US Patent 11271581 Time-multiplexed distribution of analog signals

Method and apparatus for sharing an analog signal for use by a plurality of devices are disclosed. In some implementations, the analog signal may be generated by a controller. The controller also may generate a control signal to determine when other devices use the analog signal. In one implementation, the control signal may be a token that may be transmitted and received by the other devices. If a device possess the token, then the device may use the analog signal. If the device does not possess the token, then the device may not use the analog signal. In another implementation, the controller may transmit a peer-to-peer message to a selected device. When the selected device receives the peer-to-peer message, then the selected device may use the analog signal. In this manner, the controller ensures that only one device at a time may use the analog signal.