Modular multi-service telecommunication access device

Abstract

A modular multi-service telecommunication access device includes a controller card and card slots for six peripheral cards and a power supply. Any of several types of peripheral cards can be inserted into the six card slots. A card present/protocol scheme allows an inserted card to recognize its address and communicate same as well as its communication protocol to the controller card via a PCM highway. The controller card sends both signaling information and management information to the peripheral cards via another PCM highway. A unique communication protocol allows for both real time signaling information and non-real time management information to be sent on the same channel. A microprocessor on the controller card includes an algorithm for managing messages to the various peripheral cards in the various card slots. A unique tributary addressing scheme allows for a simplified address used by external users to be converted to a more detailed internal address. A battery sense circuit includes a variable resistive element used in conjunction with additional circuitry to sense conditions relevant to the battery. A unique ringer circuit includes a boost converter for producing a sufficiently high voltage for the circuit. A faceplate provided on each of the circuit cards has resilient fingers thereon for selective mating with the chassis of telecommunication device.