frame synchronizationOf a received stream of framed data, the process by which incoming frame alignment signals, i.e., distinctive bit sequences, are identified, i.e.
frame synchronization patternIn digital communications, a prescribed recurring pattern of bits transmitted to enable the receiver to achieve frame synchronization.
frame-alignment signalIn the transmission of data frames, a distinctive sequence of bits used to accomplish frame alignment.
frame-alignment time slotA time slot occupying the same relative position in every frame and used to transmit the frame alignment signal. [T1.107-1988]
frame-rate conversionWith respect to television or other video display technologies, the process of transforming from one standard frame rate to another, using an algorithm.
framed interfaceAn interface through which information flow is partitioned into physical, periodic frames consisting of overhead information and an information payload.
FramingThe structural materials and elements used to construct a wall.
framing bitA bit used for frame synchronization. 2. In a bit stream, a bit used in determining the beginning or end of a frame.
free netA radio net in which any station may communicate with any other station in the net without first obtaining the permission of the net-control station.
free routingThe routing of messages in such a manner that they are forwarded toward their destination or addressee over any available channel without dependence upon…
free spaceA theoretical concept of space devoid of all matter. Note: Free space also implies remoteness from material objects that could influence the propagation…
free-running capabilityIn a synchronized oscillator, the capability to operate in the absence of a synchronizing signal.
free-space couplingCoupling of magnetic, electric, or electromagnetic fields that are not confined to a conductor.
free-space lossThe signal attenuation that would result if all absorbing, diffracting, obstructing, refracting, scattering, and reflecting influences were sufficiently…
freenetA system of computer networks (usually funded by individuals or organizations) consisting of community-based bulletin board systems with, e.g.
freewareHistorically, any software that you give away, particularly if you make the source code available as well. Now often called open source software.
freeze frameA frame of visual information that is selected from a set of motion video frames, and is held in a buffer.
freeze frame televisionTelevision in which fixed ("still") images are transmitted sequentially at a rate far too slow to be perceived as continuous motion by human vision.
freeze-outThe condition that occurs when an earlier nonactive speaker on an input transmission trunk channel becomes active and cannot immediately be assigned to a…
freeze-out fractionThe ratio of the total time that the individual channels experience the freeze-out condition to the total time of the active intervals, and their…
FrequencyThe number of cycles through which an alternating current passes per second; in the U.S.
frequency accuracyThe degree of conformity to a specified value of a frequency.
frequency agingOf an oscillator, the change in frequency, over time, caused by internal changes in oscillator parameters even when external factors, such as environment…
frequency allotmentSee allotment (of a radio frequency or radio frequency channel).
frequency assignmentAuthorization, given by an Administration, for a radio station to use a radio frequency or radio frequency channel under specified conditions 2.
frequency assignment authorityThe power granted an Administration, or its designated or delegated leader or agency via treaty or law, to specify frequencies, or frequency bands, in the…
frequency averagingThe process by which the relative phases of precision clocks are compared for the purpose of defining a single time standard. 2.
frequency compatibility1. Of an electronic device, the extent to which it will operate at its designed performance level in its intended operational environment (including the…
frequency departureThe difference between the instantaneous frequency of a digital signal and the long-term average frequency of that signal. [T1.Rpt17-1993] 2.
frequency deviationThe amount by which a frequency differs from a prescribed value, such as the amount an oscillator frequency drifts from its nominal frequency. 2.
frequency dispersalAn electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM) in which communications nets' operating frequencies are widely separated from each other, causing a…
frequency displacementThe end-to-end shift in frequency that may result from independent frequency translation errors in a circuit.
frequency diversityTransmission and reception in which the same information signal is transmitted and received simultaneously on two or more independently fading carrier…
frequency driftAn undesired progressive change in frequency with time. Note 1: Causes of frequency drift include component aging and environmental changes.
frequency fluctuationA short-term variation, with respect to time, of the frequency of an oscillator.
frequency flutterA deviation of frequency that generally results from irregular motion of the recording medium during the recording, duplication, or reproduction. [T1.
frequency froggingThe interchanging of the frequencies of carrier channels to accomplish specific purposes, such as to prevent feedback and oscillation, to reduce…
frequency guard bandA frequency band deliberately left vacant between two channels to provide a margin of safety against mutual interference.
frequency hopping[The] repeated switching of frequencies during radio transmission according to a specified algorithm, to minimize unauthorized interception or jamming of…
frequency hourOne frequency used for one hour regardless of the number of transmitters over which it is simultaneously broadcast by a station during that hour. [47CFR]
frequency lockThe condition in which a frequency-correcting feedback loop maintains control of an oscillator within the limits of one cycle.
Frequency Modulation (FM)Modulation in which the instantaneous frequency of a sine wave carrier is caused to depart from the center frequency by an amount proportional to the…
frequency offsetThe difference between the frequency of a source and a reference frequency.
frequency predictionA prediction of the maximum usable frequency (MUF), the optimum traffic frequency, and the lowest usable frequency (LUF) for transmission between two…
frequency rangeA continuous range or spectrum of frequencies that extends from one limiting frequency to another.
frequency response curveA plot of the gain or attenuation of a device, such as an amplifier or a filter, as a function of frequency.
frequency scanningConducting a search for signals over a band or range of frequencies by means of a manually or automatically tuned receiver. Note: The tuning rate, i.e.
frequency sharingThe assignment to or use of the same radio frequency by two or more stations that are separated geographically or that use the frequency at different…
frequency shiftAny change in frequency. 2. Any change in the frequency of a radio transmitter or oscillator.
frequency spectrum congestionThe situation that occurs when many stations transmit simultaneously using frequencies that are close together, i.e.
frequency stabilityThe degree to which variations of the frequency of an oscillator deviate from the mean frequency over a specified period of time.
frequency standardA stable oscillator used for frequency calibration or reference. Note 1: A frequency standard generates a fundamental frequency with a high degree of…
frequency synthesizerA device that produces frequencies that are phase coherent with a reference frequency.
frequency toleranceThe maximum permissible departure by the center frequency of the frequency band occupied by an emission from the assigned frequency, or by the…
frequency translationThe transfer of signals occupying a specified frequency band, such as a channel or group of channels, from one portion of the frequency spectrum to…
frequency-analysis compactionData compaction accomplished by using an expression composed of a number of different frequencies of different magnitudes to represent a particular curve.
frequency-change signalingA signaling method in which one or more discrete frequencies correspond to each desired significant condition of a code.
frequency-derived channelA channel derived by dividing an allocated or available bandwidth over a medium into two or more portions, each usable separately.
frequency-division multiplexing (FDM)The deriving of two or more simultaneous, continuous channels from a transmission medium by assigning a separate portion of the available frequency…
frequency-exchange signalingFrequency-change signaling in which the change from one significant condition to another is accompanied by decay in amplitude of one or more frequencies…
frequency-shift telegraphyTelegraphy by frequency modulation in which the telegraph signal shifts the frequency of the carrier between predetermined values. [NTIA] [RR]
Fresnel reflectionIn optics, the reflection of a portion of incident light at a discrete interface between two media having different refractive indices.
Fresnel zoneIn radio communications, one of a (theoretically infinite) number of a concentric ellipsoids of revolution which define volumes in the radiation pattern…
front-end processor (FEP)A programmed-logic or stored-program device that interfaces data communication equipment with an input/output bus or memory of a data processing computer.
front-end security filter1. [A] security filter logically separated from the remainder of an information system (IS) to protect system integrity.
front-to-back ratio1. Of an antenna, the gain in a specified direction, i.e., azimuth, usually that of maximum gain, compared to the gain in a direction 180° from the…
FSDPSKAbbreviation for filtered symmetric differential phase-shift keying.
FTP archiveA collection of files that are available by using file transfer protocol (FTP). Synonyms file archive, file site.
FTP mailA method of accessing and retrieving FTP-based files via e-mail.
FTS(1) Flight Test Summary (2) Federal Telephone Service
FTS2000Abbreviation for Federal Telecommunications System 2000. The designation for a defunct Federal telecommunications contract replaced by the contract…
FTS2001Abbreviation for Federal Telecommunications System. A contract to provide a consolidated telecommunications capability to support Federal agencies with…
full carrierA carrier that is transmitted without reduction in power, i.e., a carrier that is of sufficient level to demodulate the sideband(s).