Data rate acquisition using signal edges

A communication station comprising data rate detection means for detecting a data rate in a data signal of an asynchronous data transmission system, in which system a bit is transmitted in the form of a signal edge generated at a particular nominal time, which data rate detection means comprises:

• a) detection means for detecting the times of occurrence of signal edges,
• b) first determination means for determining edge intervals by means of the detected times of occurrence of signal edges,
• c) second determination means for determining a mean edge interval by averaging the determined edge intervals,
• d) third determination means for determining a lower time of occurrence limit and an upper time of occurrence limit from the determined mean edge interval and a tolerance range of the determined mean edge interval in relation to a preceding signal edge, and
• e) check means for checking the occurrence of a subsequent signal edge in relation to the lower time of occurrence limit and the upper time of occurrence limit.

Data rate detection means for detecting a data rate in a data signal of an asynchronous data transmission system, in which system a bit is transmitted in the form of a signal edge generated at a particular nominal time, which data rate detection means comprises:

• a) detection means for detecting the times of occurrence of signal edges,
• b) first determination means for determining edge intervals by means of the detected times of occurrence of signal edges,
• c) second determination means for determining a mean edge interval by averaging the determined edge intervals,
• d) third determination means for determining a lower time of occurrence limit and an upper time of occurrence limit from the determined mean edge interval and a tolerance range of the determined mean edge interval in relation to a preceding signal edge, and
• e) check means for checking the occurrence of a subsequent signal edge in relation to the lower time of occurrence limit and the upper time of occurrence limit.