Serial Communications Computer Boards

Serial communications computer boards (serial boards, serial ports, serial cards) transmit data by transferring the bits one after the other over a single wire. Serial transmission methods can transmit much faster than parallel transmission methods, especially when the cost and complexity of parallel equipment is considered. Parallel transmission is mainly used for devices that are physically close to each other, such as within the PC itself or, with higher quality cabling, for distances up to 200 feet. Serial communications computer boards are used for longer distances. A multiport serial board (also called a multiport serial card or multiport serial adaptor) can be inserted in a PCI or ISA slot inside a computer. Each multiport serial board supports multiple serial port connectors (DB-25 or RJ-45) that are external to the computer case.

Serial communications computer boards use communications protocols such as: RS232, universal serial bus (USB), FireWire, 802.11, and serial advanced technology attachment (S-ATA). FireWire is a registered trademark of Apple Computers, Inc. The specific size and form factor of a serial communications computer board depends on the computer or PLC to which it connects. While Ethernet networks, FireWire, and USB are all serial communications methods, "serial port" commonly refers to computer hardware that uses the RS232 standard to connect with a modem, mouse, or keyboard.

Applications for serial communications computer boards depend in large part on the communications protocols they support. Serial communications computer boards that use RS232 connect to peripherals such as mice, keyboards, or modems. Universal Serial Bus (USB) connects computers to many classes of devices, including mice, keyboards, external hard drives, and flash drives. FireWire connects computers to high-speed devices such as digital movie cameras. 802.11 connects computers and devices to wireless local area networks (LANs). S-ATA connects a serial communication board to hard drives and CD/DVD drives.

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