John E Wonkka

US Patent:

6463113, Oct 8, 2002

Filed:

Jun 5, 1997

Appl. No.:

08/869627

Inventors:

Boris Isaak Shusterman - Newton MA
John Eli Wonkka - Merrimack NH

Assignee:

Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P. - Houston TX

International Classification:

H04L 2300

US Classification:

375377, 333 81 R, 359153

Abstract:

A data signal attenuator is constructed to include an optocoupler, a biasing source for powering the optocoupler and restoring the amplitude of an originally transmitted signal, and a connector for connecting the attenuator to the exterior of a receiving device. When connected to the receiver, the attenuator electrically connects a single-ended data transmission line to the receiving device. The external connection of the attenuator to the receiving device thus enables existing receivers to have the benefits of an optocoupler based attenuator without the necessity of redesign.