Hybrid time-slot and sub-time-slot operation in a time-division multiplexed system
First Claim
1. A switching system comprising:
- a time-division multiplexed switching fabric defining a plurality of time slots each having a predetermined duration;
a plurality of first port circuits connected to the switching fabric, each for only effecting only one information transfer through the switching fabric during any time slot; and
a plurality of second port circuits connected to the switching fabric, each defining a plurality of sub-time slots during each said time slot, for selectively effecting either one of both (a) only one information transfer through the switching fabric during any time slot with a first port circuit and (b) one information transfer through the switching fabric during any one sub-time slot so as to effect a plurality of information transfers through the switching fabric during a single time slot with another second port circuit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A port circuit (108) for a time-division multiplexed (TDM) switching system (100) is designed to effect sub-time-slot operation without external support, as well as to effect conventional, time-slot operation. A clock-frequency multiplier, such as a frequency-multiplexed phase-lock loop (PLL 202), and a multiplier-driven sub-time-slot operation circuit, such as a PLL-driven finite state machine (203), are incorporated into the port circuit. The clock-frequency multiplier and the sub-time-slot operation circuit generate all the additional control signals that are necessary to define sub-time slots and to effect multiple information transfers in a single time slot. The port circuit engages in conventional time-slot transfers with conventional port circuits, whereby it is compatible therewith, and engages in sub-time-slot transfers with other sub-time-slot enabled port circuits, whereby it increases the transfer throughput of the TDM switching fabric. The sub-time-slot operation is selectively enabled and disabled on a per-time-slot basis.
22 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A switching system comprising:
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a time-division multiplexed switching fabric defining a plurality of time slots each having a predetermined duration; a plurality of first port circuits connected to the switching fabric, each for only effecting only one information transfer through the switching fabric during any time slot; and a plurality of second port circuits connected to the switching fabric, each defining a plurality of sub-time slots during each said time slot, for selectively effecting either one of both (a) only one information transfer through the switching fabric during any time slot with a first port circuit and (b) one information transfer through the switching fabric during any one sub-time slot so as to effect a plurality of information transfers through the switching fabric during a single time slot with another second port circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A port circuit for a switching system having a time-division multiplexed switching fabric defining a plurality of time slots each having a predetermined duration and a plurality of first port circuits connected to the switching fabric, each for only effecting only one information transfer through the switching fabric during any time slot, the port circuit comprising:
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an arrangement for defining a plurality of sub-time slots during each time slot; and an arrangement coupled to the sub-time-slot defining arrangement for selectively effecting either one of both (a) only one information transfer through the switching fabric during any time slot with a first port circuit and (b) one information transfer through the switching fabric during any one sub-time slot so as to effect a plurality of information transfers through the switching fabric during a single time slot with another second port circuit. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification