Timeplex, Inc.

Michael Krakovyak

Apparatus provides time division multiplex (TDM) transmissions of interrupt requests between a plurality of shelves to a microprocessor mounted on one of the shelves. The shelves are interconnected with a cable wherein one lead is dedicated for the transmission of interrupt data signals to the microprocessor. Each shelf includes a plurality of ports or elements that are monitored and initiate interrupt request signals when a request for an action occurs therein for processing by the microcomputer. A separate encoder is mounted on each of the shelves for converting an interrupt request signal from an element on the same shelf into an X-bit interrupt data signal identifying that element. The bits of the X-bit interrupt data signal are serially transmitted over the one lead of the cable during a separate plurality of at least X clock cycles forming a timeslot assigned to the shelf originating the interrupt request within a frame period. The encoder on the shelf with the microprocessor receives the X-bit interrupt data signal and generates a Y-bit signal including the received X-bit interrupt data and a Z-bit code identifying the shelf originating the X-bit interrupt data signal as determined from the timeslot in the frame period in which the X-bit interrupt data signal was received. This Y-bit signal is transmitted to the microprocessor for processing.

Method and apparatus for TDM interrupt transmissions between multiple

An apparatus uses parasitic capacitances between each of one or more leads and a spaced apart electrically conductive plane on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) to store data transmitted on the one or more leads until new data is transmitted over the one or more leads from first or second devices interconnected by the one or more leads. The first device is responsive to a first control signal for modifying the data on the one or more leads and transmitting the modified data back onto the one or more leads. Alternatively, the first device is responsive to a second control signal for inhibiting the first device from reading the data from the one or more leads and from transmitting any data back onto the one or more leads for at least one clock cycle. When the first device is responsive to the second control signal, the data stored in the parasitic capacitances are, for example, read back into the second device and/or used as an output of the apparatus during a predetermined time period.

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East Hanover, NJ, United States of America

Michael Krakovyak