Abstract: For the transmission of data signals between subscriber stations of a data network to which subscriber stations designed for transmitting and receiving data signals having different signal rates, a calling subscriber station first outputs an information signal with which the data signal rate that is desired by or possible for the calling subscriber station is identified. In the called subscriber station, this information signal is compared to preset parameters existing there regarding the signal rate with which the subscriber station is capable of operating. In response to the comparison, that data signal rate which is the highest common data signal rate in view of the information signal and of the parameters is set in the cell subscriber station and is then set by an answer back signal in the calling subscriber station.

Abstract: For receiving or transmitting binary signals appearing serially on a plurality of lines to and from a processing device containing a microcomputer or microprocessor, the signal receiving lines carrying the serially appearing binary signals are connected via individual flip-flops to the input side of the microcomputer or microprocessor and signal output lines are connected via individual flip-flops to the output of the microcomputer or microprocessor. In the processing device, the serially appearing binary signals are received into memories or registers as parallel signals for processing and, after a prescribed plurality has been received, are forwarded to the receiving registers for subsequent processing. The processed parallel signals are then reconverted into serial signals for signal transmission.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing, communicating and displaying signal states in a multiplicity of functional units is described. A signal multiplexer is assigned to each given functional unit; the multiplexer inputs are connected to signal lines carrying the signal states of the functional unit. The outputs of the signal multiplexers are connected by time division multiplex (TDM) trunks to a group multiplexer. A multiplexer control applies first encoded selection signals to the signal multiplexers for selection of signal lines at the signal multiplexers. The selected signaling lines are interrogated, and the signal states are transmitted timewise in parallel with the signal states of other functional units over the corresponding TDM trunks to the group multiplexer. The multiplexer control applies second encoded selection signals to the group multiplexer for connecting the TDM trunks to group TDM trunks throughout the duration of a sampling phase.