What’s the Difference Between Asynchronous and Synchronous Communication?

When you’re shopping around for computing needs for an embedded system, chances are you have a good idea of whether you need a synchronous or asynchronous solution. 

Asynchronous communication is the most common. But sync is typically used for fast-paced, critical applications for the military, aerospace, and commercial uses.

This is when it’s most important to have a partner experienced in sync to make sure your communication goals are met.

At Sealevel, we excel in software support for both async and sync serial devices–but are particularly adept with sync serial. In fact, our sync solutions are incorporated in a variety of defense systems including the PATRIOT Missile Defense System, the Tomahawk Missile Weapons Control System, and the Global Secure Airborne Communication program, or GSAC.  

We’ve even engineered solutions for special cases where both async and sync have been incorporated into the same design - leveraging our firmware library as much as our hardware experience.