Specifications

Appendix C
Glossary
The following terms have special meaning when related to the VT1419A.
Algorithm In general, an algorithm is a tightly defined procedure that
performs a task. This manual, uses the term to indicate a
program executed within the VT1419A that implements a data
acquisition and control algorithm.
Algorithm
Language
The algorithm programming language specific to the
VT1419A. This programming language is a subset of the ANSI
‘C’ language.
Application
Program
The program that runs in the VXIbus controller, either
embedded within the VXIbus mainframe or external and
interfaced to the mainframe. The application program typically
sends SCPI commands to configure the VT1419A, define its
algorithms, then start the algorithms running. Typically, once
the VT1419A is running algorithms, the application need only
“oversee” the control application by monitoring the algorithms’
status. During algorithm writing, debugging and tuning, the
application program can retrieve comprehensive data from
running algorithms.
Buffer In this manual, a buffer is an area in RAM memory that is
allocated to temporarily hold:
Data input values that an algorithm will later access. This
is the Input Channel Buffer.
Data output values from an algorithm until these values are
sent to hardware output channels. This is the Output
Channel Buffer.
Data output values from an algorithm until these values are
read by the application program. This is the
First-In-First-Out or FIFO buffer.
A second copy of an array variable containing updated
values until it is “activated” by an update. This is “double
buffering.”
A second version of a running algorithm until it is
“activated” by an update. This is only for algorithms that
are enabled for swapping. This is also “double buffering”.
Control
Processor
The Digital Signal Processor (DSP) chip that performs all of
the VT1419’s internal hardware control functions as well as
performing the EU Conversion process.
Appendix C 367
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