Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, an optical network terminal (ONT) is provided that comprises a processor module, a serializer module and an optical transmitter. The processor module may represent an FPGA device, while the serializer may represent a SERDES, with the FPGA device and SERDES being formed as distinct and separate components. The processor module is configured to generate data bursts that are associated with time slots in a time division multiplexing transmission scheme. The processor module outputs the data bursts over parallel channels to the serializer module that, in turn, serializes the data bursts and outputs serial data bursts over a serial channel. The serializer module has a latency representing an amount of time for each of the data bursts to propagate through the serializer module from the parallel channels to the serial channel. The optical transmitter is joined to the serial channel and converts the serial data bursts to optical data bursts.

Abstract: A method or system for managing signals to a circuit during initialization of the circuit ensures that the circuit does not receive signals before the circuit is initialized for such reception. The method or system maintains signals to the circuit in an initial condition while the circuit is uninitialized, and releases the initial condition following initialization of the circuit. The method or system is useful in “hot-swapping” circuit boards, for example, in communications systems or other applications because it enables non-hot-swappable (NHS) circuitry to be connected to the system without receiving signals from the system that adversely affect the NHS circuitry.