ELECTRICAL-OPTICAL INTERFACE DEVICE

摘要

Devices for converting digital data into a light pulse train and decoding such a pulse train are disclosed. The light pulse generating device generates a train of light pulses having a pattern determined by a numerical value represented by a plurality of binary bits. The light pulse train generating device stores the bits in a register. Each cell of the register is connected to a light switching device that will interrupt a first light beam in response to a light signal if the value stored in the cell is a logical one. If the value is a logical 0, the interruption will not occur. The decoding device utilizes a plurality of light activated switches to route individual pulses in the light pulse train to different photodetectors. The light activated switching devices avoid the delays inherent in electrically activated switching devices.