Appeal No. 2002-0067 Page 2
Application No. 08/721,921
modulated carrier, and an indoor unit ("IDU") for generating the modulated carrier. An
inter-facility link ("IFL") carries signals between the ODU and the IDU. (Spec. at 1.)
According to the appellant, a transmission circuit in the ODU needs a certain
level of input DC voltage to operate. A faulty or improper IFL will not provide a sufficient
input DC voltage to the ODU. (Id. at 1-2.)
The appellant explains that two types of transmission circuits are available for
use in the ODU. The first type, an intelligent transmission circuit, includes a processor
that can detect the input DC voltage and communicate with the IDU over the IFL. More
specifically, the processor can inform the IDU that the DC voltage input is insufficient.
So notified, an installer can check the IFL for irregularities. Unfortunately, the installer
must travel indoors to the IDU to learn of the problem. (Id. at 2.)
The second type, a dumb transmission circuit, cannot communicate with the IDU.
Because the dumb transmission circuit cannot inform the IDU that the DC voltage input
is insufficient, explains the appellant, an installer may not learn that the IFL is faulty.
When an attempt to transmit fails, he may incorrectly assume that the VSAT terminal is
faulty. (Id.)
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Last modified: November 3, 2007