Motorola Astro Digital Spectra Digital Spectra Plus Basic 6881076c20 E Manual

							GlossaryGlossary
This glossary contains an alphabetical listing of terms and their definitions that are applicable to 
ASTRO portable and mobile subscriber radio products.
Te r mDefinition
A/DSee analog-to-digital conversion.
Abacus ICA custom integrated circuit providing a digital receiver intermediate 
frequency (IF) backend.
ADCSee analog-to-digital converter.
ADDAGSee Analog-to-Digital, Digital-to-Analog and Glue.
ALCSee automatic level control.
analogRefers to a continuously variable signal or a circuit or device designed 
to handle such signals. See also digital.
Analog-to-Digital, 
Digital-to-Analog 
and GlueAn integrated circuit designed to be an interface between the radio’s 
DSP, which is digital, and the analog transmitter and receiver ICs.
analog-to-digital 
conversionConversion of an instantaneous dc voltage level to a corresponding 
digital value. See also D/A.
analog-to-digital 
converterA device that converts analog signals into digital data. See also DAC.
automatic level 
controlA circuit in the transmit RF path that controls RF power amplifier output, 
provides leveling over frequency and voltage, and protects against high 
VSWR.
bandFrequencies allowed for a specific purpose.
BBPSee baseband interface port.
baseband interface 
portSynchronous serial interface to the transceiver board used to transfer 
transmit and receive audio data.
BGASee ball grid array.
ball grid arrayA type of IC package characterized by solder balls arranged in a grid 
that are located on the underside of the package.
CODECSee coder/decoder.
coder/decoderA device that encodes or decodes a signal. 
						

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Glossary-2
CPSSee Customer Programming Software.
Customer 
Programming 
SoftwareSoftware with a graphical user interface containing the feature set of an 
ASTRO radio. See also RSS.
D/ASee digital-to-analog conversion.
DACSee digital-to-analog converter.
defaultA pre-defined set of parameters.
digitalRefers to data that is stored or transmitted as a sequence of discrete 
symbols from a finite set; most commonly this means binary data 
represented using electronic or electromagnetic signals. See also 
analog.
digital-to-analog 
conversionConversion of a digital signal to a voltage that is proportional to the input 
value. See also A/D.
digital-to-analog 
converterA device that converts digital data into analog signals. See also ADC.
Digital Private-LineA type of digital communications that utilizes privacy call, as well as 
memory channel and busy channel lock out to enhance communication 
efficiency.
digital signal 
processorA microcontroller specifically designed for performing the mathematics 
involved in manipulating analog information, such as sound, that has 
been converted into a digital form. DSP also implies the use of a data 
compression technique.
digital signal 
processor codeObject code executed by the Digital Signal Processor in an ASTRO 
subscriber radio. The DSP is responsible for computation-intensive 
tasks, such as decoding ASTRO signaling.
DPLSee Digital Private-Line. See also PL.
DSPSee digital signal processor.
DSP codeSee digital signal processor code.
DTMFSee dual tone multi-frequency.
dual tone multi-
frequencyThe system used by touch-tone telephones. DTMF assigns a specific 
frequency, or tone, to each key so that it can easily be identified by a 
microprocessor.
EEPOTElectrically Programmable Digital Potentiometer.
EEPROMSee Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.
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Electrically Erasable 
Programmable 
Read-Only MemoryA special type of PROM that can be erased by exposing it to an 
electrical charge. An EEPROM retains its contents even when the 
power is turned off.
FCCFederal Communications Commission.
firmwareCode executed by an embedded processor such as the Host or DSP in 
a subscriber radio. This type of code is typically resident in non-volatile 
memory and as such is more difficult to change than code executed 
from RAM.
FGUSee frequency generation unit.
flashA non-volatile memory device similar to an EEPROM. Flash memory 
can be erased and reprogrammed in blocks instead of one byte at a 
time.
FLASHcodeA 13-digit code which uniquely identifies the System Software Package 
and Software Revenue Options that are enabled in a particular 
subscriber radio. FLASHcodes are only applicable for radios which are 
upgradeable through the FLASHport process.
FLASHportA Motorola term that describes the ability of a radio to change memory. 
Every FLASHport radio contains a FLASHport EEPROM memory chip 
that can be software written and rewritten to, again and again.
FMRSee Florida Manual Revision.
Florida Manual 
RevisionA publication that provides supplemental information for its parent 
publication before it is revised and reissued.
frequencyNumber of times a complete electromagnetic-wave cycle occurs in a 
fixed unit of time (usually one second).
frequency 
generation unitThis unit generates ultra-stable, low-phase noise master clock and other 
derived synchronization clocks that are distributed throughout the 
communication network.
General-Purpose 
Input/OutputPins whose function is programmable.
GPIOSee General-Purpose Input/Output.
host codeObject code executed by the host processor in an ASTRO subscriber 
radio. The host is responsible for control-oriented tasks such as 
decoding and responding to user inputs.
ICSee integrated circuit.
IFIntermediate Frequency.
IMBEA sub-band, voice-encoding algorithm used in ASTRO digital voice.
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Glossary-4
inbound signaling 
wordData transmitted on the control channel from a subscriber unit to the 
central control unit.
integrated circuitAn assembly of interconnected components on a small semiconductor 
chip, usually made of silicon. One chip can contain millions of 
microscopic components and perform many functions.
ISWSee inbound signaling word.
key-variable loaderA device used to load encryption keys into a radio.
kHzSee kilohertz.
kilohertzOne thousand cycles per second. Used especially as a radio-frequency 
unit.
KVLSee key-variable loader.
LCDSee liquid-crystal display.
LEDSee LED.
light emitting diodeAn electronic device that lights up when electricity is passed through it.
liquid-crystal displayAn LCD uses two sheets of polarizing material with a liquid-crystal 
solution between them. An electric current passed through the liquid 
causes the crystals to align so that light cannot pass through them.
LOLocal oscillator.
low-speed 
handshake150-baud digital data sent to the radio during trunked operation while 
receiving audio.
LSHSee low-speed handshake.
Master In Slave OutSPI data line from a peripheral to the MCU.
Master Out Slave InSPI data line from the MCU to a peripheral.
MCUSee microcontroller unit.
MDCMotorola Digital Communications.
MDIMCU/DSP Interface internal to the Patriot IC.
MHzSee Megahertz.
MegahertzOne million cycles per second. Used especially as a radio-frequency 
unit. 
microcontroller unitAlso written as µC. A microprocessor that contains RAM and ROM 
components, as well as communications and programming components 
and peripherals.
MISOSee Master In Slave Out.
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Glossary-5
MOSISee Master Out Slave In.
multiplexerAn electronic device that combines several signals for transmission on 
some shared medium (e.g., a telephone wire).
MUXSee multiplexer.
NiCdNickel-cadmium.
NiMHNickel-metal-hydride.
OMPACSee over-molded pad-array carrier.
open architectureA controller configuration that utilizes a microprocessor with extended 
ROM, RAM, and EEPROM.
oscillatorAn electronic device that produces alternating electric current and 
commonly employs tuned circuits and amplifying components.
OSWSee outbound signaling word.
OTARSee over-the-air rekeying.
outbound signaling 
wordData transmitted on the control channel from the central controller to the 
subscriber unit.
over-molded pad-
array carrierA Motorola custom IC package, distinguished by the presence of solder 
balls on the bottom pads.
over-the-air rekeyingAllows the dispatcher to remotely reprogram the encryption keys in the 
radio.
PAPower amplifier.
pagingOne-way communication that alerts the receiver to retrieve a message.
Patriot ICA dual-core processor that contains an MCU and a DSP in one IC 
package.
PC BoardPrinted Circuit Board. Also referred to as a PCB.
phase-locked loopA circuit in which an oscillator is kept in phase with a reference, usually 
after passing through a frequency divider.
PLSee private-line tone squelch.
PLLSee phase-locked loop.
private-line tone 
squelchA continuous sub-audible tone that is transmitted along with the carrier. 
See also DPL.
Programmable 
Read-Only MemoryA memory chip on which data can be written only once. Once data has 
been written onto a PROM, it remains there forever.
PROMSee Programmable Read-Only Memory.
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Glossary-6
PTTSee Push-to-Talk.
Push-to-TalkThe switch or button usually located on the left side of the radio which, 
when pressed, causes the radio to transmit. When the PTT is released, 
the unit returns to receive operation.
radio frequencyThe portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between audio sound and 
infrared light (approximately 10 kHz to 10 GHz).
radio frequency 
power amplifierAmplifier having one or more active devices to amplify radio signals.
Radio Interface BoxA service aid used to enable communications between a radio and the 
programming software.
Radio Service 
SoftwareDOS-based software containing the feature set of an ASTRO radio. See 
also CPS.
random access 
memoryA type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any 
byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes.
RAMSee random access memory.
read-only memoryA type of computer memory on which data has been prerecorded. Once 
data has been written onto a ROM chip, it cannot be removed and can 
only be read.
real-time clockA module that keeps track of elapsed time even when a computer is 
turned off.
receiverElectronic device that amplifies RF signals. A receiver separates the 
audio signal from the RF carrier, amplifies it, and converts it back to the 
original sound waves.
registersShort-term data-storage circuits within the microcontroller unit or 
programmable logic IC.
repeaterRemote transmit/receive facility that re-transmits received signals in 
order to improve communications range and coverage (conventional 
operation).
repeater/talkaroundA conventional radio feature that permits communication through a 
receive/transmit facility, which re-transmits received signals in order to 
improve communication range and coverage.
RESETReset line: an input to the microcontroller that restarts execution.
RFSee radio frequency.
RF PASee radio frequency power amplifier.
RIBSee Radio Interface Box.
ROMSee read-only memory.
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Glossary-7
RPCICRegulator/power control IC.
RPT/TASee repeater/talkaround.
RSSSee Radio Service Software.
RTCSee real-time clock.
RXReceive.
RX DATARecovered digital data line.
SAPSee Serial Audio CODEC Port.
SCI INSerial Communications Interface Input line.
Serial Audio CODEC 
PortSSI to and from the GCAP II IC CODEC used to transfer transmit and 
receive audio data.
Serial 
Communication 
Interface Input LineA full-duplex (receiver/transmitter) asynchronous serial interface.
SCI INSee Serial Communication Interface Input Line.
Serial Peripheral 
InterfaceHow the microcontroller communicates to modules and ICs through the 
CLOCK and DATA lines.
signalAn electrically transmitted electromagnetic wave.
Signal Qualifier 
modeAn operating mode in which the radio is muted, but still continues to 
analyze receive data to determine RX signal type.
softpotSee software potentiometer.
softwareComputer programs, procedures, rules, documentation, and data 
pertaining to the operation of a system.
software 
potentiometerA computer-adjustable electronic attenuator.
spectrumFrequency range within which radiation has specific characteristics.
SPISee Serial Peripheral Interface.
squelchMuting of audio circuits when received signal levels fall below a pre-
determined value. With carrier squelch, all channel activity that exceeds 
the radio’s preset squelch level can be heard.
SRAMSee static RAM.
SRIBSmart Radio Interface Box. See RIB.
SSISee Synchronous Serial Interface.
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Standby modeAn operating mode in which the radio is muted but still continues to 
monitor data.
static RAMA type of memory used for volatile, program/data memory that does not 
need to be refreshed.
Synchronous Serial 
InterfaceDSP interface to peripherals that consists of a clock signal line, a frame 
synchronization signal line, and a data line.
system central 
controllersMain control unit of the trunked dispatch system; handles ISW and 
OSW messages to and from subscriber units (See ISW and OSW).
system selectThe act of selecting the desired operating system with the system-select 
switch (also, the name given to this switch).
thin small-outline 
packageA type of dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) package that is 
commonly used in memory applications.
time-out timerA timer that limits the length of a transmission.
TOTSee time-out timer.
transceiverTransmitter-receiver. A device that both transmits and receives analog 
or digital signals. Also abbreviated as XCVR.
transmitterElectronic equipment that generates and amplifies an RF carrier signal, 
modulates the signal, and then radiates it into space.
TSOPSee thin small-outline package.
TXTransmit.
UARTSee also Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter.
UHFUltra-High Frequency.
Universal 
Asynchronous 
Receiver TransmitterA microchip with programming that controls a computer’s interface to its 
attached serial devices.
Universal Serial BusAn external bus standard that supports data transfer rates of 12 Mbps.
USBSee Universal Serial Bus.
VCOSee voltage-controlled oscillator.
vector sum excited 
linear predictive 
codingA voice-encoding technique used in ASTRO digital voice.
VHFVery-High Frequency.
VIPVehicle Interface Port.
VOCONSee vocoder/controller.
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Glossary-9
vocoderAn electronic device for synthesizing speech by implementing a 
compression algorithm particular to voice. See also voice encoder.
vocoder/controllerA PC board that contains an ASTRO radio’s microcontroller, DSP, 
memory, audio and power functions, and interface support circuitry.
voice encoderThe DSP-based system for digitally processing analog signals, and 
includes the capabilities of performing voice compression algorithms or 
voice encoding. See also vocoder.
voltage-controlled 
oscillatorAn oscillator in which the frequency of oscillation can be varied by 
changing a control voltage.
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Notes
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