A
ARM Architecture
It is a type of computer architecture that is widely used in mobile devices and embedded systems. ARM Architecture is known for its energy efficiency and performance, making it ideal for battery-powered devices.
A
ASIC
An ASIC, or Application-Specific Integrated Circuit, is a type of microchip designed for a specific application rather than general-purpose use. These chips are optimized for particular tasks, making them more efficient and faster than standard chips.
B
BIOS / UEFI
BIOS and UEFI are types of firmware that help a computer start up and manage hardware components. They act as an interface between the operating system and the hardware, ensuring everything works together properly.
B
Bottleneck
A bottleneck is a point in a process where the flow is restricted, causing delays and limiting overall performance. In technology, particularly in hardware, it refers to a component that slows down the entire system because it cannot keep up with the demands placed on it.
B
Bus (computing)
A bus in computing is a communication system that transfers data between components inside a computer or between computers. It allows different parts of the hardware, like the CPU, memory, and input/output devices, to communicate with each other efficiently.
C
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the main component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside. It executes instructions from programs and manages data, making it essential for the computer's operation.
C
Chipset
A chipset is a collection of electronic components that manage data flow between the processor, memory, and other peripherals in a computer. It plays a crucial role in determining the performance and capabilities of a computer system.
C
Clock Speed
Clock speed measures how fast a computer's processor can execute instructions, typically expressed in gigahertz (GHz). A higher clock speed means the processor can perform more operations per second, leading to better performance in tasks.
C
Core (CPU)
A core in a CPU is the part of the processor that performs tasks and calculations. Multiple cores allow a CPU to handle more tasks simultaneously, improving overall performance.
D
DPI / PPI
DPI stands for Dots Per Inch, while PPI stands for Pixels Per Inch. Both terms measure resolution, with DPI relating to printed images and PPI to digital displays.
D
DRAM
A type of computer memory, DRAM stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory. It is used to store data temporarily for quick access by the computer's processor.
E
ECC Memory
Error-Correcting Code (ECC) Memory is a type of computer memory that can detect and correct data corruption. It is commonly used in systems where data integrity is critical, such as servers and workstations.
F
FPGA
An FPGA is a type of hardware device that can be programmed to perform specific tasks. Unlike traditional chips, which have fixed functions, FPGAs can be reconfigured to adapt to different needs.
F
Fab (semiconductor)
A semiconductor fab, or fabrication plant, is a facility where semiconductor devices are manufactured. These fabs are crucial for producing the chips used in various electronic devices, from smartphones to computers.
G
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
A Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a specialized piece of hardware designed to accelerate the rendering of images and videos. It performs complex calculations needed for graphics and visual effects, making it essential for gaming, video editing, and other visual tasks.
H
HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
A hard disk drive (HDD) is a type of storage device that uses spinning disks coated with magnetic material to read and write data. It is commonly used in computers and other devices to store files, programs, and operating systems.
H
HDMI / DisplayPort
HDMI and DisplayPort are types of connections used to transmit audio and video from one device to another. They are commonly found on TVs, monitors, and computers, allowing users to connect various devices for high-quality display and sound.
H
Hyper-Threading
Hyper-Threading is a technology developed by Intel that allows a single processor core to act like two separate cores. This means it can handle more tasks at the same time, improving performance for certain applications.
K
Keyboard / Mouse (HID)
A Keyboard/Mouse (HID) is a type of input device that allows users to interact with a computer. HID stands for Human Interface Device, which means these devices help bridge the gap between humans and machines by translating physical actions into digital signals.
L
L1/L2/L3 Cache
L1, L2, and L3 Cache are types of memory used in computers to store frequently accessed data for quick retrieval. They help speed up processing by reducing the time it takes for the CPU to access data from the main memory.
L
LPDDR
A type of memory used in mobile devices, LPDDR stands for Low Power Double Data Rate. It is designed to consume less power while providing fast performance, making it ideal for smartphones and tablets.
L
Lithography (chip)
Lithography in chip manufacturing is a process used to transfer patterns onto semiconductor materials. It is essential for creating the tiny circuits found in microchips, enabling the production of modern electronic devices.
M
Memory Bandwidth
It refers to the maximum rate at which data can be read from or written to memory by a computer's processor. Higher memory bandwidth allows for faster data transfer, improving overall system performance.