Stored Program Control

(SPC)
we will discuss the Stored Program Control works in
Telecommunication Switching Systems and Networks
• In order to increase the efficiency and speed of control and signaling in
switching, the use of electronics was introduced.
• The Stored Program Control, in short SPC is
• the concept of electronics that ringed in a change in telecommunication.
• It permits the features like
• abbreviated dialing, call forwarding, call waiting, etc.

•The Stored Program Control concept is

•where a program or a set of instructions to the computer is
stored in its memory and the instructions are executed
automatically one by one by the processor.
• As the exchange control functions are carried out through programs
stored in the memory of a computer, it is called the Stored Program
Control (SPC).
The following figure shows the basic control structure of an SPC telephony exchange.
• The processors used by SPC are designed based on the requirements
of the exchange.
• The processors are duplicated; and, using more than one processor makes
the process reliable.
• A separate processor is used for the maintenance of the switching system.

• There are two types of SPCs:

1. Centralized SPC
2. Distributed SPC
 Centralized SPC
• The previous version of Centralized SPC
used a single main processor to
perform the exchange functions.
• The dual processor replaced the single
main processor at a later stage of
advancement. This made the process
more reliable.
• The following figure shows the
organization of a typical Centralized
SPC.
• As the name implies, in the two processors present, one processor is active
and the other is in the standby mode.
• The processor in the standby mode is used as a backup, in case the active
one fails.
• This mode of exchange uses a secondary storage common to both the processors.
• The active processor copies the status of the system periodically andc
stores in the axis secondary storage, but the processors are not directly
connected.
• The programs and instructions related to the control functions, routine
programs and other required information are stored in the Secondary
storage.
• A dual processor architecture may be configured to operate in three
modes like:
1. Standby Mode
2. Synchronous Duplex Mode
3. Load Sharing Mode
• Standby Mode:
• In the two processors present, one processor is active and the other is in the
standby mode.
• The processor in the standby mode is used as a backup, in case the active
one fails.
• This mode of exchange uses a secondary storage common to both the processors.
• The active processor copies the status of the system periodically andc stores
in the axis secondary storage, but the processors are not directly connected.
• The programs and instructions related to the control functions, routine
programs and other required information are stored in the Secondary
storage.
• Synchronous Duplex Mode:
• In the Synchronous Duplex mode, two processors are connected and
operated in synchronism.
• Two processors P1 and P2 are connected and separate memories like M1 and
M2 are used.
• These processors are coupled to exchange the stored data.
• A Comparator is used in between these two processors.
• The Comparator helps in comparing the results.
• During the normal operation, both of the processors function individually receiving
all the information from the exchange and also related data from their memories.
• However, only one processor controls the exchange; the other one remains in
synchronism with the previous one.
• The comparator, which compares the results of both the processors, identifies if
anyfault occurs and then the faulty processor among them is identified by operating them individually.
• The faulty processor is brought into service only after the rectification of fault and the other processor
serves meanwhile.
• Load Sharing Mode:
• Load sharing mode is where a task is shared between two processors.
• The Exclusion Device (ED) is used instead of the comparator in this mode.
• The processors call for ED to share the resources, so that both the processors do not
seek the same resource at the same time.
• In this mode, both the processors are simultaneously active.
• These processors share the resources of the exchange and load.
• In case one of the processor fails, the other one takes over the entire load of the
exchange with the help of ED.
• Under normal operation, each processor handles onehalf of the calls on a statistical
basis.
• The exchange operator can however vary the processor load for maintenance
purpose.
2.Distributed SPC
• Unlike Electromechanical switches and Centralized SPC,
• The introduction of Distributed SPC has enabled to provide a wide
range of services.
• This SPC has separate small processors called the Regional Processors
that deal with different works, rather than just one or two processors
working on the whole thing like in the centralized system.
• However, when these regional processors are required to perform
complex tasks, the centralized SPC helps by directing them.
• The Distributed SPC has more availability and reliability than
Centralized SPC,
• because entire exchange control functions may be decomposed either
horizontally or vertically for distributed processing.
• Such distributed control where switching equipment is divided into
parts, each of which have its own processor, is indicated in the figure below.
• The exchange environment in vertical decomposition is divided into
several blocks and each block is assigned to a processor that performs all
the control functions that are related to specific block of equipment,
whereas,
• each processor in horizontal decomposition performs one or some of the
exchange control functions.
• SoftwareArchitecture
• learn about the Software Architecture of Telecommunication
Switching Systems and Networks.
• The software of the SPC systems can be categorized into two for
better understanding – System Software and Application Software.
• The Software architecture deals with the system software
environment of SPC including the language processors.
• Many features along with call processing are part of the operating
system under which operations and Management functions are
carried out.