Abstract

A time division multiplex switching system converts call formats and signalling protocols so that calls can be interchanged between circuits originating in different networks thereby providing a gateway for telephone transmissions originating from sources (e.g., foreign countries) having differences in transmission (signal attenuation characteristics and companding laws) and signalling and numbering plans or protocols. This switching system is characterized by a processor which is programmed to identify the circuits requiring interconnection and to process signalling messages in accordance with the signalling systems and formats used in the circuits, while translating the signalling messages into common, protocol independent signaling messages which are used for establishing time division multiplex connections in a time slot interchange which is connected to the circuits via PCM highways and for exchanging signalling information (e.g., as to seizure, detection and release) between the circuits; the signalling messages also containing information for conversion of PCM data messages which are switched in the time slot interchange thereby reconciling differences in transmission, such as the companding law used for PCM encoding and decoding and the attenuation (pad value) of the call data in the circuits. The circuits may, for example, be incoming and outgoing trunks.