Phase detector gain constant control goes high from 1450 to 4000Hz.
06 UP/Down Line - follows input up down line except in out of range or forbidden states, in which case it is always high.
The 14 line output bus, and the eventual transmitter output frequency, is controlled by four up/down counters. Three modes of operation control these counters (1) Step 100Hz mode. In this mode the two most significant counters are stepped serially from the front panel, while the two least significant remain fixed at a state that is pre-programmed into the input bus via the input latches.
(2) Manual Mode -- In this mode the least significant counter is stepped by pulses generated by the optical encoder, which is the manual frequency control. The optical encoder consists of two tracks of alternating transparent and dark areas such that 120 pulses are generated as the control is rotated 260.degree.. The two tracks are 90.degree. out of phase with each other, thus providing direction of rotation information. In the manual mode the transmitter is actually stepped in 1Hz increments.
Here loading the units counter is not synchronized. To do so allows the frequency to be changed only 32Hz in one second, which is too slow. Fortunately the phase correction required by running the units counter asynchronous is small enough that no serious slew problems are presented.
Freq. Skip is provided in Step and Manual Modes in a similar fashion. A high from the ROM combined with a high from the front panel Single Frequency Skip switch enables the output compliment from the Synchronous Control FF to be fed back to the D input. This causes this Flop to change state every clock cycle (clock cycle is 64Hz). The counters are stepped 100Hz every other clock cycle, even in manual via the override provided by 4U11 nand gate to the 100Hz counter enable.
(3) Program Mode -- Changing frequency in the program mode, as in the other two transmitter modes, must be done synchronously with the 64Hz clock frequency. In the program mode, the system microprocessor first loads the units and 10's information into the least significant latch via the LWFL command. Then the 100's and 1000's information is double loaded into the most significant latch via the LWFM command. The LWFM command is the trigger for the transmitter that the microprocessor has updated the input data and the frequency is to be changed. This is done by setting a flag U28 Pin 13. This forces the DATA BUS LOAD counter from state 11 to state 00, the counter will then count up from 00 to 11 on the next three clock cycles of the 64Hz reference. State 11 is defined as a rest state where further counting is inhibited. State 01 is the control state on whose leading edge a 2.mu.sec. load pulse is generated so the UP down counters will read the input Bus controlled by the data bus input latches. This state also disables the phase lock loop and presets the program divider to start counting on the leading edge of the next reference clock cycle as explained in the other modes. The 2.mu.sec. load pulse also resets the flag so that the transmitter board will service any new data update which may occur in the transmitter blind period occurring during states 01 and 10.
FREQUENCY TRACKING LOOP A19
The function of the frequency tracking in the preferred embodiment is to clean up a received signal in the presence of noise so that the frequency of the received signal can be reliably measured. Referring to the simplified block diagram shown in FIG. 33A, the frequency tracking loop includes phase locked loop and an automatic frequency control loop coupled to receive the applied signal 301 for producing a signal having the frequency of the applied signal 301. An auxiliary phase detector 302 is coupled to receive the applied signal 301 and the output frequency for producing a control signal 303 in response to the output frequency being within a predetermined phase range of the applied signal 301. Bandwidth control and AFC disable circuitry 304 are coupled to receive the control signal 303 and to the phase locked loop and the AFC loop for disabling the AFC loop and decreasing the phase locked loop bandwidth in response to receiving the control signal 303. A dropout detector 305 is coupled to receive the applied signal 301 and to the phase locked loop and the AFC loop for simultaneously decreasing loop gains in response to loss of the applied signal 301.
Referring to FIG. 33B, a detailed schematic diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the loop is shown.
The Frequency Tracking Loop cleans up the received signal so that the frequency can reliably be measured in the presence of noise. It multiplies the frequency by 32 times and thereby reduces by 32 the gaiting pulse for the frequency measurement. It acts as a signal detector in the impulse noise measurement. Whenever the 1kHz signal drops below 42dBm the Frequency Tracking Loop tells the Microprocessor. The phase locked loop, PLL hereafter, basically consists in the preferred embodiment of a phase detector, an active filter, a voltage controlled oscillator, a startup switch and a bandwith switch.
Referring to FIG. 33C, the basic loop shown works well for only a small range of input frequencies because the phase detector generates the same output voltage at the fundamental frequency and any harmonic frequency thereof. In spite of this shortcoming of the phase detector it was chosen because of its good performance in the presence of noise. To overcome the problem of locking to harmonics of the input frequency, the AFC circuit was added in a unique manner.
Referring to FIG. 33D, a Frequency Difference Detector 306 was added to the Phase Locked Loop to overcome erroneous locking. The Frequency Diff. Det. 306 responds to frequency only. Every time input frequency differs from the internally generated frequency an error voltage is generated. This voltage is summed in the integrator to the signal from the phase detector. A circuit called auxiliary Phase Lock Detector controls switch Q4. The signal from the Freq. Difference Detector is summed only if the Phase Locked Loop, PLL hereafter, is not locked. The weighting of the two summing resistors is such that the signal from the AFC overrides the PLL signal.
SIGNAL DROPOUT DETECTOR
The input signal to the PLL is taken off before the Autorange in the Impulse Noise measurement. It is amplified by U15 and filtered with a 1kHz bandpass U13A,B and applied to a voltage comparator. If the input signal to the preferred embodiment drops below .perspectiveto. 42dBm, the comparator remains in a high or low state. When this occurs, the retriggerable one shot U11B changes its output states which are read by the MPU.
The same circuit is used when signal is lost in any other measurement mode, but for a different purpose. In this case the FET Q5 shorts the Integrator U4 feedback thereby forcing the VCO to put out a frequency of 600-900Hz. This is necessary because without signal this integrator could force the VCO outside its operating range and further lock up would not be possible. The VCO signal is also connected to a retriggerable one shot U11A which turns FET Q5 on or off. In the absence of the VCO signal FET Q5 is turned on.
THE FREQUENCY DIFFERENCE DETECTOR
The Frequency Difference Detector operates on the principle of comparing the outputs of two one shots in a Differential Amplifier. The pulse durations the two one shots are equal and independent of the input frequency. If fin = floc the two squarewaves on the output of the two one shots have equal DC voltages which, when compared in the Diff. Amp. result in a zero DC voltage at U7. The sense is such that if fin increases floc will follow.
Every time the PLL is unlocked the AFC is switched in. The PLL can thereby lock up without slipping cycles if the frequency error is smaller than the loop bandwidth. This results in a fairly constant loop lock-up time.
PHASE LOCK DETECTOR
An auxiliary phase detector (U3A) has the received signal applied as one input and a 90.degree. phase shift version of the VCO as the other. The phase difference on the input of this phase detector is 180.degree.. (The phase diff. on the main phase detector is 90.degree..) The output of the auxiliary phase detector is filtered and applied to a voltage comparator. The voltage comparator threshold is such that if the phase difference on the main phase detector is 90.degree. .+-. 30.degree. the comparator indicates that the PLL is locked. When the loop is unlocked the outputs of both phase detectors are beat notes. The auxiliary detector DC voltage is in that case approximately half of what it is when the loop is locked.
WIDE BANDWIDTH PLL
Whenever the loop is unlocked Q4 is turned on and sums Freq. Diff. Error Signal and switches R39 in parallel to R38. This results in a wide band PLL resulting in rapid acquisition so that the loop locks quickly.
TRANSMITTER/MICROPROCESSOR INTERFACE
Referring to FIG. 37, the transmitter system mainly consists of:
1. A Phase Lock Loop which is controlled by a programmable divide by N counter. The eventual output frequency is controlled by this counter.
2. A front panel interfaces to the Programmable divide by N so that the divide ratio can be changed by single unit and 100 unit increments.
3. A data bus interfaces to the programmable counter, so the system microprocessor can control the Programmable divide by N counter in single unit increments.
4. A front panel interfaces to the data bus so the system microprocessor can remotely control a slave unit while the system is operating as a master.
5. Skip control forces the transmitter out of the range from 2450Hz to 2750Hz when the transmitter is under front panel control and the SF skip switch is on.
6. A divide by M counter and transversal filter to convert the XM square wave of the VCO to a stepped sinewave of the divided output frequency. By choosing M equal to the incoming reference frequency of the phase lock loop, the transmitter can be stepped in 1Hz increments for unit incremental changes in the programmable divide by M counter. In this system the reference frequency was chosen as 64Hz.
7. A low pass filter to convert the stepped sign wave into a true sign wave.
8. Level Amplifier provides a leveled transmitter output over the frequency range.
9. A modulator to allow the carrier to be modulated in Envelope Delay measurements.
10. A level control, output amplifier, and output transformers to provide a balanced 600 or 900 ohm output at various transmitted output levels.
11. Switching, which allows the transmitter to be converted over to a data communications mode by transmitting a modulated 1.00kHz tone summed with a 900Hz-1200Hz FSK signal. This is used when the unit is transmitting data to a companion Master/Slave unit. The modulated 1.99kHz carrier allows the units to maintain phase reference in ED, while at the same time transmitting data.
12. TRMT control latch allows the microprocessor to control the transmitter operating mode.
In order to speed up the response time to a change in frequency, the VCO is pretuned to close to the right frequency by a DAC operating off the output bus. The output bus is a 14 line bus from the 4 decade up/down counters to the input of the Prog. Divide by N counter. Sync control is provided so that the programmable divider and phase lock loop do not respond in the middle of a reference cycle. In this fashion the loop never really loses lock as the frequency is changed. The loop only responds to small phase errors caused by inaccuracies in the DAC and VCO voltage vs. frequency characteristic.
The programmable divide by N counter and the eventual transmitter output frequency is controlled by four up/down counters. Three modes of operation control these counters:
1. Step 100Hz Mode. In this mode the two most significant counters are stepped serially from the front panel, while the two least significant remain fixed at a state that is pre-programmed into the input latches. A vixes 4Hz offset in the step 100Hz mode is thus easily provided.
An R.S. Flip Flop together with a D F.F. provide sync control, and at the same time provide debounce for the front panel STEP UP/STEP DOWN momentary switches. A leading edge from either the STEP UP or STEP DOWN switch sets the R.S.F.F. which in turn makes the D input of the D F.F. high. The leading edge of the incoming reference signal, applied to the clock input of the D F.F. thus forces its output high. This sync output is used to step the 100's UP/DOWN counter, thus causing a 100's increment, disable the phase detector, internally load the input data in the divide by N counter, and reset the R.S.F.F. for the duration for which it is high. Thus the VCO is pretuned to the updated frequency at the exact instant that the programmable divide by N counter starts its count down. Since the phase detector looks at the output edge of the divide by N, it is disabled for one reference cycle so as not to output erroneous phase information as the programmable divide by N counter is being reset.
It is this method of synchronous load that prevents the phase lock loop from losing lock as the frequency is changed, but only corrects for the small phase error caused by inaccuracies in the DAC and VCO voltage vs. freqency characteristic.
The afore mentioned sync control provides a convenient method of implementing the S.F. skip requirement. The design of the instrument is such that whenever SF SKIP, a front panel control switch, is on the instrument will not be allowed to transmit frequencies from 2450Hz to 2750Hz. A ROM addressed from the most significant lines from the output bus (the ROM is also used to provide other control functions) detects if the control counters are in the SF Skip range. This is used to enable the EFF to toggle every reference cycle, and thus step the control counters out of the SF Skip range.
Manual Mode: Refer to Manual Mode, A13 Theory of Operation
Program Mode: Refer to Program Mode, A13 Theory of Operation
OPERATION OF THE TRANSMITTER UNDER THE VARIOUS CONTROL MODES NORMAL MODE: In this operating mode the transmitter is operating under front panel control in Level Frequency and Ed. In all other measurements except Line Loop Back the transmitter is programmed to a fixed freq. (1004Hz). In line loop back the transmitter section is not used except for the output level control, output amplifier, and output transformer.
The Manual/STEP 100Hz switch, the frequency control, the Up and Down Momentary switches, and the SF Skip switch control the transmitter output frequency under front panel control.
When the Manual/Step 100Hz switch is in Step 100Hz, the frequency is stepped in 100Hz increments using the UP and DWN momentary switches.
In this mode the 100's UP/DWN counter is incremented either up or down by the respective momentary. The microprocessor has no control over the transmit frequency other than programming it into front panel control via the TRMT CONTROL latch and pre-programming the 04Hz offset into the least significant input latch.
When in manual, the 1's and 10's counters are in a serial rather than parallel load mode. Refer to Manual Mode operation in the A13 Theory of Operation for a more complete description.
In fixed freqency the microprocessor informs the transmitter of this operation via the TRMT control latch, and loads a 10 in the most significant input latch, and an 04 in the least significant input latch.
The transmitter knows that data has been updated by sensing the most significant input latch enable. Refer to Program Mode operation in the A13 Theory of Operation for a more complete description. MASTER MODE: Transmitter operations in this mode depend on which line is under test (Master to Slave or Slave to Master switch).
When in Master to Slave, the microprocessor initially instructs the transmitter to go to its data communications mode via the TRMT control latch. After the Master has linked with the Slave unit and passed data to properly instruct the Slave unit, the microprocessor instructs the transmitter to operate the same as in the Normal Mode.
When in Slave to Master, the microprocessor keeps the transmitter in a continuous data communications mode. Under this condition the Master's front panel control settings must be continuously sent to the Slave to control the Slave's transmitter. Thus when the Master's Measurement switch is in the noise measurements the Slave is instructed to transmit back a fixed frequency.
When the Master's measurement switch is in Level Frequency or ED the Slave is instructed to send back the proper frequency dependent on the Master settings. This is done by instructing the Master Transmitter that it is under front panel control in addition to being in the data communications mode. Thus, the phase lock loop (frequency synthesizer) while being disconnected from the transmitter output, operates the same as in the normal mode. The state of the transmit control counters is read by the microprocessor via two tri-state octal buffers.
SLAVE MODE OPERATION of the transmitter under Slave mode is covered as the companion unit in the description of Master operation hereinbefore. Its operation depends on the setting of the Master's Master to Slave/Slave to Master switch. When in Master to Slave, the Slave transmitter is continuously in the data communications mode, sending back the Slave's receiver data. When in Slave to Master the transmitter is under program control after linking. For more detailed information of the transmitter operation refer to Program Mode Operation in the A13 Theory of Operation.
ACIA-MICROPROCESSOR INTERFACE
Referring to FIG. 37, there is shown in a simple and literal fashion where the ACIA is connected to the microprocessor system. It basically needs the address and data bus. How the ACIA communicates via these buses to the microprocessor, and how this information is passed to and taken from the modem will now be discussed.
To the microprocessor the ACIA appears as two addressable memory locations. However, internally there are four registers: two read only and two write only. The read only consists of the status register and the receive data register, while the write only consists of the control register and the transmit data register. Once the ACIA is enabled by one of the chip select lines (CS0, CS1, CS2) any one of the four registers can be selected through the register select and read/write lines.
The ACIA interfaces with the microprocessor through the use of several lines:
1. 8-bit bi-directional data bus
2. register select line
3. three chip select lines
4. read/write lines
5. enable line
6. interrupt request line
The above table summarizes the contents of the four internal registers.
TRANSMIT DATA REGISTER
Data is written in the transmit data register during the negative transition of the enable (in our case, 02) when the ACIA has been addressed (2XXX HEX, X - dont't care), and RS and R/W is selected. Writing data into the transmit data register causes transmit data register empty bit in the status register to go low. Data can then be transmitted. The transfer of data causes the transmit data register empty (TDRE) bit to indicate empty.
RECEIVE DATA REGISTER
Data is automatically transferred into the empty receive data register from the receive shift register upon receiving a complete character. This causes the receive data register full bit (FDRF) in the status register to go high. If the ACIA is enabled and RS and R/W are high, the data may then be read, and transferred to the data bus. The non-destructive read cycle causes the RDRF bit to be cleared to empty although the data is retained. The status of RDRF indicates how current the data is. When RDRD is high, the transfer of new data from the receive shift register to the receive data register is prohibited.
CONTROL REGISTER
The ACIA control register consists of eight bits that are selected when RS and R/W are low. This register controls the function of the receiver, transmitter, interrupt enable, and the request-to-send modem control output.
For the preferred embodiment CRO=0 and CR1=1 which selects "divided by 16". This divide ratio says that the baude rate (data rate) is 1/16 the clock frequency (5788/16 = 360 bits/sec). Master request is done once when first addressed to initialize the ACIA.
Word length parity, and stop bit changes are not buffered and, therefore, become effective immediately.
The interrupt is disabled for the transmitter, so CR6 and CR5 = 0. CR7 = 1--enable the receive interrupt. The preferred embodiment sets this bit high which causes an interrupt to the microprocessor when a word is received. By doing this the processor is free to perform other tasks until the next data word comes, at which time an interrupt is generated and the processor reads the receive data register and the status register.
STATUS REGISTER
The status register is selected when RS is low and R/W is high. Information stored in this register indicates the status of the transmit data register, the receive register and error logic (parity, framing, overrun) and modem inputs.
Bit 0 Receive data register full- indicates that data has been transferred to the receive data register.
1 Transmit data register empty- indicates that the transmit data register's contents have been transferred, and new data may be entered.
2 Data carrier detect (DCD) - ths bit indicaes the presence of a modem carrier, this bit going high causes and IRQ.
3 clear-to-send- not used in our case for the 4942A.
4 framing error- framing error indicates that the received character does not have the proper start and stop bits.
5 Receiver overrun- overrun is an error flag that indicates that one or more characters in the data stream were lost.
6 Parity error- the parity error indicates that the parity selected did not agree with the parity of the word received.
7 Interrupt request- indicates the condition of the IRQ line.
ADDR
2001 -- transmit data register receiver data register
2000 -- control register status register
Control register - Data 9D - HEX This breaks down to
(1) divided by 16 clock
(2) eight bits of data, odd parity-one stop bit
(3) RTS-low-transmitter interrupt disabled
(4) receive interrupt enabled
Data is fed to the ACIA from the microprocessor at a rate slower than the maximum capability. The reasons for doing this is to ensure that extra stops are placed between each word. If this were not done, it would be possible for the ACIA to get out of sync and valid data would not be received. With the extra stop bits, if the ACIA misses the proper start bit, it will find a stop and be ready for the next word.
The receiver register is read by the processor when the register becomes filled. The IRQ lines inform the processor that the receiver data register has become filled. It is important that this data be read immediately to avoid data being lost to an overrun.
System Program Routines and Subroutines ##SPC1## ##SPC2## ##SPC3## ##SPC4## ##SPC5## ##SPC6## ##SPC7## ##SPC8## ##SPC9## ##SPC10## ##SPC11## ##SPC12## ##SPC13## ##SPC14## ##SPC15## ##SPC16## ##SPC17## ##SPC18## ##SPC19##
Rom Listings ##SPC20##
Claims
We claim:
1. Communication channel measuring apparatus comprising: two processor controlled machines, each having means for being selectively placed in a master mode and a slave mode and each machine comprising: a. a bus; b. control means for generating control code word corresponding to the master mode and the slave mode selection and to a desired measurement function and applying the code word to the bus; c. a first memory coupled to the bus for storing digital information; d. a second memory having stored microinstructions and coupled to the bus; e. a processing unit coupled to the bus for performing operations in response to the microinstructions stored in the second memory, digital information stored in the first memory, the control code word and parallel digital information appearing on the bus; f. first means coupled to the bus for receiving parallel digital information and converting the parallel digital information to a serial bit stream; g. a transmitter coupled to the first means to receive the serial bit stream from the first means and to a communication channel for applying a signal to the channel in response to the serial bit stream; h. second means for receiving a serial bit stream and converting the serial bit stream to parallel digital information; i. a receiver coupled to the communication channel and to the second means for applying a serial bit stream to the second means in response to receiving a signal on the channel; and means for coupling each of the processor controlled machines to distal ends of a communication channel to be measured.
2. Apparatus as in claim 1 where the first and second means comprise a modem coupled to the bus, the transmitter and the receiver.
3. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the first memory is a random access memory.
4. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the second memory is a read only memory.
5. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein control means comprise: a plurality of switches; a plurality of latches coupled to and responsive to actuation of the plurality of switches and to digital information; and means for coupling the plurality of latches to the bus.
6. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein control means comprise a computer.
7. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the transmitter produces a control signal in the form of frequency shift keying.
8. Apparatus as in claim 7 wherein the control signal comprises a first signal of 800 Hz frequency, representative of a logic high, and a second signal of 1200 Hz, representative of a logic low.
9. Apparatus as in claim 7 wherein the control signal comprises a 1990 Hz tone.
10. Apparatus as in claim 9 wherein the 1990 Hz tone is a carrier for an 83.3 Hz reference signal.
11. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the receiver is operable to receive a control signal only in response to receiving a 1990 Hz signal of a selected energy level.
12. Apparatus as in claim 11 wherein the receiver produces a serial bitstream having a logic high in resonse to receiving an 800 Hz frequency and a logic low in response to receiving a 1200 Hz frequency.
13. Apparatus as in claim 2 wherein the modem produces a serial bit stream wherein a serial word has eleven bits, eight bits being data, one bit being a start bit, one bit being a parity bit and one bit being a stop bit.
14. Apparatus as in claim 1 comprising a display coupled to the bus.
15. Apparatus as in claim 14 wherein the display comprises: a plurality of decoders; and a plurality of visual read out digital displays coupled to the plurality of decoders.
16. Apparatus as in claim 15 wherein the display comprises a plurality of visual annunciators; and a plurality of latches coupled to the plurality of annunciators and to the bus.
17. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the receiver has a receiver control latch coupled thereto, the transmitter has a transmitter control latch coupled thereto, the control means comprises a plurality of front panel latches which generate the control code word and comprising means for coupling the receiver control latch, the transmitter control latch and the front panel latches to the bus.
18. Apparatus as in claim 17 wherein the second memory has microinstructions stored therein for causing the processor to perform a normal measurement routine comprising the following steps: analyzing the control code; reading a look-up table stored by microinstruction in the second memory; setting the front panel latches corresponding to switch settings necessary to make a desired measurement in response to the look-up table and the control code word; enabling the receiver control latch to program the receiver into a configuration appropriate to the measurement; and making the measurement.
19. Apparatus as in claim 18 comprising a display wherein the second memory has microinstructions stored therein for causing the processor to apply data to the display.
20. Apparatus as in claim 17 wherein the transmitter produces a control signal and the second memory has microinstructions stored therein for causing the processor to perform a master/slave routine comprising the following steps: analyzing the control code word; reading a look-up table stored in the second memory; setting the front panel latches corresponding to switch settings necessary to make a desired measurement in response to the look-up table and the control code word; sending data corresponding to the direction of test and identifying the measurement by addressing the modem to transmit a control signal; enabling the receiver control latch to program the receiver into a configuration appropriate to make the measurement; and enabling the transmitter control latch to program the transmitter into a configuration appropriate to make the measurement.
21. Apparatus as in claim 17 wherein one of the plurality of manual switches and a corresponding one of the plurality of front panel latches are operable to generate a control code word placing the apparatus in a slave mode and the second memory has microinstructions stored therein for causing the processor to perform a master/slave routine comprising the following steps: analyzing the control code word; identifying the control code word corresponding to the slave mode and accessing received data from the second means in response to the identification; reading a look-up table stored in the second memory; setting the front panel latches corresponding to switch settings necessary to make a desired measurement in response to the look-up table and the received data; enabling the receiver control latch to program the receiver into a configuration appropriate to make the measurement; and enabling the transmitter control latch to program the transmitter into a configuration appropriate to make the measurement.
22. A method for testing a communication channel wherein a master processor controlled test instrument is coupled to one end of the communication channel and a slave processor controlled test instrument is coupled to another end of the communication channel, each instrument being responsive to control data comprising the steps of: transmitting control data corresponding to an abort operation from the master instrument to the slave instrument over the channel; transmitting control data corresponding to receipt of the abort message by the slave instrument over the channel in response to the slave instrument receiving the control data from the master instrument; transmitting control data identifying a measurement by the master instrument to the slave instrument over the channel; retransmitting the control data identifying the measurement and the direction of the measurement by the slave instrument back to the master instrument over the channel; transmitting control data corresponding to an execute command by the master instrument to the slave instrument over the channel; transmitting a two's complement of the control data corresponding to the execute command by the slave instrument to the master instrument over the channel; and transmitting measurement data.
23. A method as in claim 22 comprising the additional step of the master instrument displaying an error message in response to the slave instrument failing to respond to the master instrument with a control code identifying the measurement and measurement direction.
24. A method as in claim 22 wherein data is configured in an eleven-bit data word wherein the first bit is a start bit; the second and third bits identify the data as being measuement data and control data; the fourth through ninth bits identify measurement and duration; the tenth bit is a parity bit and the eleventh bit is a stop bit.
25. A method as in claim 22 wherein the step of transmitting measurement data comprises the steps of: transmitting an analog signal on the channel in the direction of the test; and transmitting a digital signal on the channel in the opposite direction of the test.
26. A method as in claim 25 wherein the step of transmitting a digital signal on the channel comprises the steps of: configuring the digital signal into eleven-bit words; configuring the words into a five-word data block; and transmitting the data block.
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