Why is RS232 called so

RS232, or Recommended Standard 232, is a standard communication protocol widely used in serial communication between computers and other devices. It has been around since the early 1960s, yet the question remains: why is it called RS232? In this article, we will explore the origins and technical details of RS232 to understand the reasoning behind its name.

The Origins of RS232

To understand why RS232 got its name, we need to delve into its history. In the early days of computer communication, there was a need for a standard interface for connecting modems and terminals. This led to the development of the RS232 standard by the Electronics Industries Association (EIA).

The "RS" in RS232 stands for "Recommended Standard," indicating that it was a set of recommendations rather than a proprietary protocol. The number "232" refers to the specific technical standard within the RS series.

Technical Details of RS232

RS232 specifies the electrical characteristics and signaling standards for serial communication. It defines the voltage levels, timing, and data format for transmitting information over serial connections.

One of the key features of RS232 is its use of bipolar signaling, where a negative voltage represents a logic 1 and a positive voltage represents a logic 0. This allows for reliable data transmission even in noisy environments.

RS232 also uses a standard 9-pin or 25-pin connector, which became the de facto standard for serial ports on personal computers until the advent of USB. The pin assignments and functionality are specified in the RS232 standard.

The Naming Conventions

Now that we've explored the origins and technical aspects of RS232, let's discuss the naming conventions. The "RS" prefix indicates that it is a recommended standard, suggesting that its adoption is voluntary rather than mandatory. This naming convention is used for other standards in the RS series as well.

The number "232" was assigned to this specific standard by the EIA, possibly as a sequential designation within the RS series. However, there is no definitive information available regarding the reason behind this specific number assignment.

It's worth mentioning that RS232 has evolved over time, with newer versions such as RS232C, RS232D, and RS232E. These updates introduced additional features and improvements while maintaining compatibility with the original RS232 standard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, RS232 is called so because of its origins as a recommended standard for serial communication. The name does not provide any direct technical insight into its functionality. Nonetheless, RS232 has stood the test of time and remains an essential protocol for various industries despite the advancements in communication technologies.