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A successful and
useful interface standard must define the lowest level details of the interface,
such as the voltage values, the shape of the signals, and the performance of the
interface under many normal and abnormal conditions. One of the most common interface
standards is the RS-232 standard, which is published by the Electronics Industry
Association (EIA). The formal name for the standard is "Interface between
Data Terminal Equipment and Data Communication Equipment employing Serial Binary
Data Interchange", but the industry shorthand for it is simply "RS-232".
The
prefix "RS" stands fro recommended standard. The RS-232 interface in
used in many types of applications for data communications, where relatively low
performance is acceptable to the use or all that can real8istically be provided
because of cost and technical constraints. Applications for RS-232 include the
following:
1. A connection between a computer terminal and computer.
2.
A computer sending data to a nearby printer.
3. A specialized device, such
as a bar code reader, sending data to a computer.
4. The link between a computer
and a nearby communication box, which in turn communicates with a distant communications
box using some other methods.
The RS-232 interface is a good choi8ce for many
applicants, but there are situations for which it is completely inadequate. The
applications involve high speed or long distances. If used properly, however RS-232
can provide very good performance at low cost.
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