| 摘要 |
<p>This invention relates to a data interface system (2) for use with a processor (4) such as a microcomputer unit (MCU) for monitoring and control functions. The data interface system is coupled to a plurality of devices to be monitored and controlled and comprises: a plurality of interface means (6a-h) for coupling to said plurality of devices wherein each one of said interface means comprises first (24) and second (20) data latch means, said first data latch means for holding data pushed to said plurality of interface means by said processor to be selectively outputted to said plurality of devices, said second data latch means for holding data received from said plurality of devices to be pulled to said processor; and data communication means coupled to said processor and to said plurality of interface means being arranged to initiate in response to said processor a push/pull operation comprising a first sequence wherein a data signal is pushed from said processor to said plurality of interface means to be held in the first data latch means (24) of a selected one of said plurality of interface means for outputting to one of said plurality of devices and a subsequent second sequence wherein a data signal is pulled from the second data latch means (20) of said selected one of said plurality of interface means to said processor. The data communication means may comprise any one of the following configurations: one bus line (8) for transmitting data and initiating a push/pull operation; one push/pull initiation line (210) and one bus line (212); one push/pull initiation line (321) and a bus line (312a-h) for each of the plurality of interface means;and, one push/pull initiation line (410), one bus line (414) coupling the interface means in a chain and a clock line (412) for synchronising the push/pull operation. <IMAGE></p> |
