Patent attributes
An improved digital interface circuit that allows a plurality of data streams and other digital information to be output over a single channel. The digital interface circuit includes a plurality of data inputs, at least one control input, at least one clock input, and a single serial bit output. The digital interface circuit receives respective input data streams at the data inputs, receives digital control information at the control input, and receives a clock signal at the clock input. The control information is an N-bit data stream having a data rate of 1/N times the rate of the input data streams (N≧1). The digital interface circuit generates a frame synchronization signal for providing framing for the N-bit data stream, and time-multiplexes the data and control information over the single serial bit output.
