Base station for controlling initial power ramp-up using short codes

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates generally to CDMA communication systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a CDMA communication system which utilizes the transmission of short codes from subscriber units to a base station to reduce the time required for the base station to detect the signal from a subscriber unit. The improved detection time allows a faster ramp-up of the initial transmit power from the subscriber units while reducing the unnecessary power overshoot.

#2. Description of Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a schematic overview of a code division multiple access communication system in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operating range of a base station;

#FIG. 3 is a timing diagram of communication signals between a base station and a subscriber unit;

#The preferred embodiment will be described with reference to the drawing figures where identical numerals represent similar elements throughout.

#A communication network 10 embodying the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The communication network 10 generally comprises one or more base stations 14, each of which is in wireless communication with a plurality of subscriber units 16, which may be fixed or mobile. Each subscriber unit 16 communicates with either the closest base station 14 or the base station 14 which provides the strongest communication signal. The base stations 14 also communicate with a base station controller 20, which coordinates communications among base stations 14. The communication network 10 may also be connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 22, wherein the base station controller 20 also coordinates communications between the base stations 14 and the PSTN 22. Preferably, each base station 14 communicates with the base station controller 20 over a wireless link, although a land line may also be provided. A land line is particularly applicable when a base station 14 is in close proximity to the base station controller 20.

#The base station controller 20 performs several functions. Primarily, the base station controller 20 provides all of the operations, administrative and maintenance (OA&M) signaling associated with establishing and maintaining all of the wireless communications between the subscriber units 16, the base stations 14, and the base station controller 20. The base station controller 20 also provides an interface between the wireless communication system 10 and the PSTN 22. This interface includes multiplexing and demultiplexing of the communication signals that enter and leave the system 10 via the base station controller 20. Although the wireless communication system 10 is shown employing antennas to transmit RF signals, one skilled in the art should recognize that communications may be accomplished via microwave or satellite uplinks. Additionally, the functions of the base station controller 20 may be combined with a base station 14 to form a “master base station”.