Abstract: Apparatus for interfacing a network manager to a network of communication devices over a single communications channel of a plurality of signals is disclosed. Each communication device of the network is uniquely assigned a poll address for communication selection by the network manager which is operative to establish communication with a communication device of the network by transmitting the poll address thereof over the single communication channel. The network of communication devices are coupleable together in a daisy chain through input and output port circuits thereof to form the single communications channel. The input port circuit of each communications device receives and transmits signals from and to the single communications channel upstream of its position in the daisy chain and the output port circuit of each receives and transmits signals from and to the single communications channel downstream of its position in the daisy chain.

Abstract: A large number (e.g., 20 or more) independent processors are connected by a network that provides high data throughput (e.g., 64 megabits/second). The network has redundant data, arbitration, and status/control buses. The buses extend across a plurality of microstripline backplanes connected together by impedance-matched twisted-pair cables. Data is transmitted in packets, along with status signals that provide error detection information.