Patent ID: 7340541
Filing Date: 2008-03-04
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for changing the direction of a data flow when buffering bidirectional digital input/output (I/O) lines, the apparatus comprising: a first integrated circuit (IC) coupled to a first bidirectional digital I/O line, the first IC comprising: a second IC coupled to the first IC, the second IC comprising: wherein the data flow in the first direction corresponds to data being sent from the first IC to the second IC, and wherein the data flow in the second direction corresponds to data being sent from the second IC to the first IC; wherein, in changing the direction of the data flow from the first direction to the second direction, the first control unit is operable to change the driving direction of the second bidirectional buffer to the second direction during a first clock cycle, the second control unit is operable to change the driving direction of the third bidirectional buffer to the second direction during a second clock cycle, and the first control unit is operable to change the driving direction of the first bidirectional buffer to the second direction during a third clock cycle.