Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A power saving method and apparatus in a time division multiplexed system (10) capable of providing a synchronous full duplex communication between a telephone network (12) and a plurality of remote communication units (18). A communication resource controller (14) provides system synchronization, by periodically trnsmitting synchronization messages through one or more remote sites (11). The communication units (18) attempt to acquire synchronization during a synchronization acquisition interval. If synchronization is acquired, the communication units (18) enter a synchronous battery saving mode (515). In the synchronous battery saving mode (515), the communication units (18) can detect a call request either to their own address or to the address of another communication unit. If no call request is detected, the communication units (18) reduce power consumption for a synchronous power saving time interval, and thereafter merely verify synchronization. However, if synchronization is not acquired, the communication units enter an asynchronous power saving mode (525), wherein they reduce power consumption for an asynchronous power saving interval. The communication units (18) may enter the asynchronous battery saving mode (505), if a call request to another communication unit is detected. The asynchronous power saving interval is substantially longer than synchronous power saving interval.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim