Programming instructions

Glossary • 126
APPENDIX B - GLOSSARY
Inventor’s Guide
276-2178-E-0610
Interrupt Port Bank – Logic Subsystem
A port bank on the Microcontroller used primarily
for advanced programming functions.
J
Jumper – Control Subsystem, Logic Subsystem
A metal wire contained in a plastic housing that
can be placed (and removed) by hand to complete
(make) an electrical connection. These are most
often used to “set” options on the Microcontroller
by placing them in ports in the Analog/Digital Port
Bank. Placing a jumper in one of these ports closes
a circuit, setting the voltage for that port’s input
value, just like closing a limit switch sensor would.
K
Keps Nut – Structure Subsystem
A variant of the standard nut that includes a
toothed “crown” designed to bite into a mounting
surface and prevent the nut from slipping. Nuts
are used to allow a screw to function as a fastener
when the actual component being fastened does not
include its own threading.
Keying (connectors) – Logic Subsystem
An intentionally asymmetrical construction of a
connector to prevent backwards insertion. The
power port on the VEX Microcontroller is keyed
(the two plastic shapes in the middle are not the
same), for instance, so that the power plug cannot
be inserted upside-down. Keyed connectors are
sometimes called polarized connectors.
L
Lever – Structure Subsystem
One of the six “simple machines” that provides a
mechanical advantage. There are three main classes
of levers with subtle differences, but in general, long
pieces that rotate around any point on their length
will function as levers and can provide mechanical
advantage.
Glossary
Limit Switch Sensor – Sensor Subsystem
A small, contact-sensitive sensor that is most often
used for internal regulation of movement, and
should not be exposed to high-impact conditions.
This is a digital sensor.
Linear Scaling – Control Subsystem
A control scaling method that allows for control of
the overall range of motion and sensitivity of the
joysticks on the Transmitter.
Logic Subsystem
The subsystem responsible for onboard robot
operation, allocation of power, processing sensor
feedback, and interpretation of human operator
control.
LOW (Digital value) – Sensor Subsystem
One of two possible values in a digital system (the
other is HIGH). The voltage used to indicate LOW
usually corresponds to the zero (ground) voltage of
the system.
M
Master Channel – Control Subsystem
In a Programmable Mix, the Master Channel is
the control channel that, when manipulated by the
operator, will also affect the value on the designated
slave channel.
Mechanical Advantage –
Structure Subsystem, Motion Subsystem
The ratio of the force a machine can exert to
the amount of force that is put in. Mechanical
advantage can also be thought of as the “force
multiplier” factor that a mechanical system
provides.
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