TABLE OF CONTENTS Having identified and described the test equipment required to provide the measurement capability for FDM network surveillance, we must now focus our attention on the various types of system configuration and control hardware needed in such applications. Connection of an external device, or devices, to provide the controlling function in a monitoring system implies the ability to interconnect the equipment for the transfer of information to take place. This transfer of information is accomplished over some form of interface. Many interface types are in existence, but one that lends itself to most applications is the one defined in IEEE Standard 488 1978 [IEEE, 8.3].
This interface has become so universally accepted since its introduction that now only the simplest of test equipment does not have such an interface available. Apart from meeting the great majority of needs, its success stems from the virtual elimination of custom interface engineering, which is otherwise necessary. Through the use of this interface, integration of instruments into systems for telecommunications and other applications is now a relatively routine task.
The interface employs 16 signal lines with bidirectional information transfer, allowing communication between up to fifteen devices on one local contiguous bus. The mechanical, electrical, and functional elements of the interface are defined, leaving the operational aspects to be implemented as required within a particular instrument or device. A condensed description of this interface is provided in Appendix 8.2; however, if you wish to gain a more detailed understanding of the...
