A serial port allows transmission of one bit at a time.
A serial port is one that allows the transmission of one bit at a time . This interface is usually used to connect the keyboard or mouse ( mouse ) to the computer ( computer ). Nowadays, however, this type of port has lost popularity, being replaced by the USB port or other faster technologies. Its main advantage remains its low cost and simplicity.
It should be noted that port is a concept with multiple uses. Its most general meaning refers to an infrastructure that offers different kinds of services. Within the specific context of computing , a port is the interface that allows digital data to be sent and received . These can be physical ports (which present an input in the hardware for a peripheral to be connected) or virtual ports (logical interface managed by a computer program).
Operation of a serial port
To understand how the serial port (which is also often called a serial port ) works, its logic can be compared to the operation of a parallel port . While many bits are transmitted simultaneously in a parallel port in two different directions, the serial port only sends or receives one bit at a time.
This explains why this port is known as serial: when considering a byte of information , it is responsible for the transmission of those 8 bits one by one , creating the path of the series of bits.
The serial port is also known as a serial port.
Other features
It is important to note that a serial port can have different external connectors. Some connectors have nine pins and others can have up to twenty-five pins .
In addition to all of the above, it is necessary to take into account other considerations with respect to the serial port, among which the following stand out:
- The most common models are called DB9 , which are identified by having nine pins.
- You must know that to connect and disconnect the devices through that port and for the computer itself to recognize them, it is essential to restart the computer.
- They are known by the name RS-232 .
- These are the first types of interfaces that gave computers the opportunity to “link” with the outside world.
- In serial transmission, it is essential that there are two control bits: a start bit and a stop bit .
- All serial ports, with very specific exceptions, are directly integrated into the motherboard or motherboard of the computer.
- It is considered that every computer, as a rule, has a minimum of one and a maximum of four serial ports.
- Serial communication is that which occurs asynchronously ; that is, without the need for a synchronization signal to exist.
- Like all technology, serial or serial ports progressed and thus gained speed.