Abstract: Techniques for providing power and communicating data via an audio interface to a peripheral device are described herein. In one embodiment, a peripheral device is communicatively coupled to a host device via an audio interface of the host device, where the audio interface includes a first stereo output channel, a second stereo output channel, an audio input channel, and a ground pin. The peripheral device receives from the host device a first audio signal via the first stereo output channel and a second audio signal via the second stereo output channel. In response, the peripheral device harvests energy from both the first audio signal and the second audio signal to generate direct current (DC) power to power one or more hardware components of the peripheral device including a processor of the peripheral device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gateway for a constant delay network identifies a baseband clock that is synchronized by exchanging synchronization messages over a packet switched network. The gateway then generates a strobe by manipulating the identified baseband clock using a custom multiplier that is selected according to transmission variables. The gateway then signals a front end component to process fixed length packets for transfer to a back end component according to the generated strobe, which can reduce or eliminate buffering by the back end component and can improve cable modem operation.