Glossary
G-2
ni.com
amplifier
The drive that delivers power to operate the motor in response to low level
control signals. In general, the amplifier is designed to operate with a
particular motor type—you cannot use a stepper drive to operate a DC
brush motor, for instance.
API
application programming interface
axis
Unit that controls a motor or any similar motion or control device.
B
b
bit—one binary digit, either 0 or 1.
base address
Memory address that serves as the starting address for programmable or
I/O bus registers. All other addresses are located by adding to the base
address.
binary
A number system with a base of 2.
buffer
Temporary storage for acquired or generated data (software).
bus
The group of conductors that interconnect individual circuitry in a
computer. Typically, a bus is the expansion vehicle to which I/O or other
devices are connected.
byte
Eight related bits of data, an eight-bit binary number. Also used to denote
the amount of memory required to store one byte of data.
C
CCW
counter-clockwise—implies direction of motor rotation.
closed-loop
A motion system that uses a feedback device to provide position and
velocity data for status reporting and accurately controlling position and
velocity.
common
Reference signal for digital I/O.
crosstalk
An unwanted signal on one channel due to an input on a different channel.
CSR
communications status register
CW
clockwise—implies direction of motor rotation.
