Abstract: Systems and methods for providing frequency compensation over a wide range of frequency drift are shown. The preferred embodiment utilizes a sweep mode function to provide frequency compensation over a range of frequency drift broader than the frequency drift accommodated by a phase lock loop, without increasing the noise characteristics of the phase lock loop. Accordingly, the preferred embodiment operates in a phase lock loop mode while frequency drift can be compensated for by the lock range of the phase lock loop circuitry. The preferred embodiment operates in sweep mode to step through a range of offset frequencies to position the phase lock loop mode where frequency drift can be compensated for by the lock range of phase lock loop circuitry. Additionally, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a drift mode in order to monitor frequency offset information, such as may be used in performing sweep mode functions and/or other control or management functions.

Abstract: A system and method for information communication between physically separated processor-based systems. Disclosed is a centralized communication array providing point to multipoint information communication between processor-based systems utilizing communication nodes. Such information communication may be between two processor-based systems, each utilizing communication nodes or may be between a processor-based system utilizing a communication node and a processor-based system coupled to the centralized communication array through a backbone.

Abstract: An adaptive hopping system and method using preestablished frequency assignments in a plurality of time slot groups is used to allow all units to be manufactured with the same preset frequency assignments. The preset frequencies are such that there is a minimum distance, for example 2 MHz, between any adjacent time slot in the same time slot group and between corresponding time slots of a next adjacent time slot group. When a time slot in a time slot group is marked (for example for poor communication) the same time slot in the next adjacent time slot group is used in place of the marked time slot group.

Abstract: A transmitter and receiver pair of units for communicating data therebetween. The inter unit transmission in one embodiment is accomplished by using a serial memory associated with the transmitter and a serial memory associated with the receiver. The serial memories are designed to allow data to enter at one speed and to leave at a different speed. The serial memories are reset at precise times. In this manner, the data throughput is increased between the units.