Juan N Santiago

54286131, Jun 27, 1995

Dec 3, 1992

7/984777

Mark G. Spiotta - Wheaton IL
Juan C. Santiago - Elmhurst IL

Motorola, Inc. - Schaumburg IL

H04J 312

370 857

Data transfer for a time division multiplex (TDM) bus in a communication system that includes a plurality of communication nodes wherein each communication node is allocated at least one time slot of the TDM bus can utilize the following protocol to improve flexibility. When a communication node has an information packet to transmit, it must determine whether it is changing from a first information packet type to a second information packet type message. If a change from transmitting a first information packet type to transmitting a second information packet type is determined, an information type transition message is transmitted via the allocated time slot during a first frame cycle. Upon receiving the information type transition message, at least one other communication node stores the information type transition message. The transmitting communication node then transmits a second information packet type message during a subsequent frame cycle wherein a receiving communication node interprets the second information packet type message as a second information packet type.