Generating and implementing a signal protocol and interface for higher data rates

A state machine for use in obtaining synchronization in an electronic system transferring digital data at a high rate between a host device and a client device over a communication path, the state machine configured to have at least one Acquiring Sync States synchronization states (4902,4906), and at least two In-Sync States synchronization states (4908,4910,4912), wherein one condition for shifting from an Acquiring Sync State to a first In-Sync State is detecting the presence of a synchronization pattern in the communication link and wherein a second condition for shifting from an Acquiring Sync State to a first In-Sync State is detecting the presence of a subframe header packet and good CRC value at a frame boundary (cond 61).