This section defines the scope of the document@ provides a bried history of the Pi-Bus@ discusses key features of the Pi-Bus@ and provides an overview of the operation of the Pi-Bus.This document is a handbook intended to accompany AS4710?Pi-Bus standard. The purpose of this document is to provide information to aid users of the Pi-Bus@ whether they be implementors of Pi-Bus controllers@ architects of systems considering using the Pi-Bus@ or programmers who must develop applications in a system which uses the Pi-Bus as the backplane communications bus. This document also provides rationale for many of the Pi-Bus requirements as defined in AS4710 and a dicussion of potential enhancements that are being considered for the Pi-Bus.The following is a mapping of major sections in this document for particular audiences:a. Overview of Pi-Bus and its capabilities: Section 1b. Pi-Bus rationale: Sections 3@ 4@ and 5c. information for IC designers: Sections 3@ 4@ 5@ 8@ and 9d. Information for system designers/architects: Sections 1@ 6@ 7@ and 9e. Information for software designer: Sections 1@ 6@ and 7The following is a synopsis of the history of the Pi-Bus.