in an electronic system for the transmission of data between a plurality of stations the control signals and functions of the basic elements of power supply , watchdog and signal converter in each station are linked to one another so as to ensure that the number of possible modes of operation , taken for all the elements , is reduced to a number necessary for the corresponding task and thereby guarantees a more reliable operation . moreover , the linkage leads to an optimum default behavior of the station with regard to application - specific power - saving and safety requirements , even when , for example , the malfunction of the microcontroller of the station persists .