Method and apparatus for multi-mode infrared data transmission

Abstract

A method and apparatus for transmitting information over a wireless connection are provided. A correlation is established between a set of symbols and a set of pulse position/signal characteristic combinations. Thus, each symbol has a corresponding pulse position and a corresponding signal characteristic. The signal characteristic may be, for example, a particular frequency, amplitude or phase. To communicate a symbol, a device generates a signal in which a tone burst is sent during the pulse position that corresponds to the symbol. In addition, at least some portion of the signal reflects the signal characteristic that corresponds to the symbol. A receiving device determines the pulse position in which the tone burst was sent and determines the signal characteristic reflected in the signal. The receiving device then determines the symbol based on the pulse position and the signal characteristic. Synchronization is improved by generating synchronization tone bursts before each pulse position modulation frame. Inter-symbol interference is minimized by placing guard bands on each side of the synchronization pulse and/or between pulse windows in each pulse position modulation frame.