asynchronous

asynchronous

Refers to events that are not synchronized, or coordinated, in time. The following are considered asynchronous operations. The interval between transmitting A and B is not the same as between B and C. The ability to initiate a transmission at either end. The ability to store and forward messages. Starting the next operation before the current one is completed. Contrast with synchronous.

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asynchronous [ā′siŋ·krə·nəs]

(computer science)

Operating at a speed determined by the circuit functions rather than by timing signals.

(physics)

Not synchronous.

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(architecture)

asynchronous - Not synchronised by a shared signal such as clock or semaphore, proceeding independently. Opposite: synchronous. 1. 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. 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.