Electronic Glossary


Amp
The unit of measurement of electric current. It is proportional to the quantity of electrons flowing through a conductor past a given point in one second. It is analogous to cubic feet of water flowing per second.

Amplify
To expand upon, further detail or clarify language in the statute. A rule amplifies a section of the Revised Code if it does one of the above.

Circuit
An interconnection of electronic components to provide an electrical path between the positive and negative terminals of a power source.

Current
The flow of electricity, measured in amps, that results from applying one volt to a circuit with a one ohm resistance. Alternating current flows back and forth and is also measured in hertz (the number of cycles per second). Direct current typically flows from negative to positive.

Nand
An AND logic gate followed by a NOT gate. It outputs "False" when both inputs are "True"; otherwise, the output is "True".

Ohm
The unit of measurement of electrical resistance. The resistance of a circuit in which a potential difference of one volt produces a current of one ampere.

Phase
The name given to an electrical circuit of a building. Most houses have two phases, each being 110V. About half the lights and outlets are on each phase.

Power
The unit of measurement of the energy (measured in watts) converted by a circuit or component in a unit of time, normally seconds.

Resistor
An electronic component that impedes the flow of current in an electronic circuit.

Schematic
An outline, systematic arrangement, diagram, scheme, or plan. An orderly combination of events, persons, or things according to a definite plan. A diagram showing the relative position and/or function of different components or elements of an object or system.

Switch
Change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence.

Volt
A unit of electrical force equal to that amount of electromotive force that will cause a steady current of one ampere to flow through a resistance of one ohm.

Watt
A unit of electrical power used to indicate the rate of energy produced or consumed by an electrical device. One watt is one joule of energy per second.