Dynamically switched line and fault detection for differential signaling systems

摘要

A differential signaling system is provided. The differential signaling system comprises one or more cable pairs for carrying signals, one or more differential drivers for providing signals to the one or more cable pairs, and one or more differential receivers, the one or more differential receivers being coupled to the one or more differential drivers via the one or more cable pairs. The differential signaling system further comprises one or more test devices for testing the differential signaling system, and at least one switch coupled to at least one of the one or more cable pairs and to at least one of the one or more test devices, the switch being adapted to dynamically switch the at least one of the one or more test devices into a differential interface of the differential signaling system.