hard-wired, a.
(hɑːdˈwaɪəd)
[f. hard a. or adv. + wired ppl. a.]
1. Computing. Employing or containing permanently connected circuits designed to perform a specific, unchangeable, function; (of a function) achieved by such circuits; built into a device in this way.
| 1969 Mechanised Accounting Nov. 54/2 Central to the entire System 21 structure is the microprocessor and its various hard-wired microprograms. 1973 Sci. Amer. May 11 (Advt.), It computes in totally algebraic logic and is equipped with immediate-response hardwired functions. 1974 Physics Bull. Dec. 568/1 (Advt.), This instrument—our ND 100—is the most powerful hardwired analyzer ever made available commercially. 1981 Sci. Amer. Apr. 71a/2 It is a rule of thumb in computer science that an operation can be executed fastest when it is hardwired into the computer rather than specified as part of a program. 1985 Personal Computer World Feb. 177/1 Handshaking is hardwired through CTS or DTR, or can be carried out in software if required. |
2. transf., esp. with reference to the brain and its function.
| 1971 New Scientist 16 Sept. 615/2 These cells are hard-wired and ready for action as soon as the kitten opens its eyes. 1975 Sci. Amer. June 87/3 The product of ‘hard-wired’, or fixed, visual pathways originating at the retina and terminating in the cortex. 1977 C. Sagan Dragons of Eden ii. 29 The brain is completely hard-wired: specific cognitive functions are localized in particular places in the brain. |
Hence [as a back-formation] hard-ˈwire v. trans., to provide with, or make as, a permanent electric connection.
| 1983 Austral. Microcomputer Mag. Nov. 28/2 Data security may be achieved by hardwiring the fixed disk unit into a special power outlet that can be locked in the off position. 1985 Computer Equipment Sept. 39/1 This now enables them to hard-wire links from the 56M central file server to all the required terminals in the factory. |