Importance

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Abstract

Methods and apparatus for conserving power in terminal units that transmit and receive modulated data over a communications loop that is shared with voiceband telephone equipment are disclosed. The methods include monitoring the loop to detect a shut-down condition and reducing power consumption of certain of the electronic circuits in the terminal unit upon detection of a shut-down condition. The methods also include monitoring the loop with a monitoring circuit to detect a resume signal outside the voiceband frequency range on the loop and restoring power to the electronic circuits when the resume signal is detected. The apparatuses include a modulated data transmitting and receiving unit having a connector for coupling the unit to a communications loop, circuitry to transmit and receive a modulated data signal in a frequency range above voiceband, and circuitry to detect a resume signal in the frequency range above voiceband and then to initiate a power up sequence for the transmit and receive circuitry.

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First Claim