Einwegkopplung

Einwegkopplung, also known as unidirectional coupling, describes a relationship or connection between two systems or components where information, influence, or control flows in only one direction. This means that system A can affect system B, but system B cannot affect system A. It is a fundamental concept in various fields, including engineering, computer science, and social sciences.

In engineering and computer science, einwegkopplung is often implemented to ensure data integrity and prevent unintended side effects. For example, in a data acquisition system, a sensor might have a unidirectional coupling to a data logger; the sensor sends data, but the logger does not send commands back to the sensor. This prevents external interference from altering sensor readings. Another common application is in the design of electrical circuits where a diode exhibits einwegkopplung, allowing current to flow in one direction only.

In a broader sense, einwegkopplung can also describe social or organizational dynamics. A hierarchical structure, for instance, often involves unidirectional communication from superiors to subordinates. Similarly, a one-way feedback mechanism in a process only allows for information to be sent from one party, without the recipient being able to respond or influence the sender. The key characteristic remains the absence of reciprocal influence.