Data communication circuit having fifo buffer with frame-in-fifo generator

Abstract

A first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) buffer is provided for buffering communication data. The FIFO buffer includes a write port having a data input, an end-of-frame input and a write control input, a read port having a data output, an end-of-frame output and a read control input, and a plurality of storage locations. A write end-of-frame counter is coupled to the write port and has a write count output, which increments as a function of the end-of-frame input and the write control input. A read end-of-frame counter is coupled to the read port and has a read count output, which increments as a function of the end-of-frame output and the read control input. A comparator has a first compare input coupled to the write count output, a second compare input coupled to the read count output and a compare output indicating whether there is a data frame stored in the plurality of storage locations.