Compatibility Guide

Glossary 171

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.

Abbreviation for feet.