System and method for telephone signal collection and analysis

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method for telephone signal collection, processing, and analysis is provided. The apparatus includes a portable field unit for capturing telephone signal data including (a) a connection interface for connecting to the telephone line and receiving telephone signal data; (b) a signal recorder for digitally capturing the telephone signal data over a specified period by a plurality of simultaneous sampling methods, wherein a plurality of data streams result from each sampling method; (c) data storage for storing the data streams as a data file; and (d) an output port for transmitting the data file to a remote system. The sampling methods comprise distinct sampling rates and/or distinct input sensitivity levels. The apparatus includes in an alternate embodiment a voice recorder for recording a voice file, wherein the voice file is associated with the data file. This will enable the technician to provide input of his observations of the telephone signal. The voice recorder includes a user interface to allow for manual starting or stopping and a speaker is provided for playback. The portable field unit also includes a visual display for displaying AC and DC voltages measured on the connection interface and audio output for playback of telephone signal data and voice data.