Definition
A unit of data transmission speed equal to one signaling event (or symbol) per second. In simple digital systems where each signal carries one bit, baud rate equals bits per second; in more complex systems where each signal carries multiple bits, baud rate is lower than the bit rate.
Plain English
A measure of how fast information is sent across a data link, counted as the number of signal changes per second.
Context Anchor
Seen in avionics installation, setup, and troubleshooting when two pieces of aircraft equipment must send digital information to each other at the same speed.
Derivation
Named after Jean-Maurice-Émile Baudot, the French engineer who developed an early telegraph code in the 1870s. The unit honors his work on coded signaling, which is the ancestor of modern digital data transmission.
Why Pilots Care
Baud rate affects how quickly avionics, datalinks, and ground systems can exchange information. Mismatched baud settings between connected devices cause garbled or failed communication.
Intuition Check
Do not assume baud always means bits per second. Baud counts signal changes per second; bits per second counts how many 0s and 1s are carried.
Example Sentence 1
The technician set the GPS data output to 9600 baud to match the autopilot's input requirements.
Example Sentence 2
Upgrading the modem increased the link speed from 1200 baud to 9600 baud.