A read/write, nonsequential-access memory used for the storage of instructions and data.
Note 1: RAM access time is essentially the same for all storage locations.
Note 2: RAM is characterized by a shorter access time than disk or tape storage.
Note 3: RAM is usually volatile.

Data that are (a) unpredictable and have no discernable pattern, or (b) satisfy certain mathematical criteria for statistical randomness.

Errors distributed over the signal in time so that they can be considered statistically independent from each other. [T1.226-1992]

Noise consisting of a large number of transient disturbances with a statistically random time distribution.
Note: Thermal noise is an example of random noise.

1. A number selected from a known set of numbers in such a way that each number in the set has the same probability of occurrence.
2. A number obtained by chance.
3. One of a sequence of numbers considered appropriate for satisfying certain statistical tests or believed to be free from conditions that might bias the result of a… (Read More →)

1. A device used to invert the sense of pseudorandomly selected bits of a bit stream to avoid long sequences of bits of the same sense.
Note: The same selection pattern must be used on the receive terminal in order to restore the original bit stream.
2. [An] analog or digital source of unpredictable, unbiased, and usually independent bits. Randomizers… (Read More →)

See radio range.

The measurement of the distance to a remote object (target), from a known observation or reference point.
Note: Ranging may be accomplished by geometric means, e.g., triangulation, or by the measurement of the transit time of an electromagnetic or acoustic signal. Ranging has application to navigation and cartography.

A predetermined pattern of scanning lines within a display space.
Note: An example of a raster is the pattern followed by an electron beam scanning the screen of a television camera or receiver.

The total number of raster scanning lines within a display space. [From Weik '89]