Patent ID: 6014040
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A bi-directional signal transmission system comprising:a first bi-directional signal path capable of generating thereon a logic high level,one or more first stations coupled to the first bi-directional signal path and each capable of generating on the first bi-directional signal path a logic low level;an interface device coupled to the first bi-directional signal path said interface device having a receive input and a transmit output; anda second bi-directional signal path coupled to the receive input and the transmit output of the interface device, the interface device comprising:first means for generating on the first bi-directional signal path a medium logic level in response to a low logic level on the receive input, andsecond means for generating on the transmit output a low logic level in response to a low logic level on the first bi-directional signal path, and for otherwise generating a high logic level on said transmit output,the one or more first stations being adapted to detect the medium and the low logic levels on the first bi-directional signal path as a logic LOW and the high logic level on the first bi-directional signal path as a logic HIGH.