Cypress PSoC CY8C23533, Technical Reference Manual

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Document # 001-20559 Rev. *D 329
Section G: Glossary
M
M8C An 8-bit Harvard Architecture microprocessor. The microprocessor coordinates all activity inside
a PSoC by interfacing to the Flash, SRAM, and register space.
macro A programming language macro is an abstraction, whereby a certain textual pattern is replaced
according to a defined set of rules. The interpreter or compiler automatically replaces the macro
instance with the macro contents when an instance of the macro is encountered. Therefore, if a
macro is used 5 times and the macro definition required 10 bytes of code space, 50 bytes of
code space is needed in total.
mask 1. To obscure, hide, or otherwise prevent information from being derived from a signal. It is usu-
ally the result of interaction with another signal, such as noise, static, jamming, or other forms
of interference.
2. A pattern of bits that can be used to retain or suppress segments of another pattern of bits, in
computing and data processing systems.
master device A device that controls the timing for data exchanges between two devices. Or when devices are
cascaded in width, the master device is the one that controls the timing for data exchanges
between the cascaded devices and an external interface. The controlled device is called the
slave device .
microcontroller An integrated circuit chip that is designed primarily for control systems and products. In addition
to a CPU, a microcontroller typically includes memory, timing circuits, and IO circuitry. The rea-
son for this is to permit the realization of a controller with a minimal quantity of chips, thus
achieving maximal possible miniaturization. This in turn, reduces the volume and the cost of the
controller. The microcontroller is normally not used for general-purpose computation as is a
microprocessor.
mnemonic A tool intended to assist the memory. Mnemonics rely on not only repetition to remember facts,
but also on creating associations between easy-to-remember constructs and lists of data. A two
to four character string representing a microprocessor instruction.
mode A distinct method of operation for software or hardware. For example, the Digital PSoC block
may be in either counter mode or timer mode.
modulation A range of techniques for encoding information on a carrier signal, typically a sine-wave signal. A
device that performs modulation is known as a modulator.
Modulator A device that imposes a signal on a carrier.
MOS An acronym for metal-oxide semiconductor.
most significant bit
(MSb) The binary digit, or bit, in a binary number that represents the most significant value (typically the
left-hand bit). The bit versus byte distinction is made by using a lower case “b” for bit in MSb.
most significant byte
(MSB) The byte in a multi-byte word that represents the most significant values (typically the left-hand
byte). The byte versus bit distinction is made by using an upper case “B” for byte in MSB.
multiplexer (mux) 1. A logic function that uses a binary value, or address, to select between a number of inputs
and conveys the data from the selected input to the output.
2. A technique which allows different input (or output) signals to use the same lines at different
times, controlled by an external signal. Multiplexing is used to save on wiring and IO ports.