STOP BIT Meaning and
Definition
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A stop bit, in the context of computer communication and data transmission protocols, refers to a signal that is sent to indicate the end of a data frame. It is a predefined bit pattern that follows the data bits and serves as a delimiter between consecutive frames. When transmitting data, a stop bit is appended to each frame to ensure that the receiving device can identify the end of the message.
The stop bit is typically a logical "1" bit, which means it is in the high state. This allows the receiver to differentiate between the stop bit and the data bits, which are usually in the low state. By having a distinct stop bit pattern, the receiver can accurately determine the start and end points of each frame, which is crucial for reliable data transmission.
Stop bits are essential in synchronous and asynchronous serial communication. In asynchronous transmission, a fixed number of stop bits (often one or two) follow each data frame to provide synchronization and allow the receiver to determine the exact timing for reading incoming data. In synchronous transmission, stop bits are also used as part of the framing mechanism, but they may have different meanings or functions depending on the specific protocol used.
In summary, a stop bit is a signal sent at the end of a data frame to indicate its completion and to allow proper synchronization between the transmitting and receiving devices in computer communication.
Common Misspellings for STOP BIT
- atop bit
- ztop bit
- xtop bit
- dtop bit
- etop bit
- wtop bit
- srop bit
- sfop bit
- sgop bit
- syop bit
- s6op bit
- s5op bit
- stip bit
- stkp bit
- stlp bit
- stpp bit
- st0p bit
- st9p bit
- stoo bit
- stol bit
Etymology of STOP BIT
The term "stop bit" in computer science has its etymology rooted in telegraph and Morse code systems. In telegraphy, a stop bit referred to the transmission of a bit signal that indicated the end of a character or message. This stop bit was typically sent as a space, meaning no signal or absence of a signal.
When telegraph technology was adapted for use in early computer systems, including serial communication protocols, the concept of stop bits was retained. In serial communication, the stop bit serves a similar purpose, representing the end of a data unit and allowing the receiving device to synchronize with the transmission.
Therefore, the term "stop bit" comes from the historical practice of indicating the termination or end point of a character or transmission in telegraphy, which has been carried forward into modern computer communication protocols.
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