Space/time switching element having input/output circuits each separately switchable between two or more bit rates

U.S. Patent Number: 5343467

Abstract: A space/time switching element in which the frame structure is based on the lowest bit rate. Within such a frame, even signals with the highest bit rate can be buffered and converted in time. The space/time switching element has inputs and outputs which are separately switchable between two bit rates. With this switching element combinations of several channels into higher-capacity connections (N.times.64 Kb/s) are readily possible. Higher bits rates are therefore used only when needed. Consequently, reduction of power dissipation and spurious radiation is achieved.

Inventors: Wohr; Peter (Stuttgart, DE)

Assignee: Alcatel N.V. (Amsterdam, NL)

Application Number: 07/891,285

Issued: 1994-08-30

Expired: 2006-08-30

Classes: 370/353 ; 370/358; 370/366; 370/398

Field of search: 370/84,58.1,59,63,64,66,68,68.1,60,60.1,58.2 375/121

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