Wavelength division multiplexing/code division multiple access hybrid

Claim 2

A hybrid wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)/code division multiple access (CDMA) communications device for a use with a network having a single optical fiber per port comprising: a. a coder means for: i. impressing digital data from an incoming, electronic, digital data stream as simultaneous short pulses onto N optical channels having wavelengths λ1 to λN; said channels being spatially ordered in a base sequence; ii. interchanging the order of said optical channels from said base sequence; iii. splitting and time delay encoding each of said optical channels so that multiwavelength pulse groups uniquely define a communication channel; and iv. combining said optical channels onto said single optical fiber; and b. a decoder means for: i. separating an incoming optical signal from said single optical fiber into said N optical channels; ii. re-ordering the order of said optical channels back to said base sequence; iii. splitting and time delay encoding, with a time delay complementary to the time delay introduced by said coder means, each of said optical channels, using a scaling factor derived from the maximum pulse replication ratio of any of said optical channels; and iv. combining said optical channels and outputting an outgoing, electronic, digital, data stream.

Claim 3

A hybrid wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)/code division multiple access (CDMA) communications device for a use with a network having a single optical fiber per port comprising: a. a coder means for: i. impressing digital data from an incoming, electronic, digital data stream as simultaneous short pulses onto N optical channels having wavelengths λ1 to λN; said channels being spatially ordered in a base sequence; ii. interchanging the order of said optical channels from said base sequence; iii. splitting and time delay encoding each of said optical channels so that each channel corresponds to a row in a code matrix; and iv. combining said optical channels onto said single optical fiber; and b. a decoder means for: i. separating an incoming optical signal from said single optical fiber into said is N optical channels; ii. re-ordering the order of said optical channels back to said base sequence; iii. splitting and time delay encoding, with a time delay complementary to the time delay introduced by said coder means, each of said optical channels, using a scaling factor derived from the maximum number of 1's in a row of said code matrix; and iv. combining said optical channels and outputting an outgoing, electronic, digital, data stream.

Claim 4

A hybrid wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)/code division multiple access (CDMA) communications device for a use with a network having a single optical fiber per port comprising: a. a coder means for: i. impressing digital data from an incoming, electronic, digital data stream as simultaneous short pulses onto N optical channels having wavelengths λ1 to λN; said channels being spatially ordered in a base sequence; ii. interchanging the order of said optical channels from said base sequence; iii. splitting and time delay encoding each of said optical channels so that each channel corresponds to a row in a code matrix; and iv. combining said optical channels onto said single optical fiber; and b. a decoder means for: i. separating an incoming optical signal from said single optical fiber into said is N optical channels; ii. re-ordering the order of said optical channels back to said base sequence; iii. splitting and time delay encoding, with a time delay complementary to the time delay introduced by said coder means, each of said optical channels, using a scaling factor derived from the maximum number of 1's in a row of said code matrix; and iv. combining said optical channels and outputting an outgoing, electronic, digital, data stream.

Claim 5

A hybrid wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)/code division multiple access (CDMA) communications device for a use with a network having a single optical fiber per port comprising: a. a coder comprising: i. a WDM means for impressing digital data from an incoming, electronic, digital data stream as simultaneous short pulses onto N optical channels having wavelengths λ1 to λN; said channels being spatially ordered in a base sequence; ii. a channel sequence selector means for interchanging the order of said optical channels from said base sequence; iii. a CDMA matrix encoder means for splitting and time delay encoding each of said optical channels so that each channel corresponds to a row in a code matrix; and iv. a multiplexer means for combining said channels onto said single optical fiber; and b. a decoder comprising: i. a demultiplexer means for separating an incoming optical signal from said single optical fiber into said N optical channels; ii. a channel sequence unscrambler means for re-ordering the order of said optical channels back to said base sequence; iii. a CDMA matrix decoder means for splitting and time delay encoding, with a time delay complementary to the time delay of said CDMA matrix encoder, each of said optical channels, using a scaling factor derived from the maximum number of 1's in a row of said code matrix; and iv. an optical detector means for combining said channels and outputting an outgoing, electronic, digital, data stream.

Claim 6

A hybrid wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)/code division multiple access (CDMA) communications device for a use with a network having a single optical fiber per port comprising: a. a coder comprising: i. a WDM means for impressing digital data from an incoming, electronic, digital data stream as simultaneous short pulses onto N optical channels having wavelengths λ1 to λN; said channels being spatially ordered in a base sequence; ii. a channel sequence selector means for interchanging the order of said optical channels from said base sequence; iii. a CDMA matrix encoder means for splitting and time delay encoding each of said optical channels so that each channel corresponds to a row in a code matrix; and iv. a multiplexer means for combining said channels onto said single optical fiber; and b. a decoder comprising: i. a demultiplexer means for separating an incoming optical signal from said single optical fiber into said N optical channels; ii. a channel sequence unscrambler means for re-ordering the order of said optical channels back to said base sequence; iii. a CDMA matrix decoder means for splitting and time delay encoding, with a time delay complementary to the time delay of said CDMA matrix encoder, each of said optical channels, using a scaling factor derived from the maximum number of 1's in a row of said code matrix; and iv. an optical detector means for combining said channels and outputting an outgoing, electronic, digital, data stream.

Claim 7

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 3 further comprising a phase locked loop means on said optical detector means for providing a narrow time accept gate.

Claim 8

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 3 in which said optical detector means comprises an array of N optical to electrical converters connected to a multi-input, single output, electronic combiner.

Claim 9

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 3 in which said optical detector means comprises a multi-input, single output coupler connected to an optical to electrical converter.

Claim 10

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 3 in which said optical detector means comprises: a. a distributor for combining said N optical channels and distributing them among U+1 optical channels; b. a delay means for introducing a time delay into one of U+1 optical channels; c. a plurality of negative delay means for introducing said time delay minus an increasing delay into U/2 of said U optical channels; d. a plurality of positive delay means for introducing said time delay plus an increasing delay into U/2 of said U optical channels; e. a weighted coupler means for combining and weighting the positively and negatively delayed U optical channels; f. a first photodetector means for converting the delayed optical channel into a first electrical signal; g. a second photodetector means for converting the output from said weighted coupler means to a second electrical signal; h. a difference circuit means for calculating an estimate of interference by comparing said first and second electrical signals; and i. a pulse detector means with phase locked loop oscillator for tracking the communication data rate and inserting 0s for absent data pulses.

Claim 11

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 3 in which said a WDM means includes a laser means for keeping said N optical channels continuously active.

Claim 12

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 3 in which said WDM means comprises: a. a set of N continuous lasers producing light at wavelengths λ1 to λN; b. means for multiplexing said light onto a single channel; c. means for amplifying the multiplexed light; d. means for coupling the multiplexed light; e. means for pulsing the multiplexed light with said incoming, electronic, digital data; and f. means for demultiplexing the pulsed, multiplexed, light.

Claim 13

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 9 in which said means for pulsing is an optical amplifier/switch.

Claim 14

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 9 in which said means for pulsing is an electro-optical modulator.

Claim 15

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 3 in which said WDM means is a semiconductor amplifier/switch, said and in which said hybrid code communications device further comprises: prior to said coder, a. a set of W continuous lasers producing light at wavelengths λ1 to λW; b. means for multiplexing said light onto a single channel; and c. means for splitting the multiplexed light; after said coder, a coupler means for combining said combined channels, and prior to said decoder, means for un-combining said combined channels.

Claim 16

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 3 in which said hybrid code communications device is connected to a broken ring network, and said WDM means comprises: a. a set of N continuous lasers producing light at wavelengths λ1 to λN; b. means for multiplexing said light onto a single channel; c. means for amplifying the multiplexed light; d. means for distributing the multiplexed light throughout said broken ring network; e. means for coupling to the distributed, multiplexed light; and f. means for pulsing the distributed, multiplexed light with said incoming, electronic, digital data; and said hybrid code communications device further comprises means for coupling to said broken ring network.

Claim 17

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 13 in which said means for pulsing is an optical amplifier/switch.

Claim 18

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 3 in which said channel sequence selector means is an optical crossbar switch.

Claim 19

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 3 in which said channel sequence unscrambler means is an optical crossbar switch.

Claim 20

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 3 in which said CDMA matrix encoder means further comprises: a. a set of Q matrix row encoder means for introducing time delays; and b. a CDMA matrix permutation selector means for conducting said N optical channels to said set of Q matrix row encoders; said Q being equal to 2N-1.

Claim 21

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 3 in which said CDMA matrix decoder means further comprises: a. a set of Q matrix row decoder means for introducing said complementary time delays; and b. a CDMA matrix permutation selector means for conducting said N optical channels to said set of Q matrix row encoders; said Q being equal to 2N-1.

Claim 22

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 3 in which the functions of said channel sequence selector means and said CDMA matrix encoder means are provided by a set of N commandable universal matrix row encoders, each of which has at least one optical path, all but one of which are switch selectable, each of which includes a series of switch selectable, increasing delay paths in parallel with direct paths.

Claim 27

A method as claimed in claim 21 further comprising the step of providing a narrow time accept gate for said combining step.

Claim 28

A method as claimed in claim 21 in which said combining step comprises the steps of converting optical data to electronic data followed by combining the electronic data.

Claim 29

A method as claimed in claim 21 in which said combining step comprises the steps of combining the optical data followed by converting the optical data to electronic data.

Claim 30

A method as claimed in claim 21 in which said combining step further comprises the steps of: a. combining said N optical channels and distributing them among U+1 optical channels; b. introducing a time delay into one of said U+1 optical channels; c. introducing said time delay minus an increasing delay into U/2 of said U optical channels; d. introducing said time delay plus an increasing delay into U/2 of said U optical channels; e. combining and weighting the positively and negatively delayed U optical channels; f. converting the delayed optical channel into a first electrical signal; g. converting the output from said weighted coupler means to a second electrical signal; h. calculating an estimate of interference by comparing said first and second electrical signals; and i. tracking the communication data rate and inserting 0s for absent data pulses.

Claim 31

A method as claimed in claim 21 further comprising the steps of: a. providing a laser; and b. keeping said N optical channels continuously active.

Claim 32

A method as claimed in claim 21 further comprising the steps of: a. providing a set of N continuous lasers producing light at wavelengths λ1 to λN; b. multiplexing said light onto a single channel; c. amplifying the multiplexed light; d. coupling the multiplexed light; e. pulsing the multiplexed light with said incoming, electronic, digital data; and f. demultiplexing the pulsed, multiplexed, light.

Claim 33

A method as claimed in claim 21 further comprising the steps of: a. providing a set of N continuous lasers producing light at wavelengths λ1 to λN; b. multiplexing said light onto a single channel; c. splitting the multiplexed light; d. feeding the split, multiplexed light to said coder portion; e. after said coder portion, combining said combined channels; and f. prior to said decoder, un-combining said combined channels.

Claim 34

A method as claimed in claim 21 in which said hybrid code communications device is connected to a broken ring network, further comprising the steps of: a. providing a set of N continuous lasers producing light at wavelengths λ1 to λN; b. multiplexing said light onto a single channel; c. amplifying the multiplexed light; d. distributing the multiplexed light throughout said broken ring network; e. coupling to the distributed, multiplexed light; f. pulsing the distributed, multiplexed light with said incoming, electronic, digital data; and g. providing means for coupling to said broken ring network.

Claim 35

A method as claimed in claim 21 in which said splitting and time delay encoding step performed in said coder portion further comprises the steps of: a. providing a set of Q matrix row encoders; said Q being equal to 2N-1; b. introducing time delays into each of said N optical channels; and c. conducting said N optical channels to said set of Q matrix row encoders.

Claim 36

A method as claimed in claim 21 in which said splitting and time delay encoding step performed in said decoder portion further comprises the steps of: a. providing a set of Q matrix row encoders; said Q being equal to 2N-1; b. introducing complementary time delays into each of said N optical channels; and c. conducting said N optical channels to said set of Q matrix row encoders.

Claim 37

A method as claimed in claim 21 in which said splitting and time delay encoding step performed in said coder portion further comprises the steps of: a. partitioning a member of a set of r pseudo-orthogonal pulse sequences into segments of length s where s is an integer; b. appending zeroes to the pulse sequence so that the augmented sequence is an integral multiple of s; c. arranging segments of length s as columns of a matrix; d. permuting the rows of the resulting matrix to generate up to (s-1) additional matrices; and e. repeating the process for all r original pulse sequences.

Claim 38

A method as claimed in claim 21 in which said splitting and time delay encoding step performed in said decoder portion further comprises the steps of: a. partitioning a member of a set of r pseudo-orthogonal pulse sequences into segments of length s where s is an integer; b. appending zeroes to the pulse sequence so that the augmented sequence is an integral multiple of s; c. arranging segments of length s as columns of a matrix; d. permuting the rows of the resulting matrix to generate up to (s-1) additional matrices; and e. repeating the process for all r original pulse sequences.

Claim 39

A hybrid wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)/code division multiple access (CDMA) code communications device for a use with a network having multiple optical fibers per port comprising: a. a coder means for: i. impressing digital data from an incoming electronic data stream as simultaneous short pulses onto W optical channels having wavelengths λ1 to λW; ii. selecting data for M ordered optical channels from said W optical channels; iii. splitting and time delay encoding each of said M ordered optical channels so that multiwavelength pulse groups uniquely define a communication channel; iv. selecting up to W of said M ordered optical channels for each of said optical fibers; and v. combining said up to W optical channels onto each of said multiple optical fibers; there being F of said multiple optical fibers; said M being less than or equal to N, where N equals F multiplied by W; and b. a decoder means for i. separating an incoming optical signal from each of said multiple optical fibers into said W optical channels for a total of N optical channels; ii. selecting said M ordered optical channels of said N optical channels; iii. splitting and time delay encoding, with a time delay complementary to the time delay introduced by said coder means, each of said M ordered optical channels, using a scaling factor derived from the maximum pulse replication ratio of any of said optical channels; and iv. combining said M ordered optical channels and outputting an outgoing, electronic, digital, data stream.

Claim 40

A hybrid wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)/code division multiple access (CDMA) code communications device for a use with a network having multiple optical fibers per port comprising: a. a coder means for: i. impressing digital data from an incoming electronic data stream as simultaneous short pulses onto W optical channels having wavelengths λ1 to λW; ii. selecting data for M ordered optical channels from said W optical channels; iii. splitting and time delay encoding each of said M ordered optical channels so that multiwavelength pulse groups uniquely define a communication channel; iv. selecting up to W of said M ordered optical channels for each of said optical fibers; and v. combining said up to W optical channels onto each of said multiple optical fibers; there being F of said multiple optical fibers; said M being less than or equal to N, where N equals F multiplied by W; and b. a decoder means for i. separating an incoming optical signal from each of said multiple optical fibers into said W optical channels for a total of N optical channels; ii. selecting said M ordered optical channels of said N optical channels; iii. splitting and time delay encoding, with a time delay complementary to the time delay introduced by said coder means, each of said M ordered optical channels, using a scaling factor derived from the maximum pulse replication ratio of any of said optical channels; and iv. combining said M ordered optical channels and outputting an outgoing, electronic, digital, data stream.

Claim 41

A hybrid wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)/code division multiple access (CDMA) code communications device for a use with a network having multiple optical fibers per port comprising: a. a coder means for: i. impressing digital data from an incoming electronic data stream as simultaneous short pulses onto W optical channels having wavelengths λ1 to λW; ii. selecting data for M ordered optical channels from said W optical channels; iii. splitting and time delay encoding each of said M ordered optical channels so that each channel corresponds to a row of a code matrix; iv. selecting up to W of said M ordered optical channels for each of said optical fibers; and v. combining said up to W optical channels onto each of said multiple optical fibers; there being F of said multiple optical fibers; said M being less than or equal to N, where N equals F multiplied by W; and b. a decoder means for i. separating an incoming optical signal from each of said multiple optical fibers into said W optical channels for a total of N optical channels; ii. selecting said M ordered optical channels of said N optical channels; iii. splitting and time delay encoding, with a time delay complementary to the time delay introduced by said coder means, each of said M ordered optical channels, using a scaling factor derived from the maximum number of 1's in a row of said code matrix; and iv. combining said M ordered optical channels and outputting an outgoing, electronic, digital, data stream.

Claim 42

A hybrid wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)/code division multiple access (CDMA) code communications device for a use with a network having multiple optical fibers per port comprising: a. a coder means for: i. impressing digital data from an incoming electronic data stream as simultaneous short pulses onto W optical channels having wavelengths λ1 to λW; ii. selecting data for M ordered optical channels from said W optical channels; iii. splitting and time delay encoding each of said M ordered optical channels so that each channel corresponds to a row of a code matrix; iv. selecting up to W of said M ordered optical channels for each of said optical fibers; and v. combining said up to W optical channels onto each of said multiple optical fibers; there being F of said multiple optical fibers; said M being less than or equal to N, where N equals F multiplied by W; and b. a decoder means for i. separating an incoming optical signal from each of said multiple optical fibers into said W optical channels for a total of N optical channels; ii. selecting said M ordered optical channels of said N optical channels; iii. splitting and time delay encoding, with a time delay complementary to the time delay introduced by said coder means, each of said M ordered optical channels, using a scaling factor derived from the maximum number of 1's in a row of said code matrix; and iv. combining said M ordered optical channels and outputting an outgoing, electronic, digital, data stream.

Claim 43

A hybrid wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)/code division multiple access (CDMA) code communications device for a use with a network having multiple optical fibers per port comprising: a. a coder comprising: i. a WDM means for impressing digital data from an incoming electronic data stream as simultaneous short pulses onto W optical channels having wavelengths λ1 to λW; ii. a color selection switch means for selecting data for M ordered optical channels from said W optical channels and putting said M channels in a specific order; iii. a CDMA matrix encoder means for splitting and time delay encoding each of said M ordered optical channels so that each channel corresponds a row in a code matrix; iv. a crossbar switch means for selecting up to W of said M ordered optical channels for each of said optical fibers; and v. a multiplexer means for combining said up to W optical channels onto each of said multiple optical fibers; there being F of said multiple optical fibers; said M being less than or equal to N, where N equals F multiplied by W; and b. a decoder comprising: i. a demultiplexer means for separating an incoming optical signal from each of said multiple optical fibers into said W optical channels for a total of N optical channels; ii. an active channel selector means for selecting said M ordered optical channels of said N optical channels; iii. a CDMA matrix decoder means for splitting and time delay encoding, with a time delay complementary to the time delay of said CDMA matrix encoder, each of said M ordered optical channels, using a scaling factor derived from the maximum number of 1's in a row of said code matrix; and iv. an optical detector means for combining said M channels and outputting an outgoing, electronic, digital, data stream.

Claim 44

A hybrid wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)/code division multiple access (CDMA) code communications device for a use with a network having multiple optical fibers per port comprising: a. a coder comprising: i. a WDM means for impressing digital data from an incoming electronic data stream as simultaneous short pulses onto W optical channels having wavelengths λ1 to λW; ii. a color selection switch means for selecting data for M ordered optical channels from said W optical channels and putting said M channels in a specific order; iii. a CDMA matrix encoder means for splitting and time delay encoding each of said M ordered optical channels so that each channel corresponds a row in a code matrix; iv. a crossbar switch means for selecting up to W of said M ordered optical channels for each of said optical fibers; and v. a multiplexer means for combining said up to W optical channels onto each of said multiple optical fibers; there being F of said multiple optical fibers; said M being less than or equal to N, where N equals F multiplied by W; and b. a decoder comprising: i. a demultiplexer means for separating an incoming optical signal from each of said multiple optical fibers into said W optical channels for a total of N optical channels; ii. an active channel selector means for selecting said M ordered optical channels of said N optical channels; iii. a CDMA matrix decoder means for splitting and time delay encoding, with a time delay complementary to the time delay of said CDMA matrix encoder, each of said M ordered optical channels, using a scaling factor derived from the maximum number of 1's in a row of said code matrix; and iv. an optical detector means for combining said M channels and outputting an outgoing, electronic, digital, data stream.

Claim 45

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 36 further comprising a phase locked loop means on said optical detector means for providing a narrow time accept gate.

Claim 46

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 36 in which said optical detector means comprises an array of M optical to electrical converters connected to a multi-input, single output electronic combiner.

Claim 47

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 36 in which said optical detector means comprises a multi-input, single output coupler connected to an optical to electrical converter.

Claim 48

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 36 in which said optical detector means comprises: a. a distributor for combining said M ordered optical channels and distributing them among U+1 optical channels; b. a delay means for introducing a time delay into one of U+1 optical channels; c. a plurality of negative delay means for introducing said time delay minus an increasing delay into U/2 of said U optical channels; d. a plurality of positive delay means for introducing said time delay plus an increasing delay into U/2 of said U optical channels; e. a weighted coupler means for combining and weighting the positively and negatively delayed U optical channels; f. a first photodetector means for converting the delayed optical channel into a first electrical signal; g. a second photodetector means for converting the output from said weighted coupler means to a second electrical signal; h. a difference circuit means for calculating an estimate of interference by comparing said first and second electrical signals; and i. a pulse detector means with phase locked loop oscillator for tracking the communication data rate and inserting 0s for absent data pulses.

Claim 49

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 36 in which said a WDM means includes a laser means for keeping said W optical channels continuously active.

Claim 50

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 36 in which said WDM means comprises: a. a set of W continuous lasers producing light at wavelengths λ1 to λW; b. means for multiplexing said light onto a single channel; c. means for amplifying the multiplexed light; d. means for coupling the multiplexed light; e. means for pulsing the multiplexed light with said incoming, electronic, digital data; and f. means for demultiplexing the pulsed, multiplexed, light.

Claim 51

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 42 in which said means for pulsing is an optical amplifier/switch.

Claim 52

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 42 in which said means for pulsing is an electro-optical modulator.

Claim 53

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 36 in which said WDM means is a semiconductor amplifier/switch, said and in which said hybrid code communications device further comprises: prior to said coder, a. a set of W continuous lasers producing light at wavelengths λ1 to λW; b. means for multiplexing said light onto a single channel; and c. means for splitting the multiplexed light; after said coder, a coupler means for combining said combined channels, and prior to said decoder, means for un-combining said combined channels.

Claim 54

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 36 in which said hybrid code communications device is connected to a broken ring network, and said WDM means comprises: a. a set of W continuous lasers producing light at wavelengths λ1 to λW; b. means for multiplexing said light onto a single channel; c. means for amplifying the multiplexed light; d. means for distributing the multiplexed light throughout said broken ring network; e. means for coupling to the distributed, multiplexed light; and f. means for pulsing the distributed, multiplexed light with said incoming, electronic, digital data; and said hybrid code communications device further comprises means for coupling to said broken ring network.

Claim 55

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 46 in which said means for pulsing is an optical amplifier/switch.

Claim 56

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 36 in which said channel sequence selector means is an optical crossbar switch.

Claim 57

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 36 in which said active channel selector means is an optical crossbar switch.

Claim 58

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 36 in which said CDMA matrix encoder means further comprises: a. a set of Q matrix row encoder means for introducing time delays; and b. a CDMA matrix permutation selector means for conducting said M ordered optical channels to said set of Q matrix row encoders; said Q being equal to 2M-1.

Claim 59

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 36 in which said CDMA matrix decoder means further comprises: a. a set of Q matrix row decoder means for introducing said complementary time delays; and b. a CDMA matrix permutation selector means for conducting said M ordered optical channels to said set of Q matrix row encoders; said Q being equal to 2M-1.

Claim 60

A hybrid code communications device as claimed in claim 36 in which part of the functions of said active channel selector means and all of said CDMA matrix encoder means are provided by a set of M commandable universal matrix row encoders, each of which has at least one optical path, all but one of which is switch selectable, each of which includes a series of switch selectable, increasing delay paths in parallel with direct paths.

Claim 65

A method as claimed in claim 54 further comprising the step of providing a narrow time accept gate for said combining step.

Claim 66

A method as claimed in claim 54 in which said combining step comprises the steps of converting optical data to electronic data followed by combining the electronic data.

Claim 67

A method as claimed in claim 54 in which said combining step comprises the steps of combining the optical data followed by converting the optical data to electronic data.

Claim 68

A method as claimed in claim 54 in which said combining step further comprises the steps of: a. combining said M ordered optical channels and distributing them among U+1 optical channels; b. introducing a time delay into one of said U+1 optical channels; c. introducing said time delay minus an increasing delay into U/2 of said U optical channels; d. introducing said time delay plus an increasing delay into U/2 of said U optical channels; e. combining and weighting the positively and negatively delayed U optical channels; f. converting the delayed optical channel into a first electrical signal; g. converting the output from said weighted coupler means to a second electrical signal; h. calculating an estimate of interference by comparing said first and second electrical signals; and i. tracking the communication data rate and inserting 0s for absent data pulses.

Claim 69

A method as claimed in claim 54 further comprising the steps of: a. providing a laser; and b. keeping said W optical channels continuously active.

Claim 70

A method as claimed in claim 54 further comprising the steps of: a. providing a set of W continuous lasers producing light at wavelengths λ1 to λW; b. multiplexing said light onto a single channel; c. amplifying the multiplexed light; d. coupling the multiplexed light; e. pulsing the multiplexed light with said incoming, electronic, digital data; and f. demultiplexing the pulsed, multiplexed, light.

Claim 71

A method as claimed in claim 54 further comprising the steps of: a. providing a set of W continuous lasers producing light at wavelengths λ1 to λW; b. multiplexing said light onto a single channel; c. splitting the multiplexed light; d. feeding the split, multiplexed light to said coder portion; e. after said coder portion, combining said combined channels; and f. prior to said decoder, un-combining said combined channels.

Claim 72

A method as claimed in claim 54 in which said hybrid code communications device is connected to a broken ring network, further comprising the steps of: a. providing a set of W continuous lasers producing light at wavelengths λ1 to λW; b. multiplexing said light onto a single channel; c. amplifying the multiplexed light; d. distributing the multiplexed light throughout said broken ring network; e. coupling to the distributed, multiplexed light; and f. pulsing the distributed, multiplexed light with said incoming, electronic, digital data; and g. providing means for coupling to said broken ring network.

Claim 73

A method as claimed in claim 54 in which said splitting and time delay encoding step performed in said coder portion further comprises the steps of: a. providing a set of Q matrix row encoders; said Q being equal to 2M-1; b. introducing time delays into each of said M ordered optical channels; and c. conducting said M ordered optical channels to said set of Q matrix row encoders.

Claim 74

A method as claimed in claim 54 in which said splitting and time delay encoding step performed in said decoder portion further comprises the steps of: a. providing a set of Q matrix row encoders; said Q being equal to 2M-1; b. introducing complementary time delays into each of said N optical channels; and c. conducting said M ordered optical channels to said set of Q matrix row encoders.

Claim 75

A method as claimed in claim 54 in which said splitting and time delay encoding step performed in said coder portion further comprises the steps of: a. partitioning a member of a set of r pseudo-orthogonal pulse sequences into segments of length s where s is an integer; b. appending zeroes to the pulse sequence so that the augmented sequence is an integral multiple of s; c. arranging segments of length s as columns of a matrix; d. permuting the rows of the resulting matrix to generate up to (s-1) additional matrices; and e. repeating the process for all r original pulse sequences.

Claim 76

A method as claimed in claim 54 in which said splitting and time delay encoding step performed in said decoder portion further comprises the steps of: a. partitioning a member of a set of r pseudo-orthogonal pulse sequences into segments of length s where s is an integer; b. appending zeroes to the pulse sequence so that the augmented sequence is an integral multiple of s; c. arranging segments of length s as columns of a matrix; d. permuting the rows of the resulting matrix to generate up to (s-1) additional matrices; and e. repeating the process for all r original pulse sequences.