JPH02223228A - Apparatus and method for communication - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To effectively execute monitoring at a control place by providing multiplex circuits for remote places and exchanging state and control information between the control place and at least one of remote places. CONSTITUTION: Plural sensors provided for at least one of remote places S1-S3 and the multiplex means S (1-3)MUX, CMUX (1-3) transmitting data on the states of the plural sensors to the control place C are provided. The multiplex means S (1-3) MUX, CMUX (1-3) contain a means for receiving a control signal controlling at least one function in at least one of remote places S1-3 through the different path of the whole duplex communication line. Thus, the states of the remote places S1-S3 can be monitored and the scheduled functions of the remote places S1-S3 can be controlled.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to radio frequency (RF), telephony, fiber optic and other communication devices having a control point and at least one remote point. More specifically, it relates to a communication multiplexing system for exchanging status and control information between a control point and at least one remote point.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Many communication devices increasingly require status reporting and exercise of various control functions between a control point and at least one remote fixed point. For example, in a multipoint RF transmission scheme using simulcasting, the simulcasting remote site typically has multiple state points (e.g., forward and reflected power monitors, smoke alarms, etc.), and the control point It is desirable to monitor regularly.

Such simulcasting systems typically provide RF communications over large geographical areas, such as large metropolitan areas, large counties, etc., but each has a large number of state points. They often have multiple RF relay transmission points. Typically,
It is not possible for a single VHF/UHF RF relay transmission point to serve a geographical coverage area of arbitrary size satisfactorily. Legal and practical maximum effective radiated power constraints and natural topographical features prevent the transmission of signals in certain areas or preclude the installation of transmitting antennas at sufficient heights.

FIG. 1 shows 1 of 3 radios communicating to geographical areas AI, A2 and A3, respectively! 1 is an overall block diagram of an example of a multi-point scheme with (transmission) points S1, S2 and S3; FIG. The control point or “hub” of the simulcast system in this example C
supply the same signal to each of the points S1 to S3 via links L1 to L3, respectively. These links are typically microwave links, but may also be terrestrial or other links. Each point S1 to S3 transmits the signal received from the control point C to each covered area A1 to A3.
to ensure that a mobile or portable transceiver receives the same signal no matter where it is within the overall coverage area of the communications system.

Since it is necessary to determine that remote points S1 to S3 and control point C are operating correctly, in order to monitor the status of remote points and reduce the need for regular inspection and maintenance trips to these points, It is desirable to be able to control scheduled functions at remote locations. That is, if a certain transmitter is not broadcasting correctly, or a highly stable oscillator is not working properly, or if a certain point is destroyed, the control point C
1; It is desirable that such a state be notified from a remote location.

The need to remotely monitor and control remote state points
For example, control point C is located in a central urban area, and stations St, S
This is most important when both S2 and S3 are located at the top of a relatively inconvenient mountain many miles from control point C. Each relay station Sl, S and S3 has the necessary equipment to form e.g. 10 or more base station transmitters and associated data transmission equipment, high stability oscillators and remote points for simulcasting. May have other equipment.

To efficiently meet the need for remote monitoring and control, the present invention provides sensors at various critical monitoring points at one or more remote locations. Each sensor generates a Go/No-Go logic signal by either closing an input contact or sensing a predetermined voltage level.

A multiplexing circuit at each remote location scans the status signals of the monitored remote location to generate a transmission line corresponding to one voice bandwidth to, for example, up to 64 status/control circuits. . The line corresponding to the voice bandwidth may be an asynchronous data line such as found in standard telephone rTJ carrier systems, or it may be an analog multiplexed line with a suitable data modem. In either case, in the embodiment, the data line need only process data in the asynchronous ASC11 format at a rate commensurate with the desired throughput time for the state/control circuitry.

For example, each of the links L1 to L3 shown in FIG.
It can be configured with a total of 2 voice/data class lines. One of the 48g lines in each link is dedicated to providing status and alarm information to control point C from remote points S1-S3 and to provide control point C with remote control capabilities.

In an exemplary embodiment, the multiplexer can serve up to 64 state and control circuits over lines corresponding to one voice bandwidth.

The heart of the digital status and control multiplexer at each remote location in the exemplary embodiment is a hardware Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UARD) chip. This chip is 8
is configured to receive parallel input bits and generate a continuous string of serial ASCII format output signals. TTL 16:1 with at least one multiplexer
Utilize multiplexing chips. Its input is sequentially scanned by four address lines, and its data output is
is connected to one of the parallel data inputs of.

These address lines are also connected to the other four parallel data inputs of the UART. The UART transmits serial ASCII format symbols for sequential addresses of each of the 16-to-1 multiplexed chips. Each symbol is 16 to 1 during scanning
Contains the address of the multiplexed input line and the corresponding data in five of the eight available data bits. Sixteen consecutive serial ASCII symbols constitute one complete scan of all status/control input lines. situation/
The scanning of the control inputs is continuous. Therefore, there is a continuous stream of serial data and each status/control line is updated continuously.

In addition to simulcast systems, it is contemplated that any communication system with a control point where there are a large number of users can advantageously utilize the multiplexing features of the present invention. For example, 2
A communication system having a point controller that controls about 5 to 50 base stations or is used by a large number of users in other ways is particularly suitable for the remote state of the present invention when the controlled point is located in a remote location. Sensing and control features can be exploited.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the drawings.

As a simple illustrative example of the drawings, returning to the multipoint state and control multiplexed communication system generally shown in FIG. 1, each wireless relay point St,
S2. Assume that S3 is the 10 line point. Each remote point has a number of state points SPI through SPN that are monitored and reported to control point C. Furthermore, each remote point can be remotely controlled by control signals received from control point C.

The multiplexers SIMUX to S3MUX and CMUXI to CMUX3 (which will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4) are generally shown in FIG. These devices may be the same, and in the embodiment are constituted by printed wiring cards, 'relay base stations S1 to S3 (i.e. SIMUX to S3MUX) and control points C (i.e. C
Both MUX1 to CMUX3) are used to transmit status information from 11 of the wireless base stations to control point C, and to create a line for transmitting control information from control point C to the relay base station. In this example, the control points C are 3
It has two multiplexers (ie, CMUX1 to CMUX3). Each multiplexer has a set of associated control switches and alarms (i.e., control SW and alarms 1 to 3).
) is combined with Actuation of one control switch generates a code signal identifying one control function, which will now be described. An example of alarm device 3 will be explained in detail with reference to FIG.

At each remote site S1-S3, illustratively having 10 lines, an individual sensor is attached to each monitored state point. Each sensor may be a conventional sensor available on the market and indicates a change in state, for example by generating a signal when a relay contact is closed. For more information on examples of the types of sensors used to monitor status points at remote locations, see pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 071085°663, filed August 14, 1987.
Please refer to the issue.

By way of example only, each remote point S1 to S
3, ten individual forward power monitors are used to provide an indication that each of the ten transmitters is broadcasting and therefore producing power output.

Additionally, each remote site S1-S3 has ten individual reflected power monitors, which indicate that the transmitted RF signal power is being reflected back to the transmitter along the RF transmission line. Individual reflected power monitors can also be installed at each remote location S.
This is the mechanism for determining whether the transmitter combination devices located at S1 to S3 (which combine 10 transmitters to a common antenna) are working properly.

The monitoring device at each remote location S1-S3 also has an antenna forward power monitor and an antenna reflected power monitor to monitor the output of the transmitter combination. Furthermore,
Major and minor alarm conditions associated with the multiplexers at relay stations S1-S3 are monitored, as are alarm conditions associated with the microwave links at each remote location. These multiplexer and microwave link alarm conditions are triggered by the closing of the relay and the multiplexer SIMUX to S3M
It is reported to control point C via UX. It should be mentioned that multiplexer and microwave equipment alarms are normally supplied by the manufacturers of the relevant multiplexing and microwave equipment.

Furthermore, the relay station building entrance, building temperature, smoke detector,
The status of alarms related to thermostats and the like can also be monitored. By monitoring the alarm at the building entrance, it is possible to remotely determine whether an outsider has entered the building where the wireless relay base station is located. Additionally, it can be determined whether personnel have entered the building within a scheduled time period to service or repair equipment.

This scheme also monitors the alarms associated with the computer service as well as the point controllers located at the remote stations S1-S3.

Such point controllers are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,682,3.
It is described in No. 67.

Additionally, this system monitors the status of, for example, ten alarms attached to each receiver at remote locations S1 to S3. In this regard, it is possible to monitor the receiver's output signal, DC current consumption, noise level, etc.

The monitored state points of remote locations S1-S3 described above are examples only. The invention provides that the status information sent back to control point C is sufficient for an operator to diagnose whether there is a problem at the remote location and determine which part of the repeater needs to be repaired or replaced. I would like to mention that it is also possible to monitor the status of as many remote locations as possible. By providing 64 state points that can be monitored through the multiplexers shown in FIGS. 2-4, the scheme of the present invention allows for accurate failure analysis. Provide sufficient status information to control point C.

As will be explained further below, each of the example multiplexers shown in FIGS. The state fi/control information is transmitted by converting it into a composite string of serial 10-bit symbols of the form (ie, 0.8 data bits at the beginning and a 1 after). A total of 16 sequential ASCII symbols constitute a complete scan of the wireless repeater's state points. At control point C, the received symbols are transferred to appropriate multiplexers CMUXl to CMU.
X3 decodes and analyzes and uses it to drive the display device to reflect the status of each wireless relay base station S1 to S3, and if there is a fault condition that requires maintenance,
Show it.

Since the symbols generated are in ASCII format, this data is computer readable. The received data can thus be input to a serial input port of a digital computer at control point C, for example. A computer then analyzes the received data to determine if a fault condition exists. By analyzing the eight data bits associated with the ASCII symbol, it is easy to determine which state point a particular wireless relay base station is sensing and the state indicated by this data. . As will be explained later, the data for identifying the state point is A
Originally transmitted as part of the SCII symbol. In this respect, this method is self-synchronizing because the information identifying the line or sensor is specific to the data format.

In addition to the 64 state points that can be reported from the wireless relay stations S1 to S3, by actuating the control switch at the control point C to generate control signals to be transmitted to the wireless relay stations S1 to S3 at remote locations. , 64 control functions can be triggered. Regarding the control function used in the embodiment of the present invention, this method uses a line reset line, which can be used to reset the point controllers at the wireless relay base stations S1 to S3. That is, if a point controller attached to one wireless relay station is not operating correctly, the control point C can remotely reset this point controller.

For 10 transmitters at 10 line remote points (e.g. point Sl), one or more transmitters are
The test mode can be placed by generating a transmitter test start signal at control point C. Furthermore, control point C
Any one or more transmitters can be inhibited under the control of the transmitter. This allows any transmitter to be disabled if it is not working properly.

Additionally, this method uses a query point fault sensing device control function. In this regard, this method not only allows querying of important status points related to building entrance, temperature and smoke alarms, but also another display that indicates whether, for example, a tower light is working correctly. Operation of a scanning device at a remote location can be triggered to scan any sensor.

Additionally, the system includes (at a 10-line remote location) 10 data loopback test initiation control functions and 10 audio loopback test initiation control functions. By doing so, control point C can test the operational capabilities of the data and audio paths by looping both audio and data separately to help diagnose system failures. Or you can test audio circuits.

The heart of the digital state/control multiplexing scheme shown generally in FIG. 1 is the state/control multiplexer shown in detail in FIGS. 2-4. 2 to 4 show remote point S1
Identical multiplexing devices SIMUX to S3MUX and CMUXl to CM located at S3 to S3 and control point C, respectively
The configuration of UX3 is shown in detail. Each multiplexer operates on a full duplex asynchronous ASCII data line,
It has both encoding and decoding modes. However, the two directions of information data flow are completely independent.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the multiplexing device that constitutes the encoding function, while FIG. 3 shows the type of device implementing the decoding function.

Rather than providing separate audio paper circuits or hardwired circuits for each person's status information or output control functions, the present invention provides audio bandwidth 1 for up to 64 status/control circuits. Use only transmission lines corresponding to . Since microsecond response times are not a problem for most state and control circuits, the multiplexing scheme implemented by the multiplexing apparatus shown in FIGS. state/control lines can be created economically.

, the state/control multiplexer of the present invention receives up to 64 TTL level inputs divided into four blocks of 16 at each remote point S1-S3 and control point C and converts them into ASCII format. (i.e., 0.8 data bits at the beginning and 1 at the end)
Convert to a string of words.

A multiplexer operating in coded mode comprises a multiplexer 2 coupled to a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) 10 and a clock/counter/control logic circuit 1, as shown in FIG.
2, the number of which is very small, and this logic circuit is coupled to both the multiplexer 2 and the UART 10. This extremely small device is capable of receiving 16 cube blocks defining the state of 16 remote state points for transmission to control point C. As will be explained later, by adding three additional multiplexers 4.6.8, the device can easily scale from 16 to 64 state/control lines without increasing system throughput time. I can do it. FIG. 2 shows the type of device for this expanded operation by showing in dashed lines the interconnections of additional multiplexers 4, 6.8 and associated components.

Multiplexing'' 32.4.6.8 are all single integrated circuit TTL 16-to-1 multiplexer chips.
It may be 150. Each multiplexer chip is a scanned device with 16 inputs (identified as blocks 1, 2.3, or 4). Each multiplexer 2. 4. 6.
There are four address lines coupled to 8 that receive the 4 bit address for each multiplexer. For example, the four address lines associated with multiplexer 2 are designated G in FIG.

Furthermore, each multiplexer has a data output, which is the UAR
It is coupled to T10. For example, the output of multiplexer 2 is indicated by H in FIG. The data transmitted from the multiplexer output line (e.g. H) is the data present on a particular one of the 16 data input lines, uniquely identified by the 4-bit address appearing on address line G. It is. The same 4-bit address is coupled from address control logic 12 to each multiplexer 2.4, 6, 8 simultaneously. The data input of each multiplexer is sequentially scanned by four address lines, and the data output of each multiplexer is connected to one of the parallel data inputs of UART 10. The output of each multiplexer is one data bit in an ASCII data stream that constitutes an ASCII output symbol that is serially transmitted.

UART 10 is the heart of the digital status and control multiplexer, such as Western Digital's 18
It can be configured with 63 type UART. This chip receives eight parallel input bits and generates a serial data output signal (K) in ASCII format. UART 10 transmits serial ASCII format symbols for sequential addresses of each of the 16-to-1 multiplexed chips 2, 4, 6.8.

Each output ASCII symbol is the one being scanned.
It has the address of the 6-to-1 multiplexer input line and the corresponding data in 5 of the 8 available data bits. 16 sequential serial ASCI I
A symbol constitutes one complete scan of all state/control input lines. The scanning of state/control inputs is continuous. Therefore, at the output K of the UART there is a continuous stream of serial data that is continuously updated.

Data and scan rates are determined by clock/counter/control logic 12. That is, the control logic circuit 12 controls each multiplexer 2. 4. 6. Generates 4 binary address bits to drive 8 scans. As shown in FIG. 2, the four address bits on line G are also transmitted over the UART 10 as four data bits.

Thus, the four address bits act to select the input lines of the multiplexer for transmission as output data of the multiplexer. Additionally, address bits are transmitted as data to remote locations S1-S3. By doing this, the address data transmitted via jlG is
System synchronization is automatically achieved because it identifies which of the 16 input lines of a particular multiplexer is being scanned, and the data on line H identifies the state of that input line.

As shown in FIG. 2, an additional multiplexer 4. 6. It is advantageous to use the same address-data for each of the 8. Only one data line needs to be added for each multiplexing module added to the system. One additional data line associated with each multiplex S4.6.8 is
In FIG. 2, E1, E2. Denoted as E3.

Therefore, of the 8 input bits transmitted in parallel to UART 10, bits T1 to T4 represent the address being scanned, and bits T5 to T8 represent the address being scanned by multiplexers 2, 4, 6, .
8 represents the status of the identified input lines.

The design of the device with fewer components (i.e., the device ff1 with one multiplexer chip 2) shown in FIG. 2 allows the system to be expanded by adding a 16-person block without changing response time I can do it.

For example, 4. δ, extra 16 like 8
This is done by adding a pair-to-one multiplexer chip. As previously mentioned, address lines G are connected to each multiplexer chip. Added multiplexer chips 4,6.
8 data output (e.g. El, E2.E3) is UART
The remaining three parallel input bits of 10 (T6.T7.
T8). As a result, all multiplexer chips 2°4.6.8 are scanned in parallel. Parallel data paths H and El, E2. Since E3 is provided for each of the 16 input data blocks, throughput time does not increase when expanding from 16 to 64 status/control lines. Furthermore, there is no need for the same number of 16 state/control line blocks to operate in both directions between remote points S1-S3 and control point C.

Focusing on the operation of FIG. 2, the UART 10 uses the crystal oscillator in the control logic circuit 12.
2.4.6.8 and a scanning frequency which is transmitted (via address ilG) to the multiplexer 2.4.6.8. Control logic circuit 12
The signal generated by is a series of square waves. According to the address determined by the signal on the address line G,
One of the 16 inputs of each multiplexer is selected as the data output and applied to lines H, El through E3, respectively. These output signals are sent to UARTlo.

The address signals applied to the multiplexers 2.4, 6.8 are incremented so that all inputs are scanned repeatedly. That is, the address defined by control logic 12 is incremented, then the input from each multiplexer is scanned in parallel, UART 10 sends the input data as one ASCII data word, and then the address is incremented again. Increment to define another scanning motion. During this process, control logic circuit 12 allows time for the signal on address line G to stabilize.

Output data is selected and, after a predetermined period of time to allow the data to stabilize, it is transmitted in ASCII' format.

In order to be correctly decoded by the hardware shown in FIG. 3, the serial data output (K) from FIG. 2 must be in a predetermined format, such as the ASCII format described above. The data can be transferred, e.g. via a microwave link.
It may be transmitted over a telephone line via a modem, or over a radio link or any other audio communication medium.

Referring to FIG. 3, the reception of transmitted serial data occurs in a manner opposite to that described with respect to FIG. In this regard, a repeating string (L) of serial ASCII format data signals is connected to the serial receiver input of the UART 10. The eight parallel data bits on lines M, N and W are delivered to the appropriate output latches 16.1g, 20.22 with a strobe pulse U indicating that a new serial data word has been received. In this example device, the latch is an industry standard TTL device 74LS2.
It is a type 59.

The four receive address bits (R1-R4) on line N select the correct addressable latch output. The data on line M entering the fifth parallel data bit is latched into the selected output of addressable latch 16. Each successive serial data symbol sequentially accesses the next latch output, which exactly tracks the selected input at the time of transmission, so data synchronization is automatic.

Expansion of the system on the receive side beyond the UART 10, control logic 14, and one output latch 16 is shown by dashed components and interconnections. As shown in FIG. 3, this expansion requires only the addition of three blocks of 16 channels using addressable output latches 18, 20, 22. An address signal on line N and a strobe signal on line U are bus connected to all four output latches. The data input of line W of block 2.3.4 is connected to the remaining three parallel output bits (R6 to R8) of UART 10, respectively. As a result,
Four blocks of 16 lines are scanned in parallel,
As a result, even if the line capacity is increased, the output time does not increase.

Additionally, the received data bits 1-4 appearing on line N of FIG. 3 identify the address of the addressable latch output. The data qualified by received bits 5-8 is latched into the selected output of the appropriate output latch 16.18.degree. 20.22. By doing this, 64 outputs are generated divided into four blocks of 16 bits each, as shown in FIG.

The received serial data L is, as previously mentioned, in standard ASCII format and is therefore machine readable.

For this reason, the decoding shown in FIG. 3 as being constituted by hardware is instead performed by a computer located at the control point C or any of the relay base stations S1 to S3.
It can also be decoded by software signals by feeding directly to the SCII serial input. By sending the scan or address information along with the data, synchronization problems are avoided since the device can automatically know which line is being scanned in each of the four blocks due to the received address information. That is, if line 1 of block 1 is being scanned, as indicated by the decoding of the address information of line N, then the device scans line 17 of block 2.3.4, respectively.
．． It can be seen that 33.19 is also being scanned in the same way. Successive 16 ASCII words are transmitted to scan all lines in each block.

Focusing on the operation shown in Fig. 3, the serial data in ASC1l format is received, and the T
It is converted to a TL signal and sent to the serial input of UARTlo. Upon receiving the data, timing signals are generated and transmitted to control logic 14. The control logic circuit 14 is
When UART 10 receives an indication that it has received data in the correct format, it triggers UART 10 to send address data on line N to output latch 16.18.20.22, which parses or decodes the received data. Help you decrypt.

Each output latch receives data on a data line (eg, M for latch 16) and directs the received data to one of eight predetermined outputs.

To obtain 16 TTL alarm outputs, two latches are actually used together, one output latch 16.18,2
It will be observed that 0.22 is formed. This will be explained later with reference to FIG. One bit in the address on line N determines which of the two latches making up output latch 16, for example, receives the data. The address on line N also determines which output the data on line M is directed to.

Control logic circuit 14 serves to inform the device when the received serial data on UART 10 is stable. The control logic responds to a signal from the UART indicating that a new data word has been received. The control logic also acts to strobe data to the output latches via a signal transmitted via strobe line U. Additionally, the control logic resets the UART 10's receive registers to indicate that another data word can be received. The control logic 14 thus serves to provide word synchronization for the multiplexer operating in receive mode.

The multiplexer of the present invention, comprised of the circuitry now described with reference to FIG. Sends out a latched TTL level output signal.

The maximum response time or throughput time of an input to a corresponding output is approximately 256 times one bit time. The average throughput time is half the maximum time, or 128 times the 1 bit time.

Therefore, the maximum response time is determined by assuming for a given data rate that the state of a particular state point changes immediately after the scanning operation.

The table below shows how long it takes before the input is scanned again. The maximum throughput in this table is
3 shows how much time it takes for the circuit shown in the example shown in the figure to transmit a complete 16 frames.

Max bit time Average bit time -Put -Put (microseconds) (milliseconds) (milliseconds) 300
3.333 851.2
415.82.400 418
10B, 4 53.29.800
104 26.8
13.3 FIG. 4 is a more detailed circuit diagram of the state/control multiplexing hardware shown in FIGS. 1-3.

Components and connection lines in FIG. 4 that correspond to those shown in the block diagrams of FIGS. 2 and 3 are designated by the same reference numerals. To simplify the drawings, Figures 2 and 3
Multiplexer 4 in the figure. 6. 8 and output latch 18.20
．． It should be noted that 22 is not shown in FIG. However, the interconnect lines and alphanumeric characters associated with those components shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, multiplexer 2 receives 16 TTL alarm status inputs. As mentioned earlier, multiplexer 2 has 745
It is a type 10 multiplexer. Multiplexer 2 also receives address signals (A, B, C, D) on lines G. Multiplexer 2
The data output on line H from is coupled to bin P30 of UART 10 via logic inverter 30.

Address signals (A, B, C) are input to the multiplexer 2 (i.e., the control logic circuit 12 shown in FIG. 2).

Focusing on the circuit that generates D), the clock frequency generator 32 generates a clock frequency signal of, for example, 7.3728M1lz. The clock signal generated by generator 32 is divided by frequency divider 34 .

Its output is UART 10's bins P ], 7 and P
2O is applied. The UART chip 10, which may be, for example, the 1863 type manufactured by Western Digital Fist Corporation, requires a clock signal at 16 times the baud rate.

The output of the frequency divider 34 is divided by a frequency divider 36, the output of the frequency divider 36 is applied to a frequency divider 38, and the frequency divider 38 further divides the output signal into A and B.

Generates C and D signals. These signals are the addresses that are transmitted via line G to the multiplexer 2.

Furthermore, these address signals are input to the input bin P26. of UARTlo for transmission. P27. P28. It is supplied to P29.

The counters forming the divider 38, which generates outputs A, B, C, and D, sequentially increment the output addresses so that the input lines are scanned sequentially and repeatedly.

Using the high frequency output signal from the frequency divider 36 (i.e., compared to the output of the frequency divider 38), four address output methods A,
Strobe B, C, and D using UART 10i, 1m. In this regard, the output signal of the frequency divider 36 is logically inverted by the inverter 4o and becomes a NAND signal.
It is coupled to one input of gate 42. The other input of NAND gate 42 receives the signal from UARTIO bin P22. This signal is generated when the UART 10 transmit register is empty. When both the signal from inverter 4o (which indicates it is ready to transmit an address input) and the signal from bin 22 are present at the input of NAND gate 42, UART 10 is triggered to transmit. .

In response to the signal received on bin P23, UART 1
0 acts to transmit the appropriate input TTL signal. T
The TL signal is transmitted from bin 25 of UART 10,
The signal is sent to converter 44, which converts the TTL signal from UAR, T 10, to ASCII levels. Converter 44 is a conventional converter of the MAX232 type manufactured by Maxim Corporation, which
Converts the TTL output signal from 10 to serial ASCII level (R3232). Converter 44 may also receive an ASCII level input signal and output a TTL signal to bin 20 of UART 10, for example.

Control logic 14, shown in FIG. 3, includes a one-shot multivibrator 46, which receives signals from bin P19 of UART 10. This signal is the UART
A 10 indicates that data has just been put into its output register. This signal initiates the firing of one shot 46 and its output signal on line U is used to output data through NAND gates 48 and 50 to latch 16A or 1.
Strobe to 6B. One shot 46 indicates to the UART that the data has been latched and that UART 10 must be ready to receive the next word.
10 back to pin 18 of UARTlo.

The NAND Game) 48.50 also receives an input from pin P9 of UART 10, which is the D address signal. This signal determines which of the two 8-bit output latches 16A or 16B receives the output data. The D address signal is directly connected to NAND gate 50 and
The signal is sent to gate 48 via inverter 52 to enable either output channel 16A or 16B.

This makes it impossible to enable both output latches 16A and 16B at the same time.

The 16 alarm outputs generated at the outputs of latches 16A and 16B correspond to the 16 alarm inputs received by multiplexer 2.

To briefly explain the pins of UART 10, U
Pin P1 of ART 10 is the power pin, pin P3
．． P4. P16. P21.゛P36. It can be seen that P39 is the ground pin. Bins P5 to P of UART 10
20 is dedicated to the receive function and pins 22-39 are dedicated to the transmit function. As mentioned earlier, pins P40 and P
I3 is a 16x clock input, which is the UART
This is the clock signal for the 10 transmit and receive operations.

Pin P5. P6. P7 is the output latch 18 shown in FIG.
, 20.22. In this regard, note the interconnection line W shown in both FIGS. 3 and 4.

Correspondingly, pins P31 to P33 receive inputs from the multiplexers 4, 5.8 shown in FIG. 2 via correspondingly labeled input lines El, E2.about.E3. Pin P34
P39 provides the voltages necessary to generate the various logic levels required by UART 10. Pin P
2°PI3 to PI3 and P24 are not used in this embodiment.

An example of an alarm device that can be used in conjunction with the multiplexing device described above is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, individual alarm devices at control point C may be associated with each remote point S1-S3 of the scheme. The alarm device operates based on locally generated control signals as well as on the previously mentioned conditions and information received from a remote location via the control device. The alarm device provides a contact occlusion signal to activate the alarm indicator/announcer and provides a concrete means of indicating the specific source of the alarm.

The alarm system shown in FIG. 5 is one of the logic circuits used to logically combine status information received from remote locations and generate a fault indication signal in response to the logically combined status inputs. An example is shown.

Further, the alarm device is responsive to actuation of a predetermined control function at the remote location that is expected to produce the desired response.

For example, if a remote transmitter were turned on by actuation of a transmitter turn-on control function, a change in status would be detected indicating that output power is now being sensed. If this response is not received within the scheduled period, the alarm device of FIG. 5 will issue a visual and/or audible alarm at the control point. However, if the transmitter is off, but the transmitter control function has not been initiated, it will receive the same status information indicating that the intended transmitter has no transmit power;
The alarm system shown in FIG. 5 does not indicate a failure.

The example alarm system shown in FIG. 5 has eight separate alarm initiation channels. Four of these paths see a logical combination of locally generated transmitter PTT, excessive remote transmitter reflected power, and the presence or absence of remote transmitter forward power. Three of the remaining four alarm paths are in a form that can directly initiate an alarm, but the last alarm path detects the absence of ASCII status data received from a remote location.

Referring specifically to FIG. 5, all inputs of logic AND gate 60 are held high (logic 1) if no faults are detected. In this case, output relay 62
is not activated and external contact 64 does not initiate an alarm display.

When any one or more inputs to AND gate 60 go low (logic 0), relay 62 is activated and contact 64 initiates an external alarm indication. Diode 65 acts as a transient suppressor.

Threshold detectors at remote points S1 to S3 are GO/No.
A Go signal (ie, logic 1 or logic O) is generated which is transmitted to the control point via the status and control device. These signals are all labeled 2A to 2E in the block diagram. The meaning assigned to each is also shown in FIG. Signal 2C.

2D and 2E are used logically as they are received.

LED (Jm and associated current limiting resistor) 67°'6
8, 70, 72, and 74 indicate the deceased Jingen when lit. LED 67.6g, 70,72°74 is the fifth
As can be seen from the logic 0 state shown in the figure, it is forward biased and illuminates when a condition indicating a fault occurs.

To obtain an indication that no data updates have been received from a remote location, connect the status and control device in series A to the input of the retriggerable one-shot multivibrator (MV) 6B.
A data signal 2F in SCII format is applied. The time constant is chosen such that the output of one shot 66 remains in the one state while data is being received. If the serial data is interrupted for some reason, the one shot 66 changes the state,
Alarm is initiated.

The remaining sources of alarm input relate to detecting that a remote transmitter does not go on the air even though it has been commanded to do so. This is done by remotely sensing the transmitter's forward and reflected RF mains power and making logical decisions based thereon at the control point.

Specifically, if the transmitter is not keyed to broadcast, a locally generated PTT command 1 will be sensed as a logic 0, which means that, regardless of the other inputs to gate 76, - Keep the output of gate 76 high. PTT
When command 1 is issued, the associated logic input to gate 76 goes high (logic 1) and hold-off timer 78 is started. The output of the hold off timer goes low for a short period of time, which keeps the output of gate 76 high. The purpose is to allow time for the remote transmitter to respond to the PTT signal 1 so that RF sensor status information can be sent back to the control point. - Once the PTT line 1 is out and the OFF hold 1,'j timer 78 expires, RF forward power 2B is detected and reflected R and E power 2A is absent (this is due to the inverter 80 signal) causes output NAND gate 82 to go low (logic 0), which causes the output of NAND gate 76 to remain in a non-alarm (logic 1) state. If a high reflected RF main power A of the transmitter or an inadequate forward power 2B of the transmitter is sensed,
The output of NAND gate 82 goes high and thus all inputs to NAND gate 76 go high, which then initiates an alarm. Removing PTT signal 1 immediately causes the corresponding input of NAND gate 76 to go low, disabling the transmitter alarm detection circuit's ability to initiate any further alarms. A transmitter alarm detection circuit is used for each remote transmitter. Although this invention has been described in terms of embodiments which are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred, this invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but rather may be modified and equivalently arranged within the scope of the claims. Needless to say, it is widespread.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 shows the geographical areas AI, A2. Three wireless medium (transmission) points 5IS2 for communication to A3. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one example of a simplified multi-point scheme with S3; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one multiplexing device shown in FIG. Figure 4 is a block diagram of one multiplexer shown in Figure 1 when implementing a decoding function according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a more detailed diagram of the multiplexer shown in Figures 2 and 3; Circuit Diagram FIG. 5 is a block diagram of one example alarm system that can be used in conjunction with the state and control multiplexing system of the present invention. Explanation of main symbols C: Control points Sl, S2. S3: Remote point S (1-3) MUX, CMUX (1-3): Multiplexing device

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A control point and at least one remote point, the control point communicating with the at least one remote point via a plurality of communication lines.
a plurality of sensors attached to the at least one remote point; and a state of the plurality of sensors via one path of a full-duplex communication line. multiplexing means for transmitting data related to said control point to said control point, said multiplexing means controlling at least one function of said at least one remote point via another path of said full duplex communication line. a communication device comprising means for receiving a control signal from said control point; 2. Claim 1, wherein at least one of said sensors includes means for sensing whether a transmitter is producing a power output.
Communication device as described. 3. The communication device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the sensors includes means for sensing antenna reflected power. 4. The communication device of claim 1, wherein at least one remote location is within a building, and at least one of the sensors includes means for detecting conditions related to the building. 5. The communication device of claim 1, wherein said one communication line is a single voice bandwidth line. 6. The communication device of claim 1, wherein said multiplexing means includes means for receiving logic level data from said plurality of sensors and generating data in a format intended for machine reading and acquisition. 7. The communication device of claim 6, wherein the logic level data is in TTL format and the machine readable format is ASCII. 8. The communication device of claim 1, wherein said control point includes means for generating a control signal to initiate a control function to be performed at said at least one remote point. 9. The communication device of claim 8, wherein the control signal initiates a point controller reset operation. 10. The communication device of claim 8, wherein the control signal initiates a transmitter test operation. 11. The communication device of claim 8, wherein said means for generating includes means for disabling a remote transmitter. 12. The communication device of claim 8, wherein said means for generating includes means for initiating a test operation at said remote location. 13. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein said one communication line is an asynchronous ASCII data line. 14. The communication device of claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying an indication of the status of the at least one sensor in response to the signal received from the multiplexing means. 15. The communication device of claim 1, further comprising alarm means for generating an indication of an alarm condition in response to a signal received from said multiplexing means. 16. The communication device of claim 15, wherein said alarm means includes means for logically combining the signals received from said multiplexing means to generate an alarm condition related to the state of the signals received from said multiplexing means. . 17. The communication device of claim 16, wherein said alarm means includes means for indicating when data is not being received from a scheduled remote location. 18. The multiplexing means comprises: at least one data input means having a plurality of data inputs and one data output; said plurality of data input means being coupled to said data input means and said plurality of data to be coupled to said data output; address control means for generating an address signal for selecting one of the data inputs; transmission means coupled to the data input means and the address control means for transmitting the data appearing at the data output and the address signal; The communication device according to claim 1, comprising: 19. The multiplexing means has: data and address receiving means for receiving data and address information, and is coupled to the data and address receiving means and has at least one data input and a plurality of data outputs, and has at least one data input and a plurality of data outputs; at least one decomposition means including means for directing data received at a data input to a data output identified by said address information.
Communication device as described. 20, having a control point and at least one remote point;
A method of exchanging status and control information between the at least one remote point and the control point, wherein the control point communicates with at least one remote point via a plurality of communication lines, the method comprising: providing a plurality of sensors at one remote location, transmitting data regarding the status of the plurality of sensors to the control point via one communication line, and through signals transmitted via the one communication line; A method comprising remotely controlling at least one function at the at least one remote location. 21. The method of claim 20, comprising the steps of: 21 sensing whether the at least one remote transmitter is generating power output and transmitting an indication thereof over the one line. 22. The method of claim 20, comprising the steps of: sensing antenna reflected power and transmitting an indication thereof over the one line. 23. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one remote location is within a building, further comprising detecting a condition related to the building and transmitting an indication of the condition via the one line. Method. 24. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of transmitting includes the step of receiving logic level data from a plurality of sensors and generating the data in a format intended for machine reading. 25. The method of claim 20, including the step of: generating a control signal at the control point to initiate a control function to be performed at the at least one remote point. 26. The method of claim 25, including the step of initiating a point controller reset operation. 27. Claim 2 comprising the step of starting a test operation of the transmitter.
5. The method described in 5. 28. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of generating includes the step of disabling the remote transmitter. 29. The method of claim 20, including the step of: displaying an indication of the status of the at least one sensor. 30. Generating an indication of an alarm condition at the control point in response to receiving a scheduled condition.
Method described. 31. The method of claim 30, including the step of: logically combining signals received via the one communication line to generate an alarm condition in response to a state of the signals received from the at least one remote location. 32, having a control point and at least one remote point;
In a multiplexing device used in a communication system in which the control point communicates with the at least one remote point via a plurality of communication lines, at least one multiplexing means having a plurality of data inputs and one data output. and address control means coupled to the multiplexing means for generating an address signal for selecting one data of the plurality of data inputs to be coupled to the data output; and the multiplexing means. and transmitting means coupled to said address control means for transmitting data and address signals appearing at said data output. 33. The multiplexing apparatus of claim 32, wherein the data received by said multiplexing means defines the state of a state point associated with said at least one remote location. Claim 34, wherein said at least one multiplexing means includes a plurality of multiplexing means each having a plurality of data inputs and one data output, each data output being coupled to said transmitting means. 33. The multiplexing device according to 32. 35. The multiplexing apparatus of claim 34, wherein each of said plurality of multiplexing means is coupled to said address control means to simultaneously receive said address signals. 36. The multiplexing apparatus of claim 32, wherein said transmitting means produces output data in a format intended for machine reading and retrieval. 37. Claim 3 that the machine readable format is ASCII
6. The multiplexing device according to 6. 38, said at least one multiplexing means having a logic level
33. The multiplexing device of claim 32, including means for receiving data. 39. The multiplexing apparatus of claim 32, wherein the address control means includes means for scanning each of the plurality of inputs. 40. The multiplexing apparatus of claim 32, wherein said transmitting means includes means for transmitting the identification code of the scanned input line as well as the corresponding data present on the scanned input line. 41. The multiplexing apparatus of claim 32, wherein said address control means includes means for determining the speed at which said input lines are scanned. 42. Claim 34 further comprising means for supplying output data from each of the plurality of multiplexing means to the transmitting means in parallel.
Multiplexer as described. 43. The multiplexing apparatus of claim 32, wherein said address control means includes means for incrementing said address signal to repeatedly identify each of said plurality of inputs. 44, having a control point and at least one remote point;
A disassembly device for use in a communication system in which the control point communicates with the at least one remote point via a plurality of communication lines, the disassembly device comprising: receiving means for receiving data and address information; and coupled to the receiving means. , having at least one data input and a plurality of data outputs, and at least one decomposition means including means for directing data received at the at least one data input to a data output identified by the address information. Decomposition equipment. 45. The decomposition apparatus of claim 44, wherein said at least one decomposition means includes a plurality of decomposition means, each decomposition means coupled to receive said address information simultaneously. 46. The decomposition apparatus of claim 44, including control means coupled to said receiving means and said at least one decomposition means for strobing received data to said at least one decomposition means.