Glossary of Electronic Terms
analog
A continuous electrical signal.
antenna
Converts electrical signals to/from radio waves.
baud rate
Speed of serial communication.
biasing
Setting a transistor’s operating point using resistors or voltages.
breakdown voltage
The voltage at which a diode starts conducting in reverse.
capacity
Amount of electric charge a battery can store.
cell
Single energy-producing unit in a battery.
contrast
Difference in brightness between objects.
coupling
Using a capacitor to pass AC while blocking DC.
datasheet
Document describing specs and usage of a part.
decoupling
Using capacitors to stabilize voltage and reduce noise.
digit
A numeral shown on a display.
discharge rate
Speed at which a battery releases stored energy.
dropout voltage
Minimum input-output difference needed for a regulator to work.
efficiency
Ratio of power out to power in.
ESR
Equivalent Series Resistance in capacitors.
gain
The amplification factor of a transistor or amplifier.
impedance
Opposition to AC current flow, including resistance and reactance.
infrared
Electromagnetic radiation used for remote controls and motion sensing.
ISM band
Unlicensed radio frequency bands.
magnetic field
The field generated around current-carrying conductors or magnets.
NTC
Negative Temperature Coefficient – resistance drops as temperature rises.
Ohm
Unit of electrical resistance. One ohm allows one ampere of current with one volt applied.
package type
The physical footprint of a component (e.g., SOIC, TQFP).
pinout
Map of pins showing functions on a component.
PIR
Passive Infrared sensor – detects motion by sensing heat.
pixel
Smallest element in a display screen.
regulation
Stabilizing voltage or current output.
reverse bias
A diode configuration that prevents current flow.
RX
Receive pin in UART communication.
saturation
A state where a transistor is fully on.
segment
Individual LED in a numeric display.
switching
Turning current on/off rapidly, typically with transistors.
thermal
Related to heat.
tolerance
Acceptable variation from the rated value.
TX
Transmit pin in UART communication.