Abstract: Software for embedded vehicle computers in a motor vehicle is updated using a smart phone having Bluetooth connectivity or USB connectivity. An application program or “app” running the phone queries a server via the Internet, for any available software updates for a vehicle. The vehicle is identified to the server by the app using the vehicle identification number (VIN). When an update for an embedded computer is available, the server transfers the update as one or more files, which are transmitted to the phone via a cell phone network and stored in the phone until the phone can be linked to the vehicle. After the phone and vehicle are linked the update is transferred to the vehicle, preferably using Bluetooth. Software on the vehicle copies the new software into an appropriate memory device via a bus running through-out the vehicle.

Abstract: At the control apparatus which is at a location external to a vehicle, a communication link is established with a transponder at the vehicle. The vehicle is located in the immediate vicinity of the location. A continued presence of the vehicle in the vicinity of the location via the communication link is monitored.

Abstract: At the control apparatus which is at a location external to a vehicle, a communication link is established with a transponder at the vehicle. The vehicle is located in the immediate vicinity of the location. A continued presence of the vehicle in the vicinity of the location via the communication link is monitored.

Abstract: A long code scrambler has been provided to scramble the data bits prior to QAM mapping. Different data rates are accommodated by using different long code m-tuples sampled at the modulation symbol rate, where m equals 2, 4 or 6 for 4, 16 or 64 QAM, respectively. In order to support 1XEV-DV users employing multiple Walsh code channels, a long code 6-tuple sample is permutated, to further randomize the QAM symbols. As appropriate for the modulation order, 2, 4 or 6 bits of the permutated 6-tuple are applied to the data sequence. That is, in addition to randomizing the modulation symbols for a given code channel, each code channel will likely have unique QAM symbols at any given symbol time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for signal combining within a communication system is provided herein. The output of RAKE fingers is combined via a chip combiner. The combined chip stream can be despread with the appropriate Walsh code (defining a particular channel). The resulting symbol stream can then be deinterleaved and decoded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for system time alignment is provided. The method and apparatus for a system time alignment provides synchronization between system components even when one or more system components remains in a quiescent mode for an extended period of time. Compensation for changes in propagation delay between system components is provided, even when such changes in propagation delay occur while one or more system components is in a quiescent mode. A searcher (402) searches a raw data signal for a maximal energy, and a shifter (403) shifts a spreading sequence a plurality of times. An accumulator (408) accumulates a plurality of sets of symbols to produce a plurality of symbol energies. A time offset calculator (410) calculates an updated time offset value and an updated system time value and updates a reference position counter (202) and a system time counter (205), respectively, with these values.

Abstract: A long code scrambler has been provided to scramble the data bits prior to QAM mapping. Different data rates are accommodated by using different long code m-tuples sampled at the modulation symbol rate, where m equals 2, 4 or 6 for 4, 16 or 64 QAM, respectively. In order to support 1XEV-DV users employing multiple Walsh code channels, a long code 6-tuple sample is permutated, to further randomize the QAM symbols. As appropriate for the modulation order, 2, 4 or 6 bits of the permutated 6-tuple are applied to the data sequence. That is, in addition to randomizing the modulation symbols for a given code channel, each code channel will likely have unique QAM symbols at any given symbol time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for signal combining within a communication system is provided herein. The output of RAKE fingers is combined via a chip combiner. The combined chip stream can be despread with the appropriate Walsh code (defining a particular channel). The resulting symbol stream can then be deinterleaved and decoded.

Abstract: An analog switch (100) isolates a microprocessor (120) from potentially damaging programming voltages input to a PROM (110). The microprocessor (120) controls the switch (100) to allow a lower, status voltage to be input to the microprocessor (120). When the PROM (110) is to be programmed, the microprocessor (120) opens the switch (100) to isolate the microprocessor (120) and allow the 12 VDC to only be coupled to the PROM (110).