Computer-controlled electronic system monitor

What is claimed is:

1. An electronic monitoring apparatus for monitoring a communications system having a transmitter and an antenna comprising:

sensor means for connection between the transmitter and antenna for producing selected power measurements;

a programmable controller connected to the sensor means, said programmable controller including first means operatively connected to the sensor means for continuously monitoring the power measurements, comparator means for comparing the power measurements with preselected tolerable upper and lower power limits and second means connected to the comparator means for generating digitized information signals indicative of a need for maintenance operations prior to failure of the communications system; and

communication means connected to the programmable controller for automatically communicating the digitized information signals over a communication media.

2. The electronic monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second means produces dual tone multifunction coded digitized signals for transmission over the communication means.

3. The electronic monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second means includes means for producing digitized voice signals, and said communication means is a wireless radio for communication over the air.

4. An electronic communication system monitoring system comprising in combination:

a central processing means for executing programmed instructions, the central processing means including an input/output means, a memory driver and memory connected to the input/output means; and

a plurality of sensor means connected to the central processing means, said plurality of sensor means including a plurality of selected system element sensors and a plurality of environment sensors for measuring operational conditions of a communication system including system element operating conditions and environmental conditions at the communication system and a plurality of relays interconnecting sensed communication system elements to the central processing means for operational control;

said central processing means further including first means connected to the plurality of selected system element sensors for receiving a plurality of condition indicating signals for elements whose operational status is necessary for correctly determining any potential problem, second means connected to the first means and responsive to the plurality of condition indicating signals for outputting a control signal to a protective means for seletively controlling operation of the protective means, and a protective means connected to the second means and responsive to a control signal for automatically alleviating conditions indicated by the plurality of selected system element sensors which if not corrected will ultimately lead to system failure.

5. The electronic communication system monitoring system according to claim 4 wherein the plurality of environment sensors of the plurality of sensor means include a plurality of relays and the central processing means further includes a plurality of alarms and the input/output means includes a portable display and keyboard means connected to the central processing means for on-site interrogation and interpretation of data relating to a group of data consisting of alarm status, relay status, on-site measurements, and remote data transfer.

6. An electronic communication system monitoring system comprising in combination:

a central processing means for executing programmed instructions, the central processing means including an input/output means, a memory drive and memory connected to the input/output means; and

a plurality of sensor means connected to the central processing means, said plurality of sensor means for measuring operational conditions of a communication system and environmental conditions at the communication system, and a plurality of relay means for selectively connecting the plurality of sensor means to the central processing means for operational control;

said central processing means further including means connected to the plurality of sensor means for comparing sensed operation conditions with preselected limits and outputting an alarm signal when conditions outside the preselected limits exist, a voice message synthesizing means connected to the central processing means and responsive to the alarm signal for preparing a message for dispatch, and communication means connected to the central processing means and responsive to the alarm signal for communicating the message to preselected recipients.

7. The electronic communication system monitoring system according to claim 6 wherein the communication means is a modem preselected for telephone communications and radio communications.

8. The electronic communication system monitoring system according to claim 6 wherein the central processing means further includes a report means connected to the central processing means memory for producing reports selected from a group of reports consisting of alarm history, status, relay status, channel monitor, and channel-on timer reports.

9. The electronic communication system monitoring system according to claim 6 further including a display means connected to the central processing means and wherein the central processing means further includes means for generating a manual contral menu for display by the display means, and means connected to the display means for providing display prompts for manual control guidance.

10. The electronic communication system according to claim 6 further including a display means connected to the central processing means and wherein the central processing means further includes means connected to the display means for producing a setup menu for display, and means connected to the display means for providing display prompts for setup guidance.

11. An electronic monitoring apparatus for monitoring a communications system having a transmitter and an antenna comprising:

sensor means connected between the transmitter and antenna for producing selected power measurements;

a programmable controller connected to the sensor means, said programmable controller including first means operatively connected to the sensor means for continuously monitoring operation of the communications system including power measurements, comparator means connected to the first means for comparing the power measurements with preselected tolerable upper and lower power limits and outputting signals indicative of a need for maintenance operations prior to failure of the communications system, a second means connected to the comparator means and responsive to the signal output thereof for preparing a maintenance message, storage means connected to the programmable controller and containing a preselected number of telephone numbers of key personnel, and third means connected to the storage means and responsive to the output signals of the comparator means for sequentially obtaining the key personnel telephone numbers for automatically dialing; and

a communication means connected to the programmable controller for communicating the maintenance message indicator of the need for a maintenance operation to the key personnel.

12. The electronic monitoring apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the communication means is a telephone.

13. An electronic communication system monitoring system comprising:

a plurality of transmitting antennas for transmitting electromagnetic energy;

a plurality of communication transmitter channels connected to the plurality of transmitting antennas, the plurality of communication transmitter channels including a plurality of transmitters for transmitting electromagnetic energy, a plurality of power circulators connected to the plurality of transmitters and a plurality of combiners connected to the plurality of power circulators, said plurality of power combiners being connected to the plurality of transmitting antennas;

a plurality of power sensors operatively connected to the plurality of communication transmitter channels including a plurality of analog signal producing sensor means connected to the plurality of communication transmitter channels for producing analog signals indicative of input powers (IPF) of the plurality of transmitters to the plurality of combiners and reflected transmitter powers (IPR) on input sides of the plurality of combiners;

a plurality of analog signal producing sensor means connected to the plurality of communication transmitter channels for producing analog signals indicative of reflected powers (OPR) from antenna sides of the plurality of combiners and combiner powers (OPF) to the plurality of transmitting antennas;

a controller station including a programmable controller and a plurality of environmental sensors connected to the programmable controller for producing signals indicative of controller station environmental conditions taken from a group consisting of analog and digital signals; said programmable controller having: first means connected to the plurality of power sensors for producing IPF, IPR, OPF, and OPR measurements, second means selectively connected to the first means for computing transmitter and antenna voltage standing wave ratios, third means connected to the first means for determining combiner insertion loss per channel, a clock means connected to the programmable controller, a fourth means connected to the clock means for obtaining time and date of measurements, fifth means connected to the fourth means for recording the time and date of most recent channel measurements, sixth means connected to the environmental sensors for automatically producing alarm signals indicative of abnormal environmental conditions, comparator means selectively connected to the first means for comparing the measurements to preselected acceptable normal measurements and producing alarm signals indicative of outside the normal measurements, display means connected to the programmable controller for displaying locally the measurements made, data input means connected to the programmable controller for reading operating parameters into and writing measurement information from the programmable controller, said programmable controller having a communication port means for connecting a printer, and a signal digitizing means connected to the comparator means for generating digital information signals indicative of a need for maintenance;

a transmitter/receiver means connected to the signal digitizing means for communicating the digital information signals over a communication media; and

a remotely located station includinng a means connected to the transmitter/receiver means for reading operating parameters into, writing data including measurement data and alarm data from the programmable controller, and receiving the digitized information signals for audio reproduction.

Description Submit all comments and votes

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to electronic monitoring systems and more particularly to a computer-controlled monitoring system for monitoring continuously and accurately the operation of communication systems.

Electronic monitors of various degrees of complexity are known. They range from very simple power monitors, which measure power at a specific location near the transmitter, circular, cavity, N-way junction or antenna, to more versatile models which provide remote readout at an off-site panel that accepts and/or delivers information pertaining to power level and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). In addition, some units are known to include remote communication of alarms, corresponding on/off power conditions, and local environment conditions such as, temperature, humidity, intrusion and fire.

The problems with the known monitoring devices include their inability to generate and communicate actual measurements, to permit the programming of upper and lower operating limits, and to adapt to specific operator needs such as calculating specific insertion loss characteristics across filters and cavities.

A major advantage of the monitor of the present invention over known monitors is the provision of a computer-controlled, expandable electronic monitoring system. The system of the present invention accurately and continuously monitors electronic systems, programs their operating parameters, meets various user needs, and tunes or retunes any tunable components without degrading overall performance of the system being monitored. These features enable the monitor to detect "soft" failures of the systems being monitored. Soft failures are the result of a slowly degrading system component, such as a corroding connector or a gradual shift in a cavity's resonant frequency. With properly set alarm limits, the monitoring system uncovers and communicates a transmit problem when performance drops below tolerable limits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved electronic system monitor to give accurate information continuously from which "soft" failures can be detected and repaired prior to actual system failure, thereby reducing system downtime and maintenance and repair costs.

Another object of this invention is to provide an electronic system monitor operable in a centralized control center for monitoring one or more electronic systems remotely located with respect to the system center.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a monitor capable of simultaneous operation with an electronic system without interrupting or degrading the electronic system operation.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a monitor having multiple alarm inputs and automatic remote or local alarm reporting.

A further object of the invention is to provide a monitor capable of measuring the operational outputs of a plurality of electronic systems.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a monitor having component tuning aid capability.

Still yet a further object of the invention is to provide a monitor capable of monitoring selected conditions and in response to the conditions activating a corrective device.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a monitor with the capability of activating various communication modes for automatically notifying selected personnel of problems existing in the monitored system.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a monitor system whose size is adjustable to meet existing monitoring requirements.

Yet another additional object of the invention is to provide a monitor adapted for use with a portable keyboard/display device.

Briefly stated, the electronic system monitor apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention includes a compact, computer-controlled, expandable monitor system having remote sensors for accurately measuring the actual power-related performance of a plurality of components of one or more electronic systems and their local environment conditions. A decision maker is connected to some or all of the sensors and compares the measured power-related outputs of the sensors to normal operating limits for determining deteriorating components. The decision maker activates an appropriate alarm and reports any abnormal component or environmental conditions to a central or remote station either automatically or upon command. At the station, the report is displayed or printed or both. The decision maker also provides information for use in tuning or retuning tunable components.

In a second embodiment, the decision maker includes a logic circuit for determining the existence of a plurality of operation conditions for elements producing a single function and when found to exist automatically activating a remedial element for alleviating a potential problem. The decision maker or control processing unit also includes a message synthesizer including a voice synthesizer for producing messages and a communication connector for communicating the message to selected maintenance, emergency, and security personnel, and remote computers. In addition to reporting current alarms, the central processing unit stores information and prepares alarm history, current status, relay status, channel monitor and channel on time reports. The central processor also provides for manual operation and prompts for guiding manual operation and initial setup of the system. The central processing unit is adapted for expansion using master and slave units, and for connecting a portable display/keyboard. Thus, the portable display/keyboard may be carried for use with master units at different sites.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and features of the invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the monitoring system of the present invention with in-line sensors in place;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the programmable controller of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the programmable controller including the front panel arrangement of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view of the programmable controller connection panel of the present invention;

FIGS. 5a-5b are block diagrams of two typical monitor and sensor arrangements of the present invention;

FIGS. 6a-6h are main program loop flowcharts for the power monitor of the present invention;

FIGS. 7a-7e are keyboard flowcharts for the power monitor of the present invention;

FIGS. 8a-8b are cathode ray tube (CRT) processing flowcharts for the power monitor of the present invention;

FIGS. 9a-9c are printer processing flowcharts for the power monitor of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of modules and input/output connections of the monitor of FIGS. 10;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of modules and input/output connections of the monitor of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a view of the front panel of the monitor of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a detachable display and keyboard for the monitor of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a logic diagram for the digital pseudo channels logic functions based on 4 digital channels; and

FIGS. 15a-15d constitute an operation flowchart for the monitor constituting the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A first embodiment of the computer-controlled electronic system monitoring system 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 in connection with an antenna system, by way of example only and not by way of limitation. The monitor of the present invention is applicable to all communications systems operating from 35 MHz to 1 GHz, including SMR trunked, conventional, paging cellular, mobile radio and aviation. The monitor of the present invention can report on a plurality of antenna systems and any combination of a plurality of transmitters and channels therefor.

The monitor of the present invention is shown connected to a transmitter site system (FIG. 1) with in-line sensors of the monitoring system 10 in place. The combined antenna system and monitor system includes a transmitter antenna 12 having a bidirectional power sensor 14 connected between the antenna and a bank of combiners 16 each for a plurality of antenna systems. The bidirectional power sensor 14 is connected by leads 18 and 20 to a programmable controller 22. A circulator 24 for a plurality of communications channels is connected to the combiner banks 16 and a bidirectional power sensor 26 is connected between the circulator 24 and a transmitter 28 serving a plurality of channels. The bidirectional power sensor 26 is connected by leads 30 and 32 to the programmable controller 22.

A plurality of local alarm input circuits 34 are connected to the programmable controller for inputting information indicative of various operating failures and adverse local environmental conditions at the antenna sites. Also, a plurality of local alarm output circuits 36 are connected to the programmable controller 22.

A printer 38 is connected by bus 40 to the programmable controller 22. Upon command from the programmable computer, the printer prints selected information from the programmable computer.

A terminal 42 that provides two-way communication to the programmable controller completes the combined system. The terminal is connected by a telephone connection 44 to a MODEM 46. The MODEM 46 is connected by lead 48 to the programmable controller.

The in-line antenna bidirectional sensor 14 inputs analog (dc) signals indicative of the output reflected power (OPR) from the antennas for a particular channel through lead 18 to the programmable controller 22 for display in watts. The sensor 14 also inputs analog signals indicative of the output forward power (OPF) of the combiner 16 for a given antenna through lead 20 to the programmable controller 22 for display in watts.

In addition, the in-line combiner bidirectional sensor 26 inputs analog signals indicative of the input forward power (IPF) to the combiner 16 for a particular channel on lead 30 to the programmable controller for display in watts. Further, the sensor 26 inputs analog signals indicative of the input reflected power from the combiner 16 for a particular channel through lead 32 to the programmable controller for display in watts. This sensor arrangement will be discussed further in connection with a second arrangement hereinafter.

The local alarm system circuits 34 include sensors to facilitate flexible and diverse local alarm needs such as, for example, intrusion, temperature, and flooding in addition to the outside-the-norm measurements of the antenna, combiner, and transmitter.

The programmable controller 22 (FIG. 2) includes a computer 50. A suitable computer is an INTEL 8085 microprocessor sold by INTEL Corporation. An electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM) 52 and a random access memory (RAM) 54 are connected by bus 56 to the microprocessor 50. The EPROM stores instructions to adapt the system to user needs, and the RAM stores the system acquired data or information by date and time provided by the microprocessor clock. The RAM 54 is protected from a power down situation by a battery 58 (Lithium battery).

A keyboard 60 is used to enter operation parameters and to call up information for display on a display 62. The display 62 is, for example, a 16 digit liquid crystal display connected to the microproccessor.

An analog to digital converter (ADC) 64 having a plurality of channels for digitizing the incoming analog (dc) data signals is connected by leads 66 to the microprocessor 50.

The microprocessor 50, EPROM 52, RAM 54, and ADC 64 and interface circuitry are preferably complementary metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) integrated circuit (IC) devices because they are readily available, have less power consumption and dissipation, and exhibit high impedance characteristics. Thus, a small Lithium battery will hold the RAM for about three years, and the high impedance of CMOS devices allow interfacing without disruption of the system.

The microprocessor 50 is connected to a power supply 68. The power supply provides a +5 volt and a .+-./-12 volt source of power for the system from either an ac or dc power source. The power supply is connected to power-fail circuit 70. The power-fail circuit is connected by lead 72 to the microprocessor and RAM to signal when power failure is imminent to initiate a routing to save all volatile data. After power restoration, a routine is initiated to restore the data and restart computer operation.

The local alarm signals are received in a register 74 and multiplexed into the microprocessor 50 for processing. The microprocessor 50 is connected to a solid state relay device 76 for outputting alarm signals to antenna, transmitter, combiner, or local alarm action circuits.

The programmable controller 22 includes a housing 78 (FIG. 3) for housing the circuitry of the programmable controller, a front panel 80, and a connector panel 82 (FIG. 4).

The programmable panel front panel 80 includes a switch 84 having an OFF position between ac and dc power positions. A plurality of status lights (LEDs) are connected to the microprocessor as action circuits indicating the operational status of the system as follows.

Lights 86, 88, and 90 on a first side of the panel are turned on to indicate, respectively, that the monitor is operating on home power, the Lithium battery for the data storage RAM needs replacement, and a local alarm exists. While, lights 92, 94, and 96 on a second or opposing side are turned on to indicate, respectively, that the combiner insertion loss is excessive, the analog data is being input to the processor, and the data is being transferred remotely. Indicator lights 86, 94, and 96 being of an informative nature are green lights; while lights 88, 90, and 92 being trouble indicating lights are red lights.

Antenna status lights 98 and 100 are turned on and off, respectively, to indicate whether the plurality of antennas are operating within prescribed parameters or an antenna alarm exists. The former is green and the later is red.

Similarly, transmitter lights 102 and 104 are turned on and off with a green light 102 indicating that the transmitters are operating within prescribed parameters and a red light indicating a transmitter alarm.

The 16 character liquid crystal display (LCD) 64 is positioned directly above the 28 key keyboard 60. The 28 key keyboard 60 includes 10 numeric (1, 2, 3, . . . 0) keys 106 for providing numeric entry and access information. The specific entry and access keys include the usual clear 108, set 110, and enter 112 keys for clearing the keyboard of all information before it is entered in the processor, initializing new information to be input into the keyboard, and instructing the processor to take keyboard instructions and store them in memory.

The remaining specific keys are as follows:

An input forward power (IPF) key is to display in watts the input forward power to the combiner for a selected channel.

An output forward power (OPF) key is to display in watts the output forward power of the chamber for a selected antenna.

An insertion loss (IL) key identifies the channel loss through the combiner measured in dB.

A time of day (TME) key is to set a 24 hour clock in the processor one time and thereafter to update the date.

A dual display (DUL) key is used to enter a dual display mode. When in the dual mode, the processor shows two separate desired measurements on the same display. For example, when tuning a combiner, the value of IPR and OPF may be desired to show on the same display so that OPF may be optimized and IPR minimized.

A channel designate (CNL/DES) key is used to designate the antennas and channel(s) to be monitored and reported. From 0 to 18 channels may be designated in the example described for up-to-four antennas for measurement and monitoring.

An input reflected power (IPR) is used to identify the input reflected power in watts for a particular channel for display.

An output reflected power (OPR) key is used to identify the reflected power in watts from the antenna for a particular channel display.

A voltage standing wave ration (SWR) key displays VSWR in absolute values for any channel or antenna.

A minimum input power forward (MIN/IPF) key is used to set the alarm value for the minimum allowable transmitter output power before an alarm message is set off.

A maximum VSWR (MAX/SWR) key is used to set the alarm value for the maximum allowable VSWR for any channel or antenna before an alarm message is triggered.

A maximum insertion loss (MAX/IL) key permits the setting of the maximum combiner insertion loss value allowed prior to alarm triggering.

An alarm status (ALM/STS) key when momentarily pressed and followed by momentarily pressing the ENTER key will display a list of those channels that have not been cleared. The appropriate alarm is displayed with each channel.

A print (PRNT) key and the ENTER key when momentarily pressed one after the other causes a print out to be made of all channel information and alarm information not cleared to a local printer.

This completes the keys of the keyboard; nevertheless, additional functions are displayed using a combination of the keys simultaneously. A specific unit number for the processor is entered using the (SET) (CNL/DES) keys; while, a specific periodic report time is entered using the (SET) (ALMSTS) keys.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a description is given of the connection panel. The connection panel 82 for the programmable controller includes a pin connector 114 for up to four antennas, a pin connector 116 for up to 18 transmitters, and pin connectors 118 and 120, respectively, for a printer and remote terminal. In addition four terminal blocks 122, 124, 126, and 128 are provided for the local alarm inputs, alarm outputs, 12 V dc and 12 V ac, respectively. An option select dip switch 130 for communication options complete the connection panel.

With respect to the antenna connector 114, each antenna has an OPF pin, OPR pin, and corresponding ground pins. If a fifteen pin connector is used, antennas 3 and 4 share a common ground for OPR. Also to prevent cross-talk on all antenna and transmitter connections from power sensors, a shielded cable is used.

The pin connector 116 for the eighteen transmitters includes two 37 pin connectors 132 and 134. Each pin connector accomodates 9 transmitters. Each transmitter includes an IPF pin, IPR pin, and corresponding ground pins.

The local printer pin connector 118 and the remote terminal pin connector 120 are standard RS 232 connectors each including pin outs as follows:

Chassis and signal grounds (pins 1 and 7), Request to Send (pin 4), Data Terminal Ready (pin 20), Receive Data (pin 3), Transmit Data (pin 2), Clear to Send (pin 5), and Data Bit Ready (pin 6). The MODEM 46 (FIG. 1) has corresponding pins.

The local alarm inputs of terminal block 122 accept external dry contact closures providing the user optional alarm functions for recording and reporting. Thus, the programmable controller may report activation of up to six alarms indicative of, for example, unauthorized entry, high/low temperatures, water level, house power, etc.

The alarm outputs of terminal block 124 provide dry contact closures, capable of 2 amps, when a combiner antenna, transmitter or local alarm in the system shows operation outside preset parameters or conditions.

The dc and ac terminal blocks 126 and 128 provide the option to operate the monitor by conventional housepower with a class 2 transformer or by dc means.

Last, the eight dip switches 130 allow selection of different communication modes, speed of communication, and local printer interfacing.

Referring now to FIGS. 5a and 5b for a description of two typical sensor/antenna arrangements. FIGS. 5a is for obtaining a more accurate measurement of combiner insertion loss; FIG. 5b focuses on monitoring reflected power from the cavities for accurate combiner tuning. Both circuits measure antenna plus cable forward and reflected power for calculating the corresponding VSWR, and combiner tuning.

The circuit of FIG. 5a, is a typical circuit described in connection with FIG. 1. The second circuit is an alternative to the first circuit. The difference is that the bidirectional power sensor 26 of FIG. 5a that is positioned between the transmitter 12 and circulator 24 is replaced by two unidirectional sensors 134 and 136 (FIG. 5b). Unidirectional sensor 134 is positioned between the transmitter 12 and circulator 24 entrance port for measuring the input forward power (IPF). Unidirectional sensor 136 is positioned in the circulator port adjacent to the combiner before the 50 ohm matching resistor. In this arrangement the combiner (cavity) reflected power is measured as the input reflected power (IPR) and provides accurate measurement of the combiner insertion loss including isolation losses.

The operation of the monitor will now be described in connection with the operation flowcharts. The power monitor main program loop (FIG. 6a) starts 150 with a decision 152 whether the power is on and the system reset. If true, an instruction 154 is issued to initialize the hardware and random access memory (RAM); else, return is made to step 152. Next, a decision 156 is made whether the system keyboard is active. If true, the power monitor keyboard subroutine (FIGS. 7a-7e) is entered; else a decision 158 is made whether an alternating display flag is on.

If decision 158 is true, a decision 160 is made whether the display timer is equal to zero; else, a decision 170 is made whether any commands have been received from the CRT. If decision 160 is yes, a decision 162 is made whether a second display pattern flag is on; else the CRT on decision 172 is made. If decision 162 is no, then either the decision 172 is made whether any commands have been received for the cathode ray tube (CRT), or an instruction 164 is issued to set the liquid crystal display (LCD) pattern to the second pattern and to set the second display flag. Then an instruction 168 is issued to set the display timer for one second.

However, if decision 162 is true, an instruction 166 is issued to set LCD display pattern to the first display pattern, turn off the second display flag, and proceed to instruction 168 to set the display timer for one second. After setting the display timer for one second, the decision 170 is made whether any commands have been received from the CRT. If true, the CRT subroutines (FIGS. 8a and 8b) are entered; if false; a decision 172 (FIG. 6b) is made whether the LED blinking timer is equal to zero.

If the LED blinking timer is equal to zero, a decision 174 is made whether any blinking flags are on, otherwise an instruction 180 is issued to go directly to a map making instruction 180. If decision 174 is true, an instruction 176 is issued to complement the active blink LED bits and an instruction 178 is issued to reset LED blinking timer and output LED bits. If decision 174 is false, only the instruction 178 is issued. Then, the instruction 180 is issued to copy last active channel maps to previous active channels map and make a new map of channels.

An instruction 182 is then issued to get the previous number of active channels and to get the current number of active channels. Next, an instruction 184 is issued to subtract the previous number of channels from the new number of channels on, and a decision 186 made whether there is a new channel. If yes, an instruction is issued to exclusive OR the new active channel map to the old active channel map. Otherwise, an instruction 190 is issued to read and correct values for output power forward (OPF) and output power reflected and store in the old OPF and OPR positions before proceeding directly to decision 264 (FIG. 6h) as to whether an automatic print time is on and continue.

Next, an instruction 192 (FIG. 6c) is issued to initialize the counter for the number of channels in the system to zero, and an instruction 194 is issued to increment the channel counter for each channel while rotating the channel map to the right to carry. Then a decision 196 is made whether the channel bit is on. If not, return is made to instruction 194; if true, an instruction 198 is issued to put the channel number in channel index byte for the get address routines. Then an instruction 202 is issued to rotate channels to monitor map right to carry decrement channel count and a decision 204 is made whether the channel count has been decremented to zero. If it hasn't, the instruction 202 to decrement the channel count is repeated until true, and then a decision 206 is made whether the monitor channel map bit is on. If the channel map bit is not on, the process skips to decision 264 (FIG. 6h) and continues from there; otherwise, an instruction 208 is issued to read the output power forward (OPF) port.

After reading the OPF port, an instruction 210 (FIG. 6d) is issued to initialize a debounce timer and to save the first reading. Then a decision 212 is made whether the debounce time has expired. If not the decision 212 is continued until the time has expired, at which time a decision 214 is made whether any channels are on. If true, the process goes to decision 264 (FIG. 6h) and continues. Otherwise, an instruction 216 is issued to read the OPF port.

Next, the two OPF values are compared and a decision 218 made whether they are equal. If not equal, return is made to step 208 (FIG. 6c) to read OPF port. If equal, an instruction 220 is issued to compute the channel OPF and pursuant to instruction 222 to store the new OPF and time and date of reading.

Next, an instruction 224 is issued to read the output power reflected (OPR) port, after which the process is repeated (FIGS. 6d and 6e), the OPR value computed and stored together with time and date of reading.

Next, an instruction 226 (FIG. 6e) is issued to read the input power forward (IPF) port for a new channel, repeat the debounce process and store the IPF for the new channel pursuant to instruction 228 (FIG. 6f). The process is repeated for computing the input power reflected (IPR) for the new channel (FIG. 6f) and the new IPR value for the new channel computed and stored pursuant to instruction 230.

After computing the OPF and OPR and IPF and IPR, the voltage standing wave ratio (SWR) (FIG. 6g) for the channel is computed pursuant to instruction 232 using the formula:

[SWR=(VF+VR)/(VF-VR)]

After computation, an instruction 234 is issued to store the SWR together with the time and date of computation.

Next, an instruction 236 is issued to get OPF and IPF for new channel, and pursuant to instruction 238 initialize the insertion loss to zero. Then an instruction 240 is issued to divide the OPF by the IPF and a decision 242 made whether the result is greater than one half. If not, an instruction 244 is issued to add -3 dB to insertion loss and double the previous result, and a decision 246 is made whether the new result is greater than one-half. If no, step 244 and 246 are repeated until the new result is greater than one-half.

If decision 242 was yes or when decision 246 becomes true that the result is greater than one-half, a decision 248 is made whether the current result is greater than .E4.sub.H. If true, an instruction 250 is issued to store current insertion loss computation and proceed directly to an auto print time decision 264 and continue; if false, a decision 252 (FIG. 6h) is made whether current result is less than .E4.sub.H which is greater than .B.sub.5.sub.H. If yes, an instruction 254 is issued to add -1 dB to the insertion loss and proceed to instruction 262; else a decision 256 is made whether current result is less than .B5.sub.H which is greater than .90 H. If true, an instruction 258 is issued to add -2 dB to the insertion loss and go to instruction 262; else an instruction is issued to add -3 dB to the insertion loss and proceed to instruction 262. Instruction 262 is issued to store the new channel's insertion loss value and time and date of computation.

Next, a decision 264 is made whether the auto print time is on. If yes, the print subroutine (FIGS. 9a and 9b) is entered; else a decision 266 is made whether an intermode alarm exists. If true, an instruction 268 is issued to map current channels in use and set the intermode flag; else a decision 270 is made whether the SWR alarm is on. If on, an instruction 272