Efficiency factor: In data communications, the ratio of (a) the time to transmit a text automatically at a specified modulation rate to (b) the time actually required to receive the same text at a specified maximum error rate.

Note 1: All of the communication facilities are assumed to be in the normal condition of adjustment and operation.

Note 2: Telegraph communications may have different temporal efficiency factors for the two directions of transmission.

Note 3: The practical conditions of measurement should be specified, especially the duration of the measurement.

Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188