Defines a modular data-bus system for data acquisition and control. Mechanical, signal, electrical, and protocol specifications are given that are sufficient to assure compatibility between units from different sources of design and production. The standard applies to systems consisting of modular electronic instrument units that process of transfer data or signals, normally in association with computers or other automatic data processors. To provide standard routines that have the same meaning to all users so as to minimize duplication of software effort, and maximize interchangeability of FASTBUS systems, subsystems and software.