Patent ID: 6751253
Filing Date: 2004-06-15
Classification: G06F,H04M

Abstract:
A communication interface for coupling a portable telephone test set, containing a control processor therefor that is configured to be interfaced with and conduct testing of a telephone communication circuit, with a host computer that is operative to supply communication signals in the form of a software upgrade to an operational control program stored in said control processor of said portable telephone test set, said communication interface comprising:a first connector that is adapted to be coupled to said portable telephone test set, and providing access to, and deriving operational power exclusively from, a communication path of said portable telephone test set, said first connector having a single bidirectional communication port configured to provide bidirectional digital communication signal connectivity with said portable telephone test set; a second connector that is adapted to be coupled to said host computer, and providing access to, and deriving operational power exclusively from, a communication path of said host computer, said second connector having separate transmit and receive ports configured to provide separate digital communication signal connectivity to and from said host computer; a first isolator, coupled between said transmit port and said single bidirectional communication port, and being operative to provide voltage level-isolated, digital communication connectivity therethrough for communication signals sourced from said host computer for delivery to said portable telephone test set; a second isolator, coupled between said receive port and said single bidirectional communication port, and being operative to provide voltage level-isolated, digital communication connectivity therethrough for communication signals sourced from said portable telephone test set for delivery to said host computer; and an isolator controller, responsive to communication signals sourced from said host computer for delivery to said portable telephone test set, for preventing said second isolator from providing digital communication connectivity from said single bidirectional communication port therethrough.