In telecommunications, computer, and data processing systems, pertaining to operations, procedures, computer programs, and processing that do not depend upon specific hardware for their successful execution. [From Weik '89]

Synonym computer-oriented language.

A medium capable of storing data in a form that can be accessed by an automated sensing device.
Note: Examples of machine-readable media include (a) magnetic disks, cards, tapes, and drums, (b) punched cards and paper tapes, (c) optical disks, and (d) magnetic ink characters. Synonym automated data medium.

A relatively large-radius bend in an optical fiber, such as might be found in a splice organizer tray or a fiber-optic cable that has been bent.
Note: A macrobend will result in no significant radiation loss if it is of sufficiently large radius. The definition of "sufficiently large" depends on the type of fiber. Single-mode fibers have a low numerical… (Read More →)

In an optical fiber, that loss attributable to macrobending. Synonym curvature loss.

Synonym cookie.

A card with a magnetizable surface on which data can be stored and retrieved.

1. The complete closed path taken by magnetic flux.
2. A region of ferromagnetic material, such as the core of a transformer or solenoid, that contains essentially all of the magnetic flux.

In computer technology, a storage device that uses ferromagnetic materials such as iron, iron oxide, or ferrite and in such shapes as wires, toroids, and rods.

See diskette, hard disk.