Ringing Signal Detection Using Analog-to-Digital Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications systems face challenges in reliably detecting ring-trip conditions and handling high currents associated with ringing signals, which can saturate voice components and affect normal voice operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing an analog-to-digital converter for processing voice signals, including a ringing generator and ring-trip detection logic, to transmit and detect ringing signals on a subscriber line, allowing for efficient ring-trip indication and handling of high currents by toggling between low and high current modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high voltage ringing signal is transmitted to ring the telephonic device, then the ringing function is effective, but the voice components of the line card may be saturated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing by separating the ringing signal path from the voice signal path. The ringing signal is processed through dedicated ringing generator and detection circuits, while voice signals are handled separately through voice processors. This segmentation allows the high voltage ringing signal to effectively ring the telephonic device without saturating the voice components, as each signal type is handled through appropriate circuitry with suitable voltage ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary circuits including a ring trip detection circuit and an analog-to-digital converter that act as mediators between the high voltage ringing signal and the voice processing system. These intermediary components detect the presence and characteristics of the ringing signal, allowing the system to distinguish between ringing conditions and normal voice operations, thereby preventing saturation of voice components while maintaining effective ringing functionality.
2Device complexity
If the ringing signal is processed through the same analog-to-digital converter as voice signals, then device complexity is reduced, but accurate ring-trip detection becomes difficult due to signal saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal conversion process by using separate analog-to-digital converters for ringing signal processing and voice signal processing. The first analog-to-digital converter is dedicated to converting ringing signals detected by the ring trip detection circuit, while the second analog-to-digital converter handles voice signals. This segmentation ensures that the ringing signal, which can cause saturation in shared converters, is processed through dedicated circuitry that can accurately detect ring-trip conditions without interference from voice signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary ring trip detection circuit that sits between the ringing signal generator and the analog-to-digital converter. This intermediary circuit pre-processes the ringing signal, detecting its presence and characteristics before conversion to digital form. This allows for accurate ring-trip detection while maintaining the benefit of using analog-to-digital converters for signal processing, as the intermediary circuit prepares the signal in a manner that prevents saturation issues in the converter.
3Reliability
If high current modes are used for ringing signals, then ringing effectiveness is improved, but normal voice operations are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current handling by implementing separate current modes for ringing and voice operations. The line card can operate in a first current mode optimized for ringing signals, which allows high current delivery to ensure effective ringing of the telephonic device. When voice operations are required, the system switches to a second current mode that maintains stability suitable for normal voice processing. This segmentation of operational modes allows the system to optimize for ringing effectiveness without compromising voice operation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic current mode switching that allows the line card to adapt its current handling characteristics based on the operational requirement. The system can dynamically transition between high current mode for ringing operations and stable current mode for voice operations. This dynamic adaptation ensures that high current ringing signals effectively ring the telephonic device while normal voice operations proceed with stable, appropriate current levels, thereby maintaining ease of operation for voice communications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable ring-trip detection and AC fault detection, effectively managing high currents during ringing signals, ensuring stable voice and data operations by converting the ringing signal to a digital format and providing a ring-trip indication.
Implementation Method 1
converting the portion of the ringing signal to a digital signal using the analog-to-digital converter
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is provided for ring-trip detection in a line card having an analog-to-digital converter for processing voice signals. The method includes receiving a ringing control signal, transmitting a ringing signal to a subscriber line in response to the ringing control signal, and receiving a portion of the ringing signal from the subscriber line. The method includes converting the portion of the ringing signal to a digital signal using the analog-to-digital converter, and providing a ring-trip indication in response to the digital signal. The apparatus includes first circuitry capable of processing a voice signal, the circuitry including a analog-to-digital converter for processing the voice signal. The apparatus includes a ringing generator, second circuitry, and ring-trip detection logic. The generator is capable providing a ringing signal to a subscriber line in response to receiving a ringing control signal. The second circuitry is capable of delivering the portion of the ringing signal to the analog-to-digital converter of the first circuitry, wherein the analog-to-digital converts the portion of the ringing signal to a digital signal. The ring-trip detection logic is capable of providing a ring-trip indication in response to the digital signal.