Baud Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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baud

[bɔːd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

data transmission

Baud is a unit of measurement for symbol rate, which indicates the number of signal changes or symbols transmitted per second in a communication channel. It is commonly used in telecommunications and data transmission to determine the speed of modems and other communication devices. The baud rate can often be confused with bits per second (bps), but they are not the same; a baud may represent multiple bits depending on the modulation technique used. For instance, a baud rate of 2400 can transmit 2400 symbols per second, which may equate to 4800 bps if each symbol carries 2 bits of information.

Synonyms

signal changes, symbol rate.

Examples of usage

  • The modem operates at a baud rate of 9600.
  • Increasing the baud rate can enhance data transfer speeds.
  • This device supports baud rates up to 115200.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Technology

  • A baud rate indicates how many signal changes occur in a second, impacting data transmission speed.
  • In modern modems, a baud rate of 2400 signifies that the communication can transmit 2400 bits of data each second.
  • Higher baud rates allow for faster downloading and smoother video streaming experiences online.

Pop Culture

  • The term appears in various tech-related media, reflecting the growing importance of data transmission in everyday life.
  • In movies portraying hacker culture, 'baud' often symbolizes the thrill of fast and powerful communication technologies.
  • Digital communication innovations have made the concept of baud rates a frequent topic in documentaries about the internet's growth.

Science

  • Understanding baud can enhance learning about data networks, vital for careers in computer science and information technology.
  • The concept is tied into signal processing, crucial for advancements in sound and telecommunications technologies.
  • Bandwidth management often relies on baud rates to determine how much data can be effectively transmitted.

Literature

  • Books on telecommunications frequently explore the history of baud rates as part of the evolution of communication systems.
  • Techno-thrillers often feature communications technology, presenting baud as a crucial element in high-stakes scenarios.
  • Literature analyzing the impact of the internet often discusses how baud rates shaped our connection to the digital world.

Origin of 'baud'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'baud' is named after Emile Baudot, a French engineer who developed an early method of telegraphic coding.
  • In the late 19th century, communication was evolving, and 'baud' emerged as a standard measurement in response to that.
  • The original usage was tied to the speed of telegraph signals, but it adapted over time to modern digital communication.

The term 'baud' is named after French engineer Emile Baudot, who invented a telegraph code in the 19th century. Baudot's work laid the foundation for modern telecommunication by facilitating more efficient data encoding methods. As technology evolved, the term 'baud' was adopted to denote the rate of signal changes in digital communications. Over time, the definition expanded to encompass not just telegraphy but also modulated signals in various forms of data transmission, including serial communication in computers and modems. The use of baud rates became essential as the need for faster, more reliable communication systems grew, leading to advancements in both hardware and software that could utilize higher baud rates effectively. Today, baud remains a crucial concept in understanding and optimizing signal transmission across numerous communication technologies.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,678, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.