FIFO (First-In, First-Out)

FIFO stands for "First-In, First-Out", and functions like a "buffer" memory - an important role in data acquisition devices. Today's multi-tasking operating system can deal with more than one task at a time. But, if the system is overloaded, the device's sampling rate will be limited, data loss errors may occur, and even worse - the system can crash.

FIFO is the remedy. With FIFO memory, the restraint on sampling rates can be relieved, and devices can get faster data acquisition by interrupt or DMA functions. First, the converted data is stored in the FIFO memory. When the FIFO is half full, an interrupt will be generated to tell the CPU that it should start to move the data to system memory. Data is moved sequentially, thereby the name FIFO.
If using the DMA mode, the onboard DMA controller will take care of the data transfer task, which saves CPU resources as it is more efficient than having the CPU use software-polling or interrupts without FIFO.

Most of Advantech's multifunction and analog input cards are equipped with FIFO memory. With onboard FIFO memory, measurement instruments can provide continuous high-speed data transfers with more predictable performance on your system.

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