Abstract: A TDM (Time Division Multiplexed) telephony switching system which provides expanded switching capacity without change in the physical form factor of the system or of the design of the circuits which provide TDM multiplexed digital signals (the port and service circuits). Additional ports and service circuits are provided in the same number of time slots per frame as existed before system expansion thereby providing additional ports and/or service circuits which can be interconnected without significantly affecting the cost of the system. Expansion is achieved by multiplexing the digital signals and transmitting them at a higher rate on existing send highways of the system. The time slot interchange is expanded by providing a memory with additional locations for each group of additional circuits.

Abstract: A time division multiplex switching system converts call formats and signalling protocols so that calls can be interchanged between circuits originating in different networks thereby providing a gateway for telephone transmissions originating from sources (e.g., foreign countries) having differences in transmission (signal attenuation characteristics and companding laws) and signalling and numbering plans or protocols. This switching system is characterized by a processor which is programmed to identify the circuits requiring interconnection and to process signalling messages in accordance with the signalling systems and formats used in the circuits, while translating the signalling messages into common, protocol independent signaling messages which are used for establishing time division multiplex connections in a time slot interchange which is connected to the circuits via PCM highways and for exchanging signalling information (e.g.

Abstract: An interface system for port circuits of a distributed PCM telephony switching system enables different complements of port circuits (different numbers of line circuits or of trunk circuits or of digital circuits which handle multiple party conferences) to be connected into the PCM telephony switching system so as to meet different user requirements. The interface system handles the PCM data signals carrying voice (analog) and digital information. The interface system also handles control signals generated in the telephony processor and transfers the data between the port circuits and the highways of the PCM switching system in sequential time slots. The timing of the time slots, the allocation of the time slots to different data is selectable by manually, configurable, programmable, switching devices which set up codes and connections corresponding to the complement of port circuits which are to be interfaced with the PCM telephony switching system.

Abstract: A communications switching system is controlled as a peripheral device to a general purpose digital host computer or other host device. The switching system has a plurality of ports for telephone lines and/or trunks and makes connections to the ports. The host computer is programmable at high level to obtain customized switching applications. The switching processes are carried out in the switching system under control of high level commands. The commands are formatted to identify the command functions and the ports at which the switching and control actions are to be carried out. These ports may be provided by separate modular switching units, each having processors for carrying out the switching functions at the designated ports and for distributing the commands in accordance with the command format to the designated port regardless of which of the modular switching units has the port.

Abstract: Synchronous operation of any number of digital switching units of a TDM system is maintained by interconnecting the switching units to a timing signal highway which distributes timing signals generated by sources of such signals in any one of the units. The units are connected successively in a chain by timing signal distribution control lines. Validity signals are generated and transmitted by circuits in each unit along the lines so as to provide for transmission of timing signals generated in the first switching unit on to the timing signal highway and switch over of the timing signal generating function to successive ones of the units when the timing signal generation in preceding units becomes faulty.