You are here: irt.org | FOLDOC | asynchronous
<architecture> Not synchronised by a shared signal such as clock or semaphore, proceeding independently.
Opposite: synchronous.
1. <operating system> A process in a multitasking system whose execution can proceed independently, "in the background". Other processes may be started before the asynchronous process has finished.
2. <communications> A communications system in which data transmission may start at any time and is indicated by a start bit, e.g. EIA-232. A data byte (or other element defined by the protocol) ends with a stop bit. A continuous marking condition (identical to stop bits but not quantized in time), is then maintained until data resumes.
(1995-12-08)
Nearby terms: asymmetrical modulation « Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line « Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Loop « asynchronous » Asynchronous Balanced Mode » Asynchronous Communications Interface Adapter » asynchronous logic
FOLDOC, Topics, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, ?, ALL