Motorola Corporation

Thomas Edward Oberhauser

Alexander Wayne Hietala

John J Vaglica

Oded Norman

Yoram Salant

Paul McAlinden

Arvind S Arora

Moshe Refaeli

A communications system includes multiple processors (14, 16) and a protocol timer (18). The protocol timer (18) controls the timing of events in the communications system and operates autonomously after it is loaded with initial instructions by one of the multiple processors (14, 16). The protocol timer (18) utilizes a frame event table (50) and a macro event table (46, 48) to trigger events and to generate interrupts of the multiple processors (14, 16). By allowing the protocol timer (18) to operate autonomously, the processors (14, 16) are relieved of timing control, and can be powered down when not in use, thus reducing power consumption of the communications system. Also, by using the protocol timer (18) to control the timing of events, software related errors and interrupt latencies are reduced.

Data processing system having a protocol timer for autonomously

A communication control apparatus (108) for use in an electronic device (102) includes a device (111), first and second communication lines (116 and 117), and a controller (110). The device (111) and the controller (110) are interconnected by the first and second communication lines (116 and 117), which are driven by the controller (110). The first and second communication lines (116 and 117) have different capacities and the first communication line (116) is subject to disabling. The controller (110) programs the device (111) using the first communication line (116) prior to its disabling and programs the device (111) via the second communication line (117) while the first communication line (116) is disabled. The apparatus (108) permits periodic placement of portions of the electronic device (102), including a master clock (112), into a powered-off state from which return to a powered-on state is possible.

Communication control apparatus and method

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Algonquin, IL, United States of America

Thomas Edward Oberhauser