Glossary

ASIC

Application-specific integrated circuit—A proprietary semiconductor

 

component designed and manufactured to perform a set of specific

 

functions for a specific customer.

asynchronous

1. Hardware—A property of an event that occurs at an arbitrary time,

 

without synchronization to a reference clock.

 

2. Software—A property of a function that begins an operation and

 

returns prior to the completion or termination of the operation.

B

 

b

Bit—One binary digit, either 0 or 1.

B

Byte—Eight related bits of data, an eight-bit binary number. Also used to

 

denote the amount of memory required to store one byte of data.

block diagram

A pictorial description or representation of a program or algorithm.

BNC

Bayonet-Neill-Concelman—A type of coaxial connector used in situations

 

requiring shielded cable for signal connections and/or controlled

 

impedance applications.

buffer

1. Temporary storage for acquired or generated data.

 

2. A memory device that stores intermediate data between two devices.

bus, buses

The group of electrical 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, AT (ISA), and

 

EISA bus.

C

 

C

Celsius.

calibration

The process of determining the accuracy of an instrument. In a formal

 

sense, calibration establishes the relationship of an instrument’s

 

measurement to the value provided by a standard. When that relationship is

 

known, the instrument may then be adjusted (calibrated) for best accuracy.

calibrator

A precise, traceable signal source used to calibrate instruments.

© National Instruments Corporation

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NI USB-621x User Manual