UART controller or RS232 controller? Is UART a general word?

Question

I have a question regarding UART controller.

Is UART controller a general name?

i mean that if we use RS-232 protocol, we should name this UART controller, RS-232 controller and if we use RS-485 as protocol, we should call this UART controller, a RS-485 controller and so on?

I've noticed that we generally say network controller (protocols:Ethernet, token ring,ATM,..) and if the protocol implemented is Ethernet for example, we say Ethernet controller. Is it a correct comparison between UART controller and Network controller meaing that they both are general names?

Thanks a lot for your clarifications

Solution

The UART (universal asynch receiver transmitter) is/was the chip involved in moving between a parallel bus signal and serial signal. First on I used regularly AFAIR was the 8250. These days RS232 is being used less, and very often emulated over USB, Bluetooth and other connections, so the physical UART may no longer be present. Properly, you should specify protocol, voltage levels, and connectors as applicable.

Comments

[Scott Leis]

This doesn't seem to have anything to do with programming.

[Michelle]

Thanks very much for your replies. I'm not talking about timing and signal specifications of these two (Network controller & UART) protocols neither about their access protocol by itself since they are different protocols. they both are general words and regarding what communication protocol is implemented, do they take these specific names as Ethernet controller, or RS-232 controller? thanks

[Michelle]

@MikeW or maybe we categorize the controllers (interface) by their usage,for example networking controller or paraller/serial controller?