Glossary of Electronic Terms, Electronic terms starting from alphabet A
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- Algorithm:
a set of mathematical "rules" applied to an input.
AC
Abbreviation for "Alternating Current"
Acceptor atoms
Trivalent atoms that accept free electrons
from pentavalent atoms.
AC coupling
Circuit that passes an AC signal while
blocking a DC voltage.
AC/DC
Equipment that will operate on either an AC
or DC power source.
AC generator
Device used to transform mechanical energy
into AC electrical power.
AC power supply
Power supply that delivers an AC voltage.
Active region
The region of BJT operation between
saturation and cutoff used for linear amplification.
AC voltage
A voltage in which the polarity alternates.
Admittance
(symbol "Y") Measure of how easily AC will
flow through a circuit. Admittance is the reciprocal of impedance and is
measured in siemens.
AGC
Abbreviation for "automatic gain control"
Alkaline cell
A primary cell that delivers more current
than a carbon-zinc cell. Also known as an "alkaline manganese cell".
Alpha
Ratio of collector current to emitter
current in a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). Greek letter alpha "a" is the
symbol used.
Alternating current
An electric current that rises to a maximum
in one direction, falls back to zero and then rises to a maximum in the
opposite direction and then repeats.
Alternator
Name for an AC generator.
AM
Abbreviation for "amplitude modulation"
Ammeter
A meter used to measure current.
Ampere
Unit of electrical current.
Amplifier
A circuit that increases the voltage,
current, or power of a signal.
Amplitude:
Magnitude or size of a signal voltage or
current.
Analog
Information represented as continously
varying voltage or current rather than in discrete levels as opposed to
digital data varying between two discrete levels.
Anode
The positive electrode or terminal of a
device. The "P" material of a diode.
Armature:
The rotating or moving component of a
magnetic circuit.
Armstrong oscillator
An oscillator that uses an isolation
transformer to achieve positive feedback from output to input.
Atom
The smallest particle that an element can
be broken down into and still maintain its unique identity.
Atomic number
The number of positive charges or protons
in the nucleus of an atom.
Attenuate
To reduce the amplitude of an action or
signal. The opposite of amplification.
Audio
Relating to frequencies that can be heard
by the human ear. Approximately 20 Hz. to 20 kHz.
Average value
A value of voltage or current where the
area of the wave above the value equals the area of the wave below the value.
Avionics
Aviation electronics.
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