Integrated modem and line-isolation circuitry and associated method

A method for combining line-isolation and modem data processing, comprising:

• providing a system-side line-isolation integrated circuit capable of transmitting digital data across a capacitive isolation barrier and capable of receiving digital data across the capacitive isolation barrier, the system-side line isolation integrated circuit including a digital-signal processor (DSP) having a modem processor;
• processing the digital data transmitted or received across the capacitive isolation barrier with the digital signal processor within the system-side line-isolation integrated circuit;
• also processing the digital data transmitted or received across the capacitive isolation barrier with the modem processor;
• communicating through an asynchronous serial interface with an external integrated circuit to receive data to be sent across the capacitive isolation barrier to a communication line or to send data received across the capacitive isolation barrier from the communication line to the external integrated circuit;
• selectively communicating modem data from the modem processor or raw data from a digital processor through the asynchronous serial interface;
• and
• selectively configuring the system-side line isolation integrated circuit to transfer data of a synchronous modem transmission protocol through the asynchronous serial interface.

A combined modem and line-isolation system, comprising:

• a line-side line-isolation integrated circuit;
• a system-side line-isolation integrated circuit;
• an asynchronous serial interface within the system-side line-isolation integrated circuit, the interface configured to communicate with external devices;
• digital signal processing (DSP) circuitry included within the system-side line-isolation integrated circuit, the DSP circuitry having a modem processor for modem data and a digital processor for system-side circuitry;
• and
• an isolation barrier comprising at least one isolation capacitor coupled between the line-side line-isolation integrated circuit and the system-side line-isolation integrated circuit;
• wherein the line-side line-isolation integrated circuit and the system-side line-isolation integrated circuit communicate digital information with each other through the isolation barrier;
• wherein the system-side line-isolation integrated circuit is configurable so that modem data from the modem processor or raw data from the digital processor may be selectively communicated through the asynchronous serial communication interface port;
• and
• the system-side line-isolation integrated circuit is configurable to transfer data formatted with a synchronous modem transmission protocol through the asynchronous serial communication interface port.