Abstract: A regenerative digital communication channel extender is provided which converts electrical signals in a first communication network into optical signals and then reconverts the optical signals back into electrical signals for application to a second communication network. The conversion is preferably performed using state machines. The communication in the first and second communication networks are preferably in a first protocol, whereas the optical communication is in a second protocol. The state machines convert the communications from the first protocol to the second protocol, and back from the second protocol into the first protocol. In the process, the communication in the first communication network is faithfully regenerated in the second communication network. In addition, a unique phase lock circuit is contemplated which requires only one pulse of an incoming digital communication to synchronize a local clock.