DEC and Philips division Signetics have developed a new open specification for a serial device interface. The connection scheme, which could be for the PC and workstation market what the Apple Desktop Bus is to Macs, claims Microbytes, would simplify plugging new I/O devices into your machine. The new Access.bus interconnector is based on the Philips/Signetics I2C bus, which is now used in microcontroller-based products, supplemented with protocols, device drivers, and electrical standards provided by DEC. The bus operates at 80 kbits per second and can connect up to 14 input or output accessories in series, making it appropriate for devices such as keyboards, mice, trackballs, datagloves, or tablets. The Access.bus approach could possibly standardize the interface for serial devices, eliminating the need for system vendors to support differing implementations such as the Microsoft mouse, PS/2 bus mouse, and Mouse Systems mouse. DEC says it will offer the Access.bus as an option in all its future desktop systems, and plans to sponsor a standards group to validate and promote it.
