ASYNCHRONOUS INTERFACE

摘要

An interface is disclosed which enables transfer of information between a set of devices having a wide range of operating speed. Each device can enter a Controller active state in which it sources command frames to control the loop operation. Each device can also enter a Talker active state in which it sources Data frames on a Listener active state in which it received Data frames. The transfer of frames is coordinated by a set of handshakes which enable the frames to be transferred in an asynchronous manner. An asynchronous handshake is presented which allows transfer of an assortment of types of Data frames to be initiated. The types of Data frames transferred include the identity and capability of devices in the loop. A handshake is also presented which allows control of the loop to be passed from one device in the loop to another.