- Data Bits: Indicates the number of bits used in the character coding scheme, or data word. Some systems use seven bits and others use eight bits, with no other choices available.
- Flow Control (handshaking): The embodiment of the protocol used to control the dialog of two serial devices. In general, flow control is used to manage the data flow by sending a character or signal to stop it. Usually the flow control method used also has a means for restarting the data flow.
- Parity: Actually a group of five choices: even, odd, space, mark or none. Parity is a way of checking whether the correct number of bits was sent and reveived. Most modems in use today do not use parity ( a parity setting of none). Regardless of the setting, both devices in a serial communications must be the same.
- RTS/CTS (request-to-send/clear-to-send): Sends signals to specific pins to stop and start the data flow. The CTS signal indicates that a device ready to accept data, and the RTS signal indicates when the device is ready to send data.
- Stop bits: Used in certain serial communications to indicate the beginning and the end of data words.
- XON/XOFF: One of the two most common forms of flow control characters to stop the flow of data (XOFF) and restart it again (XON). This is the software method of flow control.
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