Multiline automatic calling system adapter

Abstract

Apparatus for controlling an automatic dialer which, in response to dial digits, automatically establishes communication paths over a plurality of telephone lines. The apparatus includes interface logic connected to a computer port for receiving serial digital data from the computer. The data includes control characters and dial digits. The serial data is stored in parallel word format in a random access memory (RAM) buffer. The RAM is operated in three modes, a write mode in which addresses and digits are stored in the RAM, a read mode in which the addresses and digits are presented to the dialer and an abort mode in which a call in progress is interdicted and resumed later, or completely aborted. Control logic responds to the serial interface and stores successive digits in successive RAM address locations, the final word being a buffer empty character to signify the end of the stored data. The control logic then signals the dialer and, under control of a demand/response hand shake procedure, transfers the stored words in parallel to the dialer. The end of the dial data is signified by the decoding by RAM logic of the buffer empty character when it is read from the RAM. The dialer responds to the words and dials the telephone number to thereby connect the computer port to the telephone line through a modem.