asynchronous

asynchronous

[ā′siŋ·krə·nəs]

(computer science)

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

(physics)

Not synchronous.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

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.

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

asynchronous

Events that are not synchronized or coordinated in time. All the following are 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. Storing and forwarding messages. Starting the next operation before the current one is completed. Contrast with synchronous.

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