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Dream 6800 Glossary ... : (Or Language) : The Binary Numeric Form of

This document defines various technical terms related to computers and microprocessors. It includes definitions for terms like machine code, load, loop, modem, monitor, nesting, parallel, program, pointer, processor, RAM, ROM, register, serial, software, stack, storage, subroutine, and variable. The definitions provide brief explanations of the purpose or function of each term.

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Hernan Benites
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
39 views1 page

Dream 6800 Glossary ... : (Or Language) : The Binary Numeric Form of

This document defines various technical terms related to computers and microprocessors. It includes definitions for terms like machine code, load, loop, modem, monitor, nesting, parallel, program, pointer, processor, RAM, ROM, register, serial, software, stack, storage, subroutine, and variable. The definitions provide brief explanations of the purpose or function of each term.

Uploaded by

Hernan Benites
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DREAM 6800 GLOSSARY ...

human beings. Programs written in this form must be ROUTINE: A program or program segment designed to ac-
translated into machine code form before they can be ex- complish a single function.
ecuted by a computer. SCHMITT TRIGGER: A controlled 'switching circuit whose
LOAD: To store binary information, generally into a threshold for rising inputs.differs from that for falling inputs;
processor register. usually used for "squaring up" pulses or pulse waveforms.
MACHINE CODE (or language): The binary numeric form of The difference between the two input thresholds is known
instructions actually understood by a processor. as hysteresis.
LOOP: A sequence of instructions so arranged that upon SCRATCH-PAD: Designates an area of memory used for
execution the processor is forced to execute the sequence many quick data transfers. It is the most frequently used
repetitively a certain number of times. memory segment. Some microprocessors have simplified in-
MODEM: Modulator-demodulator; used for transferring structions which can only be used in a certain part of the
digital information over a communications path. memory (say, the first 256 bytes) where the most significant
MONITOR: Can refer to a "video monitor" which displays byte of the address is zero. The scratchpad is usually placed
video signals without the need for an RF demodulator; in such a location.
more commonly, in this context, refers to a specific program SERIAL: A method of sequentially moving a contiguous set
allied to the processor which looks after communications of bits (data) over a single wire.
between the software and system hardware. SKIP: An instruction which causes the processor to:omit the
NESTING: The technique of cascading program loops or next instruction in the sequence.
subroutines. In the case of loops, nesting involves 1pops-
within-loops-within-loops, and so on. In the case of sub- SOFTWARE: Generally refers to all the programs and
routines available for a particular computer or
routines, nesting involves a subroutine calling another sub-
microprocessor. More specifically, it refers to those
routine, which in turn may call another subroutine, and so
programs which are alterable by the user. Those programs-
on (see Subroutine).
and routines that are not user-changeable, ie, burned into
PM: Peripheral Interface Adaptor (See text). ROMs, are often referred to as Firmware.
PARALLEL: A method of simultaneously transferring each of STACK: A sequence of registers or memory locations used
a contiguous set of bits over separate wires, one wire for in Last In First Out (LIFO) fashion. A "stack pointer"
each bit in the set; an eight-bit system requires eight wires. specifiers the last-in entry.
PROGRAM: A set of computer instructions arranged to
control the processor in executing a certain complex task. A STORAGE: Any device in which data can be stored.
program may consist of a linear sequence of instructions, STROBE: System of rapidly reading registers or memory in
one or more loops, one or more subroutines, or more usual- sequence.
ly a combination of all of these. SUBROUTINE: A short program segment which performs a
ONE-SHOT: A monostable multivibrator; a logic circuit specific function and is available for use any number of
which delivers just one pulse on reception of a control times by other programs and routines.
signal. SYNC: Describes the pulse trains which synchronise the line
OPERAND: Can be the result of a computation, a constant, a scan (15,625Hz) and field rate (vertical sync, 50Hz) for televi-
parameter, the address of any these quantities or of the next sion and video monitors. Sync also refers to the trace syn-
instruction to be executed. chronising pulses used in oscilloscopes.
PULL-UPS: Internal or external resistors designed to "pull" a TTL: Stands for Transistor-transistor logic. One of several
logic output (or input) towards the more positive supply rail logic systems.
when the output is turned off. TRI-STATE: Registered trade mark of National Semiconduc-
POINTER: Registers in the processor or memory that con- tor Corporation, USA. Describes gates and other circuits
tain memory addresses; i.e., they are used to "point" to which can not only have their outputsat logical 1 or logical 0
memory locations. levels but can also assume a high impedance state. The latter
PORT: See I/O. state allows other gates connected to the same bus system to
PROCESSOR: Also CPU (Central Processing Unit) or. "talk" alternatively.
Microprocessor; the major portion of a computer incor- UFO: Unidentified Hying object. Nothing to do with com-
puters or microprocessors.
porating an arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) to gether wijth
various registers and timing circuitry. VDG: Video Display Generator.
RAM: Random-access memory. VIP: The RCA microcomputer system bases on their Cosmac
ROM: Read-only memory. A memorydeGicei deice in which the microprocessor.
stored data is effectively permanent in normal operation VARIABLE:. A named memory (RAM) location which is given
and can only be read out, not overwritten. some consistent meaning in the program and which may
REGISTER: A device used to store or manipulate numbers of contain different data values during the execution of the
other data; usually a group of flipflops. program.

92 Microprocessors & Personal Computers

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