A recommended standard (RS) interface established by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA). Also known as EIA/TIA-232.
The standard defines the specific electrical, functional, and mechanical characteristics used in asynchronous transmissions between a computer (data terminal equipment, or DTE) and a peripheral device (data communications equipment, or DCE). RS is the abbreviation for recommended standard, and the C denotes the third revision of that standard. RS-232-C is compatible with the CCITT V.24 and V.28 standards, as well as ISO IS2110.
RS-232-C uses a 25-pin or 9-pin DB connector. The accompanying illustration shows the pinouts used in a DB-25 male connector. It is used for serial communications between a computer and a peripheral device, such as a printer, modem, or mouse. The maximum cable limit of 15.25 meters (50 feet) can be extended by using high-quality cable, line drivers to boost the signal, or short-haul modems.
See also 1394; High Speed Serial Interface; Universal Serial Bus.