Glossary
PC-DIO-24/PnP User Manual
G-2
©
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
