Glossary
G-2
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National Instruments Corporation
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
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
E
ECP
Extended Capabilities Parallel
EDO
Extended Data Out
EEPROM
Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
