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Glossary
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National Instruments Corporation
G-7
interrupt
A computer signal indicating that the CPU should suspend its current task
to service a designated activity.
interrupt level
The relative priority at which a device can interrupt.
interval scanning
Scanning method where there is a longer interval between scans than there
is between individual channels comprising a scan.
I/O
Input/output—The transfer of data to/from a computer system involving
communications channels, operator interface devices, and/or data
acquisition and control interfaces.
K
KB
kilobytes—1,024 bytes when referring to memory
kS
1,000 samples
L
latched digital I/O
A type of digital acquisition/generation where a device or module accepts
or transfers data after a digital pulse has been received. Also called
handshaked digital I/O.
LED
light-emitting diode
logical address
An 8-bit number that uniquely identifies each VXIbus device in a system.
It defines the A16 register addresses of a device, and indicates Commander
and Servant relationships.
LSB
least significant bit
M
m
meters
mainframe
The chassis of a VXI system that mechanically contains VXI modules
inserted into the backplane, ensuring that connectors fit properly and that
adjacent modules do not contact each other. It also provides cooling airflow,
and ensures that modules do not disengage from the backplane due to
vibration or shock.