Communication

Question 1

What is serial data transmission?

Answer 1

Bits are sent one at a time via an interface over a single wire from source to destination

Question 2

What is parallel data transmission?

Answer 2

Several bits are sent simultaneously over a number of parallel wires

Question 3

What are the advantages and disadvantages of serial serial over parallel transmission?

Answer 3

+ requires less hardware so cheaper
+ less risk of data skew over long distances
+ less chance of errors from cross talk between wires
- lower speeds of data transfer

Question 4

What is synchronous data transmission?

Answer 4

2 devices which are communicating sync their transmission signals using their system clocks

Question 5

What is asynchronous data transmission?

Answer 5

Does not require the permanent syncing of the sender and receiver’s clocks;
It synchronizes in a window, controlled by stop and start bits;

Question 6

Describe the process of an asynchronous data transmission

Answer 6

1. Start bit causes receiver to sync the 2 clocks
2. Both devices agree on the following number of bits to be sent
3. Data is transferred
4. Stop bit indicates the end of the data transfer

Question 7

Define baud rate

Answer 7

The rate at which the signal changes

Question 8

Define bit rate

Answer 8

Speed at which the data is transmitted serially

Question 9

Define bandwidth

Answer 9

A range of signal frequencies a medium can transmit

Question 10

Define latency

Answer 10

The time delay that occurs when a device responds to a component

Question 11

Define protocol

Answer 11

A set of rules relating to communication between devices

Question 12

What is the relationship between bit rate and bandwidth?

Answer 12

Bit rate is directly proportional to bandwidth

Question 13

What is the formula for bit rate?

Answer 13

Bit rate = Baud rate * number of bits per baud