Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for controlling the application of power to a line driver. The method operates by sensing a request from a customer premises for a transmission exchange across a local loop, applying power to a line driver circuit, in response to the request for transmission, determining when the transmission exchange has terminated, and then terminating the application of power to the line driver circuit.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a power control circuit for a line driver circuit in a central office. In a broad sense, the present invention operates to power-down line driver circuitry when it is not in use, and apply power to the line driver circuitry when transmissions are requested by a customer (e.g., customer premises). This reduces the power consumption of the line driver by eliminating the quiescent current draw when the line driver is idle. Recognizing that the typical line driver is in an idle state the vast majority of the time, compounded by the vast number of line drivers that exist within a central office environment, it will be appreciated that the overall power savings may be tremendous. In accordance with one aspect of the invention a circuit is provided for controllably applying power to a line driver.