Data communication system and method

Details Data communication system and method Data communication system and method

1999-06-08

2001-07-10

Pham, Chi (Department: 2631)

Pulse or digital communications

Transceivers

Modems

C375S261000, C370S484000, C341S111000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06259728

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is generally related to the field of data communications, and, more particularly, is related to a system and method for modulating and demodulating a data signal.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In data communications, there are many different types of modulation or demodulation schemes that are employed to facilitate the communication of data across a particular channel. For example, there exist several protocols that may be employed, including carrierless amplitude/phase (CAP), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), and discrete wavelet multiplexing (DWM), as well as other protocols. Communications channels employed may include various networks such as local area networks, wide area networks, telecommunications networks, or other networks that employ various media such as wire, optical fiber, air, or other media, or combinations of these media.
However, currently different protocols include specific advantages and disadvantages related to the specific environments in which they are employed and, consequently, all are still in use and are likely to be employed in the foreseeable future. As a result, data communications providers continue to manufacture data communications equipment to meet these different protocols.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In light of the foregoing, the present invention provides a highly configurable data communication system and method that is designed to accommodate multiple data communications protocols.
Briefly described, in architecture, the system comprises a configurable modem circuit for modulating or demodulating a data signal. The modem circuit includes a number of configurable multi-rate signal processing modules coupled to a local interface. The system also includes a control module coupled to the local interface, the control module being adapted to shuttle a number of data symbols among the configurable multi-rate processing modules according to a predefined modulation or demodulation scheme. The modem circuit can advantageously be configured to perform one of multiple modulation or demodulation schemes.
The present invention may also be viewed as a method for modulating a data signal for transmission over a communications channel, comprising the steps of: mapping a number of data symbols in a data signal; shuttling a number of mapped data signals among a number of synthesis modules via a local interface; processing the mapped data signals in the synthesis modules; and, summing a number of quadrature symbols and a number of in-phase symbols generated by the synthesis modules to generate a modulated data output signal.
Additionally, the present invention may also be viewed as a method for demodulating a data signal transmitted over a communications channel, comprising the steps of: generating a number of quadrature symbols and a number of in-phase symbols from a modulated data signal; shuttling the quadrature and in-phase symbols among a number of analysis modules via a local interface; processing the quadrature and in-phase symbols in the analysis modules; and, de-mapping the quadrature and in-phase symbols, thereby recovering an original data signal.
The present invention provides significant advantages in that the same hardware is highly configurable to perform any one of a number of modulation and demodulation schemes, thus gaining economies of scale in production where only one circuit need be produced rather than multiple circuits to accommodate the various types of modulation and demodulation schemes. Other advantages of the invention include the fact that it is simple in design, user friendly, robust and reliable in operation, efficient in operation, and easily implemented for mass commercial production.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional features and advantages be included herein within the scope of the present invention.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5768268 (1998-06-01), Kline et al.
patent: 5838268 (1998-11-01), Frenkel
Gross, et al., “Discrete Wavelet Multitone (DWMT) System for Digital Transmission Over HFC Links,” SPIE vol. 2609, 1995, pp. 168-175.
Sandberg, et al., “Overlapped Discrete Multitone Modulation for High Speed Copper Wire Communications, ” IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, vol. 13, No. 9, Dec. 1995, pp. 1571-1585.
Tzannes, et al., “DMT Systems, DWMT Systems, and Digital Filter Banks,” Heller ICC, 1994, May 1-5, 1994k, pp. 311-315.

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