Everything important at a glance: The glossary for electronics & electrical engineering basics at Bürklin Elektronik
Anyone who deals with electrical engineering and electronics knows that there is a multitude of technical terms and abbreviations that can quickly make it difficult to get an overview. But don't worry, at Bürklin Elektronik we have the right tool for you: our glossary of electronics basics.
From A for Accumulator to Z for Zener voltage
In the Bürklin Electronics Glossary you will find everything you need to know about the most important terms and abbreviations in electronics. From A for "Accumulator" to Z for "Zener voltage" - our glossary offers you a comprehensive overview of the basics of electronics.
But why is a glossary of electronics and electrical engineering basics important at all?
Quite simply, anyone working with electronics cannot avoid understanding technical terms and abbreviations. This is the only way to read circuit diagrams, use components correctly and identify sources of error. But this can be a real challenge, especially for beginners. This is where our glossary comes into play: it offers a comprehensible explanation of the most important terms and abbreviations in electronics.
Expand your knowledge of electronics & electrical engineering - for beginners & experts
However, our glossary is not only a valuable aid for beginners. Advanced users can also learn a thing or two here and deepen their knowledge. After all, those who have mastered the basics have a solid foundation for more advanced projects and can also understand and implement more complex circuits.
Here you will find everything you need to know about the most important terms and abbreviations in electronics. And if you get stuck, our customer service team will be happy to help.
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Accumulator, rechargeable battery | A storage device for electrical energy based on an electrochemical concept is known as an rechargeable battery. This type of energy source is usually rechargeable and is also known as a secondary cell or, in outdated usage, a collector. |
| Actuator | An actuator, also known as a transducer, is a device that converts an electrical signal into a mechanical movement or another physical quantity. It is the counterpart to a sensor that converts physical quantities into electrical signals. |
| Air flow | The air flow rate is a measure of the air flow generated by a fan. In an air purifier, it indicates how much air is simultaneously drawn in and discharged within a certain period of time. |
| Alloy | An alloy is a material that consists of several elements, at least one of which must be metallic. If various elements have been combined and the result has metallic characteristics, it is referred to as an alloy. Bronze, for example, is an alloy of copper and tin. |
| Ampere | The current is measured in amperes. Ampere is a unit of measurement that indicates the strength of the electric current. The term ampere goes back to the French physicist André-Marie Ampère. The ampere is also regarded as the base unit of the SI system. The magnitude of the electric current is determined by the number of electrons flowing through a conductor per second, and this is measured in amperes. |
| Amplitude modulation (AM) | This process is a modulation method in which the amplitude of a high-frequency carrier signal, usually an audio signal, is changed. The variation is implemented as a function of a low-frequency wanted signal. |
| Anode | An anode, derived from the Greek word "anodos" for "way up", acts as an electrode that absorbs electrons from a vacuum or electrolyte and thus triggers an oxidation reaction. In contrast, the cathode releases electrons and therefore acts as a counterpart to the anode. |
| Antenna | Antennas are devices that are capable of converting waves of different types. They can convert free waves into conducted waves and vice versa. A receiving antenna is able to generate an alternating voltage that is proportional to the strength of the incident field. In contrast, a transmitting antenna radiates the supplied alternating voltage into free space. Overall, antennas play a crucial role in the transmission of signals and are indispensable in modern communication technology. |
| antimagnetic | Antimagnetic objects have no attraction or effect on solenoids or their magnetic fields. Antimagnetism can be easily explained using the example of watches, which cannot be influenced by external magnetic fields. According to DIN standard 8309, watches are antimagnetic if they do not advance or retard for more than 30 seconds when exposed to a magnetic field of 4,800 amperes per meter. Amagnetic refers to a metal that is completely free of residual magnetism. This state is physically almost impossible to achieve. Nevertheless, materials such as silicon are classified as amagnetic. There are also so-called antiferromagnetic materials in which neighboring elementary magnets are aligned antiparallel to the external magnetic field. |
| Ball Grid Array (BGA) | The Ball Grid Array (BGA) is an SMD design that was specially developed for surface mounting (SMT). In this design, the electrical connections are attached to the base of enclosures and arranged in the form of solder balls in a precise grid. |
| Banana socket | A banana socket is used to establish a secure electrical connection and is therefore a female version of a banana plug. |
| Bandwidth | In data and communication technology, the term bandwidth is used as a synonym for data transmission rate or transmission capacity. The bandwidth describes the amount of data that can be transmitted from one point to another in a network in a certain amount of time. The difference between the upper and lower frequency limit of a transmission channel or signal is used for this purpose. |
| Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) | The BIOS, which is often used as an abbreviation for PC BIOS in connection with IBM PC-compatible computers, is the unchangeable system firmware of the IBM PC "Model 5150" from 1981 as well as all compatible computers, which includes almost all x86 PCs from the second half of the 1980s, the 1990s and the 2000s. The BIOS is also used in workstations and servers of the x86 architecture in order to be "PC-compatible". The motherboard contains the non-volatile memory in which the BIOS is stored and is executed immediately after switching on. The BIOS has the task of making the PC functional and then initiating the start of an operating system. |
| Beam angle | The beam angle is the angle at which light is emitted from a light source, e.g. a lamp. The beam angle of the light is specified in degrees. The smaller the angle in degrees, the narrower the light beam. For example: A beam angle of 10-24 degrees stands for a narrow beam of light. 36-60 degrees indicates a slightly wider beam of light. A wide beam of light illuminates a large surface evenly. When selecting the beam angle, the height of the lamp in relation to the position of the object to be illuminated must always be taken into account. The greater the distance between the lamp and the object, the narrower the cone of light should be. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth is a wireless communication standard that provides a convenient way to transfer data, music, videos and images between different devices without having to rely on cables. This standard was developed as IEEE 802.15.1 by a group of industry experts and makes it easy to set up and use Bluetooth-enabled devices. In order to use Bluetooth, the functions on both devices must be activated and paired with each other. The range and type of use depend on the characteristics of the individual devices and the Bluetooth profiles used. The Bluetooth symbol itself consists of a clever combination of the initials HB3 and is a well-known symbol for fast and wireless communication. |
| Breakdown voltage | The breakdown voltage, particularly in gas discharge tubes, refers to the voltage above which a neutral gas suddenly becomes conductive. In semiconductors, the breakdown voltage is referred to as the reverse voltage, which indicates the voltage above which the reverse current increases sharply. |
| Bridge rectifier circuit | A bridge rectifier circuit is an electronic circuit that consists of four diodes and converts an alternating current into a direct current. |
| Bus Transmission System (BTS) | A bus is a sophisticated transmission system that enables data transmission between several subscribers via a common transmission path. If a data transmission is taking place between two participants, the other participants must remain silent during this time so as not to cause any interference. Speaking authorization is distributed according to a scheme known to all participants, which is based on a time or signal basis. Listening is possible without restriction. Although these are technically different topologies, other data transmission systems are sometimes referred to as "Bus" for historical reasons. Overall, the bus is an effective and reliable transmission system for a wide range of applications. |
| Buzzer | An acoustic signaling device that is electrically operated and can produce a buzzing or beeping sound depending on the pitch is known as a buzzer, also known as a beeper. There are different types of buzzers, some are electromagnetic and others consist of a piezo transducer that can produce higher pitched sounds. Electromagnetic buzzers use either a mains frequency alternating voltage in conjunction with a diaphragm or the principle of Wagner's hammer, similar to a horn. Piezo sound transducers, on the other hand, require an alternating voltage of 10 to over 100 volts in order to emit loud sounds in a narrow frequency range. An electrical driver is necessary to drive the transducer, as it represents an electrical capacity in the range of 100 nF. Although piezo transducers are often used for acoustic signaling, they are not suitable for the reproduction of speech or music due to their narrow frequency range. |
| Cable ducts | Cable ducts, also known as cable shafts or cable tunnels, are a system for laying electrical cables. Its main task is to protect the cables and relieve them of mechanical loads. Among the various cable duct designs, the cable tray is an open variant. |
| Cathode | Physical definition: A cathode is the negative pole, i.e. the electrode that accepts electrons via the electrical connection and passes them on to the anode. There is therefore a lack of electrons at the cathode itself. Chemical definition: In chemistry, a cathode is the electrode at which a reduction reaction takes place. Electrons are supplied via the electrical conductor and released to the chemical reaction partners via the electrode. In electrolysis, the cathode is the negative electrode, in batteries and fuel cells the positive electrode. In rechargeable batteries (secondary element, accumulator), the same electrode can work alternately as an anode or cathode, depending on whether the battery is being charged or discharged. |
| CE | The abbreviation CE stands for "Conformité Européenne", which translates as "European Conformity". The CE mark represents the conformity of the product with the current requirements placed on the manufacturer by the European Union. It therefore symbolizes the conformity of the product with European standards. |
| Changeover switch | A changeover switch, also known as a changeover contact, is a switching element that interrupts one circuit and simultaneously activates another when actuated. |
| Changeover Switch | In electrical installations, the changeover switch, also known as a corridor switch or hotel switch, is a useful tool for switching loads, usually one or more lights, on or off from two different locations. This circuit is used in small corridors, hallways and rooms with two entrances. To implement the circuit, two changeover switches are required, which are also available under the designation Off changeover switch. Pure off switches are produced by most manufacturers exclusively for the Eastern European and Asian markets. |
| Clock frequency | The clock frequency indicates the speed rhythm of a computer processor in Hertz (HZ) and is the transmission unit within a period of time (per second). |
| Coding | The term coding can have several meanings. In general, it refers to the encryption of messages using a code. However, coding is also used in computer science. Here, the term coding refers to the process of translating a character string into a specific format. The character string can consist of letters, numbers, symbols or punctuation marks. |
| Coil resistance | Coil resistance is also known as inductive resistance. Self-induction causes a voltage to be induced in each coil which, according to Lenz's law, counteracts its cause - i.e. current flows through the coil. This leads to a reduction in the current strength. In addition to the ohmic resistance of its windings, each coil therefore has an additional resistance due to its inductance. |
| Collector current | The collector-emitter current, or simply collector current, is an important part of how bipolar transistors work. A transistor acts as a transfer resistor which switches and amplifies current signals. The collector current occurs when a transistor is controlled by applying voltage. The collector current can be found in data sheets under the designation IC/ICE . |
| Color temperature | The color temperature measure quantitatively describes the color impression of light waves. In Kelvin, it indicates the color impression of the light waves emitted by the lamp. A low Kelvin number indicates that the luminaire emits warm white light. The higher the value, the cooler the lighting effect. |
| Compensation | Compensation is an important process that ensures that the inductive reactive power required by the grid to generate magnetic fields in motors or to operate transformers is limited. This is done by temporarily storing the energy in a capacitor as soon as the field has dissipated. This process is of great importance to ensure an efficient and safe power supply. |
| Computer Aided Design (CAD) | CAD - an abbreviation for Computer Aided Design - covers all computer-aided processes relating to the design, construction, planning and improvement of new products. These products can range from clothing and shoes to vehicles. |
| Conductor cross-section | The conductor cross-section is the circular area of a cut conductor. To determine the cross-section, the cross-section of the conductor must be measured with a caliper gauge and entered into the following formula: A = d2/4 * Pi Note that only the conductor is measured, not the insulation. |
| Contact resistance | The contact resistance is the electrical surface resistance that occurs when two metallic conductors come into contact with each other, e.g. between the contacts of an electrical switch. |
| Controller Area Network (CAN) | The Controller Area Network, also known as CAN bus, is a serial bus system type and belongs to the field buses. This system was developed by Bosch in 1983 and introduced three years later together with Intel. Its main purpose is to minimize the use of cable harnesses and thus save costs and weight. Without the use of CAN, the total length of all cables in motor vehicles could be up to 2 km. ISO 11898-1 has standardized CAN internationally and defines it as layer 2 (data link layer) in the ISO/OSI reference model. The two most common physical layers of the CAN bus are defined according to ISO 11898-2 (high-speed physical layer) and ISO 11898-3 (fault-tolerance physical layer). These two layers differ in numerous properties and are not compatible with each other. |
| CPU | The central processing unit (CPU) is the central processor of a computer. It is largely responsible for the execution of programs and is influenced by various parameters, such as its clock rate, frequency and cache memory. These properties in turn depend on the production technology used to manufacture the silicon chip and the number of transistors. The performance of the CPU is usually measured in flops, which corresponds to the number of floating point calculations per second. In short, the CPU is the heart of a computer and is largely responsible for its performance. |
| current limiter | A current limiter is a technical device in an electrical or electronic circuit that ensures that the current in a current branch does not exceed a certain value. |
| cutting capacity | The cutting capacity refers to the way pliers work. There are many different types of thread (laid-on thread, inserted thread, stretched-through thread, screwed thread), which are used for different materials. Accordingly, the pliers have different cutting shapes and cutting capacities. |
| Cylinder effect | With the so-called cylinder effect, an efficiency of 85 % to 90 % can generally be assumed. The efficiency of the new pneumatic cylinders is somewhat lower due to the increased friction coefficient of the new washers. An efficiency of 80 % to 85 % can be used as a guideline here. |
| Darlington circuit | A Darlington circuit is an electronic circuit consisting of two bipolar transistors. These are arranged in such a way that the emitter current of the first transistor is the base current of the second transistor, thus achieving a high current amplification. |
| DC resistance | The DC resistance is the ohmic resistance of a conductor, which depends directly on the material of the conductor and the cross-section of the conductor as well as the length of the cable. The exact resistance can be measured with a micro-ohmmeter. |
| Dielectric strength | The dielectric strength is the maximum field strength that can prevail in the event of arc discharges and sparks. |
| Dielektric | A material with a very high specific resistance is referred to as a dielectric or insulator. The minimum resistance is set at 108-1014Ωm. At this value, dielectrics have virtually no free conductors and are therefore hardly electrically conductive. |
| Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) | The DALI interface is a standardized connection that makes it possible to control electronic ballasts using digital control signals. With the help of the DALI interface, numerous luminaires can be controlled individually and with just a few cables, even over long distances. |
| Digital-to-analog converter (DAC) | A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is an electronic device or circuit that converts digital signals into analog signals. This is done by converting the digital signal into a series of voltage pulses that correspond to the amplitude and frequency of the original signal. The DAC is commonly used in audio devices such as CD players, MP3 players and computers to convert digital audio signals into analog audio signals that can be reproduced by speakers or amplifiers. |
| Diopter | The term diopter is a unit of measurement that is also used in ophthalmic optics and describes the refractive power of optical systems. A diopter is represented as a DPT value. |
| Dipole | Physical definition: A dipole is the arrangement of two opposing general charges. It is a surface where the magnetic field of an electric charge or a magnetic dipole emerges from a body. The dipole is characterized by the distance and the magnitude of the opposite charges. Chemical definition: In chemistry, a dipole refers to molecules in which two opposite poles occur in the form of partial charges. A dipole is often created by different electronegativities of the atoms present. |
| EEBUS | EEBUS stands for a communication interface based on standards and norms that can be used freely by any device and any technical platform, regardless of manufacturer and technology. The communication standard was developed for networking and controlling energy and device data in smart home environments. The aim of EEBUS is to enable energy suppliers and households to exchange applications and services to increase energy efficiency. |
| Electrical conductors | Objects that can conduct electricity effectively are referred to as electrical conductors. In contrast, bodies that are poorly or not at all able to conduct electricity are referred to as electrical non-conductors or insulators. Semiconductors, which play an important role in the electronics industry, lie between these two groups. The ability of an electrical conductor to conduct electricity depends on various factors. These include the material type of the body, its length and the cross-sectional area. Electrical conductors can be calculated according to the law of resistance due to their low electrical resistance. |
| Electrode | An electrode is a conductive object that is immersed in a dielectric or forms a contact with a semiconductor and emerges into a gas, a liquid or from a vacuum via the electric current. |
| Electronic amplifiers | Electronic amplifiers are indispensable components that transform weak electrical signals into powerful pulses. The focus here is on the power of the signal, which must be substantially increased. Two methods are available for this purpose: voltage and current amplification. Thanks to these methods, an electronic signal can be raised to a higher level and thus further processed in the desired quality. |
| Electronic Control Unit (ECU) | Essentially, the ECU control unit is responsible for minimizing exhaust emissions and regulating the supply of fresh air. This function is of crucial importance for engine control, as the valves must be opened and closed precisely at the right time. |
| Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) | EMS companies are companies that specialize in the entire process of manufacturing electronic components and assemblies for original equipment manufacturers. This includes development, manufacturing, testing, distribution and even the provision of return and repair services. Another term for this type of service is Electronics Contract Manufacturing (ECM). Essentially, EMS companies are the first port of call for OEMs looking for high-quality and reliable electronic components and assemblies without having to have their own production capacity. With their expertise and resources, EMS companies offer a whole range of services that cover the entire manufacturing process and ensure that OEMs receive first-class products that meet their specific requirements. |
| Emitter | An emitter forms one of the three terminals of a transistor. In the context of an NPN transistor, the main current flows from the collector to the emitter, and the operation of the transistor is determined by the current flowing through the base to the emitter. |
| ENEC | ENEC is a European certification mark for electrical products that indicates compliance with the prescribed safety standards for electrical appliances. |
| Energy absorption | High-frequency electromagnetic fields are absorbed by the body and can cause various effects. The degree of energy absorption depends on the frequency and strength of the electromagnetic field, but also on the structure and properties of the biological tissue. |
| Energy conversion efficiency | The performance of a device, system or organism indicates how much of the supplied energy is converted into usable energy. The energy conversion efficiency is therefore a measure of the quality of the energy conversion or the availability of the supplied energy. The formula symbol for energy conversion efficiency is the Greek letter η (Eta). |
| Energy efficiency class | Energy efficiency labels tell consumers how much energy certain appliances consume. This should make it easier for them to buy energy-saving appliances and protect the environment. Energy efficiency is divided into different classes. These range from class A (high efficiency) to class G (low efficiency). The classifications A+ to A+++ were abolished in March 2021 in order to restore the clarity of the labels for the consumer. However, the new energy labels A-G cannot be converted directly. |
| ESD | ESD (electrostatic discharge) refers to the equalization of electrical charges between two objects in order to restore electrical balance. This process usually takes place within a fraction of a second and often manifests itself in the form of a voltage arc or spark. The discharge of electrical energy is a ubiquitous phenomenon and can cause serious damage in unsuitable materials or environments. It is therefore essential to take appropriate protective measures to ensure the safety of people and machines. |
| Ethernet | Ethernet describes a local network connection that specializes in the wired transmission of data. In a closed network such as a Local Area Network (LAN), computers, printers and servers can communicate with each other and transfer data using specially designed LAN cables. |
| Ferrite core | A core that is used in electronic components such as transformers or inductors to improve magnetic properties is called a ferrite core. It consists of ferromagnetic material such as iron oxide with a high magnetic permeability. |
| Filter | Filters are used in electrical engineering and communications technology to remove unwanted signal components from electrical signals. These circuits are able to change the amplitude and phase of the signal depending on the frequency. In this way, interfering signal components can be reduced or completely eliminated. |
| FO | Fiber optic cable, or FO for short, refers to a special conductor that can transmit information over long distances using light signals. This is a very fast and efficient form of data transmission. In principle, the term "fiber optic cable" covers all light-conducting connections. |
| Forward current | The forward current is associated with diodes: If a diode is installed in the forward direction, the so-called forward current flows through it. This is specified in the unit ampere. |
| Forward voltage | The forward voltage of a diode, also known as the threshold voltage, indicates the minimum voltage at which a large forward current flows. |
| Frequency | The frequency defines the number of vibrations per second that can be perceived in a sound. As the speed of the particle movement increases, the frequency also increases. The unit of measurement for this is Hertz (Hz). |
| Frequency modulation (FM) | Frequency modulation (FM) is the encoding of information in a carrier wave by changing the instantaneous frequency of the wave. Modulation technology is used in telecommunications, broadcasting, signal processing and IT. |
| Frequenz range | There are different frequency ranges, also known as frequency bands, which are used to classify electromagnetic wavelengths. Well-known frequency bands can be found in broadcasting (radio frequencies), mobile telephony and other audio applications. The frequency range is specified in units of Hertz. |
| Fuel cell | A fuel cell is an advanced technical device that is a source of electrical energy. It has the remarkable ability to convert the chemical reaction energy of a continuously supplied fuel and an oxidizing agent into electrical energy. The term fuel cell usually refers to a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, but there are also special types of fuel cells that can use other fuels such as methanol, butane or natural gas. In combination with accumulators and recheargable batteries, fuel cells belong to the group of galvanic cells. |
| Gate | A gate is a digital switching element that performs logical operations in digital circuits, such as AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, etc. |
| Gleichstrom | Direct current is a type of electric current which, unlike alternating current, always flows in the same direction. However, the strength of the current does not always have to be constant and can, for example, pulsate in strength. Such direct current can be generated using batteries, fuel cells or direct current generators, for example. Direct current is required, for example, to operate electrical devices, direct current motors or for electrolysis |
| GPS | GPS is the abbreviation for "Global Positioning System" and describes the method for determining one's own position worldwide using satellite technology. To determine the position of a GPS device, the satellites continuously send their position and time to the earth in coded radio signals. The GPS device receives this data and uses it to calculate the distance between all the satellites. Based on this, it then determines its own position on the earth. |
| Graphical User Interface (GUI) | A graphical user interface, also known as a GUI or graphical user interface, provides a visual representation of computer programs and functions. Through the use of icons, menus and windows, users can interact with the system and perform tasks in an intuitive and user-friendly way.The GUI has become one of the most important technologies in IT and has become an integral part of our everyday lives. |
| Grenztemperatur | The maximum permitted outside temperature at which an appliance can be used safely is referred to as the limit temperature. There are various measuring methods for determining the highest and lowest temperatures that do not result in damage to the materials. In the operating temperature range in between, corresponding electrical machines or insulation can be used without any problems. |
| Halogen free | Halogens are very reactive elements (salt formers). These include fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine. Elements that do not contain these salt formers are referred to as halogen-free. In the event of a fire, elements containing halogens - for example in cable insulation - release toxic vapors or gases. |
| Holding current | The holding current is associated with thyristors and is understood as the minimum current that must flow through the conductive thyristor for it to remain conductive. |
| I/O | The concept of I/O (input/output) includes all processes, programs or devices that transfer data to or from the computer. Common I/O devices are printers, hard disks, keyboards and mice. Certain devices are in fact designed for input only (such as keyboards and mice). |
| Impedance | Impedance is an electrical resistance. For a two-pole network element, it indicates the ratio of electrical voltage and current. |
| Inductance | Inductance means that components, especially coils, are able to generate voltage in their own windings with the help of a magnetic field. When current flows through a conductor, a magnetic field is created around it. If the current is constant, the magnetic field does not change. However, if you change the current and thus the magnetic field, electromagnetic induction occurs. |
| Induction | To ensure that the phenomenon of induction does not appear quite so abstract, its areas of application should be mentioned first: For example, generators and electric motors use electromagnetic induction. In generators, electromagnetic induction converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. In an electric car, this works in reverse for the drive. The term electromagnetic induction can therefore be explained as follows: This refers to the creation of an electric field, which is caused by the change in a magnetic flux. An electric field generated in this way can cause (induce) an electric current in the conductors.
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| Input voltage | The term input voltage refers to the voltage supplied from an external source to the input of a circuit. |
| Input voltage range | The input voltage range is the voltage that is supplied from an external source to the input of a circuit. |
| Insultation voltage | The insulation voltage Ui specifies the maximum voltage that may be connected to a piece of equipment without it losing its insulating effect. |
| Integrated circuit (IC) | An integrated circuit (IC) is a small semiconductor-based electronic device consisting of manufactured transistors, resistors and capacitors. As a compact circuit system, integrated circuits are the building blocks of most electronic devices and equipment. |
| Internal Thread | An internal thread is a mechanical object that, in terms of functionality and depending on the thread type, represents a suitable partner part that can accommodate a bolt with an external thread. A thread is generally a series of recesses that run in a spiral shape. |
| Inverter | An inverter is a device that converts direct voltage into alternating voltage. It is used in photovoltaic systems to feed the solar power generated into the power grid. Inverters are part of the category of power converters that can influence the voltage, frequency or direction of the current. |
| ISO 9001 | ISO 9001 was created in 1987 by the world-renowned International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and has since established itself as an internationally recognized standard for quality management. It defines the requirements for an effective quality management system and provides companies with clear guidance on how to improve their quality results. |
| Joule (J) | The SI unit of energy, the joule (J), is defined as the amount of work done when an object is moved by one meter with a force of one newton. In electronics, one joule corresponds to one watt-second. |
| Junction box | The junction boxes are indispensable components in the electrical installation to securely clamp and distribute the wires. The most common form of junction box is the surface-mounted junction box, which is specially designed for use in damp rooms such as garages. It ensures a reliable and safe power supply and is therefore an indispensable tool for any electrical installer. |
| LAN | LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network and refers to a network that extends over a limited spatial area. A wide range of peripheral devices, from computers and laptops to printers and storage devices, can be connected to each other. Such a network can consist of just a few devices up to several thousand and thus enables efficient communication and data transfer within the defined area. |
| LCD | The liquid crystal display describes a display technology that uses the light modulation properties of liquid crystals to generate images. Liquid crystals do not emit light directly, but use a backlight or reflector to create images in color or monochrome. These are often used in screens for computers, televisions and other electronic devices. |
| Leakage impulse current | The leakage impulse current is the current that a device can safely discharge. |
| Lenz's rule / Lenz's law | Lenz's rule is decisive for the law of induction and determines the direction of the induced current. The physical principle states that the resulting induction current must always be directed in such a way that it counteracts the cause of its generation. |
| Load current | To understand the term load current, it must first be clear: An electrical circuit is the interconnection of electrical conductors to form a closed system. Electrical conductors are bodies or materials that can conduct electrical current well, such as copper or aluminum. |
| Locking Mechanism | The term locking mechanism refers to a mechanical device that is used to lock moving parts and thus prevent the desired position from changing. A good example is the adjustment of a car seat or a garden chair. |
| Loudspeaker | A dynamic transducer, also known as a loudspeaker, is a mechanical system that converts electrical energy into kinetic energy, i.e. sound energy. In principle, it works like an inverted microphone. |
| Luminous flux | The output of a light source is referred to as luminous flux. It is measured in lumens (lm) and can be used as a measure of the perceived brightness of a lamp, e.g. LED or incandescent lamp. |
| Magnetization | Magnetization is when a non-magnetic material becomes magnetic. Strong magnetization can only be achieved with ferromagnetic materials (e.g. nickel, iron or cobalt). The parallel alignment of all substances in a material itself ensures magnetization. |
| Measuring frequency | The measuring frequency or sampling rate indicates the number of measurements that are carried out in a certain period of time. The measurement is usually taken per second. |
| Melting interval | The melting interval, the melting range or the solidification interval is the temperature interval between the solid phase temperature and the liquidus temperature of a substance. |
| Motion ssensor | An electrical element that is used to detect movement is referred to as a motion sensor. Various sensor technologies are used, for example, to transmit sound waves, radiation waves and changes in reflection as converted information to the respective user. Areas of application for the electrical impulses can be Motion detectors, infrared sensors, light barriers. |
| Nominal capacity | The nominal capacity describes the amount of current that a rechargeable cell or battery (accumulator) can hold. The nominal capacity is specified in kWh (kilowatt hours), Ah (ampere hours) or As (ampere seconds). |
| Nominal diameter | In civil engineering, the nominal diameter is the internal diameter of a pipe or hose line, or it refers to the size or connection dimensions of a fitting. All dimensions of the pipe as well as the nominal pressure rating and material class are defined by the nominal diameter. |
| Nominal frequency | The frequency specified by a manufacturer for a device in normal operation is referred to as the nominal frequency. This term describes the frequency of a complete oscillation of a uniformly repeating signal per period of time, e.g. in the unit Hz. The nominal frequency is often specified for technical devices such as voltage transformers or measuring devices. |
| number of pole pairs | The number of pole pairs is the number of magnetic pole pairs in a rotating machine. The more pole pairs there are, the closer together the coils are. |
| Ohmic resistance | Electrical resistance (R) is a physical unit of measurement in electrical circuits. If this is as high in an AC circuit as in a DC circuit, it is referred to as ohmic resistance. This means that voltage and current run simultaneously. This is also described by Ohm's law: R = U/I. When current flows, for example, electrical energy is converted into thermal energy. Examples with corresponding properties are Wires and wire resistors, unlike coils and capacitors. |
| Open-circuit voltage | Open-circuit voltage or original voltage is the term for the electrical voltage between two poles of an electrical source. More precisely, it refers to the voltage in an open circuit, i.e. even when no current is flowing. |
| Outer conductor | An outer conductor, also known colloquially as a phase or phase conductor, is a conductor that is used to transmit or distribute electrical energy. |
| Output current | The output current is the current that flows at the set output voltage and power. |
| Overvoltage categories | The concept of overvoltage categories describes the overvoltage resistance of electrical equipment. The overvoltage categories are classified in accordance with the DIN EN 60664-1 VDE 0110-1 standard. The distinguishing factor between the four overvoltage categories is the surge voltage resistance of electrical appliances. Category I: Appliances that use an external transformer or plug-in power supply; rated surge voltage 1500 V Category II: Appliances with an IEC plug, e.g. household appliances, hand-held electrical appliances; rated impulse withstand voltage 2500 V Category III: Devices that do not have a plug but are connected directly; rated impulse voltage 4000 V Category IV: Appliances at the infeed point of the electrical installation; rated impulse withstand voltage 6000 V |
| Parallel circuit | In electrical engineering, a parallel circuit is also referred to as a shunt circuit and describes the connection of two-pole components or networks in which all like poles are connected to each other. An antiparallel circuit, on the other hand, describes the connection of opposite poles in polarized components such as batteries, diodes or electrolytic capacitors. However, this distinction does not apply to non-polarized passive components. The number of elements connected in parallel can be arbitrary. Another basic circuit in addition to the parallel circuit is the series circuit. |
| PE | The protective earth conductor, also known as "protective earth" (PE for short), is an essential safety precaution as it is connected to the ground. As soon as a current flows through the PE conductor, the residual current circuit breaker is activated, interrupting the circuit. This is particularly important in order to minimize potential sources of danger and ensure safe operation. |
| Pigtails | Pigtails are pre-assembled fiber optic connections with fiber optic connectors already installed. Pigtails are connected to optical fibers with fusion or crimp splices, as field termination of connectors is problematic. Pigtails are used to connect optical components and to guide optical connections. They are available for all common fiber optic connectors. The body length is around 1 m to 2 m. |
| Pin assignment | A pin assignment or pinout identifies the contacts (pins) of electrical connections, e.g. connections that link a connector and an electrical device. The pin assignment therefore describes the requirements for the input and output and the transmitted signals of a circuit. Each pin is defined, which is why it can also be referred to as a pin assignment diagram. |
| Pinout | A pin assignment or pinout identifies the contacts (pins) of electrical connections, e.g. connections that link a plug connector and an electrical device. The pin assignment therefore describes the requirements for the input and output and the transmitted signals of a circuit. Each pin is defined, which is why it can also be referred to as a pin assignment diagram. |
| Polarity | chemical definition: Polarity describes molecules that have different centers of charge. This results in atomic bonds or ionic bonds. These bonds create a permanent electric dipole moment, which characterizes the molecules in question. If a chemical substance is polar, it dissolves well in polar solvents, such as salt in water. Physical definition: Polarity refers to the arrangement of two electric poles in relation to each other, e.g. the arrangement of cathode and diode in an electric circuit. |
| Power over Ethernet (PoE) | Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a process that enables network-compatible devices to be supplied with power via the eight-wire Ethernet cable. In addition to the standardized and downward-compatible variants in accordance with IEEE 802.3, there are also various proprietary methods and simple, passive variants. |
| Power supply | The computer power supply is an indispensable component of the computer system and ensures a reliable power supply. It converts the alternating current from the socket into the required direct voltages and regulates these as required. In the process, all voltage fluctuations are balanced out and the current is filtered to ensure a stable supply to the components. In short, the power supply unit is the heart of the PC and ensures that the entire system functions smoothly. |
| Printed circuit board (PCB) | The abbreviation PCB stands for Printed Circuit Boards. These boards are indispensable components of every electronic device, as they securely fasten the electronic components, connect them together and supply them with power. Printed circuit boards therefore form the foundation of every electronic circuit and are a key factor in its functionality.a |
| Protection class (IP) | IP is an abbreviation for "International Protection" or "Ingress Protection". The IP protection class defines the airtightness of the product against the ingress of solids, dust and water in accordance with the international standard IEC / EN 60529. |
| Rack unit (RU/U) | One unit used to describe the height of electronic enclosures is the so-called rack unit (U or RU). Devices with one height unit are referred to as "1U" (or "1U"), devices with two height units as "2U" and so on. 1U corresponds to a height of 1¾ inches, which is 44.45 millimeters. The use of the height unit is intended for device housings that are installed in so-called 19″ racks. Due to the resulting housing shape with a height of 1 U, a server is often jokingly referred to as a "pizza box". |
| Radio controlled | Radio controlled is a term from radio technology and refers to a process for the wireless transmission of signals of various types using modulated electromagnetic waves in the high frequency range (radio waves). A form of wired transmission of these signals is also known as carrier frequency technology. |
| Radio controlloed | Radio-controlled is a term from radio technology and refers to a process for the wireless transmission of signals of various types using modulated electromagnetic waves in the high-frequency range (radio waves). A form of wired transmission of these signals is also known as carrier frequency technology. |
| Rated current | The rated current is the current that the manufacturer assigns to electrical equipment under the specified operating conditions. Using the example of the overcurrent protection device, the associated rated current is fully described by the time-current characteristic. |
| Rated current | Rated current is the current that an electronic device consumes when it is supplied with rated voltage and rated power. Therefore, the measured value of the rated current indicates the amount of current flowing in the electronic device. The rated current value increases if the device is damaged. |
| Rated impulse voltage | The rated impulse voltage is a value usually given by the manufacturer as a specification for electrical equipment (components, assemblies, devices, systems). This refers to the operating voltage at which the device can be operated continuously without any problems. The rated impulse voltage results from the overvoltage category and the rated voltage range. |
| Rated power | When purchasing a technical device, the rated power (or nominal power) is the power specified by the manufacturer. The value is mainly given in watts (W) or volt-amperes (VA) and describes the power in normal operation. |
| Rated residual current | Rated residual current refers to current that flows via unintended paths. Such residual currents occur when electrical devices or cables are damaged. In this case, some of the current does not flow through the installation cables, but elsewhere - for example, through a person holding a defective electrical appliance in their hand. In addition to personal injury, fault currents can cause considerable damage to property - from defective, expensive electrical appliances to smouldering fires caused by smouldering cables. |
| Rated voltage | If a manufacturer specifies the specific electrical voltage of a technical consumer, this is referred to as the rated voltage (or nominal voltage). This information is useful for voltage sources such as batteries or generators, for example. |
| RCD | A residual current device (RCD) ensures that the circuit is interrupted in milliseconds in the event of a residual current. |
| Reactive power | Reactive power is a part of the electrical power in alternating current systems that cannot be used for work due to phase shifts between current and voltage. It is responsible for the build-up and decay of magnetic and electric fields, but does not perform any work. |
| Relative humidity | If we refer to the proportion of water vapor in the air we speak of humidity. Relative humidity describes the saturation of the air as a percentage ratio. It also describes how close this saturation is to the maximum absorption capacity of the air for gaseous water. |
| Remanence | Remanence indicates the magnetization that remains in a ferromagnetic material such as iron after the external magnetic field has been switched off. * Ferromagnetic material: A material is considered ferromagnetic if - to put it simply - it can be attracted by a magnet. |
| Resonant frequency | In order to explain the concept of resonant frequency, other terms must first be explained - such as oscillating systems and natural frequency. The term oscillation refers to the periodic change in time (= something that repeats itself at a constant distance in time or space) of a physical state or a physical quantity. This includes, for example, the movement of a gondola or that of a child on a swing. Such repetitive processes are called periodic processes. The natural frequency is the frequency of an oscillating system at which the system can oscillate after a single excitation. If damping is ignored, the natural frequency is equal to the resonant frequency. The resonant frequency is therefore the frequency at which the amplitude (= term for describing oscillations) of a forced oscillation is at its maximum. |
| Rotation angle | The angle of rotation refers to a screw connection and is used as a control variable. The angle of rotation value is used when tightening screws if high demands are placed on the tightening result. This means that the screw is tightened to a specified angle value from the initial angle torque. |
| Rotational frequency | The rotational frequency n is a physical quantity for mechanical rotary movements. It indicates the number of rotations per period of time. It is primarily used as a performance parameter for technical motors. |
| Row spacing | The distance from one row to another is called the row spacing. When installing a PV system on flat roofs, the correct row spacing is essential. If the distance between elevated modules is too small, they can shade each other. |
| Return spring | The return spring makes it possible to move an object, such as a beach chair tilted backwards, back to its original position without any effort. |
| Sampling rate | The sampling rate is the frequency with which a digital signal or a frequency is sampled over a certain period of time. The sampling rate therefore indicates how often a digital signal is recorded, stored or sampled over a defined period of time. The sampling rate is measured in Hertz units. |
| Saturation voltage | The saturation voltage UCEsat is an important parameter for the operation of a switch. If a transistor is not activated, the entire voltage between the collector and emitter drops. The transistor therefore lets nothing through. When the transistor receives voltage at the base, it begins to conduct current, which reduces the voltage drop across the collector-emitter connection. At some point, there is enough voltage at the base for the transistor to be fully controlled, i.e. to allow the maximum current to flow. In the fully controlled state, we speak of the saturation voltage of a transistor. However, there is still a small voltage drop at the collector-emitter connection, which together with the current causes a heat loss. |
| Melting range | The melting interval, the melting range or the solidification interval is the temperature interval between the solid phase temperature and the liquidus temperature of a substance. |
| Shrink ratio | The shrink ratio is also known as the shrink range, of which there are several variations. The most common shrink ratios are 2:1 and 4:1, and they indicate the degree of shrinkage of a heat shrink tubing when heated. |
| Semiconductors | See semiconductors |
| Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) | The Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) is a bus system that enables synchronous, serial data transmission between a master and one or more slaves. The number of slaves that can be connected is theoretically unlimited. Transmission takes place in full-duplex mode, which means that the data flows in both directions simultaneously. |
| Shielding | Shielding is a material or construction used to protect sensitive electronic components from external electromagnetic fields and thus reduce electromagnetic interference. |
| Short-circuit current | If there is a lack of electrical resistance in a closed circuit, a short-circuit current occurs. Defective insulation, faulty cables or switching faults are often the cause. Protective devices can detect these faulty cables and switch them off for safety reasons. |
| Shrinkage temperature | The shrinkage temperature indicates the temperature at which a shrink tube begins to contract. Shrink tubing starts to shrink at 65 °C. At 95 °C, the shrink tubing has shrunk to a minimum. |
| Shrinking ratio | The shrinkage ratio is also known as the shrink range, of which there are several variations. The most common shrink ratios are 2:1 and 4:1, and they indicate the degree of shrinkage of a heat shrink tubing when heated. |
| Signal generator | A signal generator is an electrical device, such as a circuit, which generates electrical voltages over a characteristic period of time. Signal generators are often used in test devices that give a pulse to the device under test. |
| SMD | Surface Mounted Devices, or SMDs for short, are electronic components that are designed for mounting on the surface of a printed circuit board and enable fast automated assembly and a reduction in size. |
| Sound pressure level | In order to be able to define the sound pressure level more precisely, it is first necessary to explain what exactly sound pressure is and what a sound pressure receiver is. An example of a sound pressure receiver is the human ear. When sound propagates in the air, pressure fluctuations occur. These are then converted by the eardrum in the ear into movements for hearing perception. In acoustics, the resulting pressure fluctuations are referred to as sound pressure. The sound pressure level is then understood to be the logarithmic value derived from the sound pressure to characterize the strength of the sound event. This results from the ratio of sound pressure and sound source distance. |
| Spannung | The term voltage refers to the pressure exerted by an energy source within an electric circuit. Voltage is created as soon as the energy source pushes charged electrons (current) through a conductive loop. Voltage is measured in volts (V). |
| Spread | The spread is the distance between the minimum and maximum measured values. For the calculation, the smallest value (minimum value) of the data set is subtracted from the largest value (maximum value). As it indicates the dispersion of the observed data, the range is one of the measures of dispersion. |
| Spring fracture protection | Spring fracture protection devices are used to block an uncontrolled spring shaft in the event of a spring break. These are mainly used to increase door safety in industry, such as garage doors. |
| Stranded Wire | A stranded wire is a narrow cord made of several interwoven threads. In electrical engineering, a stranded wire refers to an electrical conductor made of thin individual wires, whereby the flexibility is increased compared to a single wire of the same cross-sectional area. |
| Suction capacity | The suction capacity (displacement flow) is a calculated value for reciprocating compressors. It is the product of the cylinder capacity (displacement), the speed of the compressor (number of cycles) and the number of intake cylinders. |
| Surge protection | Surge protection is the protection of devices against high electronic voltages. Overvoltages can be caused by many events, such as a lightning strike or inductive coupling. |
| Surge protection (SPD) | Surge protection devices, also known as SPDs for short, are essential when it comes to keeping overvoltages and lightning currents away from the installation and limiting the voltage to an acceptable level. SPDs serve as quick switches and can be activated within a certain voltage range. The ability of an SPD to limit overvoltages in the electrical distribution network by dissipating surge currents depends on various factors, such as the surge protection components, the mechanical design of the SPD and the connection to the electrical distribution network. |
| Switch | A switch acts as a tool to distribute data streams within a network. Its function is to establish a connection between different devices that operate using wired network connections, enabling efficient data exchange. In terms of how it works, a switch can be seen as an optimized version of a hub, as it forwards data packets to the appropriate recipients in a more targeted and effective manner. |
| switching capacity | The switching capacity indicates the size of the maximum electrical load. The controller or regulator switches via an integrated relay. The design and load type determine the switching capacity. |
| Switching current | Switching current is the maximum current that a reed switch or reed sensor can switch safely and permanently. The higher the switching current, the greater the switching arc when the contact opens and closes. This has an effect on the service life of the switch. |
| Switching logic | Digital electronics and switching logic are the foundations of all modern data processing and computing systems. Switching logic also plays an important role in solving measurement and control problems and is often used in physics laboratories. |
| Temperature coefficient | The term temperature coefficient refers to the relative change in a component due to a change in temperature compared to a specified reference temperature. |
| Thermal class | The thermal class (insulation class) specifies the maximum permissible temperature for the motor insulation. It describes the highest possible ambient temperature and motor temperature (overheating). |
| Thermal conductivity | The thermal conductivity indicates the extent to which a material (solid, liquid, gaseous) is able to transport heat. The thermal conductivity can be used to determine how suitable a material is for thermal insulation. |
| Thermal resistance | If a heat flow passes through an object, a temperature difference arises. Thermal resistance is a measure of such a temperature difference. This thermal characteristic value indicates how strongly the material can resist the heat flow. In addition to thermal resistance, one can also speak of thermal resistance or thermal resistance. |
| Thread pitch | The thread pitch indicates the distance that threads travel during one revolution. |
| Torque | Torque is a physical quantity in mechanics. In physics, torque is expressed in Newton meters. In simple terms, torque is the force that acts on a pivot point under a lever arm. |
| Transistor | An electronic switching element based on the combination of junctions between p-type and n-type layers in a semiconductor is called a transistor. The name is made up of the English terms "transfer" and "resistor" (electrical resistance). The transistor is used to control and amplify currents or voltages. |
| USB-standard | The USB standard is the standardization of the power supply and data transmission of connectors for electrical devices. The individual USB types vary in their maximum power supply. While USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 guarantee a maximum power supply of 500 mA, USB 3.0 already supplies 900 mA and USB 3.1 and 3.2 already 5 A. The USB types also vary in their maximum transfer speed: USB 1.0 with 12 MBit/s, USB 2.0 with 480 MBit/s, USB 3.0 with 5 GBit/s, USB 3.1 with 10 GBit/s and USB 3.2 with 20 GBit/s. |
| Utility frequency | The utility frequency describes the speed at which the alternating current (AC) circulates through the power grid. The mains frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz). In Europe and especially in Germany, the mains frequency is constant at 50 Hz and therefore extremely stable. This means that the current changes direction at regular intervals of 1/50 of a second. |
| Viscosity | Viscosity indicates how viscous a liquid is. For example, oil is more viscous than water and therefore has a higher viscosity than water. A distinction is also made regarding dynamic viscosity and kinematic viscosity. (Possibly link lubricant, maintenance agent, as they are both liquids). The dynamic viscosity depends on the type of substance under consideration, such as water, and the temperature. In the case of kinematic viscosity, the dynamic viscosity is also influenced by the density of the substance. |
| Volt | In accordance with the international system of units, the volt is the unit of measurement for electrical voltage. It indicates how much energy is present in the charge carriers, i.e. the electrons. The symbol for volt is the capital letter V, while U is the formula symbol. |
| Volume | The term volume refers to the spatial content of a geometric body. The value therefore indicates how much space a body takes up: The volume is defined using various units, e.g. cubic meters, cubic centimetres, liters, millilitres, etc. |
| Volume flow | The physical quantity volume flow Q originates from fluid mechanics and usually relates to a liquid or a gas. Q indicates the volume of a medium that flows through a defined cross-section over a period of time. For example, flow meters can be used to measure how much natural gas flows through the Nord Stream Pipeline per hour, or how many milliliters of blood flow through a person's carotid artery per minute. |
| Watt | The unit watt represents the amount of power generated in a certain period of time. This unit of measurement is used in the International System of Units (SI). The unit watt represents the amount of power generated in a certain period of time. This unit of measurement is used in the International System of Units (SI). |
| Wide angle | Any angle of view that is greater than the angle of vision covered by our eyes is considered a wide angle. Applied to photography, this means that lenses with a focal length of less than and including 35 mm are referred to as wide-angle lenses |
| Wire rope hoist | A wire rope hoist is a mechanical device that balances the weight of an object with a corresponding force. This counterforce can be achieved in a spring balancer with a hydraulic or electric drive. |
| Zener voltage | If current occurs in the reverse direction in a highly doped semiconductor junction (= electrical conductivity has been greatly altered), this is known as the Zener effect. The minimum voltage required for this is known as the Zener voltage/Z-voltage. This property is then used technically in Zener diodes, usually at a voltage of e.g. 2 V - 5.5 V. |