One-line synchronous interface

An apparatus comprising:

• a controller configured to:
• detect a receipt of a read request signal at a buffer operating under an input mode to receive signals from a trace, wherein the read request signal encodes a request to read data;
• receive a synchronization pulse periodically at a time interval;
• in response to each receipt of the synchronization pulse, switch the buffer from the input mode to an output mode, wherein the buffer outputs signals on the trace under the output mode;
• in response to the switch of the buffer from the input mode to the output mode, transmit the data being requested on the trace;
• and
• in response to the buffer operating the input mode for a predetermined time, switch the buffer from the output mode to the input mode, wherein the predetermined time is less than the time interval.

A method for processing a read request, the method comprising:

• receiving a read request to read data;
• in response to receiving the read request, controlling a buffer to operate in an output mode to output a read request signal on a trace, wherein the read request signal represents the read request;
• in response to outputting the read request signal, controlling the buffer to output a synchronization pulse to the trace periodically at a time interval;
• in response to each output of the synchronization pulse, switching the buffer from the output mode to an input mode;
• in response to the switch of the buffer from the output mode to the input mode, listening for incoming data on the trace;
• and
• in response to the buffer operating the input mode for a predetermined time, switching the buffer from the input mode to the output mode, wherein the predetermined time is less than the time interval.