HomeDigital TechnologySerial CommunicationSerial Communication - Protocols, Standards and Advantages

Serial Communication – Protocols, Standards and Advantages

Sahil Mishra
By Sahil Mishra

Serial Communication is the simplest communication of all between a sender and receiver. It became popular owing to its low cost installation and less space requirements. This post will discuss Serial Communication, its protocols, comparison of RS Standards and advantages of Serial Communication over Parallel Communication.

What is Serial Communication

Serial communication can be defined as the method of sending one bit of data at one point of time in succession through a bus. Take an example of Bow an arrow. How does an arrow shoots from the bow? One at a time, isn’t it? Same is the case with Serial Communication.

This is directly opposite to the function of parallel communication, where several bits are sent together on a bus consisting of many wired lanes in parallel.

Serial communication takes place by using only a single wire or line. Hence, for a two-way digital communication, we will only need two wires between the transmitter and receiver. As the cost of establishing a parallel communication is very high and its configuration is lengthy and complex, the Serial communication is preferred for all major communication/computer networks.

Serial Communication – Data Flow through Single Path

Fig. 1 – Serial Communication – Data Flow through Single Path

At small distances, serial buses are becoming more common and popular because the disadvantages of parallel buses prevails their advantage of simplicity. Improved technology to ensure the integrity of signal as well as increased transmission and receiving speed of data per channel has made the serial ports a close competitor to parallel ports.

The cost of integrated circuits are a lot because of the large number of pins. It is therefore, many integrated circuits utilize the serial buses when the importance of speed does not exist. Examples of these low cost serial buses are SPI, I²C, and 1-Wire.

Few examples of systems consisting serial communication are Morse Code Telegraphy, RS-232, RS 422, RS-423, RS-485, Universal Serial Bus, FireWire, Serial Attached SCSI, Serial ATA, PCI Express, etc.

Devices Using Serial Communication

Fig. 2 – Devices Using Serial Communication

Serial Communication Protocols

Following are the Serial Communication Protocols:

  • CAN Protocol
  • I2C Protocol
  • SPI Protocol
  • USB Protocol
  • eSPI Protocol

 

Serial Communication Protocols

Fig. 3 – Serial Communication Protocols

CAN Protocol

1970’s was the era when automobile manufacturers started introducing new features such as anti lock braking, air conditioners, gear control, centrally operated door locks etc. These features warranted extra bulky wiring and complex designs which increased costs and risks.

To overcome these issues, Robert Bosch introduced CAN protocol in 1980s. This Serial Communication protocol was further standardized as ISO 11898 in 1993. It was the CAN protocol that completely changed the communication between advanced sensors.

The CAN protocol is utilized for electronics networking in automobiles, aeroplanes and medical systems.

I2C Protocol

I2C stands for Inter Integrated Circuits protocol. It is also known as IIC protocol. It allows connection of multiple slave devices with one or more than one master device. This serial communication is used for short distance communication between two Integrated Circuits on the same base (PCB). It uses two bidirectional transmission lines for the data transfer. It can support up to 3.4 Mbps which is considerably high data speed.

SPI Protocol

SPI Protocol stands for Serial Peripheral Interface Protocol. It was introduced by Motorola in 1980s and is widely used in embedded systems. It is used for short distance communication in embedded systems. Master Slave architecture is used while communication between devices in this protocol.

USB Protocol

USB Protocol needs no introduction. It is, by far, the most popular protocol in use. This protocol was introduced to standardize the peripheral connections to computer.

In USB protocol, the data communication happens in the form of packets of 8 bits or multiple of 8 bits.

eSPI Protocol

eSPI Protocol stands for Enhanced Serial Peripheral Bus Interface Protocol. Intel introduced eSPI Protocol as the replacement of Low Pin Count (LPC) bus. Its main purpose was to minimize the numbers of pins as compared to LPC bus.

Serial Communication Standards

RS standards are the most popular standards which are based on serial communication. Following are the main RS Standards that are widely used:

  • RS 232
  • RS 422
  • RS 485

RS Standards in Serial Communication

Fig. 4 – RS Standards in Serial Communication

RS 232

RS 232 stands for Recommended standard number 232. RS-232 ,as an interface, has been a standard from many years for interconnecting a Data Circuit Terminating Equipment (DCE) with a Data Terminal Equipment (DTE). Various forms of RS 232 interface are available in the market. However, being different in design and configuration, they are easy in conversion to other forms. Examples of this interface are RS 232 ‘C’, RS 232 ‘D’ , RS 232 V.10, RS 232 V.28.

RS 422

This standard was introduced to fix the shortcomings of RS-232C. These shortcomings included slow and short distance transmission. The clock timing and its purpose is defined in this standard. Examples of this standard are D Sub 9 pin and D Sub 25 pin connectors.

RS 485

This standard was introduced to fix the shortcomings of RS 422. The shortcoming of RS 422 was the inability to switch off the driver circuit. RS 485 utilizes three state logic which allows it to deactivate each transmitter separately.

Comparison between Common RS Standards in Serial Communication

Fig. 5 – Comparison between Common RS Standards in Serial Communication

Advantages of Serial Communication over Parallel Communication

There is a misconception that the serial ports/buses are slower than parallel ports/buses as the transmission of data is only a bit per unit of time. Even serial ports/buses may be clocked considerably at quicker rate than the parallel ports/buses and can accomplish a higher speed of data flow. The factors which makes Serial Communication better than Parallel Communication are:

No Clock Required: In case of unclocked and asynchronous type Serial Communication, the problem of clock skew between the lanes/ channels does not exist.

Requires Less Space: The Serial Communication configuration requires less space because the requirement of cable is less in serial connection. The availability of this additional space gives good isolation of the data lanes from the neighboring communication components.

No Cross-talks: There is a minimal presence of conductors in the nearby space. It is therefore, the chances of cross-talks are rare.

Low Cost: The cost of serial link is less in comparison to parallel links.

Also Read:
Communication Protocols in Embedded Systems – Types, Advantages & Disadvantages
Digital Communication – Introduction, Basic Components, How Signal Process Works and Advantages
Asynchronous Transmission – Communication Characteristics, Process of Data Flow, Advantages and Disadvantages
Previous article
Nano Robots – Component, Powering & Manufacturing Method, Application
Next article
Underground Power Cables – Architecture, Applications and Advantages

latest articles

explore more

80 COMMENTS

  6. I’ve been surfing on-line more than three hours nowadays, but I by no means found any interesting article like yours. It is beautiful worth enough for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will probably be a lot more useful than ever before. “I think that maybe if women and children were in charge we would get somewhere.” by James Grover Thurber.

  7. I’ve been browsing online greater than three hours today, yet I by no means discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It is beautiful price enough for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  9. Hmm it appears like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any suggestions for novice blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.

  10. Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your website in internet explorer, might check this… IE still is the market leader and a large section of folks will omit your great writing due to this problem.

  12. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  13. I’m often to running a blog and i actually appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and hold checking for new information.

  14. I like what you guys are up also. Such smart work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website :).

  28. hello there and thank you on your information – I have certainly picked up something new from proper here. I did however experience some technical points the use of this web site, as I skilled to reload the website a lot of instances prior to I could get it to load properly. I had been puzzling over if your web hosting is OK? Now not that I’m complaining, however sluggish loading circumstances instances will often impact your placement in google and could damage your high quality ranking if advertising and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and could glance out for much extra of your respective interesting content. Make sure you update this once more very soon..

  31. I’m impressed, I must say. Actually rarely do I encounter a blog that’s each educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Your thought is excellent; the problem is something that not sufficient individuals are talking intelligently about. I’m very completely happy that I stumbled throughout this in my search for something referring to this.

  33. I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site 🙂

  40. I loved up to you’ll receive carried out proper here. The comic strip is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. however, you command get bought an nervousness over that you would like be turning in the following. sick certainly come further beforehand once more as exactly the same nearly a lot continuously inside case you protect this hike.

  41. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable info to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be thankful to you.

  42. Thanks, I’ve just been searching for information approximately this subject for ages and yours is the best I have discovered so far. But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you sure in regards to the supply?

  43. After research just a few of the blog posts in your website now, and I truly like your means of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site record and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my website as nicely and let me know what you think.

  46. Hi there I am so delighted I found your weblog, I really found you by accident, while I was searching on Google for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a incredible post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the excellent work.

  47. Implementing network-level DNS filtering and threat intelligence services provides organizations with proactive protection against malicious hyperlinks by blocking access to known phishing domains before they can load in user browsers, significantly reducing the attack surface and minimizing reliance on manual verification for scalable threat prevention.

  48. I deeply appreciate how you emphasize the importance of self-care, sustainable pacing, boundary-setting, holistic well-being, preventive practices, and recovery in professional growth, countering burnout culture and promoting longevity, resilience, fulfillment, and balanced achievement.

  49. With every thing that seems to be building inside this particular subject material, your opinions tend to be somewhat stimulating. Nevertheless, I am sorry, because I do not subscribe to your entire plan, all be it radical none the less. It looks to everybody that your remarks are not entirely rationalized and in simple fact you are generally your self not really completely confident of your point. In any case I did appreciate reading through it.

  50. Thank you for framing digital knowledge sharing as a collaborative expedition rather than a competitive leaderboard, as that inclusive philosophy transforms your comment threads into welcoming spaces for mutual advancement, discovery, and the collective elevation of professional standards.

  51. I don’t even know how I stopped up here, however I believed this publish was once good. I do not recognize who you might be but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger in case you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  52. Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam comments? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any assistance is very much appreciated.

  55. I do consider all the concepts you’ve offered for your post. They are really convincing and will definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very quick for starters. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thank you for the post.

  56. I’ve been browsing on-line more than three hours nowadays, but I by no means found any fascinating article like yours. It is lovely price sufficient for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the web will probably be a lot more helpful than ever before.

  57. Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; many of us have developed some nice practices and we are looking to trade solutions with others, why not shoot me an email if interested.

  62. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

  64. Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s hard to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appearance. I must say you have done a superb job with this. Additionally, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Internet explorer. Exceptional Blog!

  68. I do consider all the concepts you’ve offered to your post. They are really convincing and will definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are too short for newbies. May just you please lengthen them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post.

  72. Thank you, I have recently been looking for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the greatest I’ve found out till now. But, what about the bottom line? Are you sure about the source?

  75. I must express my affection for your kindness supporting visitors who actually need guidance on in this concept. Your real commitment to passing the solution up and down ended up being amazingly informative and has in most cases helped employees like me to achieve their ambitions. Your own invaluable useful information implies much to me and much more to my fellow workers. Many thanks; from each one of us.

  76. hey there and thank you for your info – I’ve definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise several technical points using this website, since I experienced to reload the web site a lot of times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and could damage your quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and can look out for a lot more of your respective fascinating content. Ensure that you update this again very soon..

  78. Thanks for the points you have contributed here. Another thing I would like to express is that computer system memory needs generally go up along with other innovations in the technologies. For instance, if new generations of processor chips are introduced to the market, there is usually a related increase in the type demands of all laptop memory in addition to hard drive room. This is because the software operated through these cpus will inevitably surge in power to leverage the new technological know-how.

  79. Awesome blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused .. Any suggestions? Bless you!

  80. Howdy would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re utilizing?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different web
    browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
    Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a fair price?

    Thank you, I appreciate it!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

An Electrical & Electronics Engineering Group that provides information and guides to Electrical enthusiasts around the world on various subjects like Power Generation, Distribution, Electronics, Marine Electricity, Navigation systems, Test Equipment, Reliability and Instrumentation Control.

recommended articles

trending right now

copyright 2024@electricalfundablog

About Us

Privacy Policy

Write Article