Modem powering method and apparatus
AssigneeMotorola, Inc.
InventorsGurley D. Cornelius, Randell C. Frost
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A modem (106) is arranged with a power control circuit (113) for controlling the power flow to the modem, based on the modem's data activity. After initial data activity is established (303), the power control circuit monitors the modem to determine when the data activity ceases. When the power control circuit determines that modem activity is no longer present (305), it releases a power-control relay (114), thus powering-down the modem (307). The power control circuit then continues to monitor the modem to determine when data activity returns. When the power control circuit determines that modem activity has returned (309), it operates the power-control relay, thus powering-up the modem (311). Normal data activity now continues (313).
Claims17
In an arrangement of a modem coupled to a terminal and a line, a method for powering the modem, the modem having a plurality of operating, modes including a calling mode, a manual mode, an answer mode, a transmit mode, and a receive mode, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) determining when no modem activity is present for at least one of said plurality of operating modes;
- (b) when no modem activity is present, powering-down the modem;
- (c) determining when modem activity has returned for at least one of said plurality of operating modes;
- (d) when modem activity has returned, powering-up the modem;
- and
- (e) after modem activity has returned, waiting for the modem to stabilize before continuing normal modem activity.
A modem powering apparatus, the modem having a plurality of operating modes, including a calling mode, a manual mode, an answer mode, a transmit mode, and a receive mode, the modem powering apparatus including a modem arranged for coupling to a terminal and a line, a relay arranged for controlling the power flow to the modem, and a power control circuit;
- the power control circuit arranged for determining when no modem activity is present for at least one of said plurality of operating modes;
- the power control circuit further arranged for releasing the relay and thus powering-down the modem when no modem activity is present;
- the power control circuit further arranged for determining when modem activity has returned for at least one of said plurality of operating modes;
- the power control circuit further arranged for operating the relay and thus powering-up the modem when modem activity has returned;
- and
- after modem activity has returned, the power control circuit further arranged for waiting for the modem to stabilize before continuing normal modem activity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.