Glossary
G-2
ni.com
binary
Number system with a base of 2.
buffer
Temporary storage for acquired or generated data.
bus
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.
byte
Eight related bits of data, an 8-bit binary number. Also used to denote the
amount of memory required to store 1 byte of data.
C
CCW
counter-clockwise—Implies the direction the motor rotates in.
closed-loop
Motion control system that uses a feedback device to provide position and
velocity data for status reporting and accurately controlling position and
velocity.
CPU
central processing unit
CSR
communications status register
CW
clockwise—Implies the direction the motor rotates in.
D
DAC
digital-to-analog converter
data acquisition
The process of collecting and measuring electrical signals from sensors,
transducers, and test probes or fixtures and inputting them to a computer for
processing.
digital I/O port
Group of digital input/output signals.
DLL
dynamic link library—Provides the API for the motion control devices.
drive
Electronic signal amplifier that converts motor control command signals
into higher-voltage signals suitable for driving motors.
driver
Software that communicates commands to control a specific motion control
device.
