hårdvaruprotocol

A "hårdvaruprotocol" is a set of rules and specifications that govern the electrical, mechanical, and logical interface between hardware components. The term blends the Swedish word for hardware, hårdvara, with the English word protocol to denote a standardized method for communication and data exchange in electronic systems. Hardware protocols define parameters such as voltage levels, timing constraints, data framing, error detection, and handshaking procedures.

Typical categories of hardware protocols include serial, parallel, and bus interfaces. Serial protocols—examples being UART, I²C, SPI, and UART—facilitate point‑to‑point communication over one or a few wires. Parallel protocols, such as the legacy Centronics or modern LVDS, transmit multiple data bits simultaneously. Bus protocols like PCI Express, USB, and PCI provide shared media and multiple device access with arbitration mechanisms. Each protocol is tailored to specific performance, cost, and application requirements; for instance, UART is simple and inexpensive, while PCI Express offers high throughput suitable for graphics and storage devices.

Standards for hardware protocols are published by organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and manufacturer consortiums. Adherence to these standards ensures interoperability between components from different vendors. In embedded systems, IoT devices, and consumer electronics, hardware protocols enable modular design and rapid development cycles. The evolution of protocols continues with emerging technologies such as Thunderbolt and high‑speed serial links, addressing demands for increased bandwidth and lower latency.