SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE THAT SUPPORTS MULTIPLE INTERFACE STANDARDS

An interface for connecting data-terminal-equipment (DTE) (10) to a range of data-communication-equipment (DCE) (22, 26, 30, 34) using a multiplicity of interface standards is provided. The interface includes a DTE panel connector (20) and a plurality of line drivers and receivers and associated electronics (40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 60, 62, 64, 66) to select predetermined ones of the plurality of receivers and drivers for use by the DTE when cables (24, 28, 32, 36) having a predetermined configuration, corresponding to the supported interface standards, are attached. The cables connect the appropriate drivers and receivers of the DTE with the corresponding receivers and drivers, respectively, of the DCE. Additionally, the cables also contain termination devices and a selection mechanism to select which drivers and receivers are to be used by the DTE to communicate with the receivers and drivers, respectively, being used by the DCE.