Importance

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Abstract

A control method and apparatus for an electronic system having a plurality of functional elements, both intelligent and non-intelligent, interconnected by a plurality of time-division multiplexed serial data links, wherein information is normally conveyed in time slots on the data links. Control information is exchanged between the elements by using one or more of said time slots as control channels for all control information. The format of the control information is compatible with both the intelligent elements and non-intelligent elements. The control information format includes a plurality of bits for providing command data, a plurality of address bits, a valid bit to indicate that the information being transmitted is a valid message, an interrupt bit to signal a microprocessor in an intelligent device to interrupt and service the message, and a parity bit for error checking.

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First Claim