L5 System: Jumbogroup Multiplex Terminal

While gross performance objectives for analog multiplex equipment are available, the detailed statement of design objectives is part of the development task. The basic guiding principle is that the resultant system, the aggregate of line and terminal equipment, must provide transmission paths of quality and reliability appropriate to the Bell System communication network, and it must do so at a cost sufficiently lower than other alternatives to warrant development by Bell Laboratories, manufacture by Western Electric, and purchase by Long Lines and the operating telephone companies. The basic function of the jumbogroup multiplex (JMX) terminal is to translate basic jumbogroup signals to and from the L5 line spectrum. Each of the three jumbogroups is composed of six mastergroups. These signals must not be corrupted or distorted by the JMX in a manner or degree that would compromise the quality of transmission. The equipment must be reliable and maintainable. Derivable from these considerations are a host of performance objectives, including those discussed in the following sections. 2065