Sarjaliittimien

Sarjaliittimien, often translated as serial connectors or serial ports, are interfaces on a computer or other electronic device that allow for the transmission of data one bit at a time. This method of data transfer is known as serial communication. Unlike parallel communication, which sends multiple bits simultaneously over separate lines, serial communication sends data sequentially over a single line or a pair of lines. This makes serial communication simpler in terms of wiring and can be more robust over longer distances, although it is generally slower than parallel communication.

Historically, serial ports were a common feature on personal computers, primarily used for connecting peripherals such as modems, mice, and printers. The RS-232 standard was one of the most prevalent serial communication protocols, defining the electrical characteristics, timing, signal levels, and connector types for serial connections. Common connectors associated with RS-232 include the DE-9 (often mistakenly called DB-9) and DB-25 connectors.

While discrete serial ports have largely been replaced by newer, faster interfaces like USB (Universal Serial Bus) in consumer devices, serial communication remains important in various industrial, scientific, and embedded systems. These systems often benefit from the simplicity, reliability, and low cost of serial interfaces. Examples include industrial automation equipment, network devices, microcontrollers, and certain diagnostic tools. Specialized hardware and software are used to implement and manage serial communication protocols.