Abstract: A system and method that detects a repetitive word, called a Sync Word, from a continuous bit stream is disclosed. In an acquisition mode, counters are used for detecting a Sync Word, which can be up to 64 bits in length. When the Sync Word has been detected for a fixed consecutive number of times, the system switches to a tracking mode in which data from the bit stream is output. The Sync Word can be one of two types of markers, and in combination can appear as a specific pattern. The Sync Word and pattern of Sync Words to be detected in the bit stream, are programmable.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring an air interface processor in a modem. The air interface processor includes an event handler and a microsequencer. The event handler schedules data for transmission and reception in the modem. For transmission, the microsequencer sends commands to a frame formatter to format the data to be transmitted based on the schedule. Similarly for reception of data, microsequencer sends commands to a frame deformatter to deformat received data based on the schedule. The event handler, microsequencer, frame formatter and deformatter are programmable or configurable to accommodate different transmission formats and standards. A multi-way branching instruction is used in the programming of the microsequencer to enable faster processing.

Abstract: An input/output data queuing apparatus and method for data transfer between a control processor and a time division multiplex modem is disclosed. A plurality of queues within the modem is accessed through a queue selection block controlled by a timing control block that is in turn controlled via software. This allows directed multiplexing of specific data types into specific TDM transmission slots and retrieval and de-multiplexing of specific data types from the received TDM data stream. A plurality of processor queues feeds each queue allowing prioritisation of the transmitted data elements. This eases processor requirements, maximises the use of the available transmission slots and provides an access mechanism that is adaptable to a wide range of systems.