ATM Glossary

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A

APTRA - ATM operating software

ARIA - Latest pick module with belts instead of rollers to transport notes to the presenter

ATM - Automated Teller Machine, also known as a cash point, cash machine, hole in the wall machine

ATMdesk - A standalone quick booting diagnostic tool for NCR ATMs giving full access to error codes. TestLink is an approved supplier for this software

ATMIA - ATM Industry Association

B

Ballasts - Power supplies for fluorescent tubes

BART - Beeper Amplifier Reset and Tamper PCB used in Pivot cores

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) - Instruction set programmed in chip on motherboard (with battery backup). Options such as system time and date can be changed here

Black Dot/Mark - Method used by the receipt printer to calibrate cutting of receipts

BNA (Bunched Note Acceptor) - Depository that accepts many varied notes without an envelope

C

CAFU - A PCB in a PELE core which gives access to the parallel and serial ports 3 and 4

Card Reader - The module that reads the details from the customer's card

CASS - Short for cassette

Cassette - Storage container for cash notes to be dispensed

Cassette Locking Bar - A security device designed to safeguard cash cassettes in an ATM

Cencon -  A type of electronic safe lock, also known as Mass Hamilton

CIT - Cash in Transit

CMOS - Basic Input/Output System. Instruction set programmed in chip on motherboard (with battery backup). Options such as system time and date can be changed here

Collar Kit - Set of plastics that surround a TTW ATM and seal it to the wall

Configuration - The arrangement of how items of ATM hardware or software are built

CPM (Cheque Processing Module) - Depository that accepts and reads cheques

CPK+ - Card Protection Kit, an anti-skimming security device

CROPF (Card return on power fail) - Battery/PCB which returns the card to the customer if the ATM loses power

CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) - A now obsolete glass tube style monitor - superseded by LCD

D

Decals - Printed stickers that show the types of card accepted and which way to insert them

DES - Standard for encryption

Dial Up - Method of communication with host, using public telephone lines

Depository - Module that accepts cash and cheques in an envelope

Depository Bin - Storage container for customer deposits

Dispenser - Module that picks cash notes from the cassette and presents them to the customer

Dispenser Control Board - Main controller for the operation of the cash dispenser module

Dispenser Sensors - Devices that monitor the passage of cash notes through the dispenser

E

Easy Point - Family of NCR ATMs - small freestanding convenience models

Electronic Journal - Transactions are saved to the ATM's hard drive

Encryption - Method of scrambling customers' details to prevent fraud

Enhanced - Next generation of dispenser after I.E

EOP (Enhanced Operator Panel) - LCD display and keyboard used by the operator/engineer to input

EPP (Encrypting Pin Pad) - Customer keyboard that also houses the encryptor

F

F/A (Front Access) Lobby ATM which is serviced from the front

Fascia - The plastic moulded front of the ATM that faces the customer

FDK (Function Display Key) - The variable function keys down either side of the monitor

FLM (First Line Maintenance) - Removing jams and fitting paper rolls with no tools

G

GOP (Graphical Operator Panel) Touch screen for operator, used on Self Serv ATMs

H

HELGA (High End LCD Graphics Adaptor) - Digital Driver PCB for some LCD monitors

Hood - Lid or top cabinet door which lifts/opens for access to EOP and printers etc

I2C (Interface to cassettes) - Bus that connects the pick modules to the dispenser control board

I

IAD - Independent ATM Deployers

I.E. (Improved Electronics) - Term used for a particular generation of dispensers

IMCRW - Integrated Motorised Card Reader Writer. More modern version of SCRW

J

Jitter - An anti-fraud measure programmed into the card reader

Journal Printer - Module that records all transactions for later reference by the ATM operator

L

LCD - Liquid Crystal Display

LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) - Sensor that dims the monitor in low ambient light conditions

Leased line - A permanent communication connection to the host

LISA - Serial Adaptor PCB in a Pivat to give access to the SSPAs serial ports 3 and 4

Lobby - Type of ATM that is freestanding indoors

Logo Panel - Fluorescent light cover bearing an operator's name/logo

LVDT  (Linear Variable Differential Transducer) - Device that ensures that only one note is dispensed at a time

M

MEI (Media Entry Indicator) - Flashing green light that prompts the user for card input, cash output etc

Misc. I/F (Miscellaneous Interface PCB) - Board which controls various functions including MEIs and Fluorescent tubes

Modem - Type of communications device which uses an ordinary telephone line to dial the host

Mode Switch - Switch for toggling between Supervisor mode and Normal Mode

MTBF - Mean time between failures

N

Non-surcharging ATMs - ATMs that do not charge a fee for withdrawing cash

Normal Mode - Mode in which the ATM is in service and available for customer use

NTS (Note Thickness Sensor) - Later version of LVDT for ensuring a single note at a time is picked

NVRAM (Non Volatile Random Access Memory) - Area of PC where configuration is held permanently by battery

O

Opacity - Older method of detecting double notes by shining a light through the note

Outdoor Pods - Weatherproof housings for remote ATMs