Pulsed communication system

Abstract

An optical communication system includes a stationary master unit which is adapted to receive through a wired communication bus a plurality of separate communication input signals and communicate a corresponding plurality of separate communication output signals. The master unit converts the input signals to pulsed signals and optically transmits the pulsed signals corresponding to each of the separate signals during designated time slots to one of a plurality of separate communication units which preferably are portable units. The portable units reconvert the received pulsed signals to signals corresponding to the original communication signals. Each of the portable units also receives individually separate communication signals, converts the received communication signals to pulsed signals and optically transmits the pulsed signals to the master unit in the same manner. The master unit converts the received pulsed signals to communication output signals and communicates them over the bus to a designated output terminal. Range extending units may be coupled to the master unit. The disclosed optical system is particularly adaptable to improve existing communication systems at drive-up windows of banks or similar installations.