Abstract: A modulator, and demodulator, apparatus and method for use in a multiple sub-channel communication system is taught. A commutator is employed for fractionally sampling, or distributing, signals from, or to, a multiple channel polyphase filter. The filter is coupled with a discrete Fourier transform, or its inverse, such that the relationship between the base-band sampling rate of a plurality of sub-channel signals, the frequency spacing of the sub-channel signals, and the sampling rate of a composite signal can be related by any rational number, thereby freeing designers to optimize system design respecting channel spacing, bandwidth, and signaling rates. The advantages of the present invention are realized by adjusting the interpolation and decimation rates of the filter, and by adjusting the resolution and decimation rates of the transform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that differentially encodes and decodes data symbols in dual domains is taught. Data packets are encoded, transmitted, and decoded during a plurality of symbol intervals on a plurality of sub-carriers. Encoding and decoding are accomplished across both the time and frequency domains such that the minimum number of carrier states are employed as reference only states that do not encode a symbol of data in and of themselves. A rule of adjacency is followed, both across time and frequency, so that decorrelation is minimized. Any modulation scheme that is applicable to differential encoding and decoding can be utilized. Communication systems that couple via radio waves, through metallic conductors, or over fiber optic paths can be employed.

Abstract: A method of apparatus for achieving and maintaining alignment of a data receiver to data frames in the presence of noise is taught. A statistical weighting process is employed to sample synchronization symbols that reoccur in data frames. The information is used to maintain alignment to the data frames by tolerating a greater number of data errors. A plurality of synchronization symbols are decoded with a weighted probability of error in decoding determined for each. The weighted probabilities are combined and the resultant value is compared to a threshold value. If the threshold is met, then alignment is achieved or maintained based upon the statistical process. Improved performance in lower SNR environments is achieved.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the performance of digital filters is disclosed. The data bandwidth and spectral control are improved by adaptively selecting ramp-up and ramp-down symbols based on the actual filtered data. Thus, the energy in the truncated tail of the filter is minimized for a given filter design. The invention is of particular utility in systems that filters intermittent data streams, thus requiring the filter to energize and deenergize repeatedly.

Abstract: Efficient usage of available spectrum is increased by logically dividing government licensed frequency channels into sub-channels, each of which can individually transmit a signal between a base unit and terminal. The sub-channels are each offset from the center of the frequency channel by a unique offset amount to avoid interference. Power control, sub-channel interference cancellation, and frequency control are employed to minimize the effects of out-of-band sub-channel signals on adjacent sub-channels. Any given sub-channel can be dynamically configured to transmit voice or data signals. Further spectral efficiency is realized using time division multiplexing on some or all of the sub-channels.