FR2889594A1 - Alien cross-talking testing system for cables, has interconnection base unit controlling non-simultaneous transmissions of RF test signals at same frequency on disturber cables as commanded by measurement unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has an alien cross-talk measurement unit measuring an alien cross-talk signal generated on a victim cable based on alien cross-talk coupling between the victim cable and a disturber cable. An interconnection base unit (370) controls non-simultaneous transmissions of RF test signals by a set of alien cross-talk test signal units at a same frequency on the disturber cables as commanded by the measurement unit. An independent claim is also included for a method of operating an interconnection base unit.

Description

INTERCONNECTION AND CONTROL OF CROSSTALK TEST SIGNAL UNITS

FOREIGN

  CROSS REFERENCE TO A RELATED REQUEST

  This application is a partial sequel to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 196,113 entitled "TEST SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FIELD MEASUREMENT OF ALIEN CROSS-TALK" and filed August 3, 2005.

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Foreign crosstalk between cables reduces the operating bandwidth of a wiring channel due to an increased level of crosstalk noise that decreases the overall signal-to-noise ratio. For example, in the recent deployment of rapid network management, the measurement of foreign crosstalk has become an important topic.

  An accumulated foreign crosstalk measurement typically involves a "victim" cable having four (4) pairs of wires tested with a number n of "interfering" cables, each having four (4) pairs of wires. A specific approach is to test the "victim" cable with only one of the "disruptive" cables at a time in the context of a separate measure of cumulative foreign crosstalk ("PSANEXT") and cumulative foreign far-end ("PSAFEXT"). ) for each pair of wires. Disadvantages of this approach are that it takes a lot of time and is prone to errors.

  Another specific approach is to enclose the "victim" cable with a number n of "disruptive" cables that are excited by white noise. Disadvantages of this approach are its complexity and its power consumption with imprecise measurement.

  There is therefore a demand to provide a solution for testing foreign crosstalk in a comprehensive, practical, cost-effective and appropriate manner.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a foreign crosstalk test that is comprehensive, practical, cost effective and appropriate. In particular, a foreign crosstalk test involving non-simultaneous RF test signal transmissions at the same frequency for different interfering cables and support for attenuation of foreign crosstalk.

  A first form of the present invention is a foreign crosstalk test system comprising a plurality of foreign crosstalk test signal units, a foreign crosstalk measurement unit, and an interconnect base unit. Each foreign crosstalk test signal unit is in electrical communication with a different interfering cable to participate in transmission of an RF test signal thereon. The foreign crosstalk unit is in electrical communication with a victim cable to measure a foreign crosstalk signal generated on the victim cable in response to any foreign crosstalk coupling between the victim cable and one or more of the interfering cables. . The interconnect base unit is in electrical communication with the foreign crosstalk measurement unit and the plurality of foreign crosstalk test signal units for controlling non-simultaneous transmissions by the plurality of signal units. foreign crosstalk test of RF test signals at the same frequency on disturbing cables as ordered by the foreign crosstalk measurement unit.

  A second form of the present invention is an interconnect base unit comprising an interconnect interface and a control module. In operation, the interconnect interface 2889594 3 establishes electrical communication between the interconnect base unit and a plurality of foreign crosstalk test signal units connected to a plurality of interfering cables for transmitting data. RF test signals on them. The interconnect interface further establishes electrical communication between the interconnect base unit and a foreign crosstalk unit connected to a victim cable for measuring a foreign crosstalk signal generated on the victim cable in response to any foreign crosstalk coupling between the victim cable and one or more interfering cables. On the basis of the electrical communications, the control module controls non-simultaneous transmissions by the plurality of foreign crosstalk signal units of the RF test signals at the same frequency on the interfering cables as ordered by the measurement unit. foreign crosstalk.

  A third form of the present invention is a method of operating an interconnect base unit. The method includes establishing an electrical communication between the interconnect base unit and a plurality of foreign crosstalk test signal units connected to a plurality of interfering cables for transmitting RF test signals to those an establishment of an electrical communication between the interconnect base unit and a foreign crosstalk unit connected to a victim cable for measuring a foreign crosstalk signal generated on the victim cable in response to any coupling of foreign crosstalk between the victim cable and one or more of the interfering cables, and control of non-simultaneous transmissions by the plurality of foreign crosstalk test signal units of the RF test signals at the same frequency on the interfering cables as ordered by the unit of measurement of foreign crosstalk.

  The aforementioned forms and other forms, as well as objects and advantages of the present invention, will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the various embodiments of the present invention read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings merely illustrate the invention instead of limiting it, the scope of the present invention being defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

  Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a foreign crosstalk test system according to the present invention; Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a foreign crosstalk test signal unit illustrated in Fig. 1 according to the present invention; Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the foreign crosstalk test signal unit illustrated in Fig. 2 according to the present invention; Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an embodiment of a switch illustrated in Figure 3 according to the present invention; Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a keypad / LED indicator shown in Fig. 3 according to the present invention; Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment of an operating mode diagram of a foreign crosstalk test signal unit according to the present invention; Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the foreign crosstalk test system illustrated in Fig. 1 according to the present invention; Fig. 9 illustrates a flowchart representative of an embodiment of an RF test signal generating method according to the present invention; Fig. 10 illustrates a flowchart representative of an embodiment of an RF test signal termination method according to the present invention; Fig. 11 illustrates a flowchart representative of an embodiment of a foreign crosstalk signal termination method according to the present invention; Fig. 12 illustrates a representative flowchart of a first embodiment of a foreign crosstalk measurement method according to the present invention; Fig. 13 illustrates an exemplary near end PSANEXT of the foreign crosstalk system shown in Fig. 8 according to the present invention; Fig. 14 illustrates an exemplary far end PSAFEXT of the foreign crosstalk system shown in Fig. 8 according to the present invention; Fig. 15 illustrates an exemplary far end PSANEXT of the foreign crosstalk system shown in Fig. 8 according to the present invention; Fig. 16 illustrates an exemplary near end PSAFEXT of the foreign crosstalk system shown in Fig. 8 according to the present invention; Fig. 17 illustrates a flowchart representative of an embodiment of a manual transmission mode selection method according to the present invention; Fig. 18 illustrates a flowchart representative of an embodiment of an automatic listening mode selection method according to the present invention; Fig. 19 illustrates a representative flowchart of an embodiment of a manual listening mode selection method according to the present invention; Fig. 20 illustrates a flowchart representative of an embodiment of an automatic transmission mode selection method according to the present invention; Fig. 21 illustrates a flowchart representative of an embodiment of an RF frequency scan test signal transmission method according to the present invention; Fig. 22 illustrates a flowchart representative of an embodiment of an RF frequency scanning measurement method according to the present invention; Fig. 23 illustrates an embodiment of an RF sweep test signal according to the present invention; Fig. 24 illustrates an embodiment of an RF frequency measurement sweep according to the present invention; Fig. 25 illustrates exemplary crosstalk between the RF sweep test signal shown in Fig. 23 and the RF frequency sweep shown in Fig. 24; Fig. 26 illustrates a flowchart representative of an embodiment of a cumulative foreign crosstalk determination method according to the present invention; Fig. 27 illustrates a second embodiment of a foreign crosstalk test system according to the present invention; Fig. 28 illustrates an embodiment of various units of the foreign crosstalk test system shown in Fig. 27 according to the present invention; Fig. 29 illustrates an embodiment of a control module shown in Fig. 28 according to the present invention; Fig. 30 illustrates a first embodiment of an interconnection between an interconnect base unit and foreign crosstalk test signal units according to the present invention; Fig. 31 illustrates a second embodiment of an interconnection between an interconnect base unit and foreign crosstalk test signal units according to the present invention; Fig. 32 illustrates an embodiment of the foreign crosstalk test system illustrated in Fig. 27 according to the present invention; Fig. 33 illustrates an embodiment of a cable identification method according to the present invention; Fig. 34 illustrates a representative flowchart of a second embodiment of a foreign crosstalk measurement method according to the present invention; Fig. 35 illustrates a flowchart representative of an embodiment of an interconnection control method according to the present invention; Fig. 36 illustrates a representative flowchart of a first embodiment of a non-simultaneous transmission control method according to the present invention; Fig. 37 illustrates exemplary RF test signals generated by the flowchart shown in Fig. 36 according to the present invention; Fig. 38 illustrates a flowchart representative of an embodiment of a cable identification method according to the present invention; Figs. 39 and 40 illustrate representative flowcharts of a second embodiment of a non-simultaneous transmission control method according to the present invention; and Fig. 41 illustrates exemplary RF test signals generated by the flowcharts shown in Figs. 39 and 40 according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 illustrates a foreign crosstalk test system 40 of the present invention using a pair of foreign crosstalk measurement units 50 and a number N of foreign crosstalk test signal unit pairs 60, where N 1. In general, crosstalk units 50 are structurally configured to be connected to opposite ends of a victim cable 30 having a number M of pairs of wires, and each pair of signal units of foreign crosstalk test 60 is structurally configured to be connected to the opposite ends of an interfering cable 31 having a number M of wire pairs, where M 1. Each pair of crosstalk generators 60 is further structurally configured to generating a foreign crosstalk test signal at one end of the connected disturbing cable 31 and terminating the foreign crosstalk test signal at the other end end of the interfering cable 31. The crosstalk measurement units 50 are further structurally configured to measure a foreign crosstalk signal at one end of the victim cable 30, and to terminate the foreign crosstalk signal at the other end of the cable. 30. The foreign crosstalk signal on the victim cable 30 is generated by foreign crosstalk coupling between the victim cable 30 and a disturbing cable 31 when a foreign crosstalk test signal is transmitted between the signal units of corresponding foreign crosstalk test 60.

  In practice, the present invention imposes no limitation or restriction on the structural embodiments of foreign crosstalk measurement units 50 and foreign crosstalk test signal units 60. Thus, the following descriptions of various embodiments Structural features of the foreign crosstalk units 50 in connection with Figs. 11 and 12, and various structural embodiments of the foreign crosstalk test signal units 60 in connection with Figs. 2 to 10 do not limit or restrict the frame of the structural embodiments of foreign crosstalk measurement units 50 and structural embodiments of the foreign crosstalk test signal units 60.

  Fig. 2 illustrates a general embodiment 61 of the foreign crosstalk test signal unit 60 (Fig. 1). The foreign crosstalk test signal unit 61 uses a cable plug 70 (e.g., an RJ-45 plug), a communication interface 80, a control module 90, and a transmit / receive module 100. cable plug 70 is structurally configured to connect the test unit 61 to one end of an interfering cable 31 having four (4) pairs of wires (i.e. M = 4) as shown. The communication interface 80 is structurally configured to transmit and receive foreign crosstalk test signals, with another test unit 61 connected to an opposite end of the interfering cable 31 (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the communication interface 80 is further structurally configured to exchange logic instructions from the control module 90 with another test unit 61 connected to an opposite end of the interfering cable. 31.

  The transmit / receive module 100 is structurally configured to selectively transmit a foreign crosstalk test signal through the interface 80 to another test unit 61 connected to the opposite end of the interfering cable 31 or to terminate a foreign crosstalk test signal received through interface 80 from another test unit 61 connected to the opposite end of the interfering cable 31. The control module 90 is configured structurally to selectively adjust the transmit / receive module 100 as a foreign crosstalk test signal transmitter or a foreign crosstalk test signal terminal based on instructions received by the control module In one embodiment, the control module 90 is further structurally configured to manually receive instructions from a user of the test unit 61. a second embodiment, the control module 90 is further structurally configured to receive logic instructions via the interface 80 from another test unit 61 connected to the opposite end of the In a third embodiment, the control is further structurally configured to receive both manual instructions and logic instructions.

  In an alternative embodiment of the test unit 61, the transmit / receive module 100 may be structurally configured to selectively transmit a foreign crosstalk test signal through the interface 80. to another test unit 61 connected to the opposite end of the interfering cable 31 or to be placed in an unoccupied state. For this alternative embodiment, the transmit / receive module 100 is selectively set by the control module 90 either as an active foreign crosstalk test signal transmitter or as a foreign crosstalk test signal transmitter. unoccupied.

  In an alternative embodiment of the test unit 61, the transmit / receive module 100 may be structurally configured to selectively terminate a foreign crosstalk test signal received through the interface. 80 of another test unit 61 connected to the opposite end of the interfering cable 31 or to be placed in an unoccupied state. For this alternative embodiment, the transmit / receive module 100 is selectively set by the control module 90 either as an active foreign crosstalk test signal terminal or as a crosstalk test signal terminal. unoccupied foreigner.

  Fig. 3 illustrates a specific embodiment 62 of the foreign crosstalk test signal unit 60 (Fig. 1). The crosstalk test unit 62 uses a cable tap 71, a communication interface 81, a control module 91 and a transmit / receive module 101. The cable tap 71 is structurally configured to connect the receiver. Test unit 62 at one end of an interfering cable 31 having four (4) pairs of wires (i.e., M = 4) as shown.

  The communication interface 81 comprises a broadband receiver 82 configured structurally for exchanging instructions with and receiving foreign crosstalk test signals in the form of RF test signals from another communication unit. test 62 connected to an opposite end of the interfering cable 31 (not shown).

  The communication interface 81 further includes an amplitude modulator 83 structurally configured to amplitude modulate and transmit foreign crosstalk test signals as an RF test signal to another unit of measurement. test 62 connected to an opposite end of the interfering cable 31.

  The transmit / receive module 101 includes a switch 102, a resistive signal terminal 103 and an RF signal generator 104. The switch 102 is structurally configured to switch between the resistive signal terminal 103 and the RF signal generator. 104, as ordered by a controller 94 of the control module 91.

  The resistive signal terminal 103 is structurally configured to terminate RF test signals received through the receiver 82 from another test unit 62 connected to the opposite end of the interfering cable 31 when the resistive signal terminal 103 is connected to the broadband receiver 82 through the switch 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the resistive signal terminal 103 is structurally configured theoretically to provide a differential termination of 100 and a The RF signal generator 104 is structurally configured to generate the RF test signal having a defined test sequence, as ordered by the controller 94 (e.g., linear, logarithmic, etc.). raised and lowered), so that the RF test signal is transmitted via the modulator 83 to another test unit 62 with connected to the amplitude modulator 83 via the switch 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the RF signal generator 104 is configured in theory to generate an alternating current signal (for example, sine waves, square waves, triangular waves, sawtooth waves and the like) so that the RF test signal has a sequence of testing as ordered by the controller 94, such as a frequency scan test signal having a fixed high sequence at frequencies in a foreign crosstalk measurement range (e.g., 1 MHz to 1 GHz). Those skilled in the art will appreciate other types of test sequences for a frequency sweep test signal that are applicable to the present invention.

  Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an exemplary structural configuration of the switch 102 in the context of the interfering cable 31 having the four (4) pairs of wires. Referring to FIG. 4, the switch 102 is structurally configured to connect the resistive signal terminal 103 via the receiver 82 (not shown) to all four (4) pairs of disturbing cable wires 31 when the controller 94 instructs it to connect the resistive signal terminal 103 to the interfering cable 31. Referring to FIG. 5, the switch 102 is structurally configured to connect the RF signal generator 104 to a specific pair of (4) ) pairs of wires of the interfering cable 31 via the modulator 83 (not shown) when the controller 94 instructs it to connect the RF signal generator 104 to the specific pair of (4) pairs of wires of the interfering cable 31. In the context where the RF test signal is a high RF sweep test signal, the controller 94 can instruct the switch 102 to individually select each pair of wires during each frequency of the RF high frequency scan test signal.

  Referring again control 91 comprises a mode 92, an encoder / decoder 93 and a 94. The keypad / LED indicator 92 is structurally configured to visually indicate a mode of operation of the test unit 62 as well. only to provide keys to facilitate manual instruction input into the controller 94. Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the LED keypad / indicator 92 as mounted outside the control unit. 62 test.

  Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, the indicator 92 comprises four (4) pairs of light emitting diodes ("LEDs") 95 and an operating mode designation 96 and three (3) pairs of keys 97 and a designation of instruction 98. Activation of the LED 95 (1) indicates that the test unit 62 is energized. Activation of the LED 95 (2) indicates that the test unit 62 is set in a transmission mode defined by a connection of the generator of the controller indicator module in Figure 3, the keypad / RF signal 104 the amplitude modulator 83 through the switch 102, as ordered by the controller 94, so that the test unit 62 functions as an RF signal transmitter. Activation of the LED 95 (3) indicates that the test unit 62 is set to a listening mode defined by a connection of the resistive signal terminal to the broadband receiver 82 via the switch 102, as ordered by the controller 94, so that the test unit 62 functions as an active RF signal terminal. Activation of the LED 95 (3) indicates that the test unit 62 is reset in a terminating mode defined by a connection of the resistive signal terminal to the broadband receiver 82 through the switch 102, as ordered by the controller 94, so that the test unit 62 functions as a default RF signal terminal.

  The key 97 (1) allows a user of the test unit 62 to manually select one of the modes of operation of the test unit 62 from the transmit mode, the listen mode, and the terminate mode. in such a way that a mode selection is indicated by one of the LEDs 95 (2), 95 (3) and 95 (4). The key 97 (2) allows a user of the test unit 62 to reset the test unit 62 and another test unit 62 connected to an opposite end of the interfering cable 31 so as to that the reset is indicated by an activation of the LED 95 (4). The key 97 (3) allows a user of the test unit 62 to turn on or off the test unit 62 as indicated by activation or deactivation of the LED 95 (1).

  Referring again to FIG. 3, the encoder / decoder 93 is structurally configured to encode instructions generated by the controller 94 for another test unit 62 connected to an opposite end of the interfering cable 31 and to decode instructions received from the controller 94 from another test unit 62 connected to an opposite end of the interfering cable 31. In one embodiment, the instructions are in the form of RF logic signals which are coded and decoded as necessary according to the following table 1:

TABLE 1

  The controller 94 is structurally configured to control a test sequence of the RF test signal by the RF signal generator 104, to set the switch 102 as ordered (manually or logically) to thereby control a transmission of the RF signal. RF test signal to another test unit 62 connected to the opposite end of the interfering cable 31 or terminating an RF test signal received from another test unit connected to the opposite end of the interfering cable 31 and to exchange logic instructions according to Table 1 with another test unit 62 connected to an opposite end of the interfering cable 31. These logic functions allow the controller 94 to control the operating mode of the test unit 62 when the test unit serves as a remote test unit. Figure 7 01 10 11 00 Reset- Return / unoccupied mode operation-check switch cation

SIGNAL

ACTION LOGIC

  illustrates a state diagram of the test unit 62 to facilitate understanding of the operating mode command that the controller 94 presents.

  Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a shutdown of the system 110 is an initial state of the test unit 62. The controller 94 passes the test unit 62 to a termination mode 81 as represented by the arrow " ON "in response to power up of the generator 60 through the on / off key 97 (3) as indicated by LED 95 (1). In a manual context, a user of the test unit 62 may use the mode select key 97 (1) to sequence between the transmit mode 113, the listen mode 112, and the terminate mode 111 as represented by the arrows "MODE SELECTION". In a logical context, the test unit 62 may automatically switch between the termination mode 111, the listen mode 112 and the transmit mode 113 as represented by the "SWITCH" arrows in response to received logic instructions 10. another test unit 62 connected to an opposite end of the interfering cable 31. In addition, the test unit 62 can immediately switch from a listen mode 112 and a transmit mode 113 to a termination mode 111 as shown. by the "RESET" arrows in response to a manual instruction via the reset key 97 (2) (FIG. 6) or in response to a logic instruction 01 received from another test unit 62 connected to a opposite end of the interfering cable 31. At any time, the test unit 62 can be brought to a standstill of the system 110 following a power down of the test unit 62 by means of the control key. put on / off 97 (3) as shown by the "OFF" arrows.

  According to the state diagram, a corresponding operating mode of a near end test and a far end test involving the test unit 62 is shown in the following Table 2:

TABLE 2

STANDY ANEXT AFEXT

  CLOSED END-OPERATION MODE OPERATION NEAREST CLOSE-END MODE: Transmit-End Mode OPERATION REMOTE EXTREMITY OUTPUT A description of an exemplary foreign crosstalk environment will now be provided here to assist in understanding a crosstalk test. foreign according to the present invention. In the exemplary foreign crosstalk environment as shown in FIG. 8, the number M of wire pairs for the cables is four (4) and the number N of interfering cables is three (3).

  Referring to Fig. 8, a local alien crosstalk measurement unit ("ACTMU") 51 (L) is connected to an end of the victim cable 30 and a distant alien crosstalk unit 51 (R) is connected to an opposite end of the victim cable 30. In one embodiment, the foreign crosstalk units 51 are spectrum analyzers (e.g., a WireScope and a DualRemote, respectively, as marketed by Agilent) or test devices. field cable circuit having RJ-45 or equivalent jacks and memories which are programmed with computer code to selectively implement a foreign crosstalk termination method according to a flowchart 140 illustrated in FIG. 11 and a method of measuring foreign crosstalk according to a flowchart 150 shown in Fig. 12, as will be explained further here.

  The three (3) alien crosstalk test signal unit ("ACTTSU") pairings 62 each involve a local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 62 (L) connected to an end of a disturbing cable 31 and a remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 62 (R) connected to an opposite end of the interfering cable 31. A controller 94 of each test unit 62 is programmed to selectively implement a signal generation method. RF test according to a flowchart 120 shown in Fig. 9 and an RF test signal termination method according to a flowchart 130 shown in Fig. 10, as will be further explained here.

  Flowcharts 120 and 130 will now be explained in the context of each test unit 62 which is in the termination mode before receiving an instruction to switch to either the transmit mode or the listen mode.

  Referring to Fig. 9, the controller 94 of a test unit 62 implements the flowchart 120 in response to the test unit 62 serving as a local test unit as part of a Cumulative foreign crosstalk near end ("PSANEXT") test shown in Figure 13 or a cumulative foreign far-end far-end ("PSAFEXT") end cable test shown in Figure 14, or as a remote test unit as part of a far end PSANEXT cable test shown in Fig. 15 or a near end PSAFEXT cable test shown in Fig. 16. A step S122 of the flow chart 120 includes the fact that the controller 94 switches a corresponding test unit 62 from the termination mode to the transmit mode, and a step S124 of the flowchart 120 includes the fact that the controller 94 instructs the RF signal generator 104 to generate the signal. RF test ("RFT") so that the E signal ssai RF is transmitted by the test unit 62 to the connected disturbing cable 31, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the controller 94 of a test unit 62 implements the flow chart 130 in response to the fact that the test unit 62 serves as a remote test unit within the scope of FIG. A near-end PSANEXT cable test shown in Figure 13 or a remote end PSAFEXT cable test shown in Figure 14, or local test unit as part of a cable test. A remote end PSANEXT shown in Fig. 15 or a near end PSAFEXT cable test shown in Fig. 16. A step S132 of the flow chart 130 includes the fact that the controller 94 switches a corresponding test unit. 62 from the terminating mode to the listening mode, and a step S134 of the flowchart 130 includes the fact that the resistive signal terminal 103 terminates the RF test signal transmitted on the connected disturbing cable 31, as shown in FIGS. .

  Referring to Fig. 11, a controller (not shown) of the measurement unit 51 implements the flow chart 140 in response to the fact that the measurement unit 51 serves as a remote measurement unit within the scope of A near end PSANEXT cable test shown in Figure 13 or a near end PSAFEXT cable test shown in Figure 16, or local measurement unit as part of a PSAFEXT cable test. a remote end end shown in Fig. 14 or a far end PSANEXT cable test shown in Fig. 15. A step S142 of the flow chart 140 includes the fact that the controller of the measurement unit 51 is switched from an idle state to a terminating mode, and a step S144 of the flowchart 140 includes the fact that a measurement unit 51 terminates a foreign crosstalk signal ("ACT") generated on the victim cable 30 in response to foreign crosstalk couplings 32 between the victim cable 30 and the cables as the RF test signals are transmitted on the interfering cables 31, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16.

  Referring to FIG. 12, the controller of a measurement unit 51 implements the flow chart 150 in response to the fact that the measurement unit 51 serves as a local measurement unit in the context of a test run. Near end PSANEXT cable shown in Figure 13 or a near end PSAFEXT cable test shown in Figure 16 or remote measurement unit as part of a remote end cable test PSAFEXT shown Fig. 14 or a remote end PSANEXT cable test shown in Fig. 15. A step S152 of the flowchart 150 includes the fact that the controller of the measurement unit 51 is switched from an unoccupied state. in a measurement mode, and a step 5154 of the flowchart 150 includes the fact that a measurement unit 51 measures the foreign crosstalk signal generated on the victim cable 30 in response to foreign crosstalk couplings 32 between the victim cable 30 and disruptive cables 31 as as the RF test signals are transmitted over the interfering cables 31 as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16. A final step S165 of the flowchart 150 includes the fact that the controller of the measurement unit 61 determines the foreign crosstalk on the victim cable 31 based on the measured foreign crosstalk signal.

  Exemplary embodiments of the flowcharts 120 to 150 will now be described herein in connection with FIGS. 17 to 26 in the context where each test unit 62 shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 is placed in the termination mode prior to receiving a instruction to switch to either the transmit mode or the listen mode.

  Fig. 17 illustrates a flowchart 160 representative of a manual transmission mode selection method of the present invention applicable to test units 62 serving as local test units in a near end PSANEXT shown on Fig. 13 and a far end PSAFEXT shown in Fig. 14. A step S162 of the flow chart 160 includes the fact that a controller 94 of the local test unit 62 (L) receives an instruction from mode selection through a single actuation of the key 97 (1) (FIG. 6) to switch the local test unit 62 (L) from the termination mode to the transmit mode and communicates two (2) instructions of Switch mode of operation "10" to a corresponding remote test unit 62 (R) to switch from termination mode to transmit mode and then to listen mode. A step S164 of the flowchart 160 includes that controller 94 of the local test unit 62 (L) exchanges verification instructions "11" with the remote test unit 62 (R) and switches the local test unit 62 (L) in the transmit mode.

  FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart 170 representative of an automatic listening mode selection method of the present invention applicable to the test units 62 serving as remote test units in the context of a near end PSANEXT shown on FIG. Fig. 13 and a far end PSAFEXT shown in Fig. 14. A step S172 of the flow chart 170 includes a controller 94 of the remote test unit 62 (R) receiving both (Fig. 2) switch operation mode instructions "10" of the local test unit 62 (L) to switch the remote test unit 62 (R) from the termination mode to the transmit mode and then to the listen mode. A step S174 of the flow chart 170 includes that the controller 94 of the remote test unit 62 (R) exchanges verification instructions "11" with the local test unit 62 (L) and switches the remote test unit 62 (R) from the termination mode to the transmit mode and then to the listen mode.

  Fig. 19 illustrates a flowchart 180 representative of a manual listening mode selection method of the present invention applicable to test units 62 serving as local test units in a far end PSANEXT shown on FIG. 15 and a near end PSAFEXT shown in FIG. 16. A step S182 of the flow chart 180 includes the fact that a controller 94 of the local test unit 62 (L) receives two (2) ) mode selection instructions by dual operation of the key 97 (1) (Fig. 6) to switch the local test unit 62 (L) from the termination mode to the transmit mode and then to the listen mode , and communicates a single switch operation mode instruction "10" to a corresponding remote test unit 62 (R) to switch from the termination mode to the transmit mode. A step S184 of the flowchart 180 includes that the controller 94 of the local test unit 62 (L) exchanges verification instructions "il" with the remote test unit 62 (R) and switches the local test unit 62 (L) in listen mode.

  FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart 190 representative of an automatic transmission mode selection method of the present invention applicable to the test units 62 serving as remote test units in the context of a far end PSANEXT shown on FIG. Figure 15 and a near end PSAFEXT shown in Figure 16.

  A step S192 of the flowchart 190 includes that a controller 94 of the remote test unit 62 (R) receives the switch operation mode instruction "10" from the local test unit 62 (L) to switch the remote test unit 62 (R) from the termination mode to the transmit mode. A step S194 of the flow chart 190 includes that controller 94 of the remote test unit 62 (R) exchanges verification instructions "11" with the local test unit 62 (L) and switches the remote test unit 62 (R) from termination mode to transmit mode.

  Fig. 21 illustrates a flowchart 200 representative of an RF frequency scan test signal output method of the present invention as practiced by each test unit 62 shown in Figs. 16 which are switched to the transmit mode. A step S202 includes the fact that a controller 94 of a transmit mode test unit 62 controls a transmission of an RF frequency scan test signal on the connected disturbing cable 31. A test signal of As exemplified in FIG. 23, an exemplary RF frequency sweep has a frequency sweep range of fMIN (for example 1 MHz) to fmm (for example 1 GHz) over a period of time T so that the frequency of the signal is increased in increments of a frequency step size of Of during each time period At. In addition, for a four (4) pair wire, the signal is transmitted to a different pair of wires for 1 / 40t for each pitch dimension Af, as shown in Figure 23.

  Referring again to FIG. 21, a step S204 of the flowchart 200 includes the fact that a controller 94 of the transmit mode test unit 62 determines whether to repeat the transmission of the signal of RF frequency scanning test on the interfering cable 31 or terminating the flowchart 200. In one embodiment, a determination strategy is implemented in step S204, the determination strategy being based on a recognition that all the test units 62 placed in the transmission mode may or may not be synchronized with the measurement units 50, so that it may be necessary to repeat the transmission for a certain period of time to ensure a measurement correct foreign crosstalk on the victim cable 30.

  Fig. 22 illustrates a flowchart 210 representative of an RF frequency scanning measurement method of the present invention as practiced by each measurement unit 51 shown in Figs. 13-16 which is switched to the mode. measured.

  A step S212 includes the fact that the measurement unit 51 performs an RF frequency measurement scan of the victim cable 30. An exemplary RF frequency measurement scan of which three (3) steps are shown in FIG. frequency sweep of fMIN (for example 1 MHz) to fmAx (for example 1 GHz) for a period of time xT (where x is the number of steps in frequency), so that the frequency of the measurement sweep is increased in increments of a step size in frequency 4f during each time period T. Referring again to Fig. 22, a step S214 of the flowchart 200 includes the fact that a measurement unit 51 determines whether it is necessary to repeat the RF frequency measurement scan on the victim cable 30 or to complete the flow chart 220. In one embodiment, a determination strategy is implemented during step S214, the determination strategy being based on sure a recognition that all the test units 62 placed in the transmission mode can be synchronized or not with the measurement unit 51, so that it may be necessary to repeat the measurement scan for a number of of times.

  FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary measurement of a foreign crosstalk signal on the victim cable in the context where the RF sweep test signals of FIG. 23 are transmitted simultaneously and asynchronously on the interfering cables 31 and the RF measurement sweep of FIG. 24 is performed on the victim cable 30 for a particular frequency f. As shown in Fig. 25 for one of the periods T of the RF frequency measurement scan, exemplary foreign crosstalk data samples P (t1), P (t2), P (t3), and P (t4) in FIG. foreign crosstalk signal on the victim cable appear for respective time periods t1, t2, t3 and t4. Specifically, a sample of foreign crosstalk data P (tl) is generated in response to the RF sweep test signal on the interfering cable 31 (3) and the RF frequency sweep on the victim cable having a frequency f during the time period t1, as shown in FIG. 25. The foreign crosstalk data sample P (t2) is generated in response to the RF sweep test signal on the interfering cable 31 (1) and to the RF frequency measurement sweep on the victim cable 30 having the frequency f during the time period t2, as shown in FIG. 25. The foreign crosstalk data sample P (t3) is generated in response to the signal of RF frequency scan test on the interfering cable 31 (2) and the RF frequency measurement scan on the victim cable 30 having the frequency f during the time period t3, as shown in FIG. 25. The data sample of diapho The foreign signal P (t4) is generated in response to the RF sweep test signal on the interfering cable 31 (3) and the RF frequency sweep on the victim cable 30 having the frequency f during the time period. 4, as shown in Fig. 25. From this description of Fig. 25, one skilled in the art will appreciate the generation of four (4) foreign crosstalk data samples for each frequency of the RF frequency measurement scan of the cable. Victim 30. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that each sample of foreign crosstalk data P may be divided evenly into four (4) segments, each segment corresponding to a particular pair of wires of the victim cable 30. For this purpose, one skilled in the art will further appreciate that the foreign crosstalk data sample P (tl) and the foreign crosstalk data sample P (t4) both correspond to the interfering cable 31 (3) and Therefore, they should be combined into a single sample of data.

  Fig. 26 illustrates a flowchart 220 representative of a foreign crosstalk determination method of the present invention. A step S222 of the flowchart 220 includes the fact that a measurement unit 51 acquires data samples from a measured foreign crosstalk signal. These data samples will be processed first to filter the measurement noise. This filtering may for example be in the form of a threshold filtering, allowing samples of a value greater than a predefined threshold to remain unchanged while adjusting the sample values data below the threshold level on zero. In one embodiment, thresholding filtering is implemented according to the following equation [1]. Pk = Pk 'if Pk'> Th Pk = 0 if Pk '<Th [1] where Pk' is the k-th data sample, Th is a predetermined threshold and Pk is the filtered data sample. For example, as shown in Fig. 25, thresholding filtering of the noise of the measured foreign crosstalk signal implies that the sampled pulses P (tl) at P (t4) of the foreign crosstalk signal exceed the threshold Th, the rest of the noise the foreign crosstalk signal is set to zero.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the predetermined TH value may be a function of a measured amount of noise on the victim cable without any foreign crosstalk coupling between the victim cable and any interfering cable.

  A step S224 of the flowchart 220 includes the fact that a measurement unit 51 calculates an accumulated foreign crosstalk on the victim cable based on the filtered data samples in step 222. In one embodiment, the crosstalk The cumulative foreign currency PSAXT on the victim cable 30 is calculated according to the following equation [2]. M xx PSAXT = Pk K k where M is the number of pairs of wires in a cable (for example 4). Pk e [1, xK] are the data samples filtered by frequency at step 222, x is the number of steps in frequency, K is the total number of data samples acquired in the unit of measure in a duration t (corresponding to a frequency step of the test signal as in FIG. 23). The value of K is for example determined by the sampling speed of the data acquisition equipment.

  The duration of a frequency step in the measurement frequency sweep, T, is determined by T = xEOt. In other words, a step frequency time for a measurement scan is equal to the entire scan time of the test scan.

  From equation [2] above, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a summation of all samples of data samples acquired by frequency, followed by a division of the total number of samples K per step into frequency and a multiple of M provide a simple calculation of cumulative foreign crosstalk for a PSANEXT or PSAFEXT test.

  Fig. 27 illustrates a foreign crosstalk test system 340 of the present invention using a local (L) / far (R) pair of foreign crosstalk measurement units 350, a number N of local (L) / remote pairs (R) foreign crosstalk test signal units 360, where N 1, and an interconnect base unit 370. In general, the foreign crosstalk measurement units 350 are [2] structurally configured to being connected to opposite ends of a victim cable having a number M of wire pairs, and each pair of foreign crosstalk testing units 360 is structurally configured to be connected to opposite ends of a disturbing cable 31 having M number of pairs of wires, where M z 1. Each pair of foreign crosstalk test signal units 360 is further structurally configured to generate an extraneous foreign crosstalk test signal. emitted from the interfering cable connected 31 and to terminate the foreign crosstalk test signal at the other end of the interfering cable 31. The crosstalk measurement units 350 are further structurally configured to measure a crosstalk signal unrelated to a crosstalk. end of the victim cable 30 and to terminate the foreign crosstalk signal at the other end of the victim cable 30. The foreign crosstalk signal on the victim cable 30 is generated by foreign crosstalk coupling between the victim cable 30 and one or more interfering cables 31 when a foreign crosstalk test signal is transmitted between corresponding foreign crosstalk signal units 360.

  The interconnect base unit 370 controls the transmission of foreign crosstalk test signals on the interfering cables 31 by foreign crosstalk test signal units 360 as ordered by the local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 350 (L), in particular non-simultaneous transmission control of foreign crosstalk test signals at the same frequency on the interfering cables 31. In a near-end PSANEXT test or a far-end PSAFEXT test, the unit base station 370 controls the generation of the foreign crosstalk test signals by local foreign crosstalk test signal units 360 (L) and a termination of the foreign crosstalk test signals by remote foreign crosstalk test 360 (R) as ordered by the local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 350 (L), in particular non-generation and termination control Impeded alien crosstalk test signals at the same frequency by foreign crosstalk test signal units 360. In a far end PSANEXT test or a near end PSAFEXT test, the base unit of interconnection 370 controls the termination of the foreign crosstalk test signals by the local foreign crosstalk test signal units 360 (L) and the generation of the foreign crosstalk test signals by the crosstalk test signal units remote foreign 360 (R) units as ordered by the local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 350 (L), in particular non-simultaneous generation and termination control of alien crosstalk test signals at the same frequency by the communication units. foreign crosstalk test signal 360.

  In practice, the present invention imposes no limitation or restriction on the structural embodiments of foreign crosstalk measurement units 350, foreign crosstalk test signal units 360 and the interconnect basic unit. 370. Thus, the following descriptions of various structural embodiments of foreign crosstalk measurement units 350, foreign crosstalk test signal units 360 and interconnect base unit 370 in connection with FIGS. at 41 do not limit or restrict the scope of the structural embodiments of the foreign crosstalk units 350, the foreign crosstalk test signal units 360 and the interconnect base unit 370.

  Fig. 28 illustrates a general embodiment 351 of the foreign crosstalk measurement units 350 (Fig. 27), a general embodiment 361 of the foreign crosstalk test signal units 360 (Fig. 27) and a general embodiment 371 of the interconnection base unit 370 (FIG. 27).

  The foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 is a customized version of the foreign crosstalk measurement unit 50 (FIG. 1) further using a communication module 352 configured structurally to provide instructions to the base unit of the crosstalk unit. 371 and receive status information from the interconnection basic unit 371. Each foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 is a customized version of the foreign crosstalk test signal unit 62 (FIG. Fig. 3) further using a communication module 362 configured structurally to respond to instructions issued by the intersection base unit 371 and to provide status information to the interconnection base unit 371.

  The interconnection base unit 371 utilizes a structurally configured power supply module 372 to provide power to all foreign crosstalk test signal units 361. The interconnection base unit 371 furthermore utilizes a structurally configured control module 373 for interconnecting instruction interpretation between the communication module 352 and each communication module 362. For this purpose, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, the control module 373 uses a measurement communication module 374, a keypad / display module 375, a controller 376, and a test communication module 377. The measurement communication module 374 is configured from in a structural manner for processing commands and status information with the communication module 352 of the foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351. The test communication module 377 is configured structurally to process instructions and status information with the communication modules 362 of foreign crosstalk test signal units 361. The controller 376 is structurally configured to interpret (i.e., translate and / or converting instructions from the communication module 352 into instructions for the communication modules 362 and relaying status information from the communication modules 362 to the communication module 352. The keypad / display module 375 is configured structurally to provide manual instructions input through a keypad (not shown) and operate a display (not shown) to show the operating mode of the interconnecting base unit 371.

  Referring again to FIG. 28, a physical interconnection between the foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 and the interconnection base unit 371 is based on the independent physical nature of the two devices, as would be appreciated by the skilled person. An electrical connection between the foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 and a panel / plug arrangement of the interconnect base unit 371 (e.g., a panel / plug arrangement 378 shown in FIG. forms, including, but not limited to, a method based on RJ-45 sockets and an ordinary CAT6 / 7 cable, a method based on a universal serial bus and USB, a method based on a Serial port and cable and a method of wireless connection (eg Bluetooth).

  A physical and electrical interconnection between the foreign crosstalk test signal units 361 and the interconnection base unit 371 is based on the circumstances of a particular test situation.

  In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 30, a physical interconnect involves clustering the interconnect base unit 371 and foreign crosstalk test signal units 361 via a mechanical connection. 380 (for example a screw or Velcro fasteners). In addition, an electrical interconnection involves n-pin-type connectors 381 or plug-in connectors so that a flat cable with n standard conductors (not shown) is used for both electrical signals and signals. control. For example, in one possible implementation, n = 20 pins, so that two (2) pins are for power, one (1) pin is for digital ground, one (1) pin the trigger and the remaining fourteen (14) pins are for cable identification.

  A panel / jack arrangement 363 serves for the electrical connection of a foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 to an interfering cable 31 being tested.

  In a second embodiment shown in Fig. 31, a physical interconnection of the interconnection base unit 371 and foreign crosstalk test units 361 involves a frame 390 provided for prior installation of the base unit. interconnection 371 and subsequent insertion of the foreign crosstalk test units 361 into slots in the chassis 390.

  In a third embodiment, the chassis 390 is a rackmount chassis that can be attached in the same rack as the connection boards being tested.

  A description of a crosstalk environment

  Exemplary foreign will now be provided here to facilitate understanding of an additional foreign crosstalk test method according to the present invention. In the exemplary foreign crosstalk environment, as shown in FIG. 32, the number M of wire pairs for the cables is four (4) and the number N of interfering cables is three (3).

  Referring to Fig. 32, a local alien crosstalk measurement unit ("ACTMU") 351 (L) is connected to one end of the victim cable 30 and a distant foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 (R) is connected to an opposite end of the victim cable 30. In one embodiment, the foreign crosstalk measurement units 351 are spectrum analyzers (e.g., a WireScope and a DualRemote, respectively, as commercially available from Agilent) or test devices. field cable circuit having RJ-45 or equivalent jacks and memories that are programmed with computer code to selectively implement a foreign crosstalk termination method according to the flowchart 140 shown in FIG. 11 as previously described herein and the foreign crosstalk measurement method according to a flowchart 150 illustrated in FIG. 12, as previously described herein.

  The three (3) alien crosstalk test signal unit ("ACTTSU") pairings 361 each involve a local alien crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L) connected to an end of an interfering cable. and a remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R) connected to an opposite end of the interfering cable 31. A controller 94 of each foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 is programmed to selectively implement a method. RF signal generation system according to the flow chart 120 shown in Fig. 9 as previously described herein and an RF test signal termination method according to the flow chart 130 illustrated in Fig. 10 as previously described herein.

  The interconnection basic unit 371 controls the transmission of RF test signals by the foreign crosstalk test signal units 361 on interfering cables 31 as ordered by the local crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L). . For this purpose, in one embodiment, a communication between the local crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L) and the interconnection basic unit 371 via a network cable, USB, a port series or wireless connection is performed according to the following Table 3 which lists types of control instructions issued by the local crosstalk unit 351 (L) to the interconnecting base unit 371 and the return provided by the interconnection base unit 371 to the local crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L).

TABLE 3

  Operating State Instructions for Units 361 DE INSTRUCTIONS and Unit 371

ORDER

  Trigger Scan Mode Instructions for Devices 361 Power On / Off Instruction for Units 361 and Unit 371 RETURN Checking the Execution of the Instruction Operating Status Information for Units 361 and In one embodiment, the communication between the foreign crosstalk test signal units 361 and the interconnect base unit 371 is effected with n signals through a flat cable with n conductors. (not shown) or an n-signal bus (not shown) that is used for both electrical signals and control signals. For example, the n signals include a power supply signal, a common digital ground signal, a communication signal, a trigger signal, and a cable identification signal. The electrical signal supplies the energy of the interconnect base unit 371 to the foreign crosstalk signal units 361. The communication signal provides an operational state feedback of the foreign crosstalk test signal units 361. the interconnect base unit 371, switches the foreign crosstalk test signal units 361 between the operational modes (e.g. between a transmit mode, a terminate mode, and a listen mode as previously described herein) and other functions as would appreciate the skilled person. The trigger signal provides an applicable interrupt signal for communication requests, RF test scans and other functions as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

  The cable identification signal is used to identify all interfering cables 31 being tested. In one embodiment, an identification of an interfering cable 31 is based on an identification of a local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L) connecting the interfering cable 31 being tested. For example, an identification of an interfering cable 31 is based on an integrated product identity of a local crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L) connecting the interfering cable 31 being tested. Specifically, the local crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L) could inform the local crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L) of its product identity via the interconnection base unit 371. and the corresponding interfering cable 31 may be designated by the product identity.

  In another example, an identification of an interfering cable 31 is based on a physical position of a local crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L) connecting the interfering cable 31 being tested. This example is based on a cable identification pin assigned to a n-conductor flat cable, an n-signal bus, or the like. Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 33, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L1) is connected to a conductor or cable identification slot 1, so that the signal unit local foreign crosstalk test 361 (L1) provides a validation signal on the conductor or cable identification location No. 1 which is detected and recorded as the cable identification No. 1 by the base unit of interconnection 371 which automatically identifies and identifies the interfering cable 31 (1) as the interfering cable No. 1. From there, the interconnection base unit 371 provides the cable number identification to the measurement unit local foreign crosstalk 351 (L) which uses the cable number identification for testing purposes (e.g., starting / stopping an RF test signal transmission of the interfering cable 31 (1) and displaying disturbance cable test results r 31 (1)). In addition, the cable identification signal can be used as a validation signal for communication and other purposes.

  This is repeated for the local crosstalk test signal units 361 (L2) and 361 (L3) as shown.

  In general, during operation, the local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L) implements a flowchart 400 as illustrated in Fig. 34, and the interconnection base unit 371 implements a flowchart 420 like illustrated in Figure 35.

  A step S402 of the flowchart 400 includes the fact that the local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L) initiates a foreign crosstalk test of the victim cable 30. The triggering of a foreign crosstalk test of the victim cable 30 by the local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L) is realized through the appropriate instructions for the interconnecting base unit 371, as will be further explained here.

  A step S404 of the flowchart 400 includes the fact that the local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L) switches to a measurement mode for measuring and determining foreign crosstalk on the victim cable 30. This is done according to FIG. flow chart 210 (Fig. 22) and flow chart 220 (Fig. 26) as previously described herein.

  The local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L) may operate between steps S402 and S404 to direct the foreign crosstalk test of the victim cable 30 through the appropriate instructions for the interconnect base unit. 371, as will be explained further here.

  A step S422 of the flowchart 430 includes the fact that the interconnect base unit 371 identifies each interfering cable 31 being tested. This is achieved through the cable identification signal as previously described herein.

  A step S424 of the flowchart 430 includes the fact that the interconnect base unit 371 triggers the foreign crosstalk test signal units 361 to transmit RF test signals on the interfering cables 31 with a non-transmitting transmission. simultaneous RF test signals at the same frequency on the interfering cables 31 as ordered by the local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L).

  The following description of two exemplary foreign crosstalk test methods derived from flowcharts 400 and 420 reveals the benefits derived from interconnect base unit 371 in controlling non-simultaneous transmission of RF test signals to the same frequency on the disruptive cables 31 as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

  Fig. 36 illustrates a flowchart 430 representative of a continuous foreign crosstalk test method as implemented by the interconnection base unit 371. Specifically, this method is based on triggering continuous period scanning sequences. RF test signals (e.g. the scanning sequence shown in Fig. 23) at a defined trigger interval for controlling the non-simultaneous transmission of RF test signals at the same frequency on the interfering cables 31.

  Referring to FIGS. 32 and 36, a step 432 of the flowchart 430 includes the fact that the interconnect base unit 371 waits to receive a start instruction from the local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L ). In response to receiving the start instruction, the interconnect base unit 371 proceeds to a step S434 of the flowchart 400 to transmit an interrupt test instruction to each test signal unit of Local foreign crosstalk 361 (L) for establishing communication between the interconnection base unit 371 and the local foreign crosstalk test signal units 361 (L). In response thereto, the local foreign crosstalk test signal units 361 (L) switch to the termination mode.

  A step S436 of the flowchart 400 includes that the interconnect base unit 371 transmits a mode selection instruction to the local foreign crosstalk test signal units 361 (L). The mode selection instruction informs the local foreign crosstalk test signal units 361 (L) that the foreign crosstalk test is a near end PSANEXT test, a far end PSAFEXT test, a remote end PSANEXT test or near end PSAFEXT test. In response thereto, each local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L) boots to implement the flowchart 160 (FIG. 17) as previously described herein or the flowchart 180 (FIG. 19) as described. previously here in response to receiving its cable identification signal from the interconnection base unit 371.

  A step S438 of the flowchart 400 includes that the interconnect base unit 371 transmits the cable identification signal n 1 to the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (Li). In response to this, for a near end PSANEXT test or a far end PSAFEXT test, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L1) implements flowchart 160 to switch from termination mode. in the transmission mode and for instructing the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R1) to switch from the termination mode to the listen mode according to the flow chart 170 (FIG. 18). As a result, the local foreign crosstalk signal unit 361 (L1) controls a transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (1) according to the flowchart 200 (FIG. 21), such as the RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (1) as illustrated in Figure 37.

  For a far end PSANEXT test or a near end PSAFEXT test, a local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L1) implements flow chart 180 to switch from termination mode to listen mode and to direct remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R1) to transition from the termination mode to the transmit mode according to flow chart 190 (FIG. 20). As a result, the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R1) controls a transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (1), such as the RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (1) as illustrated in FIG.

  A step S440 of the flowchart 400 includes the fact that the interconnect base unit 371 waits for an AT trip interval before transmitting the cable identification signal n 2 to the test signal unit of FIG. local foreign crosstalk 361 (L2). To ensure non-simultaneous transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (1) and the interfering cable 31 (2) at the same frequency, the tripping interval AT must be greater than the time period At as previously described herein in connection with Fig. 23, such as the tripping interval AT which is equal to 3At, as shown in Fig. 37.

  Following the expiration of the trip interval AT, the interconnection base unit 371 returns to step S438 according to a step S442 of the flowchart 400 to transmit the cable identification number n 2 to the Local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L2). In response to this, for a near end PSANEXT test or a far end PSAFEXT test, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L2) implements flowchart 160 to switch from termination mode. in the transmission mode and for instructing the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R2) to switch from the termination mode to the listen mode according to the flow chart 170 (FIG. 18). As a result, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L2) controls a transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (2) according to the flowchart 200 (FIG. for example, the RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (2) as illustrated in FIG. 37.

  For a remote end PSANEXT test or a near end PSAFEXT test, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L2) implements the flow chart 180 to switch from termination mode to listen mode and to order the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R2) to transition from the termination mode to the transmit mode according to the flow chart 190 (FIG. 20). As a result, the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R2) controls a transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (2), such as the RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (2) as illustrated in FIG.

  The interconnection base unit 371 again goes to step S440 to wait during the trip interval AT. In order to ensure non-simultaneous transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (2) and the interfering cable 31 (3) at the same frequency, the tripping interval AT must be greater than the At time as previously described herein in connection with Fig. 23, such as the tripping interval AT which is equal to 3At, as shown in Fig. 37.

  Following the expiration of the trip interval AT, the interconnection base unit 371 returns to step S438 in step S442 to transmit the cable identification number 3 to the signal unit of the signal unit. Local foreign crosstalk test 361 (L3). In response to this, for a near end PSANEXT test or a far end PSAFEXT test, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L3) implements flowchart 160 to switch from termination mode. in the transmission mode and for instructing the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R3) to switch from the termination mode to the listen mode according to the flow chart 170 2889594 45 (FIG. 18). As a result, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L3) controls a transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (3) according to the flowchart 200 (FIG. for example, the RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (3) as illustrated in FIG. 37.

  For a far end PSANEXT test or a near end PSAFEXT test, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L3) implements the flowchart 180 to switch from the termination mode to the listen mode and to instructing the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R3) to transition from the termination mode to the transmit mode according to the flowchart 190 (FIG. 20). As a result, the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R3) controls transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (3), such as, for example, the RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (3) as illustrated in FIG. 37.

  The interconnection base unit 371 again goes to step S440 to wait during the trip interval AT. Following expiration of the trip interval AT, the interconnect base unit 371 must advance to a step S444 of the flowchart 400 according to step S442. Advancing to step S444 represents a completion of a trigger cycle of the RF test signal transmitters on the interfering cables 31, such as, for example, the trigger cycle of the signal transmission triggers. RF test on the interfering cables 31, as shown in FIG. 37. During the step S444, the interconnection basic unit 371 waits to receive a stop instruction from the local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 (FIG. L).

  Before receiving the stopping instruction, the foreign crosstalk test signal units 361 (L) continue to control the RF test signal transmissions on the interfering cables 31, as shown in FIG. 7. so that one of the foreign crosstalk measurement units 351 concurrently executes the flow chart 210 (FIG. 22) and the flow chart 220 (FIG. 26) to determine the foreign crosstalk on the victim cable 30. The one skilled in the art will appreciate that a non-simultaneous transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (3) and on the interfering cable 31 (1) at the same frequency is carried out with a view to the triggering interval AT which is also less than the time period T minus the time period Δt as previously described herein in connection with Fig. 23, such as the trigger interval AT which is equal to T-3At, as shown in Fig. 37 .

  In response to receiving the stop instruction, the interconnect base unit 371 proceeds to a step S446 of the flowchart 400 to transmit an interrupt test instruction to each test signal unit. local foreign crosstalk 361 (L) to terminate the transmissions of the RF test signals on the interfering cables 31, and then returns to the step S432 to wait for a new start instruction of the local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L).

  With reference to FIGS. 32, 36 and 37, it is not imperative for the execution of flowchart 430 that the interconnection base unit 371 knows the actual number of disturbing cables 31 being tested despite that the interconnecting base unit 371 will transmit n cable identification signals for each cycle of the flowchart 430, because the trip interval OT is designed to provide non-simultaneous transmission of test signals RF on the interfering cables 31 regardless of whether the actual number of interfering cables 31 is less than or equal to the n cable identification signals.

  Figs. 39 and 40 illustrate a flowchart 470 and flowchart 480, respectively, representative of a foreign impulse crosstalk test method as implemented by the local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L) and 371. Specifically, this method is based on triggering each frequency step of periodic scanning sequences of RF test signals (e.g. the scanning sequence shown in Fig. 23) at a time interval. triggering defined to control the non-simultaneous transmission of RF test signals at the same frequency on the interfering cables 31. In this method, it is imperative for the execution of the flowcharts 470 and 480 that both the local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 and interconnection base unit 371 know the actual number of interfering cables 31 being tested, as will be explained further here . Thus, prior to executing the flowcharts 470 and 480, the interconnect base unit 371 executes a flowchart 450, as shown in FIG. 38 which is representative of a cable identification method of the present invention.

  Referring to Figs. 32 and 38, a step S452 of flowchart 450 includes interconnecting base unit 371 energizing all local foreign crosstalk test signal units 361 (L). . A step S454 of the flowchart 450 includes the fact that the interconnect base unit 371 executes a transmission of n cable identification signals. In response thereto, the three (3) local foreign crosstalk test signal units 361 (L) will obtain their respective cable identifications n 1, n 2 and n 3, as shown in FIG.

  A step S456 of the flowchart 450 includes the fact that the interconnection base unit 371 determines the number and identity of the interfering cables 31 being tested by detecting the validation of the cable identifications n 1, n 2 and n 3 and the non-validation of the remaining cable IDs.

  A step S458 of the flowchart 450 includes that the interconnect base unit 371 transmits mode selection instructions to the local foreign crosstalk test signal units 361 in a similar manner to the previously described step S436. right here.

  A step S460 of the flowchart 450 includes that the interconnect base unit 371 transmits the number n of interfering cables 31 being tested to the local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L). In this case, n = 3.

  Referring to FIGS. 32 and 39, following receipt of the number of disruptive disks 31 being tested during a step S472 of the flow chart 470, the local alien crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L) advances in sequence. to a step S472 of the flowchart 470 for transmitting a start trip signal to the interconnection base unit 371 with an indication of a jump frequency fsT and a step S474 to execute a measurement scan of the victim cable 30 at the jump frequency fsT for a period of time T or instruct the distant foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 (R) to perform a measurement scan of the victim cable 30 at the fsT hop frequency for a period of time T. This first frequency step of steps S472 and S474 has a jump frequency fsT set to be set to a minimum frequency fMIN, as shown for example in FIG. 41.

  Referring further to Fig. 40, upon receipt of the start trip signal during a step S482 of the flowchart 480, the interconnect base unit 371 proceeds to a step S484 to transmit a trigger signal to the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L1) for a period of time Lxt. In response to this, for a near end PSANEXT test or a far end PSAFEXT test, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L1) implements flowchart 160 to switch from termination mode. in the transmission mode and for instructing the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R1) to switch from the termination mode to the listen mode according to the flow chart 170 (FIG. 18). As a result, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L1) controls a transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (1) at the end fsT jump frequency according to FIG. flow chart 200 (FIG. 21) during the time period Ot during the first jump cycle, such as for example the RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (1) during the time period Ot at the end fsT jump frequency during the first jump cycle, as shown in Figure 41.

  For a far end PSANEXT test or a near end PSAFEXT test, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L1) implements the flow chart 180 to switch from the terminating mode to the listening mode and to order to the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R1) to switch from the termination mode to the transmit mode according to the flow chart 190 (FIG. 20). As a result, the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R1) controls a transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (1) at the end fsT jump frequency during the period of time At during the first jump cycle, such as for example the RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (1) at the end fsT jump frequency during the time period At during the first jump cycle, as illustrated in Figure 41.

  A step S486 of the flowchart 480 includes the fact that the interconnect base unit 371 waits during a trip interval AT before transmitting the trip signal to the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (FIG. L2) during the period of time At. In order to ensure non-simultaneous transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (1) and the interfering cable 31 (2) at the same frequency, the interfering interval AT trigger must be greater than the time period At but as close to the time period At as possible (ie AT = kit where k +1).

  Following the expiration of the trip interval AT, the interconnection base unit 371 returns to step S484 according to a step S488 of the flowchart 480 to transmit the trigger signal to the signal unit. 361 (L2) foreign local crosstalk test during the time period At. In response to this, for a near end PSANEXT test or a remote end PSAFEXT test, the foreign crosstalk test signal unit Local 361 (L2) implements the flowchart 160 to switch from the termination mode to the transmit mode and instruct the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R2) to transition from the termination mode to the listen mode according to the flowchart 170 (FIG. 18). As a result, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L2) controls a transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (2) at the end fsT jump frequency according to FIG. flow chart 200 (FIG. 21) during the time period At during the first jump cycle, such as for example the RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (3) at the end jump frequency fsT during the first jump cycle as shown in Figure 41.

  For a far end PSANEXT test or a near end PSAFEXT test, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L2) implements the flowchart 180 to switch from termination mode to listen mode and to instructing the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R2) to transition from the termination mode to the transmit mode according to flow chart 190 (FIG. 20). As a result, the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R2) controls a transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (2) at the end fst jump frequency during the period of time At during the first jump cycle, such as for example the RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (2) at the end fsT jump frequency during the time period At during the first jump cycle, as illustrated in Figure 41.

  The interconnection base unit 371 again goes to step S486 to wait during the trip interval AT. In order to ensure non-simultaneous transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (2) and the interfering cable 31 (3) at the same frequency, the tripping interval AT must be greater than the time At but as close as possible to the time period At.

  Following expiration of the trip interval AT, the interconnect base unit 371 returns to step S484 according to step S488 to transmit the trip signal to the crosstalk test signal unit. local foreign 361 (L3) during the period of time At during the first jump cycle. In response to this, for a near end PSANEXT test or a far end PSAFEXT test, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L3) implements flowchart 160 to switch from termination mode. in the transmission mode and instructing the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R3) to switch from the termination mode to the listen mode according to the flow chart 170 (FIG. 18). As a result, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L3) controls a transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (3) at the end fsT jump frequency according to FIG. flow chart 200 (FIG. 21) during the time period At during the first jump cycle, such as for example the RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (3) at the end fsT jump frequency during the time period At during the first jump cycle, as shown in Figure 41.

  For a remote end PSANEXT test or a near end PSAFEXT test, the local foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (L3) implements the flow chart 180 to switch from the termination mode to the listen mode and to instruct the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R3) to transition from the termination mode to the transmit mode according to the flow chart 190 (FIG. 20). As a result, the remote foreign crosstalk test signal unit 361 (R3) controls a transmission of an RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (3) at the end fsT jump frequency during the period of time At during the first jump cycle, such as for example the RF test signal on the interfering cable 31 (3) at the end fsT jump frequency during the time period At during the first jump cycle, as illustrated in Figure 41.

  The interconnection base unit 371 again goes to step S486 to wait during the trigger interval T. Following the expiration of the trip interval AT, the local foreign cross-talk unit 351 (L) advances to step S478 of flowchart 470 and interconnect base unit 371 returns to step S482 of flowchart 480. Advancing to step S478 and returning to step S482 represents a completion of the first cycle of the RF test signal transmission triggers on the interfering cables 31, such as the first cycle of the RF test signal transmission triggers on the cables. as shown in Fig. 41. The local foreign crosstalk measurement unit 351 (L) repeats steps S474 to S478 and the interconnection base unit 371 repeats steps S482 through S488 to implement four (4) Signals transmission trigger cycles l RF test on disruptive cables 31 taking into account the jump frequency fST which is high of a step size of frequency Of for each cycle. For example, Fig. 41 further illustrates the execution of a 2nd cycle up to a 5th cycle of the RF test signal transmissions triggers on the interfering cables 31 as ordered by the local foreign cross-talk measurement unit. 351 (L), so that one of the foreign crosstalk measurement units 351 simultaneously executes the flowchart 210 (FIG. 22) and the flowchart 220 (FIG. 26) to determine the foreign crosstalk on the victim cable 30. The 5th cycle is performed with the jump frequency fsT which is equal to the maximum scanning frequency f ,,, m, and therefore this is the last cycle of this example.

  Referring to FIGS. 8 to 41, those skilled in the art will appreciate how to apply the novel principles of the present invention to a foreign crosstalk environment of the present invention having fewer than or more than four (4) pairs of cable wires, and / or having less than or more than three (3) interfering cables.

  Referring to FIGS. 1-41, those skilled in the art will appreciate the many advantages of the present invention, including, but not limited to, a comprehensive, practical, cost-effective, and appropriate measurement of foreign crosstalk on a victim cable. Particularly in connection with FIGS. 27 to 41, those skilled in the art will appreciate a foreign crosstalk test involving non-simultaneous RF test signal transmission at the same frequency for different interfering cables and attenuation support. of foreign crosstalk.

  In addition, a foreign crosstalk measurement unit measuring the foreign crosstalk on a victim cable will be able to establish which interfering cable creates the foreign crosstalk on the victim cable. For example, from an execution of flowchart 470 (Fig. 39) and flowchart 480 (Fig. 40), the foreign crosstalk measurement unit can acquire a pair pair pair foreign crosstalk signal. PPAXT for each local / remote pairing of the foreign crosstalk test signal units, so that the foreign crosstalk unit can calculate a cumulative foreign cable-to-cable crosstalk PSAXT for each local / remote pairing. foreign crosstalk test signal units to thereby identify one or more local / remote pairings of foreign crosstalk test signal units having the most significant influence on the victim cable. This facilitates execution of a foreign crosstalk attenuation process on the local / remote pairing (s) of the most influential foreign crosstalk test signal units.

  While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are currently considered preferred, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims and all changes which fall within the meaning and scope of the equivalents are intended to be included therein.

Claims (20)

  A foreign crosstalk test system, comprising: a plurality of foreign crosstalk test signal units, each foreign crosstalk test signal unit being operable to be in electrical communication with a different interfering cable so to participate in a transmission of an RF test signal thereon; a foreign crosstalk measurement unit, operable to be in electrical communication with a victim cable to measure a foreign crosstalk signal generated on the victim cable in response to any foreign crosstalk coupling between the victim cable and at least one interfering cables; and an interconnect base unit, operable to be in electrical communication with the foreign crosstalk measurement unit and the plurality of foreign crosstalk test signal units for controlling non-simultaneous transmissions by the plurality of foreign crosstalk test signal units of the RF test signals at the same frequency on the interfering cables as ordered by the foreign crosstalk measurement unit.   A foreign crosstalk test system according to claim 1, wherein a first foreign crosstalk test signal unit is operable to transmit a first RF test signal on a first interfering cable in response to a signal of cable identification corresponding to the first interfering cable; and wherein the interconnect base unit is operable to communicate the cable identification signal to the first foreign crosstalk test signal unit as ordered by the foreign crosstalk measurement unit.   The foreign crosstalk test system according to claim 1, wherein a first pair of foreign crosstalk test signal units is connected to a first interfering cable; wherein a second pair of foreign crosstalk test signal units is connected to a second interfering cable; and wherein, as ordered by the foreign crosstalk measurement unit, the interconnect base unit is operable to initiate transmission by the first pair of foreign crosstalk test signal units of a first signal RF test on the first interfering cable and to initiate transmission by the second pair of foreign crosstalk test signal units of a second RF test signal on the second interfering cable based on an interval triggering circuit to facilitate non-simultaneous transmissions of the first RF test signal on the first interfering cable and the second RF test signal on the second interfering cable at the same frequency.   The foreign crosstalk test system according to claim 3, wherein the first RF test signal and the second RF test signal both comprise an identical continuous sequence of RF frequency sweeps, each RF frequency sweep. comprising a predetermined number of frequency steps; and wherein the trip interval is a time differential between a start of the first RF sweep of the first RF test signal and a start of the second RF sweep of the second RF test signal.   The foreign crosstalk test system according to claim 4, wherein the foreign crosstalk measurement unit is operable to perform an RF frequency measurement scan on the victim cable; and wherein a frequency step duration of the RF frequency measurement sweep is equal to a first frequency sweep duration of the first RF sweep and a second sweep duration of the second RF sweep.   The foreign crosstalk test system according to claim 3, wherein the first RF test signal and the second RF test signal both comprise an identical pulsed sequence of frequency sweeps, each frequency sweep comprising a predetermined number of frequency steps; and wherein the trip interval is a time differential between a start of the first frequency sweep of the first RF test signal and a start of the second frequency sweep of the second RF test signal.   A foreign crosstalk test system according to claim 6, wherein the foreign crosstalk measurement unit is operable to perform an RF frequency measurement scan on the victim cable; and wherein a frequency step duration of the RF frequency measurement sweep is greater than a summation of a first frequency step duration of the first RF test signal and a second frequency step duration of the second signal RF test.   The foreign crosstalk test system according to claim 5, wherein the first RF test signal is a first RF sweep test signal comprising a plurality of sinusoidal waves having a continuous high sequence for a first time. period of time; wherein the second RF test signal is a second RF scan test signal comprising the plurality of sinusoidal waves having the high sequence continuous for a second period of time; and wherein the trip interval is a time differential between a start of the first time period and a start of the second time period.   The foreign crosstalk test system of claim 8, wherein the foreign crosstalk measurement unit is operable to perform an RF frequency measurement scan on the victim cable; and wherein a frequency step span of the RF frequency measurement sweep is equal to a first sweep frequency frequency of the RF sweep and a second sweep period of the second RF sweep.   The foreign crosstalk test system according to claim 3, wherein the first RF test signal is a first RF sweep test signal comprising a plurality of sine waves having a pulsed high sequence during a first period of time; wherein the second RF test signal is a second RF scan test signal comprising the plurality of sinusoidal waves having the high pulsed sequence for a second period of time; and wherein the trip interval is a time differential between a start of the first time period and a start of the second time period.   The foreign crosstalk test system of claim 10, wherein the foreign crosstalk measurement unit is operable to perform an RF frequency measurement scan on the victim cable; and wherein a frequency step duration of the RF frequency measurement sweep is greater than a summation of a first frequency step time of the first RF test signal and a second frequency step duration of the second RF signal. RF test.   An interconnect base unit, comprising: an interconnect interface, wherein the interconnect interface is operable to establish electrical communication between the interconnect base unit and a plurality of signal units; foreign crosstalk test connected to a plurality of interfering cables for transmitting RF test signals thereon; and wherein the interconnect interface is operable to establish electrical communication between the interconnect base unit and a foreign crosstalk unit connected to a victim cable to measure a foreign crosstalk signal generated on the victim cable. in response to any foreign crosstalk coupling between the victim cable and at least one of the interfering cables; and a control module operable for controlling non-simultaneous transmissions by the plurality of foreign crosstalk test signal units of the RF test signals at the same frequency on the interfering cables as ordered by the crosstalk unit foreign.   The interconnect base unit of claim 12, wherein the control module is operable to communicate a cable identification signal to a first foreign crosstalk test signal unit as ordered by the measurement unit. foreign crosstalk; and wherein the cable identification signal corresponds to a first interfering cable connected to the first foreign crosstalk test signal unit.   The interconnect base unit of claim 12, wherein a first pair of foreign crosstalk test signal units is connected to a first interfering cable; wherein a second pair of foreign crosstalk test signal units is connected to a second interfering cable; and wherein, as ordered by the foreign crosstalk measurement unit, the interconnect base unit is operable to initiate transmission by the first pair of foreign crosstalk test signal units of a first signal RF test on the first interfering cable and to initiate transmission by the second pair of foreign crosstalk test signal units of a second RF test signal on the second interfering cable based on an interval triggering circuit to facilitate non-simultaneous transmissions of the first RF test signal on the first interfering cable and the second RF test signal on the second interfering cable at the same frequency.   The interconnect base unit of claim 14, wherein the first RF test signal and the second RF test signal both comprise an identical continuous sequence of frequency sweeps, each frequency sweep comprising a number predetermined frequency step; and wherein the trip interval is a time differential between a start of the first frequency sweep of the first RF test signal and a start of the second frequency sweep of the second RF test signal.   The interconnect base unit of claim 14, wherein the first RF test signal and the second RF test signal both comprise an identical pulse sequence of frequency sweeps, each frequency sweep comprising a number predetermined frequency step; and wherein the trip interval is a time differential between a start of the first frequency sweep of the first RF test signal and a start of the second frequency sweep of the second RF test signal.   The interconnect base unit of claim 14, wherein the first RF test signal is a first RF sweep test signal comprising a plurality of sine waves having a continuous high sequence during a first time. period of time; wherein the second RF test signal is a second RF sweep test signal comprising the plurality of sinewaves having the high sequence continuous for a second period of time; and wherein the trip interval is a time differential between a start of the first period of time and a start of the second period of time.   The interconnect base unit of claim 14, wherein the first RF test signal is a first RF sweep test signal comprising a plurality of sine waves having a high pulsed sequence during a first period. time; wherein the second RF test signal is a second RF sweep test signal comprising the plurality of sinewaves having the pulsed high sequence for a second period of time; and wherein the trip interval is a time differential between a start of the first period of time and a start of the second period of time.   The interconnect base unit of claim 12, further comprising: an energy module operable to supply power to the foreign crosstalk test signal units.   20. A method of operating an interconnect base unit, the method comprising the steps of: establishing an electrical communication between the interconnect base unit and a plurality of test drive units. foreign crosstalk connected to a plurality of interfering cables for transmitting RF test signals thereon; establishing an electrical communication between the interconnect base unit and a foreign crosstalk unit connected to a victim cable to measure a foreign crosstalk signal generated on the victim cable in response to any foreign crosstalk coupling between the victim cable and disruptive cables; and controlling non-simultaneous transmissions by the plurality of foreign crosstalk test signal units of the RF test signals at the same frequency on the interfering cables as ordered by the foreign crosstalk measurement unit.