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A serial port is a physical communication interface that transmits data one bit at a time over a single wire, enabling devices like modems or printers to communicate with a computer. While modern interfaces like USB and Ethernet also use serial communication, the term "serial port" most often refers to legacy connections, particularly the RS-232 standard, commonly known as a COM port. These ports use a set of pins for transmitting, receiving, and controlling data flow.

Key characteristics of a serial port

Data transmission: Data is sent serially, meaning bits are transmitted one after another in a sequence over a single channel.

COM ports: On a PC, a serial port is identified as a COM (communications) port, such as COM1 or COM2.

RS-232: This is a common standard for serial ports, often featuring a 9-pin connector.

Purpose: Historically, serial ports were used for connecting peripherals like modems, mice, and printers. Today, they are still common in industrial automation, embedded systems, and for connecting to scientific instruments.

Speed: Traditional serial ports are generally slower than modern interfaces like USB.

Control lines: In addition to data pins (Transmit and Receive), serial ports use control pins to manage the communication flow between devices.