COMMUNICATION INTERFACE

PURPOSE:To improve a response by giving a first latch output to a second latch, and setting it as return data corresponding to the next data fetch request. CONSTITUTION:When a digital input signal is latched by first latch means 4-11-4-n1 after a data input request from a host device, the latch output of first latch means 4-11-4-n1 is not inputted to second latch means 4-12-4-n2. Subsequently, when a latch operation of a third latch means 6 is reset in accordance with a reset request from the host device, a latch output (inhibition input) of a third latch means disappears. In this case, since the latch output of second latch means 4-12-4-n2 does not appear, reset of a latch operation of a first and a second latch means is not executed. Therefore, the latch output (digital input signal) of first latch means 4-11-4-n1 is given to second latch means 4-12-4-n2, and latched as return data corresponding to the next data input request. In such a way, the response is improved.