The TFB2010 arbitration bus controller (ABC) is a member of the Texas Instruments Futurebus+ chip set. This chip set provides an integrated approach to the Futurebus+ interface that reduces new-product design time, allows more functionality per circuit board, improves overall interface reliability, and reduces end-user down time through built-in test capabilities. The TFB2010 performs the Futurebus+ distributed-arbitration protocol to gain tenure of the bus (distributed mode only), to send and receive arbitrated messages (central or distributed mode), and to update central-mode arbiter priorities (central mode only). The TFB2010 can be used in conjunction with a central-bus arbiter as an arbitrated-message controller to program the central-bus arbiter, send asynchronous interrupts, or send event messages or interrupts to other modules. In the case of a failure in the central-bus arbiter or if distributed arbitration is desired, it can be used as a distributed-arbitration controller without a change in the host software. Priority changes are sent to the central arbiter as arbitrated messages. This device monitors the bus for arbitration messages, storing these in a FIFO or in the targeted interrupt register for reference by the processor. It also provides the necessary control functions to gain control of the Futurebus+ for a module attempting to perform a bus transaction when operating in the distributed-arbitration mode. The TFB2010 is offered in a 100-pin plastic quad flat package (PJM) to enhance interface capability. The TFB2010 is characterized for operation over the commercial temperature range of 0C to 70C.