Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the transfer of data between computers of different types and architectures is disclosed. The Serial Channel Adapter (SCA) includes four primary functional components: 1) low-end parallel bus interface; 2) data staging buffer; 3) serial interface; and 4) adapter controller, all of which are under microprocessor control and fully programmable to achieve maximum flexibility. Two buses are provided, a Local Data Bus and Local Processor Bus, to minimize processor overhead on the data bus and maximize data throughput.