Abstract: A wireless communication system (10). The system comprises a user station (12). The user station comprises despreading circuitry (22) for receiving and despreading a plurality of slots received from at least a first transmit antenna (A121) and a second transmit antenna (A122) at a transmitting station (14). Each of the plurality of slots comprises a first channel (DPCH) comprising a first set of pilot symbols and a second channel (PCCPCH) comprising a second set of pilot symbols. The user station further comprises circuitry (50) for measuring a first channel measurement (?1,n) for each given slot in the plurality of slots from the first transmit antenna and in response to the first set of pilot symbols in the given slot. The user station further comprises circuitry (50) for measuring a second channel measurement (?2,n) for each given slot in the plurality of slots from the second transmit antenna and in response to the second set of pilot symbols in the given slot.

Abstract: A despreader for generating one or more despread values corresponding to application of one or more despreading codes to a sequence of spread values comprises a data buffer, an adder, a subtractor, and a controller. The adder is adapted to generate a sum of a pair of values read from the data buffer. The subtractor is adapted to generate a difference of the pair of values read from the data buffer. The controller is adapted to control (1) reading of the pair of values from the data buffer and (2) writing of the sum and difference values into the data buffer. After each pair of spread values is stored in the data buffer, the despreader generates and stores one or more pairs of sum and difference values in the data buffer.

Abstract: Each receiving node (120) of a plurality of receiving nodes (120-1, 120-2 and 120-3) such as base stations in a wireless network converts a superposition of signals received from a plurality of transmitting nodes such as mobile terminals (10) to produce soft complex signal information. The soft complex signal information associated with the considered plurality of receiving nodes are collected, for example in a central node (130) and jointly detect signal information transmitted from at least a subset of the plurality of transmitting nodes (10) based on the collected soft complex signal information. The collected soft signal information generally retains phase and amplitude information, and the transmitted signals are preferably detected in a joint detection process based on a complex channel representation and collected soft signal information.

Abstract: A pilot structure, a method, and a receiver for multi-carrier cellular communications defining a specific Time Division Multiplexer/Multiplexing pilot pattern and pilot sequence for a sub-frame with short system information. A primary synchronization sequence is configured to be transmitted every predetermine number of sub-frames in a defined bandwidth. A primary common pilot is configured to be transmitted for each sub-frame. Short system information is configured to be transmitted once per frame to define the pilot structure of sub-frames in a frame period to define a structure of a frame period.

Abstract: An A/D converted and inputted signal is stored in a memory. A sliding correlator sequentially reads the signal stored in the memory and despreads this signal. A despreading timing is adjusted and then the candidate for a despreading code is outputted from a code generation circuit. The despreading code outputted at a predetermined timing is used for obtaining a correlation value of signals outputted from the memory, using the sliding correlator. Thus, by storing signals in the memory, fluctuation of a correlation value caused by fading does not occur while specifying a code or detecting a despreading timing.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for use in a spread spectrum communications system. In particular, in a method of the present invention information useful for acquiring a target signal is selected; the information is incorporated in an acquisition signal; the acquisition signal is transmitted; the target signal is spread with a spreading code; and the target signal is transmitted. At a receiving node, the acquisition information useful for acquiring the target signal is recovered from the acquisition signal and used to acquire the target signal. Apparatus in accordance with the present invention implement methods of the present invention. The methods and apparatus of the present invention can be used in node- and network-discovery situations.

Abstract: A method for acquiring Global Positioning System (GPS) code includes describing GPS code as a Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) code, and decoding the LDPC code to achieve acquisition by directly solving for the correct code phase.

Abstract: A solution for determining in a radio receiver a data sequence indicating transmission parameters of a frame before receiving the whole frame in the radio receiver in order to speed up processing of the data in the frame. According to the provided solution data is received in one or more time intervals, the data being part of a transmitted data sequence indicating transmission parameters of a frame. The possible data sequences are known to the radio receiver. The received data is compared with corresponding data of each known data sequence, and, on the basis of the comparison, the data sequence which is determined to be closest to the received data is selected. The transmission parameters of the frame are determined based on the selection.

Abstract: A simple and efficient method is provided for frequency offset fine estimation. The method comprises: subtracting the QPSK modulation phase of a synchronization code from its received phase to generate the phase drift, and then computing the frequency offset based on the phase drift.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for generating a scaled correlation that is based on an estimate of the arrival time of a synchronization point in a received RF signal relative to a sampling clock, which is used to sample the received RF signal after down conversion. The scaled correlation may be used to validate the estimate of the arrival time of the synchronization point and, in certain embodiments of the present invention, may be used to update the estimate of the arrival times for subsequent synchronization points. Using the scaled correlation may provide arrival time estimates with a finer resolution and accuracy than the period of the sampling clock. Such arrival time estimates are important for timing-based applications, such as GPS receivers or navigation receivers.

Abstract: A wired spread spectrum communication device, a method for communication thereof and a wired spread spectrum communication system capable of enabling easy establishment of synchronism are disclosed. In a transmitter unit of the wired spread spectrum communication device, a spreading code generator generates spread spectrum signals that are based on specified spreading codes, a strobe signal generator and a timing gate output the spread spectrum signals as sync signals at specified timings, and an adder superposes the sync signals to the spread information signals, while the adder further sends the information signals that have been superposed with the sync signals as transmitting signals to transmission paths.

Abstract: A data transceiver module for digital data communications in a portable hand-held data terminal has multiple data spread spectrum modes which include direct sequence and frequency function modulation algorithms. The transceiver module has multiple user or program configurable data rates, modulation, channelization and process gain in order to maximize the performance of radio data transmissions and to maximize interference immunity. Various module housings, which may be PCMCIA type, are able to be mated with a suitably designed data terminal. Media access control protocols and interfaces of multiple nominal operational frequencies are utilized. Wireless access devices in a cell based network each consider a variety of factors when choosing one of a plurality of modes of wireless operation and associated operating parameters. Such selection defines a communication channel to support wireless data, message and communication exchanges.

Abstract: A method for generating code sequences having good correlation properties comprising steps of selecting a code length comprising a number of chips, selecting a ruler which defines the position of non-zero values within the chips, and overlaying the non-zero values with an amplitude pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a signal processing resolution. A received signal is processed using a first resolution. When a multipath condition is detected, the signal is processed using a second resolution.

Abstract: The primitives between an upper management layer and the MAC layer within a mobile station and a base station are defined in order to specify and clarify the operations within the protocol stack layers in a broadband wireless access system to allow a mobile station to perform a method of connecting to the network. Media Independent Handover (MIH) procedures can be achieved because the NCMS and MIH layer can communicate through use of these primitives.

Abstract: A positioning signal reception device receives a positioning signal transmitted from a position information satellite, and includes: a signal reception portion that obtains a reception signal by receiving the positioning signal; an A/D conversion portion that generates a digital signal by converting the reception signal into a digital form; a filter portion that subjects the digital signal to frequency separation, a characteristic of the filter portion being changeable; a filter characteristic change portion that changes the characteristic of the filter portion according to an operating state of the positioning signal reception device and an external environmental condition of the positioning signal reception device; and a code synchronization establishment portion that establishes synchronization of spreading codes contained in the reception signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of an adaptive in-phase (I) and/or quadrature-phase (Q) imbalance correction for multicarrier wireless communication systems is generally described.

Abstract: Time is transferred from an ultra wideband (UWB) transmitter to UWB receiver by transmitting a signal structure having an associated timing reference point together with a time value for the timing reference point. The UWB receiver receives the timing signal structure by synchronizing a receiver time base to the signal structure, demodulating the time value information, and using the demodulated time value information to set a receiver clock value. Propagation delay information is used to adjust the receiver clock value by advancing the receiver clock value to account for the propagation delay. In one embodiment, propagation delay is determined from a known distance between the transmitter and receiver. In another embodiment, the transmitter and receiver are part of a two-way link wherein propagation delay is measured by round trip timing measurements.

Abstract: A rake receiver for DS-CDMA UWB system and a DS-CDMA receiver having the same are provided. The rake receiver includes: a channel estimator for estimating a channel having a predetermined chip duration by using a synchronization acquisition sequence; a tracking module for detecting a channel variation and adjusting a synchronization position value when the channel variation is detected; a first switch for selecting one of an output value of an analog-to-digital converter and an output value of a correlator and outputting the selected value; a second switch for selecting one of the output value of the analog-to-digital converter and the output value of the correlator; and a plurality of demodulators having a parallel processing structure to demodulate received signals by using the channel estimation value inputted from the channel estimator, the synchronization position value stored by the tracking module, and an output value of the second switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for data extraction from a data stream containing at least one data packet. First, comparing a bit stream derived from a received digital data stream with an expected bit sequence is performed by packet detector to determine a correlation value (CorrVal) for detecting a data packet. Then, a data extraction unit is started for data extraction when the correlation value (CorrVal) exceeds a threshold value (CorrThres) indicating that a data packet has been detected. Therefore, comparing the received bit stream with the expected bit sequence to determine a new correlation value (CorrVal) is continued by the packet detector. Finally, restarting data extraction is initiated by a sync-control module when the new correlation value (CorrVal) exceeds the form correlation value (MaxCorrVal).

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for estimating frequency offset from received signal and method for the same. The apparatus and method estimates frequency offset precisely without increment of autocorrelator by performing moving average filtering on a noised signal to thereby alleviate jitter. The frequency offset estimating apparatus includes: moving average filter for alleviating jitter of received signal; multiplier for multiplying a filtered signal by conjugate complex operanded pilot signal; phase-rotation value calculator for calculating a phase-rotation value from multiplicand operanded signal by using of symbol delay and an autocorrelation function; frequency offset estimator for estimating frequency offset from the phase-rotation value based on a smoothing function multiplication.

Abstract: The frame words of the embodiments are suitable for frame synchronization and/or channel estimation. By adding the autocorrelation and/or cross-correlation functions of frame words, double maximum values equal in magnitude and opposite polarity at zero and middle shifts are obtained. This property can be used to slot-by-slot, double-check frame synchronization timing, single frame synchronization and/or channel estimation and allows reduction of the synchronization search time. Further, the present invention allows a simpler construction of a correlator circuit for a receiver. A frame synchronization apparatus and method using an optimal pilot pattern is used in a wide band code division multiple Access (W-CDMA) next generation mobile communication system.

Abstract: A receiver for carrier frequency estimation via symbol rate estimation in the presence of carrier frequency error for use in signal acquisition and signal demodulation of spread-spectrum chips affected by Doppler shift in an advanced tactical data link. Received LPD signals with a very low signal-to-noise ratio are input to a receiver designed to tolerate carrier frequency error caused by Doppler shift. Extremely low signal-to-noise ratio and short dwell times due to spread spectrum modulation and frequency-hopping make direct estimation of carrier frequency impractical. A method and apparatus is disclosed to use the error is symbol rate, the nominal carrier frequency, and the nominal transmitted symbol rate to estimate carrier frequency error. This enables longer coherent integration times and improves LPD receiver performance.

Abstract: A code-tracking system includes a loop filter, which receives an early/late error signal and outputs a loop filter error signal. An error scaling device receives the loop filter error representing an update and provides a code tracking adjustment signal. A controller monitors a frequency of updates and/or a number of same direction updates and provides a filter coefficient in accordance with the frequency of updates and/or the number of same direction updates.

Abstract: A receiver in an OFDM system may include a joint maximum likelihood (ML) estimator that estimates both time offset and frequency offset. The estimator may use samples in an observation window to estimate the time offset and frequency offset.

Abstract: A demodulator (150) in a receiver (100) includes a correlator (240) for de-spreading a spread-spectrum signal, and decision module (250) for detecting a preamble and for synchronizing to data frames of the spread spectrum signal. The demodulator includes symbol timers (231 and 233) that allow the demodulator to correlate to two preamble symbols simultaneously, where the two preamble symbols occur one-half a symbol period apart. The correlator includes a correlator structure (301) having taps that correct for any frequency offset of a carrier signal. The correlator correlates to each of the two preamble symbols a plurality of times through oversampling, where each correlation compensates for a different amount of frequency offset. By analyzing occurrence of peaks in magnitude of the correlations, the decision module detects the preamble and selects weights for the taps to de-spread data frames received after the preamble.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method of digital communication between synchronized submarine devices, system including means of sending a signal in modulated bit form, at least one sender (100) and at least one receiver (200), characterized in that said at least one sender (100) sends a signal enabling both any data to be transmitted to said at least one receiver (200) and a propagation time between said at least one sender (100) and said at least one receiver (200) to be measured.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining carrier frequency error of a serial offset quadrature pulse shaped signal, such as a minimum shift keyed (MSK) signal, are disclosed. Carrier frequency error is determined by receiving a quadrature pulse shaped signal having a synchronization sequence, detecting synchronization of the quadrature pulse shaped signal, and storing a baseband inphase (I) signal and a baseband quadrature (Q) signal of the synchronization sequence while detecting synchronization. After detecting synchronization, segments of the stored baseband I and Q signals are read and correlated with a spreading sequence. Carrier frequency error is then estimated based on phase differences between each of the correlated segments.

Abstract: A communication breaking device for breaking communication of an apparatus which communicates by modulation and demodulation using a predetermined code sequence. The predetermined code sequence is extracted from an incoming wave and an inverted-code generator inverts the code sequence into an inverted code sequence, which is transmitted as a communication breaking wave. The phase of the inverted code sequence is advanced before transmitting as the communication breaking wave and the pilot signal, can appropriately be compensated with the advanced inverted code sequence. It can be recognized by a portable telephone that the portable telephone is deviated from a communication area for the base station. A method includes compensating the code sequence in an incoming wave by transmitting a communication breaking wave.

Abstract: A User Equipment (UE) receives and samples communication signals, where the communication signals have a time frame format, a transmission chip rate and a synchronization code associated with a time slot that includes a midamble that indicates a modulation of the synchronization code where a specified modulation of received synchronization codes identifies the timing for a timeslot in which data is to be received. The UE preferably includes a synchronization code determination circuit, a midamble determination circuit, and a phase modulation sequence detection circuit operatively associated with the midamble determination circuit. The UE can be configured for use with the low chip rate option of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) standards that employ a predefined set of downlink SYNC codes that point to midambles which indicate SYNC code modulation sequence to enables reading of data in a subsequent Broadcast Channel (BCH) message.

Abstract: A GNSS receiver and method using alternating “A” and “B” time segments for a reception time length of two or more data bits. The GNSS signal in an “A” time period comprising the “A” time segments is integrated for determining “A” magnitudes corresponding to code phase increments and the GNSS signal in a “B” time period comprising the “B” time segments is integrated for determining “B” magnitudes corresponding to code phase increments. A trial-and-error data bit search is performed for depolarizing data bit senses. The code phase increment showing the largest correlation level is used for acquisition of the GNSS signal and/or determination of the location where the GNSS is being received.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for code assignments in a spread-spectrum wireless communication system incorporating a Large Area Synchronized-Code Division Multiple Access (LAS-CDMA) protocol. The method determines a set of LS codes based on an interference free window size. An arborescence structure provides the correspondence between the interference free window size and the set of LS codes. Subsets of the LS codes are formed having null cross-correlation within the interference free window. The subsets are assigned to neighboring cells in the system to reduce interference between neighbors. In one embodiment, a controller determines the subsets and makes the assignments to cells within the system.

Abstract: A baseband processing module according to the present invention includes a multi-path scanner module. The multi-path scanner module is operable to receive timing and scrambling code information regarding an expected multi-path signal component of a WCDMA signal. Then, the multi-path scanner module is operable to identify a plurality of multi-path signal components of the WCDMA signal by descrambling, despreading and correlating a known symbol pattern of/with a baseband RX signal within a search window. The multi-path scanner module is operable to determine timing information for the plurality of multi-path signal components of the WCDMA signal found within the search window and to pass this information to a coupled rake receiver combiner module.

Abstract: A positioning signal reception device receives a positioning signal transmitted from a position information satellite, and includes: a signal reception portion that obtains a reception signal by receiving the positioning signal; an A/D conversion portion that generates a digital signal by converting the reception signal into a digital form; a filter portion that subjects the digital signal to frequency separation, a characteristic of the filter portion being changeable; a filter characteristic change portion that changes the characteristic of the filter portion according to an operating state of the positioning signal reception device and an external environmental condition of the positioning signal reception device; and a code synchronization establishment portion that establishes synchronization of spreading codes contained in the reception signal.

Abstract: Improved performance, particularly gain in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), in high-bandwidth Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) receivers, software and systems is achieved by compensating channel estimates not only for carrier frequency offset and phase noise, but also for interference caused by sample phase jitter. At high bandwidths, e.g., using 256 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) symbol constellation, significant SNR improvement is gained by determining and applying a corresponding compensation to each data sub-carrier channel, the compensation preferably including a term that increases linearly with the sub-carrier index.

Abstract: The frame words of the embodiments are suitable for frame synchronization and/or channel estimation. By adding the autocorrelation and/or cross-correlation functions of frame words, double maximum values equal in magnitude and opposite polarity at zero and middle shifts are obtained. This property can be used to slot-by-slot, double-check frame synchronization timing, single frame synchronization and/or channel estimation and allows reduction of the synchronization search time. Further, the present invention allows a simpler construction of a correlator circuit for a receiver. A frame synchronization apparatus and method using an optimal pilot pattern is used in a wide band code division multiple Access (W-CDMA) next generation mobile communication system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile communication terminal employing a code division multiple access scheme, in which when it is decided that the common channel level is equal to or higher than a third threshold (common channel level threshold), an RLF decision control unit compares the SIR data with a first threshold and a second threshold to decide in sync state/out-of sync state between the local spread code and the reception spread code and outputs the decision signal. When it is decided that the common channel level is lower than the third threshold, the first threshold and the second threshold are set to the same value. In this state, when it is decided that the level of the SIR data is lower than the first threshold (=second threshold), the decision signal corresponding to an out-of sync state is output immediately after a predetermined delay time elapses, thereby reducing the power dissipation.

Abstract: A spread spectrum signal demodulating method whereby spread-code synchronous acquisition and carrier synchronous acquisition are performed using FFT at high speed, wherein a received signal, of which the carrier wave is modulated with a signal obtained by spectrum-spreading data with a spread code, is subjected to the FFT and the result of the FFT is stored in a first memory. The FFT result of the received signal stored in the first memory and the result of FFT of the spread code stored in a second memory are read out and multiplied to detect the correlation between the received signal and the spread code. A readout address of either the FFT result of the received signal or the FFT result of the spread code is shifted by an amount corresponding to a carrier frequency of the received signal.

Abstract: A simplified timing correction method is provided for data despreading of serial offset quadrature pulse-shaped spread signals. The simplified timing correction algorithm is applied to a rake receiver for improved performance in a multi-path channel. Serial formatting of the spreading modulation waveform is selected to reduce the SYNC/serial probe correlation complexity. The method includes the steps of: (a) decimating serial inphase (I) and quadrature (Q) signals to form decimated I and Q even samples and decimated I and Q odd samples; (b) obtaining an autocorrelation profile of a spreading sequence used by the receiver; (c) detecting a synchronization starting point using the I and Q even samples; and (d) deciding to either move, or not move, the synchronization starting point, based on the autocorrelation profile obtained in step (b). Step (d) decides to move the synchronization starting point, and uses the I and Q odd samples for subsequent despreading of the I and Q signals.

Abstract: A wireless transmit receive unit (WTRU) recovers data from a plurality of data signals received as a received vector. The WTRU determines data of the received vector by determining a Cholesky factor of an N by N matrix and using the determined Cholesky factor in forward and backward substitution to determine data of the received data signals. The WTRU comprises an array of at most N scalar processing elements. The array has input for receiving elements from the N by N matrix and the received vector. Each scalar processing element is used in determining the Cholesky factor and performs forward and backward substitution. The array outputs data of the received vector.

Abstract: A decoder comprises an equalizer that receives a modulated signal comprising a plurality of symbols including a first symbol defined by a first number of chips. A subsymbol processor that generates a subsymbol waveform after receiving a second number of chips of the first symbol and before at least one of receiving, decoding, and deciding the first number of chips of the first symbol. The second number is less than the first number, and wherein the equalizer equalizes the modulated signal using the subsymbol waveform.

Abstract: The frame words of the embodiments are suitable for frame synchronization and/or channel estimation. By adding the autocorrelation and/or cross-correlation functions of frame words, double maximum values equal in magnitude and opposite polarity at zero and middle shifts are obtained. This property can be used to slot-by-slot, double-check frame synchronization timing, single frame synchronization and/or channel estimation and allows reduction of the synchronization search time. Further, the present invention allows a simpler construction of a correlator circuit for a receiver. A frame synchronization apparatus and method using an optimal pilot pattern is used in a wide band code division multiple Access (W-CDMA) next generation mobile communication system.

Abstract: A method for determining the validity of a most significant path in a wireless communication system wherein data is transmitted in frame units in a multipath environment begins by accumulating a correlated data sequence N times, each time at a frame offset apart from the previous time. A preliminary noise estimate (PNE) is calculated as an average of the accumulated data values. A preliminary noise threshold (PNT) is calculated according to the equation C1×PNE. A final noise estimate (FNE) is calculated as the average of accumulated data values below the PNT. A final noise threshold (FNT) is calculated according to the equation C2×FNE. The validity of the most significant path is determined if the most significant path value is greater than the FNT.

Abstract: A correlator despreads a P/N long code constructed from two or more constituent codes A, B, C having N, M and L elements respectively. In a third stage, L filter taps decorrelate elements of the third constituent code from the input received signal, leaving elements of code AB. The outputs of the third stage delay line are summed and input into a second stage delay line having M filter taps to decorrelate the elements of the second constituent code from the input to the second stage, leaving elements of code A. The outputs of the second stage delay line are summed and input to a first stage delay line having N filter taps. The output of the first stage delay line is summed and input into a shift register. An energy peak in the shift register indicates the phase of the P/N elements in the register is proper.

Abstract: Systems and techniques to acquire a gated pilot signal by searching for a first gated pilot signal, deriving timing information from the search for the first gated pilot signal, and searching for a second gated pilot signal using the timing information. This can be implemented in a variety of fashions including a receiver with a searcher configured to generate a bit sequence, a correlator configured to correlate a received signal with the bit sequence, and a processor configured to detect a first gated pilot signal as a function of the correlation, derive timing information from the first gated pilot signal, and detect a second gated pilot signal by using the timing information to control the bit sequence generated by the searcher.

Abstract: Frequency translation and spread spectrum applications of same are described herein. Such applications include, but are not limited to, unified down-conversion and de-spreading, unified up-conversion and spreading, RAKE receivers utilizing unified down-conversion and de-spreading, and Early/Late receivers utilizing unified down-conversion and de-spreading, and combinations and applications of same. Additionally, applications are included for limiting spectral growth during unified up-conversion and spreading of a baseband signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transmitting and receiving data according to a channel state in a wireless communication system, the method includes measuring a characteristic of transmission channels used for data transmission and transmitting channel state information of the measured channel characteristic; and selecting sub-channels for data transmission according to the channel state information, and transmitting data through the selected sub-channels.

Abstract: A time division duplex (TDD) user equipment (UE) is configured to synchronize to a TDD base station. The UE includes a receiver configured to receive a primary synchronization code along with a plurality of secondary synchronization codes from a TDD base station. The TDD base station is associated with having a code group out of N code groups. The plurality of secondary synchronization codes number less than (log2N)+1 and are quadrature phase shift keying modulated. The UE also includes a corresponding matched filter to each of the received secondary synchronization codes. The UE is configured to identify the code group of the TDD base station by the received plurality of secondary synchronization.

Abstract: A receiving system allows for the coherent detection of a spread-spectrum transmission at any point in time during the transmission, thereby avoiding the need to identify the start of the transmission during the transmission-detection process. An input buffer captures the transmissions on a communication channel using a moving time-window. A detector processes a time-slice from the input buffer and identifies all of the simultaneously transmitting transmitters during that time-slice. As each transmitter is identified, the demodulator traces back-in-time to identify where the message can first be detected in the input buffer. The transmission includes suitable characteristics to facilitate detection and demodulation of the message content, but need not contain a preamble to allow the detection process.

Abstract: A power-down determination circuit calculates the horizontal frequency and vertical frequency, respectively, employing a clock signal obtained from a multiplier circuit and horizontal synchronization signal and vertical synchronization signal obtained from a TMDS decode circuit. The power-down determination circuit then determines whether an input digital signal does or does not have a decodable video format by comparing the calculated horizontal frequency and vertical frequency with horizontal frequencies and vertical frequencies stored beforehand, for output of a power-down control signal indicative of the determination. Thus, in the case where the input digital signal does not have a decodable format, the power-down control signal controls a video/audio processing circuit to enter a power-down mode.