Intermodulation Distortion (IMD):
the intermixing of two frequencies. It is often caused by non-linear distortion
within an amplifier or loudspeaker system
Internal resistance
Every source has some resistance in series with the output current. When
current is drawn from the source some power is lost due to the voltage drop
across the internal resistance. Usually called output impedance or output
resistance.
Intrinsic material
A semiconductor material with electrical properties essentially
characteristic of ideal pure crystal. Essentially silicon or germanium crystal
with no measurable impurities.
Inverting amplifier
An amplifier that has a 180° phase shift from input to output.
Inverting input
In an operational amplifier (op amp) the input that is marked with a minus
sign. A signal applied at the inverting input will be given 180° phase shift
between input and output.
Ion
An atom with fewer electrons in orbit than the number of protons in the nucleus
is a positive ion. An atom with a greater number of electrons in orbit than the
number of protons in the nucleus is a negative ion.
Ionized
Atoms become ionized when they gain or lose a valence electron.
IGFET
Insulated gate field effect transistor. Another name for a "MOSFET."
Impedance (Z)
Measured in ohms it is the total opposition to the flow of current offered by a
circuit. Impedance consists of the vector sum of resistance and reactance.
Impedance coupling
Coupling of two signal amplifier circuits through the use of an impedance
such as a inductor.
Induced voltage
Voltage generated in a conductor when subjected to a moving magnetic field.
Inductance
Property of a circuit to oppose a change in current. The moving magnetic field
produced by a change in current causes an induced voltage to oppose the original
change.
Inductive circuit
Circuit having greater inductive reactance than capacitive reactance.
Inductive reactance
Opposition to the flow of AC current produced by an inductor. Measured in Ohms
and varies in direct proportion to frequency.
Inductor
Length of conductor used to introduce inductance into a circuit. The conductor
is usually wound into a coil to concentrate the magnetic lines of force and
maximize the inductance. While any conductor has inductance, in common usage the
term inductor usually refers to a coil.
Infrared
Electromagnetic heat radiation whose frequencies are above the microwave
frequency band and below red in the visible band.
Inhibit
To stop an action or block data from passing.
In phase
When two or more waves of the same frequency have their positive and negative
peaks occurring at the same time.
Input impedance
Opposition to the flow of signal current at the input of a circuit or load.
Insulated
When a non conducting material is used to isolate conducting materials from one
another.
Insulating material
Material that will prevent the flow of current due to its chemical composition.
Insulation resistance
Resistance of insulating material. The greater the insulation resistance, the
better the insulation.
Integrated
When two or more components are combined into a circuit and then incorporated
into a single package.
Integrator
A device that approximates and whose output is proportional to an integral of
the input signal. A low pass filter.
Intermittent
A fault occurring at random intervals of time. Intermittent problems are often
difficult to locate because of the random nature. They often don't occur when
the technician is present.
Partner:
http://www.cosycommunications.com/