Method and apparatus for monitoring a communications network

Abstract

A method and apparatus for the monitoring, detecting and analyzing of signal errors on an electronic communications network, utilizing a communication signal on a fieldbus of the network, which includes receiving a communication signal from the communications network, and collecting information electronically on the components of each individual signal frame. This information is selected electronically by use of a software driven microcomputer. The communication signal is sent through an active real time filter array which actively passes selected individual frames. The filters are selected electronically by use of a software driven microcomputer. The filters may use context information present on the fieldbus in selecting frames. A software driven microcomputer is also used to display these individual frames in real time. Additionally, frames may be captured manually or automatically and stored electronically. Automatic capturing is accomplished by use of a trigger mechanism set by the microcomputer. A simulator may also be included for generating a simulated communication signal to be displayed simultaneously with the communication signal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.