Serial port


noun
1.
(computing) (on a computer) a socket that can be used for connecting devices that send data one bit at a time; often used for connecting the mouse or a modem
hardware, communications
(Or “com port”) A connector on a computer to which you can attach a serial line connected to peripherals which communicate using a serial (bit-stream) protocol. The most common type of serial port is a 25-pin D-type connector carrying EIA-232 signals. Smaller connectors (e.g. 9-pin D-type) carrying a subset of EIA-232 are often used on personal computers. The serial port is usually connected to an integrated circuit called a UART which handles the conversion between serial and parallel data.
In the days before bit-mapped displays, and today on multi-user systems, the serial port was used to connect one or more terminals (teletypewriters or VDUs), printers, modems and other serial peripherals. Two computers connected together via their serial ports, possibly via modems, can communicate using a protocol such as UUCP or CU or SLIP.
(1995-01-12)

Read Also:

  • Serial presence detect

    presence detect

  • Serial processing

    serial processing definition A technique for solving problems in which a computer begins at the start and works through to the end in a linear fashion. (Compare parallel processing.) sequential processing

  • Serial processor

    architecture A computer whose central processing unit performs a single machine-level operation at a time. This term would be used mostly in contrast to a parallel processor. (2008-03-14)

  • Serial-rights

    plural noun 1. commercial rights to publish an author’s work, usually a novel, or to use it on radio or television one chapter or episode at a time.

  • Serial scanning

    medicine Performing more than two CT scans on a patient in 24 hours. (2007-12-22)


Disclaimer: Serial port definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.