Signal distribution system switching module
First Claim
1. In a signal distribution system having multiple switching matrix means for effecting connection between an equipment under test and at least one of a plurality of instruments, an interfacing means for connecting the equipment under test to a switching matrix means, each of the switching matrix means including a plurality of relays adapted to be selectively controlled by at least one controller means, each switching matrix means comprising:
- a plurality of I/O ports connected to the interfacing means, at least one of the I/O ports communicating with the equipment under test;
a corresponding number of first data lines each connectable directly to one of the I/O ports for providing digital signals from the equipment under test to at least one digital test instrument for measurement, at least one of the first data lines being connected to a switch means adaptable to connect that data line to a first analog instrument so that analog parameters of the digital signals transmitted on that data line are measured by the first analog instrument;
an instrument-to-bus matrix means for effecting communication between the switching matrix means and an intercard signal bus, the instrument-to-bus matrix means including a plurality of second data lines each having a relay means;
multiple matrix buses, corresponding in number to the I/O ports, each connectable to a particular I/O port for selectively providing a signal path between that I/O port and one of the second data lines of the instrument-to-bus matrix means, the one second data line connectable to at least an instrument means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The signal distribution function in a signal distribution system is performed in a switching matrix under the control of a hybrid controller. With respect to the switching matrix, there are approximately 120-140 available interface I/O connections such that an equipment under test can be selectively connected to any one of a plurality of test instruments. The relays within the switching matrix are selectively activated such that a signal path connecting the equipment under test to a particular test instrument can be accomplished with a minimum amount of switching path conflicts.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. In a signal distribution system having multiple switching matrix means for effecting connection between an equipment under test and at least one of a plurality of instruments, an interfacing means for connecting the equipment under test to a switching matrix means, each of the switching matrix means including a plurality of relays adapted to be selectively controlled by at least one controller means, each switching matrix means comprising:
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a plurality of I/O ports connected to the interfacing means, at least one of the I/O ports communicating with the equipment under test; a corresponding number of first data lines each connectable directly to one of the I/O ports for providing digital signals from the equipment under test to at least one digital test instrument for measurement, at least one of the first data lines being connected to a switch means adaptable to connect that data line to a first analog instrument so that analog parameters of the digital signals transmitted on that data line are measured by the first analog instrument; an instrument-to-bus matrix means for effecting communication between the switching matrix means and an intercard signal bus, the instrument-to-bus matrix means including a plurality of second data lines each having a relay means; multiple matrix buses, corresponding in number to the I/O ports, each connectable to a particular I/O port for selectively providing a signal path between that I/O port and one of the second data lines of the instrument-to-bus matrix means, the one second data line connectable to at least an instrument means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. In a signal distribution system having multiple switching matrix means for selectively connecting an equipment under test to at least one of a plurality of instruments, each switching matrix means being controlled by at least one controller means, the switching matrix means comprising:
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a plurality of I/O ports, at least one of the I/O ports being connected to the equipment under test; corresponding first switching means connected in a one-to-one relationship to the plurality of I/O ports; corresponding first data lines, each of the first data lines being connectable via a corresponding first switching means to a corresponding I/O port for providing digital signals from the equipment under test to a digital test instrument for measurement; multiple matrix buses, corresponding in number to the I/O ports, each connectable via a corresponding first switching means to a particular I/O port for selectively providing a signal path between that I/O port and one of a plurality of second data lines, each of the matrix buses including a plurality of relay means; wherein at least one of the first data lines is connected to a second switch means connectable to an analog instrument for measuring the analog parameters of the digital signals on that one first data line; and wherein at least one of the second data lines is connectable to an instrument means. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification