Technical Drawings and Electronic Components

Vocabulary flashcards for key terms related to technical drawings, electronic components, and circuits.

AC voltage

A voltage in which the polarity alternates.

Anode

The positive electrode or terminal of a device. The “P” material of a diode.

Bridge Rectifier

A circuit using four diodes to provide full-wave rectification; Converts AC voltage to a pulsating DC voltage.

Calibration

Used to adjust the correct value of a reading with comparison to a standard value.

Color Code

Set of colors used to indicate value of a component.

Diode

A two terminal device that conducts in only one direction.

Full Wave Rectifier

The rectifier that makes use of the full ac wave in both positive and negative half cycles.

Fuse

A device in the current path that melts or breaks when current exceeds a predetermined maximum value.

Half Wave Rectifier

A diode rectifier that converts AC to pulsating DC by eliminating either the negative or positive alternation of each input AC cycle.

Leakage

Small undesirable flow of current through an insulator or dielectric.

Light Emitting Diode

A semiconductor diode that converts electric energy into electromagnetic radiation at visible and near infrared frequencies when its PN junction is forward bias.

Output

Terminal at which a component, circuit or piece of equipment delivers current, voltage or power.

Power Supply

Electrical equipment used to deliver either AC or DC voltage.

Primary

First winding of a transformer winding that is connected to the source as opposed to secondary which is a winding connected to a load.

PCB

Insulating board containing conductive tracks for circuit connections.

Rectification

Process that converts alternating current to direct current.

Rectifier

Diode circuit that converts AC to pulsating DC.

Regulated Power Supply

Power supply that maintains a constant output voltage under changing load condition.

Rotary Switch

Electromechanical device that has a rotating shaft connected to one terminal capable of making, breaking a connection to one or more other terminals.

Schematic Diagram

Illustration of an electrical or electronic circuit with the components represented by their symbol.

Secondary Winding

Output winding of a transformer winding that is connected to a load.

Short Circuit

Also called a short. Low resistance connection between two points in a circuit typically causing excessive current.

Solder

Metallic alloy used to join two metal surfaces.

Soldering Iron

Tool with an internal heating element used to heat surfaces being soldered to the point where the solder becomes molten.

Substrate

Mechanical insulating support upon which a device is fabricated.

Switch

Electrical device having two states, ON (closed) or OFF (open).

Test

Sequence of operations intended to verify the correct operation or malfunctioning of a piece of equipment or system.

Transformer

Inductor with two or more windings.

Troubleshooting

Systematic approach to locate the cause of a fault in an electronic circuit or system.

Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter

Known as a multitester. A test equipment used to check AC, DC voltages, current in a circuit and resistance of any components out of the circuit.

Resistor

A device with a known value of resistance that reduces voltage and limits current flow in a circuit.

Capacitor

A device consisting of two conducting surfaces separated by a dielectric material, used to store electrical energy.