Hybrid communications link adapter incorporating input/output and data communications technology

An adapter between a backplane, providing a connection of data terminal equipment (DTE), and a frontplane, providing a connection to a communication media, comprising:

• backplane adapter means responsive to a first plurality of processor control signals received at a first port, and asynchronous control and data signals received from said DTE in a plurality of channels, for generating at a second port synchronous control and data signals therefrom and for receiving at said second port synchronous signals and for generating therefrom at said first port said asynchronous signals;
• protocol controller means responsive to a second plurality of processor control signals, receiving said synchronous signals generated at said second backplane adapter port, for generating therefrom signals formatted according to a predetermined protocol suitable for transmission over said communication midia, and receiving signals formatted according to said protcol, for generating therefrom said synchronous signals received at said second backplane adapter port;
• converter means connected to said frontplate receiving said formatted signals generated by said protocol controller means for generating therefrom signals onto said communication media and receiving signals from signals received by said protocol controller;
• and
• processor means responsive to said synchronous control signals, having a memory operabley connected to said backplane adapter means and to said protocol controller means, for generating said first and said second plurality of processor control signals;
• said memory being directly accessible (DMA) to said backplane adapter means and to said protocol controller means.