Patent ID: 7539803

Claim:
A bi-directional single-conductor interface comprising: a switch configured for applying, during a first time interval, a voltage level to the bi-directional single-conductor interface that is outside a voltage operating range for the interface and for removing the applied voltage level at an end of the first time interval; a timer arranged to provide timing signals for said switch and for data transmission in a first direction, said data transmission via said single-conductor interface; and a digital-to-analog converter that operates to convert a data signal from a digital signal to an analog signal, the analog signal being applied to the single conductor interface; wherein said bi-directional single-conductor interface is a single line and the application and removal of said voltage level to said bi-directional single-conductor interface operates to cause said interface to transmit data in said first direction during a second time interval following said first time interval, and to transmit data in an opposite direction during other times, said second time interval being established in relation to said data-transmission timing signals.