Abstract: A method and apparatus for the receiver directed assignment of receive slots in a dynamic assignment communication system. The apparatus including a memory component storing communication assignment data for a plurality of time slots in a time multiplex structure and a processor component capable of identifying a set of available time slots from the plurality of time slots. The apparatus being capable of assigning itself a receive slot, which can be a broadcast receive slot, from the set of available time slots. The method involves establishing a network wherein network communication is accomplished via assignment of specific time slots of a time multiplex structure. The method further involves determining a set of available time slots suitable for reception, by a receiving node, of a communication from a neighboring node, the receiving node then assigning to itself a receive slot from the set of available time slots.

Abstract: A controllable switch matrix module is disclosed for bidirectional transmission of signals between multiple ports in a single module, where the attenuation characteristics are dynamically alterable. The invention uses pin diodes both for isolation and for switching, and achieves its high isolation in part by completely enclosing each of the attenuation functions within separate compartments, enclosing the connections between compartments for isolation between functions, and supplying control signals to the pin diodes using feedthrough connections designed in such a way as to prevent the emission of RF signals via the feedthrough devices. Only two bits are required to define any one of four attenuation levels between any two ports.

Abstract: A multipath diversity spread spectrum communications receiver will enhance system performance over communication channels with distortion caused by multipath and fading effects. The multipath diversity receiver utilizes decision directed coherent integration with post detection correlation techniques for performance enhancement. The receiver also incorporates a fast attack, fast release automatic gain control to process noncontinuous wideband spread spectrum signals which are subject to fading and multipath effects.

Abstract: A radio signal is applied to an in phase detector channel and a quadrature phase detector channel. Each detector channel includes, in cascade arrangement; an in phase downconverter means for downconverting the received radio signal to a baseband signal; a sampling means for sampling the baseband signal at a predetermined rate; and a matched filter means matched to the symbol waveform and wherein the sample pulses are stored over a predetermined period of time that corresponds to two data symbols. The sum of the pulses for the first data symbol and the sum of the pulses for the second data symbol are compared to determine if there has been a phase reversal between the two data symbols. The outputs of the in phase and quadrature phase channels are summed, which results in demodulation of the encoded data.