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D. GLOSSARY OF MICROCOMPUTER TERMS
If the technical data presented in this manual is your first
contact with microcomputer technology, you have doubtless
encountered some concepts which are new to you and will
need some explanation. Some of the more frequently used
digital "buzzwords" are presented here in alphabetical order::
Address - A unique and selectable position in a memory
device (see RAM, ROM, EPROM) where data can
be stored and retrieved.
Address Bus - A collective term for the lines by which
address data is transferred from the central proces-
sing unit (CPU) to the memory devices.
A/D Converter - Analog- to-Digital converter; a device
that converts analog data, i.e. data that is continu-
ously variable, such as audio, into digital data for
processing and storage in a digital system.
Bit - Short for "binary digit," or the smallest unit of
information in the binary number system. A bit
represents one of two fixed states, a "1" or a "0".
Bus - Collectively, the lines on which data is transferred;
ex.: data bus, address bus, control bus.
Byte - A sequence of 8 adjacent bits, considered as a
digital unit.
Chip - A small piece of semiconductor material on which
integrated circuits are fabricated; the actual circuit of
an IC.
Clock - The timing signals used in a microprocessor
system; the circuit used to generate these signals.
CPU - Central processing unit; the unit in a computer' that
performs and controls the execution of instructions,
performs arithmetic functions, and generates clock
signals.
D/A Converter - Digital-to-analog converter; converts digital
data into analog signals such as control voltages or
audio.
Display - A visual indicator used as a means to read out
digital data.
EPROM -- Erasable programmable read-only memory (see
ROM); a ROM capable of storing new data; existing
data can be erased and new data can be read into the
ROM.
Hardware - The components which make up the computer
proper: the electronics, control devices, readouts, etc.
The hardware carries out the computer functions in
accordance with the software entered into it. See
Software.
Interface - A takeoff point for connecting a computer
function to an "outside world", or peripheral, device.
LED - Light-emitting diode; a semiconductor device that
emits light when voltage is applied to it. Used as an
indicator.
Master Processor - In a multi-processor system, the
processor that is responsible for the central control and
execution of instructions for the rest of the system -
Microprocessor A single-chip (IC) central processing unit.
Program A series of instructions which define the steps a
computer must follow to perform a given function.
RAM - Random access memory; a memory into which data
may be stored or read out in any order at random. A
RAM loses its stored data if its supply voltage is
removed, and therefore must be protected against
memory loss by a battery supply.
ROM -Read-only memory; contains permanent data entered
at manufacture. The data cannot be altered and
remains even if the supply voltage is removed.
Slave Processor - In a multi-processor system, a processor
which is subservient to the master proces; or, from
which it receives its instructions and control.
Software -- The computer programs, procedures and
documents necessary for the operation of a computer
system.
1999 Thomas Erlebniswelt Musik
This document has been reproduced for the benefit of
current owners of WERSI organs. It should not be
used for any commercial purposes.
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