ELECTRONICS AND ROBOTICS - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards derived from electronics and robotics lecture notes, covering symbols, components, and basic circuit concepts.

Battery

A common voltage source that uses a chemical reaction to establish a potential difference between its terminals.

Electron

Negatively charged particle that has the potential to transfer from one shell to another.

Insulator

Materials with very high resistance to current flow.

Ampere (Current Unit)

Unit used to measure the amount of electric current.

Generator

Device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy.

Anode

Electrode where electrons leave; the positive terminal.

Capacitance

Quantity represented by the farad; ability to store electric charge.

Conductor

Material that easily allows current to flow.

Resistor

A passive electrical component that provides resistance in a circuit.

Voltage

EMF or potential difference between two points in a circuit.

Ground

A reference point for voltages, a common return path for current, or a connection to earth.

Chassis Ground

Ground linking different metallic parts of a machine to ensure electrical connection.

Power Source

A source of electricity that provides electrical energy to a circuit.

AC Power Source

Alternating-current power source used for testing and various applications.

DC Voltage Source

Direct-current voltage source providing a constant polarity.

Rheostat

Variable resistor used to adjust current or voltage in a circuit.

Thermistor

Temperature-dependent resistor.

Potentiometer

Three-terminal variable resistor used to adjust output voltage.

Capacitor

Device that stores electrical energy with two conductors separated by dielectric.

Variable Capacitor

Capacitor with adjustable capacitance.

Polarized Capacitor

Capacitor with fixed polarity, typically electrolytic.

Inductor

Passive component storing energy in a magnetic field when current flows.

Variable Inductor

Inductor with adjustable inductance.

Diode

Semiconductor device that acts as a one-way switch for current.

Zener Diode

Diode designed to conduct in reverse at a defined breakdown voltage.

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

Diode that emits light when forward biased.

SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier)

A four-layer semiconductor device used as a switch.

Photodiode

Diode that generates current when illuminated.

Schottky Diode

Diode with low forward voltage drop and fast switching.

Varactor

Variable-capacitance diode used for tuning in RF circuits.

DIAC

Trigger diode used to gate a TRIAC in AC switching.

Switch

Device that opens or closes an electrical circuit.

Transformer

Device that transfers energy between circuits, stepping voltage up or down.

Primary (Transformer winding)

Input winding of a transformer where the voltage is applied.

Secondary (Transformer winding)

Output winding of a transformer delivering transformed voltage.

Transistor

Semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals.

Motor

Device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy.

Crystal Oscillator

Device that generates a precise clock signal.

Fuse

Protective device that melts to open the circuit when current is excessive.

Analog Ground

Ground reference used for analog signals.

Digital Ground

Ground reference used for digital circuits.

Component Value

Numeric specification written with a symbol (e.g., resistance in ohms, capacitance in farads) to describe a component's parameter.