NAVIOR-24S
™
Appendix G
Glossary
221
NAVIOR-24S ™
Revision
V1.00 20.05.2008
bandwidth
The range of frequencies occupied by a signal. Also, the information
carrying capability of a communication channel or line.
baud
A measure of the speed of data transmission. Baud and bit rate are the
same for direct equipment interconnections (e.g., via RS-232). Baud and
bit rate are not the same for modulated data links, whether wire or radio.
bit
Binary digit. The smallest unit of information into which digital data
can be subdivided and which a computer can hold. Each bit has only
two values (e.g., on/off, one/zero, true/false).
bit rate
The rate at which bits are transmitted over a communication path.
Normally expressed in bits per second (bps).
byte
A set of contiguous bits that make up a discrete item of information. A
byte usually consists of a series of 8 bits, and represents one character.
C/A code
The Coarse/Acquisition code. This is the civilian code made available
by the Department of Defense. It is subject to selective availability
(SA). Users can reduce the effects of SA by using differential GPS.
carrier
The radio signal on which information is carried. The carrier can be
sensed to determine the presence of a signal
channel
Either a single frequency or a pair of radio frequencies used as a
communication path.
chip
The length of time to transmit either a zero or a one in a binary pulse
code.
chip rate
Number of chips per second (e.g., for GPS C/A code = 1.023 MHz).
Number of chips per second (e.g., for GLONASS CT code = 0.511
MHz).
configuration
A set of conditions or parameters that define the structure of an item. A
configuration defines the GPS processing and characteristics of the RS-
232 interface ports. The term configuration can also define the hardware
components that comprise a subsystem or system.
data bits
The bits in a byte of data which carry the actual information.
datum
Refers to a mathematical model of the earth. Many local datums model
the earth for a small region: e.g., Tokyo datum, Alaska, NAD-27 (North
America). Others, WGS-84, for example, model the whole earth.
DCE
Data Communications Equipment. The equipment that provides the
functions required to establish, maintain, and terminate a
communication connection. Any equipment that connects to DTE using
an RS-232 or CCITT V.24 standard interface.
