Electronics Design Terminology

These flashcards cover essential terminology and concepts in electronics design, focusing on processes, tools, and components essential for system design and testing.

Electronic System Design

The process of creating an electronic system based on set requirements.

Requirements Gathering

The first step in electronic system design flow, where system needs are identified.

Conceptual Design

The initial design phase that outlines high-level components and their interaction.

Detailed Design

The phase that involves designing individual components and subsystems.

Prototyping

Building a prototype to address design issues before production.

Testing and Verification

Ensuring the prototype meets all requirements and functions correctly.

Production

The phase of manufacturing the verified system in large quantities.

Maintenance and Support

Ongoing help provided after deployment of the electronic system.

Gantt Chart

A bar chart used for project planning, showing tasks and timelines.

Tasks

Activities represented by horizontal bars on a Gantt chart.

Timeline

Distributed intervals on a Gantt chart detailing when tasks are to be completed.

Dependencies

Arrows in a Gantt chart showing task interdependencies.

Milestones

Diamond markers indicating important deadlines on a Gantt chart.

Progress

Percentage of completion shown in a task bar on a Gantt chart.

Schematic Design

Creating visual circuit representations using standardized symbols.

PCB Layout

Arranging electronic components on a printed circuit board.

Patterning

Creating a circuit layout pattern on a substrate during fabrication.

Etching

Removing unwanted material from the substrate to form circuit patterns.

Drilling

Making holes for component leads in a board using CNC machines.

Component Assembly

The process of soldering components onto the circuit board.

Heat Sink

A device that transfers heat away from electronic components.

Cooling Methods

Techniques used to dissipate heat from critical electronic components.

Electronic System Wiring

Connecting components using wires and ensuring proper schematic representation.

System Enclosure

Housing that protects circuit components from environmental factors.

Testing and Debugging Documentation

Documents outlining procedures to test and diagnose electronic systems.

Google Docs

An online tool for real-time collaboration and documentation.

Overleaf

A web-based LaTeX editor for creating technical documents collaboratively.

Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO)

An instrument capturing digital signals for analysis.

Channels

Number of signals that a logic analyzer can capture simultaneously.

Sample Rate

Frequency at which signals are captured by an oscilloscope.

Memory Depth

Amount of memory for storing captured digital signals in an analyzer.

Triggering Modes

Options allowing oscilloscopes to capture signals based on specific conditions.

1X Probe

A direct connection probe with high sensitivity for low signal levels.

10X Probe

A probe that reduces signal amplitude, suited for high-voltage measurements.

Digital Multimeter (DMM)

An instrument measuring voltage, current, and resistance.

LCR Bridge

A device used to measure inductance, capacitance, and resistance.

Signal Generator

Device generating specific electrical signals for testing.

Function Generator

A type of signal generator producing various waveforms.

Logic Analyzer

An instrument capturing and displaying digital signals for debugging.

Mixed Signal Oscilloscope (MSO)

An oscilloscope capturing both analog and digital signals.

Documentation

Record-keeping of bugs and their resolutions for system maintenance.

Iterative Process

The repetitive process of refining design, often used in PCB layout.

Thermal Management System

A system to dissipate heat from critical components effectively.

Circuit Traces

Conductive paths on a PCB connecting various components.

Environmental Testing

Assessing system durability under various environmental conditions.

Functional Testing

Verifying if a system performs its intended functions.

Stress Testing

Evaluating system performance under extreme conditions.

Software Updates

Revisions made to software post-deployment for improved functionality.

Electrical Hazards

Potential dangers associated with improper wiring or connectivity.

Prototype Testing

Evaluating a prototype to identify design flaws.

Firmware

Software programmed into hardware devices to control functionality.

Project Planning

The process of defining tasks and timelines in project management.

Design Flow

The structured process followed during the electronic system design.

Edge Triggering

Starts capturing data when a signal crosses a specified voltage level.

Pulse Width Triggering

Captures signals maintaining a certain voltage level for defined time.

Pattern Triggering

Activates capture based on specific signal patterns.

Runt Triggering

Triggers when a signal crosses a level but does not return quickly.

Logic Level Triggering

Capture based on detected digital signal transitions.