UART
Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) is a type of serial communication protocol commonly used in microcontrollers, embedded systems, and other electronic devices. In this article, we will explore what a UART is, how it works, and its applications.
What Is UART?
UART is a communication protocol that enables two devices to communicate with each other serially. It is a simple, cost-effective, and widely used method of transmitting data between devices. UART is often used to communicate with peripherals such as sensors, displays, and other devices in embedded systems.
How Does UART Work?
UART uses two data lines, namely the TX (transmit) line and the RX (receive) line, to transfer data between devices. The TX line is used to transmit data from the transmitting device, while the RX line is used to receive data at the receiving device.
UART communication involves a start bit, data bits, an optional parity bit, and a stop bit. The start bit is always a logic low (0) signal, and it signals the receiving device that data is coming. The data bits represent the actual data being transmitted and can range from 5 to 9 bits. The parity bit is an optional bit used for error detection, while the stop bit is always a logic high (1) signal and indicates the end of a data packet.
UART communication is asynchronous, meaning that the transmitting device and receiving device do not share a common clock signal. Instead, the receiving device synchronizes to the start bit of each data packet and uses the timing of the data bits to determine the bit rate and data content.
Applications Of UART
UART is widely used in many electronic devices and systems, including:
Microcontrollers: UART is often used to communicate between a microcontroller and other devices, such as sensors or displays.
Personal Computers: UART is used to communicate between the computer and devices, such as modems, printers, and GPS receivers.
Industrial Control Systems: UART is used in industrial control systems to communicate between devices, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and sensors.
Embedded Systems: UART is used in embedded systems to communicate between devices, such as microcontrollers, displays, and sensors.
Conclusion
UART is a widely used communication protocol that enables two devices to communicate with each other serially. It is a simple and cost-effective method of transmitting data between devices and is commonly used in microcontrollers, personal computers, industrial control systems, and embedded systems. Understanding how UART works and its applications is important for anyone working with electronic devices and systems.