Abstract: An intelligent communications coprocessor connects computer workstations to moderate-bandwidth (up to 2 megabits/second) digital communications services. In particular, such communications services include but are not limited to Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or Private-Branch Exchange (PBX) communications facilities. The communications coprocessor takes advantage of certain host resources including, preferably, signal processing capabilities of the computer, the computer's power supply and a generalized, high-speed computer/ peripheral serial interface. System cost for digital communications over such communications facilities is therefore reduced. Furthermore, the communications coprocessor can be used to support the transmission of arbitrary real-time, synchronous data streams as encountered in voice and video transmission services. This capability is required for many applications including voice recognition, text-to-speech, and videoconferencing.

Abstract: A self-configuring startup procedure for communications devices, including telecommunications adapters, provides unambiguous identification of the telecommunications adapter, or other communications device, connected to a serial port. The procedure does not interfere with the operation of other existing I/O devices that might be connected to the serial port, such as network, MIDI, or other serial I/O devices. The I/O device is connected to a computer through a serial interface and a serial link. When the I/O device exits a reset state, the I/O device sends across the serial link to the computer a "beacon" signal identifying the I/O device. In particular, during the beacon phase, the I/O device communicates identification and configuration parameters. Preferably, the beacon phase may be instigated by the computer using the same serial-link communications channel.

Abstract: A telecommunications adapter interfaces computing devices to the analog telephone network, achieving a tightly integrated digital telecommunications link with the analog telephone network. The telecommunications adapter takes advantage of certain host resources including, preferably, the computer's signal processor, the computer's power supply and a computer/peripheral serial interface. System cost for digital communications over the analog network is therefore reduced. Furthermore, the telecommunications adapter is able to accept and deliver a digitized representation of the analog (voice) data stream in real time, supporting both existing and future voice-band communications technologies. Finally, the invention facilitates rapid and inexpensive adaptation to the various international telephone standards. Instead of replacing an entire modem, a relatively inexpensive satellite processor (i.e., the telecom adapter) may be replaced instead.

Abstract: A signalling mechanism is used by a telecom adapter for interfacing a telephone line to a computer so as to exchange signalling information, such as pulse dialing information, ring indication information, or both. In accordance with one embodiment, the telephone line is sampled to produce a series of data samples. A signal is produced indicative of whether or not a ring signal is currently present on the telephone line, and the signal is combined with at least one of the samples in a single data unit. The single data unit is then transmitted to the computer. In another embodiment, a single data unit is received from the computer and separated into a data sample position and a pulse dialing control position. In one mode of operation the data sample position is converted to an analog signal; in another mode of operation, pulse dialing control position of the single data unit is used to perform pulse dialing.

Abstract: A telecommunications adapter interfaces computing devices to the analog telephone network, achieving a tightly integrated digital telecommunications link with the analog telephone network. The telecommunications adapter takes advantage of certain host resources including, preferably, the computer's signal processor, the computer's power supply and a computer/peripheral serial interface. System cost for digital communications over the analog network is therefore reduced. Furthermore, the telecommunications adapter is able to accept and deliver a digitized representation of the analog (voice) data stream in real time, supporting both existing and future voice-band communications technologies. Finally, the invention facilitates rapid and inexpensive adaptation to the various international telephone standards. Instead of replacing an entire modem, a relatively inexpensive satellite processor (i.e., the telecom adapter) may be replaced instead.

Abstract: A method for clock synchronization for receiving pulse position encoded signals in which a clock signal defines slots or windows of time in which to receive pulse signals. The signal received within a slot is measured to obtain a value representing the amount of signal received within that slot. The values from adjacent slots are compared to determine into which slot the signal most fully fits, and to determine a clock correction value which would change the phase of the clock to make the slots more accurately center on the received pulses. During a time period in which clock adjustment will not affect received pulses, the clock correction value is applied to the clock. In a preferred form, the measurement of pulses, comparison between slots, and clock correction are all performed digitally. A list of energy values is maintained for all slots within a frame, so that the maximum energy value can be selected for assigning a pulse position to a slot within that frame.