# Intel 8251

> Universal asynchronous reveiver/transmitter

**Wikidata**: [Q1665574](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1665574)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_8251)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/intel-8251

## Summary
The Intel 8251 is a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), a type of computer hardware device used for serial communication. It is also known by the alias Intel 8251A. The technology is historically significant for its role in 8-bit computing architectures, including its adaptation into the Soviet Union's 580 series of integrated circuits.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** The Intel 8251 is an instance of a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART).
- **Alias:** The device is also identified as the **Intel 8251A**.
- **Category:** It falls under the class of computer hardware devices.
- **Related Architecture:** It is associated with the **580 series of integrated circuits**, a Soviet set of chips for 8-bit computers based on the Intel 8080/82xx architecture.
- **Historical Context:** The related Soviet 580 series began research and development in **1976**.
- **Identifiers:** Freebase ID: `/m/0k0f4cy`; Microsoft Academic ID: `2777195945` (discontinued).
- **Wikidata Description:** Universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (noted as "reveiver" in source).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of the Intel 8251?
A: The Intel 8251 functions as a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART). It serves as a computer hardware device that manages serial communication between a computer and external devices.

### Q: Is the Intel 8251 related to any international cloning or reverse-engineering efforts?
A: Yes, the device is related to the Soviet "580 series of integrated circuits." This series was developed starting in 1976 for 8-bit computers and was based on the Intel 8080 and 82xx architecture.

### Q: Are there different versions or aliases for this component?
A: Yes, the component is explicitly aliased as the **Intel 8251A** in knowledge base records.

## Why It Matters
The Intel 8251 serves as a foundational component in the history of computer hardware interfaces. As a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), it represents a critical technology standard for serial communication, allowing computers to transmit and receive data bits sequentially. This function is essential for connecting computers to peripherals and other systems.

Its significance is further highlighted by its adoption and adaptation in global markets. The existence of the Soviet "580 series of integrated circuits"—a set of chips developed in 1976 specifically for 8-bit computers based on Intel architecture—demonstrates the Intel 8251's influence beyond the original manufacturer. The 8251 (and its 8251A variant) helped standardize how 8-bit systems managed asynchronous data, playing a vital role in the interoperability and expansion of early personal computing. Its presence in multiple language archives (including German, Hungarian, and Czech Wikipedia) underscores its widespread recognition in technical history.

## Notable For
- **Standardization:** Being a distinct instance of a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART).
- **Global Impact:** Serving as the basis for the Soviet "580 series" of integrated circuits, which powered 8-bit computers.
- **Nomenclature:** Being recognized under the specific alias "Intel 8251A."
- **Archival Presence:** Maintaining a distinct record across multiple linguistic versions of Wikipedia and technical databases like Microsoft Academic.

## Body
### Identity and Function
The Intel 8251 is defined in technical records as a **universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter**. It is classified strictly as a **computer hardware device**. The entity is distinct from general UART concepts as a specific implementation of this technology.

### Naming and Variants
In technical databases and wikis, the device is often referred to by the alias **Intel 8251A**. It is categorized under the "Intel 8251" title on Wikipedia and has an associated Commons category for media files.

### Relation to Soviet Computing (580 Series)
According to sourced data, the Intel 8251 is linked to the **580 series of integrated circuits**. This series was a Soviet initiative to create chipsets for 8-bit computers. Key details regarding this relationship include:
- **Basis:** The 580 series was based on the Intel 8080 and 82xx architecture.
- **Inception:** Research and development for the 580 series began in **1976**.
- **Origin:** The series was developed in the **Soviet Union**.

### Data Identifiers
The entity is tracked in several knowledge systems:
- **Freebase ID:** `/m/0k0f4cy`
- **Microsoft Academic ID:** `2777195945` (Note: this service is discontinued).
- **Sitelinks:** The entity has six sitelinks across languages including Catalan, Commons, Czech, German, English, and Hungarian.