A method for controlling bi-directional data transfers in an electronic circuit is provided. The method involves when a first of at least two data signals is activated as an originating data signal prior to a second of the at least two data signals: allowing only a device associated with the first of the at least two data signals to be a signal source, and causing a device associated with the second of the at least two data signals to enter a receive state as a signal sink. The method further involves passing at least one bit of data from the signal source to the signal sink.