SERIAL TRANSMISSION Meaning and
Definition
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Serial transmission refers to a method of transmitting data in a sequence, one bit at a time, over a single communication channel or wire. In this mode of transmission, data is sent as a stream of bits, where each bit follows the other, with no gaps or interleaving. The bits are transmitted serially, meaning they are sent one after another in a continuous manner.
The process of serial transmission involves converting parallel data, which is organized into bytes or words, into a series of individual bits. These bits are then sent over the communication channel in a sequential manner. At the receiving end, the bits are reassembled to recreate the original parallel data.
Serial transmission is commonly used in modern communication systems, such as computer networks, telecommunication networks, and serial peripheral devices. It offers the advantage of using fewer wires compared to parallel transmission, which requires a separate wire for each bit of data. This makes it more efficient in terms of cost and space requirements.
Serial transmission can take place either synchronously or asynchronously. Synchronous transmission uses a clock signal to synchronize the sender and receiver, ensuring that the bits are transmitted at a fixed rate. Asynchronous transmission does not rely on a clock signal and includes additional bits for start and stop signals to mark the beginning and end of each character being transmitted.
Overall, serial transmission plays a vital role in modern communication technologies by enabling the efficient and reliable transfer of data over various communication channels.
Etymology of SERIAL TRANSMISSION
The word "serial" in the context of data transmission originates from the Latin word "series", which means "a row, succession, or sequence". It entered the English language in the mid-17th century and was initially used to describe things that were arranged or occurring in a series or succession.
The term "transmission" in this context refers to the process of sending or transferring data from one device to another. It comes from the Latin word "transmissio", which means "a sending across" or "a passing over".
When combined, "serial transmission" refers to the method of sending data bit-by-bit in a sequential order. It gained popularity with the advent of computer communication and data transfer technologies, where signals are transmitted over a single communication channel or wire one after another.
