Patent ID: 6526362
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A test meter for a data communication network having first and second data lines, data bits on said network being represented by signals on said data lines including a relatively high signal on one of said lines and relatively low signal on the other of said lines and including dominant and recessive bits occurring in succession comprising:an input connector for connecting to said network; a transceiver receiving data on said data lines and generating an output stream of data signals in accordance with a protocol of said network; a data processor receiving the output stream of said transceiver and processing the same according to a stored program; at least first and second analog-to-digital converters respectively having controlled sampling times in timed relation with each other and coupled respectively to said input connector for generating sampled digital signal representations of the data on each of said data lines of said network respectively, said data processor coupled to receive the output signals of said analog-to-digital converters; and a visual display having a numeric display and indicia display for representing acceptable or unacceptable conditions being measured by said meter; said data processor being programmed to enter an auto search mode upon actuation by a user to cycle through predetermined network operating parameters incorporating the signals on said first and second data lines, said data processor storing data representative of an acceptable state of conditions and an unacceptable state of conditions for each network parameter being measured, said data processor controlling the sampling of said analog-to-digital converters and comparing the measured data from said analog-to-digital converters to associated data of said stored data and actuating said indicia display to evidence one of said acceptable and unacceptable conditions for selected ones of said network parameters, and actuating said numeric display to indicate the value thereof.