US4864557A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic refresh of operating parameters in equipment with volatile storage
Assignee: Nortel Networks Ltd
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Filing: 1987-02-06
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Granted: 1989-09-05
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Expires: 2007-02-06
Abstract
Abstract A set of operating parameters that define the functions of a data unit interfacing a subscriber's terminal to a 2-wire telephone loop and which are stored in a volatile memory of a microcomputer in the data unit may be changed or periodically refreshed from the same parameter set stored in a volatile memory of a microcomputer in a data line card that functions as a datapath interface of a central data and voice communication facility. Bidirectional data transmission on the loop occurs via time compression multiplexing which requires synchronization between the interfaces. Loss of synchronization indicates the likelihood of a power interruption at the data unit and consequent erasure of memory. The presence of synchronization is tested and upon a positive indication the operating parameters are downloaded from the data line card to the data unit.
Inventors
- 👤 John D. Morton
- 👤 Edmund A. Newcombe
- 👤 Emil Lander
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 11:38
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04Q; H04Q11/00; H04Q11/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
Apparatus for downloading a profile from a datapath interface of a central data voice communication facility to first microcomputer means including first volatile memory means disposed in a data unit interface of a subscriber's terminal, comprising: second microcomputer means including second volatile memory means disposed in the datapath interface and operably connectable for receiving and storing the profile from third microcomputer means having non-volatile memory means disposed in said facility; means for synchronously transmitting and receiving time compression multiplexed signals between the interfaces; and means responsive to non-synchronization of the interfaces for enabling the first and second microcomputer means and downloading the profile from the second to the first volatile memory means for storage therein.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
Apparatus for downloading a profile from a datapath interface of a central data voice communication facility to first microcomputer means including first volatile memory means disposed in a data unit interface of a subscriber's terminal, comprising: second microcomputer means including second volatile memory means disposed in the datapath interface and operably connectable for receiving and storing the profile from third microcomputer means having non-volatile memory means disposed in said facility; means for synchronously transmitting and receiving time compression multiplexed signals between the interfaces; and means responsive to non-synchronization of the interfaces for enabling the first and second microcomputer means and downloading the profile from the second to the first volatile memory means for storage therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising means for testing conditions of synchronization and non-synchronization between the interfaces.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 further comprising means for debouncing the synchronization test results.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the means for debouncing comprises an active filter.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for downloading a profile from a datapath interface of a central data and voice communication facility to first microcomputer means including first volatile memory means disposed in a data unit interface of a subscriber's terminal, comprising the steps of: operably connecting second microcomputer means including second volatile memory means disposed in the datapath interface for receiving and storing the profile from third microcomputer means having non-volatile memory means disposed in said facility; synchronously transmitting and receiving time compression multiplexed signals between the interfaces; and enabling the first and second microcomputer means and downloading the profile from the second to the first volatile memory means for storage therein in response to non-synchronization of the interfaces.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for downloading a profile from a datapath interface of a central data and voice communication facility to first microcomputer means including first volatile memory means disposed in a data unit interface of a subscriber's terminal, comprising the steps of: operably connecting second microcomputer means including second volatile memory means disposed in the datapath interface for receiving and storing the profile from third microcomputer means having non-volatile memory means disposed in said facility; synchronously transmitting and receiving time compression multiplexed signals between the interfaces; and enabling the first and second microcomputer means and downloading the profile from the second to the first volatile memory means for storage therein in response to non-synchronization of the interfaces.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as claimed in claim 5 comprising a prior step of testing the interfaces for synchronization therebetween.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the first volatile memory means comprises a random-access memory.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-09-04 | 1993-03-06 | 1993-09-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-09-04 | 1997-03-06 | 1997-09-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-09-04 | 2001-03-06 | 2001-09-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |