asynchronous transmission: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “asynchronous transmission” mean?
A method of data transmission where data is sent at irregular intervals without a shared timing signal between sender and receiver.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A method of data transmission where data is sent at irregular intervals without a shared timing signal between sender and receiver.
In computing and telecommunications, it refers to communication where each character or data unit is sent independently, often with start and stop bits, allowing devices with different clock speeds to communicate. More broadly, it describes any process or communication that does not require participants to be engaged simultaneously.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows regional conventions (e.g., 'characterised' vs. 'characterized' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “asynchronous transmission” in a Sentence
The system uses asynchronous transmission.Asynchronous transmission of data is common.Configure the port for asynchronous transmission.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “asynchronous transmission” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The modem is configured to transmit asynchronously.
- Older terminals asynchronously transmitted each character.
American English
- The device transmits data asynchronously.
- We need to asynchronously send these packets.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in IT departments discussing legacy systems or specific protocols.
Academic
Common in computer science, telecommunications, and engineering papers discussing data communication fundamentals.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in computing and electronics, describing a fundamental method of serial communication.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “asynchronous transmission”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “asynchronous transmission”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asynchronous transmission”
- Confusing it with 'asynchronous communication' in a general sense (e.g., email). While related, the technical term specifically concerns the signalling method.
- Using 'asynchronous' to mean 'slow' rather than 'not synchronized by a clock'.
- Misspelling 'asynchronous' as 'asychronous'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is commonly used for communication with peripherals like keyboards, mice, and in legacy serial ports (RS-232). It's also foundational for understanding modern async protocols.
In asynchronous transmission, start and stop bits are extra bits added to each character or data unit. The start bit signals the beginning of transmission, and the stop bit(s) signal the end, allowing the receiver to resynchronise for the next character.
Asynchronous transmission sends data independently with its own timing signals (start/stop bits). Synchronous transmission sends data in a continuous, timed stream using a shared clock signal, making it more efficient for large blocks of data.
Yes, full-duplex communication (sending and receiving simultaneously) is possible with asynchronous transmission, provided the hardware supports it, such as in a standard serial port.
A method of data transmission where data is sent at irregular intervals without a shared timing signal between sender and receiver.
Asynchronous transmission is usually technical/formal in register.
Asynchronous transmission: in British English it is pronounced /eɪˈsɪŋkrənəs trænzˈmɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /eɪˈsɪŋkrənəs trænzˈmɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of sending letters by post (asynchronous) vs. a live phone call (synchronous). The post doesn't require you and the recipient to be active at the same time.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A RACE: Synchronous transmission is like runners starting together on a gunshot. Asynchronous transmission is like runners starting whenever they are ready.
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of asynchronous transmission?