Method and apparatus for dynamically adapting the clock rate and data

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for detecting the amount of the power available from a phone line and for adjusting the clock rate and data transfer rate of a modem or a device that transfers data over the phone line to provide the best possible performance for the available phone-line power. A method of operating a device for transferring data over a phone line includes the following steps: setting the device off hook; measuring the voltage level of the phone line; determining the amount of the power available from the phone line; selecting a clock rate for the device; setting the device to operate at the clock rate; placing a call; selecting a data transfer rate; and transferring the data. An apparatus for transferring data over a phone line includes a clock generator for generating a first clock signal of a first frequency; a frequency divider for generating multiple clock signals of different frequencies and for outputting one of the multiple clock signals; a data pump for modulating and demodulating data; a sensor for sensing the voltage level of the phone line; a microcontroller for controlling the frequency divider, the data pump and the sensor; a line isolator for blocking hazardous electrical signals from coming into the apparatus; an interface for coupling the microcontroller to a computer host; and a power converter for converting a DC voltage of the phone line to an appropriate DC power supply voltage to be used by the apparatus.