Line powered DCA including dual programmed microcontrollers
AssigneeUniversal Data Systems, Inc.
InventorsTimothy W. Aldridge, Dean Y. Hodge, Harold G. Voce
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A line powered data communication apparatus (DCA) includes dual programmed microcontrollers, one being interfaceable with data terminal equipment and the other for governing the operation of modem circuitry of the DCA which is interfaceable to a telephone line of a telephone network. The dual programmed microcontrollers interact with each other over an electrically isolated interface, preferably including optical isolators. Power is derived for the one microcontroller from the signal lines interfacing the data terminal equipment. In addition, power is derived for the other microcontroller and modcircuitry from the telephone line.
Claims12
Data Communication Apparatus (DCA) interfaceable to data terminal apparatus (DTA) on one side thereof and to a telephone line of a telephone network on another side thereof, said one side of the DCA being electrically isolated from said another side of the DCA,
- said one side of the DCA comprising:
- first programmed digital signal processor (DSP) means interfaceable to said DTA over a plurality of first signal lines for exchanging command and data information therebetween;
- and
- first source of power for deriving power from at least one of said first signal lines to supply the power to said first programmed DSP means;
- said another side of the DCA comprising:
- second programmed digital signal processor (DSP) means coupled to said first programmed DSP means by a plurality of second signal lines for exchanging command and data information therebetween;
- modem means coupled to said second programmed DSP means and interfaceable to said telephone line, said modem means being governed by said second programmed DSP means to establish a call connection over said telephone line and to condition data exchanged between said second programmed DSP means and said telephone line during said call connection;
- and
- second source of power for deriving power from said telephone line to supply the power to said second programmed DSP means and modem means;
- and said DCA including:
- electrically isolating means for electrically isolating said one side of the data communication apparatus from said another side of the data communication apparatus, said one side of the data communication apparatus including said first programmed digital signal processor means, said another side of the data communication apparatus including said second programmed digital signal processor means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.