Specifications
Glossary 69
Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003
NOTE: Certain colors and color combinations are more readable and visible than others. The elaborate
combinations generally work better at night. In bright sunlight, bright colors on a black background
are the easiest to read.
COM port
An abbreviation for communications port. A data pathway, generally referred to as a serial port, that connects
to a communication device.
controller board
The circuit board in an LED sign that controls the entire sign, such as which dots turn on. Sends information to
the driver boards. Also known as micro board or micro controller board.
converter box
Changes RS232 signals into RS485 signals.
CPU
Central Processing Unit. The brains of a computer designed to run a group of instructions, such as adding
numbers together, gathering information from memory, and so on.
CSA
Canadian Standards Association. The agency that tests LED signs, among other things, to make sure they are
safe for use. An LED sign cannot be shipped to Canada without a CSA label.
data block module
An LED mounted on a circuit board and epoxied into a block module that contains a specific number of rows
and columns of pixels.
datagram
Logical grouping of information sent as a network layer. The primary bits of information on the Internet.
data rate
The speed at which data bits are transmitted and received, usually measured in bits per second. See also baud.
date of manufacture
The month, day, and year the sign is made. Adaptive Micro Systems uses a date code of YYMM, where April
2001 would read 0104.
DC
Direct Current. A current that flows in one direction only, like that of a battery.
DDE
Dynamic Data Exchange. A form of communication in OS/2 and Windows
software, not as advanced as OLE.
When two or more programs are supporting DDE and running simultaneously, they can exchange information
and commands.
density
Defined by the pixel diameter and center-to-center spacing of the character displayed. The closer the pixels are
to each other, the higher the resolution of the character. Low resolution characters are designed for distance
viewing. Also known as resolution.
destination address