For instance, a computer (DTE) might send the binary data “11011101” serially to the modem (DCE) which then replies by sending “11010101” back to the DTE device. Serial communication is implemented by the transmission of serial data between the DTE and DCE. The basic example of these two types of equipment defines a computer as a DTE device with a modem filling the role of DCE.

DTE is the acronym for Data Terminal Equipment and DCE represents Data Communication Equipment. The formal specification of RS232 is that it is an interface which uses serial binary data exchange to communicate between DTE and DCE devices. The prefix RS denotes a Recommended Standard, and all of the EIA standards begin with those characters. What does RS232 stand for?ĭata transfer standards are developed by the Electronic Industry Association (EIA).

Distances of up to 20 meters are the limit for reliable data transfer using the RS232 interface. It performs asynchronous transmission at a constant rate that is synchronized with the start pulse signal’s level. The RS232 protocol transmits data of wires employing signal levels that differ from the standard 5V in order to minimize signal interference. We will take a look at the serial port pinouts used to implement RS232 as well as some additional reference information concerning the protocol. The RS232 protocol is a popular serial interface that is used to connect computers to peripheral devices such as modems.

Serial tx rx pins