Glossary
© National Instruments Corporation G-17 NI 6232/6233 User Manual
software applications The programs that run on your computer and perform a specific user-
oriented function, such as accounting, program development,
measurement, or data acquisition. In contrast, operating system functions
basically perform the generic "housekeeping" of the machine, which is
independent of any specific application. Operating system functions
include the saving of data (file system), handling of multiple programs at
the same time (multi-tasking), network interconnection, printing, and
keyboard/user interface interaction.
software triggering A method of triggering in which you simulate an analog trigger using
software. Also called conditional retrieval.
source impedance A parameter of signal sources that reflects current-driving ability of voltage
sources (lower is better) and the voltage-driving ability of current sources
(higher is better).
synchronous 1. Hardware—A property of an event that is synchronized to a reference
clock.
2. Software—A property of a function that begins an operation and
returns only when the operation is complete. A synchronous process is,
therefore, locked and no other processes can run during this time.
T
task In NI-DAQmx, a collection of one or more channels, timing, and triggering
and other properties that apply to the task itself. Conceptually, a task
represents a measurement or generation you want to perform.
TC See terminal count.
terminal An object or region on a node through which data passes.
terminal count The highest value of a counter.
tgh Gate hold time.
tgsu Gate setup time.
tgw Gate pulse width.
Timebase The reference signals for controlling the basic accuracy of time or
frequency-based measurements. For instruments, timebase refers to the
accuracy of the internal clock.