Wiki

The encyclopedia explains the major technical terms used to describe the technologies for the future markets of today, tomorrow and beyond. From A as in app to M as in MEMS right through to Z as in ZigBee.

Back-end

The back-end is the component of a client/server architecture or computer system kept away from the ultimate user. In a client/server architecture, the back-end is the server serving the clients. Back-ends may be mainframe or workstation computers, for example, to which peripherals are connected.

Beamforming

The process of focusing a radio signal using intelligent multi-antenna technology in a specific direction, thereby achieving better signal strength and quality.

Bias

In the context of AI, this term describes the bias of a system that leads to a tendency, distortion or even an error in results. This is because, when learning from data sets, artificial intelligence adopts the cultural stereotypes or prejudices of the people who created or generated these data sets.

Big Data

The back-end is the component of a client/server architecture or computer system kept away from the ultimate user. In a client/server architecture, the back-end is the server serving the clients. Back-ends may be mainframe or workstation computers, for example, to which peripherals are connected.

Bionics

Term combining the words “biology and “electronics”. According to VDI standard 6220 defined as follows: Bionics is a discipline combining biology and electronic technology to deliver technical solutions based on abstraction, transfer and application of findings from biological models.

Blockchain

A virtual ledger in a network of computers. Each change is recorded and distributed and stored on multiple computers. As a result, it no longer requires a central entity, such as a bank or authority.

Bluetooth

Internationally standardised wireless data interface. It enables different mobile devices, such as mobile phones or laptop computers, to connect wirelessly. A wireless connection is made between the various devices’ transmitter and receiver units. A range of around 10 metres can be covered – enough to connect vehicles’ on-board devices, or a smartphone with accessories.

Bluetooth Low Energy

Highly energy-efficient variant of Bluetooth, standardised primarily for the transfer of sensor values and control data.

Broadband

Umbrella term for Internet access via networks operating at high data transfer rates, implemented as DSL, cable TV or wireless technology (UMTS, WLAN, LTE, satellite etc.).

Bus system

In a bus system, numerous end devices share a single data line (bus line). Since only one end device may use the data line at any given time, bus systems always require a protocol to regulate access rights.

Byte

Information unit; consists of eight bits.

Decimal prefix Symbol Number of bytes      
Kilobyte kB 1,000 = 103
Megabyte MB 1,000,000 = 106
Gigabyte GB 1,000,000,000 = 109
Terabyte TB 1,000,000,000,000 = 1012
Petabyte PB 1,000,000,000,000,000 = 1015
Exabyte EB 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 = 1018
Zettabyte ZB 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 = 1021
Yottabyte YB 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 = 1024