question about rs232...

[AznMaverick]

what exactly does it define, (i'm doing an EE project and need to get a better understanding of what i will work with and have to do)? does it specify lengths of data packets (including headers and stuff), types of media, etc? i've looked on google, all i can find is the pin layouts for RS232 serial and that it runs in negative logic.

Also, sort of unrelated and related at the same time. how can you tell data rate from the baud rate, (or are they one in the same)?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[AznMaverick]

ok nevermind found the answer: "RS232 only specifies the electrical characteristics of the lines, but not the data going over it. All kinds of equipment use RS232 for communication, but most use completely different formats. Eg look to the many MODEM standards, the computer file transfer utilities, the different mouse standard. They all use RS232 but cannot be interchanged, because of different data formats."

 

[ScottMac]

The only thing I'd like to add is that the signalling rate is usually not the baud. The signalling rate may be 9600, with four bits-per-baud (for example). The baud is really not associated with RS232. What's actually on the signal would be another protocol, like V.90, V.92, etc....

FWIW

Scott

 

[AznMaverick]

ah, that makes sense...everything is starting to piece together in my head now. thanks.