Tone generator and probe

A method for generating a tone signal, the tone signal to be transmitted on a test cable, comprising:

• generating an accurate and stable frequency signal;
• dividing the accurate and stable frequency signal to generate a tone signal having a frequency in the audio band;
• selecting a cadence pattern;
• generating a test signal, the test signal having the tone signal in the cadence pattern;
• transmitting the test signal on the test cable;
• selecting a port activation mode;
• dividing the accurate and stable frequency to a link pulse rate;
• using the accurate and stable frequency signal to generate a pulse about 100 ns wide;
• transmitting the pulse on the test cable at the link pulse rate;
• and
• wherein the link pulse rate is about 60 Hz.

A tone generator for generating a tone signal, the tone signal to be transmitted on a test cable, comprising:

• a crystal oscillator providing a frequency signal having frequency accuracy and stability better than about 100 parts per million;
• a divide circuit to divide the frequency signal to the tone signal in the audio band;
• a cadence circuit generating a pattern signal;
• a gating circuit using the pattern signal and the tone signal to generate a test signal, the test signal having the tone signal in the cadence pattern;
• and
• a driving circuit to transmit the test signal on the test cable.