Importance

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Abstract

A method, system and apparatus for frequency sweeping and frequency sweep testing a CATV system wherein the CATV system has a plurality of channels and is transmitting television signals over at least some of the channels. The system includes a head end test unit coupled to the CATV system at its head end and a remote test unit coupled to the CATV system at a location remote from the head end. The head end test unit sweeps the CATV system by either generating and transmitting test signals at the channel frequencies over the CATV system or, if a television signal is being transmitted on a channel, using the television signal as the test signal. The head end test also measures the signal levels of the test signal and at the end of the sweep, transmits telemetry signals, which include the frequencies to be swept and the measured signal levels, over the CATV system to the remote test unit using the same transmitter that it use to generate and transmit the test signals. The remote test unit receives the information transmitted by the head end test unit and sweeps the same frequencies simultaneously with the head end test unit. During the sweep, the remote test unit measures the signal levels of the test signal and television signal test signals. After receiving the next set of telemetry signals, the remote test unit uses the information regarding the signal levels measured by the head end test unit and the signal levels it measured to determine the frequency response of the CATV system.

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First Claim