Bit compression multiplexer

摘要

A bit compression multiplexer (FIG. 2) for a pair of time division multiplexed digital bit streams each one of which includes a plurality of PCM encoded signals deposited in separate and distinct channels of a repetitive frame and signaling bits multiplexed therewith. The PCM encoded signals of successive frames are normally bit compressed (23) into n-bit signals, but periodically the encoded signals of a frame are bit compressed into n-1 bit signals. The bit compressed signals of the pair of bit streams are time division multiplexed (24) with each other, with the multiplexed compressed signals occupying separate and distinct channels of a repetitive frame. The signaling bits are extracted (21) from the pair of digital bit streams and are inserted (24) into predetermined n-1 bit channels of the last-recited repetitive frame. The signaling bits that are placed in a given channel are related to the encoded message signal of that channel.