Glossary Of Terms & Abbreviations - GE MDS SD Series Technical Manual

9.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS &
ABBREVIATIONS
If you are new to digital radio systems, some of the terms used in this
guide may be unfamiliar. The following glossary explains many of these
terms and will prove helpful in understanding the operation of the trans-
ceiver.
Active Messaging—This is a mode of diagnostic gathering that may
interrupt payload system polling communications (contrast with passive
messaging). Active (or intrusive) messaging is faster than passive mes-
saging because it is not dependent upon the RTU polling cycle.
Antenna System Gain—A figure, normally expressed in dB, repre-
senting the power increase resulting from the use of a gain-type antenna.
System losses (from the feedline and coaxial connectors, for example)
are subtracted from this figure to calculate the total antenna system gain.
BER—Bit Error Rate
Bit—The smallest unit of digital data, often represented by a one or a
zero. Eight bits (plus start, stop, and parity bits) usually comprise a byte.
Bits-per-second—See BPS.
BPS—Bits-per-second. A measure of the information transfer rate of
digital data across a communication channel.
Bridging—(see Ethernet Bridging)
Byte—A string of digital data usually made up of eight data bits and
start, stop and parity bits.
Ckeyed—Pertains to continuously keyed Master stations (full-duplex).
CTS—Clear to Send
Decibel (dB)—A measure computed from the ratio between two signal
levels. Frequently used to express the gain (or loss) of a system.
Data Circuit-terminating Equipment—See DCE.
Data Communications Equipment—See DCE.
Data Terminal Equipment—See DTE.
dBi—Decibels referenced to an "ideal" isotropic radiator in free space.
Frequently used to express antenna gain.
104 SD Series Technical Manual MDS 05-4846A01, Rev. H