3.1 Engineering vocab Flashcards
Algorithm
A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end,
especially by a computer.
Analog Signal
A signal having the characteristic of being continuous and changing smoothly
over a given range, rather than switching suddenly between certain levels.
Analog to Digital
Conversion of an analog signal to a digital quantity such as binary.
Closed Loop
System
A control system that considers the output of a system and makes adjustments
based on that output.
Data
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.
Digital Signal
A system of discrete states: high or low, on or off, 1 or 0.
Digital to Analog
Conversion of a digital signal to its analog equivalent, such as a voltage.
Electromagnet
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.
Feedback
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).
Flowchart
A diagram that shows step-by-step progression through a procedure or system
especially using connecting lines and a set of conventional symbols.
Input
Information fed into a data processing system or computer.
Interface
The place at which independent and often unrelated systems meet and act on
or communicate with each other.
Microprocessor
The central processing unit that is generally made from a single integrated
circuit.
Normally Closed
The contact of a relay that is closed when the coil is de-energized.
Normally Open
The contact of a relay that is open when the coil is de-energized.
NTC Resistor
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.
Open Loop System
A control circuit in which the system output has no effect on the control.
Output
The information produced by a computer.
Photocell
A photo-sensitive resistor whose resistance decreases as the light striking the
unit increases.
Polarity
The type of charge an atomic particle has.
Potentiometer
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.
Programmable
Logic Controller
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).
Reed Switch
An electromagnetically operated switching device.
Sensor
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).
