Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving and processing burst-mode code-division multiple access (CDMA) direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) signals is provided. In this apparatus and method, a number of demodulators are provided in a set enumerated order. Each demodulator is either “ready,” meaning that it is free to process signals, or busy meaning that it is currently processing a signal. The ready demodulators each receive an input IF signal and try to detect a preamble in the IF signal. Once they detect the preamble, each ready demodulator then sends a request signal to an arbitrator. In response to a received request signal, the arbitrator sends a grant signal to the first ready demodulator in the enumerated order. This grant signal passes through each busy demodulator that is higher in the enumerated order than the first ready demodulator. The first ready demodulator then begins processing the signal, and is moved from the set of ready demodulators to the set of busy demodulators.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for using a serial data line to turn on an electrical device are disclosed. Energy is extracted from a data signal on an asynchronous serial data line using a charge pump. The extracted energy is used by a power supply switching circuit to turn power on. Once turned on, power is kept on by a keepalive circuit. A shutdown signal causes the power to be turned off.

Abstract: Digital data is received on a plurality of input channels at unrelated, asynchronous input clock rates. The data is multiplexed and transmitted via one or more synchronous parallel channels, together with encoded information related to the original asynchronous input clock rate on each channel. The data received from the synchronous channels is demultiplexed and redistributed to proper output channels and clocked out therefrom at rates derived from the encoded and reconstituted asynchronous clock rate information from each channel.

Abstract: In a multi-color printing process, measurements of the optical density of two different three-color halftone control areas are used to calculate dot gain and solid density of the cyan, magenta and yellow images. Since no single-color solid control targets are used, control targets may be hidden or camouflaged in a border or logo in the final printed product. The two control targets can consist of light and dark near-neutral gray balance targets. Alternatively, two different three-color halftone regions of the printed image can be used as control areas, eliminating the need for separate control targets. Densitometers having blue, green and red filters use the two three-color halftone control areas to provide density measurements which are used by a computer to calculate the densities of cyan, magenta, and yellow halftone images. The computer then calculates the dot gain and solid density of the process inks, which are displayed to a pressman who can make appropriate adjustments to the printing process.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of this invention provides an improved decoder capable of decoding data that has been encoded in accordance with the Bi-phase or Manchester encoding rules, which encoded data may be transmitted over a data channel at varying and various rates. A phase-locked loop circuit, including a phase locked oscillator, phase comparator and missing signal level transition detector, forms an integral part of the decoder apparatus that functions to sample the incoming data at the proper time regardless of the rate of data transmission, and decode the data from the encoded data. Also, a clock signal indicative of the data transmission rate is decoded from the encoded data.