This document has been declared "Stabilized" and will no longer be subjected to periodic reviews for currency. Users are responsible for verifying references and continued suitability or technical requirements. New technology may exist. This document is intended to explain, in detail, the rationale behind the features and functions of the AS4074, Linear, Token-passing, Bus (LTPB). The discussions also address the considerations which a system designer should take into account when designing a system using this bus. Other information can be found in these related documents: AIR 4271 - Handbook of System Data Communication and AS 4290 - Validation Test Plant for AS 4074.