Glossary
VXI-MIO Series User Manual
G-10
National Instruments Corporation
M
m
meters
mainframe
The chassis of a VXIbus 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.
MB
megabytes of memory
memory device
A memory storage device that has configuration registers.
MIO
multifunction I/O
MITE
A National Instruments custom ASIC. A sophisticated dual-
channel DMA controller that incorporates the Synchronous MXI
and VME64 protocols to achieve high-performance block transfer
rates.
module
Typically a board assembly and its associated mechanical parts,
front panel, optional shields, and so on. A module contains
everything required to occupy one or more slots in a mainframe.
MSB
most significant bit
multitasking
A property of an operating system in which several processes can
be run simultaneously.
mux
multiplexer—A switching device with multiple inputs that
sequentially connects each of its inputs to its output, typically at
high speeds, in order to measure several signals with a single
analog input channel.
N
NC
Normally closed, or not connected
NI-DAQ
National Instruments driver software for DAQ hardware
node
Execution elements of a block diagram consisting of functions,
structures, and subVIs
noise
An undesirable electrical signal—Noise comes from external
sources such as the AC power line, motors, generators,
transformers, fluorescent lights, soldering irons, CRT displays,
computers, electrical storms, welders, radio transmitters, and
