SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMMUNICATING OVER A REDUCED NUMBER OF CONDUCTORS IN A TELEOPERATIONAL SYSTEM

A system and method for a teleoperational medical system is provided is provided that can include one or more processors, conductors can extend through a shaft with an interface positioned at a proximal end of the shaft and a sensor(s) positioned at a distal end of the shaft, and the conductors can electrically couple the sensor(s) to the processor via the interface. Signals can be transmitted over the conductors between the sensor(s) and the processor(s). The signals can include power and control signals transmitted in one direction over the conductors and sensor data transmitted in an opposite direction over the same conductors.