Glossary
PC-DIO-24/PnP User Manual G-2
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National Instruments Corporation
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.
base address a memory address that serves as the starting address for programmable
registers busthe 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
ISA and PCI bus. All other addresses are located by adding to the base
address.
BCD binary-coded decimal
C
C Celsius
channel pin or wire lead to which you apply or from which you read the analog
or digital signal. Analog signals can be single-ended or differential. For
digital signals, you group channels to form ports. Ports usually consist
of either four or eight digital channels.
D
D/A digital-to-analog data acquisition—(1) collecting and measuring
electrical signals from sensors, transducers, and test probes or fixtures
and inputting them to a computer for processing; (2) collecting and
measuring the same kinds of electrical signals with A/D and/or DIO
boards plugged into a computer, and possibly generating control signals
with D/A and/or DIO boards in the same computer
DC direct current
digital port See port.
DIO digital input/output
DMA direct memory access