Harris Corporation

Pierce, Ben A.

Curtin, Leonard E.

Coffelt, Steven R.

Chan, Aaron

Steven R Coffelt

Thomas W Durston

Ben A Pierce

Leonard E Curtin

Wayne K Wong

Theodore E Chavannes

Aaron Chan

James D Eckman

George D Fleitz

A D channel monitor is provided which is capable of providing a plurality of operating modes for monitoring D channel operation. As such, the D channel monitor can include first and second interface elements which can be operated to appear as either an NT interface (for a TE) or as a TE interface (for an NT). A controller is provided which can control the first and second interface elements to appear as predetermined ones of the NT interface or the TE interface for respectively coupling to either a TE or an NT of the ISDN user terminal. A monitoring arrangement is also included for monitoring the D channel signals at the terminal which are received through either of the first and second interface elements. This monitoring arrangement includes means for indicating the status of the D channel signals to a user.

D channel monitor

An integrated services digital network (ISDN) traffic generator adapter is provided for coupling an analog traffic generator which produces a plurality of commands and analog telephone signals to an ISDN switch. In particular, first circuits provide a plurality of two-way communication links between the analog traffic generator and the ISDN switch. Each of said first circuits includes elements for converting the analog telephone signals from the analog traffic generator into a plurality of ISDN signals, including B channel information and D channel information, for said ISDN switch, and elements for converting a plurality of ISDN signals from the ISDN switch, including B channel information and D channel information, into analog telephone signal for said analog traffic generator. A processor is coupled to the plurality of first circuits for selectively addressing individual ones of said plurality of first circuits. Also, a D channel monitor is coupled to the processor for monitoring D channel communication between the first circuits and the ISDN switch. The D channel monitor can selectively monitor D channel communication between the first circuits and the ISDN switch for individual two-way communication links between the analog traffic generator and the ISDN switch in accordance with the selection of one of the first circuits by the processor.

ISDN traffic generator adapter

The telephone line test capability of a craftsperson's test set is supplemented by communication/interface circuitry which carries out data communications with a host central office control processor, and contains memory for storing (task assignment) information downloaded from the central office control processor. This task assignment information stored in the test set-communications unit may be coupled from the unit to an associated printer for providing a hard copy of service assignment information to the field technician. In addition to printing out the downloaded task assignment information, the printer unit contains a charging circuit which charges a rechargeable battery in the handset for powering its internal circuitry. During off-duty hours, the test set may be connected to a home dispatch unit installed in the craftsperson's home and through which the handset is coupled to a telephone link for providing off-duty communications with the central office processor without technician intervention. The home dispatch unit also contains a battery charging circuit through which the test set's internal battery is charged when the test set is coupled to the dispatch unit and communications between the central office and the test set-communication unit are not taking place.

Test set communication/interface system

A direct access test unit for testing subscriber lines is located in the central office and is accessable from a remote location through a standard ground start line circuit. The field technician involved in a troubleshooting problem dials the number of the ground start line circuit followed by a security code to gain access to the test unit which then returns dial tone. Dialing the number of a subscriber line to be tested provides for access to that line via the test unit and a test trunk connected thereto. Various tests may be performed on the subscriber line thus accessed by dialing a selected digit to identify the test. The test unit provides voice messages to the field technician to instruct in the use of the test unit and explain the available test operations and how they may be initiated.

Direct access test unit for central office

Growing community of inventors

Camarillo, CA, United States of America

Steven R Coffelt