Browse Definitions :
Definition

UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter)

A UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) is the microchip with programming that controls a computer's interface to its attached serial devices. Specifically, it provides the computer with the RS-232C Data Terminal Equipment ( DTE ) interface so that it can "talk" to and exchange data with modems and other serial devices. As part of this interface, the UART also:

  • Converts the bytes it receives from the computer along parallel circuits into a single serial bit stream for outbound transmission
  • On inbound transmission, converts the serial bit stream into the bytes that the computer handles
  • Adds a parity bit (if it's been selected) on outbound transmissions and checks the parity of incoming bytes (if selected) and discards the parity bit
  • Adds start and stop delineators on outbound and strips them from inbound transmissions
  • Handles interrupt s from the keyboard and mouse (which are serial devices with special port s)
  • May handle other kinds of interrupt and device management that require coordinating the computer's speed of operation with device speeds

More advanced UARTs provide some amount of buffering of data so that the computer and serial devices data streams remain coordinated. The most recent UART, the 16550, has a 16-byte buffer that can get filled before the computer's processor needs to handle the data. The original UART was the 8250. If you purchase an internal modem today, it probably includes a 16550 UART (although you should ask when you buy it). According to modem manufacturer US Robotics, external modems do not include a UART. If you have an older computer, you may want to add an internal 16550 to get the most out of your external modem.

This was last updated in February 2011

Continue Reading About UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter)

Networking
Security
  • PCI DSS 12 requirements

    The PCI DSS 12 requirements are a set of security controls businesses must implement to protect credit card data and comply with ...

  • cardholder data (CD)

    Cardholder data (CD) is any personally identifiable information (PII) associated with a person who has a credit or debit card.

  • PCI DSS merchant levels

    Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) merchant levels rank merchants based on their number of transactions per ...

CIO
  • systems thinking

    Systems thinking is a holistic approach to analysis that focuses on the way that a system's constituent parts interrelate and how...

  • crowdsourcing

    Crowdsourcing is the practice of turning to a body of people to obtain needed knowledge, goods or services.

  • synthetic data

    Synthetic data is information that's artificially manufactured rather than generated by real-world events.

HRSoftware
  • employee engagement

    Employee engagement is the emotional and professional connection an employee feels toward their organization, colleagues and work.

  • talent pool

    A talent pool is a database of job candidates who have the potential to meet an organization's immediate and long-term needs.

  • diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)

    Diversity, equity and inclusion is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and ...

Customer Experience
  • needs assessment

    A needs assessment is a systematic process that examines what criteria must be met in order to reach a desired outcome.

  • customer touchpoint

    A customer touchpoint is any direct or indirect contact a customer has with a brand.

  • customer service charter

    A customer service charter is a document that outlines how an organization promises to work with its customers along with ...

Close