Glossary
NI PXI-8108 User Manual G-2 ni.com
B
B Bytes.
backplane An assembly, typically a printed circuit board, with connectors and signal
paths that bus the connector pins.
BIOS Basic Input/Output System—BIOS functions are the fundamental level
of any PC or compatible computer. BIOS functions embody the basic
operations needed for successful use of the computer’s hardware resources.
C
CCelsius.
cache Small portion of high-speed memory used for temporary storage of
frequently used data.
CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor—A type of integrated circuit.
CompactPCI An adaptation of the PCI specification for industrial and/or embedded
applications that require a more robust mechanical form factor than desktop
PCI. CompactPCI provides a standard form factor for those applications
requiring the high performance of PCI as well as the small size and
ruggedness of a rack-mount system.
Controller An embedded computer module which configures and accesses a series of
devices connected to a chassis backplane.
D
DC Direct Current.
DDR2 Double Data Rate, 2nd generation.
DIMM Dual In-line Memory Module.
DMA Direct Memory Access—A method by which data is transferred between
devices and internal memory without intervention of the central processing
unit.