SERCOMs

SERCOMs, or Serial Communication Controllers, are integrated circuits designed to manage serial data transmission and reception. They act as the interface between a computer's parallel data bus and serial communication lines. This allows devices to communicate with each other over a distance using a minimal number of wires. SERCOMs typically handle protocols like RS-232, RS-485, and UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter).

The primary function of a SERCOM is to convert data between parallel and serial formats. Internally, a SERCOM contains registers for controlling transmission speed (baud rate), data bits, parity, and stop bits. It also includes buffers to store data while it's being sent or received, preventing data loss. Many SERCOMs incorporate features like interrupt generation to signal the main processor when data is ready or an error has occurred.

Modern microcontrollers often include built-in SERCOMs, eliminating the need for external chips in many applications. These integrated SERCOMs are highly configurable and can often support multiple serial protocols simultaneously. Their versatility makes them essential components in a wide range of electronic devices, from simple embedded systems to complex industrial control equipment, enabling communication between different parts of a system or with external devices.