asynchronous
<architecture> Not synchronised by a shared signal such as clock or
semaphore, proceeding independently.
Opposite: synchronous.
1. <operating system> A process in a multitasking system whose execution
can proceed independently, "in the background". Other processes may be started
before the asynchronous process has finished.
2. <communications> A communications system in which data transmission
may start at any time and is indicated by a start bit, e.g. EIA-232. A data byte
(or other element defined by the protocol) ends with a stop bit. A continuous
marking condition (identical to stop bits but not quantized in time), is then
maintained until data resumes.
(1995-12-08)
Nearby terms:
asymmetrical modulation « Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
« Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Loop « asynchronous »
Asynchronous Balanced Mode » Asynchronous Communications
Interface Adapter » asynchronous logic
