Transparent Asynchronous Transmitter Receiver Interface (TAXI) communications for fiber optic data links

Abstract

Serial or parallel data links have been the primary tools of data transfer across physical layer boundaries for point-to-point communication systems. However there exists a tradeoff between these two kinds of data transfer mechanisms based on their cost-effectiveness and complexity. A recent technological advancement has altered this trade-off considerations. A new chip-set from Advanced Micro Devices offers a high performance integrated alternative to traditional serial/parallel data transfer techniques. The Transparent Asynchronous Transmitter Receiver Interface chipset offers a new means to establish a transparent high speed serial link between two high performance parallel buses. The current TAXlchip set has a maximum effective data rate throughput of 140Mbps which is ten times faster than the RS-422 drivers and receivers. The TAXIchip set can be used in conjunction with the optical components and optical fiber to form a simple fiber optic communication link. The inherent advantages of optical communications can be combined with the versatility of the TAXIchip set to establish TAXI links using optical fiber to cover distances up to several kilometers.

This thesis will systematically develop on the TAXI communication system Focus of the effort will be on understanding the functionality of the building blocks of the TAXIchip set and the encoding and decoding schemes of the chip set. On obtaining a complete understanding of the communication system fundamentals the communication system will be interfaced to the optical media with a specific reference to the development of the Optical Slip Ring.