Digital decoding using dynamically determined tracking threshold values

A method for decoding an encoded analog signal representing binary data into the equivalent binary representation, comprising:

• producing digital inputs from an encoded analog signal, said step of producing including sampling the analog signal at intervals to obtain a sequence of digital voltage values, said step of producing including prequalifying said sequence of digital voltage values such that a sequence of digital voltage signals is obtained, each of said digital voltage signals corresponding to a single binary bit, each of said digital voltage values is obtained by averaging a predetermined number of said digital voltage values;
• determining a tracking threshold value independently of the encoding of the analog signal while said digital inputs are being produced;
• and
• decoding the binary state of each of said digital inputs using a digital decoder wherein said digital decoder utilizes said tracking threshold value.

A method for decoding an encoded analog signal representing binary data into the equivalent binary representation, comprising:

• producing digital inputs from an encoded analog signal;
• determining a tracking threshold value independently of the encoding of the analog signal while said digital inputs are being produced, said step of determining including:
• accepting a number of values, represented by said digital voltage signals, to be used in determining a reference value;
• using said reference value in determining said tracking threshold value;
• and
• adjusting at least a first parameter used in said accepting step so that said accepting step is responsive to changes in the amplitudes of said digital voltage signals;
• and
• decoding the binary state of each of said digital inputs using a digital decoder wherein said digital decoder utitlizes said tracking threshold value.

An apparatus for decoding an analog signal representing binary data into the equivalent binary representation, comprising:

• first means for producing digital inputs from the analog signal, said digital inputs including at least a first digital input;
• second means responsive to said first means for determining a tracking threshold value independently of any analog signal encoding;
• and
• third means responsive to said second means for determining the binary state of each of said digital inputs using a digital decoder wherein said digital decoder utilizes said tracking threshold value and wherein said tracking threshold value is determined using said first digital input before said first digital input is decoded using said digital decoder and in which said second means determines said tracking threshold value substantially independently of any output of said digital decoder.

An apparatus for decoding an analog signal representing binary data into the equivalent binary representation, comprising:

• first means for producing digital inputs from the analog signal, said first means including full wave rectifier means for reducing noise associated with the analog signal;
• second means responsive to said first means for determining a tracking threshold value independently of any analog signal encoding;
• and
• third means responsive to said second means for determining the binary state of each of said digital inputs using a digital decoder wherein said digital decoder utilizes said tracking threshold value.

An apparatus for decoding an analog signal representing binary data into the equivalent binary representation, comprising:

• first means for producing digital inputs from the analog signal, said first means including prequalifier means for determining an average of a predetermined number of sequential digital voltage values, each average corresponding to a digital voltage signal;
• second means responsive to said first means for determining a tracking threshold value independently of any analog signal encoding;
• and
• third means responsive to said second means for determining the binary state of each of said digital inputs using a digital decoder wherein said digital decoder utilizes said tracking threshold value.

An apparatus for decoding an analog signal representing binary data into the equivalent binary representation, comprising:

• first means for producing digital inputs from the analog signal;
• second means responsive to said first means for determining a tracking threshold value independently of any analog signal encoding, said second means including means for determining said tracking threshold value using a reference value, said reference value being determined using a predetermined number of values obtained using said digital voltage signals;
• and
• third means responsive to said second means for determining the binary state of each of said digital inputs using a digital decoder wherein said digital decoder utilizes said tracking threshold value.