Glossary of Electronics Terms and Definitions

The field of electronics uses precise terminology to describe components, circuits, and systems. Learning terms like "combinational logic," "drain," and "BJT" can be essential to understanding how electronic devices function. From fundamental concepts to advanced principles, a solid grasp of these definitions is crucial for anyone working with or studying electronics.

Active Filter: An active filter is a circuit that uses active components like amplifiers to enhance signal filtering performance.

Arcing: Arcing occurs when electricity discharges through the air between two conductors, often due to high voltage.

Attenuation: The reduction in signal strength as it travels through a medium or circuit is attenuation.

• What Is Attenuation in Networking? Learn how attenuation reduces the strength of signals when they travel through a network while impacting data transmission.

Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT): A BJT is a transistor that uses electrons and holes to carry charge for amplification or switching.

Clipping: Clipping happens when an amplifier is overdriven, causing distortion by exceeding its output limits.

Clock Signal: A clock signal is an oscillating signal used to synchronize operations in digital circuits.

CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor): CMOS is a type of technology for constructing integrated circuits that's known for low power consumption and high noise immunity.

Collector: One of the three terminals in a BJT is a collector, which is responsible for collecting charge carriers.

Combinational Logic: Combinational logic is a type of circuit that produces outputs based solely on the current input values.

• Combinational Logic Circuits: Discover the basics of combinational logic circuits, including their design, functionality, and role in digital systems.

Comparator: A comparator compares two voltages or currents and outputs a digital signal indicating which is larger.

Cutoff Frequency: The point at which a filter reduces the output signal power to half its maximum value is the cutoff frequency.

Data Acquisition: Data acquisition involves sampling real-world signals and converting them into digital data for analysis.

Differential Amplifier: A differential amplifier amplifies the difference between two input signals while rejecting common mode signals.

Drain: One of the three terminals in a FET is the drain, which is analogous to the collector in a BJT.

Electromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic induction is a process that generates voltage across a conductor exposed to a changing magnetic field.

Electromagnetic Interference: Electromagnetic interference is disruption of electronic devices caused by electromagnetic signals generated by external sources, which can be shielded against using aluminum foil.

Electromotive Force (EMF): EMF is the voltage generated by a source like a battery or generator to drive current in a circuit.

Energy Band Gap: The energy difference between the valence and conduction bands in a semiconductor is the energy band gap.

Ferrite Core: A ferrite core is a magnetic material made from iron and other elements and used to suppress high-frequency noise in electronic circuits.

Field-Effect Transistor (FET): An FET is a transistor that can control the flow of current in a semiconductor using an electric field.

Flip-Flop: This type of circuit stores one bit of data and has two stable states.

Harmonics: Multiples of a fundamental frequency that can distort signals in electronic systems are haromonics.

Henry (H): The Henry is the unit of inductance, measuring a component's ability to store energy in a magnetic field.

Impedance: Impedance represents the total opposition a circuit presents to alternating current, including resistance and reactance.

• What Is Impedance? This page provides a clear explanation of impedance, covering its definition, calculation, and significance in AC circuits.

Inductance: The property of a conductor that induces an electromotive force when the current changes is its inductance.

Kirchhoff's Laws: These laws describe the conservation of current and energy in electrical circuits.

• Kirchhoff's Laws: Learn how Kirchhoff's laws, which include the current and voltage laws, are fundamental for analyzing electrical circuits.

MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor): A MOSFET is a transistor used for switching or amplifying signals, widely used in power electronics.

Negative Feedback: Negative feedback occurs when a portion of the output signal is inverted and fed back to stabilize the system.

Node: A point in a circuit where two or more components are connected is a node.

Operational Amplifier (OpAmp): An OpAmp is a high-gain amplifier with differential inputs and a single output, used in various analog circuits.

• Everything You Need to Know About Operational Amplifiers: If you're thinking of working with operational amplifiers, this page will help you understand their principles and configurations.

Oscillator: An oscillator generates periodic wave forms, such as sine or square waves, for timing or signal generation.

Peak Voltage: The maximum instantaneous value of a voltage waveform is its peak voltage.

Photo Diode: A photo diode converts light into an electrical current and is commonly used in light-sensing applications.

Phototransistor: A light-sensitive transistor that amplifies current based on light intensity is a phototransistor.

• Phototransistors: This guide introduces phototransistors and explains their significance.

Piezoelectric: Piezoelectric materials generate an electric charge in response to mechanical stress.

Pinout: A pinout diagrams and defines the function of each pin in an electrical connector or component.

Polarization: Polarization refers to the orientation of an electromagnetic wave's electric field.

Positive Feedback: Positive feedback occurs when the output signal is fed back in phase with the input, increasing gain.

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM): PWM encodes information by varying the width of pulses in a signal.

• Pulse Width Modulation (PWM): Discover how pulse width modulation works, including its applications in controlling power delivery.

Reactance: The opposition to alternating current caused by inductance or capacitance is reactance.

Root Mean Square (RMS): RMS is a measure of the effective value of a varying voltage or current.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): SNR quantifies the ratio of signal power to background noise power, indicating signal clarity.

Additional Information on Working With Electronics and Circuits

• Electronics Safety Rules: This page outlines important safety precautions for working with electronics, including proper handling of components and avoiding electric shocks.
• Ten Electrical Safety Tips and Rules: When working with electricity, these ten essential safety tips can help reduce the risk of shocks, fires, and equipment damage.
• System and Schematic Diagrams: This page explains how system and schematic diagrams visually represent electrical and electronic circuits.
• How to Design a Motherboard for Your Electronics Project: Designing a motherboard requires careful planning, and this guide walks you through the key steps.
• Five Common Electrical Safety Errors: Avoid these frequent mistakes that can lead to dangerous electrical hazards.
• How to Solder Electronic Components: Electronics Primer: Read a beginner-friendly introduction to soldering electronic parts like a pro.
• Drawing Circuit Schematics: Learn how to accurately draw circuit schematics using standard symbols and layouts.
• Electronic Circuit Mistakes, Goofs, and Surprises: Explore common errors in circuit design, such as measuring voltage incorrectly, along with troubleshooting tips.
• Common Materials Used in Electronics: Building electronic circuits often requires working with materials like gold, silver, and tin.
• Circuit Symbols and Circuit Diagrams: Learn the meanings of circuit symbols and how they are used in electronic diagrams to represent components in an electrical system.
• Four Thrilling Projects You Can Do as an Electrical Engineer: Becoming an electrical engineer allows you to work on all sorts of interesting electronics-related projects.
• Understanding Electronics Terms: This downloadable guide explains common terms used in the industry.
• Engineering Method: The engineering method follows a structured approach to solving technical problems in electronics efficiently
• Electronic Equipment Repair: Tools, Techniques, and Tips: Learn how you can repair your own electronic tools and equipment confidently.
• Glossary of Electronics Terms: Find definitions for common electronics terms in this handy glossary.