Glossary
G-2
ni.com
B
B
Bytes.
backplane
An assembly, typically a printed circuit board, with connectors and signal
paths that bus the connector pins.
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System—BIOS functions are the fundamental level
of any PC or compatible computer. BIOS functions embody the basic
operations needed for successful use of the computer’s hardware resources.
C
C
Celsius.
cache
Small portion of high-speed memory used for temporary storage of
frequently used data.
CMOS
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor—A process used in making
chips.
CompactPCI
An adaptation of the PCI specification for industrial and/or embedded
applications that require a more robust mechanical form factor than desktop
PCI. CompactPCI provides a standard form factor for those applications
requiring the high performance of PCI as well as the small size and
ruggedness of a rack-mount system.
D
DC
Direct Current.
DDR
Double Data Rate.
DIMM
Dual In-line Memory Module.
DMA
Direct Memory Access—A method by which data is transferred between
devices and internal memory without intervention of the central processing
unit.
DRAM
Dynamic RAM (Random Access Memory)—Storage that the computer
must refresh at frequent intervals.