PALs

PALs is an acronym used for several different concepts, including Phase Alternating Line (PAL), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Programmable Array Logic (PAL).

Phase Alternating Line is a color-encoding system used for analog television. It was developed in Europe and widely adopted for standard-definition broadcasts. PAL uses a 625-line frame structure at 25 frames per second and supports 4:3 and 16:9 formats. Its key feature is a phase-alternating color signal on successive lines, which mitigates color phase errors and hue shifts. The color subcarrier is typically 4.43 MHz, with regional variants such as PAL-B/G, PAL-D, and PAL-K. With the shift to digital TV, PAL broadcasts have declined, though the term remains in historical and technical contexts.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support is an American Heart Association training program for healthcare providers responding to pediatric emergencies. The course covers rapid assessment, high-quality CPR, airway and breathing support, recognition and treatment of shock and arrhythmias, and teamwork in emergencies. PALS emphasizes algorithmic decision making and simulation-based learning. Certification is typically valid for two years and requires recertification. PALS is commonly required for pediatricians, emergency medicine staff, and critical care teams.

Programmable Array Logic denotes a family of programmable logic devices used in digital electronics. A PAL has a programmable AND array feeding a fixed OR array, enabling implementation of combinational logic. Designers program the device by configuring the AND terms, and the OR array produces the output logic. PALs provided a middle ground between fixed logic and fully programmable devices, offering lower cost and faster development than separate SSI logic. They were widely used from the late 1970s through the 1990s and were largely supplanted by CPLDs and FPGAs.