Abstract: A data processor including an alternative clock generator for generating, in a power saving mode, an alternative clock signal which is supplied to a peripheral circuit instead of a system clock signal. This enables only the peripheral circuit such as an A/D converter to be put into operation in response to the alternative clock signal in the power saving mode. This solves a problem of a conventional data processor in that it cannot achieve the power saving efficiently because it is unavoidable for the remaining portion of the conventional data processor like a CPU to be involved in a high-rate operation along with the peripheral circuit even if it is desired to operate only the peripheral circuit at a high-rate when releasing the sleep mode or changing the sleep mode to a high-rate mode.

Abstract: A data output portion transmits a pulse signal having a pulse width according to a value of transmit data on a predetermined cycle. An H pulse width counter and an L pulse width counter measure a length of a high level period and a length of a low level period in the received pulse signal by using a clock signal having the same frequency as that of the clock signal used in the data output portion. A comparing portion compares the sum of both the measured lengths of the periods with the predetermined cycle, and outputs an error signal in case of a mismatch. In a PWM communication system, it is also possible to detect a signal delay or an error of the clock signal, which is temporarily caused within one cycle.