Microprocessor: A multiple semiconductor IC device that can be dedicated or programmed to perform a variety of tasks in many different systems. These exist in virtually all consumer and commercial electronic devices of more than rudimentary functionality.

 

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Microprocessor: A multiple semiconductor IC device that can be dedicated or programmed to perform a variety of tasks in many different systems. These exist in virtually all consumer and commercial electroni . . . View Full Definition

Pipeline Burst Cache: A type of memory cache built into many modern DRAM controller and chipset designs. Pipeline burst caches use two techniques - a burst mode that pre-fetches memory contents before they are re . . . View Full Definition

Pin Grid Array (PGA): A type of chip package in which the connecting pins are located on the bottom in concentric squares. PGA chips are particularly good for chips that have many pins, such as modern microproces . . . View Full Definition

Programmed Input-Output (PIO): A method of data transfer in which the host microprocessor transfers data to and from memory via the computer's I/O ports. PIO enables very fast data transfer rates, especially in single-tas . . . View Full Definition

Secondary Cache: Also referred to as 'Level 2 cache' or 'L2'. In general, L2 cache memory resides on a separate external chip from the microprocessor chip. However, The Pentium Pro processor has an L2 cache . . . View Full Definition

Data Collection Platform (DCP): A microprocessor based system that collects data from sensors, processes the data, stores the data in random access memory(RAM),and provides communication links for the retrieval or transmis . . . View Full Definition

Wait State: A brief delay added before a microprocessor executes an instruction, to allow time for slower memory chips or external devices to respond. A wait states may be one or more of the computer's . . . View Full Definition

Single In-Line Memory Module (SIMM): A small circuit board that can hold a group of memory chips. Typically, SIMMs hold up 8 (on Macintoshes) or 9 (on PCs) RAM chips. On PCs, the ninth chip is often used for parity error checki . . . View Full Definition

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI): A local bus standard developed by Intel Corporation. Most modern PCs include a PCI bus in addition to a more general ISA expansion bus. Many analysts, however, believe that PCI will eventual . . . View Full Definition

Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA): A method of configuring a cluster of microprocessor in a multiprocessing system so that they can communicate with each other, this improves performance and its expansion ability.