Abstract: A direct sequence spread spectrum data transmitter for creating a modulated data signal comprising: a programmable-system-on-a-chip baseband modulator having only four blocks of programming logic, the four blocks of programming logic consisting of a DigBuf clock buffer block, a pseudo-random-sequence 8-bit block, an 8-bit timer block, and a serial peripheral interface slave block. A remote telemetry unit comprising the foregoing transmitter. A method for manufacturing the foregoing transmitter. A method for controlling the foregoing transmitter.

Abstract: A phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer includes an L-state pulse width modulator configured to receive a reference frequency signal and at least one entry from a frequency table, and to output at least one N/N+1 modulus signals corresponding to the at least one entry from the frequency table. The synthesizer includes a divide by N/N+1 controllable modulus divider configured to receive the at least one N/N+1 modulus signals and to divide the output frequency signal by the at least one N/N+1 modulus signals to generate a second reference frequency signal. The synthesizer includes a phase frequency detector configured to receive the reference frequency signal and the second reference frequency signal and to generate an error signal. The synthesizer also includes a filter network configured to receive the error signal and to output a voltage; and a voltage controlled oscillator configured to receive the voltage and to generate the output frequency signal.

Abstract: A cellular network includes a node configured to transmit a data packet on a predetermined frequency, first and second base stations configured to receive signals transmitted on the predetermined frequency, and a data concentrator. The first base station and the second base station are arranged in a cellular configuration such that a first coverage area of the first base station at least partially overlaps a second coverage area of the second base station. The first base station and the second base station each receive the data packet transmitted by the node. The data concentrator is configured to collect the data packet received by the first base station and the data packet received by the second base station. The data packet includes latitude and longitude data received from a global positioning system receiver such that a location of the node may be determined from a remote location.

Abstract: A phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer includes an L-state pulse width modulator configured to receive a reference frequency signal and at least one entry from a frequency table, and to output at least one N/N+1 modulus signals corresponding to the at least one entry from the frequency table. The synthesizer includes a divide by N/N+1 controllable modulus divider configured to receive the at least one N/N+1 modulus signals and to divide the output frequency signal by the at least one N/N+1 modulus signals to generate a second reference frequency signal. The synthesizer includes a phase frequency detector configured to receive the reference frequency signal and the second reference frequency signal and to generate an error signal. The synthesizer also includes a filter network configured to receive the error signal and to output a voltage; and a voltage controlled oscillator configured to receive the voltage and to generate the output frequency signal.

Abstract: A direct sequence spread spectrum data transmitter for creating a modulated data signal comprising: a programmable-system-on-a-chip baseband modulator having only four blocks of programming logic, the four blocks of programming logic consisting of a DigBuf clock buffer block, a pseudo-random-sequence 8-bit block, an 8-bit timer block, and a serial peripheral interface slave block. A remote telemetry unit comprising the foregoing transmitter. A method for manufacturing the foregoing transmitter. A method for controlling the foregoing transmitter.

Abstract: A remote endpoint monitor device includes a remote endpoint device including a meter, a position locator, a frequency selector, and a communication unit. The meter is configured to measure a service parameter to provide a measured service parameter value. The position locator is configured to determine a position of the remote endpoint device. The frequency selector is configured to select a transmission frequency device based on the determined position. The transmitter is configured to transmit service information data including the service parameter value at the transmission frequency selected by the frequency selector. A method of a remote endpoint monitor device includes measuring a service parameter, determining a position of the remote endpoint device, selecting a transmission frequency of the remote end point device, and transmitting service information data at the transmission frequency.

Abstract: A device, method, and computer program product for monitoring and transmitting a location and a local status of a remote device using a satellite transmitter is provided. The monitoring device includes a position location unit, a satellite transmitter, a power source, a controller, and a short-range radio transceiver. The position location unit is configured to determine a location of the remote device. The satellite transmitter is configured to transmit the location to one or more satellites in low earth orbit. The controller includes a power management unit configured to control a power state of the position location unit and the satellite transmitter, and to periodically enable and disable power from the power source to the position location unit and the satellite transmitter. The short-range radio transceiver is used to configure and remotely manage the monitoring device and is used by the monitoring device to monitor local sensors wirelessly.

Abstract: A mobile multifrequency transmitter includes a self-locator, a frequency selector, and a communication unit. The self-locator is configured to determine a current self location without transmitting an outgoing signal, and to provide the self location to the multifrequency transmitter. The frequency selector is configured to select a usable frequency based on the current self location. The communication unit is configured to transmit on said selected usable frequency. A mobile communication method includes the steps of obtaining a current self location from a self-locator without transmitting an outgoing signal, looking up in a database an allowable frequency band corresponding to the current self location, and transmitting on the allowable frequency band. Thus, the mobile multi-frequency transmitter is capable of handling an automatic frequency switchover without the need for higher level cellular direction.

Abstract: A cellular wireless packet data communication system containing transmit-only endpoint devices which transmit to receive-only base stations. The system is configured to allow for large area coverage (e.g., a metropolitan area) with far fewer number base stations than are required with conventional two-way cellular systems. The base station coverage areas are configured to overlap, allowing for reception of packets at multiple base stations. A data concentrator resolves redundantly received messages. The network is configurable as a WAN, a LAN, or a combination of the two. Novel modulation techniques (e.g., a 16QAM submodulation together with a 7FSK modulation) are used such that low cost components can be used in the transmitters and receivers while achieving outstanding probability of success performance. The endpoint devices are battery operated and accordingly, are designed for low power consumption and multi-year battery life.

Abstract: A cellular wireless packet data communication system containing transmit-only endpoint devices which transmit to receive-only base stations. The system is configured to allow for large area coverage (e.g., a metropolitan area) with far fewer number base stations than are required with conventional two-way cellular systems. The base station coverage areas are configured to overlap, allowing for reception of packets at multiple base stations. A data concentrator resolves redundantly received messages. The network is configurable as a WAN, a LAN, or a combination of the two. Novel modulation techniques (e.g., a 16QAM submodulation together with a 7FSK modulation) are used such that low cost components can be used in the transmitters and receivers while achieving outstanding probability of success performance. The endpoint devices are battery operated and accordingly, are designed for low power consumption and multi-year battery life.

Abstract: A system and method for graphically displaying information concerning geographically dispersed assets. The system comprises a computer program that associates map and/or geographical data with a physical asset; an icon or other graphical representation of each dispersed asset; and an automatic grouping function that combines at least two of the assets into a single icon or other graphical representation of the multiplicity of assets and generates a shape that represents the grouped assets. The method comprises the steps of using a computer program to associate map and/or geographical data with a physical asset; representing each dispersed asset with an icon or other graphical representation on a display; and using an automatic grouping function to combine at least two of the assets into a single icon or other graphical representation of the multiplicity of assets and generate a shape that represents the grouped assets.

Abstract: A device, method, and computer program product for monitoring and transmitting a location and a local status of a remote device using a simplex satellite transmitter. The monitoring device includes a position location unit, a simplex satellite transmitter, a power source, and a controller. The position location unit is configured to determine a location of the remote device. The simplex satellite transmitter is configured to transmit the location to one or more satellites in low earth orbit. The controller includes a power management unit configured to control a power state of the position location unit and the simplex satellite transmitter, and to periodically enable and disable power from the power source to the position location unit and the simplex satellite transmitter.

Abstract: A device, method, and computer program product for monitoring and transmitting a location and a local status of a remote device using a simplex satellite transmitter. The monitoring device includes a position location unit, a simplex satellite transmitter, a power source, and a controller. The position location unit is configured to determine a location of the remote device. The simplex satellite transmitter is configured to transmit the location to one or more satellites in low earth orbit. The controller includes a power management unit configured to control a power state of the position location unit and the simplex satellite transmitter, and to periodically enable and disable power from the power source to the position location unit and the simplex satellite transmitter.

Abstract: A device, method, and computer program product for monitoring and transmitting a location and a local status of a remote device using a satellite transmitter is provided. The monitoring device includes a position location unit, a satellite transmitter, a power source, a controller, and a short-range radio transceiver. The position location unit is configured to determine a location of the remote device. The satellite transmitter is configured to transmit the location to one or more satellites in low earth orbit. The controller includes a power management unit configured to control a power state of the position location unit and the satellite transmitter, and to periodically enable and disable power from the power source to the position location unit and the satellite transmitter. The short-range radio transceiver is used to configure and remotely manage the monitoring device and is used by the monitoring device to monitor local sensors wirelessly.

Abstract: A cellular wireless packet data communication system containing transmit-only endpoint devices which transmit to receive-only base stations. The system is configured to allow for large area coverage (e.g., a metropolitan area) with far fewer number base stations than are required with conventional two-way cellular systems. The base station coverage areas are configured to overlap, allowing for reception of packets at multiple base stations. A data concentrator resolves redundantly received messages. The network is configurable as a WAN, a LAN, or a combination of the two. Novel modulation techniques (e.g., a 16QAM submodulation together with a 7FSK modulation) are used such that low cost components can be used in the transmitters and receivers while achieving outstanding probability of success performance. The endpoint devices are battery operated and accordingly, are designed for low power consumption and multi-year battery life.

Abstract: A device, method, and computer program product for monitoring and transmitting a location and a local status of a remote device using a simplex satellite transmitter. The monitoring device includes a position location unit, a simplex satellite transmitter, a power source, and a controller. The position location unit is configured to determine a location of the remote device. The simplex satellite transmitter is configured to transmit the location to one or more satellites in low earth orbit. The controller includes a power management unit configured to control a power state of the position location unit and the simplex satellite transmitter, and to periodically enable and disable power from the power source to the position location unit and the simplex satellite transmitter.

Abstract: A device, method, and computer program product for monitoring and transmitting a location and a local status of a remote device using a simplex satellite transmitter. The monitoring device includes a position location unit, a simplex satellite transmitter, a power source, and a controller. The position location unit is configured to determine a location of the remote device. The simplex satellite transmitter is configured to transmit the location to one or more satellites in low earth orbit. The controller includes a power management unit configured to control a power state of the position location unit and the simplex satellite transmitter, and to periodically enable and disable power from the power source to the position location unit and the simplex satellite transmitter.

Abstract: A device, method, and computer program product for monitoring and transmitting a location and a local status of a remote device using a simplex satellite transmitter. The monitoring device includes a position location unit, a simplex satellite transmitter, a power source, and a controller. The position location unit is configured to determine a location of the remote device. The simplex satellite transmitter is configured to transmit the location to one or more satellites in low earth orbit. The controller includes a power management unit configured to control a power state of the position location unit and the simplex satellite transmitter, and to periodically enable and disable power from the power source to the position location unit and the simplex satellite transmitter.

Abstract: A cellular wireless packet data communication system containing transmit-only endpoint devices which transmit to receive-only base stations. The system is configured to allow for large area coverage (e.g., a metropolitan area) with far fewer number base stations than are required with conventional two-way cellular systems. The base station coverage areas are configured to overlap, allowing for reception of packets at multiple base stations. A data concentrator resolves redundantly received messages. The network is configurable as a WAN, a LAN, or a combination of the two. Novel modulation techniques (e.g., a 16QAM submodulation together with a 7FSK modulation) are used such that low cost components can be used in the transmitters and receivers while achieving outstanding probability of success performance. The endpoint devices are battery operated and accordingly, are designed for low power consumption and multi-year battery life.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, computer-based product and system employs a digital receiver (or transceiver) to receive, digitize and process a direct sequence spread spectrum signal using efficient, low-cost digital signal processing components. A radio front end portion of the receiver receives and digitizes the signal, and a digital signal processing portion downconverts and despreads the signal by applying a pseudorandom noise (PN) code, used at a transmitter to spread a data signal contained in the direct sequence spread spectrum signal, to the received signal. In order to initially align, and maintain alignment of, the PN code with the direct sequence spread spectrum signal, a timing and state control mechanism is included that provides time reference correction information to the signal processing components of the receiver.