Term
Cathode-ray tube (CRT)
(Ch1) |
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Definition
| A glass enclosure with a relatively flat face (screen) and a vacuum inside that will display the light generated from the bombardment of the screen by electrons. |
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Term
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Definition
| The system of units emplying the Centimeter (cm), Gram (g), and Second (s)as its fundamental units of measure. |
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Term
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Definition
| One of the first mechanical calculators. |
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Term
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Definition
| Establishing a flow of charge between two elements in an evacuated tube. |
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Term
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Definition
| The relationship between magnetic and electrical effects. |
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Term
Engineering notation
(Ch1) |
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Definition
| A method of notation that specifies that all powers of ten used to define a number be multiples of 3 with a mantissa greater than or equal to 1 but less than 1000. |
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Term
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Definition
| The first totally electronic computer. |
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Term
Fixed-point notation
(Ch1) |
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Definition
| Notation using a decimal point in a particular location to define the magnitude of a number. |
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Term
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Definition
| The first of the electronic devices, the diode. |
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Term
Floating-point notation
(Ch1) |
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Definition
| Notation that allows the magnitude of a number to define where the decimal point should be placed. |
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Term
Integrated circuit (IC)
(Ch1) |
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Definition
| A subminiature structure contaning a vast number of electronic devices designed to perform a particular set of functions. |
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Term
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Definition
| A unit of measurement of energy in the SI or MKS system. Equal to 0.7378 fout-pound in the English system and 10^7 ergs in the CGS system. |
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Term
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Definition
| A unit of measurement for temperature in the SI system. Equal to 273. 15 + °C in the MKS and CGS systems. |
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Term
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Definition
| A unit of measure for mass in the SI and MKS systems. Equal to 1000 grams in the CGS system. |
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Term
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Definition
| A communication link between user and computer to define the operations to be performed and the results to be displayed or printed. |
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Term
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Definition
| One of the first charge-storage devices. |
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Term
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Definition
| A computer-generated list of choices for the user to determine the next operation to be performed. |
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Term
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Definition
| A unit of measure for length in the SI and MKS systems. Equal to 1.094 yards in the English system and 100 centimeters in the CGS system. |
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Term
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Definition
| Thye system of units employing the Meter (m), Kilogram (kg), and Second (s) as its fundamental units of measure. |
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Term
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Definition
| The production of integrated circuits in which the nanometer is the typical unit of measurement. |
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Term
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Definition
| A unit of measurement for force in the SI and MKS systems. Equal to 100,000 dynes in the CGS system. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A unit of measurement for force in the English system. Equal to 4.45 newtons in the SI or MKS system. |
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Term
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Definition
| A sequential list of commands, instructions, and so on, to perform a specified task using a computer. |
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Term
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Definition
| A method for describing very large and very small numbers through the use of powers of ten, which requires that the multiplier be a number between 1 and 10. |
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Term
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Definition
| A unit of measurement for time in the SI, MKS, Enlgish, and CGS systems. |
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Term
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Definition
| The system of ujits adopted by the IEEE in 1965 and the USASI in 1967 as the International System of Units (Systeme International d'Unites). |
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Term
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Definition
| A unit of measure for mass in the English system. Equal to 14.6 kilograms in the SI or MKS system. |
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Term
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Definition
| A computer porgram designed to perform specific analysis and design operations or generate results in a particular format. |
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Term
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Definition
| Stationary charge in a state of equilibrium. |
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Term
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Definition
| The first semiconductor amplifier. |
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Term
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Definition
| A storage device that converts chemical to electrical energy. |
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Term
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Definition
| An instrument designed to read the current through elements in series with the meter. |
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Term
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Definition
| Teh SI unit of measurement applied to the flow of charge through a conductor. |
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Term
Ampere-hour (Ah) rating
(Ch2) |
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Definition
| The rating applied to a source of energy that will reveal how long a particular level of current can be drawn from that source. |
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Term
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Definition
| A fundamental source of electrical energy developed through the conversion of chemical or solar energy. |
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Term
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Definition
| Materials that permit a generous flow of electrons with very little voltage applied. |
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Term
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Definition
| A material possessing physical properties that make it particularly useful as a conductor of electricity. |
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Term
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Definition
| The fundamental SI unit of measure for charge. It is equal to the charge carried by the 6.242 x 10^18 electrons. |
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Term
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Definition
| An equation defining the force of attraction or repulsion between two charges. |
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Term
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Definition
| The flow of charge resulting from the application of a difference in potential between two points in an electrical system. |
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Term
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Definition
| A source that will provide a fixed current level even though the load to which it is applied may cause its terminal voltage to change. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A source of dc voltage available through the turning of the shaft of the device by some external means. |
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Term
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Definition
| Current having a single direction (unidirectional) and a fixed magnitude over time. |
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Term
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Definition
| The process of passing a current through an electrolyte to break it down into its fundamental componenets. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The contact element and the source of ions between the electrodes of the battery. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The particle with negative polarity that orbits the nucleus of an atom. |
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Term
|
Definition
| An electron unassociated with any particular atom, relatively free to move through a crystal lattice structure under the influence of external forces. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A nonpolluting source of energy that can establish current through a load by simply applying the correct levels of hydrogen and oxygen. |
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Term
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Definition
| Materials in which a very high voltage must be applied to produce any measurable current flow. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The particle having no electrical charge found in the nucleus of the atom. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The structural center of an atom that contains both protons and neutrons. |
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Term
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Definition
| An atom having a net positive charge due to the loss of one of its negatively charged electrons. |
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Term
Potential difference
(Ch2) |
|
Definition
| The algebraic difference in potential (or voltage) between two points in an electrical system. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The energy that a mass possesses by virtue of its position. |
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Term
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Definition
| Sources of voltage that cannot be recharged. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The particle of positive polarity found in the nucleus of an atom. |
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Term
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Definition
| The process by which an ac signal is converted to one that has an average dc level. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Sources of voltage that can be recharged |
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Term
|
Definition
| A material having a conductance value between that of an insulator and that of a conductor. Of significant importance in the manufacture of electronic devices. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Sources of voltage available through the conversion of light energy (photons) into electrical energy. |
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Term
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Definition
| The ratio of the weight of a given volume of a substance to the weight of an equal volume of water at 4°C. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The unit of measurement applied to the difference in potential between two points. If 1 joule of energy is required to move 1 coulomb of charge between two points, the difference in potential is said to be 1 volt. |
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Term
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Definition
| The term applied to the difference in potential between two points as established by a separation of opposite charges. |
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Term
|
Definition
| An instrument designed to read the voltage across an element or between any two points in a network. |
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Term
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Definition
| The temperature at which all molecular motion ceases; -273.15°C |
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Term
|
Definition
| The cross-sectional area of a wire having a diameter of 1 mil. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A technique using bands of color to indicate the resistance levels and tolerance of resistors. |
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Term
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Definition
| An indication of the relative ease with which current can be established in a material. It is measured in siemens (S). |
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Term
|
Definition
| The "pairing" of electrons as they travel through a medium. |
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Term
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Definition
| The property of a material that allows it to be drawn into long, thin wires. |
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Term
Inferred absolute temperature
(Ch3) |
|
Definition
| The temperature through which a straight-line approximation for the actual resistance-versus-temperature curve intersects the temperature axis. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The property of a material that allows it to be worked into many different shapes. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Resistor whose resistance is a function of the current through it; capable of remembering and retaining its last resistance value. |
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Term
Negative temperature coefficient of resistance
(Ch3) |
|
Definition
| The value revealing that the resistance of a material will decrease with an increase in temperature. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The unit of measurement applied to resistance. |
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Term
|
Definition
| An instrument for measuring resistance levels. |
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Term
Photoconductive cell
(Ch3) |
|
Definition
| A two-terminal semiconductor device whose terminal resistance is determined by the intensity of the incident light on its exposed surface. |
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Term
Positive temperature coefficient of resistance
(Ch3) |
|
Definition
| The value revealing that the resistance of a material will increase with an increase in temperature. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A three-terminal device through which potential levels can be varied in a linear or nonlinear manner. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Temperature sensitivity of a resistor in parts per million per degree Celsius. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A measure of the opposition to the flow of charge through a material. |
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Term
|
Definition
| An element whose terminal resistance can be varied in a linear or nonlinear manner. |
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Term
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Definition
| A constant of proportionality between the resistance of a material and its physical dimensions. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Defined by ρ/d for thin-film and integrated circuit design. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Conductors of electric charge that have for all practical purposes zero ohms. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A two-terminal semiconductor device whose resistance is temperature sensitive. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A voltage-dependent, nonlinear resistor used to suppress high-voltage transients. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A two-terminal device designed to ensure that current levels do not exceed safe levels. If "triped", it can be reset with a switch or a reset button. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A semiconductor device whose behavior is much like that of a simple switch; that is, it will pass current ideally in only one direction when operating within specified limits. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A ratio of output to inut power that provides immediate information about the energy-converting characteristics of system. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A quantity whose change in state is determined by the product of the rate of conversion (P) and the period involved (t). It is measured in joules (J) or wattseconds (Ws). |
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Term
|
Definition
| A two-terminal device whose sole purpose is to ensure that current levels in a circuit do not exceed safe levels. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Equivalent to 746 watts in the electrical system. |
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Term
|
Definition
| An instrument for measuring kilowatthours of energy supplied to a residential or commercial user of electricity. |
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Term
|
Definition
| An equation that establishes a relationship among the current, voltage, and resistance of an electrical system. |
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Term
|
Definition
| An indication of how much work can be done in a specified amount of time; a rate of doing work. It is measured in joules/second (J/s) or watts (W). |
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Term
|
Definition
| A combination of a number of elements joined at terminal points providing at least one closed path through which charge can flow. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Any continuous connection of branches that allows tracing of a path that leaves a point in one direction and returns to that same point from another direction without leaving the circuit. |
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Term
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Definition
| The inherent resistance found internal to any source of energy. |
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Term
Kirchhoff's voltage law (KVL)
(Ch5) |
|
Definition
| The algebraic sum of the potential rises and drops around a closed loop (or path) is zero. |
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Term
Protoboard (breadboard)
(Ch5) |
|
Definition
| A flat board with a set pattern of conductively connected holes designed to accept 24-gage wire and components with leads of about the same diameter. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A circuit configuration in which the elements have only one point in common and each terminal is not connected to a third, current-carrying element. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Any element or componenet with two external terminals for connection to a network configuration. |
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Term
Voltage divider rule (VDR)
(Ch5) |
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Definition
| A method by which a voltage in a series circuit can be determined without first calculating the current in the circuit. |
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Term
Voltage regulation (VR)
(Ch5) |
|
Definition
| A value, given as a percent, that provides an indication of the change in termanil voltage of a supply with a change in load demand. |
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Term
Current divider rule (CDR)
(Ch6) |
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Definition
| A method by which the current through parallel elements can be determined without first finding the voltage across those parallel elements. |
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Term
Kirshhoff's Current Law (KCL)
(Ch6) |
|
Definition
| The algebraic sum of the currents entering and leaving a node is zero. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A junction of two or more branches |
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Term
Ohm/volt (Ω/V) rating
(Ch6) |
|
Definition
| A rating used to determine both the current sensitivity of the movement and the internal resistance of the meter. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The absence of a direct connection between two points in a network. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A circuit configuration in which the elements have two points in common. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A direct connection of low resistive value that can significantly alter the behavior of an element or system. |
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Term
Complex configuration
(Ch7) |
|
Definition
| A network in which none of the elements are in series of parallel. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A movement operating on the principle that there is repulsion between like magnetic poles. The two poles are vanes inside of a fixed coil. One vane is fixed and the other movable with an attached pointer. The higher the applied current, the greater is the deflection of the movable vane and the greater is the deflection of the pointer. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A network that consists of a cascaded set of series-parallel combinations and has the appearance of a ladder. |
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Term
|
Definition
| An instrument for measuring very high resistance levels, such as in the megohm range. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A resistance-measuring instrument in which the movement is placed in series with the unknown resistance. |
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Term
Series-parallel network
(Ch7) |
|
Definition
| A network consisting of a combination of both series and parallel branches. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A three-terminal semiconductor electronic device that can be used for amplification and switching purposes. |
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Term
Voltage divider supply
(Ch7) |
|
Definition
| A series network that can provide a range of voltage levels for an application. |
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Term
Branch-current method
(Ch8) |
|
Definition
| A technique for determining the branch currents of a multiloop network. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A network configuration typically having a diamond appearance in which no two elements are in series or parallel. |
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Term
|
Definition
| Sources that supply a fixed current to a network and have a terminal voltage dependent on the network to which they are applied. |
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Term
Delta (Δ), pi (π) configuration
(Ch8) |
|
Definition
| A network structure that consists of three branches and has the appearance of the Greek letter Delta (Δ) or pi (π). |
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Term
|
Definition
| A mathematical technique for finding the unknown variables of two or more simultaneious linear equations. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A technique for determining the mesh (loop) currents of a network that results in a reduced set of equations compared to the branch-current method. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A labeled current assigned to each distinct closed loop of a network that can, individually or in combination with other mesh currents, define all of the branch currents of a network. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A technique for determining the nodal voltages of a network. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A junction of two or more branches in a network. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A current defined in a network with ideal current sources that permits the use of mesh anaylsis. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A node defined in a network with ideal voltage soures that permits the use of nodal analysis. |
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Term
Wye (Y), tee (t) configuration
(Ch8) |
|
Definition
| A network structure that consists of three brances and has the appearance of the caital letter Y or T |
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Term
Maximum power transfer theorem
(Ch9) |
|
Definition
| A theorem used to determine the load resistance necessary to ensure maximum power transfer to the load. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A method using source conversions that will permit the determination of unknown variables in a multiloop network. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A theorem that permits the reduction of any two-terminal linear dc network to one having a single current source and parallel resistor. |
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Term
|
Definition
| A theorem that states that for single-source networks, the current in any branch of a network due to a single voltage source in the network will equal the current through the branch in which the source was originally located if the source is placed in the branch in which the current was originally measured. |
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Term
Substitution theorem
(Ch9) |
|
Definition
| A theorem that states that if the voltage across and current through any branch of a dc bilateral network are known, the branch can be replaced by any combination of elements that will maintain the same voltage across and current through the chosen branch. |
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|
Term
Superposition theorem
(Ch9) |
|
Definition
| A network theorem that permits considering the effects of each source independently. The resulting current and/or voltage is the algebraic sum of the currents and/or voltages developed by each source independently. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| A theorem that permits the reduction of any two-terminal, linear dc network to one having a single voltage source and series resistor. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| The current defined by a linear (straight line) change in voltage across a capacitor for a specific period of time. |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| Another term for dieletric strenght, listed below. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A fundamental electrical element having two conducting surfaces separated by an insulating material and having the capacity to store charge on its plates. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| A measure of a capacitor's ability to store charge; measured in farads (F). |
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Term
|
Definition
| An equation relating the force beteween two like or unlike charges. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The instantaneous change in a quantity at a particular instant in time. |
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|
Term
|
Definition
| The insulating material between the plates of a capacitor that can have a pronounced effect on the charge stored on the plates of a capacitor. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Another term for relative permittivity, listed below. |
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|
Term
Dielectric strength
(Ch10) |
|
Definition
| An indication of the voltage required for unit length to establish conduction in a dielectric. |
|
|
Term
Electric field strength
(Ch10) |
|
Definition
| The force acting on a unit positive charge in the region of interest. |
|
|
Term
Electric flux lines
(Ch10) |
|
Definition
| Lines drawn to indicate the strength and direction of an electric field in a particular region. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An effect established by flux lines that do not pass directly from one conducting surface to another. |
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Term
|
Definition
| The steady-state voltage across a capacitor before a transient period begins. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The current that results in the total discharge of a capacitor if the capacitor is disconnected from the charging network for a sufficient length of time. |
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|
Term
Maximum working voltage
(Ch10) |
|
Definition
| That voltage level at which a capacitor can perform its function without concern about breakdown or change in characteristics. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A measure of how well a dielectric permits the establishment of flux lines within the dielectric. |
|
|
Term
Relative permittivity
(Ch10) |
|
Definition
| A permittivity of a material compared to that of air. |
|
|
Term
Steady-state region
(Ch10) |
|
Definition
| A period of time defined by the fact that the voltage across a capacitor has reached a level that, for all practical purposes, remains constant. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| Capacitances that exist not through design but simpy because two conducting surfaces are relatively close to each other. |
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|
Term
Temperature coefficient
(Ch10) |
|
Definition
| An indication of how much the capacitance value of a capacitor will change with change in temperature. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A period of time defined by the parameters of the network that defines how long the transient behavior of the voltage or current of a capacitor will last. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| That period of time where the voltage across a capacitor or the current of a capacitor will change in value at a rate determined by the time constant of the network. |
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