Serial and Parallel Transmission

There are two methods used for transferring data between computers which are given below: Serial
Transmission and Parallel Transmission.

Data transmission is the process of data delivery between two or multiple digital devices. The
data is transmitted between digital systems using one of two methods: Serial or Parallel
Transmission. They have some commonalities and some differences. The main distinction
between these transmissions is that the data is transferred bit by bit in Serial Transmission. Still,
in Parallel Transmission, the data is sent one byte (8 bits) or character at a time. The main similarity
between these transmissions is that both transmissions are utilized to connect and interact with
other devices. In addition, parallel transmission is time-sensitive, but serial transmission is not.

In this article, you will learn about the difference between Serial and Parallel Transmission. But
before discussing the differences, you must know about Serial and Parallel Transmission with their
advantages and disadvantages.

What is Serial Transmission?

In Serial transmission, the data is delivered bit by bit from one computer system to another via bi-
directional where each bit has its own clock pulse rate. In Serial Transmission, 8 bits are
transferred at a time, with a start and stop bit (i.e., referred to as a Parity bit), which are 0 and 1.
In this transmission, serial data cables are utilized to send data across extended distances. In this
transmission, the data is delivered in proper order. It is made out of a 9-pin cable with a D-
shaped that links data in series.

Types of Serial Transmission

There are mainly two types of serial transmission. These are as follows:

1. Asynchronous Serial Transmission

Asynchronous transmission adds an extra bit to every byte to notify the recipient of the
appearance of new data. Typically, the start bit is 0, and the stop bit is 1.

2. Synchronous Serial transmission

There is no extra bit added in synchronous transmission; rather, data is conveyed in the form of
frames that comprise numerous bytes.

The serial transmission system cannot function without the installation of hardware at the
transmitting and receiving ends. The hardware at the sending and receiving ends can transfer data
from the device's parallel mode to serial mode.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Serial Transmission

There are various advantages and disadvantages of Serial transmission. Some advantages and
disadvantages of Serial transmission are as follows:

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Advantages

1. It is very cost-effective.

2. It can be utilized for long-distance communication.

3. It is more reliable and stable than other transmissions.

Disadvantages

1. The transmission rate of data is low.

2. Its throughput depends on the bit rate.

What is Parallel Transmission?

Parallel Transmission involves the simultaneous transfer of numerous bits from one computer
system to another. It is quicker to send the bits and is utilized for short distances. It is also
advantageous because it conforms to the underlying hardware, as electronic equipment such as
computers and communication systems employ parallel circuits inside. The parallel interface
works well in conjunction with the internal hardware.

The installation and problem resolution are simple because it is placed in a single physical cable
and utilizes a 25-pin port containing 17 signal lines and 8 ground lines. The 17 single lines are
divided into 4 lines for initiating handshaking, 5 lines for communicating and notifying errors,
and 8 for data transfer.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Parallel Transmission

There are various advantages and disadvantages of Parallel transmission. Some advantages and
disadvantages of Parallel transmission are as follows:

Advantages

1. It may transmit N bits simultaneously. A parallel interface can perform N times faster than
a serial interface.

2. The data can be sent from a computer to a printer using the parallel transmission. The
printer is connected to the computer's parallel port, and a parallel cable with numerous
wires can connect the printer to the computer. It is a highly rapid way of data transport.

3. The data is transmitted significantly more quickly in parallel transmission.

4. It works well for short-distance communication.

5. The set of bits is transferred at the same time.

Disadvantages

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1. Multiple communication channels are required in parallel transmission.

2. N communication lines must be utilized to transfer the data stream, and this n number of
wires must be used.

3. It is costly, so it is usually confined to small distances.

4. The wire thickness must be raised to reduce signal loss when transmitting data over long
distances.

SerialTransmission:
In Serial Transmission, data-bit flows from one computer to another computer in bi-direction. In
this transmission, one bit flows at one clock pulse. In Serial Transmission, 8 bits are transferred at
a time having a start and stop bit.
Serial Transmission

ParallelTransmission:
In Parallel Transmission, many bits are flow together simultaneously from one computer to another
computer. Parallel Transmission is faster than serial transmission to transmit the bits. Parallel
transmission is used for short distance.

Parallel Transmission
Difference between Serial and Parallel Transmission:

S.NO Serial Transmission Parallel Transmission

In this type, a single communication link is used In this type, multiple parallels links
1.
to transfer data from one end to another used to transmit the data

In serial transmission, data(bit) flows in bi- In Parallel Transmission, data flows

2.
direction. in multiple lines.

Parallel Transmission is not cost-

3. Serial Transmission is cost-efficient.
efficient.

In serial transmission, one bit transferred at one In Parallel Transmission, eight bits
4.
clock pulse. transferred at one clock pulse.

Serial Transmission is slow in comparison of Parallel Transmission is fast in

5.
Parallel Transmission. comparison of Serial Transmission.
S.NO Serial Transmission Parallel Transmission

Generally, Serial Transmission is used for long- Generally, Parallel Transmission is

6.
distance. used for short distance.

The circuit used in Serial Transmission is The circuit used in Parallel

7.
simple. Transmission is relatively complex.

Parallel Transmission is half-duplex

Serial Transmission is full duplex as sender can
8. since the data is either send or
send as well as receive the data
receive

Converters are required in a serial transmission

No converters are required in
9. to convert the data between internal and parallel
Parallel Transmission
form

Serial transmission is reliable and Parallel transmission is unreliable

10.
straightforward. and complicated.