Abstract: A code conversion system is described for converting a stream of data between first and second data codes. The stream of data containing data packets is recognized to be subject to a data fault condition arising from the collision of data packets. The conversion system comprises means for detecting the fault condition, and means for altering the code conversion of the stream of data between the first and second codes so as to reflect the occurrence of the fault condition in the code converted stream of data.

Abstract: An elastic buffer includes a memory array for storing received data, each location within the array having an associated cell storing a flag indicative of the most-recently performed (i.e., read or write) on the associated memory location. A potential write overflow of the memory is detected whenever a write attampt is made to a location whose flag indicates a write was most-recently performed. A potential read underflow is detected whenever a read attempt is made to a location when the flag associated with the location next to be read indicates a read was most recently performed. Also, a potential write operation of a memory location prior to the completion of a read on the next location within the array are also generates an overflow/underflow condition. Metastable logic state conditions within the array are avoided because the potential overflow/underflow conditions take cognizance of the finite propogation and setting times of signals within the array.