Compatibility Guide

Glossary 145
FEPROM
Acronym for flash erasable programmable read-only memory. Flash memory is a
kind of nonvolatile storage device similar to EEPROM, but the erasing is done
only in blocks or the entire chip.
Fibre Channel
A data transfer interface technology that allows for high-speed I/O and networking
functionality in a single connectivity technology. The Fibre Channel Standard
supports several topologies, including Fibre Channel Point-to-Point, Fibre
Channel Fabric (generic switching topology), and Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop
(FC_AL).
firmware
Software (programs or data) that has been written onto read-only memory
(ROM). Firmware can boot and operate a device. Each controller contains
firmware which helps provide the controller's functionality.
flash bios
A BIOS that is stored in flash memory rather than in ROM. A flash BIOS chip
can be updated in place, whereas a ROM BIOS must be replaced with a
newer chip.
flash memory
A type of EEPROM chip that can be reprogrammed from a utility on diskette
while still installed in a system; most EEPROM chips can only be rewritten with
special programming equipment.
format
To prepare a hard drive or diskette for storing files. An unconditional format deletes
all data stored on the disk.
FPBGA
Abbreviation for field programmable gate array, a programmable logic chip (PLD)
with a high density of gates.
FRU
Abbreviation for field replaceable unit.
ft
Abbreviation for feet.