Abstract: A modem which can automatically switch between protocols at different signalling rates. The protocal with non-standard signalling rates has a training sequence which initially has distinctive frequency-domain characteristics. Thus, as soon as one modem begins to send a training sequence, the other modem can distinguish which training sequence has been started. Thus, speed changes between protocols at different signalling rates can be remotely initiated.

Abstract: A 14.4 kilobit/second modem uses an encoding scheme in which groups of five bits are encoded as one of thirty-two (2.sup.5) possible code groups. This is done by using quadrature amplitude modulation and a 6 by 6 space-state constellation which allows a maximum of thirty-six different points to be encoded. Since only thirty-two points are needed the four outer corner points of the constellation are not used. In order to achieve the desired 14.4 KBPS data rate the baud clock must run at 2880 Hz. However, this bandwidth is very close to the maximum bandwidth available on voice-grade telephone lines. Accordingly, data encoding and data recovery techniques must be used which maximize the probabilities of correctly receiving the encoded data signals.

Abstract: Characteristics of a pulse sequence, such as frequency, are controlled in a simple circuit without requirement for specific storage components. The cumulative effect of a sequence of control signals is maintained by providing a phase shift between a pair of waveforms. The phase shift between the waveforms is used to provide a number of control pulses to the circuit for varying the desired characteristic. In a particular embodiment, control signals are externally provided for varying the phase shift between two waveforms. In response to the phase variation, a number of control signals are provided for adding or deleting pulses to a pulse stream. The use of feedback control loops results in repeated addition and/or deletion of pulses to or from the pulse stream, thereby varying the output frequency in accordance with a one time input of the external control signals.