User manual

Glossary

base address A memory address that serves as the starting address for programmable

registers. All other addresses are located by adding to the base address.

BCD binary-coded decimal

BIOS basic input/output system

bipolar a signal range that includes both positive and negative values (for example,

–5Vto+5V)

bit One binary digit, either 0 or 1

block-mode a high-speed data transfer in which the address of the data is sent followed

by a specified number of back-to-back data words

bus The group of conductors that interconnect individual circuitry in a

computer. Typically, a bus is the expansion vehicle to which I/O or other

devices are connected. Examples of PC buses are the PCI bus, AT bus,

and EISA bus.

byte Eight related bits of data, an 8-bit binary number. Also used to denote the

amount of memory required to store one byte of data.

CCelsius

CI computing index

cold-junction

compensation

a method of compensating for inaccuracies in thermocouple circuits

compiler A software utility that converts a source program in a high-level

programming language, such as C/C++, Visual Basic (version 5.0),

or Borland Delphi, into an object or compiled program in machine

language. Compiled programs run 10 to 1,000 times faster than

interpreted programs.

conversion time the time required, in an analog input or output system, from the moment a

channel is interrogated (such as with a read instruction) to the moment that

accurate data is available

counter/timer a circuit that counts external pulses or clock pulses (timing)