The ASC-3084 takes asynchronous signals from the DTE into its internal buffer and clocks the signals out at DCE Send Timing (ST) clock rate synchronously. Signals from the DCE are passed to the DTE unprocessed. The ASC-3084 requires a high signal level on the DCE Carrier Detect (CD) for the unit to function. A low signal level on the DCE Carrier Detect (CD) will keep the unit in reset. Flow control is activated by the DTE Clear To Send (CTS) pin.

For compatibility with MIL-STD-188C, the transmit and receive data (TD and RD) can be inverted through the unit by a toggle switch. FiberPlex recommends “R” units for high security applications because the units have added shielding and filtering for RFI suppression.