Definition
A unit of digital data transfer rate expressing how many bits of information move through a communication link in one second. Higher bps values indicate faster data throughput. Common multiples include kbps (thousands), Mbps (millions), and Gbps (billions of bits per second).
Plain English
A measure of how fast data moves between two devices. The bigger the number, the faster the information flows.
Context Anchor
Seen in avionics manuals, receiver specifications, data transfer settings, and discussions of digital aviation equipment.
Derivation
A 'bit' is the smallest unit of digital information — a single 1 or 0. 'Per second' just means 'each second.' So bps simply counts how many of those tiny on/off signals pass through a connection every second.
Why Pilots Care
Modern cockpits rely on data exchange between avionics, ground stations, and satellites. Knowing that a system operates at, say, a low bps rate helps explain why some uplinks (like text-based clearances) are slower than voice or graphical updates.
Intuition Check
Do not read bps as bytes per second. A byte is usually 8 bits, so confusing bits with bytes can make a data speed seem eight times larger than it really is.
Example Sentence 1
The datalink between the aircraft and the ground station transmits at several thousand bps, fast enough for short text clearances but not for large files.
Example Sentence 2
A higher bps rate lets the cockpit display receive weather information faster.