Patent ID: 7725036

Claim:
A signal encoder for use in a cable television return path, comprising: an input configured to receive an N-bit digital input sample from an analog-to-digital converter; logic configured to determine a size of the N-bit digital sample, selected from a plurality of distinct possible sizes of an N-bit value, the logic further configured to generate one or more selection output bits indicative of the determined size of the N-bit digital sample; logic configured to produce a digital output sample representative of the N-bit digital input sample, the digital output sample including a subset of the N-bits of the digital input sample selected from among a plurality of possible subsets for the N-bits, the subset of the N bits being selected in accordance with the one or more selection output bits, the digital output sample further including the one or more selection output bits, but fewer total bits than N; and an output, coupled to the logic, configured to provide the digital output sample to an optical transmitter.