Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving VLSI and VHSIC system data transmission relies on a plurality of optoelectronic switches actuated by pulses from at least one light source, a laser. Differing lengths of optical fibers couple the pulsed light from the laser at different times to create a sequence of actuation light pulses for the plurality of optoelectronic switches each time the light source is pulsed. Thus the information appearing at a plurality of parallel data nodes is converted to serial form at an output bonding pad on the chip. Optionally, a similar pulsing of electrooptic switches coupled to an input bonding pad converts serial data to parallel form. Faster input and output switching times are provided, reliability and complexity are reduced, particularly as compared to off-chip coupling arrangements, and power consumption and dissipation are reduced.