Introduction to Computer Engineering Lecture 2

A set of flashcards summarizing key concepts in computer engineering related to voltage, power, and circuit elements.

Voltage

The energy required to move a unit of charge between two points, also referred to as electric potential.

Coulomb (C)

A package of electrons, equal to the total charge associated with approximately 6.242 x 10^18 electrons.

Power

The product of voltage and current, equal to the rate of energy provided or consumed per unit time, measured in Watts (W).

Passive Sign Convention

A convention where an element supplying power has negative power, and current enters through the terminal that is more positively biased.

Conservation of Energy

In a circuit, energy cannot be created or destroyed, so the sum of all power supplied must be absorbed by other elements.

Active Circuit Elements

Elements that can generate energy, such as generators, batteries, and operational amplifiers.

Passive Circuit Elements

Elements that absorb or store energy, such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors.

Ideal Voltage Source

A voltage source with no internal resistance, capable of producing any amount of current needed to establish the desired voltage.

Ideal Current Source

A current source with infinite resistance, generating any voltage to establish the desired current.

Electric Circuit

An interconnection of electrical elements, which may consist of only two elements or many more.