Clear-channel system and related applications

摘要

A wireless spread-spectrum communication system for transmitting data includes a plurality of end point transmitters and at least one receiver. The end point transmitters transmit data via a frequency-hopped spread-spectrum signal where the transmitting signal is sent without the benefit of frequency stabilization. The receiver is responsive to the frequency-hopping spread-spectrum signals and includes a correlator and a signal processor. The correlator samples at least a first portion of a preamble of the signal and correlates the portion of the preamble with a known preamble pattern to determine a probability of correlation. The signal processor applies a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm to the signal in response to the probability of correlation to track a narrowband frequency of the signal based on at least a second portion of the preamble and to decode data encoded within the signal subsequent to the preamble.

主权项

1. A frequency-hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS) system for enhancing communications in a given location, the system comprising:
a radio in communication with an endpoint, the endpoint coupled to a utility meter, the radio comprising:
a receiver to receive data in a frequency band;a microprocessor to analyze the received data to create a band profile of power levels at frequencies across the frequency band; anda transmitter to transmit the band profile to the endpoint to facilitate communication from the endpoint by the endpoint avoiding noisy channels identified from the band profile,wherein the receiver receives utility consumption data from the endpoint via FHSS signals transmitted over channels associated with the band profile, and the transmitter transmits the utility consumption data to a utility data collector to be ultimately provided to a central station.