David G Kissinger

US Patent:

57129770, Jan 27, 1998

Filed:

Sep 18, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/529867

Inventors:

Thomas J. Glad - Nevada City CA
Gregory S. Gillespie - Nevada City CA
David R. Kissinger - Pike CA
William L. Harris - Nevada City CA

Assignee:

TDK Systems, Inc. - Nevada City CA

International Classification:

H04N 132
G06F 1314

US Classification:

39520009

Abstract:

The present invention provides apparatus and method for connecting Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) to communication networks. The present invention provides an adaptable universal modem that can be reconfigured to meet different specifications in different countries, thereby allowing a user to use a single universal modem across different specifications in different countries. The universal modem includes a microcontroller, a programmable data pump, and a programmable DAA. A user reads a particular country code on each country's unique identifier and provides the information to a modem setup program. The modem setup program configures the universal modem according to the country information entered by the user, thereby permanently storing the home country code in modem flash memory. The universal modem of the present invention reverts to a default home configuration upon power-up to meet the requirements of various PTT (Postal Telephone & Telegraph) authorities. The country code can be changed after power-up by entering a country code change command in the modem setup program.