Interface and Communication
Interface and communication technologies form the essential fabric that connects digital systems, enabling components to exchange data, coordinate operations, and work together as unified systems. From simple point-to-point connections between a processor and peripheral to complex multi-master bus architectures supporting dozens of devices, communication interfaces determine how efficiently digital systems can share information and respond to events.
The design of digital interfaces involves fundamental trade-offs between speed, complexity, cost, and reliability. Parallel interfaces transfer multiple bits simultaneously for high bandwidth but require many signal lines and careful timing. Serial interfaces minimize wiring complexity but demand higher clock rates for equivalent throughput. Understanding these trade-offs enables engineers to select appropriate communication methods for each application and design robust, efficient digital systems.