Hotlink

The front-end electronics generate 64 bits of parallel coincidence data. Operation of this high-speed parallel bus over significant distances can be problematic due to signal distortion, skew and crosstalk. These effects can lead to loss of data and failure of the bus.

By using Hotlink, the parallel bus can be operated over a serial communication link, and the distortion, skew and crosstalk problems are eliminated. The Hotlink does not need additional protocol to support the communication. However, it still allows you to send more than 10 special codes, which can be used as the commands used in serial communications. In addition, serializing a parallel bus allows for operation of the bus over an extended distance. The reduced bus width also makes it practical to pass the data through a simple slip-ring in a PET camera with CT function.