Introduction to Computer Engineering

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Introduction to Computer Engineering lecture, focusing on electric circuits, resistivity, Ohm's law, and circuit topology.

Ohm's Law

A principle stating that the voltage across a resistor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it.

Resistivity

The property of a material that quantifies its ability to resist electrical conduction.

Resistance

The opposition to the flow of electric current, dependent on length, cross-sectional area, and material.

Short Circuit

A connection with very low resistance, allowing a large amount of current to flow.

Open Circuit

A connection with infinite resistance, where no current flows regardless of the voltage applied.

Linear Resistors

Resistors that obey Ohm's law, maintaining a linear relationship between current and voltage.

Conductance

The ability of an element to conduct electric current, measured in siemens (S).

Power Dissipation

The process by which a resistor converts electrical energy into heat, always producing positive power.

Node

A point of connection between two or more branches in a circuit.

Branch

A single electrical component, such as a resistor or voltage source, in a circuit.

Loop

A closed path in a circuit that can be traversed without lifting the circuit board.

Kirchhoff's Current Law

A principle stating that the total current entering a junction must equal the total current leaving the junction.

Series Connection

A type of connection where two or more elements share a single node and carry the same current.

Parallel Connection

A type of connection where two or more elements are connected to the same two nodes and have the same voltage.