Importance

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Abstract

Methods, and apparatus for carrying out the methods, are disclosed for synchronizing a plurality of RF transmitters that are supplied with a common digital information signal for carrier modulation and subsequent transmission on a common channel throughout a prescribed region, whereby the digital signal receivers within the region may receive transmissions on the channel from more than one transmitter. The method involves inserting reference signals into the data sent to the transmitters in order to place them into known states at specific times relative to the digital signals sent to them for transmission. As a result of this method, the digital signals transmitted by each of the transmitters will be identical to one another so that the receivers will be able to identify one received signal as the main signal and the others as echoes. If necessary, the signal transmitted by at least one of the synchronized transmitters may be delayed, such that identical digital signals received from at least two of the transmitters by receivers in the region will arrive at each receiver within a prescribed time window. The methods and apparatus also can be applied to one or a plurality of RF transmitters for purposes of synchronizing processes at the source of the signals and at the transmitters.

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First Claim