The FIN224AC SerDesTM is a low-power Serializer/ Deserializer (SerDes) that can help minimize the cost and power of transferring wide signal paths. Through the use of serialization, the number of signals transferred from one point to another can be significantly reduced. Typical reduction is 4:1 to 6:1 for unidirectional paths. For bidirectional operation, using half duplex for multiple sources, it is possible to reach signal reduction close to 10:1. Through the use of differential signaling, shielding and EMI filters can also be minimized, further reducing the cost of serialization. The differential signaling is also important for providing a noise-insensitive signal that can withstand radio and electrical noise sources. Major reduction in power consumption allows minimal impact on battery life in ultra-portable applications. A unique word boundary technique assures that the actual word boundary is identified when the data is deserialized. This guarantees that each word is correctly aligned at the deserializer on a word-by-word basis through a unique sequence of clock and data that is not repeated except at the word boundary. It is possible to use a single PLL for most applications including bi-directional operation.