Abstract: A multi-lane communication interface is provided for use in a link, such as SpaceFibre used on-board spacecraft. The interface has logic, when operating at a near end in cooperation with a far-end multi-lane communication interface, to: establish symbol synchronisation with the far-end over one or more lanes; send and receive data words to and from the far-end while maintaining the symbol synchronisation (A); detect a change in lane status; and upon detection of the change in lane status and while maintaining the symbol synchronisation: stop sending (B) data words; send (B) near-end lane-status control words to the far end instead of data words, until it is determined that the near end is ready to send data words, then resume sending (C) data words; and send (C) near-end lane-alignment signals to the far end, until a data word is received from the far end.

Abstract: A multi-lane communication interface is provided for use in a link, such as SpaceFibre used on-board spacecraft. The interface has logic, when operating at a near end in cooperation with a far-end multi-lane communication interface, to: establish symbol synchronisation with the far-end over one or more lanes; send and receive data words to and from the far-end while maintaining the symbol synchronisation (A); detect a change in lane status; and upon detection of the change in lane status and while maintaining the symbol synchronisation: stop sending (B) data words; send (B) near-end lane-status control words to the far end instead of data words, until it is determined that the near end is ready to send data words, then resume sending (C) data words; and send (C) near-end lane-alignment signals to the far end, until a data word is received from the far end.