Abstract: A wired communication system includes a bidirectional channel for sending information in one direction at a high bandwidth and sending control information for configuring a transmitter in the other direction at a lower bandwidth. Embodiments of the disclosure may use a primary transmitter output stage in the transmitter and a primary receiver input stage in the receiver to send and receive data or a clock, for example. An auxiliary transmitter output stage in the receiver and auxiliary receiver input stage in the transmitter send and receive control information for configuring the transmitter to efficiently send data over a wired channel.