Method of efficiently synchronizing to a desired timeslot in a time division multiple access communication system

摘要

In operation, a transmitting device selects a synchronization pattern associated with the desired timeslot that is at least mutually exclusive from synchronization patterns associated with other timeslots on the same frequency in the system. Once selected, the transmitting device transmits a burst embedding the synchronization pattern that was selected, where appropriate. If the receiving device detects the synchronization pattern, it immediately synchronizes with the timeslot with confidence that it is synchronizing to the desired timeslot by using sets of synchronization patterns associated with the desired timeslot that are at least mutually exclusive from synchronization patterns associated with the other timeslots on the same frequency.

主权项

1. In a time division multiple access (TDMA) system having a plurality of timeslots, a method comprising the steps of:
tuning to a frequency in the system; searching for a desired set of synchronization patterns on the frequency, each of at least two slots on the frequency out of n slots used on the frequency having a set of synchronization patterns that are mutually exclusive of each other and of other sets of synchronization patterns used in the system on the frequency, and including at least a first set of synchronization patterns identifying a rest timeslot and a second set of synchronization patterns identifying a non-rest timeslot, the rest timeslot (or channel) being a channel identified in the system as one which idle subscriber units within the system monitor for transmission of at least one new call initiation and new rest channel notification; and if one of the synchronization patterns belonging to the desired set of synchronization patterns is detected on the frequency, synchronizing to a timeslot in which the synchronization pattern was detected and receiving information corresponding to the rest or non-rest timeslot.