standard interface

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standard interface A point of interconnection between two systems or parts of a system, e.g. that between a processor and a peripheral, at which all the physical, electrical, and logical parameters are in accordance with predetermined values and are collectively used in other instances. An interface may be classed as standard on the basis of manufacturer, industry, or international usage. The I/O channels of a processor may be classed as standard interfaces because they are common to all processors of that type, or common to more than one type of peripheral – but they may be specific to a manufacturer. Some interfaces are de facto industry standards and can be used to connect devices from different vendors. Other interfaces are standardized by agreement within trade associations or international committees such as the CCITT.

Although a peripheral and its host may comply with the specification, this does not guarantee functional compatibility.

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standard interface

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