SLIC Line Testing via Time-Varying Voltage

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing line testing equipment in wired communication networks is expensive, requires significant space, and is typically used infrequently due to its bulkiness, making it inefficient for regular line fault detection and terminal device status monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for line testing that applies a voltage as a function of time with ramps and plateaus to communication lines, measuring current to calculate electrical properties, allowing for frequent and efficient line testing without additional space or equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated line testing equipment is used, then line testing can be performed, but the equipment is expensive and requires significant space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveline fault detection capabilityVSAvoidequipment space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the existing SLIC to perform both its original voice signal processing function and the additional line testing function. The SLIC's test facility, already present for voice testing, is extended to perform electrical property measurements on communication lines, eliminating the need for separate dedicated testing equipment and reducing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by having the SLIC test its own line properties using its intrinsic test facilities. The SLIC applies test voltages and measures currents through its existing circuitry, allowing the system to self-diagnose line conditions without requiring external dedicated testing equipment, thereby reducing both cost and space occupancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If dedicated line testing equipment is used, then line testing can be performed, but the equipment is expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveline fault detection capabilityVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the existing SLIC to perform both its original voice signal processing function and the additional line testing function. The SLIC's test facility, already present for voice testing, is extended to perform electrical property measurements on communication lines, eliminating the need for separate dedicated testing equipment and reducing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by having the SLIC test its own line properties using its intrinsic test facilities. The SLIC applies test voltages and measures currents through its existing circuitry, allowing the system to self-diagnose line conditions without requiring external dedicated testing equipment, thereby reducing both cost and space occupancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If one dedicated line testing equipment is used for many lines, then equipment resources are saved, but line testing can only be performed at larger intervals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment quantityVSAvoidline testing frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by having the SLIC test its own line properties using its intrinsic test facilities. The SLIC applies test voltages and measures currents through its existing circuitry, allowing the system to self-diagnose line conditions without requiring external dedicated testing equipment, thereby reducing both cost and space occupancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous line testing by integrating the testing capability into the SLIC's operational cycle. The SLIC can perform electrical property measurements during its normal operation without requiring separate dedicated testing equipment, allowing for more frequent and continuous monitoring of line conditions compared to batch testing with dedicated equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If dedicated line testing equipment is used, then line testing can be performed, but it requires significant space and is bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveline testing capabilityVSAvoidequipment portability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by having the SLIC test its own line properties using its intrinsic test facilities. The SLIC applies test voltages and measures currents through its existing circuitry, allowing the system to self-diagnose line conditions without requiring external dedicated testing equipment, thereby reducing both cost and space occupancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables cost-effective, space-efficient, and frequent line testing, effectively detecting faults and terminal device states, reducing the likelihood of service disruptions and improving network reliability.

Implementation Method 1

applying a voltage as a function of time on the communication line. The function includes at least one ramp and at least one plateau

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage application:

Implementation Method 2

measuring a current flowing via the communication line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

calculating at least one electrical property of the communication line based on the voltage and the current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOhm's Law: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS9025733B2Method and apparatus for line testing

Publication Date: 2015.05.05 MAXLINEAR INC

AI summary

A method of testing a communication line includes applying a voltage as a function of time on the communication line. The function includes at least one ramp and at least one plateau. The method includes measuring a current flowing via the communication line, and calculating at least one electrical property of the communication line based on the voltage and the current.