Battery saver for a TDM system

In a time division multiplexed communication system capable of synchronously communicating message signals between a communication resource controller and at least one remote communication unit having a means for reducing power consumption;

• a method for saving power consumption in said communication unit, comprising the steps of:
• (a) verifying synchronization pressence during a synchronization verification interval;
• (b) entering a synchronous battery saving mode, when synchronization presence is verified, comprising the steps of:
• (i) detecting a call request between said communication resource controller and said communication unit,
• (ii) reducing power comsumption for a synchronous power saving interval when said call request is not detected;
• (c) entering an asynchronous battery saving mode, when synchronization presence is not verified, comprising the steps of:
• (i) reducing power consumption for a variable asynchronous power saving interval,
• (ii) attempting to acquire synchronization during a synchronization acquisition interval;
• (d) entering said asynchronous battery saving mode when synchronization is lost.

In a time division multiplexed communication system capable of synchronously communicating message signals between a communication resource controller and at least one remote communication unit, said communicating unit comprising:

• a controller means for controlling the operation of said communication unit,
• a verification means for verifying synchronization presence,
• an acquisition means for acquiring synchronization;
• a power reduction means for reducing power consumption when enabled by said controller;
• said controller enabling said power reduction means for a synchronous power saving interval, when synchronization is verified during a variable synchronization verification interval, said controller means enabling said power reduction means for a first variable asynchronous power saving interval, when synchronization is not acquired during a synchronization acquisition interval.

In a time division multiplexed communication system capable of synchronously communicating message signals between a communication resource controller and at least one remote communication unit having a means for reducing power consumption, a method for reducing power consumption in said communication unit, comprising the steps of:

• (a) attempting to acquire synchronization during a synchronization acquisition interval,
• (b) entering an asynchronous battery saving mode, when synchronization is not acquired, including the steps of:
• (i) determining elapsed time with reference to a established time reference within said asynchronous battery saving mode,
• (ii) reducing power consumption for an asynchronous power saving interval, wherein said varible asynchronous power saving being a function of said elapsed time in said asynchronous battery saving mode.
• (c) entering a synchronous power saving mode when synchronization is acquired including the steps of:
• (i) estimating system utilization from said message signals,
• (ii) reducing power consumption for a synchronous power saving interval, said variable power saving interval being a of function of estimated system utilization.