Basic Electronics Vocabulary

Flashcards of key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on Basic Electronics.

Accidental

Occurring unexpectedly, unintentionally, or by chance.

Alternating current

An electric current that is continually varying in value and reversing its direction of flow at regular interval

Anode

A positive electrode of semiconductor device

Capacitance

A property that exists whenever two conductors are separated by insulating material, permitting the storage of electricity

Capacitor

A component designed intentionally to have a definite amount of capacitance

Circuit

An arrangement of one or more complete paths of electron flow.

Conductor

A wire, cable, or other body or medium that is suitable for carrying electric current

Current

The rate of transfer of electricity from one point to another

Desoldering

A process of unsoldering unwanted parts or components in the circuit with the support of soldering tool

Dielectric material

A material that serves as insulator because it has poor electric conductivity

Direct current

An electric current that flows in one direction

Discrete components

Separated or individual components

Electronics

A branch of science and technology that deals with the controlled flow of electrons

Flammable

Tending to burn quickly

Hazards

Risks; dangers

Malfunction

Not in normal functionality

Ohmmeter

An instrument that measures the amount of resistance in certain component or circuits

Resistance

The opposition that a component or material offers to the flow current

Resistor

A component designed intentionally to have a definite amount of resistance

Soldering

A process of joining two metals caused by heat

Soldering technique

A right process in which the solder (lead) is being applied in a connection or in the printed circuit board

Splicing

Connecting two lengths of conductor

Technician

A person skilled in mechanical or industrial techniques or in a particular technical field

Tool kit

A small bag or box equipped with hand tools

Troubleshooting

Identifying and repairing faults in equipment

Voltage

The electrical pressure that existed between two points and capable of producing a flow of current when a close circuit is connected between the points.

Voltmeter

An instrument that measures the amount of electromotive force in a component or circuit.

PCB

Printed Circuit Board

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment

VOM

Volt-Ohm-Milliameter

Screwdrivers

Hand tools specifically designed to insert and tighten, or to loosen and remove screws.

Slotted Screwdriver

Used to drive or fasten negative slotted screws.

Phillips Screwdriver

Used to drive or fasten positive slotted screws and could take greater torque and could provide tighter fastenings.

Jeweler's Screwdriver Set

A set of small screw drivers composed of slotted and Phillips screwdrivers.

Soldering Iron

A device for applying heat to melt solder in attaching two metal parts. A soldering iron is composed of a heated metal tip and an insulated handle.

Soldering Tool Stand

A place where the soldering iron is placed during usage. This will keep the soldering iron away from flammable materials.

Desoldering tool

Used in removing soldered wires and components on printed circuit boards for troubleshooting and repair purposes.

Long Nose

Used for holding, bending, and stretching the lead of electronic component or connecting wires.

Side Cutter

A wire-cutting pliers, though they are not used to grab or turn anything, but are used to cut wires.

Wire Stripper

A pair of opposing blades much like scissors or wire cutters used to cut the insulation without cutting the wire.

12V Mini-Drill

Used to bore or drill holes in the printed circuit board (PCB) with sizes from 1/32” – 1/16”.

Portable Electric Drill

Used for boring hole(s) in plastic or metal chassis with the used of drill bits having sizes from 1/6” to approximately 1/4”.