Abstract:
A coupler for attaching customer-owned equipment to the telephone network permits any customer signal below a prescribed signal level to pass without distortion or attenuation but linearly attenuates signals exceeding the prescribed level. The coupler measures the mean power of the customer''s signal and utilizes the results to switch the proper attenuating load across the line. The switch circuit of the coupler has a hysteresis characteristic to prevent distortion of the customer''s signal by repeated switching between different alternating modes when the customer''s signal has slight variations about the prescribed threshold level.