I have circuits that I've set up using SERIN and SEROUT and they work fine but to be honest, I'm not sure I really understand how they coordinate with each other.

Pardon the ultra simple question....

When SERIN is used, does the specified pin STAY on the SERIN line UNTIL it receives an RS232 stream?

Or does it set the pin up to receive, store the info in a register when it gets it, WHILE the pic is busy with other things?

And with timeout, it will allow a jump (after a period of time) to another routine if it hasn't been satisfied?

Thanks.