Sun Microsystems Ultra 2 series Service Manual page 192

Modem Modulator/demodulator. A device that enables a machine or terminal to
establish a connection and transfer data through telephone lines. Because a
computer is digital and a telephone line is analog, modems are needed to
convert digital into analog and vice versa. When transmitting, modems impose
(modulate) a computer's digital signals onto a continuous carrier frequency on
the telephone line. When receiving, modems sift out (demodulate) the
information from the carrier and transfer it in digital form to the computer.
Monitor: The video display that is part of a workstation. The term monitor usually refers
to a video display and its housing. The monitor is attached to the workstation
by a cable.
motherboard (1) The main circuit board containing the primary components of a computer
system to which other boards may be attached. (2) In SBus terminology, a
circuit board containing the central processor, SBus controller, and any SBus
expansion connectors.
NVRAM Nonvolatile random access memory. A type of RAM that retains information
when power is removed from the system.
OBP Open boot PROM. A program or routine used to locate and diagnose trouble in
computer hardware or software.
PID Process ID. A unique, system-wide, identification number assigned to a
process.
POST Power-on self-test. A set of routines stored in a computer's read-only memory
(ROM). POST tests various system components such as RAM, disk drives, and
keyboard to see if they are properly connected and operating.
RAMDAC Random-access memory digital-to-analog converter. A digital-to-analog
converter that additionally contains tables for translating input digital color
values.
RISC Reset, interrupt, scan, and clock. An ASIC responsible for reset, interrupt, scan,
and clock functions.
RJ-45 connector A modular cable connector standard, used with consumer telecommunications
equipment.
RMS Root mean square. A measure of a signal's average power.
RS-232-C standard An industry standard for serial communications connections. Adopted by the
Electronic Industries Association (EIA), this standard defines the characteristics
for serial communications between devices.
RS-423 The Electronics Industry Association standard defining interface voltage and
current levels and other signal characteristics for connecting digital equipment
to a transmission line.
SCSI Small computer system interface. An industry standard bus used to connect
disk and tape devices to a workstation.
Artisan Technology Group - Quality Instrumentation ... Guaranteed | (888) 88-SOURCE | www.artisantg.com
Glossary-5