User Guide
33
Glossary
complementary metal-oxide semi-conductor
A technology for constructing integrated circuits that yield high speed combined
with low power consumption. CMOS technology is used in computer chips.
controller area network (CAN) bus
A communications network bus that permits data from sensors and other
equipment within a motor vehicle to communicate with each other and, through
telltales and other diagnostic tools, with the operator.
controller I/O board
A development product that allows users to test products on a bench in a
development environment before installing the product on a vehicle.
controller module
Any module that has embedded software used for controlling input and output
functions.
current feedback
A circuit that allows software to measure the amount of current provided by the
outputs. This circuit is typically connected to an analog input that is connected to
the microprocessor. Also known as current sense or current sensing.
current feedback control
Varying the duty cycle of an output so that the output provides a desired amount
of current to the load.
current sensor
A device that detects electrical current in a wire and generates a signal
proportional to it.
data link adaptor (DLA)
A development tool that connects the CAN bus to a personal computer (through a
USB or RS232 port), so that programming and diagnostics can be performed on
the product before installing it in a vehicle.
DC-coupled
DC coupling passes the full spectrum of frequencies including direct current. The
signal being read by this circuit must fall within the detection threshold range
specified for the input.
dead-fronted
A situation in which the telltales are inactive and the display appears black.
