Abstract: Each of a plurality of serially-connected data transmission apparatuses comprises a first shift register, a fault-detecting circuit and a second shift register. The second shift register is configured to receive a second serial input signal and generate an output signal according to a clock signal. The fault-detecting circuit is configured to select one of the outputs of the second shift register and a first serial input signal based on the fault-detecting result. The first shift register is configured to receive the output of the fault-detecting circuit and generate an output according to the clock signal. The second serial input signal is equal to the first serial input signal of at least one preceding stage, and the first serial input signal is equal to the output serial signal of the preceding stage. One purpose of the present invention is to maintain continuous transmission of the serial data when a failure of the serially-connected data transmission apparatus occurs.

Abstract: A method for driving a plurality of LEDs comprises the steps of: driving the plurality of LEDs according to a series of display signals; synchronously detecting the plurality of LEDs in a display mode for obtaining fault information; and serially outputting the fault information.