US 8,588,213 B2 · Systems and methods for generating power in a communications system

Abstract

Systems and methods by which voice/data communications may occur in multiple modes/protocols are disclosed. In particular, systems and methods are provided for multiple native mode/protocol voice and data transmissions and receptions with a computing system having a multi-bus structure, including, for example, a TDM bus and a packet bus, and multi-protocol framing engines. Such systems preferably include subsystem functions such as PBX, voice mail and other telephony functions, LAN hub and data router or switch functions. In preferred embodiments, a TDM bus and a packet bus are intelligently bridged and managed, thereby enabling such multiple mode/protocol voice and data transmissions to be intelligently managed and controlled with a single, integrated system. In particular, systems and methods for generating required telephony voltages directly on station cards, rather than on the basis of a large, central ringing or other power supply that supply such telephony voltages to each of the station cards, are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of station cards are provided in the telephony or communications system. One or more DC power supplies provide a source of DC voltage, such as 12 volts, to each of the station cards. The station cards are coupled to a processor of the system. The station cards may support a plurality of analog and/or digital telephony devices, such as telephones facsimile, voice mail, recording, speakerphone, conferencing or other type telephony devices.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A communication system for communicating via a communication network, the communication system comprising:

at least a first packet bus in communication with one or more communications devices and adapted for transferring packetized data within the system;
a processor;
wherein the processor selectively controls packet-based communications via the first packet bus;
wherein the communication system includes one or more modules for controlling communications with one or more of the communications devices, wherein at least one of the modules comprises:
an input for receiving an input power of a first level from a power supply external to the at least one module;
a power generation circuit on the at least one module, wherein the power generation circuit generates from the input power one or more output power signals of at least a second power level different from the first power level for generating signals for the one or more communications devices;
and
one or more interface circuits receiving the one or more output power signals, wherein the one or more interface circuits generate signals for communicating with the one or more communications devices.

5 more elements

A method for generating power for communications devices via one or more modules in a communication system, the communication system communicating via a communication network, the method comprising:

providing at least one communications module in the communication system, wherein the at least one module controls communications with one or more of the communications devices;
receiving via an input on the at least one module an input power of a first level from a power supply external to the module but internal to the communication system;
based in part on the received input power, generating on the at least one module via a power generation circuit one or more output power signals of at least a second level different from the first level for generating signals for controlling communications with the one or more communications devices;
and
receiving the one or more output power signals with one or more interface circuits on the at least one module, wherein the one or more interface circuits generate signals for communicating with the one or more communications devices.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Systems and methods for generating power in a communications system

Life of this patent

Systems and methods for generating power in a communications system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18