System Architecture
Data Bus
A set of parallel signal lines carrying data between components in a digital system.
Detailed Explanation
The data bus transfers actual data (as opposed to addresses or control signals) between processors, memory, and peripherals. Data bus width determines how many bits transfer per cycle—wider buses offer higher bandwidth but require more pins and routing resources.
Modern interfaces often multiplex data buses or use separate read/write data paths. High-speed data buses may use source-synchronous clocking where the data source provides the clock, reducing timing uncertainty.