This page includes only simple definitions for terms used in electronics.
Analog
means that the electronic signals can take a infinite number of values between the minimum and the maximum.

Capacitor
a component which is capable of temporarily storing energy by means of a voltage across it. Capacitance is measured in Farad.

Digital
means that electronic signals are composed of only two values, either 1 or 0. A combination of 0s and 1s allow signal levels but only at discrete or only at specified levels.

Diode
a two layer semiconductor device which allows the flow of current only in one direction.

Inductor
a component capable of storing energy by means of current flowing through it. Inductance is measured in Henry.

Integrated Circuits or IC
an electronic semiconductor device composed of millions of components inside. ICs are used to minimize space while still being able to perform the same task.

Light Emitting Diode or LED
are components which give out light when current passes through it. It does however light up only when current is flowing in the right direction.

Photocells
are components wherein one or more of its electronic properties varies are the amount of light focused unto it is varied.

Printed Circuit Board or PCB
a board wherein we etch our circuit and mount our components. These are used in place of the thousands of wires which would have been used to connect the components.

Resistor
a usually carbon wound device which resists the flow of current through it. Resistance is measured in ohms.

Thermistor
is a component whose resistive properties vary as the temperature around it changes.

Thermocouple
is a component whose potential or voltage across its two terminals is related to the temperature of its surroundings.

Transistor
a three layer semiconductor device which can be used to amplify weak signal or be used as an electronic switch. Its use depends on how it is configured in a circuit.

This page hosted by
Get your own Free Home Page
1