A system and a method are disclosed for an intra-panel communication interface which, among other advantages, enhances system reliability and reduces bus width. A timing controller initializes communication with a plurality of source drivers by transmitting link data through a plurality of data channels and monitors source driver status through an auxiliary status channel. The plurality of source drivers share the auxiliary status channel to indicate their status. The timing controller transmits display data to a source driver through a data channel. The display data includes a request for status data from the source driver. The source driver transmits the requested status data to the timing controller via the auxiliary status channel.