A Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, commonly known as UART, is an integrated circuit that facilitates serial communication between digital devices using asynchronous protocols. It serves as the interface between parallel data from a microcontroller or processor and serial data transmitted over communication lines. UARTs handle tasks such as converting parallel data to serial for transmission and converting received serial data back to parallel form for processing. They are widely used in applications like data logging, serial communication between microcontrollers, interfacing with sensors and actuators, and communication with external peripherals like GPS modules or Bluetooth modules. UARTs with higher data rates, larger FIFO buffers, and additional features like hardware flow control or integrated transceivers may have higher price points compared to basic UARTs with standard functionalities. When purchasing UART ICs, consider the specific requirements of your communication system. Determine the number of UART channels needed, supported baud rates, data format, and FIFO buffer requirements based on your data transmission needs. Evaluate features such as voltage compatibility, operating temperature range, power consumption, and interface options (e.g., UART with I²C/SPI interface) for compatibility with your microcontroller or system.