Abstract: A system for reducing receiver power consumption in communication system having a transmitter and one or more receivers schedules periodic messages in "slots." Each receiver is assigned a slot during which it monitors the transmissions. The transmitter transmits messages to the receiver only during the assigned slots. The receiver is in an "active state" during its assigned slot. It may remain in the active state after its assigned slot if the message requires the receiver to perform additional actions. During the "inactive state," which is the time period between successive occurrences of its assigned slot, the receiver may perform any action not requiring coordination with the transmitter. It may conserve power during this time by removing power from one or more components such as those used for monitoring the transmissions. At a time during the inactive state shortly before the assigned slot, the receiver applies power to these components and performs initializations.

Abstract: An method and apparatus for computing a scalar projection of a vector onto another vector. The apparatus comprises a multiplying circuit and a summing circuit. The multiplying circuit is for multiplying a value representative of a first component of a first vector with a value representative of a first component of a second vector to provide a first intermediate value, and for multiplying a value representative of a second component of a first vector with a value representative of a second component of a second vector to provide a second intermediate value. The summing circuit sums the first and second intermediate values to provide a resultant value representative of the scalar projection of the first vector onto the second vector. The apparatus may further comprise a storing circuit and a selection circuit. The storing circuit is for storing the values representative of the first and second components of the first vector, and the values representative of the first and second components of the second vector.

Abstract: In a digital communication system in which digital data is transmitted in data frames of a preselected time duration, a method and apparatus for formatting digital data in each data frame. A set of data bits of a first data type having a bit count corresponding to one of a plurality of predetermined bit counts are provided. A set of parity check bits for the set of data bits of said first data type are generated when the bit count is a highest bit count or a next to highest bit count. A set of tail bits is generated in accordance with a predetermined frame termination format. In respective order the set of data bits of the first data type, the parity check bits, and the tail bits are porovided in a data frame if the bit count is of the highest bit count or of the next to highest bit count. Otherwise, the set of data bits of the first data type and the tail bits are provided in respective order in the data frame.

Abstract: In a receiver having a plurality of demodulation elements, a method of assigning the plurality of demodulation element so a set of available signals. A first method emphasizes diversity of transmitting devices so that power control is optimal. A second method emphasizes the maximum signal strength available to produce aggregate maximum signal strength. Both methods control the number of reassignments so that excessive data is not lost during the reassignment process. The apparatus comprises the plurality of demodulation elements, at least one searcher element, and a controller.

Abstract: A power control system for a cellular mobile telephone system in which system users communicate information signals between one another via at least one cell site using code division multiple access spread spectrum communication signals. The power control system controls transmission signal power for each cellular mobile telephone in the cellular mobile telephone system wherein each cellular mobile telephone has an antenna, transmitter and receiver and each cell-site also has an antenna, transmitter and receiver. Cell-site transmitted signal power is measured as received at the mobile unit. Transmitter power is adjusted at the mobile unit in an opposite manner with respect to increases and decreases in received signal power. A power control feedback scheme may also be utilized. At the cell-site communicating with the mobile unit, the mobile unit transmitted power is measured as received at the cell-site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adding and removing a target base station from a network of base stations, which includes base stations adjacent the target base station. The apparatus is comprised of two attenuators: a first for setting an artificial receive noise power level and a second for setting a transmit level. The transmit level determines the forward link coverage area of the base station. The artificial noise level sets the reverse link coverage area of the base station. When a base station is added, initially the transmit power is low and the artificial receive noise power is high such that the forward and reverse link coverage areas are collocated in close proximity to the base station. As the base station blossoms into full operation, the artificial receive noise power is decreased and the transmit level is increased such that the two coverage areas of the base station remain balanced as the coverage areas expand.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating information signals using spread spectrum communication techniques. PN sequences are constructed that provide orthogonality between the users so that mutual interference will be reduced, allowing higher capacity and better link performance. With orthogonal PN codes, the cross-correlation is zero over a predetermined time interval, resulting in no interference between the orthogonal codes, provided only that the code time frames are time aligned with each other. In an exemplary embodiment, signals are communicated between a cell-site and mobile units using direct sequence spread spectrum communication signals. In the cell-to-mobile link, pilot, sync, paging and voice channels are defined. Information communicated on the cell-to-mobile link channels are, in general, encoded, interleaved, hi-phase shift key (BPSK) modulated with orthogonal covering of each BPSK symbol along with quadrature phase shift key (QPSK) spreading of the covered symbols.

Abstract: A system for reducing receiver power consumption in communication system having a transmitter and one or more receivers schedules periodic messages in "slots." Each receiver is assigned a slot during which it monitors the transmissions. The transmitter transmits messages to the receiver only during the assigned slots. The receiver is in an "active state" during its assigned slot. It may remain in the active state after its assigned slot if the message requires the receiver to perform additional actions. During the "inactive state," which is the time period between successive occurrences of its assigned slot, the receiver may perform any action not requiring coordination with the transmitter. It may conserve power during this time by removing power from one or more components such as those used for monitoring the transmissions. At a time during the inactive state shortly before the assigned slot, the receiver applies power to these components and performs initializations.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating information signals using spread spectrum communication techniques. PN sequences are constructed that provide orthogonality between the users so that mutual interference will be reduced, allowing higher capacity and better link performance. With orthogonal PN codes, the cross-correlation is zero over a predetermined time interval, resulting in no interference between the orthogonal codes, provided only that the code time frames are time aligned with each other. In an exemplary embodiment, signals are communicated between a cell-site and mobile units using direct sequence spread spectrum communication signals. In the cell-to-mobile link, pilot, sync, paging and voice channels are defined. Information communicated on the cell-to-mobile link channels are, in general, encoded, interleaved, bi-phase shift key (BPSK) modulated with orthogonal covering of each BPSK symbol along with quadrature phase shift key (QPSK) spreading of the covered symbols.

Abstract: In a code division multiple access (CDMA) spread spectrum cellular communication system in which a mobile station user communicates with another system user via at least one base station, wherein each base station transmits a common pilot signal of a different code phase with respect to other base stations in said system, a method for directing communications between said mobile station user and said base stations. The mobile station monitors the signal strength of pilots and reports the measured signal strength to a system controller via the base station through which it is communicating. Command messages from the system controller to a new base station and the mobiles station establishes communication through the new base station in addition to the communication through the current base station.

Abstract: A power control system for a cellular mobile telephone system in which system users communicate information signals between one another via at least one cell site using code division multiple access spread spectrum communication signals. The power control system controls transmission signal power for each cellular mobile telephone in the cellular mobile telephone system wherein each cellular mobile telephone has an antenna, transmitter and receiver and each cell-site also has an antenna, transmitter and receiver. Cell-site transmitted signal power is measured as received at the mobile unit. Transmitter power is adjusted at the mobile unit in an opposite manner with respect to increases and decreases in received signal power. A power control feedback scheme may also be utilized. At the cell-site communicating with the mobile unit, the mobile unit transmitted power is measured as received at the cell-site.

Abstract: A maximal length linear sequence pseudorandom noise (PN) sequence generator for generating an augmented length PN sequence of length 2.sup.N. The PN generator includes circuitry for generating a PN sequence of length 2.sup.N -1 chips. A sequence augmenting circuit is included which inserts at least one additional chip in the PN sequence at a predetermined position within the PN sequence so as to provide an output of an augmented PN sequence of length 2.sup.N chips. The generator may also include sequence shifting circuitry which is responsive to a mask input for providing a predetermined shift in the output augmented PN sequence without incurring a transition period where the shifted output is invalid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing communication of information between a truck tractor and trailer via existing truck wiring. At least one transmitter is located in each trailer for generating a unique identification signal representative of trailer identification information corresponding to the trailer in which the transmitter is located, modulating the identification signal, and providing the modulated identification on an existing truck power bus coupling the tractor and trailer. A receiver is located in the tractor for receiving each modulated identification signal on the power bus, demodulating each modulated identification signal and providing each demodulated identification signal to a mobile communications terminal located in the tractor for transmission to a central facility. The system may further include the transmission of trailer status or load status information by the transmitter to the receiver in a similar manner as the identification information.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the position of an airborne object, using a fixed station and a pair of earth orbit satellites whose positions are known. Separate periodic signals are transmitted from the fixed station via the first and second satellites to the object whose position is to be determined. The phase offset in periodic characteristics of the periodic signals as received from the first and second satellites is measured at the object. The phase offset corresponds to a realtive time difference in propagation of the signals traveling two different paths to the object. The object transmits via the first satellite a return signal indicative of the measured relative time difference. This return signal is activated some time in the future according to the object local time, which is slaved to receipt of the periodic signal sent through the first satellite. This future time is the start of the particular time period as decided by the fixed station's schedule.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating information signals using spread spectrum communication techniques. PN sequences are constructed that provide orthogonality between the users so that mutual interference will be reduced, allowing higher capacity and better link performance. With orthogonal PN codes, the cross-correlation is zero over a predetermined time interval, resulting in no interference between the orthogonal codes, provided only that the code time frames are time aligned with each other. In an exemplary embodiment, signals are communicated between a cell-site and mobile units using direct sequence spread spectrum communication signals. In the cell-to-mobile link, pilot, sync, paging and voice channels are defined. Information communicated on the cell-to-mobile link channels are, in general, encoded, interleaved, bi-phase shift key (BPSK) modulated with orthogonal covering of each BPSK symbol along with quadrature phase shift key (QPSK) spreading of the covered symbols.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the position of an object using a fixed station and a plurality of earth orbit satellites whose positions are known. Separate periodic signals are transmitted from the fixed station via first and second satellites to the object whose postion is to be determined. The phase offset in periodic characteristics of the periodic signals as received from the first and second satellites is measured at the object. The phase offset corresponds to a relative time difference in propagation of the signals traveling two different paths to the object. The object transmits via the first satellite a return signal indicative of the measured relative time difference. This return signal is activated some time in the future according to the object local time, which is slaved to receipt of the periodic signal sent through the first satellite. This future time is the start of the particular time period as decided by the fixed station's schedule.

Abstract: A message communication system employing one or more centralized communication stations transferring messages through Earth orbit repeater satellites to or from mobile terminals with at least one central communication station having a first transceiver for transmitting a first communication signal to one or more mobile terminals and at least one mobile terminal having a second transceiver for receiving the first communication signal and demodulating it, and for transmitting at a predetermined duty cycle of the second transceiver, a second communication signal to at least one of the central communication stations. The preferred duty cycle over which the second communication signal is transmitted is about fifty percent of the second transceiver duty cycle. The communication system uses Time Division Multiplexed (TDM) communication signals using a number of channels as designated address channels with the remainder being used for data transfer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting phase data into amplitude data. Input phase data is divided into upper and lower phase increments using an input splitter which can also fold in quadrant data. One or more storage elements, such as sine and cosine ROMs, are connected to the input splitter and generate an amplitude, which forms one of a plurality of series terms, and first and second derivatives of the amplitude in response to the upper phase increment. The first derivative and lower phase increment are multiplied together in a digital multiplier to produce a second series term. A third series term comprising a product of the amplitude and lower phase increment squared, is generated by a term generator connected to the splitter and to the storage element. The term generator can comprise elements such as a ROM addressable by the lower phase increment and the amplitude.

Abstract: A multiple access, spread spectrum communication system and method for providing high capacity communications to, from, or between a plurality of system users, using code-division-spread-spectrum communication signals. The communication system uses means for providing marginal isolation between user communication signals. The marginal isolation is provided by generating simultaneous multiple steerable beams; using an omni-directional antenna with polarization enhancement; using power control devices to adjust the output power for user generated communication signals either in response to their input activity level, or in accordance with a minimum allowable power for maintaining a communication link. The communication system can also employ a means for transmitting a predetermined pilot chip sequence contiguous with the code-division-spread-spectrum communication signals.