The Probert Encyclopaedia of Science & Technology

ASCII

ASCII is the American Standard Code for Information Interchange. The most common code used for asynchronous data transmission by minicomputers and personal computers. Derived from the TWX code of the Bell Model 28 teleprinter, expanded to use all possible character combinations. ASCII consists of 7 information bits with an 8th parity bit for error checking; numerous variations exist, for example use of the 8th bit in personal computers to extend the code with a number of graphics, special language characters and diacritical marks. Many common carrier data services cannot transmit the 8th bit needed to use that common PC extension of ASCII' s alphabet.
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