N-phase phase and polarity encoded serial interface

A method for data communications, comprising:

• transmitting from a first device a data word encoded in a first plurality of multi-bit symbols, wherein the plurality of multi-bit symbols produces a sequence of signaling states on a plurality of connectors;
• converting each signaling state in the sequence of signaling states to a second plurality of multi-bit symbol at a second device using timing derived from transitions between sequential signaling states;
• and
• decoding the data word from the second plurality of multi-bit symbols at the second device,
• wherein a transition in signaling state of the plurality of connectors occurs between transmission of each pair of symbols in the first plurality of multi-bit symbols, and wherein signaling state of the plurality of connectors is defined by polarity and direction of rotation of a multi-phase signal transmitted on each connector of the plurality of connectors.