Glossary
NI8171 Series User Manual G-2 ni.com
BIOS Basic Input/Output System. BIOS functions are the fundamental level of
anyPC or compatible com puter.BIOS functions embody the basic
operationsneeded for successful use of the computer’s hardware resources.
C
CCelsius
cache Smallportion of high-speed memory used for temporary storage of
frequently used data
CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor; a process used in making
chips
CompactPCI An adaptation of the PCI specification for industrial and/or embedded
applicationsthat require a more robust mechanical form factor than desktop
PCI. CompactPCI provides a standard form factor for those applications
requiringthe high performance of PCI as well as the small size and
ruggedness of a rack-mount system.
D
DC DirectCurrent
DIMM DualIn-line MemoryM odule
DMA DirectMemory Access; a method by which data is transferred between
devicesand internal memory without intervention of the central processing
unit
DRAM DynamicRAM(Random Access Memory); storage that the computer must
refresh at frequent intervals
E
ECP Extended Capabilities Parallel
EDO Extended Data Out
EEPROM ElectronicallyErasable Programmable Read Only Memory