Apparatus for embodying combined time switching and conference calling

Abstract

An apparatus for embodying integrated time switching and conference calling functions in a private exchange system, comprising a first converter for converting serial mode channel data from a plurality of incoming highways into parallel mode channel data, and for multiplexing the parallel mode channel data in time division to form multiplexed data in time slots within a frame. A data memory having a plurality of memory locations is connected to the first converter to store the multiplexed data in groups of said time slots received from the first converter during a write operation, and to supply stored multiplexed data in groups of the time slots during a read operation. An address counter generates a write address during the write operation for storing the multiplexed data in groups of the time slots in the data memory. A control memory stores control information to read and select stored multiplexed data during the read operation. A controller controls at least one of the write operation and the read operation through an interface unit connected between the data memory and the control memory. A conference calling unit is coupled to receive the stored multiplexed data in groups of the time slots from the data memory to establish conference connections during respective time slots. And a second converter is connected ot the conference calling unit to demultiplex an output of the conference calling unit to form parallel output data, and to convert the parallel output data into serial output data to a plurality of outgoing highways.