DROPOUT

1. In a communications system , a momentary loss of signal . Note: Dropouts are usually caused by noise , propagation anomalies, or system malfunctions. ( 188 ) 2. A failure to read properly a binary character from data storage . Note: A dropout is usually caused by a defect in the storage medium or by a malfunction of the read mechanism. 3. In magnetic tape , disk, card, or drum systems, a recorded signal with an amplitude less than a predetermined percentage of a reference signal. ( 188 )