Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting optical defects in optical bus systems which use optical modules in communication with a plurality of nodes connected to each other. Deterioration of the optical transmission quality is detected as a resulting deterioration in an electrical output signal and noted deterioration is stored and read out.

Abstract: A data bus arrangement for a plurality of nodes connected to each other including a logical decision gate having a plurality of inputs corresponding to the number of nodes. A converter module is connected between each node and the logical decision gate. Each convertor module converts an optical output from one of the nodes to an electrical signal which is fed to one of the inputs of the logical decision gate. A separate switch is connected between an output of the logical decision gate and an input of each one of said convertor modules for controlling the convertor module independent of an output signal on the output of the decision gate.

Abstract: A data bus structure for cooperating with a plurality of nodes which are connected to each other. The data bus structure includes optical transmission modules associated with each node and a logical decision gate having inputs associated with each node. The logical decision output signal is provided in parallel to each node through the optical transmission modules. These modules serve to convert optical signals from the nodes to electrical signals and output to the logical decision gate and to convert electrical signals output from the logical decision gate to optical signals and output to the nodes. In order to separate a single node from the data bus, the transmission mode is monitored and an independently controlled switch is positioned between the logical decision gate and the optical transmission module. This arrangement functions to exclude a node from bus communication while leaving the remaining nodes uninterrupted.

Abstract: A data bus for establishing a connection among a plurality of nodes and having configuration whereby optical data messages are converted to an electrical signal and sent through a logical decision gate to each of the nodes. A memory element, which is connected in parallel to the input of the logic decision gate, provides an addressable manner of monitoring data traffic on the data bus and identifying a source of any malfunction.