Pulse code modulation rate converter

Claim 1

A rate converter, comprising: first means for supplying multi-channel pulse code modulated signals of X bits per each of Y channels, and at a given frame frequency Z, so as to exhibit a first group transmission rate; second means for detecting the least significant bit of the last channel of a frame; third means for counting 2X bits from said detected least significant bit and for deleting from said frame such information bit as there located; fourth means for counting X additional bits from said bit delete location in successive sequentials S, and for delecting from said frame each such information bit present at each such additional locations, "S" being a number 0, 1, 2, 3, etc. selected in accordance with a second group transmission rate to which said multi-channel pulse code modulation signals are to be converted; fifth means, operational at said second group transmission rate, for processing such information bits as remain in said frame; sixth means for detecting the least significant bit of the last channel of said frame as processed at said second group transmission rate; seventh means for counting 2X bits from said detected processed least significant bit and for inserting thereat a first non-informational dummy signal; eighth means for counting X additional bits from said dummy bit insertion location in successive sequentials S, and for inserting further non-informational dummy signals at each such location in reconverting said multi-channel pulse code modulation signals to said first group transmission rate; and ninth means for providing said re-converted signals as an output of said rate converter.