System and method for sending multiple data signals over a serial link

An apparatus for receiving a data stream and generating a plurality of data streams, the apparatus comprising:

• a de-multiplexor having a control input, a plurality of data inputs and a first and second plurality of outputs, each of the first and second plurality of outputs providing a different stream of data, the plurality of data inputs of the de-multiplexor coupled to receive a data stream having a plurality of data words;
• a stream selector having an input and an output for generating a control signal indicating an output of the de-multiplexor to which to send a data word, the input of the stream selector coupled to the data input of the de-multiplexor, and the output of the stream selector coupled to the control input of the de-multiplexor;
• and
• a decoder having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs for decoding data words, the plurality of inputs of the decoder coupled to respective one of the plurality of outputs of the de-multiplexor;
• and
• an isochronous decoder having an inputs and a plurality of outputs for decoding isochronous control codes into timing control signals, the input of the isochronous decoder coupled to the data input of the de-multiplexor, wherein said isochronous control codes can be located at any position within the data stream.

A method for transmitting a plurality of data streams over a signal line comprising the steps of:

• receiving a first data stream and a second data stream;
• encoding the first and second data streams into coded words;
• transmitting a first start control code over the signal line;
• transmitting the encoded words of the first data stream over the signal line;
• transmitting a second start control code over the signal line;
• transmitting the encoded words of the second data stream over the signal line;
• and
• responding to an assertion of a time critical control signal by:
• generating an isochronous control code word for encoding timing information from said time critical control signal;
• and
• transmitting the isochronous control code word over the signal line, wherein said isochronous control code word can be located at any position within a data stream transmitted over the signal line.

A method for generating a plurality of data streams from a serial sequence, wherein an isochronous control code for encoding timing information of time critical control signals can be located at any position within said serial sequence, the method comprising the steps of:

• converting a serial sequence of bits into a word;
• determining whether the word is the isochronous control code;
• if the word is the isochronous control code, generating a time critical control signal;
• and
• if the word is not the isochronous control code,
• selecting a stream path using the word;
• transmitting the word on the selected stream path;
• and
• decoding the word to produced an output word.