New Two-Port Stat Mux Debuts

Back in 1992 we introduced a revolutionary product: a miniature, self-powered, two-port statistical multiplexer. We called it the Model 392 MicroStatand billed it as "The World's Smallest Stat Mux." As far as we know, it still holds that title. But now the Model 392 is being upstaged and replaced by asecond generation stat mux that is faster, more flexible and easier to use. We proudly Introduce the Patton Model 3022 MicroStat II.

It Only Looks the Same
While the Model 3022 is packaged in the same miniature enclosure as the Model 392-with the addition of a Link Status LED-the electronics inside arecompletely redesigned. For starters, the data rate for the composite channel, as well as both sub-channels, is now 38.4 Kbps (auto baud is fullysupported on both sub-channels). This means you can use the Model 3022 with the latest V.34 modems and not sacrifice speed.

Sub-channel flow control has been made more flexible on the Model 3022. In addition to hardware flow control, software (X-ON/X-OFF) flow controlis supported on the sub-channels. And X-ON/X-OFF characters are programmable. In hardware flow control mode, RTS/CTS handshaking is usedinstead of the less common DTR/CTS. End-to-end flow control has also been enhanced on the Model 3022, and supports proprietary in-band packetflow control as well RTS/CTS. Finally, a buffer has been included on the Model 3022 (approximately 4K in each direction) to handle flow controlpropagation delay.

Easier to Use
While the increased speed and enhanced flow control of the Model 3022 make it suitable for a wider variety of applications than the Model 392, itsgreatest advantage may lie in its ease of use. Patton's Technical Support staff has noted various annoyances encountered by users of the Model 392 (weadmit it was rather, uh, challenging to use). Many enhancements have been included in the Model 3022 to make it more user-friendly.

With respect to AT command entry, the Model 3022 uses the Extended AT Command Set, as opposed to the minimal set used by the Model 392. Thereplacement of the "AT[Y1 (CR)" command sequence with three back slashes (\\\\\\) speeds up the command entry process significantly. Also helpful is theability to communicate with the local modem and remote mux (pass-thru mode) using both local sub-channels, instead of sub-channel 1 only. Users of theModel 392 will remember that the unit required either a time-out or the entry of an AT command to cause the unit to enter data mode. Those options areavailable on the Model 3022 as well. However, an additional feature has been added that allows the unit to go automatically into data mode when it seesCD from the local modem. This facilitates unattended operation. The Model 3022 user also benefits from an on-line help screen that lists setting optionsand also displays the current settings of certain parameters.

A Clear Advantage
The new Model 3022 offers all the benefits of the older Model 392 (except DCE/DTE sensing), along with many significant enhancements. For thisreason, the Model 3022 will be replacing the Model 392 as of September 1, 1995. The list price will be the same: $199.00 each. (It will be possible toobtain the Model 392 on a "special order" basis.) Note: The Model 3022 and the Model 392 are NOT compatible. Therefore, you should alert yourcustomers not to attempt to mix the units. The Model 3022 is now available on a lead time of 6 weeks ARO.