3.1 Engineering vocab

Question 1

Algorithm

Answer 1

A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end,

especially by a computer.

Question 2

Analog Signal

Answer 2

A signal having the characteristic of being continuous and changing smoothly
over a given range, rather than switching suddenly between certain levels.

Question 3

Analog to Digital

Answer 3

Conversion of an analog signal to a digital quantity such as binary.

Question 4

Closed Loop
System

Answer 4

A control system that considers the output of a system and makes adjustments
based on that output.

Question 5

Data

Answer 5

The information is encoded in a digital form, which is usually stored in an assigned address of data memory for later use by the processor.

Question 6

Digital Signal

Answer 6

A system of discrete states: high or low, on or off, 1 or 0.

Question 7

Digital to Analog

Answer 7

Conversion of a digital signal to its analog equivalent, such as a voltage.

Question 8

Electromagnet

Answer 8

A conductor wrapped around an iron core. The two ends of the conductor are
attached to a power source. When current passes through the conductor, the
iron core becomes magnetized.

Question 9

Feedback

Answer 9

The return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process
(as for producing changes in an electronic circuit that improve performance or
in an automatic control device that provide self-corrective action).

Question 10

Flowchart

Answer 10

A diagram that shows step-by-step progression through a procedure or system

especially using connecting lines and a set of conventional symbols.

Question 11

Input

Answer 11

Information fed into a data processing system or computer.

Question 12

Interface

Answer 12

The place at which independent and often unrelated systems meet and act on

or communicate with each other.

Question 13

Microprocessor

Answer 13

The central processing unit that is generally made from a single integrated

circuit.

Question 14

Normally Closed

Answer 14

The contact of a relay that is closed when the coil is de-energized.

Question 15

Normally Open

Answer 15

The contact of a relay that is open when the coil is de-energized.

Question 16

NTC Resistor

Answer 16

A negative temperature coefficient, also known as a thermistor, is a sensitive
resistor whose primary function is to exhibit a change in electric resistance
with a change in temperature.

Question 17

Open Loop System

Answer 17

A control circuit in which the system output has no effect on the control.

Question 18

Output

Answer 18

The information produced by a computer.

Question 19

Photocell

Answer 19

A photo-sensitive resistor whose resistance decreases as the light striking the

unit increases.

Question 20

Polarity

Answer 20

The type of charge an atomic particle has.

Question 21

Potentiometer

Answer 21

A switch that can provide variable motion control. It can vary the resistance
within the switch, which affects both the current and voltage flowing out of the
switch.

Question 22

Programmable
Logic Controller

Answer 22

A specialized heavy-duty computer system used for process control in
factories, chemical plants, and warehouses. Closely associated with traditional
relay logic. Also called a programmable controller (PC).

Question 23

Reed Switch

Answer 23

An electromagnetically operated switching device.

Question 24

Sensor

Answer 24

A device that responds to a physical stimulus (as heat, light, sound, pressure,
magnetism, or a particular motion) and transmits a resulting impulse (as for
measurement or operating a control).

Question 25

Subroutine

Answer 25

A subordinate routine; specifically, a sequence of computer instructions for

performing a specified task that can be used repeatedly.

Question 26

Switch

Answer 26

A device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical

circuit.

Question 27

Transistor

Answer 27

A solid-state switching device.