Basic Knowledge and Terminology

Offers a clear exposition of such topics as analog input and output, A/D conversion, and D/A conversion, along with related terminology.
Recommended for those who want to perform measurement using computers, or plan to introduce data loggers or automatic measuring systems.

Offers a clear explanation of digital I/O including applications and types of digital I/O devices and the characteristics of interface circuits.

Gives an overview and basic knowledge of motion control that is easy to understand.

Gives an overview and basic knowledge of serial communication that is easy to understand.

Contains an overview and terminology of GPIB communication, and explains in an easy-to-understand way the basic knowledge of GPIB required for programming.

This article goes over the role of the CPU and chipset—core components driving the basic performance of industrial PCs—and supply periods.

This article looks at the different types of storage devices that record computer data, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Certain industrial PCs are equipped with expansion slots that can house expanded function boards (expansion cards). This article covers expansion cards in detail, including bus interface standards, form factor, and more.

There are a variety of standards which apply to display interfaces, and it is important to understand the characteristics and differences of each in order to select an appropriate output terminal. This page explains the characteristics of the main video input interfaces that are installed in embedded computers and industrial PCs.