Highly efficient antenna system using a corrugated horn and scanning hyperbolic reflector
Transmitter and receivers using resource sharing and coding for increased capacity
Reservation-based polling protocol for a wireless data communications network
Method of multiple access
Mobile radio communication system capable of preventing interference between time slots when propagation delay exists
Punctured convolutional encoder
Method, device and router for providing a contention-based reservation mechanism within a mini-slotted dynamic entry polling slot supporting multiple service classes
Multiservices medium access control protocol for wireless ATM system
Enhanced transaction reservation
Delay-minimizing system with guaranteed bandwidth delivery for real-time traffic
ApplicationNo. 11429637 filed on 05/04/2006
US Classes:455/517To or from mobile station
ExaminersPrimary: Sobutka, Philip J
Attorney, Agent or Firm
International ClassesH04W 88/00
DescriptionBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to a wireless communication system that provides telephone, data and Internet connectivity to a plurality of users.
2. Description of Related Art
Several systems are currently in place for connecting computer users to one another and to the Internet. For example, many companies such as Cisco Systems, provide data routers that route data from personal computers and computer networks to theInternet along conventional twisted pair wires and fiber optic lines. These same systems are also used to connect separate offices together in a wide area data network.
However, these systems suffer significant disadvantages because of the time and expense required to lay high capacity communications cables between each office. This process is time consuming and expensive. What is needed in the art is a highcapacity system that provides data links between offices, but does not require expensive communication cables to be installed.
Many types of current wireless communication systems facilitate two-way communication between a plurality of subscriber radio stations or subscriber units (either fixed or portable) and a fixed network infrastructure. Exemplary systems includemobile cellular telephone systems, personal communication systems (PCS), and cordless telephones. The objective of these wireless communication systems is to provide communication channels on demand between the subscriber units and the base station inorder to connect the subscriber unit user with the fixed network infrastructure (usually a wired-line system). Several types of systems currently exist for wirelessly transferring data between two sites.
In wireless systems using multiple access schemes, frames of time are the basic transmission unit. Each frame is divided into a plurality of slots of time. Some time slots are used for control purposes and some time slots are used forinformation transfer. Information is typically transmitted during time slots in the frame where the time slots are assigned to a specific subscriber unit. Subscriber units typically communicate with the base station using a "duplexing" scheme whichallows for the exchange of information in both directions of connection.
Transmissions from the base station to the subscriber unit are commonly referred to as "downlink" transmissions. Transmissions from the subscriber unit to the base station are commonly referred to as "uplink" transmissions. Depending upon thedesign criteria of a given system, the prior art wireless communication systems have typically used either time division duplexing (TDD) or frequency division duplexing (FDD) methods to facilitate the exchange of information between the base station andthe subscriber units. Both the TDD and FDD duplexing schemes are well known in the art.
In TDD systems, duplexing of transmissions between a base station and its subscriber units is performed in the time domain. A selected subscriber unit typically communicates with a selected base station using a specific pre-defined radiofrequency. The channel is time-divided into repetitive time periods or time "slots" which are employed for uplink and downlink transmissions. In contrast to FDD systems, frequency allocation or frequency reuse patterns are simplified because there isno requirement of frequency separation between the uplink and downlink transmissions.
Both the uplink and downlink transmissions occur during different pre-determined time slots using the identical radio frequency. In some current wireless communication systems, there are base stations that act as central points for receiving andtransmitting data to a plurality of customer sites. These base stations typically connect to other data systems such as the Internet, the phone system or other systems that provide user data to the customer's sites. As can be imagined, it is importantto maintain a strong signal between the base station and the customer sites. Thus, in conventional systems, power detectors within the base station and customer sites continually monitor wireless transmissions in order to tune the system to receive thestrongest possible signal.
Unfortunately, prior customer sites relied on complicated control signals to measure transmission power levels. These control signals were implemented because in TDD systems the transmit and receive paths use the same frequency. Thus, it waspossible that when the customer site equipment took a power measurement, it was actually measuring a transmission signal from a nearby customer site that was transmitting on the same frequency. The addition of the control signals ensured that powermeasurements were taken from the base station, and not a nearby customer site.
Moreover, in some prior systems, the customer site equipment was separated into indoor units and outdoor units. The indoor units typically included the modem and electronics for connected with the customer's equipment. The outdoor unit wasinstalled on the exterior of the building and included the antenna for receiving and transmitting wireless user data. However, in these systems, the outdoor unit did not independently know when the base station was transmitting.
Some prior systems attempted to solve this problem by including a gating signal between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The gating signal could be used to instruct the outdoor unit to sample its receive detectors at a particular time, thusensuring that the receive detectors would measure signals from the base station. Unfortunately, adding this signal to the transmission cable between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit requires costly hardware changes. In addition, transmitting theextra gating signal across the transmission cable increases spurs and other undesirable effects in the data transmission pathway.
This problem is compounded by the fact that the outdoor unit does not contain a modem. A modem could serve as a conduit for the outdoor unit to receive additional commands. Thus, the outdoor unit, by itself, cannot determine the proper time tosample the receive detectors.
Thus, what is needed in the art is a convenient system at the customer site for accurately measuring the power of transmission signals from the base station. Such a system is described below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the invention is a wireless communication system having a plurality of base stations and customer sites, wherein data is transferred between said base stations and said customer sites, and wherein said system comprises presetdownlink time segments for transmitting said data between the base stations and the customer sites. This embodiment includes: an indoor unit comprising a first modem configured to modulate/demodulate data transmitted between the base stations and thecustomer sites, wherein the indoor unit is adapted to transmit a control message at a predetermined time with respect to said preset downlink time segments; an outdoor unit comprising a micro controller and a signal detector, said outdoor unit beingadapted to receive the control message and, in response to receiving said control message, read said signal detector; and a broadband cable linking the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.
Another embodiment of the invention is a wireless communication system having a plurality of base stations and customer sites, wherein data is transferred between said base stations and said customer sites, and wherein said system comprisespreset downlink time segments for transmitting said data between the base stations and the customer sites. This embodiment includes: an indoor unit comprising a first modem configured to modulate/demodulate data transmitted between the base stations andthe customer sites, said indoor unit further comprising a programmable memory adapted to transmit a control message at a predetermined time with respect to said preset downlink time segments; an outdoor unit comprising a micro controller and a signaldetector, said outdoor unit being adapted to receive the control message and, in response to receiving said control message, read said signal detector; and a broadband cable linking the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.
Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method for measuring the strength of a signal transmitted from a base station to a customer site in a wireless communication system, wherein said wireless communication system has preset downlink timesegments for transmitting data from the base station to the customer site, and wherein said customer site comprises an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. This method provides: transmitting a message from said indoor unit to said outdoor unit, wherein saidmessage is timed to arrive at said outdoor unit at a predetermined time relative to said preset downlink time segment; and reading a detector in said outdoor unit in response to receipt of said message so that said detector is read during said presetdownlink time segment.
Still another embodiment of the invention is a method for tuning a wireless communication system, wherein said wireless communication system has preset downlink time segments for transmitting data from a base station to a customer site, andwherein said customer site comprises an indoor unit having a processor and an outdoor unit having tunable attenuators. This method includes: transmitting a control message from said indoor unit to said outdoor unit, wherein said message is timed toarrive at said outdoor unit at a predetermined time relative to said preset downlink time segment; reading a detector in said outdoor unit in response to receipt of said message so that said detector will be read during said predetermined downlink timesegment; transmitting a response message comprising values from said detector to said indoor unit; determining the appropriate settings said attenuators in said outdoor unit; transmitting a second control message comprising updated attenuator settings tosaid outdoor unit; and tuning said outdoor unit based on said updated attenuator settings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary broadband wireless communication system for use with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of cell site used in the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an Indoor Unit module from the cell site illustrated in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an Outdoor Unit module from the cell site illustrated in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the micro controller circuitry within the Outdoor unit.
FIG. 6 is a state diagram of one embodiment of the initialization process within an Outdoor unit.
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a preliminary checkout process undertaken in the Outdoor unit.
FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a handshaking process between the Indoor unit and the Outdoor unit.
FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a timing measurement of a detector process undertaken in the Outdoor unit.
FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a loopback process undertaken in the Outdoor unit.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a commercial customer site that includes customer premises equipment.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a residential customer site that includes customer premises equipment.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of communications between base stations and consumer premises equipment in wireless systems.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a time frame for transmitting wireless user data between a base station and consumer premises equipment.
FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process utilized by an indoor unit to transmit a message to an outdoor unit
FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process utilized by an outdoor unit to take detector readings during a downlink from a base station.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment time frame for transmitting wireless user data between a base station and consumer premises equipment.
Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention.
A. Overview of the Wireless Communication System
As described above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a broadband wireless communication system. The system is particularly useful for linking a plurality of customers and businesses together to share data or access the Internet. In general, the system provides base stations that are centrally located from a plurality of customer sites. The base stations are linked to services desired by customers, such as Internet access, satellite access, telephone access and the like. Withinthe base stations are communication devices, such as routers, switches and systems for communications with the desired services. In addition, each base station includes one or more antennas for connecting wirelessly with one or more customer sites.
A customer desiring, for example, access to the Internet will install a set of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) that includes an antenna and other hardware, as described in detail below, for providing a high speed wireless connection to one ormore base stations. Through the high-speed wireless connection, the customer is provided with access to the Internet or to other desired services. As discussed below, the data transmitted wirelessly between a base station and a customer site is termedherein "user data". Of course, at each customer site, a plurality of simultaneous computers can be provided with wireless access to the base station through the use of hubs, bridges and routers.
In one embodiment, the base station comprises a plurality of indoor units that provide an interface between the routers, switches and other base station equipment and a plurality of outdoor units (ODU) that transmit/receive data to/from thecustomer sites. Each indoor unit typically includes, or communicates with, a modem for modulating/demodulating user data going to/from the outdoor unit.
In one embodiment, each of the indoor units is connected to only one outdoor unit and each IDU/ODU pair transmits and receives user data with a unique frequency. This format provides a base station with, for example, 10, 20, 30 or more IDU/ODUpairs that each communicate with customer sites using unique frequencies. This provides the base station with a means for communicating with many customer sites, yet dividing the bandwidth load between several frequencies. Of course, a base stationthat serves a small community of customer sites might only have a single IDU/ODU pair.
Each ODU at the base station is normally located outside of the physical building and includes an integrated broadband antenna for transmitting/receiving wireless user data packets to/from the customer sites. Of course, the antenna does not needto be integrated with the ODU, and in one embodiment is located external to the ODU.
The ODU and the IDU communicate with one another through a broadband cable connection, such as provided by an RG-6 cable. In one embodiment the ODU and IDU communicate across about 10 to 100 feet of cable. In another embodiment, the ODU and IDUcommunicate across about 100 to 500 feet of cable. In yet another embodiment, the ODU and the IDU communicate across about 500 to 1000 feet of cable.
In one embodiment, the IDU controls functions within the ODU by sending control messages in addition to the user data stream. The IDU passes messages to the ODU in order for the IDU to control certain aspects of the ODU's performance. Forexample, the IDU may determine that the system needs to be tuned in order to maximize the signal strength of the user data being received. The IDU will send a control message in the form of a frequency shift key (FSK) modulated signal, as describedbelow, to the ODU along the broadband cable. The control message preferably includes the identity of a variable voltage attenuator (VVA) or other type of attenuator in the ODU and a new setting for the designated VVA. An onboard micro controller in theODU reads and interprets the control message coming from the IDU and sends the proper signals to the designated VVA.
Once the ODU has adjusted the designated VVA, the micro controller in the ODU sends a response in the form of a response message back along the broadband cable to the IDU. The response message preferably includes a confirmation of the new VVAsetting, or other data to confirm that the requested control message has been fulfilled. The following discussion provides a detailed listing and the structure of exemplary control messages and response messages that can be transmitted between the IDUand the ODU.
The ODU in a CPE preferably samples its transmit detectors only during a transmission to the base station i.e. during an uplink. Fortunately, the ODU knows when it is transmitting user data, so it can accurately sample transmit detectors duringan ODU transmission.
In addition to sampling its transmit detectors, the ODU needs to sample its receive detectors to tune the ODU to optimally receive the signal from the base station.
Of course, the ODU should only sample the receive detectors during a transmission from the base station i.e. during a downlink. Unfortunately, in a TDD system there are transmissions at the same frequency from other customer premises ODUsdirected to the base station. Because both the uplink transmissions and the downlink transmissions are on the same frequency in a TDD system, the customer premises ODU cannot continuously monitor downlink signals because the ODU might receive atransmission from a nearby CPE that is at a higher signal strength than the ODU receives from the base station. If this happened, the ODU might improperly intercept the transmission from a nearby CPE and proceed to sample its receive detectors at a timeother than during transmission from the base station.
As described in detail below, embodiments of the invention include communication systems that only sample receive detectors in the ODU during times that are known to be during a downlink from the base station to the CPE. These embodiments sendregular control messages from the IDU to the ODU that request detector values that are measured at a guaranteed downlink transmission time within the TDD frame. By only sampling the receive detectors during this guaranteed downlink transmission time,the ODU in the customer premises equipment is ensured of reading the base station transmission and not a transmission from a nearby CPE outdoor unit. It should be realized that the base stations and the customer sites each have indoor units and outdoorunits that function similarly to provide a communication link between the external antenna and the electronic systems in the interior of the buildings. Of course, in one embodiment within the customer sites, the indoor units are connected throughrouters, bridges, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switches and the like to the customer's computer systems, which can also include telecommunication systems. In contrast, within the base stations the indoor units are connected to the routers, switchesand systems that provide access to the services desired by the customers.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a wireless communication system 100 comprises a plurality of cells 102. Each cell 102 contains an associated cell site 104 which primarily includes a base station 106 having at least one base station indoor unit (notshown). The base station receives and transmits wireless user data through a set of base station outdoor units 107. A communication link transfers control signals and user data between the base station indoor unit (IDU) and the base station outdoorunit (ODU). The communication protocols between the base station IDU and base station ODU will be discussed more thoroughly in the following sections.
Each cell 102 within the wireless communication system 100 provides wireless connectivity between the cell's base station 106 and a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE) located at fixed customer sites 112 throughout the coverage area ofthe cell 102. The customer premises equipment normally includes at least one indoor unit (not shown) and one customer ODU 110. Users of the system 100 can be both residential and business customers. Each cell can service approximately 1,000residential subscribers and approximately 300 business subscribers. As will be discussed below, each customer ODU 110 is positioned to receive and transmit user data from and to one of the base station ODUs 107. As discussed above, the customer IDU(not shown) is located within the site 112 and provides a link between the customer's computer systems to the ODU.
As shown in FIG. 1, the cell sites 104 communicate with a communications hub 114 using a communication link or "back haul" 116. The back haul 116 preferably comprises either a fiber-optic cable, a microwave link or other dedicated highthroughput connection. In one embodiment the communications hub 114 provides a data router 118 to interface the wireless communications network with the Internet. In addition, a telephone company switch 120 preferably connects with the communicationshub 114 to provide access to the public telephone network. This provides wireless telephone access to the public telephone network by the customers. Also, the communications hub 114 preferably provides network management systems 121 and software thatcontrol, monitor and manage the communication system 100.
The wireless communication of user data between the base station ODUs 107 and customer ODU 110 within a cell 102 is advantageously bidirectional in nature. Information flows in both directions between the base station ODUs 107 and the pluralityof Customer ODU 110. Each of the base station ODUs 107 preferably broadcast single simultaneous high bit-rate channels. Each channel comprises different multiplexed information streams. The information in a stream includes address information whichenables a selected Customer ODU 110 to distinguish and extract the information intended for it.
.[.The wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1 also provides true "bandwidth-on-demand" to the plurality of Customer ODU 110. Thus, the quality of the services available to customers using the system 100 is variable and selectable. Theamount of bandwidth dedicated for a given service is determined by the information rate required by that service. For example, a video conferencing service requires a great deal of bandwidth with a well controlled delivery latency. In contrast, certaintypes of data services are often idle (which then require zero bandwidth) and are relatively insensitive to delay variations when active. One mechanism for providing an adaptive bandwidth in a wireless communication system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,211 issued on Jan. 18, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety..].
.Iadd.The wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1 also provides true "bandwidth-on-demand" to the plurality of Customer ODU 110. Thus, the quality of the services available to customers using the system 100 is variable and selectable. Theamount of bandwidth dedicated for a given service is determined by the information rate required by that service. For example, a video conferencing service requires a great deal of bandwidth with a well controlled delivery latency. In contrast, certaintypes of data services are often idle (which then require zero bandwidth) and are relatively insensitive to delay variations when active. One mechanism for providing an adaptive bandwidth in a wireless communication system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,311 issued on Jan. 18, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety..Iaddend.
1. Cell Site
FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the cell site 104 of FIG. 1 used in the wireless communication system 100. As described above, the cell site 104 comprises the base station 106 linked to a plurality of base station ODUs 107. As shown inFIG. 2, the base station also includes a series of base station indoor units 123, made up of individual base station indoor units such as indoor unit 122. Each of the indoor units 123 is linked through a broadband cable to an individual ODU. Forexample, the indoor unit 122 is linked through a broadband cable 129 to an ODU 108. The indoor unit 122 sends control messages and user data to the ODU 108 through the cable 129. The indoor unit 122 also receives response messages and user data fromthe base station outdoor unit 108. The indoor units 123 are provided with an interface to a back-haul, for example the back-haul interface equipment 124.
The base station can also alternatively include a video server 128 and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) receiver equipment 130. The back-haul interface equipment 124 allows the base station to bi-directionally communicate with the hub 114 (FIG.1).
The base station 106 is preferably modular in design. The modular design of the base station 106 allows the installation of lower capacity systems that can be upgraded in the field as capacity needs dictate. The IDU 122 in conjunction with theODU 108 performs both the media access protocol layer and the modulation/de-modulation functions that facilitate high-speed communication over the wireless link. The IDU 122 preferably is connected via the broadband cable 129 to the base station outdoorunit 108 which is preferably mounted on a tower or a pole proximate the base station 106. The base station outdoor unit 108 contains high-frequency radio electronics (not shown) and antenna elements for transmitting user data to the customer sites.
2. Indoor Unit
Referring to FIG. 3, a more detailed block diagram of the indoor unit 122 is provided. As illustrated, the indoor unit 122 links the base station equipment 124, 126, 128, and 130 to the base station outdoor unit 108. The IDU 122 is preferablyunder the control of a communications processor 132. One processor is the Motorola MPC8260 Power-QUICC II (PQII). As illustrated, the communications processor 132 connects through a PowerPC bus 134 to a modem 135.
The modem 135 includes a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) 136 that stores instructions for controlling other subcomponents of the IDU 122. For example, the FPGA 136 communicates with a Frequency Shift Key (FSK) modem 138 in order to send FSKmodulated control messages from the EDU through the broadband cable 129, to the outdoor unit 108. A low band pass filter 139 is provided between the cable 129 and the FSK modem 138. In an alternate embodiment, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit(ASIC) replaces the FPGA in order to provide similar functions.
As is discussed in detail below, the IDU and ODU communicate with one another using messages. The IDU sends control messages to the ODU, and the ODU responds with response messages. This communication allows the IDU to request data from ODUdetectors, and then send commands instructing the ODU to reset subcomponents in order to be more efficient.
Thus, control messages are FSK modulated and sent from the IDU to the ODU. Similarly, response messages from the ODU to the IDU are demodulated by the FSK modem 138 and then interpreted by instructions with the FPGA 136. These control messagesand response messages, and their data structure and format, are discussed in detail below. In one embodiment, the transmission baud rate of the FSK modem 138 is 115 kbps with one start bit, one stop bit and one parity bit. Of course, other datatransfer speeds and formats are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. Moreover, the FSK modem 138 preferably transmits and receives in frequencies between 6-8 MHz.
Messages between the IDU and ODU are preferably transmitted independently of the other signals being passed along the cable 129. In one embodiment, the ODU acts like a slave in that it does not originate messages, but only responds to controlmessages it receives from the IDU.
As illustrated, power is provided to the ODU through a DC power supply 140 that provides, in one embodiment, 48V DC to the ODU. A 20 MHz reference signal 142 is also transmitted across the cable 129 in order to keep components in the IDU and ODUsynchronized with one another.
The communications processor 132 is also linked to an Input/Output port 150 that attaches to the routers, switches and systems within the base station. The communications processor 132 receives packet data from the Input/Output port 150 andtransmits it to a modem 153 for modulation demodulation. The modulated data signal is then placed on a 140 MHz main signal 154 for high throughput transmission to the ODU 108. It should be realized that the data transmission along the 140 MHz mainsignal can occur simultaneously with the control message and response message data that is Frequency Shift Key modulated across the cable 129.
In order for the IDU and ODU to effectively and rapidly switch between receiving and transmitting data modes, a 40 MHz switching signal 158 is also linked to the communications processor 132 and carried on the cable 129. The 40 MHz switchingsignal 158 is used within the system to switch the ODU and IDU from transmit to receive mode, as will be discussed below with reference to FIG. 4.
In one embodiment, if the 40 MHz signal is present, the ODU and IDU enter transmit mode to send user data from the base station ODU to customer ODUs. However, if the 40 MHz signal is not present, the ODU and IDU enter receive mode wherein userdata being transmitted from other ODU's is received by the base station ODU. The timing of the switching signal is controlled by instructions residing in the FPGA 136. For example, in a half-duplex Time Division Duplex architecture, the switchingsignal 158 is preferably set to switch between receive and transmit modes. However, in a full duplex architecture where user data is constantly being received, the switching signal 158 can be programmed to switch between a transmit mode and a null mode.
3. Outdoor Unit
Still referring to FIG. 3, a more detailed block diagram of the outdoor unit 122 is provided. As illustrated, the outdoor unit 122 receives control messages and user data from the IDU across the cable 129. Depending on the state of the 40 MHzswitching signal 142, a set of switches 160a, b in the ODU are either in transmit or receive mode. In transmit mode, user data and control messages are sent from the IDU to the ODU. In receive mode, user data and response messages are sent from the ODUto the IDU. As illustrated, and discussed with reference to FIG. 5, a microcontroller 400 is linked to the components within the ODU in order to manage data flow.
The microcontroller 400 communicates with a multiplexer 170 that separates the signals carried on the cable 129. Within the microcontroller 400 is a programmable memory 161 that stores instructions for gathering the response data and formingresponse messages for transmission to the IDU. In addition, the instructions within the memory 161 read incoming control messages from the IDU and send control signals to sub-components of the ODU. A FSK modem 165 is connected to the multiplexer 170and microcontroller 400 for modulating/demodulating messages to/from the IDU. As shown a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) 166 is connected to the modem 165 and receives modulated serial data from the multiplexer 170.
a. Transmit Mode
If the ODU is in transmit mode, the modulated user data being sent from the IDU along the 140 MHz main signal is first routed through the multiplexer 170 to the switch 160a. If the switch is set to transmit mode, the main signal is sent to an IFUP CONVERSION block 200 that converts the 140 MHz signal to an approximately 2.56 GHz (S band) signal. As illustrated, the IF UP CONVERSION block 200 first provides a variable voltage attenuator (VVA) 210 that is used to compensate for frequencyfluctuations from transmission along the cable 129. The signal then passes to a detector 212 that measures power levels after compensation at the cable input.
Although the following discussion relates to a system that transmits user data within the millimeter band at frequencies of approximately 28 GHz, the system is not so limited. Embodiments of the system are designed to transmit user data atfrequencies, for example, of 10 GHz to 66 GHz.
The user data signal is then up-converted to an S band signal at an IF UP CONVERSION block 216 through an associated local oscillator block 219. The local oscillator block 219 preferably includes an S band frequency generator 220. In oneembodiment, the frequency generator 220 includes a National Semiconductor LMX 2301 or Analog Devices ADF41117. The signal is then sent through a second VVA 234 that is used for power adjustment at the S band frequency.
Once the signal has-been up-converted to the S band frequency, it is sent to an RF UP CONVERSION block 250. The RF UP CONVERSION block 250 links to a millimeter wave band frequency generator 255 within the local oscillator block 219 forup-converting the 2.56 GHz signal to an approximately 28 GHz signal. The up-converted signal is then passed through a VVA 264 to provide for millimeter wave band power adjustment. Once the signal has been adjusted by the VVA 264 it is sent to a PowerAmplifier 268 and then to an output power detector 269. The signal is then finally passed through the switch 160b and out an antenna 270.
b. Receive Mode
If the ODU is in receive mode, user data is received along a 28 GHz signal (LMDS band) and passed through the antenna 270 and into an RF DOWN CONVERSION BLOCK 272. Within the RF DOWN CONVERSION BLOCK 272 is a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) 275 whichboosts the received 28 GHz signal. The signal is then sent to a VVA 280 for power adjustment at the millimeter wave band after the LNA 275. The received 28 GHz signal is then sent to a RF down converter 285 for down conversion to a 2.56 GHz (S band)signal. The RF down converter 285 communicates with the Local Oscillator block 219 to reduce the incoming signal to the S band range.
After the received signal has been down converted to 2.56 GHz, it is transmitted to an IF DOWN CONVERSION block 290. Within the IF DOWN CONVERSION BLOCK 290 is a VVA 292 for adjusting the power at the S band prior to down conversion. Followingadjustment by the VVA 292, the received signal is passed to a detector 294 for measuring power leakage from the transmission path during signal transmission. The signal is then passed to an IF down converter 298 which uses the local oscillator block 219to down convert the S band signal to a 140 MHz signal for transmission across the cable 129.
After being converted to a 140 MHz signal, the received user data is passed through another VVA 300 for power adjustment at the low frequency band and then a detector 304 to measuring power levels before transmission across the cable 129 (4 dBmat the cable output).
c. Message Traffic Between the ODU and IDU
It should be realized that the control messages sent by the IDU to the ODU can control components of the ODU. For example, in one embodiment, the controlled components in the ODU are the VVAs and frequency synthesizers. Response messages fromthe ODU to the IDU are also generated to include data from the detectors, temperature sensor and other components described above. As can be imagined, control messages are sent by the IDU and then interpreted by the microcontroller in the ODU. Afterinterpreting the message, the microcontroller sends the appropriate adjustment signals to components of the ODU.
Referring to FIG. 5, a hardware schematic of circuitry within the ODU is illustrated. As shown, the ODU is controlled by the micro controller 400 that manages data flow within the ODU. In one embodiment, the micro controller is a MotorolaMC68HC908GP20 high-performance 8-bit micro controller. Control messages from the IDU are sent across the cable 129 to the micro controller 400 in the ODU and then forwarded to the appropriate ODU component. In addition data signals generated by the ODUcomponents, such as detectors, are sent from the component to the micro controller 400. The micro controller 400 builds a response message that is then transmitted via FSK modulation to the IDU.
As shown in FIG. 5, messages are sent from the IDU along the cable 129 through a 12 Mhz low pass filter 404 to a FSK receiver 408 in the ODU. In one embodiment, the FSK receiver is a Motorola MC13055 FSK receiver. The receiver 408 accepts theFSK modulated data from the IDU and inputs it into the micro controller 400. As also indicated, the micro controller 400 outputs response messages to the IDU through a voltage controller oscillator 410.
The micro controller 400 is also in communication with the local oscillator block 219. In addition a digital to analog (D/A) converter 415 communicates with the micro controller 400 in order to control the VVAs within the ODU. In oneembodiment, the D/A converter is an Analog Devices model AD8803 D/A converter.
The micro controller 400 also provides an input from a temperature sensor in order to provide for temperature compensation of the ODU measurements. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor is a National Semiconductor LM50 temperature sensor.
As discussed previously, the IDU transmits FSK modulated control messages to the ODU to control particular components. The structure and format of the control messages sent by the IDU and the response messages returned by the ODU are discussedin detail below.
B. Message Format
In one embodiment, the maximum data rate of FSK modulated messages that can be handled by the Micro Controller is 125 Kbps. However, in another embodiment, and for compatibility with a conventional personal computer, FSK data is transmitted at a115.2 kbps data rate. Accordingly, the protocol between the Micro Controller 400 and communications processor 124 can be kept as simple as possible and at the same time flexible for future changes. The message structure presented in the followingsection takes into account this flexible simplicity. In general, the messages passed between the ODU and the IDU are delivered byte after byte with no delay. In one embodiment, in the ODU, a time gap of more then 0.5 msec between bytes will cause theODU to re-synchronize on the next preamble.
1. Message Structure
In one data format, each message, starts with a fixed preamble that is used to identify the beginning of a message. Following the preamble an identifier is sent. The identifier is unique per message, i.e., a specific identifier definescompletely the structure of the following message information fields.
The variable information within each message is preferably sent after the identifier. In addition, a CRC is added at the end of each message as an integrity check of the message. The Micro Controller 400 in the ODU receives a control messagefrom the IDU, controls the required components in the ODU and prepares a response message. As soon as the IDU finishes sending the control message to the ODU, it switches from transmit mode to receive mode. The ODU then begins to transmit FSK modulatedresponse messages to the IDU.
One embodiment of a data structure of the messages is as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Preamble Identifier Information CRC-8
Preamble--the preamble is 1 Byte field and it is always 00. Identifier--the identifier is 1 Byte field and unique for each message. Information--the information filed is variable length according to the message data being sent. Theinformation field is always padded to be an integer number of bytes. CRC-8--added for each message for error control. In the IDU, the CRC-8 is implemented inside the FPGA 130 (FIG. 3). The CRC-8 is implemented in software in the ODU Micro Controller400.
In general, the messages are delivered byte after byte with no delay. When the ODU detects an error, it waits until the next preamble. No response messages are sent back from the ODU to the IDU.
2. Message Traffic
In order to keep the protocol simple, only one control message and one response message are preferably used during normal operation mode. This "MEGA" control message/response message includes all the possible basic control/response messages. Additional control messages are needed for such functions such as software updates and technical information such as IDU, ODU serial numbers and software versions. If new control or response messages are needed in the future, they can be easilyimplemented by following the data structure represented above. Table 1 lists preferable control/response messages and their unique identifiers.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Control and Response Messages Message Direction Identifier Master IDU ODU 0x11 Identify IDU => ODU 0x12 Identify IDU <= ODU 0x21 Unexpected Message IDU <= ODU 0x22 Set Mode IDU ODU 0x33 TestControl IDU => ODU 0x34 Download Control IDU => ODU 0x35 Download_Ack Control IDU <= ODU 0x53 Tune Control IDU ODU 0x66 Mega Control IDU => ODU 0x96 Mega Response IDU ODU 0x97 Mega Det IDU ODU 0x44 Code Segment IDU => ODU 0x55 Segment Received IDU <= ODU 0x45
In the following tables that describe message data fields, it is assumed that the messages start with a preamble and identifier, and end with an 8 bit CRC that is aligned to be in it's own byte.
a. Master Control Message
The Master control message is used in the initialization state for an IDU to identify itself as a Master IDU. During a master IDU configuration, the CPE preferably monitors the IDU/ODU link for a few milliseconds to determine if there is alreadya master present. The ODU then responds with the same message.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Master Control Message Field Bits Description IDU Identifier 32 32 bit identifier of the IDU. Used to distinguish between multiple CPEs in an MDU.
b. Identify Control Message
The Identify control messages has no fields, but is simply the preamble, identifier (0×12), and CRC sent from the IDU to the ODU.
c. Identity ResDonse Message
The Identity response message is the ODU's response to the Identify control message from the IDU.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 Identity Response Message Field Bits Description ODU-- 8 0x00 => ODU has not been calibrated Calibrated 0x01 => ODU has been calibrated MaxTxPow 8 Transmission Power level desired minus 45. Accordingly, valuesfrom 0 to 255 represent desired values from 45 to 300. MinRxPow 8 Minimum Receive Power FrequencyBand 8 ODU Frequency Band in GHz 24 => ODU uses 24 GHz Band 25 => ODU uses 25 GHz Band 28 => ODU uses 28 GHz Band 31 => ODU uses 31 GHz Band SWVersion 32 ASCII Software version number. Example: SW version 135 `0`, `1`, `3`, `5` Flags 8 ODU Flags bit 0 (MSB) Reserved bit 1 Reserved bit 2 Reserved bit 3 Reserved bit 4 Reserved bit 5 Reserved bit 6 Tx MMW detector output is valid 0 No MMWdetector 1 MMW detector valid bit 7 (LSB) AFC Polarity 0 AFC Normal 1 AFC polarity inverted
d. Unexpected Response Message
The Unexpected Response Message is the response to a valid control message which is not expected in the current mode. For example, receipt by the ODU of a Mega Control message during initialization, as could happen after a spontaneous reset ofthe ODU.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 4 Unexpected Response Message Field Bits Description Current Mode 8 0x00 = Initialization State 0x01 = Normal Mode 0x02 = Loopback Mode (obsolete) 0x03 = Code Download Mode (obsolete) 0x04 = Cal Table Download (obsolete)0x05 = Normal 24 GHz (obsolete) 0x06 = ODU Bootstrap Mode 0x07 = ODU available for normal operation
e. Set Mode Control Message
The Set Mode control message is used by the IDU to change the state of the ODU. The ODU responds by repeating the Set Mode message to the IDU as a response message.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 5 Set Mode Control Message Field Bits Description New Mode 8 0x00 = Initialization State 0x01 = Normal Mode 0x02 = Loopback Mode 0x05 = Normal 24 GHz (obsolete) 0x06 = ODU Bootstrap Mode 0x07 = ODU available for normaloperation
f. Test Control Message
The Test Control Message is used by the IDU to instruct the ODU to perform some kind of test operation as described below. The general form of the message is shown in the table below:
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 6 Test Control Message Field Bits Description Operation 8 The particular test being commanded Data Byte 1 8 Data pertinent to that command if necessary Data Byte 2
i. Test Control Message--FSK Tone Generation
To conduct testing of the ODU it is useful to have the ODU generate either of the continuous tones corresponding to a 0 or a 1. The format is shown in the table below:
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 7 Test Control Message - FSK tone generation Field Bits Description Operation 8 0x1 => Transmit FSK Tone FSK_Tone 8 0x0 => transmit the `0` tone 0x1 => transmit the `1` tone Transmit Time 8 Number of seconds togenerate the tone (0 . . . 255)
The FSK tone generation operation causes the ODU to generate either a continuous `0` tone, or `1` tone for the specified number of seconds.
While the tone is being generated the ODU will not respond to control messages since the link is half duplex. When the specified time has elapsed the ODU will resume listening for control messages from the IDU.
ii. Test Control Message--Request Break Status (FSK Cut-off Frequency)
This command determines from the ODU if a "break" character has been detected on the ODU/IDU message interface. The table below shows the format of this message.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 8 Test Control Message - Request Break Status Field Bits Description Operation 8 0x2 => Request Break Status Reserved 8 Reserved 8
In virtually all cases, the ODU responds with a Test_Command:Break_Status_Report, indicating if it has detected a "break" character since the last request or not. The message is used to test the ODU FSK receive modem function. A "break"character being detected is the result of the ODU detecting a continuous series of zeros. This can only happen by an external source injecting a pure low tone into the ODU.
The cut-off frequency of ODU receive circuitry can be determined on a test stand by injecting different frequency tones onto the response data interface and repeatedly requesting the ODU detected a "break" character. Eventually a frequency willbe reached where the ODU does not detect a break--hence the cut-off can be determined.
iii. Test Control Message--Break Status Report
This message is the response to the Request Break Status and is shown in the table below:
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 9 Test Control Message - Break Status Report Field Bits Description Operation 8 0x3 => Break Status Report Break_Status 8 0x0 => No break detected since previous request 0x1 => Break detected since previous requestReserved 8
iv. Test Control Message--Tune test
This message contains the response to the Test Control--Tune Test. It's layout is show below:
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 10 Test Control Message - Tune test Field Bits Description Operation 8 Base Frequency in GHz (10-60) 27 => works for 28 GHz ODUs Data Byte 16 Frequency offset from base in 100 kHz increments i.e. 1 => .0001 GHz 1000 => .1000 GHz 10000 => .0000 GHz
The Tune test message attempts to tune the ODU to the specified frequency without regard to the valid frequency range for the ODU, therefore tuning outside of the normal range is permitted. The step resolution of the command is 100 kHz. Norange checking is performed so specifying values too far beyond the valid range may have unpredictable results. The ODU may not be able to tune to the precise frequency specified, when this occurs it tunes to the nearest frequency it can.
g. Tune Control Message
The Tune Control instructs the ODU to tune to a given frequency specified in units of 100 kHz. The ODU responds after performing the tuning operation by echoing the same Tune Control message back to the IDU and reporting the frequency to whichthe ODU is now tuned. If the specified frequency is outside the valid frequency range for the ODU, the ODU does not retune. Therefore specifying a frequency of 0 is a mechanism for querying the ODU as to the frequency to which it is tuned withoutchanging the frequency.
The frequencies of 1 and 4294967295 (or FFFFFFFF hex) are reserved as special query-mode frequencies. If the ODU is told to tune to 0.0001 GHz, the ODU will not retune but will respond with the minimum available frequency. For instance, a 28GHz ODU would return the number 272000. If the ODU is told to tune to 429496.7295 GHz, it will not retune but will respond with the maximum available frequency, or 286500 for a 28 GHz ODU.
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 11 Tune Control Message Field Bits Description Frequency 32 The frequency in units of 100 kHz Eg. 28 GHz => 280,000 28.001 GHz => 280,001
The ODU may not be able to tune to the precise in-band frequency specified, when this occurs it truncates the value to the nearest possible frequency and tunes to that frequency instead. 24 GHz ODUs can be commanded to tune from 24.0000 GHz to25.5000 GHz. 25 GHz ODUs can be commanded to tune from 25.0000 GHz to 25.5000 GHz. 28 GHz ODUs can be commanded to tune from 27.2000 GHz to 28.6500 GHz. 31 GHz ODUs can be commanded to tune from 29.8000 GHz to 31.5000 GHz.
h. Mega Control Message
The Mega Control is used by the IDU to instruct the ODU to change the values of Attenuators or the Frequency.
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 12 Mega Control Field Bits Description Change Flags 5 1 bit per field that may change b10000 => Enable/Disable PA changed b01000 => Rx Power Level changed b00100 => Tx IF1 VVA changed b00010 => Tx Power Levelchanged OR values to get combinations of fields changed For Example, b01010 => Rx Power Level and Tx Power Level both changed. Enable/ 1 1 = use 40 MHz switching signal Disable PA 0 = disable PA Rx Power Level 10 Per RX VVA Table in section 1.2 of Tx IF1 VVA 8 0 to -30.5 dB in 0.2 dB steps Tx Power Level 9 0 to -60 dB in 0.2 dB steps LinkAcquired 1 1 => Link is acquired. The ODU reports the value of the RxIF1 the detector 10 used immediately following the start of the frame (correspondingto the arrival of the second byte of the Mega Control). The RSL output behaves normally, but with a minimum level of 0.5 volts 0 => Link is not acquired. The ODU reports the value of the RxIF1 detector from the time period between any previouscommand and the current Mega Control. The RSL output is always 0 volts. Padding 14 For byte alignment of CRC
i. Mega Response Message
The Mega Response message is the response to the Mega Control message.
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 13 Mega Response Message Field Bits Description Rx IF1 Detector 8 Temperature compensated and converted to the range -11 to 12 dBm, expressed in 0.2 dBm steps. Rx IF2 Detector or 8 Temperature compensated and converted toOutput Power the range 5 dBm to 22 dBm, expressed in 0.2 Detector dBm steps. Tx IF1 Detector 8 Temperature compensated and converted to the range -26 to -4 dBm, expressed in 0.2 dBm steps. Tx IF2 Detector 8 Temperature compensated and converted to therange -5 to -39 dBm, expressed in 0.2 dBm steps. Temperature 8 -35 to 85° C. Pad 5 For byte alignment of CRC. Can add additional alarms here in the future. Ref PLL Lock 1 Alarm: 1 = fail Syn Lock 1 Alarm: 1 = fail 2.7 GHz Detect 1 Alarm: 1 =fail
j. Mega VVA Control Message
The Mega VVA Control is used by the IDU to instruct the ODU to change the values of Attenuators and the Frequency. Unlike the Mega Control message, it contains the explicit VVA settings.
TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 14 Mega VVA Control Message Field Bits Description Rx IF1 VVA 8 Explicit value to set Rx IF1 VVA Rx IF2 VVA 8 Explicit value to set Rx IF2 VVA Rx MM VVA 8 Explicit value to set Rx MM VVA Tx IF1 VVA 8 Explicit value to set TxIF1 VVA Tx IF2 VVA 8 Explicit value to set Tx IF2 VVA Tx MM VVA 8 Explicit value to set Tx MM VVA Padding 10 Change Flags 6 1 bit per field that may change b100000 => Rx IF1 VVA changed b010000 => Rx IF2 VVA changed b001000 => Rx MM VVA changedb000100 => Tx IF1 VVA changed b000010 => Tx IF2 VVA changed b000001 => Tx MM VVA changed OR values to get combinations of fields changed For example, b010100 => Rx IF2 VVA and Tx IF1 VVA values have both changed
k. Mega Det Message
The Mega Det message is the response to the Mega VVA control.
TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 15 Mega Det Message Field Bits Description Rx IF1 Detector 8 Actual detector value. Rx IF2 Detector 8 Actual detector value. Tx IF1 Detector 8 Actual detector value. Tx IF2 Detector 8 Actual detector value. Temperature 8Actual detector value. Pad 5 For byte alignment of CRC. Ref PLL Lock 1 Alarm: 1 = fail Syn Lock 1 Alarm: 1 = fail 2.7 GHz Detect 1 Alarm: 1 = fail
l. Download Control Message
The Download Control message is used by the IDU to instruct the ODU to perform some kind of test operation. The general form of the message is shown in the table below:
TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 16 Download Control Message Field Bits Description Operation 8 The particular test being commanded Data Bytes 88 Data pertinent to that operation if necessary
i. Download Control Message--Update Block
The ODU maintains a buffer in its internal RAM for accumulating data to be written to flash memory. This is called the ROW buffer, and is preferably 64 bytes in size. It is sub-divided into 8 blocks, each of which is 8 bytes. A block isupdated using this Update Block operation. The format of the operation is defined in the table below:
TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 17 Download Control Message - Update Block Field Bits Description Operation 8 2 => Update Block 8 0 Offset 8 Offset from the start of the ROW buffer where the bytes being sent are to be placed, usually:0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56 N_Bytes 8 Number of bytes to be copied to the ROW buffer (0 . . . 8) Data_Bytes 64 Up to 8 bytes of data to be written sequentially to the ROW buffer
ii. Download Control Message--Write Row
This message initiates an attempt to write the current content of the ROW buffer in the ODU to flash memory. The format of the operation is defined in the table below:
TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 18 Download Control Message - Write Row Field Bits Description Operation 8 3 => Write_Row Flash_Address 16 Address in flash memory where the ROW buffer should be written. Must be a multiple of 64, and not be within thearea reserved for the Boot_Module. 72
iii. Download Control Message--Peek Memory
This message reads up to 4 bytes from the specified address in memory. The format of the operation is defined in the table below:
TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 19 Download Control Message - Peek Memory Field Bits Description Operation 8 4 => Peek Memory Address 16 Address in memory from which the bytes are to be retrieved. N_Bytes 8 Number of bytes (up to 4 to be retrieved). 64
iv. Download Control Message--Software Reset
This message instructs the ODU software to reset. Control is immediately passed through to the address specified in the reset vector. This mimics behavior at power up. There can be a response to this message. If successful, the ODU willbehave as is it has just powered on, if not, it will still be in the same state it was before the reset command had been issued. The format of Software13 Reset is defined in the table below:
TABLE-US-00021 TABLE 20 Download Control Message - Get_Partition_Info Field Bits Description Operation 8 8 => Software Reset 88
v. Download Control Message--Get Partition Info
This message requests partition information on the specified partition number. The ODU responds with a download13 ack:partition_info_report message containing the partition information requested. The format of get13 partition_info isdefined in the table below:
TABLE-US-00022 TABLE 21 Download Control Message - Get_Partition_Info Field Bits Description Operation 8 9 => Get_Partition_Info Partition_number 8 The partition number being requested 0 . . . 255 80
vi. Download Control Message--Request CRC
This message requests the ODU to calculate a 16 bit CRC be calculated over the specified range. The IDU uses the request to verify a partition after it has been downloaded. The ODU responds with a download13 ack:CRC13 Report messagecontaining the calculated CRC. The format of packet is defined in the table below:
TABLE-US-00023 TABLE 22 Download Control Message - Request_CRC Field Bits Description Operation 8 12 => Request_CRC Start Address 16 The address to start the 16-bit CRC calculation Length 16 The number of bytes to run the check 56
vii. Download Control Message--Get Row Buffer Address
This message requests the address of the ODU ROW buffer. It is used by external software manipulating configuration and hardware parameters to retrieve the values of individual parameters from the ROW buffer using the Download:Peek13 Memorycommand as its most primitive operation. The ODU responds with a Download_Ack: Row_Buffer Address packet. The format of Get_Row_Buffer_Address is defined in the table below:
TABLE-US-00024 TABLE 23 Download Control Message - Get_Row_Buffer_Address Field Bits Description Operation 8 21 => Get_Row_Buffer_Address 88
m. Download Ack Control Message
This message contains the response from the ODU to download commands that generate a response.
i. Download Ack Control Message--Memory Report
This message is the response to a download:peek_memory command. It returns up to 4 bytes from the specified address in memory. The format of the operation is defined in the table below:
TABLE-US-00025 TABLE 24 Download_Ack Control Message - Memory_Report Field Bits Description Operation 8 5 => Memory Report Address 16 Address in memory where these bytes originate N_Bytes 8 Number of bytes present Data bytes 32 16
ii. Download Ack Control Message--Partition Info Report
This message is the response to a download_get_partition13 info command. It returns partition information for the partition number requested. The format of partition13 info13 report is defined in the table below:
TABLE-US-00026 TABLE 25 Download_Ack Control Message - Partition_Info_Report Field Bits Description Operation 8 10 => Partition_Info_Report Partition_number 8 The partition number being described 0 . . . 255 Base_Address 16 The startingaddress of the partition 0 - 0xffff Type 8 `O` => Operational Software `C` => Calibration tables `H` => Hardware parameters `B` => Bootstrap module Is_Valid 8 0 => the partition is invalid 16 1 => the partition is valid Write_Count 16Number of times this partition has been written Version_Number 8 A version number indicating the revision of the partition content 0 . . . 255
iii. Download Ack Control Message--Row Written
This message describes the ODU result of a Download: Write13 Row processed by the ODU. Normally a write will succeed and the status below will return 0. If one or more blocks were not updated, or the ODU was unable to write all the blocksto flash memory correctly, it will respond with a status of 1, and the "Bit13 Vector" field will indicate which blocks the ODU has. A `1` in a bit position indicates the block is present, a `0` indicates its absence. The remedy to this conditionis to resend the missing blocks, and the attempt the write again. The format is shown below:
TABLE-US-00027 TABLE 26 Download_Ack Control Message - Row_Written Field Bits Description Operation 8 11 => Row_Written Flash_Address 16 the address in flash memory where the write was attempted. Status 8 0 = row was written successfully toflash memory 1 = some blocks in the ROW have not been updated, "Bit_Vector" indicates which blocks are missing 2 = the write to flash was not successful, the Bit_Vector field indicates which blocks were not written. This can happen as the write count ofthe ODU flash memory approaches its 100 cycle limit. In an operational system this is indicates that ODU behavior may become erratic. 3 = => the flash address is not a legitimate address for the ODU 4 = flash contents at "flash_address" alreadycontained the ROW buffer content, no write was performed Bit_Vector 8 If status = 1 or 4, bit vector contains a 0 in each bit position where a block is missing. Block offset 0 is the LSB, block offset 56 is the MSB 16
iv. Download Ack Control Message--CRC Report
This message reports a 16 bit CRC calculated by the ODU in response to a previous Download:Request13 CRC command. The format of packet is defined in the table below. The ODU includes the starting address and the length to identify the CRCbeing reported.
TABLE-US-00028 TABLE 27 Download_Ack Control Message - CRC_Report Field Bits Description Operation 8 13 => CRC_Report Start_Address 16 The address to start the 16-bit CRC calculation Length 16 The number of bytes to run the checkReported_Value 16 The calculated CRC value 16
v. Download Ack Control Message--Block Updated
This message is in response to a previous Download:Update13 Block. The format of the packet is defined in the table below. There are no conditions when an update should not be successful. The only possibility for not receiving aDownload13 Ack:Block_Updated message is that the ODU did not receive the Download:Update_Block request. The remedy is to re-send the packet.
TABLE-US-00029 TABLE 28 Download_Ack Control Message - Block_Updated Field Bits Description Operation 8 14 => Block_Updated 8 0 Block_Offset 8 Offset from the start of the ROW buffer where the bytes being sent are to beplaced, may be one of: 0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56 N_Bytes 8 Number of bytes to be copied to the ROW buffer (0 . . . 7) Status 8 0 = Successfully copied, non-zero an error occurred 32
vi. Download Ack Control Message--Row Buffer Address
This message is the response to the Download:Get_Row_Buffer_Address command. It provides the absolute address of the Row buffer, which is where Calibration and Hardware parameters are maintained at runtime. This enables suitable externalsoftware to make temporary changes to the operating values of these parameters and observer their effect on the system, without writing them to flash memory (an operation most often performed when an ODU is being calibrated). The format of the packet isdefined in the table below:
TABLE-US-00030 TABLE 29 Download_Ack Control Message - Row_Buffer_Address Field Bits Description Operation 8 22 => Row_Buffer_Address Address 16 The Address of the Row buffer 72
3. Error Detection
When the ODU detects an error in the control message, it normally discards the message. Since all control messages that are sent by the IDU are responded to by the ODU, the IDU detects the failure to receive a response message via a timeout.
The IDU, when acting as initiator, sends control messages and then waits for message responses. If the IDU doesn't receive any response messages after, for example, two (2) milliseconds, it resends the control message again. If it doesn'treceive any response messages after sending several control messages in a row, the IDU takes appropriate corrective action.
4. Control of ODU Components
Table 30 summarizes the components that may be controlled in the ODU by the IDU, their characteristics and the number of bits required to set/read their values.
TABLE-US-00031 TABLE 30 ODU Elements Controllable from IDU Component Description Dynamic Range/Bits VVA for 140 MHz VVA used to 0 to -30.5 dB. Controlled via Cable Comp compensate for cable loss 8 bit word. VVA is controlled (210) from theIDU. in 0.5 dB steps achievable through most of the range of the VVA. Tx IF2 VVA S-band VVA used to adjust 0 to -30 dB. Controlled via (234) transmit power of the S 7 bit word in 0.5 dB steps. band frequency. Used in conjunction with Tx RF VVA(264). Tx RF VVA MM wave band VVA used 0 to -30 dB. Controlled via (264) to adjust transmit power. 8 bit word in 0.5 dB steps achievable. Used in conjunc- tion with Tx IF2 VVA (234). Rx IF1 VVA 140 MHz VVA used to 0 to -32 dB. Controlled via (300)adjust receive attenuation 8 bit word. Used in con- prior to transmission along junction with Rx IF2 VVA the cable. Used for (292) and Rx RF VVA per Automatic Gain Control (280). (AGC). Rx IF2 VVA S-band VVA used to adjust -1 to -27 dB. Controlledvia (292) receive attenuation. Used 8 bit word. Used in conjunc- for such purposes as AGC. tion with Rx IF1 VVA (300) and Rx RF VVA (280). Rx RF VVA MM wave band VVA used 0 to -24 dB. Controlled via 8 (280) to adjust receive attenua- bit word. Usedin conjunction tion, for such purposes as with Rx IF1 VVA (300) and AGC. Rx IF2 VVA (292). Syn Freq Synthesizer frequency to be 34 possibilities space 25 MHz (220) used. apart. Syn Ref Starting point for frequency 0 to 23.75 MHz in 1.25 MHz (308)mapping. This parameter is steps. dependant upon the Syn Ref Parameter. Enable/ Enables or disables the Enabled means use 40 MHz Disable PA Power Amplifier, allowing switching signal. Disable (268) transmission to the ODU means no transmissionregard- with out transmission over less of state of 40 MHz the air. (Disable causes the switching signal. 40 MHz switching signal to be ignored.) Typically used only in test modes. May be necessary during cable loss compensation.
Table 31 summarizes the response messages that can be sent from the ODU to the IDU. The bits used to control/read items are not necessarily what will appear in the user data making up the protocol.
TABLE-US-00032 TABLE 31 Response Messages Response Dynamic Data Description Range/Bits Rx IF1 140 MHz detector located at the output of Approximately Detector ODU to cable. This detector can be used -11 to 12 dB. (304) to bring this to 4 dBm. Expressed as 8 bit word. Rx IF2 S band detector. Can be used to measure Detector Tx power on the Rx path during trans- (294) or Out- mission. Can also be used to determine put Power transmitter saturation points. Optionally Detector (not the absoluteoutput power at the PA in shown) dBm. Tx IF1 140 MHz detector at cable input to the Approximately Detector ODU. Used for cable compensation. -4 to -26 dB. (212) Expressed as 8 Tx IF2 S band detector. Can be used to determine bit word. Detectortransmitter saturation points. (230) Temperature Temperature detector. -35 to 85° C. Ref PLL Lock detect signal from the 100 MHz High = fail. Lock reference clock. the synthesizer lock time is 200 msec. Syn Lock Lock detect signal from thechannel High = fail. selection synthesizer. The synthesizer lock time is 1.5 msec. 2.7 GHz Detects failure of the 2.7 GHz local High = fail. Detect multiplier.
C. Initialization of the System
Referring now to FIG. 6, a software state diagram 500 showing the possible modes in which the ODU may operate is illustrated. The initialization process 500 of the Micro Controller in the ODU includes: Initialization of all I/Os (clockgenerator, SCI, SPI, A/D etc.) Reset the local oscillator to inhibit any transmission before being tuned Determine if the memory partitions for operational software, calibration tables and configuration parameters are valid Determine if memory partitionscontents are mutually compatible Establish communications with a master IDU.
On a power-on, or when a watchdog timer expires, the ODU resets and enters a preliminary checkout phase. This phase is explained more completely with reference to FIG. 7. Briefly, all peripherals are reset to a benign state and the ODU placesitself in Mode 6 (504). The ODU then automatically attempts to transition itself to Mode 7 (506). This transition entails performing a CRC test on all memory partitions in the ODU to verify that the flash memory is correct and consistent. If it iscorrect, the initialization procedure in each partition is invoked. This verifies that the content of the memory partition is compatible with the content of any other memory partitions on which it depends. If all memory partitions report compatibilitythe boot code transition is successful and the system moves to Mode 7, otherwise it remains in Mode 6.
If the process 501 moves to Mode 7, a set13 mode command is given by the micro controller and the system initiates normal operation by transitioning the ODU to Mode 0 (512). From Initialization Mode 6, the only valid transition to Mode 0 isthrough Mode 7, which requires all the previous system tests be successful.
Note that in the State Diagram in FIG. 6, download commands are valid in both Mode 6 and Mode 7 so on power-up, new software can always be downloaded to the ODU even if all memory partitions are invalid.
While in Mode 0, the process 501 can also transition to a loopback Mode 2 (516) and to a normal operational Mode 1 (520). These other Modes are discussed more completely in reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 below.
2. Preliminary Checkout (Mode 6)
FIG. 7 illustrates the flow of the first interactions between the IDU 122 and ODU 108. A preliminary checkout process 600 begins with the ODU 108 resetting its peripherals, checking its flash memory, and checking its memory partitioncompatibility at a state 602.
Once this is complete, the IDU 122 sends a SET13 MODE (7) control message that attempts to transition the ODU from the checkout mode 6 into Mode 7. The ODU responds with a response message indicating its current mode. A determination ofthe ODU's current mode is then made by the IDU 122 at a decision state 610. If a determination is made that the ODU is still in Mode 6, and did not transition to Mode 7, the checkout process 600 moves to a state 614 to begin downloading new software tothe ODU in an attempt to help the ODU transition to Mode 7.
However, if a determination was made at the decision state 610 that the ODU was not still in Mode 6, the IDU then issues a SET13 MODE (0) control message to move the ODU into its operational mode (0). The checkout process 600 thenterminates at an end state 616.
When the IDU issues the SET13 MODE (0) command, it learns several pieces of information from the response message. If there's no response it indicates thateither the connection to the ODU is faulty or that the ODU is broken in some way. Ifthere is a response, then the state returned in the response message indicates which of the three possible states the ODU is now in. From the response message the IDU can determine if it must perform some remedial action on the ODU (see the downloadprocedure described later), or if it can begin operation.
3. Handshaking Process
After the initialization processes of FIGS. 7 are completed (identical for Base Station and CPE), a handshake process 800 begins, as shown in FIG. 8. In the handshake process 800, the Micro Controller in the ODU waits for the first message fromthe IDU. Because of the complexity of the software in the IDU (whether CPE or base station), the ODU normally finishes initialization before the IDU.
The IDU then issues a SET13 MODE (1) control message to transition the ODU into Normal Operational Mode 1. This transition results in the ODU performing the following functions: Control the following components: 1. Set Receive (Rx) VVAsattenuation to minimum. 2. Set Transmit (Tx) VVAs attenuation to maximum. 3. Set reference frequency (LMX2301) to 100 MHz. 4. Disable the Power Amplifier
Measure test points.
Once complete, the process 800 then loops continuously, receiving response messages from the ODU and performing the actions dictated by the control messages from the IDU. The most typical action in this process in the ODU is: The ODU receives aMEGA command from the IDU with instructions to alter the values of the VVAs or Frequencies in the Frequency synthesizers and: 1. Reads the temperature (State 804). 2. Adjusts the settings received in the MEGA control message for temperature, ifnecessary and applies the new values (State 808). 3. Calculates and applies the RSL voltage setting (State 810). 4. Reads detector values and adjusts values for temperature via the calibration tables (State 812). 5. Reads the 3 lock/detectindicators. 6. Builds and transmits a mega response message. 4. Reading Detector Values
As shown in FIG. 9, a process 900 of reading ODU detector values is illustrated. The process 900 begins when the ODU measures the output from the RxIF1 detector 304 (FIG. 4) at a precise instant (state 904) in order to send this value in theMega Response Message. Every time the ODU receives the byte immediately following the preamble byte, it reads the detector 304 at the state 904 and saves the result. Then it holds the detector in reset for a 10 microseconds at a state 908. The process900 then de-asserts the reset signal at a state 914 and waits 10 more microseconds at a state 920. The process 900 then samples the RxIF1 detector 304 again at a state 926 and saves the result. The VVAs and Power Amplifier are then set at a state 930as commanded by the MEGA control message.
A determination is then made at a decision state 934 whether or not the LinkAcquired bit was set in the Mega Control message. If the LinkAcquired bit was set, the ODU reports the measurement taken immediately after the detector reset at a state938. However, if the LinkAcquired bit was zero, the ODU reports the measurement taken immediately before the detector reset at a state 940.
The process 900 then waits two milliseconds at a state 942 and proceeds to sample any remaining detectors in the ODU at a state 944. The Mega response message is then sent from the ODU to the IDU.
5. Loopback Mode
In the loopback mode process 1000 illustrated in FIG. 10, the ODU 108 simply repeats back to the IDU 122 whatever message it has received. It leaves the loopback mode when it receives the set mode control message to transition to a differentmode. No other work is performed during loopback mode--no reading of control messages or setting of control values. The control messages sent to the ODU by the IDU during loopback mode preferably have a preamble, a CRC, and at most 14 additional bytes. Other than "set13 mode" message data which must follow the format described above, the messages sent during loopback mode may be composed of any byte pattern.
6. Customer Premises Equipment
Although the previous discussion has focused on IDUs and ODUs that are installed as part of a base station, these devices are similarly installed within each customer site for receiving and transmitting wireless data. As illustrated FIGS. 11 and12 are block diagrams of the customer premises equipment (CPE) 110 shown in FIG. 1. As described above, the subscribers of the wireless communication system contemplated for use with the present invention may be either residential or business customers. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a residential CPE 110. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a business CPE 110.
As shown in FIG. 12, the residential CPE 110 preferably includes an ODU 1140, IDU 1141 and a residential wireless gateway apparatus 1142. The residential gateway 1142 is preferably installed on a side of the residence 1144. The residentialgateway 1142 preferably includes a network interface unit (NIU) 1146 and a service gateway unit 1148. The NIU 1146 performs the functions necessary to allow the residential user to communicate with the wireless communication system, such as performinglow frequency RF communication, modem and ATM functions.
The NIU 1146 performs the necessary communication interface functions including airlink and protocol interface functions to allow the residential user access to the network. The service gateway unit 1148 allows the residential user to gainaccess to the services provided over the communications system.
For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the service gateway unit 1148 preferably includes an MPEG decoder, NTSC video interface, telephone interface and 10-baseT data interface. The residential gateway 1142 interfaces to the various service accesspoints within the residence 1144. The residential gateway 1142 contains the necessary hardware and software for interfacing to the radio communications airlink and for driving various services into the residence 1144. In addition, by interfacing withthe telephone wiring 1147 within the residence 1144, the residential gateway 1142 is capable of providing a variety of telephone services to the residence 1144.
Similarly, by interfacing with copper or co-axial wiring 1149 within the residence 1144, the residential gateway 1142 is capable of providing 10-baseT and other data services to equipment 1150 (such as a personal computer depicted in FIG. 12)within the residence 1144. Finally, the residential gateway 1142 can also provide broadcast video and data-centric television services to a plurality of television systems 1152 by interfacing with standard cable television co-axial cabling 1154 in theresidence 1144. The residential gateway 1142 is designed in a modular fashion to service multiple data, telephone, and video lines. Thus, a single residential gateway 1142 is sufficiently flexible to accommodate the communication needs of anyresidential customer.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the business CPE 110' of FIG. 1. The business CPE 110' is designed to provision and provide services to a small business customer site 1112. As shown in FIG. 11, the business CPE 110' includes an ODU 108' and IDU122'. The CPE 110' also includes a business wireless gateway apparatus 142'. The ODU 108' is affixed to a business site building 144' while the business gateway 142' is installed in a wiring closet within the business site building 144'.
The communication interfaces of the business gateway 142' are similar to those of the residential gateway 1142 (FIG. 12). However, the service interfaces of the business gateway 142' differ from those of the residential gateway 1142. Thebusiness gateway 142' includes interfaces capable of driving voice and data services typically used by small business customers. These include integrated services digital network (ISDN), local area network (LAN), PBX switching and other standard voiceand data services.
As shown in FIG. 11, a "two-box" solution is presently contemplated for implementing the business gateway 142'. An "off-the-shelf" multi-service concentrator 1156 can be used to provide the business user services and to convert the outgoing datainto a single transport stream. The business gateway 142' also includes a wireless gateway apparatus 1158 which contains the necessary hardware and software for interfacing to the IDU and for driving various services into the business site building144'.
Alternatively, the wireless functionality provided by the business gateway 142' can be integrated into the multi-service concentrator 1156 in order to reduce costs and provide a more integrated business gateway solution. Different types ofmulti-service concentrators 1156 can be used depending upon the size and needs of the business customer. Thus, a network provider can deploy a cost effective solution with sufficient capabilities to meet the business customer's needs.
Various types of services can be provided to the business customer using the CPE 110' of FIG. 11. For example, by providing standard telephone company interfaces to the business customer, the business CPE 110' gives the customer access totelephone services yet only consumes airlink resources when the telephone services are active. Network providers therefore achieve significant improvements in airlink usage efficiency yet are not required to modify or overhaul conventional interfaceswith the business customer's equipment (e.g., no changes need to be made to PBX equipment). In addition, the business gateway 142' can support HSSI router and 10-BaseT data interfaces to a corporate LAN thereby providing convenient Internet and widearea network (VVAN) connectivity for the business customer. The business gateway 142' will also enable a network provider to provision "frame-relay" data services at the customer's site. The business gateway 142' can support symmetrical interfacespeeds of 10 Mbps and higher.
Finally, the CPE 110' facilitates the transmission of various types of video services to the business user. The video services primarily includes distance learning and video conferencing. However, in addition, the business CPE 110' can includeISDN BRI interfaces capable of supporting conventional video conferencing equipment. Using these interfaces, the business users will have the option of either viewing or hosting distance learning sessions at the business site building 144'.
D. Measuring Detectors in the ODU
FIG. 13 illustrates a base station 1410 transmitting user data 1440 to an outdoor unit 1422 of customer premises equipment 1420. As shown, the ODU 1422 is linked to an IDU 1424. The ODU 1422 might also receive transmissions 1450 from a nearbyODU 1432 of CPE 1430. As can be imagined, the transmissions 1450 directed towards the base station 1410 would interfere with power measurements taken by the CPE 1420 in a TDD system. This is due to the fact that in TDD systems the CPEs and basestations transmit using the same frequency.
Due to the proximity of the CPE 1432 to the CPE 1420, the ODU 1422 might receive transmissions from the ODU 1432. This would especially be possible if the signal strength of the transmission 1450 from ODU 1432 is stronger than the signalstrength of the transmission 1440 from the base station 1410. For this reason, it is advantageous for the CPE 1420 to only measure power detectors in the receive pathway during a time when only the base station 1410 is transmitting user data.
The communication system uses the known reception time of the Mega Control message to address this problem. Each Mega Control message is timed so that the first byte of the message is received by the ODU at a time that is set aside in each TDDframe for base station downlink transmissions. Thus, when the ODU receives the first byte of the Mega Control message, it can measure the receive path power detectors and be assured that the only transmissions at that time are from a base station.
The system is designed such that under normal operation, a Mega Control Message (see Table 12) is sent along a broadband transmission cable (not shown) from the IDU 1424 to the ODU 1422 via FSK modulated signals. The Mega Control Message, asdescribed above, is used by the IDU to control sub-components, such as VVA's, in the ODU. For this reason, the Mega Control Message is sent repeatedly, very frequently, and for the duration of the normal operation. The ODU responds to the Mega ControlMessage with the Mega Response Message (see Table 13) that includes settings of the detectors in the ODU.
FIG. 14 illustrates the timing used by the IDU to send Mega Control Messages to the ODU. As shown, a TDD time frame 1500 is divided into a downlink time 1502 and an uplink time 1504. The downlink time and uplink time include a plurality of timeslots for transmitting or receiving user data from the CPE to the base station. It should be realized that an adaptive time division duplex system dynamically adjusts the number of time slots allocated to uplink and downlink times to provide the mostefficient transfer of user data from the CPEs to the base station. Accordingly, when the base station has a tremendous amount of user data to transmit, the number of time slots in the frame 1500 dedicated to downlinking data from the base station to theCPEs will increase.
As shown in the FIG. 14, at the end of the uplink time 1504 in the frame 1500 is a transition gap of 6.25 microseconds that provides a means for the system to change from an uplink mode to a dedicated downlink time mode. Of course, embodimentsof the invention are not limited to systems that provide such a gap. For example, similar systems having no transition gap, or transition gaps of varying times are well within the scope of the invention.
At the front of each frame, and following the previous frame's transition gap, is a dedicated downlink time. In this embodiment, the minimum downlink time lasts 16.25 microseconds. Of course, the invention is not limited to any particularminimum downlink time. The minimum downlink time is used by the system to allow the base station to transmits internal command data to each of the CPEs. This command data, for example, can include the uplink/dowlink times for the next time frame. Asdiscussed herein, the downlink time is only required to be long enough for the detectors to make a measurement from the detectors. Downlink times that are greater or lesser in duration are thus within the scope of the invention.
Thus, during this time only the base station is communicating with each CPE. The CPEs do not transmit during the minimum downlink time since they are receiving their instructions for the next frame. Because each time frame is of a fixedduration in the TDD system, and the minimum downlink time occurs at a fixed place (e.g.: at the end) of the frame in this embodiment, the IDU 1424 in the CPE 1420 knows that power measurements taken by the receive detectors during the minimum downlinktime are guaranteed to only measure transmissions from the base station 1410.
In one embodiment of the system the micro controller 400 (FIG. 4) continuously polls the Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) 166 associated with the FSK modem 165 to determine when a complete byte of data has been received by theODU. As discussed previously, under normal operating conditions the only control message being sent from the IDU to the ODU is the Mega Control Message. Accordingly, the ODU can be set to begin taking receive power measurements after the first byte ofthe message is received in the UART 166 from the IDU. By knowing the amount of time it takes the ODU to receive one byte of a message from the IDU, the IDU can be programmed to always begin transmitting the Mega Control Message so that the ODU willreceive the first byte of the message at the beginning of each 16.25 microsecond downlink time within every TDD frame.
In one embodiment, the FSK modem in the IDU transmits data to the ODU at 115.2 kbps. With this link speed it takes 8.68 microseconds to transmit a single bit of data from the IDU to the ODU. Assuming eight data bits, one start bit and one stopbit, one byte of data can be transmitted from the IDU to the ODU in 86.8 microseconds. If a parity bit is included, the byte of data is transmitted in 8.68×11=95.48 microseconds.
For this reason, if the IDU is programmed to begin sending the Mega Control Message 86.8 microseconds before the beginning of the 16.25 microsecond downlink time, the first complete byte of the message will be received at the start of thedownlink lime. If the micro controller 400 in the ODU is polling a UART or other buffer in the ODU to determine when the first byte of the message has been received from the IDU, it will be determine that the first byte has been received in the UART 166at the start of the minimum downlink time.
As FIG. 14 illustrates, once the first byte has been received, the ODU resets the receive detectors. There is then a minimum time provided to allow the detectors to take a proper reading. In one embodiment, the minimum time is approximately 10microseconds, however other detetctors with other minimum read times are within the scope of the invention, Note that this entire time is within the minimum downlink time, and thus is guaranteed to be measuring transmissions from the base station. Because it only takes 10 microseconds to read the power detectors, there is ample time to reset and read the detector within the 16.25 microsecond downlink time shown in this embodiment. After the detectors are read, the data from them is transmitted tothe IDU in a Mega Response message.
FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of a process 1600 for sending the Mega Control message from the IDU to the ODU to initiate the process of reading receive detectors in a wireless communication system. In one embodiment, this process is storedin a memory, such as the FPGA 136 (FIG. 3). The process 1600 begins at start state 1602 and then moves to a state 1608 wherein the proper start time for sending a Mega Control message from the IDU to the ODU is determined. This determination is made tocalculate the amount of time it takes to send one byte of data from the IDU to the ODU. Once this figure has been determined, the IDU will send the mega control message so that the last bit of the first byte arrives at the ODU at the start of theminimum downlink command time. Examples of these calculations are described above.
Once a determination is made of the proper time to begin sending a Mega control message, the process 1600 moves to a state 1610 wherein software instructions within the IDU begin to build a Mega Control message. Once the mega control message hasbeen built, it is handed to the FPGA 136. The FPGA 136 is aware of the frame timing and is programmed with an offset time, relative to the start of the frame, at which time the control message should be sent. The process 1600 then moves to a decisionstate 1612 to determine whether it is the proper time to begin sending the message. If a determination is made that it is the proper time to begin transmitting bits of the message from the IDU to the ODU, the process 1600 moves to a state 1616 whereinthe bits comprising the message are handed to the hardware of the IDU in order to be transmitted to the ODU.
Once the IDU begins streaming bits from the mega control message to the ODU, the process 1600 moves to a state 1620 wherein a mega response message is received from the ODU. As can be appreciated, the mega response message includes the valuesthat are read from the detectors in the ODU. After the mega response message has been received, the process 1600 moves to a state 1622 wherein the detector measurements stored within the mega response message are read by instructions stored within theIDU. As can be appreciated, these detector measurements are then used to determine whether adjustments need to be made to subcomponents of the ODU in order to more specifically receive, or transmit, user data with the highest efficiency. The process1600 then terminates at an end state 1624.
If a determination had been made at the decision state 1612 that it was not the proper time to send a mega control message from the IDU to the ODU, the process 1600 moves to a wait state 1628 before returning to the decision state 1612. Thus,this loop continues until the IDU determines it is the proper time to begin transmitting bits to the ODU.
Referring now to FIG. 16, a process 1700 running within the FLASH memory 161 of the ODU is exemplified. The process 1700 begins at a start state 1702 and then moves to a state 1704 wherein the transmitted bits corresponding to the mega controlmessage start to be received from the IDU. A determination is then made at a decision state 1708 whether an entire byte of data has been received by the ODU. This determination is preferably made by instructing the microcontroller 400 to continuallypole the UART 166 that is buffering the streaming bits from the IDU. Once the microcontroller poles the buffer and determines that an entire byte has been received, the microcontroller moves to a state 1710 wherein the received detectors are reset. Theprocess 1700 then waits 10 microseconds at a state 1714 before taking a reading of the receive detectors in the ODU at a state 1717.
Once the detector readings have been taken at the state 1717, the process 1700 moves to a state 1720 wherein the mega response message is built by instructions within the FLASH memory of ODU. These instructions then transmit the mega responsemessage to the IDU at a state 1724. The process 1700 then terminates at an end state 1730.
Of course it should be realized that embodiments of the invention are not limited to any particular TDD frame timing or number of time slots within each frame. For example, while each TDD time frame might be 1 millisecond in duration, the TDDtime frame might alternatively be 0.5, 2, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 or more milliseconds of duration. Moreover, each frame might be divided into any number of time slots. For example, each frame might be divided into 500 to 10000 time slots.
Moreover, the location and duration of the minimum downlink time is not limited to the embodiment described in FIG. 14. For example, the downlink time does not need to be located at the beginning of each frame. In one alternate embodiment, theminimum downlink time is located at the end or middle of each frame. The only requirement being that the minimum downlink time be fixed in relation to each frame so that the mega control message can be timed so that the first byte of the message isreceived by the ODU at the beginning of the minimum downlink time slot.
E. Other Embodiments
FIG. 17 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a TDD time frame used to transmit user data and to send Mega Control Messages to the ODU. As shown, a TDD transmission frame 1800 includes several uplink time slots Ta, Ta', Ta'' and Ta''' fortransmitting user data from the CPE to the base station. In addition, the transmission frame 1800 includes several dowlink time slots Tb, Tb' and Tb'' for transmitting user data from the base station to a plurality of CPEs. Accordingly, the inventionis not limited to TDD time frames wherein a first set of time slots in the frame are dedicated to downlinking and a second set of time slots are dedicated to uplinking user data. Other embodiments of mechanisms for transmitting user data in a TDDmanner, as illustrated in FIG. 17 are also contemplated.
Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiment, but only by the scope of the appended claims.
Field of SearchTwo-way
With subscriber selection or switching
WIRELESS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Remote control of distribution
Combined with diverse art device (e.g., audio/sound or entertainment system)
Receiver for satellite broadcast
Diagnostic testing, malfunction indication, or electrical condition measurement
Base station detail
Having specific antenna arrangement


text:
Kirsten Dunst would've appeared in Spider-Man No Way Home
Kirsten Dunst would've appeared in 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' if she had been "asked".
The 39-year-old actor portrayed Peter Parker's love interest Mary Jane Watson in three 'Spider-Man' movies from 2002 to 2007 opposite Tobey Maguire, who appeared in the titular role.
And after Maguire and fellow former 'Spider-Man' actor Andrew Garfield appeared in the new superhero movie, Dunst has admitted she would've been keen to play Watson again.
She told the Daily Mail newspaper's Baz Bamigboye column: "Apparently people flipped out when they saw Tobey.
"I would have participated, if asked."
Dunst admitted she is yet to see the movie, but has watched "some clips".
One of the most memorable moments of Dunst and Maguire's first turn as Watson and Parker in 2002's 'Spider-Man' - which was directed by Sam Raimi - saw the two characters involved in an iconic upside-down smooch.
And Dunst recently admitted she studied “famous kisses” before her rain-soaked Spidey smooch.
She said: "I did not feel like it was a famous kiss because Tobey was ... water was getting up his nose because of the rain, and then he couldn't breathe in the Spider-Man suit, and then ... and it just felt very late at night.
"I didn't think about it that way. But the way it was presented to me, Sam gave me this book of famous kisses, so that made me realize how romantic and special Sam wanted this to be. Even though it wasn't necessarily feeling that way with Tobey hanging upside down."
In 2002, Maguire admitted he “couldn’t breathe” and was “gasping for breath out of the corner of Kirsten’s mouth” when they filmed the kiss.
He said at the time: "Poor girl. I was giving her mouth to mouth rather than kissing her.”

domain: entertainment


text:
Coloring books are where most kids start to develop their artistic dexterity. They are available relatively cheap, they are often related to cartoon characters or objects familiar to very young children. They provide guidelines for children who are learning to control their hand movements by "coloring inside the lines".
Disney coloring pages play sets are fun too. Your child can select a favorite character, click on it, and then make pinwheels or paper puppets with stars such as Sleeping Beauty, Mulan, Snow White, Toy Story 2, The Incredibles and Sleeping Beauty.
The net, activity booklets in dollar stores, family restaurants, or even sometimes at public libraries are sources of coloring pages, simple black and white drawings most commonly of cute cartoon characters.
Coloring pages not only enhance concentration skills, eye-hand coordination, color coordination and various other essential skills, they also give you some time to relax with your child. Moreover, coloring papers are so enjoyable and learning that parents give feedback of increased concentration among their children, better coordination of colors etc.
The next time you are in need of an idea to keep kids busy during the day consider introducing them to The Magic Color Page. You will discover kids can keep themselves entertained, out of your hair and you need not worry about their safety. How often do you find people providing this type of activity?
For the last few years kid's coloring pages printed from the Internet have become an very serious competitor to the coloring books purchased in the store. Now you don't need to pick one of the various themes to buy for your child. You can get it all. Nowadays nearly every animated cartoon character has a website with free printables or coloring pages as a bonus.
As she is leaving, her final request is often for me to print a few more pages for her to take home or even a large batch so she can share with her friends when they visit. Of course, as always I am too happy to oblige. Especially as it's so cheap to print them out. Few things are so cheap but can still make a child so happy these days.


text:
Size: 100 x100 cm
The alchemic shrine of the invert S of the Grand Canal as a starting point of Venice and her Archipelago. A nostalgic vision highlighting the importance of history, culture and roots while exploring issues of the destruction caused through man’s creation.
All the images © Piero Bortoli 2018. All rights reserved.

domain: geography