orthoacoustic recording • oscillator keying 501

orthoacoustic recording 1. A system of disc oscillation constant For an oscillating induc-

recording in which the inherent differences tance-capacitance (LC) circuit, the expression
between high-frequency recording and low- (LC)1/2, where L is the inductance in henrys and C
frequency recording are compensated to provide is the capacitance in farads. The reciprocal of the
reproduction that more closely resembles the OSCILLATION NUMBER.
actual sound. 2. A disc made by the method oscillation control A manual or automatic device
defined in 1. for adjusting the frequency or amplitude of the
orthogonal axes Perpendicular axes [e.g., those in signal generated by an oscillator.
a Cartesian (rectangular) coordinate system]. oscillation efficiency The ratio, as a percentage,
Os Symbol for OSMIUM. of the alternating-current (signal) power output of
OS Abbreviation of OPERATING SYSTEM. an oscillator (Pout) to the corresponding direct-
osc Abbreviation of OSCILLATOR. current power input (Pin). Efficiency = 100Pout/Pin.
OSCAR Abbreviation for Orbiting Satellite Carrying oscillation number For an oscillating circuit, the
Amateur Radio. A satellite with a transponder number of complete oscillation cycles that occur
that has an uplink in one amateur band and a in 6.28 (2 pi) seconds.
downlink in another amateur band. oscillation test 1. A test of an oscillator to deter-
osciducer See OSCILLATING TRANSDUCER. mine if a signal is being generated. 2. A test for
oscillate 1. To fluctuate in amplitude in a uniform transistors wherein the transistor is used as an
manner. 2. To vary above and below a specified oscillator to give a rough indication of its condi-
value at a constant rate. tion in terms of oscillation amplitude.
oscillating arc A small arc, especially one pro- oscillation transformer A tank coil of a radio
duced by slow-opening relay contacts, that gener- transformer—especially one that includes an out-
ates high-frequency oscillations. put coupling coil.
oscillating circuit A closed circuit containing in- oscillator A device that produces an alternating
ductance, capacitance, and inherent resistance, or pulsating current or voltage electronically.
in which energy passes back and forth between The term is sometimes used to describe any
inductor and capacitor at a frequency determined alternating-current-producing device other than
by the inductance (L) and capacitance (C) values. an electromechanical generator.
oscillating crystal 1. A piezoelectric plate main- oscillator circuit The specific manner in which
tained in a state of oscillation in a circuit. See, for the components of an OSCILLATOR are intercon-
example, CRYSTAL OSCILLATOR and QUARTZ nected. The three general types are: positive-
CRYSTAL. 2. An oscillating semiconductor diode feedback, negative-resistance, and relaxation.
(see NEGATIVE-RESISTANCE DIODE, 1, 2). oscillator coil A tapped coil that provides the input
oscillating current See OSCILLATORY CURRENT. and output windings required for an oscillator cir-
oscillating detector A detector provided with pos- cuit. Such coils are used in signal generators, os-
itive feedback; therefore, it is capable of gener- cillators, and superheterodyne receivers.
ating a signal of its own. Compare oscillator-doubler A circuit consisting of an oscil-
NON-OSCILLATING DETECTOR. lator and a frequency doubler (e.g., a crystal os-
oscillating diode 1. A semiconductor diode biased cillator whose output frequency is twice the
into its negative-resistance region so that it oscil- crystal frequency).
lates in a suitable circuit. 2. An oscillating tunnel oscillator drift A usually gradual change in fre-
diode. 3. Any of several microwave diodes, such quency of an oscillator caused by such factors as
as the IMPATT diode, which will oscillate in a warmup time, voltage variations, capacitance
suitable system. 4. See MAGNETRON. Also see change, inductance change, or change in transis-
DIODE OSCILLATOR. tor characteristics.
oscillating field An alternating electric or mag- oscillator frequency The fundamental frequency
netic field. at which an oscillator operates. It can be deter-
oscillating rod A rod of magnetostrictive metal mined by a tuned circuit, crystal, cavity, section
maintained in a state of oscillation in a circuit. of waveguide or transmission line, or by a resis-
See, for example, MAGNETOSTRICTION and tance-capacitance circuit.
MAGNETOSTRICTION OSCILLATOR. oscillator harmonic interference In a super-
oscillating transducer A transducer in which an heterodyne receiver, interference that is the beat
input quantity varies a frequency proportionately product of local oscillator harmonics and received
from its center value. signals.
oscillating wire A wire of magnetostrictive metal oscillator interference Radio-frequency interfer-
maintained in a state of oscillation in a circuit. ence caused by signals from the high-frequency
See, for example, MAGNETOSTRICTION and oscillator of a receiver.
MAGNETOSTRICTION OSCILLATOR. oscillator keying Keying by making and breaking
oscillation The periodic change of a body or quan- the signal output, direct-current (dc) power, or dc
tity in amplitude or position (e.g., oscillation of a bias of the oscillator stage of a radiotelegraph
pendulum, voltage, or crystal plate). transmitter.
502 oscillator-mixer • oscillatory current

+ oscillator synchronization The locking of an os-

cillator in step with another signal source, such
as a frequency-standard generator.
oscillator tracking In a superheterodyne receiver,
the constant separation of the oscillator fre-
Output quency from the signal frequency by an amount
equal to the intermediate frequency at all settings
of the tuning control.
oscillator transmitter A radio transmitter con-
sisting only of a radio-frequency oscillator and its
power supply. The oscillator can be modulated in
various ways [e.g., on-off keying, frequency-shift
keying, voice amplitude modulation (AM), voice
frequency modulation (FM)].
oscillator trimmer In a superheterodyne receiver,
a small, limited-range capacitor connected in
parallel with the oscillator coil for tracking oscil-
lator tuning at the high end of a band. Compare
OSCILLATOR PADDER.
oscillator tuning The separate, often ganged, tun-
ing of the oscillator stage in a circuit.
oscillator keying

oscillator-mixer 1. A combination stage in which +

a transistor functions as a local oscillator and
mixer in a receiver or test instrument. 2. A device
Variable
designed specifically to function as a local oscilla-
tuned
tor and mixer. circuit
oscillator-mixer-detector 1. In a superhetero- Output
dyne receiver, a stage in which the functions of
high-frequency oscillator, mixer, and first detec-
tor are performed by a single transistor. 2. A de-
vice designed specifically to function as a local
oscillator, mixer, and detector.
oscillator-multiplier A single circuit that serves si-
multaneously as an oscillator and frequency mul-
tiplier. See, for example, OSCILLATOR-DOUBLER.
oscillator padder In a superheterodyne receiver, a
small, limited-range variable capacitor connected
in series with the oscillator coil for tracking oscil-
lator tuning at the low end of a band. Compare oscillator tuning
OSCILLATOR TRIMMER.
oscillator power supply 1. The direct-current or
alternating-current power supply for an oscilla- oscillator-type power supply A high-voltage,
tor. 2. See OSCILLATOR-TYPE POWER SUPPLY. direct-current (dc) power supply in which a radio-
oscillator radiation The emission of radio- frequency (RF) oscillator generates a low-voltage
frequency energy by the oscillator stage of a alternating current (ac). This ac voltage is
superheterodyne receiver. Also see OSCILLATOR stepped up by an RF transformer, and is finally
INTERFERENCE. rectified to obtain high-voltage dc.
oscillator-radiation voltage The radio-frequency oscillator-type transmitter See OSCILLATOR
voltage at the antenna terminals of a super- TRANSMITTER.
heterodyne receiver that results from signal emis- oscillator wavelength The fundamental wave-
sion by the oscillator stage. length at which an oscillator operates. It is
oscillator stabilization 1. The automatic compen- usually expressed in meters, centimeters, or
sation of an oscillator circuit for the frequency millimeters. It can be determined by a tuned cir-
drift resulting from changes in temperature, cur- cuit, crystal, cavity, section of waveguide or
rent, voltage, or component parameters. 2. The transmission line, or by a resistance-capacitance
automatic stabilization of the operating point of circuit.
an oscillator circuit against variations resulting oscillatory current A current that alternates peri-
from changes in temperature, supply current or odically, particularly the current in an induc-
voltage, or component parameters. tance-capacitance (LC) tank circuit that results
 oscillatory current • out of phase 503

from the oscillation of energy back and forth be- OTL Abbreviation of OUTPUT-TRANSFORMER-
tween the inductor and capacitor. LESS.
oscillatory discharge An electrical discharge, O-type backward-wave oscillator Abbreviation,
such as that of a capacitor, that sets up an OS- OBWO. A backward-wave oscillator using har-
CILLATORY CURRENT. monics having opposing phases.
oscillatory surge A current or voltage surge that ounce Abbreviation, oz. A unit of weight equal to 1⁄16
includes both positive and negative excursions. pound or 28.35 grams.
oscillatory transient See OSCILLATORY SURGE. ounce-inch Abbreviation, oz-in. A unit of torque
oscillistor A device consisting essentially of a bar equal to the product of a force of 1 ounce and a
of semiconductor material positioned in a mag- moment arm of 1 inch. Compare POUND-FOOT.
netic field; it will produce oscillations under cer- outage 1. Loss of power to a system. 2. Loss of a
tain conditions. received signal.
oscillogram 1. The image produced on the screen outboard components 1. Discrete components
of an oscilloscope. 2. A permanent, usually pho- (capacitors, coils, resistors, or transformers) con-
tographic, record made from the screen of an os- nected externally to an integrated circuit. 2. Dis-
cilloscope. crete components connected externally to any
oscillograph 1. An instrument that makes a per- existing electronic device.
manent record (photograph or pen recording) of a outcome In statistical analysis, the result of an ex-
rapidly varying electrical quantity. Also called periment or test. An outcome can be numerical or
recorder (see RECORDER, 2). Compare OSCILLO- nonnumerical.
SCOPE. 2. An obsolete term for OSCILLOSCOPE. outdoor antenna An antenna erected outside,
oscillograph recorder A direct-writing recorder usually high above the surface of the earth clear
(see RECORDER, 2). of obstacles. It generally provides superior perfor-
oscillography The use of a graphic oscillation mance compared with an INDOOR ANTENNA.
recorder (OSCILLOGRAPH). Also reduces the probability of radio-frequency
oscillometer A device used for determining the interference (RFI) when used for transmitting.
peak amplitude of an oscillation. outdoor booster A signal preamplifier mounted on
oscilloscope An instrument that presents for an outdoor television receiving antenna for im-
visual inspection the pattern representing proved reception.
variations in an electrical quantity. Also see outdoor transformer A weatherproof distribution
CATHODE-RAY OSCILLOSCOPE. Compare OS- transformer installed outside the building it ser-
CILLOGRAPH. vices.
oscilloscope camera A special high-speed, short- outer conductor The outer metal cylinder or
focus camera with fixtures for attachment to an jacket of a coaxial cable or coaxial tank. Compare
oscilloscope to record images from the screen. INNER CONDUCTOR.
Standard and instant-film types are available. outgassing 1. In the evacuation of electronic de-
oscilloscope differential amplifier An amplifier vices, such as vacuum tubes, the removal of oc-
that processes the difference between two sig- cluded gases from glass, ceramic, and metal by
nals, for the purpose of displaying on an oscillo- means of slow baking and by flashing an internal
scope or oscillograph. metal getter (such as one of magnesium). 2. The
oscilloscope tube A cathode-ray tube for use in an production of gases in certain electrochemical
oscilloscope. It contains an electron gun, acceler- cells and batteries during the final stage of charg-
ating electrode, horizontal and vertical deflecting ing.
plates, and a fluorescent screen. outgoing line A power or signal line that leaves a
Os-Ir Symbol for OSMIRIDIUM. device, facility, or stage. Compare INCOMING
OSI-RM Abbreviation of OPEN SYSTEMS INTER- LINE.
CONNECTION REFERENCE MODEL. outlet A female receptacle that delivers a signal or
OSL Abbreviation of orbiting space laboratory. operating power to equipment plugged into it.
osmiridium Symbol, Os-Ir. A natural alloy of os- outline flowchart In computer operations, a pre-
mium and iridium. liminary flowchart showing how a program will be
osmium Symbol, Os. A metallic element of the divided into routines and segments, input and
platinum group. Atomic number, 76. Atomic output functions, program entry points, etc.
weight, 190.2. out-of-line coding Instructions for a computer
osmotic pressure The force that causes the posi- program routine stored in an area of memory
tive ions to pass out of a solution toward a metal other than that in which the routine’s program is
body immersed in an electrolyte. Also see stored.
HELMHOLTZ DOUBLE LAYER. out of phase Pertaining to the condition in which
OSO Abbreviation of orbiting solar observatory. the alternations or pulsations of two or more sep-
osteophone A bone-conduction hearing aid. arate waves or wave phenomena, having identical
OTA Abbreviation of OPERATIONAL TRANSCON- frequencies, are out of step with each other. Com-
DUCTANCE AMPLIFIER. pare IN PHASE.
504 out-of-phase current • output coupling transformer

on the oscillator frequency or signal amplitude.

2. An amplifier, usually with a voltage gain of 6 dB,
that follows a video multiplexer. The amplifier
drives a coaxial transmission line.
output bus driver In a computer, a device that
amplifies output signals sufficiently to provide
signals to other devices without undue loading of
the supply line (bus).
output capability The maximum power or voltage
output that a circuit can deliver without distor-
tion or other improper operating conditions.
output capacitance Symbol, Co. The internal ca-
pacitance of a circuit or device, as seen at the
output terminals. Compare INPUT CAPACI-
TANCE.
output capacitive loading For an operational am-
plifier at unity gain, the maximum capacitance
that can be connected to the output of the ampli-
out of phase fier before phase shift increases to the point of os-
cillation.
output capacitor 1. In a capacitance-coupled cir-
out-of-phase current Reactive current in an alter- cuit, the output coupling capacitor. Compare IN-
nating-current circuit (i.e., current that is out of PUT CAPACITOR. 2. The last capacitor in a
phase with voltage. Also see QUADRATURE CUR- power-supply filter circuit.
RENT). output capacity The maximum output capability
out-of-phase voltage Voltage across a reactance; so of a device or system expressed in appropriate
called because it is out of phase with the current. units, such as current, voltage, power, torque,
outphaser A device that converts a sawtooth wave horsepower, etc.
to a square wave. It is used in electronic organs output choke The last choke (inductor) in a
and synthesizers. power-supply filter circuit.
outphasing modulation A system of modulation
in which the sideband frequencies are shifted
90 degrees from the phase position in an ampli- Output choke
tude-modulated wave. The resulting constant- L1 L2
envelope wave is then amplified with high
efficiency and low distortion by a class-C stage; C1 C2 Output
Input
then the signal is reconverted to an amplitude-
modulated one by phase shifting the carrier, with
respect to the sidebands.
out-plant system A data-processing system in output choke
which a central computer receives data from re-
mote terminals.
output 1. Energy or information delivered by a output circuit The circuit or subcircuit that con-
circuit, device, or system. Compare INPUT, 1. 2. stitutes the output portion of a network or device.
The terminals at which energy or information is Also see OUTPUT and OUTPUT TERMINALS.
taken from a circuit, device, or system. Compare Compare INPUT CIRCUIT.
INPUT, 2. output-circuit distortion Distortion in the output
output admittance Symbol, Yo. The internal ad- portion of a circuit or device (such as a transistor
mittance of a circuit or device, as “seen” at the or transformer), usually caused by an overload or
output terminals; the reciprocal of OUTPUT nonlinear response.
IMPEDANCE. Compare INPUT ADMITTANCE. output conductance Symbol, Go. The internal
output amplifier See FINAL AMPLIFIER. conductance of a circuit or device, as “seen” at
output area In a computer system, the portion of the output terminals. It is the reciprocal of OUT-
storage holding information for delivery to an out- PUT RESISTANCE. Compare INPUT CONDUC-
put device. Also called output block. TANCE.
output axis For a gyroscope that has received an output control 1. The gain control of an amplifier.
input signal, the axis around which the spinning 2. The level control of a variable power supply.
wheel precesses. output coupling capacitor See OUTPUT CAPACI-
output block See OUTPUT AREA. TOR.
output buffer 1. A circuit that follows an oscillator output coupling transformer See OUTPUT
and reduces the effects of variable load impedance TRANSFORMER.
 output current • output transformer 505

output current 1. Symbol, Io. The current deliv- output offset In an integrated circuit, the voltage
ered by a source, such as a battery, generator, or at the output when the inputs are grounded.
amplifier. Compare INPUT CURRENT, 1. 2. Sym- output port The output terminal of a logic device.
bol, Io. Current flowing in the output leg or elec- output power Symbol, Po. The power deliverable by
trode of a circuit or device. Compare INPUT an amplifier, generator, or circuit. Also called
CURRENT, 2. power output. Compare INPUT POWER.
output device 1. A load device, such as a resistor, output-power meter A type of direct-reading
loudspeaker, lamp, relay, motor, etc., that uti- wattmeter for measuring the power output of an
lizes the output energy delivered by a generator, amplifier or generator.
amplifier, or network. 2. A device, such as an out- output regulator A circuit or device that automat-
put transformer, that serves to transfer energy or ically maintains the output of a power supply or
information from a circuit or device. Compare IN- signal source at a constant amplitude.
PUT DEVICE. 3. In computer operations, a device output resistance Symbol, Ro. The internal resis-
that presents the results of computer operation tance of a circuit or device, as “seen” at the out-
in a comprehensible form. Examples: printer, put terminals. Compare INPUT RESISTANCE.
monitor, disk drive, tape drive, modem, etc. output routine In computer operations, a routine
output efficiency The efficiency of a device, such (program segment) that performs the work in-
as a generator or amplifier, in delivering an out- volved in moving data to an output device, often
put signal. For an amplifier, the efficiency (Eff%) is including intermediate transferals and modifying
given as a percentage by the formula Eff% = the data as necessary.
100Po/Pi, where Pi is the direct-current power in- output section See OUTPUT AREA.
put, and Po is the alternating-current (signal) output sink current In an integrated circuit, for a
power output. specified set of conditions at the input and out-
output equipment See OUTPUT DEVICE, 3. put, current into the output as measured in mil-
output filter The direct-current filter of a power liamperes or microamperes.
supply operating from alternating current. Also output source current In an integrated circuit, for
see CAPACITOR-INPUT FILTER and CHOKE- a specified set of conditions at the input and out-
INPUT FILTER. put, the current out of the output, as measured
output gap A device via which current or power is in milliamperes or microamperes.
intercepted from an electron beam in a beam- output stage The last stage of an amplifier. Deliv-
power tube. ers the signal to the load.
output impedance Symbol, Zo. The impedance output terminals Terminals (usually a pair) asso-
“looking” into the output terminals of an ampli- ciated with the output of a circuit or device (see
fier, generator, or network. Compare INPUT OUTPUT, 1, 2). Compare INPUT TERMINALS.
IMPEDANCE. output tank In a transmitter or power generator, a
output indicator A device, such as an analog me- parallel-tuned combination of inductance and ca-
ter, digital meter, or bar-graph meter, that pro- pacitance in the collector, drain, or plate circuit,
vides a visual indication of the output-signal that is generally tuned to resonance at the oper-
amplitude of an equipment. ating frequency. IT optimizes efficiency and cou-
output leakage current In an open-collector inte- ples the signal to the load. Compare INPUT TANK.
grated circuit, the current from collector to emit- output transformer The output-coupling trans-
ter with the output in the “off” condition and a former that delivers signal voltage or power from
certain specified voltage applied to the device. It an amplifier, generator, or network to a load or to
can be expressed in milliamperes or microam- another circuit. Compare INPUT TRANSFORMER.
peres.
output limiting A process for automatically main-
taining the amplitude of the signal delivered by a +
generator or amplifier. See, for example, AUTO- Output
MATIC GAIN CONTROL, AUTOMATIC MODULA- tank
TION CONTROL, VOLUME COMPRESSION, and
VOLUME LIMITER.
output load See OUTPUT DEVICE, 1. Output
output load current 1. The current through the
output load of an amplifier. Generally, this cur- Input
rent is expressed in root-mean-square (rms) form.
2. The highest rms current that an amplifier can
deliver to a load of a specified impedance.
output meter A meter that gives a quantitative or
qualitative indication of the output of an amplifier +
or generator. See, for example, OUTPUT-POWER
METER. output tank
506 output-transformerless • overdesign

output-transformerless Abbreviation, OTL. Per- overall gain The total gain of an entire system
taining to an oscillator, amplifier, or generator (such as a multistage amplifier), as opposed to
that requires no output coupling transformer. that of one or several stages.
output transistor A transistor in the final stage of overall loudness The apparent intensity of an
an amplifier or generator; usually, it is a power acoustic disturbance, generally measured with
transistor. respect to the threshold of hearing, and ex-
output tube A vacuum tube in the final stage of an pressed in decibels, relative to the threshold level.
amplifier or generator; usually, it is a power tube. overbiased unit A component, such as a transis-
output unit See OUTPUT DEVICE. tor or vacuum tube, whose bias current or voltage
output voltage 1. Symbol, Eo or Vo. The voltage de- is higher than the correct value for a given mode
livered by a source, such as a battery, generator, of operation. Compare UNDERBIASED UNIT.
or amplifier. Compare INPUT VOLTAGE, 2. 2. overbunching In a velocity-modulated tube, such
Symbol, Eo or Vo. The voltage across the output as a Klystron, the condition in which the buncher
leg or electrode of a circuit or device. Compare IN- voltage exceeds the value required for optimum
PUT VOLTAGE, 2. bunching.
output voltage compliance In an integrated cir- overcharging In a secondary cell or battery, the
cuit, the voltage range over which the output can application of charging current longer than nec-
be made to swing, while keeping the operation of essary to obtain full charge. This can sometimes
the circuit within a certain maximum allowable cause problems, such as cell heating.
nonlinearity limit. It is measured in volts or milli- overcompounded generator A dynamo-type gen-
volts. erator having a compound field winding in which
output voltage noise In an integrated circuit, the the series-field winding increases the field inten-
output noise over a given range of frequencies, as sity beyond the point needed to maintain the out-
measured in peak-to-peak millivolts or micro- put voltage. Compare UNDERCOMPOUNDED
volts. It can also be measured as the root- GENERATOR.
mean-square (rms) value. overcompounding A characteristic of electrome-
output voltage swing In an integrated circuit with chanical motors, resulting in increased running
a specified load, the output-voltage change mea- speed with decreasing load resistance.
sured as a difference between maximum and overcoupled transformer A transformer having
minimum in volts or millivolts. greater than critical coupling between its primary
output voltage tracking For an integrated-circuit and secondary windings. In tuned circuits, such
dual regulator, the difference between the abso- as intermediate-frequency (IF) transformers, this
lute values of the output voltages of a dual regu- produces a double-peak response.
lator. It can be expressed as a specific voltage or overcoupling Extremely close coupling (see
as a percentage of the specified output voltage of CLOSE COUPLING).
the device. overcurrent A current greater than the specified,
output winding The secondary coil of an output nominal, or desired level. Compare UNDERCUR-
transformer. RENT.
outside antenna See OUTDOOR ANTENNA. overcurrent circuit breaker A circuit breaker that
outside booster See OUTDOOR BOOSTER. opens when current exceeds a predetermined
outside diameter Abbreviation, OD. The outer- value.
most diameter of a body or figure having two con- overcurrent protection The use of a circuit
centric diameters (e.g., tubing or conduit). breaker, relay, or other device to protect a circuit
Compare INSIDE DIAMETER. or system from damage resulting from an exces-
outside lead See FINISH LEAD. sive flow of current.
outside transformer 1. See OUTDOOR TRANS- overcurrent relay A protective relay that opens a
FORMER. 2. A transformer mounted outside of circuit when current exceeds a predetermined
an equipment in whose circuit it is included. value. Compare UNDERCURRENT RELAY.
External mounting can eliminate hum in the overcutting In disc recording, the condition in
equipment circuit, and can help to prevent which an excessively high amplitude signal
overheating. causes the stylus to cut through the wall between
oven 1. Also called crystal oven. A chamber provid- adjacent grooves. Compare UNDERCUTTING.
ing a closely controlled operating temperature for overdamping Damping greater than the critical
an electronic component, such as a quartz crys- value (see DAMPING ACTION, 2). Compare UN-
tal. 2. An enclosure in which electronic equip- DERDAMPING.
ment can be tested at selected, precise high overdesign Also called overengineering. 1. To use
temperatures. Compare COLD CHAMBER. an unnecessarily high safety factor in the design
overall feedback Positive or negative feedback of equipment. 2. To design equipment for perfor-
around an entire system (such as a public- mance superior to that which is required in the
address system), as opposed to feedback confined intended application. 3. A design that results
to one stage or a few stages within the system. from operations defined in 1 and 2.
 overdrive • overload recovery time 507

overdrive In an analog amplifier, an undesirable as missile launchings from thousands of miles

operating condition that occurs with the applica- away.
tion of excessive input signal voltage or power. over-horizon transmission See FORWARD SCAT-
This results in increased distortion, nonlinearity, TER.
excessive harmonic generation, and excessive overinsulation Use of excessive insulation for a
output signal bandwidth. In a high-fidelity audio particular application. Compare UNDERINSULA-
system, such a condition grossly degrades the TION.
quality of the sound. The amplifying device (tran- over insulation The insulation (usually a strip of
sistor or vacuum tube) is in or near saturation tape) laid over a wire brought up from the center
during part of the signal cycle. This reduces the of a coil. Compare UNDER INSULATION.
efficiency of the circuit, can cause excessive col- overlap 1. The time during which two successive
lector, drain, or plate current, and can overheat operations are performed simultaneously. 2. In a
the base–collector (B-C) junction of a bipolar facsimile or television system, a condition in which
transistor. In the worst case, it can destroy the the scanning line is wider than the center-to-
component. center separation between adjacent scanning lines.
overdriven amplifier See OVERDRIVEN UNIT. overlap radar A long-range radar situated in one
overdriven unit An amplifier, oscillator, or trans- sector and covering part of another sector.
ducer whose driving signal (current, voltage, overlay 1. A sheet of transparent or translucent
power, or other quantity) is higher than that material laid over a schematic diagram for the
which the device can properly or efficiently han- purpose of tracing connections that have been
dle for correct or intended operational perfor- made in wiring an equipment from the diagram.
mance. 2. In computer operations, a method whereby the
overdub In audio recording, a method of combin- same internal storage locations are used for dif-
ing two or more signals onto a single tape track. ferent parts of a program during a program run.
For example, a live voice can be recorded on a It is used when the total storage requirements for
tape containing pre-recorded music. instructions exceed the available main storage
overexcited Receiving higher than normal excita- capacity.
tion, as in radio-frequency amplifiers or alternat- overlay transistor A double-diffused epitaxial
ing-current generators. transistor having separate emitters connected to-
overflow 1. In computer or calculator operation, gether by means of diffusion and metallizing to
the condition in which an arithmetic operation increase the edge-to-area ratio of the emitters.
yields a result exceeding the capacity of the loca- This design raises the current-handling ability of
tion or display for a result. 2. The carry digit that the transistor. Also see DIFFUSED TRANSISTOR
results from the condition described in (1). and EPITAXIAL TRANSISTOR.
overflow indicator 1. In a digital calculator, a dis- overload 1. Current or power drain in excess of the
play that indicates that a numerical value is too rated output of a circuit or device. 2. An excessive
large or too small to be shown with the available driving signal.
number of decimal places. 2. In data processing, overload circuit breaker See CIRCUIT BREAKER.
a display that indicates the presence of too many overloaded amplifier A power amplifier deliver-
bits or characters for the available storage ing excessive output power. Compare UNDER-
capacity. LOADED AMPLIFIER, 2.
overflow position In a digital computer, an auxil- overloaded oscillator An oscillator from which
iary register position for developing the overflow excessive power is drawn, causing instability,
digit (see OVERFLOW, 1, 2). frequency shift, lowered output voltage, and
overflow record In data processing, a record that overheating.
will not fit the storage area allotted for it, and that overload indication Any attention-catching
must be kept where it can be retrieved, according method, such as an audible or visual alarm, for
to some reference stored in its place. warning that a prescribed signal or power level
overflow storage In a calculator or computer, ex- has been exceeded.
tra storage space, allowing a small amount of overload level The amount of overload that can
overflow without loss of accuracy. safely be applied to an equipment (see OVER-
overhanging turns The turns in the unused por- LOAD, 1).
tion(s) of a tapped coil. overload protection The use of circuit breakers,
overhead line A power or transmission line sus- relays, automatic limiters, and similar devices to
pended above the ground between poles or tow- protect equipment from overload damage by re-
ers. ducing current or voltage, disconnecting the
over-horizon radar A form of radar used at high power supply, or both.
frequencies, in which pulses are transmitted and overload recovery time Following an overdrive at
received. The signals are returned to earth via the the input of an integrated-circuit device, the time
ionosphere, both in the forward and reflected di- required for the output to resume its normal
rections, making it possible to detect such things characteristics.
 508 overload relay • oxidation-reduction potential

overload relay A relay actuated when circuit cur- Overshoot

Relative amplitude
rent exceeds a predetermined value. Compare
UNDERLOAD RELAY.
overload time The maximum length of time that
an equipment can safely be subjected to an over-
load level of current.
overmodulation Modulation in excess of a pre-
scribed level—especially amplitude modulation
greater than 100%. Compare COMPLETE MODU- Time
LATION and UNDERMODULATION.
overshoot

overtone crystal A piezoelectric quartz crystal

that oscillates at odd multiples of the frequency
for which it was cut. This allows crystal operation
at frequencies otherwise obtainable only from a
fundamental-frequency crystal ground so thin as
Carrier level

to be prohibitively fragile.
overtone oscillator A crystal oscillator using an
Time OVERTONE CRYSTAL.
overtravel See OVERSHOOT, 2.
overvoltage A voltage higher than a specified or
rated value. Compare UNDERVOLTAGE.
overvoltage circuit breaker A circuit breaker that
opens when voltage exceeds a predetermined
value.
overvoltage protection The use of a special cir-
cuit or device to protect equipment from excessive
overmodulation voltage. When voltage increases beyond the over-
voltage limit, the protective circuit causes shut-
overmodulation alarm See OVERMODULATION down.
INDICATOR. overvoltage relay A relay actuated when voltage
overmodulation indicator A device, such as a rises above a predetermined value. Compare UN-
neon bulb, incandescent lamp, light-emitting DERVOLTAGE RELAY.
diode, analog meter, or digital meter, adapted to overwrite In computer operations, to record new
give an alarm when the modulation percentage of data over existing data (e.g., to update the files on
a signal exceeds a predetermined value. a magnetic disk or tape).
overpotential See OVERVOLTAGE. Ovshinsky effect In thin-film solid-state devices,
overpower relay A relay actuated by a rise in the tendency for switches to have the same char-
power above a predetermined level. Compare UN- acteristics for currents in either direction.
DERPOWER RELAY. O wave One (the ordinary) of the pair of components
overpressure For a pressure transducer, pressure into which an ionospheric radio wave is divided by
in excess of the maximum rating of the device. Earth’s magnetic field. Compare X WAVE.
override 1. To intentionally circumvent an auto- Owen bridge A wide-range four-arm bridge that
matic control system. 2. To bridge a functional measures inductance in terms of a standard ca-
stage of a system. pacitance and bridge-arm resistances.
overscanning The deflection of the beam of a cath- own coding Additional program steps added to
ode-ray tube beyond the edges of the screen. vendor-supplied software so that it can be modi-
overshoot 1. The momentary increase of a quan- fied to fit special needs.
tity beyond its normal maximum value (e.g., the ox Abbreviation of OXYGEN.
spike sometimes seen on a square wave because oxidation 1. The combination of a substance with
of the overswing of a rising voltage). 2. Momen- oxygen. Generally a slow process, such as the
tary overtravel of the pointer of an analog meter. corrosion of iron or aluminum in the atmosphere.
overswing See OVERSHOOT, 2. The process is accelerated by the presence of
overtemperature protection The use of an auto- moisture and/or high temperatures. 2. The loss
matic device, such as a thermal relay or thermo- of electrons from a cell or battery during dis-
stat, to disconnect a device from the power charge.
supply when the device’s temperature becomes oxidation-reduction potential The potential at
excessive. which oxidation occurs at the anode of an elec-
overthrow See OVERSHOOT, 2. trolytic cell, and at which reduction occurs at the
overtone See HARMONIC. cathode.
 oxide-coated cathode • ozone monitor 509

oxide-coated cathode See OXIDE-COATED EMIT- oxygen recombination In nickel-cadmium (NICAD)

TER. cells and batteries, a process in which oxygen is
oxide-coated emitter An electron-tube cathode or generated in the vicinity of the positive electrode,
filament coated with a material, such as thorium and is reduced with water in the vicinity of the
oxide, for increased electron emission at low negative electrode. This produces battery heating.
emitter temperatures. oz 1. Abbreviation of OUNCE. 2. Abbreviation of
oxide-coated filament See OXIDE-COATED OZONE.
EMITTER. oz-in Abbreviation of OUNCE-INCH.
oxide film 1. The thin film of iron oxide that con- ozocerite An insulating mineral wax. Dielectric
stitutes the recording surface of a magnetic disk constant, 2.2. Dielectric strength, 4 to 6 kV/mm.
or tape. 2. The layer of copper oxide formed on Also spelled OZOKERITE.
the copper plate of a copper-oxide rectifier. ozone Symbol, O3. An allotropic form of oxygen. Its
oxide-film capacitor An electrolytic capacitor, so formula indicates that each molecule has three
called because the dielectric is a thin oxide film. atoms. Produced by the action of ultraviolet rays
oxide rectifier A solid-state rectifier using a junc- (or electrical discharge) on oxygen, its character-
tion between copper and copper oxide. Also called istic odor (somewhat like weak chlorine) can often
COPPER-OXIDE RECTIFIER. be detected around sparking contacts or in the
oximeter A photoelectric instrument for measur- air after a thunderstorm.
ing the oxygen content of the blood. It operates by ozone layer In the earth’s atmosphere, a layer of
passing visible light through the earlobe, and an- ozone gas in the upper troposphere and lower
alyzing the color and intensity of the emerging stratosphere. It is produced by ultraviolet
beam. Also called ANOXEMIA TOXIMETER. radiation from space, mainly from the sun. The
oxygen Symbol, O. Abbreviation, O2. A gaseous el- ozone layer tends to block ultraviolet radiation,
ement. Atomic number, 8. Atomic weight, 15.999. reducing the amount that reaches the surface of
Constitutes 21% of Earth’s atmosphere. It readily the earth.
combines with various elements to form com- ozone monitor An instrument for measuring the
pounds (see OXIDATION). concentration of ozone in the atmosphere. One
oxygen analyzer An electronic gas analyzer de- version measures the extent to which ultraviolet
signed especially to measure oxygen content. The radiation is absorbed by a sample of air; the
operation of this instrument is based on the para- greater the absorption, the higher the ozone con-
magnetic properties of oxygen. centration in the sample.
P 1. Symbol for POWER. 2. Symbol for PLATE (of a electronic equipment, or to design a housing for
vacuum tube). 3. Symbol for PHOSPHORUS. 4. it, in accordance with good engineering tech-
Abbreviation of PRESSURE. 5. Symbol for PRI- niques. 3. A computer program of general use for
MARY. 6. Abbreviation for prefix PETA-. 7. Sym- an application (e.g., payroll package).
bol for PERMEANCE. 8. Abbreviation of POINT. package count The number of discrete packaged
p 1. Abbreviation of prefix PICO-. 2. Subscript for circuits in a system.
PEAK. 3. Abbreviation of POUND. 4. Abbreviation packaging density 1. See VOLUMETRIC EFFI-
of POINT (often capitalized). 5. Subscript for PRI- CIENCY. 2. Computer storage capacity in terms
MARY. 6. Subscript for PLATE (of a vacuum of the number of information units that can be
tube). 7. Abbreviation of PITCH. 8. Abbreviation contained on a given segment of a magnetic
of PER. medium. Also called PACKING DENSITY. 3.
PA 1. Abbreviation of POWER AMPLIFIER. 2. Ab- Within a given integrated circuit, the capacity in
breviation of PULSE AMPLIFIER. 3. Abbreviation terms of the number of active devices that can be
of particular average. 4. Abbreviation of pilotless contained on a single silicon chip.
aircraft. (Also, P/A.) 5. Abbreviation of PUBLIC packet 1. A unit of digital information in PACKET
ADDRESS (as in PA system). COMMUNICATIONS. It consists of a header fol-
Pa 1. Symbol for PROTACTINIUM. 2. Symbol for lowed by a certain number of data bits or bytes.
PASCAL. 2. See WAVE PACKET. 3. See PACKET COMMU-
pA Abbreviation of PICOAMPERE. NICATIONS. 4. See PACKET RADIO.
pacemaker See CARDIAC STIMULATOR. packet communications A method via which data
pacer See CARDIAC STIMULATOR. is exchanged through a network between or
Pacific Standard Time Abbreviation, PST. Local among people or computers. Information is sent
mean time at the 120th meridian west of Green- and received in blocks of information called
wich. Also see GREENWICH MEAN TIME, STAN- packets. Each packet is routed individually
DARD TIME, TIME ZONE, and COORDINATED through the network according to the most effi-
UNIVERSAL TIME. cient possible path at the time of its transit. At
pack A technique for maximizing a computer mem- the destination, the packets are reassembled into
ory device’s storage capacity, wherein more than the original signal. This scheme makes more effi-
one information item is stored in a single storage cient use of network resources than continuous-
unit. Also called crowd. connection or single-path methods. However,
package 1. The enclosure for an electronic device when network usage is heavy, there can be a de-
or system. This includes a wide range of hous- lay in the arrival of a sufficient number of packets
ings, from the simple encapsulation of miniature to produce an intelligible received signal.
transistors to forced-air-cooled enclosures for packet radio The transmission and reception of
heavy power units. 2. To assemble and house an PACKET COMMUNICATIONS data via radio.

Copyright 2001 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Click Here for Terms of Use
 packet switching • panel meter 511

packet switching In telephony, a method of con- page A display of text data on a computer display
nection in which data is exchanged between sub- that completely fills the screen.
scribers by splitting the data into units (packets). page printer A computer peripheral that prints a
Each packet is sent over the optimum path at the message in lines on a page, according to an es-
time of transmission. The signal path can, and tablished format, rather than in a single line.
usually does, vary from packet to packet. At the pager 1. A public-address system used for sum-
destination, the packets are reassembled into the moning purposes. 2. See BEEPER, 2.
original singal. The connection is in effect nonex- page turning The successive display of pages (see
istent during periods of silence (no data transmit- PAGE).
ted by either subscriber). Compare CIRCUIT pair 1. Two wires, especially two insulated conduc-
SWITCHING. tors in a cable. 2. A set of two particles or charge
packing In the button of a carbon microphone, carriers (e.g., electron-hole pair). 3. A set of two
bunching and cohesion between the carbon gran- transistors or vacuum tubes, operating together
ules. in push-pull or parallel in a power amplifier.
packing density The number of discrete package paired cable A cable consisting of separate twisted
circuits within a given surface area or volume. pairs of conducting wires.
packing factor 1. See VOLUMETRIC EFFICIENCY. paleomagnetism The study of certain rocks and
2. In computer operations, the number of bits minerals to determine the nature of the earth’s
that can be recorded in a given length of magnetic magnetic field at the time the rocks were formed.
memory surface. Also called PACKING DENSITY. When the age of the rock is determined by means
pack transmitter A portable transmitter that can of radioactive dating, and numerous rock sam-
be strapped to the operator’s back. ples are found covering many different eras, the
pack unit A portable transceiver that can be nature of the earth’s magnetic field can be
strapped to the operator’s back or carried on an graphed over time.
animal’s back. palladium Symbol, Pd. A metallic element of the
PACM Abbreviation of pulse-amplitude code modu- platinum group. Atomic number, 46. Atomic
lation. weight, 106.42.
pad 1. An attenuator network (usually a combina- palletizing In industrial robots, the automatic
tion of resistors) that reduces the amplitude of a placing of objects in a tray according to a com-
signal by a desired amount while maintaining puter program.
constant input and output impedance. 2. In com- Palm See HANDHELD COMPUTER.
puter operations, to make a record a fixed size by Palmer scan In radar, a method of simultaneously
adding blanks or dummy characters to it. 3. To scanning the azimuth and the elevation.
lower the frequency of an inductance-capacitance PalmPilot See HANDHELD COMPUTER.
(LC) circuit by adding capacitance to an already palmtop computer See HANDHELD COMPUTER.
capacitively tuned network. PAM Abbreviation of PULSE-AMPLITUDE MODU-
padder See OSCILLATOR PADDER. LATION.
padding capacitor See OSCILLATOR PADDER. Pan In radiotelephony, a spoken word indicating
padding character In a digital communications sys- that an urgent message is to follow. It is equiva-
tem, a character that is inserted solely for the pur- lent to the XXX of radiotelegraphy.
pose of consuming time while no meaningful pan 1. To make a panoramic sweep [e.g., to sweep
characters are sent. The insertion of such charac- a wide area with a beam (as from an antenna), or
ters maintains the synchronization of the system. to sweep a wide band of frequencies with a suit-
paddle-handle switch A toggle switch the lever of able tuning circuit]. 2. A panoramic sweep made
which is a flattened rod. Compare BAT-HANDLE as defined in 1. 3. In audio engineering, to grad-
SWITCH, ROCKER SWITCH, and SLIDE SWITCH. ually shift from one audio channel to another or
PADT Abbreviation of POST-ALLOY-DIFFUSED from one reproducer to another.
TRANSISTOR. pan and tilt 1. An azimuth-elevation mounting for
a television camera. 2. The simultaneous move-
ment of a television camera in the vertical and
horizontal directions.
pancake coil See DISK WINDING.
panel A flat surface on which are mounted the con-
trols and indicators of an equipment, for easy ac-
cess to the operator.
panel lamp 1. See ELECTROLUMINESCENT
PANEL. 2. See PANEL LIGHT.
panel light A pilot light for illuminating the front
panel of a piece of equipment.
panel meter A usually small meter for mounting
paddle-handle switch on, or through an opening in, a panel.
512 panic button • parallel capacitors

panic button In a security system, a button or and a fixed straight line (the directrix). In the
switch that immediately triggers an alarm when it Cartesian xy-plane, the general equation is y =
is closed. ax2 + b, where a and b are constants.
panoramic adapter An external device that can be parabola control See VERTICAL-AMPLITUDE
connected to a receiver to sweep a frequency CONTROL, 2.
band and indicate carriers on the air as pips on a parabola generator A circuit for generating a
screen at the corresponding frequency points. parabolic-waveform signal.
Also called pan adapter. parabolic microphone A directional microphone
panoramic display 1. A wide-angle display. 2. A mounted at the principal focus of a parabolic
spectrum-analyzer display that shows a wide sound reflector; the front of the microphone faces
range of frequencies, from zero to well above the the inside of the parabola. It is useful for detect-
maximum frequency in the monitored system. ing sounds from great distances.
panoramic radar An omnidirectional radar (i.e., parabolic reflector Also called paraboloidal reflec-
one that transmits wide-beam signals in all direc- tor. A reflector having the shape of a paraboloid.
tions without scanning). It is particularly useful for focusing or directing
panoramic receiver A receiver that displays pips radiation. For example, if a radiator, such as an
on a screen to show carriers on the air in a given antenna rod, is placed at the focus of the
frequency band. All frequencies in the band are paraboloid, a beam of parallel rays will be emitted
presented along the horizontal axis of the screen. by the reflector.
panpot A potentiometer with which panning can paraboloid The surface generated by a PARABOLA
be achieved (see PAN, 3). rotated about its axis of symmetry.
pan-range A form of radar display in which target paraffin A relatively inexpensive, easily available,
motion can be ascertained. solid, white petroleum wax. At one time, it was
pantography The transmission of radar information used to impregnate capacitors and coils and to
to a distant location for observation or recording. waterproof paper used for insulating purposes.
Papa Phonetic alphabet code word for the letter P. parallax The apparent shift in the position of a rel-
paper advance mechanism In a data-processing atively nearby object when the observer moves or
system, the part of a printer that moves (some- alternately blinks either eye. Thus, a pointer-type
times by computer control) the paper through the meter will seem to give different readings when
printer. viewed from different angles. Some meters have
paper capacitor A component that is made by mirrored scales to eliminate this effect.
placing paper, soaked with mineral oil, between parallel 1. Pertaining to the type of operation in a
two strips of foil. The assembly is rolled up, and computer when all elements in an information
wire leads are attached to the two pieces of foil. item (e.g., bits in a word) are acted upon simulta-
Finally, the rolled-up foil and paper are enclosed neously, rather than serially (one at a time).
in a cylindrical case. These components are 2. The condition in which two comparably sized
sometimes found in radio-frequency (RF) elec- objects or figures are equidistant at all facing
tronic equipment. They have values ranging from points. 3. Pertaining to the shunt connection of
about 0.001 microfarads (μF) to 0.1 μF, and can components or circuits.
handle low to moderate voltages, usually up to parallel access In computer operations, inputting
about 1000 volts. Compare CERAMIC CAPACI- or outputting data to or from storage in whole el-
TOR, ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR, MICA ements of information items (a word, rather than
CAPACITOR, PLASTIC-FILM CAPACITOR, a bit at a time, for example).
TANTALUM CAPACITOR. parallel adder In a computer or calculator, an
PAR Abbreviation of PRECISION APPROACH adder in which corresponding digits in multibit
RADAR. numbers are added simultaneously. Also see
par Abbreviation of PARALLEL. PARALLEL, 1.
parabola A plane curve that is the locus of points parallel antenna tuning Antenna-feeder tuning in
that are equidistant from a fixed point (the focus) which the tuning capacitor is connected in paral-
lel with the two feeder wires. Compare SERIES
ANTENNA TUNING.
parallel arithmetic unit See PARALLEL ADDER.
parallel capacitance 1. A capacitance connected
in parallel (shunt) with some other component.
Foil 2. The capacitance between the turns of a coil.
Also see DISTRIBUTED CAPACITANCE.
Paper
parallel capacitors Two or more capacitors con-
Foil nected in parallel (shunt) with each other. The
Paper total capacitance is equal to the sum of the
individual capacitances. Also see PARALLEL
paper capacitor CIRCUIT.
 parallel circuit • parallel operation 513

parallel circuit A circuit in which the components Positive limiting

are connected across each other (i.e., so that the
circuit segment could be drawn showing compo-
nent leads bridging common conductors as rungs
would across a ladder). Compare SERIES CIR-
0 0
CUIT.
parallel-component amplifier An amplifier stage vin vout
in which the active devices (transistors or vac-
uum tubes) are connected in parallel with each
other for increased power output. Also see PAR-
ALLEL CIRCUIT.
parallel-component oscillator An oscillator stage
in which transistors are connected in parallel
with each other for increased power output. Also Negative limiting
see PARALLEL CIRCUIT.
parallel computer A computer equipped to handle
more than one program at a time, but not
through the use of multiple programming or
time-sharing. 0 0
parallel-cut crystal See Y-CUT CRYSTAL. vin vout
parallel-diode half-wave rectifier See PARALLEL
LIMITER.
parallel-fed amplifier An amplifier circuit in which
the direct-current operating voltage is applied in
parallel with the alternating-current output volt-
parallel limiter
age. Also see PARALLEL FEED.
parallel-fed oscillator An oscillator circuit in
which the direct-current operating voltage is ap- parallel-line tuning At ultra-high frequencies
plied in parallel with the alternating-current out- (UHF) and microwave frequencies, the use of two
put voltage. Also see PARALLEL FEED. parallel wires or rods for tuning. A straight short-
parallel feed 1. The presentation of parallel alter- circuiting bar is slid along the wires to accom-
nating-current (ac) and direct-current (dc) volt- plish tuning.
ages to a device. 2. The presentation of a dc parallelogram A two-dimensional geometric figure
operating voltage in parallel with the ac output that has four sides. Opposite pairs of sides are par-
voltage of a device (as in a parallel-fed amplifier or allel. Opposite interior angles have equal measure.
oscillator). Also see SHUNT FEED.
parallel gap welding A welding technique using
two electrodes separated by a gap. x
parallel gate circuit 1. A gate circuit using two
bipolar transistors with parallel-connected collec- ␾ ␪
tors and emitters, and a common collector resis-
tor. The input signal is applied to one base, and
the control signal to the other. 2. A gate circuit y y
using two field-effect transistors with parallel-
connected drains and sources, and a common
drain resistor. The input signal is applied to one ␪ ␾
gate, and the control signal to the other.
parallel inductance An inductance connected in x
parallel (shunt) with some other component.
parallel inductors Inductors connected in parallel parallelogram
and separated or oriented to minimize the effects
of mutual inductance. Also see PARALLEL CIR-
CUIT. parallelogram of vectors A graphic device for find-
parallel inverse feedback In a single-ended audio ing the sum of two vectors. A parallelogram is
amplifier circuit, a simple system for obtaining constructed for which the two vectors are adja-
negative feedback: A high resistance is connected cent sides. The sum of the vectors is represented
from the output-transistor collector or drain to by the diagonal of the parallelogram.
the driver-transistor collector or drain. parallel operation In computer operations, the si-
parallel limiter A limiter (clipper) circuit in which multaneous transmission of all bits in a multibit
the diode is in parallel with the signal. Compare word over individual lines, as compared with the
SERIES LIMITER. serial transmission of a word bit by bit.
514 parallel output • parallel-wire line

parallel output A digital output consisting of two 1/4 Wavelength

or more lines, all of which carry data at the same
time.
parallel processing In computer operations, the
simultaneous processing of several different pro-
grams through separate channels. Compare
SERIAL PROCESSING. Input
parallel Q Symbol, Qp. The figure of merit of a par-
allel circuit of inductance, capacitance, and resis-
tance.
parallel resistance 1. A resistance connected in
parallel (shunt) with some other component. Moveable
2. The resistance between the plates of a capacitor. shorting bar
3. The resistance across a coil.
parallel resistors Resistors connected in parallel. parallel-rod tuning
If the individual resistances are represented by
R1, R2, R3, . . ., Rn, then total resistance Rt is
equal to 1/(1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + . . . + 1/Rn). Also parallel-series Also called series-parallel. Pertain-
see PARALLEL CIRCUIT. ing to an arrangement of components, usually
parallel resonance Resonance in a circuit consist- similar (e.g., resistances), consisting of parallel
ing of a capacitor, inductor, and alternating- circuits connected in series with each other, or of
current source connected in parallel. At the series circuits connected in parallel with each
resonant frequency, the inductive reactance is other. Usually, the component values or ratings
equal in magnitude, but opposite in effect, to the are all identical, so currents and/or voltages are
capacitive reactance. The capacitor current and equally shared among them. Also see PARALLEL
inductor current are maximum, the line current CIRCUIT and SERIES CIRCUIT.
is minimum, and the circuit impedance is maxi- parallel-series capacitors Capacitors connected
mum. Compare SERIES RESONANCE. in PARALLEL-SERIES, usually to obtain higher
parallel-resonant circuit A resonant circuit in voltage and/or current ratings than an individual
which the capacitor, inductor, and alternating- capacitor can provide.
current source are connected in parallel. Com- parallel-series inductors Inductors connected in
pare SERIES-RESONANT CIRCUIT. PARALLEL-SERIES and separated or oriented to
parallel-resonant trap A wavetrap consisting of a minimize the effects of mutual inductance.
parallel-resonant inductance-capacitance (LC) parallel-series resistors Resistors connected in
circuit. Compare SERIES-RESONANT TRAP. PARALLEL-SERIES, usually to obtain a higher
power rating than an individual resistor can pro-
vide.
parallel storage In a computer, storage in which
all information items can be made available in the
same amount of time.
parallel-tee amplifier A bandpass amplifier hav-
ing a parallel-tee network in its negative-feedback
path. The null frequency of the network deter-
mines the pass frequency of the amplifier.
parallel-tee measuring circuit A parallel-tee net-
work used for measuring circuit constants. Also
called TWIN-TEE MEASURING CIRCUIT.
parallel-tee network A resistance-capacitance
parallel-resonant trap (RC) network containing two tee sections (with R
and C elements opposite in the tees) connected in
parallel-resonant wavetrap See PARALLEL- parallel. The network produces a null at one fre-
RESONANT TRAP. quency. Also called TWIN-T NETWORK.
parallel-rod oscillator An ultra-high-frequency parallel-tee oscillator A resistance-capacitance
(UHF) oscillator tuned by means of two straight, tuned oscillator having a parallel-tee network in
parallel quarter- or half-wave rods, one rod con- its negative-feedback path. The null frequency of
nected to the base or gate of a transistor, and the the network determines the oscillator frequency.
other rod connected to the collector or drain. parallel transfer A form of digital information
parallel-rod tuning Adjustment of the resonant fre- transfer, consisting of two or more lines that
quency of a section of open-wire transmission line. carry data at the same time.
A movable shorting bar allows quarter-wave reso- parallel-wire line A transmission line consisting of
nance. The impedance at resonance is very high. two parallel wires whose separation is kept
 parallel-wire line • parasitic capacitance 515

constant by dielectric rods (open-wire line) or a paraphase inverter A single-transistor phase in-
solid dielectric web (ribbon line). verter in which the two out-of-phase output sig-
parallel-wire tank In an ultra-high-frequency nals are obtained by taking one output from the
(UHF) amplifier or oscillator, a resonant circuit collector or drain, and the other output from
consisting of two separate parallel wires con- the emitter or source. Thus, the 180-degree
nected to the transistor(s) or tube(s) at one end, phase difference between collector/drain and
and short-circuited or tuned at the other end. emitter/source is exploited.
paramagnet A paramagnetic substance (see PARA-
MAGNETISM). Compare DIAMAGNET.
paramagnetic Possessing PARAMAGNETISM. + 12 V
Compare DIAMAGNETISM.
paramagnetism The state of having a magnetic
permeability slightly greater than 1. Compare
DIAMAGNETISM.
parameter 1. An operating value, constant, or co-
efficient that can be either a dependent or an in-
dependent variable (e.g., a transistor-electrode Out X
current or voltage). 2. The ratio of one coefficient
to another, where both are either fixed or variable
(e.g., transconductance of a vacuum tube).
parameter word In a computer memory, a place In
having a capacity of a word (bit group) in which is
stored a parameter for a program.
parametric amplifier A radio-frequency power
amplifier based on the action of a voltage-variable
capacitor in a tuned circuit.
parametric amplifier diode See VARACTOR.
parametric converter A frequency converter in
which a parametric device, such as a varactor, is
used to change a signal of one frequency to a sig-
nal of another frequency. Also see PARAMETRIC Out Y
DOWN-CONVERTER and PARAMETRIC UP-
CONVERTER.
parametric diode A variable-capacitance diode
(see VOLTAGE-VARIABLE CAPACITOR, 1).
parametric down-converter A parametric con-
verter in which the output signal is of a lower paraphase inverter
frequency than the input signal. Compare
PARAMETRIC UP-CONVERTER.
parametric equalizer A set of audio filters similar parasitic See PARASITIC OSCILLATION.
to a GRAPHIC EQUALIZER, except that the cen- parasitic antenna See PARASITIC ARRAY, PARA-
ter frequencies are adjustable, rather than fixed. SITIC ELEMENT.
The center frequencies are selected by the opera- parasitic array Any of several types of directional
tor; then the attenuation level (in decibels) is set antenna employing parasitic elements, some-
for each frequency. It is used in audio recording times in combination with phasing, to obtain di-
studios. rectivity and gain. Common examples include the
parametric modulation Modulation in which ei- Yagi and quad. Arrays with numerous parasitic
ther the inductance or capacitance of a tank cir- elements (usually directors) can produce up-
cuit or coupling device is varied at the wards of 15 dBd forward gain. When several
modulation frequency. high-gain arrays are phased, the realizable
parametric oscillator An oscillator that generates gain becomes greater still. Two-element, three-
visible light energy by means of a parametric am- element, and four-element arrays are common
plifier and a tunable cavity. below 30 MHz. At very-high and ultra-high fre-
parametric up-converter A parametric converter quencies, especially above 100 MHz, bays of an-
in which the output signal is of a higher fre- tennas of this type are used in satellite
quency than the input signal. Compare PARA- communications and radio astronomy. See PAR-
METRIC DOWN-CONVERTER. ASITIC ELEMENT, QUAD ANTENNA, YAGI AN-
parametron See PHASE-LOCKED OSCILLATOR. TENNA.
paramistor A device consisting of several digital parasitic capacitance Stray capacitance. It can be
circuit elements that use parametric oscillators. internal or external to a circuit and can introduce
paramp Abbreviation of PARAMETRIC AMPLIFIER. undesirable coupling or bypassing.
516 parasitic choke • pass amplifier

parasitic choke A small radio-frequency choke parity check A check of the integrity of data being
coil (with or without a shunting resistor) that transferred by adding the bits in, for example, a
suppresses or eliminates parasitic oscillation in a word, and then determining the parity bit needed
power amplifier. and comparing that with the transmitted parity
parasitic director In a multielement directional bit.
antenna, a parasitic element acting as a director; parity error An error disclosed by a parity check.
usually, it is a few percent shorter than the driven parity tree A digital device used to check parity.
element. parsec Abbreviation, pc. The distance at which the
parasitic element An electrical conductor that mean radius of the earth’s orbit around the sun
comprises an important part of an antenna sys- subtends an angle of 1 second of arc; 1 pc =
tem, but that is not directly connected to the feed 3.0857 × 1013 kilometers or 3.2616 light years.
line. Such elements are used for the purpose of part See CIRCUIT COMPONENT, 1.
obtaining directivity and power gain. They oper- part failure The usually destructive breakdown of
ate via electromagnetic coupling to the driven el- a circuit component.
ement(s). The principle of operation was first partial One of the frequencies in a complex musi-
discovered by the Japanese engineers Yagi and cal tone. It might be a harmonic of the funda-
Uda, who observed that antenna elements paral- mental frequency, although this is not always the
lel to a driven element but not connected to any- case.
thing, at a specific distance from the driven partial carry The temporary storage of some or all
element, and having a certain length, cause the of the carry information in a digital calculation.
radiation pattern to show gain in one direction particle 1. A tiny, discrete bit of matter. 2. A unit
and loss in the opposite direction. See DRIVEN of matter smaller and lighter than an atom. See,
ELEMENT, PARASITIC ARRAY, PARASITIC DI- for example, ANTIPARTICLE, ELECTRON, ME-
RECTOR, PARASITIC REFLECTOR. SON, NEUTRETTO, NEUTRINO, NEUTRON, NU-
parasitic-element directive antenna See PARA- CLEON, POSITRON, and PROTON.
SITIC ARRAY. particle accelerator See ACCELERATOR, 1.
parasitic eliminator See PARASITIC SUPPRES- particle theory of radiation In physics, a model
SOR. that explains the nature of electromagnetic radia-
parasitic excitation Excitation of a beam-antenna tion (radio waves, infrared, visible light, ultravio-
element without a direct connection to the trans- let, X rays, and gamma rays) in terms of discrete
mitter. Thus, a director or reflector element can particles. Each particle, called a PHOTON, carries
be excited by the field of the radiator element. a certain amount of energy that depends on the
parasitic inductance Stray inductance (e.g., the wavelength of the radiation.
internal inductance of a wirewound resistor). particle velocity 1. The speed and direction of
parasitic oscillation Extraneous, useless oscilla- the particles from a source of atomic radiation.
tion present as a fault in an electronic circuit, 2. The speed and direction of the molecules in the
particularly a radio-frequency power amplifier. medium of an acoustic disturbance.
parasitic reflector In a multielement beam an- partitioning In computer operations, breaking
tenna, a parasitic element acting as a reflector; down a large block of data into smaller blocks
usually, it is a few percent longer than the driven that can be better handled by the machine.
element. parton model A model for atomic nuclei, in which
parasitic resistance Stray resistance (e.g., the in- protons and neutrons are made up of smaller
herent, internal resistance of a multilayer coil). particles called partons. Subparticles have been
parasitic suppressor A small resistor, coil, or par- found, commonly called quarks.
allel combination of the two, connected in series Pascal A high-level computer programming lan-
with the plate or collector of a vacuum tube or guage, similar to BASIC or FORTRAN in struc-
transistor to eliminate parasitic oscillations in a ture. It is used in some schools to teach computer
radio-frequency power amplifier. programming.
PARD Abbreviation of PERIODIC AND RANDOM pascal Symbol, Pa. The SI (derived) unit of pres-
DEVIATION. sure; 1 Pa = 1 N/m2 = 1.4503 × 10–4 lb/in2.
parity 1. At par (with respect to the even-or-odd Paschen-Back effect See ZEEMAN EFFECT.
state of the characters in a group). 2. Having the Paschen’s law For a two-element, parallel-plate,
quality that the number of bits (or the number of gas-discharge tube, the plate-to-plate sparking
similar bits) are even or odd, as intended. potential is proportional to Pd, where P is the gas
parity bit 1. In computer operations, a logic 1 pressure, and d is the distance between plates.
added to a group of bits so that the number of 1s pass amplifier A tuned amplifier having the re-
in the group is, according to specification, even or sponse of a bandpass filter. Like the filter, the
odd. 2. In computer operations, a check bit that amplifier passes one frequency (or a narrow
can be a logic 1 or 0, depending on the parity (see band of frequencies) readily while rejecting or
PARITY, 1) of the total of 1s in the bit group being attenuating others. Compare REJECT AMPLI-
checked. FIER.
 passband • passive reflector 517

passband The continuous spectrum of frequencies requires no power for its characteristic opera-
transmitted by a filter, amplifier, or similar de- tion). Examples: conventional resistor, capacitor,
vice. Compare STOPBAND. inductor, diode, rectifier, and fuse. Compare AC-
passband ripple Multiple low-amplitude attenua- TIVE COMPONENT, 1.
tion variations within the passband of a filter or passive comsat See PASSIVE COMMUNICATIONS
tuner, resulting in a ripple pattern on the nose of SATELLITE.
the response curve. passive decoder A decoder that responds to only
one signal code, rejecting all others.
passive detection In reconnaissance, detecting a
Passband target without betraying the location of the detec-
at 3 dB down tor.
passive electric network See PASSIVE NET-
WORK.
passive frequency multiplier A frequency multi-
Relative plier that does not require a power supply, but
freq.,kHz operates only from the input signal energy. Usually
10
Ripple consists of one or more semiconductor diodes,
sometimes in conjunction with inductors and/or
capacitors. The output signals appear at integral
20 multiples of the input frequency.

−6 −4 −2 +2 +4 +6

40

50 Attenuation,
dB

60

passband

passband ripple passive infrared sensor A device that detects in-

frared directly, such as that given off by humans
because of their body heat. It does not generate
passivation The process of growing a thin oxide energy of any kind. It is used in some intrusion
film on the surface of a planar semiconductor de- detection systems.
vice to protect the exposed junction(s) from con- passive mixer A signal mixer using only passive
tamination and short circuits. See, for example, components (diodes, nonlinear resistors, and
PLANAR EPITAXIAL PASSIVATED TRANSISTOR nonlinear reactances) (i.e., one without active
and PLANAR TRANSISTOR. components, such as transistors). Passive mix-
passive absorber A substance that reflects mini- ers introduce some loss. Compare ACTIVE
mal sound energy. Examples include acoustical MIXER.
ceiling tile and thick carpeting. passive modulator A modulator using only pas-
passive circuit A circuit consisting entirely of non- sive components (diodes, nonlinear resistors, and
amplifying components, such as capacitors, re- nonlinear reactances) (i.e., one without active
sistors, inductors, and diodes. components, such as transistors). Passive modu-
passive communications satellite A communica- lators introduce some loss. Compare ACTIVE
tions satellite that reflects electromagnetic waves, MODULATOR.
but does not contain a transponder; that is, it passive network A network composed entirely of
does not receive and retransmit the signals. Also passive components (i.e., one containing no gen-
called passive comsat. Compare ACTIVE COM- erators and providing no amplification).
MUNICATIONS SATELLITE. passive radiator See DRONE CONE.
passive component A device that is basically passive reflector A metal surface used to reflect
static in operation (i.e., it is ordinarily incapable electromagnetic energy at ultra-high and mi-
of amplification or oscillation and usually crowave frequencies.
518 passive transponder • Pb

(RC) filter for treble boost, and a variable shunt

RC filter for bass boost. The input signal is ap-
plied in parallel to both filters. The outputs are
combined in an audio mixer.
patching The interconnection of two or more signal
media or lines.
X in patch panel A panel on which the terminals of a
system are accessible for interconnection, tests,
etc. It is used especially in high-fidelity audio
recording systems. It was once commonly used in
manual telephone-switching applications.
patch up 1. To replace faulty or damaged parts in
an electronic system with roughly appropriate
surrogates to restore operation quickly (usually
Y in under emergency conditions). Also see DOCTOR.
Out 2. To wire a circuit quickly using patch cords for
preliminary test and evaluation.
patent 1. A document awarded by a government
body, giving to an inventor the exclusive right to
exploit an invention for a specified number of
years. Formally called letters patent. 2. The
monopoly granted by a document, as defined
passive mixer in 1.
path 1. The route over which current flows. 2. In
passive transponder A device that allows a ma- radio and navigation, the imaginary line extend-
chine, such as a computer or robot, to identify an ing directly between transmitter and receiver (or
object. A bar-code reader is a common example. target). 3. In a computer program, the logical or-
Magnetic labels, such as those on credit cards der of instructions.
and bank cash cards, are another example. It is pathometer A form of lie detector that indicates
so named because it does not transmit data; it re- changes in the electrical resistance of the human
quires a sensor for data detection. body.
password As a security device in computer opera- pattern 1. An established sequence of steps in a
tions, a group of characters upon whose presen- process. 2. An arrangement of terms in a matrix.
tation to the system via a terminal the user is 3. The graphical representation of a varying
allowed access to memory or control of informa- quantity (e.g., an alternating-current wave pat-
tion. tern). 4. The image on the screen of an oscillo-
password retry limitation A security feature that scope, or the record traced by an oscillograph.
prevents hackers from making repeated guesses 5. The graphic polar representation of the radiation
at passwords in an attempt to break into a com- field of an antenna. 6. The arrangement of bits in
puter, network, or database. If more than three a word or field.
unsuccessful entries are made in succession, for pattern recognition In machine-vision systems, a
example, the system will not accept further ac- method of identifying an object or decoding data
cess attempts for a certain preprogrammed according to geometric shape. Optical character
length of time, say 1 hour. recognition (OCR) is an example. The machine
paste In “dry” batteries and electrolytic capacitors, recognizes combinations of shapes, and deduces
a gelatinous electrolyte. their meanings via a computer program.
patch 1. A temporary signal path, as between a ra- pause editing In the editing of audio tape record-
dio receiver and a telephone or, conversely, be- ings, the use of a “pause” switch to temporarily
tween a telephone line and a radio transmitter. stop the tape when necessary.
2. To make quick, usually temporary connections, PAV Abbreviation of PHASE-ANGLE VOLTMETER.
as with a patch cord. 3. Instructions entered by pawl In a mechanical stepping device, as in a non-
an unconditional branch to a computer program electric clock, a device made to engage the sloping
for the purpose of correction. sprockets on a wheel to ensure shaft rotation in
patch bay 1. See PATCH PANEL. 2. A set of patch one direction only.
panels. PAX Abbreviation of PRIVATE AUTOMATIC EX-
patch cord A flexible line of one or more conduc- CHANGE.
tors with a jack or connector at each end, used to pay-per-view Abbreviation, PPV. Television service
interconnect (patch) circuit points exposed for the in which each subscriber pays only for individu-
purpose on a panel or breadboard. ally selected programs.
Patchett tone control A dual tone-control circuit pay TV See SUBSCRIPTION TV.
using a variable series resistance-capacitance Pb Symbol for LEAD.
 P band • peak envelope power 519

P band A radio-frequency band extending from 225 PDM Abbreviation of PULSE-DURATION MODULA-
to 390 MHz. TION.
PBX Abbreviation of PRIVATE BRANCH EX- PDM-FM Pertaining to a carrier that is frequency
CHANGE. modulated by one or more subcarriers that are
PC 1. Abbreviation of PERSONAL COMPUTER. frequency modulated by pulses that are pulse-
2. Abbreviation of PRINTED CIRCUIT. 3. Abbrevia- duration modulated. Also see FREQUENCY
tion of PHOTOCELL. 4. Abbreviation of POSITIVE MODULATION and PULSE-DURATION MODULA-
COLUMN. 5. Abbreviation of POINT-CONTACT. TION.
6. Abbreviation of PERCENT (also, pct.). 7. Ab- PDM-FM-FM Pertaining to a carrier that is fre-
breviation of PROGRAM COUNTER. quency modulated by one or more subcarriers
pc 1. Abbreviation of PICOCOULOMB. Also, pC that are frequency modulated by pulses that are
(preferred). 2. Abbreviation of PICOCURIE. Also, pulse-duration modulated. Also see FREQUENCY
pCi (preferred). 3. Abbreviation of PARSEC. MODULATION and PULSE-DURATION MODULA-
pC Abbreviation for PICOCOULOMB. TION.
PCB Abbreviation of PRINTED-CIRCUIT BOARD. PDM-PM Pertaining to a carrier that is phase mod-
PC board See PRINTED-CIRCUIT BOARD. ulated by pulse-duration-modulated information.
PC diode See POINT-CONTACT DIODE. Also see PHASE MODULATION and PULSE-
p-channel JFET See P-CHANNEL JUNCTION DURATION MODULATION.
FIELD-EFFECT TRANSISTOR. PDT Abbreviation of PACIFIC DAYLIGHT TIME.
p-channel junction field-effect transistor Abbre- PDVM Abbreviation of PRINTING DIGITAL VOLT-
viation, PFET. A junction-type FET in which METER.
the gate junction has been formed on a bar or PE 1. Abbreviation of POTENTIAL ENERGY. 2. Ab-
die of p-type semiconductor material. Compare breviation of PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER. 3. Ab-
N-CHANNEL JUNCTION FIELD-EFFECT TRAN- breviation of PROBABLE ERROR.
SISTOR. peak 1. The maximum value of a quantity. 2. In an
p-channel MOSFET A metal-oxide semiconductor alternating-current cycle, the maximum positive
field-effect transistor in which the channel is or negative current or voltage point. 3. The fre-
composed of p-type silicon. Also see DEPLETION- quency at which the transmission by a bandpass
TYPE MOSFET, DEPLETION-ENHANCEMENT- circuit or device is maximum (attenuation is
TYPE MOSFET, and ENHANCEMENT-TYPE minimum), evidenced by a maximum in the
MOSFET. frequency-response curve.
pCi Symbol for PICOCURIE. peak amplitude 1. The maximum positive or neg-
PCL Abbreviation of PRINTED-CIRCUIT LAMP. ative current or voltage of a wave. 2. The maxi-
PCM Abbreviation of PULSE-CODE MODULATION. mum instantaneous power of a signal.
PCM-FM Pertaining to a carrier that is frequency peak anode (plate) current The maximum instan-
modulated by information that is pulse-code taneous current flowing in the anode (plate) cir-
modulated. Also see FREQUENCY MODULATION cuit of a vacuum tube.
and PULSE-CODE MODULATION. peak anode (plate) voltage The maximum instan-
PCM-FM-FM Pertaining to a carrier that is fre- taneous voltage applied to the anode (plate) of a
quency modulated by one or more subcarriers vacuum tube.
that are frequency modulated by information that peak chopper See PEAK CLIPPER.
is pulse-code modulated. Also see FREQUENCY peak current Abbreviation, Ip. The highest value
MODULATION and PULSE-CODE MODULATION. reached by an alternating-current half-cycle or a
PCM level In a pulse-code-modulated signal, one current pulse. Also called MAXIMUM CURRENT.
of several different possible signal conditions. peak detector See PEAK PROBE.
PCM-PM Pulse-code modulation that is accom- peak distortion 1. The maximum instantaneous
plished by varying the phase of the carrier wave. distortion in a signal, generally expressed as a
PC relay See PRINTED-CIRCUIT RELAY. percentage. 2. Distortion of a modulated signal at
PCS Abbreviation for PERSONAL COMMUNICA- envelope peaks.
TION SERVICE. peaked sawtooth A wave composed of a sawtooth
PC transistor See POINT-CONTACT TRANSISTOR. and peaking-pulse components. The deflection
PD 1. Abbreviation of PLATE DISSIPATION. 2. Ab- voltage of a magnetic-deflection cathode-ray tube
breviation of PULSE DURATION. 3. Abbreviation requires this waveform to produce a current saw-
of PROXIMITY DETECTOR. 4. Abbreviation of tooth in the deflecting coils.
POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE. peaked waveform An alternating-current wave-
Pd Symbol for PALLADIUM. form having nearly pointed positive and negative
PDA Abbreviation for personal digital assistant. See half-cycles. Such a wave contains appreciable
HANDHELD COMPUTER. third-harmonic energy.
PDAS Abbreviation of programmable data acquisi- peak envelope power Abbreviation, PEP. For a lin-
tion system. ear radio-frequency (RF) power amplifier han-
P display See PLAN POSITION INDICATOR. dling a modulated signal, the average RF output
520 peak envelope power • peak-to-peak voltage

Limiting level

Amplitude
peaked sawtooth Time

power during a single RF cycle at the highest

peak of the modulation envelope.
peaker 1. See PEAK FILTER. 2. See PEAKING Limiting level
TRANSFORMER.
peaker-notcher See NOTCHER-PEAKER.
peak limiting
peak factor For an alternating-current wave, the
ratio Em/Erms or Im/Irms, where Em is the maximum
voltage, Erms is the effective (root-mean-square) peak point The highest current point in the cur-
voltage, Im is the maximum current, and Irms is the rent-voltage response curve of a tunnel diode.
effective current. Immediately beyond this point, the current
peak filter A frequency-selective circuit, such as a decreases as the applied voltage is increased,
bandpass filter, for producing a peak response indicating a negative-resistance region. Compare
(see PEAK, 3). VALLEY POINT.
peak inductor current In a switching regulator, peak power 1. Symbol, Pp. Unit, watt. Alternating-
the maximum instantaneous current through the current power that is the product of the peak volt-
inductor when the device is switching at its fully age (Ep) and the peak current (Ip). For Ep in volts
rated duty cycle. and Ip in amperes, the peak power in watts is
peaking The adjustment of a control or device for given by Pp = Ep Ip. 2. The highest output power
maximum indication on a meter or other display. that an amplifier or device can produce without
peaking coil A small inductor used to compensate excessive distortion. 3. The maximum instanta-
the frequency response of a circuit, such as a neous power that a speaker can handle without
video amplifier or video detector. Both series and risk of damage.
shunt peaking coils are used. peak probe A voltmeter test probe containing a
peaking transformer A transformer whose output diode circuit whose direct-current output voltage
waveform is sharply peaked (of short duration, is close to the peak value of the applied alternat-
with respect to a cycle). The effect is obtained by ing-current test voltage.
means of a special core that, because it contains peak recurrent forward current For a semicon-
little iron, saturates easily. ductor diode, the maximum repetitive instanta-
peak inverse voltage Abbreviation, PIV. Often neous forward current as measured under
used interchangeably with the term PEAK RE- specified conditions of operation.
VERSE VOLTAGE. 1. The peak value of the volt- peak reverse voltage Abbreviation, PRV. In semi-
age applied to a rectifier diode in the reverse conductor operations, the peak value of the volt-
direction. 2. The maximum value of reverse volt- age applied in reverse polarity across the
age that a rectifier diode will tolerate according to junction. It is often used interchangeably with the
its specifications. term PEAK INVERSE VOLTAGE.
peak level lamp In audio recording and reproduc- peak signal level The maximum instantaneous
tion, a bulb or light-emitting diode (LED) that signal power or voltage specified for particular op-
illuminates when sound peaks exceed a erating conditions.
predetermined amplitude. peak-to-peak Abbreviations, p-p or pk-pk. For an
peak limiting 1. A method of limiting the maxi- alternating-current waveform, pertaining to the
mum amplitude of a signal. When the instanta- arithmetic difference between the positive peak
neous peak amplitude, either positive or negative, and negative peak values of current or voltage.
exceeds a certain value, the output is clipped at peak-to-peak probe A voltmeter test probe con-
that value. 2. In pulse-code modulation, the ef- taining a diode circuit whose direct-current out-
fect resulting from the application of an input sig- put voltage is close to the peak-to-peak value of
nal in excess of the virtual decision value. the applied alternating-current test voltage.
peak modulated power In an amplitude- peak-to-peak voltage The arithmetic sum of posi-
modulated wave, the maximum instantaneous tive and negative peak voltages in an alternating-
signal power (including the carrier and current (ac) wave. Thus, a symmetrical sine-wave
sidebands). In 100-percent sinusoidal modulation, ac voltage of 115.0 V rms has a peak value of
the peak modulated power is four times the un- 162.63 V and a peak-to-peak value of 325.3 V.
modulated carrier power. Also see PEAK VOLTAGE.
 peak torque • PEP transistor 521

+ pencil 1. A beam of electrons or other particles or

rays that either converges to, or diverges from, a
specific point. 2. A pair of geometric entities shar-
pk-pk
Amplitude

ing a property (e.g., lines intersecting at a single

Time point).
pendulum switch A device that closes a circuit
when subjected to physical shock. One type con-
sists of a dangling element resembling a pendu-
− lum, with one or more nearby contacts.
penetrating frequency For a particular layer of
the ionosphere, the lowest high frequency at
+ which a vertically propagated wave penetrates the
layer (i.e., it is not reflected back to earth). Also
pk-pk called CRITICAL FREQUENCY.
Amplitude

penetrating radiation Ionizing radiation that

Time passes through otherwise opaque materials. A
relative term; low-energy X rays are less penetrat-
ing than high-energy X rays, which, in turn, are
less penetrating than gamma rays.
− penetrating rays See COSMIC RAYS.
penetration depth See DEPTH OF PENETRATION.
pent Abbreviation of PENTODE.
+ pentavalent element An element whose atoms
have five valence electrons (e.g., antimony or ar-
senic).
Amplitude

pk-pk pentode A five-electrode vacuum tube in which the

Time electrodes are an anode, cathode, control grid,
screen grid, and suppressor grid.
pentode field-effect transistor A field-effect tran-
sistor with three separate gates.
− pentode transistor A bipolar transistor with three
emitters.
peak-to-peak voltage

C
peak torque Symbol, Tp. For a torque motor, the
maximum useful torque at maximum recom-
mended input current.
peak voltage Abbreviation, Ep. The highest value B
reached by an alternating-current voltage half cy-
cle, or by a voltage pulse. Also called MAXIMUM
VOLTAGE.
peak voltmeter 1. An alternating-current (ac) volt- E1 E3
meter that responds to the peak value of the ap- E2
plied voltage. 2. An ac voltmeter that responds to
the average value of the applied voltage—even pentode transistor
though its scale reads in peak volts.
pea lamp A miniature incandescent bulb, some-
times used as a control-panel or meter light. penumbra 1. That part of a shadow in which the
PEC Abbreviation of PHOTOELECTRIC CELL. light source is not fully obscured by the eclipsing
pedestal See BLANKING PEDESTAL. object. 2. In a sunspot, the outer part of the spot;
pedestal level See BLANKING LEVEL. it is less dark than the inner portion.
pel See PIXEL. PEP 1. Abbreviation of PLANAR EPITAXIAL PASSI-
Peltier effect A drop below ambient temperature VATED. 2. Abbreviation of PEAK ENVELOPE
at the junction between two dissimilar metals POWER.
when an electric current is passed through the PEP diode See PLANAR EPITAXIAL PASSIVATED
junction. DIODE.
PEM Abbreviation of photoelectromagnetic. PEP reading wattmeter A wattmeter that shows
pen-and-ink recorder A graphic recorder in which the peak envelope power output of a transmitter.
a fountain-pen-type stylus inscribes an ink line PEP transistor See PLANAR EXPITAXIAL PASSI-
on a paper chart. Also called pen recorder. VATED TRANSISTOR.
522 perceived level • peripheral electron

perceived level The level of a disturbance, partic- travels faster than at any other point in the orbit.
ularly sound, as sensed by a person. It is gener- 2. The altitude, measured from the earth’s sur-
ally expressed in decibels, with respect to a face or the earth’s center, of an earth-orbiting
certain threshold value. The threshold is as- satellite at its closest approach.
signed an intensity of 0 dB. perihelion 1. The point at which a solar-orbiting
percent An expression of a fraction, in terms of satellite attains its lowest altitude. It occurs once
hundredths. A quantity of x percent indicates a for every complete orbit. At this point, the satel-
fraction of x/100. Percent is usually abbreviated lite travels faster than at any other point in the
by the symbol %. orbit. 2. The altitude, measured from the sun’s
percentage error The amount by which a mea- surface or the sun’s center, of a solar-orbiting
sured value differs from the true value, expressed satellite at its closest approach.
as a percentage (the number of parts per 100 that perimeter protection The use of a security system
the measurement is in error). to restrict or prevent access to a designated area,
percentage-modulation meter An instrument using sensors and/or barriers around the bound-
that provides direct readings of the modulation aries of the area.
percentage of an amplitude-modulated signal. period Symbol, T. Unit, second. The duration of a
The meter scale or dial is graduated in incre- complete alternating-current cycle or of any
ments from 0 to somewhat more than 100 per- cyclic event; T = 1/f, where f is the frequency
cent. in Hertz. Also see CYCLE, FREQUENCY, and
percentage uncertainty The maximum possible HERTZ.
error in a measurement, expressed as a percent- periodic and random deviation Abbreviation,
age of the measured value. Also see UNCER- PARD. In the direct-current output of a rectifier,
TAINTY IN MEASUREMENT. the combined PERIODIC DEVIATION, including
percent distortion Symbol, %D. In the determina- ripple, noise, hum, and transient spikes.
tion of harmonic distortion, the total harmonic periodic curve A curve that repeats its shape in
voltage expressed as a percentage of the funda- each period (e.g., a sine curve).
mental voltage, plus total harmonic voltage; %D = periodic deviation Repetitive deviation of a quan-
100Eh/Et, where Eh is the total voltage of the har- tity from its normal value (e.g., ripple in the
monic components, and Et is the total signal volt- direct-current output of a rectifier).
age (fundamental plus harmonics). periodic function A mathematical function that is
percent modulation See MODULATION PER- represented by a periodic curve (e.g., the sine
CENTAGE. function y = sin x).
percent modulation meter See PERCENTAGE- periodicity In a transmission line, the tendency
MODULATION METER. for power to be reflected at a point or points
percent ripple The amount of ripple voltage in the where the diameter of the line changes.
direct-current (dc) output of a rectifier or genera- periodic law The observation that when the chem-
tor, expressed as a percentage of the nominal dc ical elements (see ELEMENT, 3) are arranged in
output voltage. increasing order of atomic number, their physical
perfect crystal A crystal without defects or impu- and chemical properties recur periodically. Also
rities. The atoms are arranged in a regular pat- see PERIODIC TABLE.
tern with no faults. periodic table A table in which the chemical ele-
perforated board A plastic panel provided with a ments (see ELEMENT, 3) are arranged according
number of small holes in orderly columns and to the periodic law. The vertical columns in the
rows for the insertion of the pigtails of compo- table, labeled groups, contain elements possess-
nents, or of push-in terminals to facilitate quick ing related properties (e.g., silicon and germa-
assembly of prototype circuits. Also called perf- nium in group IV). The rows, labeled periods,
board. depict the periodic shift in the properties of the el-
performance curve A curve depicting the behavior ements.
of a component or circuit under specified condi- peripheral 1. Pertaining to equipment accessory to
tions of operation. Such a curve, for example, a central system (e.g., peripheral input/output
might display the variation of output power with devices online or offline to computers, data
input power, the variation of frequency with volt- recorders, and indicators). Also see ANCILLARY
age, etc. Compare CHARACTERISTIC CURVE. EQUIPMENT. 2. Peripheral equipment in a com-
performance test A test made primarily to ascer- puter system (e.g., printers, modems, external
tain how a system behaves. The test is concerned disk drives, tape drives, etc.).
with normal operation, whereas a diagnostic test peripheral buffer As part of a peripheral in a com-
is a troubleshooting procedure. Compare TROU- puter system, a storage unit in which data
BLESHOOTING TEST. temporarily resides on its way to or from the
perigee 1. The point at which an earth-orbiting central processing unit. Also called INPUT/
satellite attains its lowest altitude. It occurs once OUTPUT BUFFER.
for every complete orbit. At this point, the satellite peripheral electron See VALENCE ELECTRON.
 peripheral equipment • persistor 523

peripheral equipment See PERIPHERAL, 1, 2. Ferromagnetic Coil

peripheral interface adapter Abbreviation, PIA. core Coil
An integrated circuit that acts as an input/out- form
put port to interface a microprocessor with pe-
ripheral devices.
peripheral transfer In a computer system, the
transfer of a unit of data between peripherals, or
between a peripheral and the central processing
unit.
Permalloy A high-permeability alloy of iron and
nickel.
permamagnetic speaker See PERMANENT- permeability tuning
MAGNET SPEAKER.
permanent magnet A body that is always magne-
tized (i.e., without the application of electricity within the inductor. This type of tuning is used in
and without requiring the presence of another amplifiers, oscillators, filters, and wavetraps.
magnet). Compare TEMPORARY MAGNET. permeameter An instrument for measuring per-
permanent-magnet erase Erasure of magnetic meability.
tape by the field of a permanent magnet. Typi- permeance Unit, Wb/A. In a magnetic circuit, the
cally, it is a two-step process: a magnet erases ease with which a magnetic field is established.
what it can of the signal, leaving any residual The reciprocal of RELUCTANCE.
magnetization for erasure by a second magnet. Permendur A high-permeability magnetic alloy
permanent-magnet focusing In a cathode-ray containing equal parts of iron and cobalt. At sat-
tube, the focusing of the electron beam by means uration, the flux density of this material can be 2
of permanent magnets. teslas (20,000 gauss).
permanent-magnet generator An electromechan- Perminvar A high-permeability magnetic alloy of
ical generator in which the field (either stationary cobalt, iron, and nickel. At saturation, the flux
or rotating) is provided by a multipole permanent density of this material can approach 1.2 teslas
magnet. Also called magneto. (12,000 gauss).
permanent-magnet loudspeaker See PERMA- permittivity See DIELECTRIC CONSTANT.
NENT-MAGNET SPEAKER. permutation A selection of several factors or ob-
permanent-magnet magnetizer A magnetizer us- jects from a group, in a specific ordered sequence.
ing a permanent magnet as the magnetic-field For example, one of the permutations of the ele-
source. ments of the set (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) is the ordered
permanent-magnet meter An indicating meter in sequence 4, 1, 3, 5, 2.
which a movable coil rotates between the poles of permutation modulation A method of modulation
a permanent magnet. Compare ELECTRODY- accomplished by varying the sequence of digital
NAMOMETER and IRON-VANE METER. bits.
permanent-magnet motor A motor having a per- peroxide of lead In a lead-acid cell or battery, a
manent-magnet field. compound of lead and oxygen that composes the
permanent-magnet relay A polarized relay using positive electrode or electrodes.
a permanent magnet. persistence 1. The effect whereby the retina of the
permanent-magnet speaker An acoustic loud- eye continues to register a projected scene for ap-
speaker in which the core is a strong permanent proximately 0.05 second after the scene disap-
magnet (as opposed to a direct-current electro- pears. This allows perception of a sequence of
magnet). Also see MAGNETIC SPEAKER. video frames as a continuous moving image.
permanent storage See NONVOLATILE MEMORY. 2. The tendency of certain phosphors to glow after
permeability Unit, H/m. A quantitative indicator the excitation has been removed. Thus, after the
of the extent to which a material concentrates electron beam in a cathode-ray tube has passed
magnetic flux: for a given constant magnetic-field over the screen, the phosphor might continue to
intensity, the ratio of magnetic flux density in the glow for a certain time along the path traced by
material to the magnetic flux density in air. the beam. Some phosphors, such as those used
permeability curve See B-H CURVE. in high-speed oscilloscopes, have virtually no
permeability-tuned oscillator A radio-frequency persistence, whereas others have long persis-
oscillator in which the frequency is varied or ad- tence.
justed by moving a ferromagnetic core in and out persistent oscillations Successive oscillations of
of the coil of an inductance-capacitance (LC) constant amplitude. Also called CONTINUOUS
tuned circuit. WAVE.
permeability tuning Variation of the resonant fre- persistor A device used at low temperatures for
quency of an inductance-capacitance LC circuit temporary memory storage that operates between
by changing the position of a magnetic core superconducting and normal conditions.
524 personal communications service • phase coincidence

personal communications service Abbreviation, within the tuning range of a receiver, the phan-
PCS. Also called digital cellular. An enhanced tom can be tuned in as a separate signal. But
wireless network using digital modulation, when the phantom corresponds to the intermedi-
cellular repeaters, and facilitating telephone and ate frequency (IF) of the receiver, it will ride into
Internet connections. Emphasis is on maximizing the IF amplifier and be present as an untunable
user mobility and portability, and minimizing interferential signal.
blind zones. Compare CELLULAR COMMUNICA- phantom channel In a properly phased high-
TIONS. fidelity stereo sound system, the apparent sound
personal computer A small computer equipped source centered between the left- and right-chan-
with a keyboard, display, hard disk, diskette nel loudspeakers.
drive(s), a modem or fax/modem, one or more se- phantom circuit In wire telephony, a third circuit
rial data ports, and one or more parallel data that has no wires; it results from a method (using
ports. They are used extensively by individuals repeating coils) of making two other circuits do
and businesses for record keeping, data process- the work of (this third) one.
ing, communications, word processing, graphics, phantom signal Also called bogey. In a radar sys-
etc.; they are also used in schools as an educa- tem, a signal that does not correspond to an ac-
tional aid. tual target. The origin of the phantom signal or
personal digital assistant Abbreviation, PDA. See echo cannot be readily determined.
HANDHELD COMPUTER. phantom target See ECHO BOX.
personal equation The value of systematic error phase angle Unit, degree or radian. In an alternat-
for a person observing specific phenomena or ing-current (ac) circuit, the lag or lead between
making measurements. the instant that one alternating quantity reaches
personality Characteristics that make an intelli- its maximum value and the instant that another
gent computer or robot human-like. In general, alternating quantity reaches its maximum value.
the more powerful the computer, the more per- It is usually given in degrees (a complete cycle be-
sonality it can have, depending on the installed ing 360 degrees) along the horizontal axis of the
software. In some cases, certain malfunctions in time-versus-magnitude graph of the ac quantity.
a computer can produce personality quirks. phase-angle voltmeter An instrument that indi-
personal robot A usually autonomous robot in- cates both the magnitude and phase of a voltage.
tended for use by individuals. The most common phase coincidence For signals having the same
examples are robot toys, programmable with a frequency, the condition of their coinciding in
PERSONAL COMPUTER, intended for the educa- terms of instantaneous amplitudes, so positive
tion and entertainment of children. More sophis- peaks of the first signal correspond to positive
ticated devices can perform domestic tasks, such peaks of the second signal, and negative peaks of
as cleaning floors and mowing lawns. the first signal correspond to negative peaks of
peta- Abbreviation, P. A prefix meaning 1015. the second signal. For periodic waves that do not
petagram Abbreviation, Pg. A large unit of mass or change their characteristics with time, this is the
force, equal to 1015 grams or 1012 kilograms. same thing as being shifted by an integral multi-
petameter Abbreviation, Pm. A large unit of (astro- ple of 360 degrees in phase. Compare PHASE
nomical) distance, equal to 1015 meters or 1012 OPPOSITION.
kilometers.
pF Abbreviation of PICOFARAD.
pf Symbol for POWER FACTOR.
PFET Abbreviation of P-CHANNEL JUNCTION
FIELD-EFFECT TRANSISTOR.
PFM Abbreviation of PULSE-FREQUENCY MODU-
LATION.
PG Abbreviation of POWER GAIN.
Pg Abbreviation of PETAGRAM.
pH 1. Symbol for hydrogen-ion concentration. Nu-
merically, pH is the negative logarithm of the ef-
fective hydrogen-ion concentration in gram
equivalents per liter. The scale runs from zero to
14, on which 7 denotes neutrality relative to acid-
ity vs. alkalinity; values between zero and 7 de-
note acidity, and values between 7 and 14 denote
alkalinity. 2. Abbreviation of PICOHENRY.
phantom Radio interference in the form of a beat
note (heterodyne), resulting from interference be-
tween two strong carriers, often from local radio
stations. When the phantom frequency lies
 phase compensation • phase opposition 525

phase compensation In an operational amplifier, Signal

compensation for excessive phase shift in the input
feedback. (from IF)
phase compressor A push-pull phase-inverter cir-
cuit in which a capacitor is connected between
each collector or drain and the opposite output
terminal to attenuate in-phase components, such Phase
as even-numbered harmonics. comparator Filter Amplifier Output
phase constant A figure providing the rate (in de-
grees of phase per unit length) at which the phase
lag of the current or voltage field component in a
traveling wave increases linearly in the propaga- Voltage-
tion direction. controlled
phase corrector A circuit that returns a signal to a oscillator Control
certain phase after the signal has passed through voltage
a circuit or medium that has caused phase dis-
tortion. phase-locked loop
phased antenna See PHASED ARRAY.
phased array Also called phased antenna. An an-
tenna system having two or more driven elements divides the frequency by a specific integral value
fed with a certain relative phase, and spaced at a n chosen by the operator. The output frequency
certain distance, resulting in a directivity pattern of the divider is locked, by means of a phase com-
that exhibits gain in some directions and little or parator, to the signal from a crystal-controlled
no radiation/response in other directions. Such reference oscillator. As long as the output from
an array can have two elements, producing a uni- the divider is exactly at the reference-oscillator
directional cardioid or bidirectional figure-eight frequency, the two signals are in phase, and the
pattern. More complex arrays have several ele- output of the phase comparator is zero volts dc. If
ments, usually vertical antennas, strategically the VCO frequency changes, the phase also
positioned and fed with signals of specified phase changes, and the phase comparator produces a
to produce a highly tailored pattern. The most so- dc error voltage. The error voltage is applied to the
phisticated systems have rotatable or steerable VCO, causing the VCO frequency to correct itself.
radiation/response patterns. This maintains the VCO frequency at precisely n
phase-delay equalizer See DELAY EQUALIZER. times the reference-oscillator frequency.
phase detector See PHASE-SENSITIVE DETEC- phase-locked oscillator An oscillator in which the
TOR. inductance or the capacitance is varied periodi-
phase diagram A graphical representation of cally at half the driving frequency.
waves having equal frequency, but differing in phase margin In an integrated-circuit amplifier,
phase. The phase difference for two identical the extent to which the device shifts the phase of
waveforms is greater than or equal to zero de- a signal more or less than one-half cycle (180 de-
grees, but less than 360 degrees. grees) for a certain signal voltage.
phase difference 1. The difference (in time, angle, phase modulation Abbreviation, PM. A method of
or fractional cycle) between the instants at which modulation in which the phase of the carrier cur-
two alternating quantities reach a given value. rent is varied in accordance with the instanta-
2. For a dielectric, the complement of PHASE AN- neous modulating-signal voltage. The result is
GLE; that is, 90 degrees minus the phase angle in similar to FREQUENCY MODULATION.
degrees. phase modulator A circuit or stage that produces
phase discriminator See DISCRIMINATOR, FOS- PHASE MODULATION.
TER-SEELEY DISCRIMINATOR, RATIO DETEC- phase multiplier A circuit used for the purpose of
TOR, and TRAVIS DISCRIMINATOR. phase comparison between signals. The fre-
phase distortion Distortion characterized by in- quency of the measured signal is multiplied, re-
put/output phase shift between various compo- sulting in multiplication of the phase difference.
nents of a signal passed by a circuit or device. This improves the sensitivity of the measuring
phase inverter A resistance-capacitance-coupled apparatus.
amplifier with a single-ended input and a push- phase opposition For signals having the same fre-
pull output. This circuit enables a push-pull am- quency, the condition of their being inverted rela-
plifier to be driven without an input transformer. tive to each other in terms of instantaneous
phase-locked loop Abbreviation, PLL. An oscillator amplitudes, so positive peaks of the first signal
that combines the flexibility of a conventional correspond to negative peaks of the second sig-
variable-frequency oscillator (VFO) with the sta- nal, and negative peaks of the first signal corre-
bility of a crystal oscillator. The oscillator output spond to positive peaks of the second signal. This
is passed through a programmable divider that is not the same thing as being shifted by an odd
526 phase opposition • phase windings

Phase
shift

Amplitude
Time

phase shift

change, as defined in 1, measured in fractions of

a wavelength or in electrical degrees.
phase-shift bridge A four-arm-bridge circuit for
shifting the phase of an alternating-current sig-
nal. Such a circuit is often used (with one arm
variable) to shift the phase of the firing voltage for
a thyratron.
phase-shift discriminator See FOSTER-SEELEY
DISCRIMINATOR.
phase shifter A circuit, such as an inductance-
integral multiple of 180 degrees in phase, capacitance (LC) or resistance-capacitance (RC)
although in practice, with sine waves and square network, or a device, such as a Helmholtz coil or
waves, the effect is the same. Compare PHASE phase-shifting capacitor, that introduces a phase
COINCIDENCE. shift between input and output signals.
phase resonance See VELOCITY RESONANCE. phase-shifting capacitor A special four-stator,
phase reversal 1. The inversion of an alternating- one-rotor variable capacitor that, with a trans-
current (ac) signal. The instantaneous ampli- former-coupled resistance-capacitance (RC) cir-
tude (current or voltage) is multiplied by a cuit, provides 360 degrees of continuously
negative constant. Thus, the positive half-cycles variable phase shift for one rotation of the rotor.
become negative, and the negative half-cycles The rotor plate turns like a cam under the stators
become positive. 2. A phase shift of ±180 because of the off-center insertion of the rotor
degrees (±1⁄2 cycle) in an ac signal. shaft.
phase-rotation relay See PHASE-SEQUENCE RE- phase-shift oscillator A single-stage oscillator in
LAY. which the required 180-degree phase shift in the
phase-rotation system A system for producing signal (fed back from output to input) is obtained
single-sideband signals without using selective by passing the output through a phase-shifting
filters. In one such system, two balanced modula- network.
tors are used. One of these receives carrier and phase-shift-type distortion meter A distortion
modulating voltages that are 90 degrees out of meter in which the output signal of a device un-
phase with voltages that are fed to the other bal- der test is compared with a distortion-free input
anced modulator. test signal. The output signal phase is shifted 180
phase-sensitive detector Abbreviation, PSD. A degrees, with respect to the input, and the two
detector for frequency modulation (FM) and amplitudes are made equal. If there is no distor-
phase modulation (PM). It delivers a direct- tion, the signals cancel each other, and the result
current output voltage whose value is proportional is zero. Any remaining signal is proportional to
to the difference in phase between a reference the total harmonic distortion (THD).
signal and the signal from a local oscillator. phase-splitting circuit A circuit that produces,
phase-sequence relay In a polyphase system, a re- from a single input signal, two output signals dif-
lay or relay circuit that is actuated by voltages fering in phase.
reaching maximum positive amplitude in a pre- phase-splitting driver A PHASE INVERTER used
determined phase sequence. Also called PHASE- as the driver of a push-pull amplifier.
ROTATION RELAY. phase velocity The velocity of a wave, provided by
phase shift 1. A change in the displacement, as a the product of the frequency and the wavelength.
function of time, of a periodic disturbance having phase windings In an alternating-current generator,
constant frequency. 2. The magnitude of a windings that deliver voltages that differ in phase.
 phasing capacitor • phonetic alphabet 527

phasing capacitor In a crystal filter, a small vari- phone jack The female mating device for a PHONE
able capacitor that constitutes one arm of a PLUG.
four-arm bridge in which the crystal is another
arm. Adjustment of this capacitor balances the
bridge, thus preventing the undesirable passage
of a signal through the capacitance of the crystal
holder.
phenol-formaldehyde plastics A family of plastic
insulating materials made with phenolic resin,
and occasionally used as dielectrics and air-core
coil forms. Some of the trade names for these ma-
terials include Bakelite, Catalin, Durez, Durite,
Formica, and Micarta.
phenolic insulants See PHENOL-FORMALDE-
HYDE PLASTICS.
phenolic resin A synthetic resin made by con-
densing phenol (carbolic acid) with formaldehyde.
phenomenon An event or circumstance that can
be verified by the senses, as opposed to one sub-
ject to theory or speculation (e.g., the phe-
nomenon of magnetic attraction).
Phillips gate A device that allows measurement of
the gas pressure in a confined chamber. A cur- phone monitor A simple device for listening to
rent is passed through the gas. The magnitude of amplitude-modulated radio transmissions to
the current, for a given gas, is a function of the test their quality. In its most rudimentary form,
gas pressure and temperature. it consists of a pickup antenna, semiconduc-
Phillips screw A screw with a pair of slots in its tor-diode detector, and high-resistance head-
head. The slots are arranged like an x. Phillips phones.
screws are available in many different sizes, as are phone patch A device for establishing a connec-
ordinary screws. The x-shaped pair of slots re- tion (patch) between radio and wire-telephone fa-
duces the tendency for the screwdriver to slip out cilities. Also see PATCH.
of the screw head as the screw is rotated. phone plug A type of plug originally designed for
Phi phenomenon The illusion of motion resulting patching telephone circuits, now widely used in
from the rapid presentation to the eye of pictures electronics and instrumentation. In its conven-
showing objects in a succession of different posi- tional form, it has a rod-shaped neck that
tions. Television and motion pictures exploit this serves as one contact, and a ball on the tip of
illusion. Also see PERSISTENCE. the neck, but insulated from it, that serves as
pH meter An instrument used to measure the the other contact. Typical diameters are 1⁄8 inch
acidity or alkalinity of solutions. Also see PH, 1. and 1⁄4 inch.
phon A unit of apparent change in loudness dis-
cerned by a listener. Unlike the decibel, the phon
includes compensation for the ear’s nonlinear re-
sponse to attendant frequency changes. At a fre-
quency of 1 kHz, a change in loudness of 1 phon
is the equivalent of 1 decibel.
phone 1. Telephone (wire or radio). 2. To establish
communication via telephone. 3. Colloquialism
for voice communication (radiotelephone), partic-
ularly via amateur-radio single sideband on the
high-frequency bands (160 through 10 meters).
4. A minimal, unique speech sound. Also called
SOUND UNIT.
phoneme An individual sound or syllable in the phone test set An instrument for checking the
human voice, with a characteristic amplitude-vs. performance of a radiotelephone transmitter. The
frequency spectral pattern. It is important in set combines the functions of field-strength me-
speech recognition and speech synthesis. Com- ter, modulation indicator, and aural monitor.
puters can be programmed to identify and tran- Sometimes it includes a volt-ohm-milliammeter
scribe these sounds; computers can also be for troubleshooting the transmitter.
programmed to generate the sounds from text phonetic alphabet Words whose initial letters are
data. used to identify the letters of the alphabet for
528 phonetic alphabet • phosphor copper

which they stand. These words are spoken in ra- ties cause vibration in a PHONO CARTRIDGE as
diotelephony to identify letters that, if spoken by the turntable rotates.
themselves, might not be clearly heard. phonograph oscillator See PHONO OSCILLATOR.
phono jack Also called RCA jack. A jack similar to
Phonetic alphabet a PHONE JACK, designed especially for the quick
Phonetic connection and disconnection of coaxial cables
(Capitals indicate used with audio and low-frequency devices.
Letter emphasis) phonon A unit of energy resulting from vibration,
A AL-fa as of a piezoelectric crystal.
B BRAH-vo phono oscillator A small radio-frequency (RF) os-
C CHAR-lie cillator modulated by the audio-frequency (AF)
D DEL-ta voltage from a phonograph. The modulated RF
E ECK-o signal is picked up by a remote radio receiver
F FOX-trot (usually in the same room), and the sound is re-
G GOLF produced through a loudspeaker connected to
H ho-TEL the receiver.
I IN-dia phono plug Also called RCA plug. A plug similar to
J Ju-li-ETTE a PHONE PLUG, designed especially for the quick
K KEE-low connection and disconnection of coaxial cables
L LEE-ma used with audio and low-frequency devices.
M Mike
N No-VEM-ber
O OS-car
P pa-PA
Q Que-BECK
R ROW-me-oh
S see-AIR-ah
T TANG-go
U YOU-ni-form phono plug
V VIC-tor
W WHIS-key
phonoreception The hearing of high-frequency
X X-ray
sounds.
Y YANK-key
phonorecord A PHONOGRAPH disc.
Z ZOO-loo
phonoselectroscope A special type of stethoscope,
phonetic alphabet code word In radio and wire in which the main heartbeat is attenuated. This
telephony, a word chosen for its easy recognition makes abnormal sounds more audible. The de-
by ear to identify the letter of the alphabet with vice can be adjusted in various ways to listen for
which it begins. For example: Golf for G, Juliet for abnormalities characteristic of various heart dis-
J, X-ray for X. eases.
phonics See ACOUSTICS, 1. phosphor A substance that glows when an elec-
phonocardiogram The record made by a PHONO- tron beam strikes it. Such a substance is used as
CARDIOGRAPH. a coating on the screens of cathode-ray tubes.
phonocardiograph An instrument that makes a See also BEAT ZINC SILICATE; CADMIUM
graphic record of heart sounds. BORATE, SILICATE, and TUNGSTATE; CAL-
phono cartridge The vibration-to-electricity trans- CIUM PHOSPHATE, SILICATE, and TUNG-
ducer (pickup) of a phonograph; it is actuated by STATE; MAGNESIUM FLUORIDE, SILICATE, and
the stylus (needle). Common types are ceramic, TUNGSTATE; ZINC ALUMINATE; ZINC BERYL-
variable-inductance, and variable-reluctance. See LIUM SILICATE; ZINC BERYLLIUM ZIRCONIUM
PHONOGRAPH and PHONOGRAPH DISC. SILICATE; ZINC BORATE; ZINC CADMIUM SUL-
phonocatheter A microphone that can be inserted FIDE; ZINC GERMANATE; ZINC MAGNESIUM
into the body for the purpose of listening to the FLUORIDE; ZINC ORTHOSILICATE; ZINC OX-
functions of internal organs. IDE; ZINC SILICATE; and ZINC SULFIDE.
phonograph A device for reproducing sound phosphor bronze A form of bronze whose elastic-
recorded on disc. It consists of a turntable, an ity, hardness, and toughness have been greatly
amplifier, and one or more speakers. improved by the addition of phosphorus. The
phonograph cartridge See PHONO CARTRIDGE. metal is used for brushes, springs, switch blades,
phonograph disc A thin, lightweight disc, usually and contacts.
made of vinyl or similar plastic, on which audio- phosphor copper An alloy of copper and phospho-
frequency signals are recorded as irregularities in rus used in the manufacture of PHOSPHOR
a spiral groove. In reproduction, these irregulari- BRONZE.
 phosphorescence • photoelectric efficiency 529

phosphorescence The property of some materials photoconductor 1. See PHOTOCONDUCTIVE MA-

that ordinarily fluoresce to continue to glow after TERIAL. 2. See PHOTOCONDUCTIVE CELL.
the stimulus (light or an electron beam) has been photocurrent See PHOTOELECTRIC CURRENT.
removed. Compare FLUORESCENCE. photo-Darlington Also, photodarlington. 1. A pho-
phosphorescent screen A viewing screen coated totransistor fabricated as a Darlington amplifier
with a phosphor (e.g., oscilloscope screen). for high output current. 2. A combination of pho-
phosphorous Exhibiting the properties of phos- todiode (see LIGHT-SENSITIVE DIODE) and Dar-
phor (e.g., glowing after stimulation with light). lington amplifier.
Not to be confused with PHOSPHORUS. photodecomposition Chemical breakdown by the
phosphorus Symbol, P. A nonmetallic element of action of radiant energy. Also called photolysis.
the nitrogen family. Atomic number, 15. Atomic photodetachment The removal of an electron from
weight, 30.974. It is used as a dopant in semi- an atom or ion, resulting from the impact of a
conductor processing. PHOTON.
phot The cgs unit of illumination: The direct illu- photodetector 1. An illumination meter that uses
mination produced upon a one-centimeter- a PHOTOCELL. 2. See OPTOELECTRONIC COU-
distant surface by a uniform point source of one PLER.
international foot-candle. Equivalent to one lu- photodielectric effect The tendency for the dielec-
men per square centimeter. tric constant of a substance to change when
photocathode 1. The photomosaic of a video cam- infrared radiation, visible light, or ultraviolet
era tube. 2. The light-sensitive cathode in a pho- radiation strikes it. Different substances exhibit
totube. different degrees of this effect.
PhotoCD Trade name for an image-recording sys- photodiffusion effect See DEMBER EFFECT.
tem developed by Kodak, in which photographs photodiode See LIGHT-SENSITIVE DIODE.
can be stored on compact discs. Viewing is ac- photodisintegration In the nucleus of an atom,
complished using personal computers. disintegration resulting from PHOTON bombard-
photocell See PHOTOELECTRIC CELL. ment.
photocell amplifier An amplifier used to boost the photoelasticity The tendency for the light-
output of a photocell. With respect to the nature transmission characteristics of a substance to
of the input signal, it can be an alternating- change with externally applied forces.
current (ac) or direct-current (dc) amplifier, depend- photoelectric alarm An alarm actuated when a
ing on whether the output of the photocell is light beam impinging on a photocell is inter-
modulated dc or pure dc. rupted.
photochemical effect The phenomenon whereby photoelectric amplifier 1. An amplifier for boost-
certain substances undergo chemical change when ing the output of a photosensitive device. 2. An
exposed to light or other radiant energy. An exam- OPTOELECTRONIC COUPLER possessing gain.
ple of such a substance is the silver bromide, silver photoelectric cell A device that converts infrared,
chloride, or silver iodide on photographic film. visible-light, or ultraviolet energy into electricity
photoconductive cell A photoelectric cell, such as or electrical effects. It can function by producing
the cadmium-sulfide type, whose resistance is a voltage (see PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL, SELENIUM
proportional to the intensity of light impinging CELL, SILICON CELL, SOLAR CELL, and SUN
upon it. The photoconductive cell acts as a light- BATTERY) or by acting as a light-sensitive resis-
sensitive variable resistor in a current path. Also tor (see LIGHT-SENSITIVE DIODE, PHOTOCON-
see PHOTOCONDUCTIVE MATERIAL. DUCTIVE CELL, and SELENIUM CELL).
photoconductive effect The tendency for the elec- photoelectric constant The quantity h/e, where h
trical resistance of a substance to change when is Planck’s constant and e is the unit electron
infrared radiation, visible light, or ultraviolet ra- charge.
diation strikes it. Different substances exhibit dif- photoelectric counter A counting device (elec-
ferent degrees of this effect. tromechanical or fully electronic) that counts ob-
photoconductive material A substance that ex- jects as they interrupt a light beam impinging
hibits decreased electrical resistance when ex- upon a photocell.
posed to infrared rays, visible light, or ultraviolet. photoelectric disintegration See PHOTODISIN-
Some photoconductive substances are cadmium TEGRATION.
selenide, cadmium sulfide, germanium, lead sul- photoelectric effect The phenomenon whereby
fide, selenium, silicon, and thallous sulfide. Also temporary changes occur in the atoms of certain
see ACTINOELECTRIC EFFECT. substances under the influence of infrared, visi-
photoconductivity The phenomenon whereby the ble light, or ultraviolet radiation. Some of these
electrical resistance of certain materials (such as materials undergo a change in their electrical re-
cadmium sulfide, cadmium selenide, germanium, sistance, whereas others generate electric current
selenium, and silicon) is lowered upon exposure (see, for comparison, PHOTOCONDUCTIVE MA-
to infrared rays, visible light, or ultraviolet. Also TERIAL and PHOTOVOLTAIC MATERIAL).
see PHOTOCONDUCTIVE MATERIAL. photoelectric efficiency See QUANTUM YIELD.
530 photoelectric field-effect transistor • photographic sound recording

photoelectric field-effect transistor See

PHOTOFET.
photoelectricity Electricity produced by the ac-
RF mA
tion of light on certain materials, such as cesium,
input
selenium, and silicon. Also see PHOTOEMISSION
and PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL.
photoelectric material See PHOTOCONDUCTIVE
MATERIAL and PHOTOEMISSIVE MATERIAL.
photoelectric multiplier A device that internally photoelectric wattmeter
amplifies the current resulting from bombard-
ment by infrared, visible light, or ultraviolet radi-
ation. A PHOTOMULTIPLIER TUBE is an example sured is applied to the lamp, which glows propor-
of such a device. tionately. The light excites the cell, causing it to
photoelectric photometer An instrument that deliver a direct current proportional to the power.
uses a photoelectric device for the purpose of This current deflects a milliammeter or microam-
measuring the intensity of infrared radiation, vis- meter. The meter can be calibrated to read di-
ible light, or ultraviolet radiation. rectly in watts.
photoelectric proximity sensor A device that photoelectromotive force The electromotive force
uses a light-beam generator, a photodetector, an (voltage) produced by a photovoltaic cell.
amplifier, and a microprocessor to detect the photoelectron An electron displaced within, or
presence of nearby objects. It is useful in robot ejected from, an atom, as the result of infrared,
guidance systems. visible light, or ultraviolet radiation striking the
photoelectric pyrometer An optical pyrometer in atom.
which a photocell and appropriate filters act in- photo-emf See PHOTOELECTROMOTIVE FORCE.
stead of the human eye. photoemission The ejection of electrons from cer-
photoelectric relay A relay actuated directly by a tain materials, such as cesium, when these mate-
photocell or a photocell and amplifier. This type of rials are exposed to infrared, visible light, or
relay is the basis of some PHOTOELECTRIC ultraviolet radiation. Also see PHOTOEMISSIVE
ALARM devices. MATERIAL.
photoelectric sensor 1. See ELECTRIC EYE. photoemissive material A substance that emits
2. See PHOTOELECTRIC PROXIMITY SENSOR. electrons when exposed to infrared, visible light, or
3. See PHOTOELECTRIC CELL. ultraviolet radiation. A typical use of such a mate-
photoelectric smoke alarm An alarm that is rial is in the coating of the light-sensitive cathode
tripped by a PHOTOELECTRIC SMOKE DETEC- of a phototube. The metals cesium, potassium, ru-
TOR when the density of smoke exceeds a safe bidium, and sodium are photoemissive.
level. photofabrication 1. A method of circuit-board
photoelectric smoke control A system for making manufacturing. The etching pattern is placed
automatic adjustments to a burning process over the circuit-board material, the board is
when the smoke density exceeds a prescribed placed in a special solution, then the assembly is
level. The initial element in the system is a PHO- exposed to visible light. The light interacts with
TOELECTRIC SMOKE DETECTOR. the solution to dissolve the metal in areas ex-
photoelectric smoke detector A smoke detector posed to the light, but not in areas covered by the
in which a photocell, photodiode, phototransis- etching pattern. 2. The technique in 1, applied to
tor, or phototube is excited by a light beam pass- the manufacture of integrated circuits.
ing through the air. The cell output current photoFET A FIELD-EFFECT TRANSISTOR that ex-
decreases when smoke fills the air. This current hibits properties similar to those of a bipolar
change trips an alarm or deflects an indicating PHOTOTRANSISTOR.
meter when the density of the smoke exceeds a photoflash See ELECTRONIC FLASH, 1.
prescribed level. photoglow tube See DISCHARGE LAMP.
photoelectric tape reader A punched-tape reader photogram The permanent shadow produced by
using a photocell, photodiode, phototransistor, or an object placed between a light source and pho-
phototube to sense light passing through the tographic paper.
holes. photographic exposure meter See EXPOSURE
photoelectric transducer A photocell, photodiode, METER, 1.
phototransistor, or phototube used as a sensor. photographic recorder A graphic recorder that
photoelectric tube See PHOTOTUBE. uses a light beam, deflected by galvanometer
photoelectric wattmeter A power-measuring in- movement, that moves across photographic film
strument useful for the approximate measure- or paper to produce a trace representing a vary-
ment of radio-frequency power. It consists of an ing quantity.
incandescent lamp sharing an opaque enclosure photographic sound recording See OPTICAL
with a photovoltaic cell. The power to be mea- SOUND RECORDING.
 photograph reception • photon 531

photograph reception 1. The use of FACSIMILE to

Green
print photographs transmitted in analog form via

Yel
Relative perceived brightness for
wire or radio. 2. The use of a computer, equipped

light source of constant intensity

e
Blu

low
with a modem and graphics software, to display
and/or store photographs transmitted in digital
form via wire or radio.
photograph transmission 1. The use of FACSIM-

Ora
o
Indig
ILE to scan and send photographs in analog form

nge
via wire or radio. 2. The use of a computer,
equipped with a modem and video camera or op-
tical scanner, to digitize and send photographs
via wire or radio.

Violet

Red
photoionization The ejection of electrons from
atoms or molecules by the action of infrared, vis-
ible light, or ultraviolet radiation.
photoisolator See OPTOELECTRONIC COUPLER. 0
photojunction cell A photocell consisting of a semi- 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
conductor pn junction. The cell is useful mainly
for its photoconductivity, although infrared, visible Wavelength (nm)
light, or ultraviolet energy striking the junction
produces a small amount of photovoltaic action. photometry
photokinesis Light-induced motion, as in a RA-
DIOMETER. Light
photolithographic process A method of producing
integrated circuits and printed circuits by pho-
tographing (often at considerable reduction) an
enlarged pattern of the circuit on a suitable light-
sensitized surface of metal or semiconductor, and Photomosaic Focusing
chemically etching away unwanted portions of lens
the surface.
photolysis See PHOTODECOMPOSITION.
photomagnetic effect Light-sensitive magnetic
susceptibility in some materials.
photomap A photo taken of terrain from a high al-
titude and usually overlaid with a reference grid.
photomask In PHOTOFABRICATION, the trans-
parent film or template on which the etching pat-
tern is drawn. Incident Returned, modulated
photometer An instrument used to compare the electron electron beam
luminous intensity of two light sources. beam
photometric measurement of power See PHOTO-
ELECTRIC WATTMETER.
photometry The science of visible-light measure-
Anode
ment. The response of the human eye is used as
the basis for preferred sensors (those used with
photometric instruments, which have spectral
sensitivity curves resembling those of the eye). Electron gun
Compare RADIOMETRY. Output
photomosaic In a television camera tube, the flat
photocathode screen on which the image is pro- photomosaic
jected by the lens system and scanning electron
beam. The surface of the screen is covered with
tiny light-sensitive droplets. Also see DISSECTOR are reflected to a second plate, where they dis-
TUBE, ICONOSCOPE, and ORTHICON. lodge still more electrons. This process continues
photomultiplier tube A type of PHOTOTUBE that from deflection plate to deflection plate through
delivers high output current for a given light in- the tube. The final plate deflects the accumulated
tensity by utilizing the secondary emission of elec- electrons to the anode (collector electrode).
trons. The initial light-sensitive cathode emits photon A quantum of radiant energy whose energy
electrons; these strike a specially placed metal constant W (in joules) is equal to hf, where h is
plate with a force that dislodges more electrons. the PLANCK CONSTANT and f is the frequency in
These electrons, together with the initial emission, Hertz.
532 photoneutron • pickoff

photoneutron A neutron released by PHOTODIS- Metal

INTEGRATION. ribbing
photophone 1. A telephone-type communication
system using a modulated light beam transmitted +
between stations. 2. A process for recording
sound on motion-picture film (see OPTICAL Glass
SOUND RECORDING).
p
photorelay See PHOTOELECTRIC RELAY.
photoresistive cell See PHOTOCONDUCTIVE n
CELL. Metal base
photoresistive material See PHOTOCONDUC- −
TIVE MATERIAL.
photoresistivity See PHOTOCONDUCTIVITY.
photoresistor See PHOTOCONDUCTOR, 1, 2. 8 Saturation current

Relative current
photosensitive device A light-sensitive electronic
6
device. See, for example, PHOTOCONDUCTIVE
CELL, PHOTODIODE, PHOTOFET, PHOTOMUL-
4
TIPLIER TUBE, PHOTOTRANSISTOR, PHOTO-
TUBE, and PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL.
photosphere The luminous layer at the surface of 2
a star.
photoswitch A light-activated switch. Some photo- 0
0 2 4 6 8 10
switches contain an electromechanical relay; oth- Relative light intensity
ers, such as the light-activated silicon-controlled
switch, have no moving parts.
photovoltaic cell
phototimer An electronic timer for timing photo-
graphic processes.
phototransistor A transistor in which current photran A light-sensitive, four-layer semiconduc-
carriers emitted as a result of illumination con- tor device, used for switching purposes.
stitute an input-signal current. This current is physical properties The distinguishing character-
amplified by the transistor. The output signal istics of matter, apart from its chemical proper-
delivered by the transistor, accordingly, is ties. Included are boiling point, density, ductility,
larger than the output of an equivalent photodi- elasticity, electrical conductivity, hardness, heat
ode. conductivity, index of refraction, malleability, melt-
phototube An electron tube that converts light en- ing point, specific heat, and state (solid, liquid,
ergy into electrical energy by acting as a light- gaseous, or plasma).
sensitive resistor. Characteristically, the tube physical quantity A quantity expressing the ac-
contains an illuminated cathode coated with a tual number of physical units under considera-
photoemissive material, and an anode wire situ- tion, as compared with a dimensionless number.
ated nearby. Light energy causes electrons to be Examples: 50 volts, 39 kilometers, and 30 pico-
emitted from the cathode in amounts propor- farads. Compare DIMENSIONLESS QUANTITY.
tional to light intensity; the electrons are at- physics The science of energy and matter and their
tracted by the anode, which is connected interactions. Physics is subdivided into several
externally to a positive direct-current voltage. fields, including mechanics, thermodynamics,
photovoltaic cell Also called solar cell. A semi- acoustics, optics, and electricity/magnetism.
conductor diode, usually made from silicon, that Many subdivisions are within the traditional
converts visible light, infrared, and/or ultraviolet fields.
directly into electric current. The device consists Pi Symbol for INPUT POWER.
of a flat P-N junction; the assembly is transparent picket fencing An effect often observed at very-
so that radiant energy can fall directly on the P- high frequencies (VHF) and ultra-high frequen-
type silicon. Metal ribbing, forming the positive cies (UHF), in which movement of the trans-
electrode, is interconnected with tiny wires. The mitting station antenna, the receiving station
negative electrode is a metal backing, placed in antenna, or both antennas causes rapid fading.
contact with the N-type material. The component The fading is the result of phase effects between
produces about 0.5 to 0.6 volts in direct sunlight the direct wave and indirect wave(s). These effects
under no-load conditions. are most pronounced with vertically polarized
photovoltaic material A substance that generates antennas.
a voltage when exposed to light. The principal PIA Abbreviation of PERIPHERAL INTERFACE
substances exhibiting this effect are silicon, sele- ADAPTER.
nium, and germanium. Also see ACTINOELEC- pickoff 1. To monitor a voltage, current, or other
TRIC EFFECT. characteristic in an active circuit, without dis-
 pickoff • Pierce oscillator 533

turbing the operation of the circuit. 2. A device for picture element See PIXEL.
electronically monitoring linear or angular dis- picture information In a television signal, the
placement. variable-amplitude component (i.e., the one car-
pickup 1. A device that serves as a sensor of a sig- rying energy corresponding to the picture ele-
nal or quantity. This covers a wide variety of ments) that fills the space between blanking
items, including temperature sensors, vibration pulses.
detectors, microphones, phonograph pickups, etc. picture-in-picture Abbreviation, PIP. In some tele-
2. Collectively, energy or information that is re- vision receivers, a feature that allows simultane-
ceived (e.g., sound pickup). ous viewing of two programs. One program
pickup arm The pivoted arm that holds the car- occupies the full screen, and another program
tridge and stylus of a phonograph. appears in a small portion of the screen.
pickup cartridge See PHONO CARTRIDGE. picture reception 1. See PHOTOGRAPH RECEP-
pickup current 1. The current required to close a TION. 2. The reception of television signals.
relay. 2. Current flowing through, or generated picture transmission 1. See PHOTOGRAPH
by, a pickup. TRANSMISSION. 2. The transmission or broad-
pickup pattern The directional pattern of a micro- casting of television signals.
phone or other transducer that converts acoustic picture tube The cathode-ray tube used in a tele-
energy into electrical signals. vision receiver to display the image. Also called
pickup voltage 1. The voltage required to close a KINESCOPE.
relay or circuit breaker. 2. The voltage delivered
by a pickup.
pico- 1. Abbreviation, p. A prefix meaning 10–12. Housing
− + Grids
2. A prefix meaning extremely small.
picoammeter A usually direct-reading instrument
used to measure current in the picoampere Phosphor
range. Also see CURRENT METER. screen
picoampere Abbreviation, pA. A small unit of cur-
rent equal to 10–12 ampere. Electron
picocoulomb Abbreviation, pC. A small unit of gun
electrical quantity equal to 10–12 coulomb.
picocurie Abbreviation, pCi. A small unit of ra-
dioactivity equal to 10–12 curie. Signal Deflecting
picofarad Abbreviation, pF. A small unit of capaci- input plates
tance equal to 10–12 farad. or
picohenry Abbreviation, pH. A small unit of induc- coils
tance equal to 10–12 henry.
picosecond Abbreviation, ps or psec. A small unit picture tube
of time equal to 10–12 second.
pi coupler See COLLINS COUPLER.
picovolt Abbreviation, pV. A small unit of voltage pie chart See CIRCLE GRAPH.
equal to 10–12 volt. Pierce oscillator A simple crystal oscillator in
picovoltmeter A usually direct-reading electronic which the crystal is connected directly between
instrument used to measure electromotive force the input and output terminals of the active de-
in the picovolt range. vice (usually a bipolar or field-effect transistor). A
picowatt Abbreviation, pW. A small unit of power tuned inductance-capacitance (LC) circuit might
equal to 10–12 watt. be included, but is not required.
pictorial See PICTORIAL WIRING DIAGRAM.
pictorial diagram See PICTORIAL WIRING DIA- Y1
GRAM.
pictorial wiring diagram A wiring diagram in the RF
output
form of a drawing or photograph of the compo-
nents, as opposed to one of circuit symbols. The RFC
components are shown in their positions in the
finished equipment, and the wiring as lines run-
ning between them. B+
picture black In facsimile or television, the signal
condition resulting from the scanning of a black B−
portion of the image.
picture detector See VIDEO DETECTOR.
picture diagram See PICTORIAL WIRING DIA-
GRAM. Pierce oscillator
534 pie winding • pinch roller

pie winding A method of coil winding in which two

or more separate, multilayer coils are connected
in series and placed along a common axis. It is Input Output
sometimes used in radio-frequency chokes to
minimize capacitance among the windings.
piezo- A prefix meaning pressure (see PRESSURE,
2).
piezodielectric A substance that, when stretched
or compressed, exhibits a change in dielectric Input Output
constant.
piezoelectric accelerometer An accelerometer
using a piezoelectric crystal, whose voltage out-
put is proportional to acceleration. pi filters
piezoelectric ceramic A ceramic material that de-
livers a voltage when deformed, or that changes
in shape when a voltage is applied to it. 2. Descriptive of a device containing a long lead
piezoelectric crystal A crystal (such as quartz, or leads, and usually mounted by such leads.
Rochelle salt, tourmaline, or various synthetics) pile 1. See VOLTAIC PILE. 2. See NUCLEAR REAC-
that delivers a voltage when mechanical force is TOR. 3. A battery of electrochemical cells. 4. Any
applied between its faces, or that changes its packed group of particles or granules.
shape when a voltage is applied between its faces. pillow speaker A small, flat loudspeaker intended
piezoelectric earphone See CRYSTAL EAR- for use under a pillow.
PHONE. PILOT Acronym for programmed inquiry learning or
piezoelectric filter See CRYSTAL FILTER and teaching. A straightforward high-level computer
CRYSTAL RESONATOR. programming language, used in computer-
piezoelectricity Electricity produced by deforming assisted instruction (CAI).
(squeezing, stretching, bending, or twisting) cer- pilot lamp See PILOT LIGHT.
tain crystals, such as those of quartz, Rochelle pilot light A usually small, incandescent or neon
salt, or tourmaline. lamp. When glowing, it serves as a signal that a
piezoelectric loudspeaker See CRYSTAL LOUD- piece of equipment is in operation.
SPEAKER. pilot model A preliminary model of a circuit or de-
piezoelectric microphone See CERAMIC MICRO- vice constructed primarily to test the efficacy of a
PHONE and CRYSTAL MICROPHONE. production process. The pilot model usually fol-
piezoelectric oscillator See CRYSTAL OSCILLA- lows the PROTOTYPE.
TOR. pilot production The often small-scale production
piezoelectric pickup See CRYSTAL PICKUP. of a device in a special assembly line apart from
piezoelectric resonator See CRYSTAL FILTER the main line in a factory.
and CRYSTAL RESONATOR. pilot regulator A variable-gain circuit that main-
piezoelectric sensor See CRYSTAL TRANS- tains a constant output—even if the input ampli-
DUCER. tude changes.
piezoelectric transducer See CRYSTAL TRANS- PIM Abbreviation of PULSE-INTERVAL MODULA-
DUCER. TION.
piezoid A complete piezoelectric crystal device. pi mode In a vane-anode magnetron, the mode of
piezoresistance In certain substances, the ten- operation in which adjacent vanes have radio-
dency of the resistance to change with stretching frequency voltages of opposite polarity.
or compression. pin 1. A semiconductor junction consisting of a
piezo tweeter A tweeter of the piezoelectric type layer of instrinsic semiconductor material situ-
(see CRYSTAL LOUDSPEAKER). ated between n and p layers. 2. A slender,
pi filter An unbalanced filter section having one straight, stiff prong used as a terminal or locking
series arm and two shunt arms; its schematic device (see, for example, BASE PIN and BAYONET
representation has the general shape of the up- BASE).
percase Greek letter pi. pinchoff In a junction field-effect transistor, the
piggyback component See OUTBOARD COMPO- condition in which the gate voltage causes the
NENT. two depletion regions to meet and close the chan-
piggyback control See CASCADE CONTROL. nel to obstruct drain-current flow.
piggyback tuner A separate ultra-high-frequency pinchoff voltage In a junction field-effect transis-
(UHF) television tuner operated in conjunction tor, the lowest value of gate voltage that will pro-
with the very-high-frequency (VHF) tuner of the duce pinchoff.
receiver. pinch roller In a tape recorder, a rubber-tired, ro-
pigtail 1. A usually long and sometimes flexible tating cylinder that helps to pull the tape past the
lead, such as the pigtail of a fixed capacitor. recording and/or playback heads.
 pincushion • pitch 535

pincushion A type of television picture distortion

in which each side of the raster sags toward cen-
ter screen. Also see ANTIPINCUSHIONING MAG-
Input Output
NETS.
pincushion-correction generator A circuit for
generating a deflection signal to correct pincush-
ion distortion (see PINCUSHION). One form con-
sists of a parabola generator and op-amp-type
differentiator. pi pad
pin diode A silicon junction diode having a lightly
doped intrinsic layer serving as a dielectric bar-
rier between p and n layers. system. The bridge is balanced before evacuation
pi network See COLLINS COUPLER. starts. As evacuation progresses, the heat re-
ping An acoustic pulse; it can be audible sound or moved from the filament becomes proportional to
ultrasound. the pressure in the system, and the resistance of
pinhole 1. A tiny hole present as a defect in a film the filament changes accordingly. The bridge is
of dielectric, semiconductor, or metal. 2. A tiny then rebalanced, and the difference between ini-
aperture that acts as a universal lens by permit- tial and subsequent null conditions indicate the
ting the passage of a very small bundle of light extent of the vacuum when the bridge has been
rays. The smaller the aperture, the greater the appropriately calibrated.
depth of field. pi section An unbalanced filter or tuner section
pinhole detector An electronic device for finding whose schematic representation has the general
pinholes in materials. Also see PINHOLE, 1. shape of the uppercase Greek letter pi.
pin jack A jack into which a pin plug is inserted for pi-section coupling Use of a PI SECTION for cou-
quick connection. pling a radio transmitter to an antenna. Also see
pink noise Acoustical noise whose amplitude is COLLINS COUPLER and PI-SECTION TANK.
inversely proportional to the frequency within a pi-section filter A pi section used as either a low-
limited frequency spectrum. In the extreme, it pass or high-pass filter, depending on the posi-
creates a hissing sound. Compare WHITE tion of the capacitors in the circuit.
NOISE. pi-section tank A pi section used as the collector,
pinout A diagram of an integrated circuit depicting drain, or plate tank circuit of a radio-frequency
the locations of the pins for various functions. It power amplifier, and also serving as an antenna
generally takes the form of a rectangle for the cir- coupler.
cuit itself, and short lines for the pins with desig- piston 1. The movable element (cone) of a loud-
nators printed next to the lines. speaker. 2. The movable, solid plunger of a trim-
pin plug A plug consisting of a slender metal pin mer capacitor that consists of a plug within a
inserted between the blades of a PIN JACK for a cylinder.
quick connection. The plug usually has a small piston directivity Directivity of sound emitted by
insulated back for convenient handling. the piston of a loudspeaker (see PISTON, 1). As
pin straightener A device for straightening the the frequency of the audio signal increases, radi-
pins of a transistor, integrated circuit, or other ation from a loudspeaker tends to be concen-
electronic component. trated along the axis of the piston.
pin switch A switch that changes state when a pit 1. A microscopic depression in a compact disc;
small pin is pushed or pulled. scatters and/or absorbs light from the laser,
pin-usage factor For an integrated circuit, the rather than reflecting it. Compare LAND, 1. 2. In
number of gate equivalents per package pin. Also a printed-circuit board, a pockmark in a compo-
see GATE EQUIVALENT. nent or foil run. 3. A pockmark in a metallic sub-
PIO Abbreviation of parallel input/output. stance, resulting from corrosion.
pion A subatomic particle consisting of one quark pitch 1. The frequency of a sound, either in gen-
and one antiquark. eral terms (e.g., low, midrange, and high) or as a
PIP Abbreviation of PICTURE-IN-PICTURE. specific quantity (e.g., 2450 Hz). 2. The distance
pip See BLIP. between the peaks of adjacent grooves on a
pi pad A resistance-type attenuator having a series phonograph disc. 3. The distance between adja-
arm, a shunt input arm, and shunt output arm; cent threads of a screw. 4. The distance between
its name is derived from its resemblance to the centers of turns in a coil (see PITCH OF WIND-
Greek letter pi. Also see PAD. ING) 5. The number of teeth or threads per unit
pipe radiator A waveguide having an open end length. 6. The distance along its axis a propeller
from which microwave energy is radiated. moves in a revolution. 7. Up-and-down motion of
Pirani gauge A type of vacuum gauge in which a a robot end effector or other electromechanical
heated filament, composing one arm of a four- device. 8. The extent or range of movement, as
arm resistance bridge, is sealed into the vacuum defined in 7.
536 pitch of winding • plasma diode

pitch of winding In a coil, the distance from the Base

Collector Emitter
center of one turn to the center of the adjacent
Oxide
turn in a single layer of winding.
film
PIV Abbreviation of PEAK INVERSE VOLTAGE.
pivot The sometimes jeweled, stationary member
of the bearing in an analog meter movement.
pi-wound choke A choke coil consisting of several n
series-connected sections, mounted on a single
core and separated to reduce internal capaci- p
tance. n
pix Abbreviation of PICTURE.
pixel Contraction of picture element. The smallest
bit of data in a video image. Also called pel. The planar transistor
smaller the size of the pixels in an image, the
greater the resolution for a given image area.
pixel aspect ratio In a video image, the ratio of plane of polarization The plane containing the di-
PIXEL height to pixel width. rection of propagation and the electric field vector
pix tube See PICTURE TUBE. of a plane-polarized wave (see POLARIZATION, 3
PL Abbreviation for PRIVATE LINE. and POLARIZED LIGHT).
place effect An apparent change in the perceived plane-polarized light See POLARIZATION, 3 and
pitch of a sound, caused by variations in the way POLARIZED LIGHT.
the waves interact inside the human ear. plane-reflector antenna A directive antenna in
planar diffusion In the production of a semicon- which the reflector is a sheet of metal or a metal
ductor device, the diffusion of all the elements screen. In a corner-reflector antenna, the reflec-
into one face of a wafer. Consequently, connec- tor is a folded sheet, or two sheets joined along
tions to the elements all lie in one plane. Also see one edge.
EPITAXIAL PLANAR TRANSISTOR and PLANAR planetary electron See ORBITAL ELECTRON.
TRANSISTOR. planimeter A mechanical instrument for measur-
planar diode A semiconductor diode, having a pn ing the area of a closed figure. The outline of the
junction that lies entirely within a single plane. figure is traced with the pointer of the device, and
planar epitaxial passivated diode A junction the area is read from a pair of dials. In this appli-
diode that, like the planar epitaxial transistor, cation, the planimeter does the work of integral
has been manufactured by planar diffusion, then calculus.
passivated to protect the junction. Also see EPI- PLANNER A high-level computer programming
TAXIAL GROWTH, EPITAXY, PASSIVATION, and language sometimes used in artificial intelli-
PLANAR DIFFUSION. gence. It is a “goal-oriented” language in that it
PL/1 A computer programming language that is a seeks a solution to a problem using various
hybrid of scientific and commercial types (like AL- schemes, as necessary.
GOL and COBOL), the combined features be- plan position indicator Abbreviation, PPI. A radar
ing powerful problem-solving and mass-data- display on whose screen small spots of light re-
handling abilities. construct the scanned vicinity, revealing objects,
planar epitaxial passivated transistor A planar such as buildings, boats, aircraft, etc. The dis-
epitaxial transistor that has been passivated to tance from the center of the screen to a spot de-
protect the exposed junctions. Also see EPITAX- picts the range of an object, and the radial angle
IAL PLANAR TRANSISTOR, PLANAR TRANSIS- reveals its bearing.
TOR, EPITAXIAL TRANSISTOR, PASSIVATION, plant In computer operations, to put the result of
and PLANAR TRANSISTOR. an operation specified by a routine in a storage
planar transistor A transistor in which the emit- location from which it will be taken for implemen-
ter, base, and collector elements terminate on the tation of an instruction further on in the pro-
same face (plane) of the silicon wafer. A thin film gram.
of silicon dioxide is grown on top of the wafer to plaque resistor A flat, noninductive, power resis-
insulate the exposed junctions after the leads tor, often used as a dummy load during high-
have been attached (i.e., the transistor is passi- frequency power measurements.
vated). plasma A usually high-temperature gas that is so
Planck constant Symbol, h. Unit, joule-second. highly ionized that it is electrically conductive
The constant of proportionality in the fundamen- and susceptible to magnetic fields; it is recog-
tal law of the quantum theory, stating that nized as one of the states of matter. Also see
radiant energy is composed of quanta propor- PHYSICAL PROPERTIES.
tional to the frequency of the radiation; h = q/f = plasma diode A diode in which a plasma sub-
6.62608 × 10–34 J•s, where q is the value of the stance produces conduction in one direction, but
quantum and f is the frequency in Hz. not in the other.
 plasma length • plated magnetic wire 537

plasma length See DEBYE LENGTH. y

plasma oscillation In a plasma, a form of electric-
field oscillation of the rapidly moving electrons. Plateau

{
plasma torch A torch, used for such high-heat ap-
plications as melting metal, in which a gas is
heated by electricity to the high temperature at
which it becomes a plasma.
plasmatron A form of amplifier tube sometimes
used at ultra-high and microwave frequencies. It
is similar to a thyratron. An inert gas is excited
until it becomes a plasma, producing amplifica-
tion under certain operating conditions. y = f (x)
Plastacele See CELLULOSE ACETATE.
plastic A synthetic material usually made from
various organic compounds through polymeriza-
tion (see POLYMERIZE). Plastics can be molded
into solid shapes and are available as films. Ex-
amples: celluloid, cellulose acetate, cellulose ni-
trate, polyethylene, and polystyrene. Also see x
THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL and THERMOSET-
TING MATERIAL. plateau
plastic-film capacitor A capacitor made using
polyester, polyethylene, or polystyrene. The
method of manufacture is similar to that for pa- plate capacitance See PLATE-CATHODE CAPACI-
per capacitors when the plastic is flexible. Stack- TANCE.
ing methods can be used if the plastic is more plate-cathode capacitance Symbol, CPK. Unit, pF.
rigid. The geometries can vary, and these capaci- The internal capacitance between the plate and
tors are therefore found in several different cathode of an electron tube. Also called OUTPUT
shapes. Capacitance values for plastic-film units CAPACITANCE.
range from about 50 pF to several tens of micro- plate characteristic For an electron tube, the fam-
farads. Most often they are in the range of 0.001 μF ily of plate current-vs-plate voltage curves for var-
to 10 μF. Plastic-film capacitors are employed in ious grid-bias voltages.
audio equipment, and also in wireless transmit- plate circuit The external circuit associated with
ters and receivers. The efficiency is good, al- the plate of an electron tube.
though not as high as that for mica-dielectric plate-circuit relay A direct-current relay operated
units. Compare CERAMIC CAPACITOR, ELEC- in series with the plate of an electron tube.
TROLYTIC CAPACITOR, MICA CAPACITOR, PA- plate conductance Symbol, gP. Unit, siemens.
PER CAPACITOR, TANTALUM CAPACITOR. Conductance of the internal plate circuit of an
plasticizer A substance added to a plastic to make electron tube. The value of static gP is equal to the
it softer or more flexible. plate current divided by the plate voltage (IP/EP).
plastic-leaded chip carrier Abbreviated PLCC. A The value of dynamic gP is equal to the derivative
surface-mounted package for an integrated cir- of the static gP: dIP/dEP. Plate conductance is the
cuit. It is small in size and has high electrical and reciprocal of PLATE RESISTANCE.
mechanical reliability. plate current Symbol, IP. Direct current flowing in
plate 1. The anode of an electron tube. 2. One of the plate circuit of an electron tube.
the electrodes of a primary or secondary battery plate-current shift A change in the plate current
cell. 3. One of the electrodes of a capacitor. of a radio-frequency power amplifier during am-
plateau In a response curve, a region in which an plitude modulation. The action discloses faulty
increase in the independent variable produces no operation because the average plate current
further change in the dependent variable. Exam- should remain constant during modulation.
ple: the saturation region in a common-base plate dissipation Abbreviation, PD. Unit, watt.
transistor collector-current curve. Power expended in the plate of an electron tube.
plate blocking capacitor A capacitor connected For an unloaded tube, PD = EPIP, where EP is the
between the plate of an electron tube and the direct-current (dc) plate voltage in volts, and IP is
plate tank. It allows the direct-current supply the dc plate current in amperes. For a loaded
voltage to be applied directly to the plate without tube, PD = Po – Pi, where Po is the alternating-
it passing through the tank coil, while at the current (ac) power output of an amplifier or
same time preventing the tank coil from short- oscillator in which the tube operates, and Pi is the
circuiting the plate power supply. The capacitor dc plate power input.
freely transmits alternating-current signal energy plated magnetic wire A wire with a ferromagnetic
to the tank. outer coating on a core that is not magnetic.
538 plated-wire memory • plate-type capacitor

plated-wire memory See WIRE MEMORY. plate-screen modulation A method of AMPLI-

plate-grid capacitance Symbol, CPG or CGP. Unit, TUDE MODULATION in which the modulating
pF. The internal capacitance between the plate voltage is superimposed simultaneously on the
and control grid of an electron tube. Also called direct-current plate and screen voltages of a
INTERELECTRODE CAPACITANCE and FEED- higher-frequency amplifier or oscillator.
BACK CAPACITANCE. plate series compensation In an audio amplifier,
plate load The power-consuming load into which the use of a plate decoupling circuit to obtain a
the plate circuit of an electron tube operates. In fixed amount of bass boost.
an intermediate stage of a multistage amplifier, plate shunt compensation The addition of a net-
this load is the grid circuit of the following tube. work to the plate-output circuit of a tube to boost
plate load impedance Symbol, ZLP. Unit, ohm. In a the bass response of an amplifier.
tube circuit, the (output) impedance that is ac- plate spacing 1. The distance between plates in a
connected between the plate and ground, or dc- fixed capacitor. This dimension is usually the
connected between the plate electrode and dc same as dielectric thickness. 2. The distance be-
plate power supply. tween plates in a variable capacitor. Also called
plate meter A direct-current ammeter or mil- capacitor air gap.
liammeter that indicates the plate current of an
electron tube. Plate
plate modulation A method of AMPLITUDE MOD-
ULATION in which a modulating voltage is super-
imposed on the direct-current plate voltage of a
higher-frequency amplifier or oscillator.
platen The “roller” in a teletypewriter or impact Plate
printer. It supports the paper against impact by spacing Dielectric
the print head; it also helps to move the paper
through the machine.
plate-neutralized amplifier A vacuum-tube radio-
frequency power amplifier in which a neutralizing
capacitor is connected between the control grid Plate
and the free end of a center-tapped plate-tank
coil.
plate power Symbol, PP. Unit, watt. Power in the
plate circuit of an electron tube; PP = EPIP, where
EP is the plate voltage in volts and IP is the plate
current in amperes. plate spacing, 1
plate power input See PLATE POWER.
plate power output The output signal power deliv- plate supply voltage Symbol, EBB. The output volt-
ered by the plate circuit of an electron tube. Com- age of a plate power supply.
pare PLATE POWER INPUT. plate tank A resonant inductance-capacitance
plate power supply The (usually direct current) (LC) circuit operated from the plate of an electron
power supply that furnishes energy to the plate of tube.
an electron tube. plate tank capacitance The capacitance required
plate pulse modulation A method of obtaining to tune a PLATE TANK to resonance.
pulse modulation by injecting high-voltage pulses plate tank inductance The inductance of the coil
into the plate circuit of a vacuum-tube amplifier. in a PLATE TANK.
plate relay A relay operated in series with the plate plate tank Q Figure of merit (see Q) of a plate tank,
of an electron tube. a function of the load resistance and the tank in-
plate resistance Symbol, rP. Unit, ohm. Resistance ductance-to-capacitance (L/C) ratio.
of the internal plate circuit of an electron tube. plate tank voltage The audio-frequency or radio-
The static value of rP is equal to EP/IP, where EP is frequency voltage developed across the plate tank
the plate voltage in volts, and IP is the plate cur- of an electron-tube circuit.
rent in amperes. The dynamic value is dEP/dIP. plate tuning Tuning an electron-tube circuit by
plate saturation In an electron tube, the point at varying the capacitance, inductance, or both in
which, while plate voltage is increasing, the plate the plate tank.
attracts all the electrons emitted by the cathode plate tuning capacitance See PLATE TANK CA-
(i.e., the point beyond which no further signifi- PACITANCE.
cant increase in plate current results from a fur- plate tuning inductance See PLATE TANK IN-
ther increase in plate voltage). DUCTANCE.
plate-screen capacitance Symbol, CPS. Unit, pF. plate-type capacitor A capacitor having flat metal
The internal capacitance between the plate and plates, rather than concentric cylinders, a cylin-
screen grid of an electron tube. der and rod, etc.
 plate voltage • plug-in meter 539

plate voltage Symbol, EP. The direct-current volt- PLO Abbreviation of PHASE-LOCKED OSCILLA-
age applied to the plate of an electron tube. TOR.
plate winding 1. An inductor connected in series plot 1. A curve depicting the variations of one
between the plate of a vacuum tube and the pos- quantity, with respect to another. 2. To generate,
itive power-supply voltage. 2. The primary wind- print, or display a curve of the type defined in 1.
ing of a plate-circuit output transformer. plotter A machine that plots (see PLOT, 2) auto-
platiniridium A natural alloy of PLATINUM and matically, often by the direction of a computer.
IRIDIUM. PL tone encoder An audio oscillator and modula-
platinotron A form of traveling-wave vacuum tube tor that cause a subaudible-tone modulation of a
used as an amplifier at ultra-high and microwave signal for use in restricted communications sys-
frequencies. There are two output connections. tems.
platinum Symbol, Pt. A precious metallic ele- plug A usually male quick-connect device that can
ment. Atomic number, 78. Atomic weight, be inserted into a JACK to make a circuit connec-
195.08. It is sometimes used for plating of relay tion, or be pulled out of the jack to break the con-
and switch contacts, and for certain parts of nection. See, for example, MALE PLUG, PHONE
vacuum tubes. PLUG, POWER PLUG, and POLARIZED POWER
platinum metals The rare metals IRIDIUM, OS- PLUG.
MIUM, PALLADIUM, PLATINUM, RHODIUM, and plug-and-jack connection A connection made by
RUTHENIUM. They do not react readily with inserting a PLUG into a JACK.
other elements. plug fuse A fuse provided with an Edison base for
platinum-tellurium thermocouple A thermocou- screwing into a socket.
ple using the junction between platinum and tel- pluggable Capable of being completely removed
lurium wires; it is used in thermocouple-type from the rest of the system without the need for
meters. removing any wiring. Pluggable components and
platter 1. One of the individual disks in a com- circuit boards simplify the servicing of electronic
puter HARD DISK drive. 2. The rotating turntable equipment.
in a PHONOGRAPH. plug-in See PLUG-IN COMPONENT and PLUG-IN
playback The reproduction of recorded material in UNIT.
audio-tape, audio-disc, video-tape, or video-disc plug-in capacitor A capacitor with pins or ferrules
systems. that can be quickly inserted into, or removed
playback computer system A personal computer from, a socket.
and associated peripherals, equipped for repro- plug-in coil A coil wound on a form having pins
ducing multimedia that has been recorded on that can be quickly inserted into, or removed
CD-ROM. from, a socket.
playback head In a magnetic recorder/reproducer, plug-in coil form An insulating form with base
the head that picks up the signal from the tape or pins that mate with socket terminals so that a
disc for reproduction. Also called read head and coil wound on the form can be quickly inserted
play head. into, or removed from, a circuit.
playback loss In disc recording, the difference (at a plug-in component A component or module, such
particular point on the disc) between the recorded as a transistor, capacitor, coil, lamp, etc., pro-
level and the reproduced level. vided with pins, clips, or contacts for easy inser-
player A semiconductor layer that is doped to pro- tion into, or removal from, a circuit. See, for
vide current carriers that are predominantly example, PLUG-IN CAPACITOR, PLUG-IN COIL,
holes. Compare N LAYER. PLUG-IN FUSE, PLUG-IN LAMP, PLUG-IN ME-
player A device or system that reproduces (plays TER, PLUG-IN RESISTOR, PLUG-IN TRANS-
back) data from a tape or disc, but cannot be FORMER, and PLUG-IN UNIT.
used to record data onto the tape or disc. plug-in fuse A cartridge fuse having a metal ferrule
play head See PLAYBACK HEAD. on each end for insertion into a matching clip for
playthrough The condition in which an amplifier easy installation and removal.
delivers a small output signal when the gain con-
trol is set to zero.
PLC Abbreviation of POWER-LINE COMMUNICA-
TION.
PLCC Abbreviation of PLASTIC-LEADED CHIP
CARRIER. plug-in fuse
plethysmograph A medical-electronic device that
allows the monitoring of the amount of blood in
different parts of the body. plug-in lamp A lamp with base pins for quick in-
PLL Abbreviation of PHASE-LOCKED LOOP. sertion into, or removal from, a socket.
PLM Abbreviation of pulse-length modulation (see plug-in meter A meter with pins or banana plugs for
PULSE-DURATION MODULATION). quick insertion into, or removal from, a circuit.
540 plug-in resistor • point defect

plug-in resistor A resistor with pins or ferrules for duplicated by merely touching two pieces of ma-
quick insertion into, or removal from, a socket. terial (one n-type and one p-type) together, how-
plug-in transformer A small transformer with pins ever smooth their mating faces.
for quick insertion into, or removal from, a pn-junction diode A diode consisting of the junc-
socket. tion between p-type and n-type regions in the
plug-in unit A unit, such as a tuned circuit, ampli- same wafer of semiconductor material.
fier, or meter, that has pins or contacts for easy PNM Abbreviation of PULSE-NUMBERS MODULA-
insertion into, or removal from, a larger piece of TION.
equipment. pnpn device See NPNP DEVICE.
plumber’s delight An antenna whose construc- pnp transistor A bipolar junction transistor in
tion, including that of the mast, is entirely of which the emitter and collector layers are p-type
metal rods or tubing, with no insulating parts. semiconductor material, and the base layer is
Short circuits and grounds are prevented by n-type semiconductor material. Compare NPN
making all attachments and joints at points that TRANSISTOR.
are at zero voltage, with respect to the standing- Po Symbol for POLONIUM.
wave pattern. Po Symbol for OUTPUT POWER or POWER OUT-
Plumbicon A television camera tube, similar to the PUT.
VIDICON, with a lead-oxide target. It is noted for POGO Abbreviation of polar orbiting geophysical
high sensitivity. The image lag time is shorter observatory.
than in the conventional vidicon. point 1. A dot indicating the place of separation
plumbing Collectively, the waveguides, tees, el- between the integral and fractional parts of a
bows, and similar pipelike devices and fixtures number (e.g., decimal point). Also called RADIX
used in microwave setups. POINT. 2. A precisely defined location in three-
plunger-type meter A meter in which an iron or dimensional space that has theoretically zero
steel plunger is pulled into a coil by the mag- length, zero width, and zero depth (e.g., focal
netism produced by a current flowing in the coil. point). 3. The place on a graph in any number of
The plunger is attached to a pointer that moves dimensions, at which two or more curves or coor-
over the scale. dinates intersect. 4. A set of operating conditions
plutonium Symbol, Pu. A radioactive metallic ele- for a component, device, or system (e.g., cutoff
ment that is artificially produced. Atomic num- point, operating point). 5. A defined condition at
ber, 94. Atomic weight, approximately 244. which some specific physical phenomenon occurs
PM 1. Abbreviation of PERMANENT MAGNET. (e.g., melting point).
2. Abbreviation of PULSE(D) MODULATOR. point charge An electric charge imagined to oc-
3. Abbreviation of post meridian. 4. Abbreviation cupy a single point in space; thus, it has neither
of PHASE MODULATION. area nor volume.
Pm 1. Symbol for PROMETHIUM. 2. Abbreviation point contact The point at which the sharply
of PETAMETER. pointed tip of a wire or rod conductor touches a
Pm Symbol for MAXIMUM POWER. second conductor (e.g., the contact between a
PME Abbreviation of photomagnetoelectric. “cat whisker” and a semiconductor wafer).
PMG Abbreviation of PERMANENT-MAGNET GEN- point-contact diode A semiconductor diode hav-
ERATOR. ing a fine wire (“cat whisker”), whose point is in
PMM Abbreviation of PERMANENT-MAGNET permanent contact with the surface of a wafer of
MAGNETIZER. semiconductor material, such as germanium or
PMOS Abbreviation of P-CHANNEL METAL-OXIDE silicon.
SEMICONDUCTOR. point-contact junction The pn junction electro-
PMU Abbreviation of portable memory unit. formed under the point at which the “cat
PN 1. Abbreviation of POLISH NOTATION. 2. Ab- whisker” touches the semiconductor wafer in a
breviation of POSITIVE-NEGATIVE (often lower- point-contact diode or transistor.
case). point-contact transistor A transistor having two
pn Abbreviation of POSITIVE-NEGATIVE. fine wires (“cat whiskers”) that serve as the emitter
pn boundary See PN JUNCTION. and collector electrodes. The pointed tips of the
pnip transistor A junction transistor having an in- wires are nearly in contact with (a few mils apart
trinsic layer between an n-type semiconductor from) the surface of a wafer of semiconductor ma-
base and one of the p-type semiconductor layers. terial, such as germanium. The semiconductor
pneumatic computer A computer that uses fluid serves as the base electrode. This device was a pre-
logic [i.e., one in which information is stored and decessor of the JUNCTION TRANSISTOR.
transferred by the flow of a fluid (gas or liquid) point counter A Geiger counter tube in which the
and pressure variations therein]. central electrode is a pointed, fine wire. Also see
pn junction The boundary between p-type and n- PROPORTIONAL COUNTER.
type semiconductor materials in a single block or point defect 1. In a semiconductor substance or
wafer of the materials. The junction cannot be piezoelectric crystal, the absence of an atom from
 point defect • polarization 541

its place in the lattice structure. 2. The presence polar coordinates The magnitude and direction of
of an extra atom in the lattice structure. a vector in a defined plane, listed as a radius
point effect The tendency of an electrical dis- (magnitude) in combination with an angle (direc-
charge to occur more readily at a sharp point tion) between the vector and the polar axis.
than at a blunt surface (as of an electrode).
pointer A pointed blade, stiff wire, or inscribed line
on a transparent blade; it moves over a scale to (r,θ)
indicate a setting or the value of a quantity. Also
called NEEDLE.
pointer-type meter An analog meter in which a
pointer moves over a calibrated scale. θ
point impedance 1. The impedance observed at a
given point in a circuit. 2. In a transmission line,
the intensity of the electric field divided by the in-
tensity of the magnetic field at a given point.
points of saturation For a magnetic core, satura-
tion as evidenced by a leveling-off of the positive r
and negative halves of the magnetization curve. Origin: r = 0
0 2 4 6 8
point source A source from which electromagnetic
radiation emanates, and that appears as a geo- polar coordinates
metric point from a great distance.
point mode Descriptive of cathode-ray-tube dis-
play operation (in a computer system), in which polarimeter An instrument for measuring the
data is portrayed as plotted dots. amount of polarized light in a ray that is only par-
point-to-point communication Communication tially polarized.
between two stations whose location can be pre- polariscope An instrument used in the observation
cisely specified. or testing of materials under POLARIZED LIGHT.
point-to-point motion A method of robot arm polarity 1. The condition of being electrically posi-
movement in which the device can attain only tive or negative. 2. The condition of being mag-
certain positions. The coordinates of each stop- netically north or south. 3. The orientation of the
ping point are stored in the robot controller (com- positive and negative poles in a battery or power
puter) memory. supply relative to a circuit. 4. The orientation of a
point-to-point station A radio station that pro- magnetic field, relative to the surrounding envi-
vides POINT-TO-POINT COMMUNICATION. ronment.
point-to-point wiring A method of wiring an elec- polarity blanking See POLARITY INHIBIT.
tronic circuit in which wires are run directly be- polarity inhibit In some instruments, especially
tween the terminals or components, usually by those having automatic polarity, the automatic
the shortest practicable route. It is used mainly blanking of the polarity sign.
in high-voltage circuits, such as power amplifiers. polarity-sensitive relay A direct-current relay ac-
Compare CABLED WIRING. tuated only when coil current flows in one direc-
poise The cgs unit of absolute viscosity; 1 poise is tion. One of the simplest versions is a relay
the absolute viscosity of a fluid that requires a having a semiconductor diode connected in series
shearing force of 1 dyne to move a 1-sq-cm area with its coil.
of one of two parallel layers of the fluid (1 cm polarity shifter A potentiometer connected to two
apart) with a velocity of 1 cm per second, with re- direct-current sources so that a pair of output
spect to the other layer. The comparable SI unit is terminals has plus and minus polarities at one
the newton-second per meter squared (N • s/m2); extreme of potentiometer adjustment, and minus
1 poise = 0.1 N • s/m2. and plus at the other extreme. At the center of the
polar axis 1. In a crystal, the axis of rotation not range, the output voltage is zero.
perpendicular to a reflection plane. 2. The polarity switch A double-pole, double-throw
straight line connecting epicenters of electric, switch connected between a pair of direct-current
magnetic, or gravitational poles in a system. input terminals so that the polarity of a pair of
3. The axis about which the earth or another output terminals can be interchanged.
planet rotates. polarization 1. In a radio wave, the orientation of
polar coordinate conversion See POLAR COOR- the electric lines of flux, with respect to the sur-
DINATE TRANSFORMATION. rounding environment (e.g., horizontal polariza-
polar-coordinate geometry A two-dimensional tion and vertical polarization). 2. The disabling of
system for movement of industrial-robot arms. It a battery cell by the formation of insulating gas
is based on a system of POLAR COORDINATES, on one of the plates. 3. The condition in which
in which a radius and a direction angle are as- transverse waves of light are confined to a specific
signed to each point in the working plane. (e.g., horizontal or vertical) plane.
542 polarization diversity • polarizing filter

polarization diversity A form of reception in polarized plug A plug that can be inserted into a
which two separate receivers, tuned to the same socket or receptacle in only one way to ensure
signal, are connected to independent antennas. safe and foolproof operation.
One antenna is vertically polarized and the other
is horizontally polarized. The result is a reduction
in fading caused by ionospheric effects on the po-
larization of the incoming signal.
Larger pin
Both antennas is ground
Vertical at least λ/2 apart
antenna
Horizontal antenna

polarized plug

RX polarized power plug A polarized plug for connec-

tion of equipment to an alternating-current utility
power source.
polarization diversity polarized reactor A saturable reactor in which the
lines of flux produced in the three-leg core by the
coils on the two outer legs are added in the center
polarization error In the operation of a loop an- leg. Consequently, the flux can reinforce or op-
tenna (e.g., that of a direction finder), null error pose the controlling current in the coil on the
caused by waves arriving with polarization oppo- center leg, depending on the direction of the cur-
site that of the loop (thus, vertically polarized rent. Compare NONPOLARIZED REACTOR.
waves at a horizontal-plane loop, and vice versa). polarized receptacle A receptacle constructed so
polarization fading In radio reception, a form of that it can receive a plug in only one way, thus
fading that results from changes in the polariza- preventing incorrect connections.
tion of the arriving signal with respect to the re-
ceiving antenna. When the polarization of the
arriving signal coincides with that of the receiving
Larger pin
antenna, the received signal strength is maxi- socket is
mum. When the received-signal polarization is at ground
right angles to the receiving antenna, the signal
strength is minimum.
polarization modulation A method of impressing
information on a signal by changing the polariza-
tion of the radiated electromagnetic field.
polarization selectivity For a photoemissive sur-
face, the condition in which the ratio of photocur-
rents for two different angles of plane polarization
of the light incident to the surface differs from the
ratio of the corresponding amounts of light
absorbed by the surface. Also see PHOTO- polarized receptacle
EMISSION; PHOTOEMISSIVE MATERIAL; and
POLARIZATION, 3.
polarized capacitor A conventional electrolytic ca- polarized relay A relay actuated by one polarity of
pacitor, so called because one particular terminal direct current, or by one particular phase of al-
must be connected to the more positive of the two ternating current. Such a relay sometimes con-
connection points. Compare NONPOLARIZED tains an armature-centering permanent magnet.
ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR. polarized socket See POLARIZED RECEPTACLE.
polarized light Visible light waves whose electric polarized X rays X-ray waves whose electric lines
lines of flux are confined more or less to a single of flux are more or less oriented in a specific
plane. This effect can be obtained via filtering; it plane, as when they are scattered by carbon
also occurs naturally under certain conditions. blocks. See, for illustration, POLARIZATION, 3
Scattered sunlight is polarized to some extent by and POLARIZED LIGHT.
the atmosphere. Light is polarized to some extent polarizing filter A light filter that consists essen-
when it reflects from a plane surface. Also see PO- tially of microscopic heraphathite plastic plate.
LARIZING FILTER. The plate can be rotated to cause light passing
 polarizing filter • polygraph 543

through it to be polarized in any particular plane pole shoe In an electric motor, the section of the
between horizontal and vertical, depending on field pole nearest the armature.
the degree of rotation. Also see POLARIZED poles of impedance For a reactive network, the
LIGHT. frequencies at which the impedance is infinite.
polarography In chemistry, a form of qualitative or Compare ZEROS OF IMPEDANCE.
quantitative analysis utilizing IE curves obtained poles of network function The values at which a
when the voltage is gradually increased across a network function is infinite. Compare ZEROS OF
solution in ELECTROLYSIS. NETWORK FUNCTION.
polar orbit An orbit that carries a satellite over the poles of transfer function The frequencies at
geographic polar regions of the earth. This type of which a transfer function becomes infinite. Com-
orbit is oriented at, or nearly at, 90 degrees with pare ZEROS OF TRANSFER FUNCTION.
respect to the equator, and can have a period police robot A proposed robotic machine, either
ranging from about 90 minutes to several weeks autonomous or remotely controlled (teleoper-
or even months. Low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites ated), that would be used to assist in law enforce-
generally have such orbits. ment, particularly in dangerous operations.
poling The deliberate adjustment of electromag-
netic-field polarity.
Satellite Polish notation In Boolean algebra, a form of no-
orbit tation wherein the variables in a statement are
preceded by the operators.
polling In data transmission, a technique in which
channels being shared by more than one termi-
nal are tested to find one over which data is
North coming in, or to ascertain which is free for
pole
transmission.
polonium Symbol, Po. A radioactive metallic ele-
Earth ment. Atomic number, 84. Atomic weight, ap-
proximately 209.
polychromatic radiation 1. Visible-light radiation
having more than one wavelength; in particular,
covering a broad range of wavelengths. 2. Elec-
tromagnetic radiation over a broad band of wave-
lengths.
polycrystalline material A substance, such as a
semiconductor, of which even a very small
sample consists of a number of separate cry-
stals bound tightly together. Compare SINGLE-
Equator CRYSTAL MATERIAL.
polydirectional microphone See OMNIDIREC-
TIONAL MICROPHONE.
polyelectrolyte An ELECTROLYTE having high
molecular weight.
polar orbit polyester A resin made by reacting a dihydroxy al-
cohol with a dibasic acid.
polyester backing A polyester tape on the surface
polar-orbiting satellite Any satellite in a POLAR of which iron oxide is deposited to yield a mag-
ORBIT. netic recording tape.
polar planimeter See PLANIMETER. polyethylene A plastic insulating material. Dielec-
polar relay See POLARIZED RELAY. tric constant, 2.2. Dielectric strength, 585 V/mil.
polar response The horizontal-plane directional polyethylene disc A phonograph disc made of
response of an antenna or other transducer. polyethylene.
pole 1. An extremity or terminus that possesses polygonal coil A coil wound on a form having a
POLARITY. Examples: magnetic pole and electric polygonal, rather than circular cross section.
pole. 2. The movable member of a switch. 3. One Some polygonal forms have as many as 12 sides
of the frequencies at which a transfer function in cross section.
becomes infinite. polygraph An instrument for measuring and
pole face The smooth end surface of a pole piece. recording electrical signals proportional to blood
pole piece 1. A section of specially shaped iron or pressure, skin resistance, breathing rate, and
steel that is attached to a magnetic core. 2. Half other reactions that vary under emotional stress.
of a two-piece magnetic core that terminates in a Also called LIE DETECTOR. Compare PATHOME-
pole. TER.
544 polymer • position

polymer A compound that is the product of poly- polypropylene A plastic material commonly used
merization, resulting from the chemical union of as an electrical insulator. Dielectric constant,
monomers. Also see POLYMERIZE. 2.0. Dielectric strength, 600 V/mil.
polymerize To unite monomers or polymers of the polyrod antenna A tapered dielectric antenna,
same kind to form a molecule having a higher usually made of polystyrene, for directional mi-
molecular weight. crowave transmission.
polyphase In alternating-current circuits, pertain- polysilicon A polycrystalline form of silicon (see
ing to the existence or generation of two or more POLYCRYSTALLINE MATERIAL).
specific electrical phases. Compare SINGLE polystyrene A clear, colorless thermosetting-type
PHASE. plastic. It is widely used as an insulating material
polyphase antenna An antenna consisting of two in radio-frequency circuits and, to some extent,
dipole radiators mounted perpendicular to each as a dielectric film in fixed capacitors. Dielectric
other at their midpoint and excited 90 degrees constant, 2.4 to 2.9. Dielectric strength, 20 to 28
out of phase. The radiation pattern is approxi- kV/mm.
mately circular in the plane of the elements. Also polystyrene capacitor A high-Q capacitor in
called TURNSTILE ANTENNA. which the dielectric film is polystyrene.
polyvinyl chloride Abbreviation, PVC. A plastic
insulating material. Dielectric constant, 3.6 to
4.0. Dielectric strength, 800 V/mil.
90° Phase shift pool cathode In an industrial electron tube, a
cathode consisting of a pool of mercury.
pool-cathode tube An industrial electron tube us-
ing a pool cathode. Examples: excitron, ignitron,
and mercury-arc rectifier.
popcorn noise A temperature-dependent, random-
shot electrical noise. In a radio receiver or audio
circuit, this noise resembles the sound of popping
polyphase antenna corn. It occurs in some operational amplifiers.
population In statistical analysis, the total group
of items, quantities, or values under considera-
polyphase generator 1. A dynamo-type generator tion. Sometimes called universe.
of polyphase power (two-phase, three-phase, porcelain A hard, white, usually glazed ceramic
etc.). 2. See POLYPHASE OSCILLATOR. used as a dielectric and insulant. Dielectric con-
polyphase oscillator An oscillator circuit that gen- stant, 6 to 7.5. Dielectric strength, 40 to 100
erates polyphase alternating current. The circuit V/mil. Also called china.
contains separate oscillators for each phase. A porcelain capacitor A ceramic-dielectric capacitor
three-phase circuit, for example, has three sym- in which the dielectric is composed of porcelain or
metrical oscillators with matched inductance and a related substance.
capacitance values. porcelain insulator An electric insulator fabri-
polyphase power 1. The total dissipated power in cated from porcelain.
a polyphase alternating-current circuit. 2. Poly- porch See BACK PORCH and FRONT PORCH.
phase alternating current provided for utility pur- port 1. In a circuit, device, or system, a point at
poses. which energy or signals can be introduced or ex-
polyphase rectifier A rectifier of polyphase alter- tracted in a particular manner (e.g., two-port cir-
nating current generally obtained from a three- culator and I/O port). 2. An aperture in a
phase power line through a transformer. The loudspeaker enclosure.
several common circuits usually contain a diode portable-mobile station See MOBILE STATION.
for each phase. Such rectifiers offer the advan- portable station A communications station that
tage of higher ripple frequency than is obtainable can be carried from one location to another. A
by single-phase operation. For a three-phase rec- portable station differs from a mobile station in
tifier, for example, the ripple frequency is three that a portable station does not usually operate
times the line frequency; for a six-phase rectifier, while in motion, whereas a mobile station does.
it is six times the line frequency. ported reflex enclosure A loudspeaker cabinet
polyphase system An alternating-current circuit with openings that facilitate bass (low-frequency)
in which voltages or currents are normally out of sound reproduction.
phase with each other by some fixed amount. Fa- pos 1. Abbreviation of POSITIVE. 2. Abbreviation
miliar types are two-phase and three-phase. of POSITION.
polyphase transformer An alternating-current position 1. The location of a point or object with re-
transformer specifically designed for use in cir- spect to one or more (usually fixed) references.
cuits that have two or more simultaneous current 2. The setting of an adjustable device, such as a
phases. potentiometer, rotary switch, or variable capacitor.
 positional notation • positive ghost 545

positional notation A method of representing positive conductor The conductor or line con-
numbers in which the number is indicated by the nected to the positive terminal of a current,
positions and value of the component digits. The voltage, or power source. Compare NEGATIVE
decimal number system belongs in this category CONDUCTOR.
(e.g., the decimal number 1284.67 is equal to 1 × positive electricity See POSITIVE CHARGE and
103 + 2 × 102 + 8 × 101 + 4 × 100 + 6 × 10–1 + 7 × POSITIVE ELECTRIFICATION.
10–2). positive electrification Electrification character-
positional number system See POSITIONAL NO- ized by a deficiency of electrons. For example,
TATION. when a glass rod is rubbed with a silk cloth, the
positional representation See POSITIONAL NO- rod becomes positively charged because electrons
TATION. are rubbed off the glass onto the silk. Similarly,
position-control potentiometers In an oscillo- when an atom loses an electron, it becomes elec-
scope, potentiometers used to control the voltage trified positively because it has a deficiency of elec-
applied to the horizontal and vertical deflecting trons. Compare NEGATIVE ELECTRIFICATION.
plates to position the spot on the screen. Also see positive electrode 1. An electrode connected to
CENTERING CONTROL. the positive terminal of a current, voltage, or
position controls See POSITION-CONTROL PO- power source. 2. The positive terminal of a cur-
TENTIOMETERS. rent, voltage, or power source, such as a battery
position feedback In a servo or other control sys- or generator.
tem, feedback current, or voltage that is propor- positive electron See POSITRON.
tional to the position assumed by a member. positive element See POSITIVE ELECTRODE, 1.
position fixing The determination of a position positive error of measurement An error of mea-
from the intersection on a map of two lines derived surement in which the difference between a mea-
from the direction-finding pickups of two trans- sured value and the true or most probable value
mitting stations. Also see DIRECTION FINDER. is positive. Compare NEGATIVE ERROR OF MEA-
position indicator In a tape recorder, a counter SUREMENT.
whose numbered wheels revolve when the reels positive exponent A positive superscript indicat-
do, thus aiding in locating a desired spot on the ing that a number (x) is to be raised to the posi-
tape. Also called tape counter. tive nth power. Thus, in the expression xn, the
positioning circuit The circuit associated with a value of n is greater than zero. Compare NEGA-
horizontal or vertical centering control (see CEN- TIVE EXPONENT.
TERING CONTROL). positive feedback Feedback that is in phase with
position sensing 1. In robotics and navigation an input signal. Also called REGENERATION and
systems, a method of determining location, rela- REGENERATIVE FEEDBACK. Compare NEGA-
tive to the surrounding environment. 2. Any TIVE FEEDBACK.
method via which a robot can accurately deter-
mine the location(s) of its end effector(s).
position sensor An electronic circuit that detects +Vcc
Feedback
physical displacement, and transmits a signal
resistor
proportional to the displacement.
positioning control See CENTERING CONTROL.
positive 1. Possessing positive (plus) direct-
current electrical polarity. 2. Pertaining to real +
numbers greater than zero. 3. A photographic
Input
image whose shadings are the same as those in
Output
the scene.
positive angle 1. In a system of rectangular coor- −
dinates, an angle in the first or second quadrant.
2. In rectangular coordinates, an angle measured
counterclockwise from the positive x-axis.
positive feedback
Compare NEGATIVE ANGLE.
positive bias A positive voltage or current applied
continuously to an electrode of a device (as to a positive function A function having the positive
transistor base) to maintain the device’s operat- sign. In the rectangular coordinate system, the
ing point. Compare NEGATIVE BIAS. trigonometric sine function is positive in the first
positive bus See POSITIVE CONDUCTOR. and second quadrants, the cosine in the first and
positive charge An electrical charge characterized fourth, and the tangent in the first and third.
by having relatively fewer electrons than a nega- Compare NEGATIVE FUNCTION.
tive charge. Also see CHARGE, 1; ELECTRIC positive ghost In a television picture, a ghost with
CHARGE; and UNIT ELECTROSTATIC CHARGE. positive shading (see POSITIVE, 3). Also see
Compare NEGATIVE CHARGE. GHOST.
546 positive-going • positive resistor

positive-going Pertaining to a signal whose value positive number A real number, whose value is
is changing in a positive direction. This is not re- greater than zero. Compare NEGATIVE NUMBER.
stricted to signals of actual positive polarity; a positive peak The maximum amplitude of a posi-
decreasing negative voltage, for example, is tive half-cycle or positive pulse.
positive-going as it falls in the direction of zero— positive-peak clipper A peak clipper that levels off
even if it never crosses the zero line. the positive half-cycle of an alternating-current
positive grid In an electron tube, a control grid wave to a predetermined level.
whose bias or signal voltage is positive, with re- positive-peak modulation Amplitude modulation
spect to the cathode. of the positive peaks of a carrier wave.
positive-grid oscillator A microwave oscillator cir- positive-peak voltmeter An electronic voltmeter
cuit in which the control grid of a triode tube is for measuring the amplitude of the positive peak
operated at a positive direct-current potential, of an alternating-current (ac) wave. In its sim-
and the plate at a negative potential. Electrons plest form, it consists essentially of a direct-
move back and forth between cathode and plate, current (dc) microammeter with a diode oriented
through the grid, and thus give rise to an oscillat- to pass the positive half-cycle. A series capacitor
ing current. in the circuit is charged to approximately the
positive ground A direct-current electrical system peak value of the applied ac voltage. Compare
in which the positive power-supply terminal is NEGATIVE-PEAK VOLTMETER.
connected to the common ground. It is not gener-
ally used in North America.
positive half-alternation See POSITIVE HALF- Discharge
CYCLE. switch
positive half-cycle That half of an alternating- +
current cycle in which the current or voltage in- Input +
+
creases from zero to maximum positive and re- −
turns to zero. V
positive image 1. A picture in which the blacks,
whites, and grays correspond to those in the actual −
scene (see POSITIVE, 3). 2. A normal television pic-
ture (i.e., one that has the shading described in 1).
positive ion An atom that has a deficiency of elec-
trons and, consequently, exhibits a net positive positive-peak voltmeter
charge. Also called CATION.
positive lead See POSITIVE CONDUCTOR.
positive light modulation In television transmis- positive phase-sequence relay A phase-sequence
sion, the condition in which transmitted power relay that responds to the positive phase se-
increases as the light intensity increases. Com- quence in a polyphase circuit. Compare NEGA-
pare NEGATIVE LIGHT MODULATION. TIVE PHASE-SEQUENCE RELAY.
positive line See POSITIVE CONDUCTOR. positive picture modulation See POSITIVE MOD-
positive logic 1. Binary logic in which a low posi- ULATION.
tive state represents logic 0, and a high positive positive picture phase In a television signal, the
state represents logic 1. 2. Binary logic in which swinging of the picture-signal voltage from zero to
a high negative state represents logic 0, and a low positive, in response to an increase in brightness
negative state represents logic 1. Compare NEG- in the scene. Compare NEGATIVE PICTURE
ATIVE LOGIC. PHASE.
positive magnetostriction A form of MAGNE- positive plate 1. The positive member of an elec-
TOSTRICTION in which the physical size of a trochemical cell or battery. Electrons flow to this
substance is directly proportional to the intensity plate from the negative plate, through the exter-
of the surrounding magnetic field. nal circuit. 2. A vacuum-tube plate that is biased
positive measurement error See POSITIVE ER- positively, as in a conventional tube circuit.
ROR OF MEASUREMENT. positive pole See POSITIVE ELECTRODE, 1, 2.
positive modulation In amplitude-modulated positive potential 1. The voltage at a positive elec-
television transmission, the increase in transmit- trode (with respect to the negative electrode).
ted power when the brightness of the scene in- 2. Voltage greater than that at ground as a refer-
creases. Compare NEGATIVE MODULATION. ence.
positive modulation factor For an amplitude- positive power See POSITIVE EXPONENT.
modulated wave having unequal positive and positive resistance Ohmic resistance (see OHMIC
negative peaks, a ratio expressing the maximum RESPONSE). Compare NEGATIVE RESISTANCE.
positive deviation (increase) from the average positive resistor A resistor whose value does not
value of the envelope. Compare NEGATIVE MOD- change with current or voltage changes. Compare
ULATION FACTOR. NEGATIVE RESISTOR.
 positive temperature coefficient • potential energy 547

positive temperature coefficient Abbreviation, coils are connected so that they can be replaced
PTC. A number expressing the amount by which a by shorting connectors.
quantity (such as the value of a component) in- pot 1. See POTENTIOMETER. 2. See DASHPOT.
creases when temperature is increased. The coef- 3. Abbreviation of POTENTIAL. 4. To encapsulate a
ficient is stated as a percentage of the rated value circuit in a potting compound, such as epoxy resin.
per degree, or in parts per million per degree. potassium Symbol, K. A metallic element of the al-
Compare NEGATIVE TEMPERATURE COEFFI- kali-metal group. Atomic number, 19. Atomic
CIENT and ZERO TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT. weight, 39.098.
positive transmission In facsimile or television, a potassium chloride Formula, KCl. A compound
form of amplitude modulation in which the pic- used as a phosphor coating on the screen of a
ture brightness is directly proportional to the sig- nearly permanent-persistence cathode-ray tube.
nal strength at any given instant of time. The fluorescence is magenta or white, as is the
positive valence The valence of a positive ion. phosphorescence.
positron A positively charged particle having the potassium cyanide Formula, KCN. A highly toxic
same mass as that of the electron, and the same salt that is an electrolyte in some forms of elec-
magnitude of electric charge, but positive (instead troplating.
of negative). Sometimes called positive electron. potassium dihydrogen phosphate Abbreviation,
post See BINDING POST. KDP. An inorganic ferroelectric material.
post- Prefix meaning “following,” “subsequent to,” pot core A magnetic core for a coil, made of ferrite
or “behind.” or of powdered iron, consisting of a central rod, a
post-accelerating electrode In a cathode-ray surrounding potlike enclosure, and a lid. The rod
tube, the high-voltage electrode that produces passes through the center of the coil, and the pot
POST-DEFLECTION ACCELERATION of the elec- and lid completely enclose the coil. This arrange-
tron beam. Also called INTENSIFIER ELEC- ment provides a completely closed magnetic cir-
TRODE. cuit and coil shield.
postacceleration See POST-DEFLECTION ACCEL-
ERATION.
post-alloy-diffused transistor Abbreviation,
PADT. A transistor in which electrodes are dif-
fused into the semiconductor wafer after other Slot for coil
electrodes have been alloyed.
post-conversion bandwidth The bandwidth of a
signal after it has been converted from one fre-
quency to another. Slot for
post-deflection accelerating electrode See coil
POST-ACCELERATING ELECTRODE.
post-deflection acceleration In a cathode-ray
tube, the intensification of the electron beam
following beam deflection. Also see POST- Clamping
DEFLECTION CRT. bolt
post-deflection CRT An oscilloscope tube pro-
vided with a high-voltage intensifier electrode in pot core
the form of a ring encircling the inside flare of the
tube, between the deflecting plates and the
screen. The deflected electron beam is acceler- potential See ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE.
ated by this electrode. This arrangement allows potential barrier The electric field produced on
the beam to be deflected at low velocity and high each side of a semiconductor junction by minor-
sensitivity, then to be accelerated for a brighter ity carriers (i.e., by holes in the n-layer and elec-
image. trons in the p-layer) that face each other across
post edit The editing of data in a computer output. the junction, but cannot diffuse across the junc-
postemphasis See DEEMPHASIS. tion and recombine.
post-equalization 1. In sound recording and re- potential coil The shunt coil in a conventional
production, equalization during playback. Com- wattmeter.
pare PREEQUALIZATION. 2. See DEEMPHASIS. potential difference See ELECTROMOTIVE
postmortem An investigation into the cause of FORCE and VOLTAGE.
failure of a circuit, device, or system. potential divider See VOLTAGE DIVIDER.
postmortem dump At the end of a computer pro- potential drop 1. A voltage difference between two
gram run, a dump to supply information for de- points in a circuit. 2. The voltage across a resis-
bugging purposes. tor in a direct-current circuit.
post office box A type of wheatstone bridge that potential energy Energy resulting from the posi-
contains resistance coils in a special box. The tion of a body or particle (e.g., the energy stored
548 potential energy • power amplifier

in something lifted against gravity and held in its potting material A substance, such as a resin or
new position) or from the position of charges (e.g., wax, used for potting electronic gear. Also called
the energy stored in a charged capacitor). Com- potting compound.
pare KINETIC ENERGY. pound 1. Abbreviations, lb, p. A unit of weight
potential gradient See VOLTAGE GRADIENT. equal to 16 avoirdupois ounces. 2. Abbreviation,
potential profile A rectangular-coordinate display lbf. A unit of force approximately equal to 4.448
of the VOLTAGE GRADIENT across a body (e.g., newtons. 3. Abbreviation, lbm. A unit of mass ap-
the cross section of a transistor). proximately equal to 0.4536 kilogram.
potential transformer A small step-up trans- poundal A unit of force equal to approximately
former for increasing the range of an alternating- 13825.5 dynes or 0.138255 newton. One poundal
current voltmeter. is the force that, when acting for one second, will
potentiometer 1. A variable resistor used as a volt- impart a speed of one foot per second to a one-
age divider. The input voltage is applied across the pound mass.
entire resistance element and the output voltage pound-foot Abbreviation, lb-ft. A unit of torque
is taken from the wiper, relative to one end of the equal to the product of a force of one pound and
element. One end is usually grounded (at zero po- a moment arm of one foot. Compare OUNCE-
tential). 2. A null device whose operation is based INCH.
on a variable resistor, and is used for precise volt- pounds per square inch absolute Abbreviation,
age measurements. The unknown voltage is ap- psia. Absolute pressure (i.e., the sum of atmo-
plied to the input of a variable resistor whose spheric pressure and the pressure indicated by a
settings are known with great accuracy; the resis- gauge). Compare POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH
tance is adjusted for an output voltage that ex- GAUGE.
actly equals the voltage of a standard cell (as pounds per square inch gauge Abbreviation,
indicated by a null between the two voltages). The PSIG. The value of pressure indicated by a gauge,
unknown voltage is then determined from the re- without correction for atmospheric pressure.
sistance and the standard-cell voltage. Compare POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH ABSO-
potentiometer noise In a current-carrying poten- LUTE.
tiometer, electrical noise generated when the powdered-iron core A magnetic core consisting of
wiper blade rubs against the resistance element, minute particles of iron, each coated with a film
or by contact between the blade and element. to insulate it from others, molded into a solid
potentiometric recorder A type of graphic mass. Because of its low eddy-current loss, this
recorder. It consists essentially of a resistance- type of core is usable in radio-frequency trans-
calibrated potentiometer, a standard cell, and a formers and coils, where it increases the induc-
galvanometer. When an unknown voltage (Ex) is tance of the winding.
applied to the input terminals of the potentiome- power 1. Symbol, P. Unit, watt. The rate of doing
ter and the potentiometer is set for null, Ex = Es work, or producing or transmitting energy. In
(R2/R1), where Es is the voltage of the standard direct-current circuits, and in alternating-current
cell, R1 is the input resistance of the potentiome- circuits containing no reactance, power is the
ter, and R2 is the output resistance of the poten- product of the root-mean-square current and
tiometer. voltage. See, for example, AC POWER, APPARENT
Potier diagram An illustration of the phase rela- POWER, DC POWER, KILOVOLT-AMPERE,
tionship between current and voltage in an alter- POWER FACTOR, REACTIVE KILOVOLT-
nating-current circuit that contains reactance. AMPERE, REACTIVE VOLT-AMPERE, TRUE
POTS Acronym for plain old telephone service, POWER, VOLT-AMPERE, WATT, and WATTLESS
meaning basic service without optional features POWER. 2. The product obtained by multiplying
(such as call waiting, conference calling, call for- a quantity x by itself n times, written xn. For ex-
warding, etc.). ample, 24 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 8; here, 8 is the fourth
potted circuit A circuit embedded in plastic or power of 2. Compare ROOT, 1. 3. The exponent in
wax to protect it against the environment, and/or an expression, as defined in 2.
to minimize the effects of physical vibration (see power amplification 1. The amplification of a sig-
POTTING). nal having a certain power (wattage) to produce a
potted component An electronic part embedded signal having greater power. 2. The signal power
in a suitable plastic or wax to protect it against increase, expressed as a ratio or as a figure in
the environment, and/or to minimize the effects decibels, resulting from the process defined in 1.
of physical vibration (see POTTING). Also called POWER GAIN.
potting A process of embedding a component or power amplification ratio See POWER AMPLIFI-
circuit in a solid mass of plastic or wax held in a CATION, 2 and POWER GAIN.
container. The process is similar to encapsula- power amplifier An amplifier that delivers useful
tion, except that in potting, the container (enve- amounts of power to a load, such as one or more
lope) remains as part of the assembly. Compare speakers. Compare CURRENT AMPLIFIER and
ENCAPSULATION. VOLTAGE AMPLIFIER.
 power-amplifier device • power grid 549

power dissipation Abbreviation, PD. The power

consumed by a device during normal operation.
This power is not available in the electrical output
of the device. An example is the direct-current
power dissipated in the collector circuit of a high-
Input + Output fidelity audio amplifier.
power divider A circuit that distributes power, in a
predetermined manner, among various loads.
power drain The amount of power drawn by a de-
vice. It can be operating power or standby power.
power dump See DUMP, 2.
power equations Variations of the basic power
power amplifier equation: P = EI = E2/R = I2R, where P is the
power in watts, E is the voltage in volts, I is the
current in amperes, and R is the resistance in
ohms.
power-amplifier device A high-current tube or power factor Abbreviation, PF. In an alternating-
transistor designed especially for high power current circuit, the ratio (expressed either as a
output. Such a device does not always provide decimal or a percentage) of true power (power ac-
significant voltage amplification, but always pro- tually consumed) to apparent power (simple
vides power amplification. Compare VOLTAGE- product of voltage and current). The power factor
AMPLIFIER DEVICE. is equal to the cosine of the phase angle. Also see
power at peak torque Symbol, Pp. For a torque AC POWER.
motor, the input power in watts needed for peak power-factor balance In a capacitance bridge, a
torque at stall at a winding temperature of 25 de- separate null adjustment for the internal resis-
grees Celsius. tance component of a capacitor under measure-
power attenuation 1. A reduction of power level. ment. The dial of the variable component for this
2. See POWER LOSS. adjustment reads directly in percent power factor
power bandwidth For a high-fidelity audio ampli- in some bridges.
fier, the difference between the maximum and power-factor correction To raise the power factor
minimum frequencies at which the amplifier can of an inductive circuit by inserting a parallel ca-
produce at least 50 percent of its maximum pacitance. In power circuits, this affords im-
power output, with less than a certain amount of proved economy of operation because the current
total harmonic distortion (usually 10 percent). drain is brought more in line with that of a resis-
power blackout A situation in which all electric tive circuit.
power is lost to utility subscribers in a defined re- power-factor meter An instrument that gives di-
gion. rect readings of power factor (lead or lag). One
power consumption 1. For a direct-current de- such meter uses a dynamometer-type movement
vice, the normal operating voltage multiplied by (see ELECTRODYNAMOMETER) in which the ro-
the normal drawn current. 2. For an alternating- tating element consists of two coils fastened to-
current circuit, the root-mean-square voltage gether at right angles.
multiplied by the root-mean-square current. power-factor regulator A device that regulates the
power control The adjustment of the output volt- power factor of an alternating-current line.
age of a power supply, usually by means of a vari- power-factor relay An alternating-current relay
able autotransformer, silicon-controlled rectifier, actuated by a rise or fall in power factor, with re-
thyratron, or similar device. spect to a predetermined value.
power cutoff frequency Symbol, fco. The frequency power frequency 1. See POWER-LINE FRE-
at which the power gain of a transistor drops 3 dB QUENCY. 2. The frequency of an alternating-
below its low-frequency value. current generator. 3. The output frequency of a
power derating For a temperature higher than the power inverter (see INVERTER, 1).
specified ambient temperature, a deliberate re- power-frequency meter An instrument for mea-
duction of the power dissipated by a component suring power-line frequency. It can use elec-
or device. This is done to prevent failure of the tromechanical devices, or can directly count the
component or device. Also see DERATING, DER- number of alternations per second.
ATING CURVE, and DERATING FACTOR. power gain Abbreviations, PG or PGdB. The extent
power difference An expression of the power lost to which power is increased by a power amplifier.
in a circuit when power is absorbed by a dielectric It can be expressed as the ratio of power output to
material. power input as PG = Po/Pi, or in decibels as
power diode A heavy-duty diode that is usually PGdB = 10 log10(Po/Pi).
used in power-supply service. Also called rectifier power grid An aggregation of power-generating
diode. stations, transmission lines, and associated
550 power grid • power surge

equipment, usually extending over hundreds of power-loss factor Symbol, Fp. In interstage cou-
miles and embracing several communities, so op- pling, the ratio of available power (with the cou-
erated that individual members can deliver power pling network in place) to the available power
to the system or draw power from it, according to when the network is disconnected.
local demand. power meter See WATTMETER.
power ground The power-supply ground for a cir- power modulation factor In amplitude modulation,
cuit or system. the ratio of the peak power to the average power.
power-handling capacity 1. The amount of power power oscillator A heavy-duty oscillator delivering
that a device can dissipate, either continuously or useful power output.
intermittently, without suffering damage. 2. The power output See OUTPUT POWER.
maximum input power that can be tolerated by an power-output meter See OUTPUT POWER ME-
amplifier transistor or tube without overheating. TER.
power hyperbola For a semiconductor device or power pack An external power-line-operated unit
vacuum tube, a curve plotted from the device’s supplying alternating or direct current for the op-
current and voltage values, which provide the eration of electronic equipment.
power value when multiplied (e.g., a 2-watt curve power pentode A heavy-duty pentode vacuum tube
for the direct-current collector input of a power designed to deliver relatively high output power.
transistor). power plug A plug for insertion into a power-line
power input See INPUT POWER. outlet.
power-input control The adjustment of the output power programmer A device that adjusts radar
of a power supply by varying the alternating- output power, in accordance with the target dis-
current input to the power transformer. Usually, tance.
a variable autotransformer is operated ahead of power rating 1. The specified power required by an
the power transformer. See, for example, equipment for normal operation. 2. The specified
VARIABLE TRANSFORMER and VARIAC. power output of a generator or amplifier.
power inverter See CHOPPER POWER SUPPLY. power reactive See REACTIVE VOLT-AMPERE.
power-level indicator 1. See DB METER. 2. See power rectifier A heavy-duty semiconductor diode
OUTPUT POWER METER. used to rectify alternating current for power-
power line The line through which electrical en- supply purposes.
ergy is received by a subscriber. power relay A heavy-duty relay designed to switch
power-line communication Abbreviation, PLC. significant amounts of power. The heavy contacts
Carrier-current telephony or telegraphy over and armature require high actuating current;
power lines that are common to transmitting and this necessitates a larger coil than is used in
receiving stations. Also see WIRED WIRELESS. lighter-duty relays.
power-line filter 1. A heavy-duty radio-frequency power resistor A heavy-duty resistor (i.e., one de-
(RF) filter inserted in the power line close to a de- signed to carry large currents without overheating).
vice that generates RF energy, such as a radio power stack A selenium rectifier consisting of a
transmitter. It prevents transmission of RF en- number of rectifier plates stacked in series for
ergy via the power line. 2. An RF filter inserted in higher voltage handling.
the power line, where it enters the power supply power supply 1. A device, such as a generator or a
of a sensitive electronic device, such as a com- transformer-rectifier-filter arrangement, that pro-
puter or high-fidelity audio amplifier. It prevents duces the power needed to operate an electronic
RF energy on the power line from entering the de- equipment. 2. A reserve of available power (e.g.,
vice via the power supply. the power line, an installation of batteries, etc.).
power-line frequency The frequency of the alter- power-supply filter A low-pass filter that is used
nating current and voltage available over com- to remove the ripple from the output of a power-
mercial power lines. In the United States, it is supply rectifier. See, for example, BRUTE-FORCE
60 Hz; in some countries, it is 50 Hz. FILTER.
power-line monitor An expanded-scale alternat- power-supply rejection ratio The ratio of the out-
ing-current voltmeter for the continuous moni- put-voltage change for an amplifier, oscillator, or
toring of power-line voltage. other circuit, to the change in power-supply volt-
power-line pickup The interception of radio- age. It is determined on an instantaneous basis.
frequency energy by utility power lines acting as power-supply sensitivity In an operational ampli-
receiving antennas. This energy can enter a sensitive fier, sensitivity of the offset to variations in the
electronic device, such as a computer or a high- power-supply voltage.
fidelity audio amplifier, via the power supply. power surge 1. A momentary increase in the volt-
power loss The power dissipated in a component. age on a utility line. 2. An abnormally high volt-
It generates heat while doing no useful work. age that sometimes exists for the first several
Represents energy loss, except when the genera- milliseconds after utility power is restored follow-
tion of heat is the end purpose. ing a blackout.
 power switch • preamplifier 551

Filter power user In personal or business computing, a

chokes serious user who has extensive, up-to-date
knowledge of hardware and software.
power winding In a magnetic amplifier or sat-
+ + urable reactor, the output winding (i.e., the wind-
ing through which the controlled current flows).
Poynting vector In an electromagnetic wave, the
From Filtered vector product of instantaneous electric intensity
rectifier dc and magnetic intensity.
PP Abbreviation of peripheral processor.
− − PP 1. Symbol for PLATE POWER. 2. Symbol for
PEAK POWER.
ppb Abbreviation of parts per billion.
PPI Abbreviation of PLAN POSITION INDICATOR.
pp junction In a semiconductor wafer, the bound-
ary between two p-type regions that have some-
power-supply filter what different properties.
PPM Abbreviation of PULSE-POSITION MODULA-
power switch The switch for controlling power to a TION.
piece of equipment. Also see ON-OFF SWITCH. ppm 1. Abbreviation of parts per million. 2. Abbre-
power switching Switching operating power on viation of pulses per minute.
and off. There are two principal methods: One in- pps Abbreviation of pulses per second.
volves making and breaking the connections be- ppt Abbreviation of parts per thousand.
tween equipment and the power line; the other PPV Abbreviation of PAY PER VIEW.
involves making and breaking the output of a Pr Symbol for PRASEODYMIUM.
line-operated or battery-type power supply. practical component A circuit component consid-
power tetrode A heavy-duty tetrode vacuum ered in proper combination with the stray compo-
tube designed to deliver relatively high output nents inherent in it. Thus, a resistor has residual
power. inductance and capacitance, an inductor has
power-to-decibel conversion Abbreviation, PdB. residual capacitance and resistance. Compare
Power expressed in decibels, with respect to a ref- IDEAL COMPONENT.
erence power level. Determined by the formula practical units A set of physical/electrical units
PdB = 10 log10(Px/Pref ), where Px is the given power especially suited to a particular application. For
level and Pref is the reference power level. example, in direct-current electrical applications,
power transfer 1. The passage of power from a practical units are the AMPERE, OHM, VOLT,
generator to a load. 2. The passage of power from and WATT.
one circuit to another. praetersonics See ACOUSTOELECTRONICS;
power transfer theorem See MAXIMUM POWER ACOUSTIC DELAY LINE; SURFACE-WAVE AM-
TRANSFER THEOREM. PLIFIER; SURFACE-WAVE FILTER.
power transformer A transformer designed solely pragilbert The unit of MAGNETOMOTIVE FORCE
to supply operating power to electronic equip- in the absolute mks (Giorgi) system.
ment—either directly or through a rectifier-filter pragilbert per weber The unit of RELUCTANCE in
circuit. Because a power transformer is used at the absolute mks (Giorgi) system.
low (power-line) frequencies, its core does not re- praoersted The unit of MAGNETIZING FORCE in
quire the high-grade iron used in audio trans- the absolute mks (Giorgi) system.
formers, nor are special winding techniques praseodymium Symbol, Pr. A metallic element of
needed to reduce the leakage inductance and in- the rare-earth group. Atomic number, 59. Atomic
terwinding capacitance. weight, 140.908.
power transistor A heavy-duty transistor designed preaccelerating electrode In the electron gun of a
for power-amplifier and power-control service. cathode-ray tube, the high-voltage electrode that
power triode A heavy-duty triode vacuum tube de- provides initial acceleration to the electron beam.
signed to deliver relatively high output power. pre-alarm signal An audio and/or visual indicator
power tube A heavy-duty electron tube designed to that an alarm will sound if an area is not cleared
deliver useful amounts of power. See, for exam- within a short time. An example is a voice record-
ple, POWER PENTODE, POWER TETRODE, and ing in a car alarm system (e.g., “Stand back!”).
POWER TRIODE. preamplifier 1. A high-sensitivity, low-noise am-
power unit 1. A power supply (see POWER SUP- plifier that usually uses a high-gain field-effect
PLY, 1). 2. A unit of power measurement. See, transistor (FET) and is used to enhance the
for example, KILOWATT, MEGAWATT, MICRO- sensitivity of a radio communications receiver.
WATT, MILLIWATT, PICOWATT, and WATT. They are especially used at frequencies above
552 preamplifier • preset counter

preconduction current 1. The cutoff current in a

transistor. 2. In a thyratron, the small (anode)
Output current flowing before the tube is fired.
predetermined counter A counter programmed to
count to a desired number and stop.
predistortion See PREEMPHASIS.
pre-Dolby 1. To record a tape with DOLBY com-
+
pression. 2. A tape that has been recorded with
Dolby compression.
preemphasis In frequency modulation, the intro-
duction of a rising-response characteristic (re-
sponse rises as modulation frequency increases).
preamplifier Compare DEEMPHASIS.
preequalization 1. In sound recording and repro-
duction, equalization during recording. 2. See
approximately 15 MHz, where most of the noise PREEMPHASIS.
comes from the receiver, rather than from outside preferred values of components A number sys-
sources. 2. A low-noise amplifier used for boost- tem used by the Electronics Industries Associa-
ing weak signals for television reception. 3. A low- tion (EIA) for establishing the values of
noise, low-level amplifier used for boosting signal composition resistors and small fixed capacitors.
levels from transducers, such as microphones or prefix multiplier See MULTIPLIER PREFIX.
photocells. prefix notation As used with complex expressions
prebiased relay A relay through which is main- involving many operators and operands, a type of
tained a steady current that is just lower than notation in which the expressions, rather than
that needed to close the relay. The actuating sig- containing brackets, are given a value, according
nal, then, need only be a small amount of addi- to the relative positions of operators and
tional current. operands.
precedence effect See FUSION, 1. preform 1. A small wafer, usually dry-pressed
precipitation 1. Water falling from the atmosphere from powdered plastic, from which the body of a
in some form (rain, snow, hail, or sleet). See PRE- component, such as a capacitor or resistor, is
CIPITATION STATIC. 2. The amount of precipita- heat-molded. Also called a pill or biscuit. 2. The
tion occurring in a given period of time at a preformed slab used in molding a phonograph
specific location. 3. Separation of a solid material disc. 3. To shape a moldable circuit before fixing
from a solution, as a result of a chemical or phys- the final configuration or package.
ical action. preliminary information For manufactured elec-
precipitation static 1. Radio noise that some- tronic components, data that is released prior to
times occurs when it rains or snows. It can be the actual availability of the device. Subject to
mistaken for artificially generated noise. 2. Radio change when units are produced.
noise caused by atmospheric electricity arising premix A molding compound of reinforced plastic.
from rain, snow, ice crystals, hail, or dust clouds, prerecorded disc A phonograph disc on which a
through which an aircraft carrying the radio flies. recording has been made (i.e., a recorded disc).
precipitator See DUST PRECIPITATOR. prerecorded tape Magnetic tape on which a pro-
precipitron See DUST PRECIPITATOR. gram or data has been recorded. Also called
precision 1. Pertaining to electronic hardware, es- RECORDED TAPE.
pecially test instruments and measuring devices, p region See P LAYER.
designed and built to function with a high degree prescaler A device operated ahead of a counter to
of accuracy. 2. The relative accuracy of a meter or establish a new, usually higher-frequency, range
other indicating device. 3. The accuracy of the re- over which frequency measurements can be
sults of an experiment, test, or measurement. made.
precision approach radar A radar aimed along the preselector A tuned or untuned radio-frequency
approach path to guide an aircraft during ap- amplifier operated ahead of a radio or television
proach. receiver to boost the sensitivity of the receiver.
precision instrument An instrument possessing presence 1. In sound reproduction, the quality of
high accuracy and stability (i.e., one capable of being true to life. 2. The effect of boosted upper-
reproducing readings or settings for various trials midrange frequencies in music.
under set circumstances). preset counter A pulse counter that delivers one
precision potentiometer 1. A POTENTIOMETER output pulse for a number of successive input
possessing highly accurate resistance calibra- pulses, determined by the settings of counter-
tion, linearity, and repeatability of settings. 2. A circuit controls. Thus, a preset counter might
potentiometer-type voltage-measuring instru- give an output pulse for each train of 125 input
ment. pulses.
 preset element • primary coil 553

preset element In automation and control, an ele- This one-sided exposure results in the displace-
ment that can be preset to a given level or value, ment of the diaphragm by an amount proportional
and to which other elements can then be referred. to the instantaneous pressure of the sound waves.
preset switch In the circuit of a PRESET COUN- pressure pad In a tape recorder, a small pad that
TER, a multiposition rotary switch that can be set holds the tape against one of the heads.
to determine the number of input pulses that pressure pickup See PRESSURE TRANSDUCER.
must be received for the circuit to deliver one pressure roller In a tape recorder, a rubber-tired
output pulse. roller that presses the tape against the capstan.
preshoot A downward-moving transient pip that pressure sensor A device that detects the presence
sometimes precedes the rise of a pulse. of, and/or measures, physical force within a spe-
cific area. One simple device uses two metal
plates separated by electrically resistive foam.
Pressure compresses the foam and reduces the
resistance between the plates. This resistance
Relative amplitude

change can be detected and measured.

pressure switch A switch that is opened or closed
by a change in pressure within a system.
pressure transducer A sensor for converting pres-
sure into proportionate current or voltage. Some
Preshoot Time use strain gauges; others use piezoelectric crys-
tals, potentiometers, and other variable elements.
pressure zone A region of high air pressure that is
− immediately adjacent to a surface reflecting an
acoustic (sound) wave.
preshoot pressure-zone microphone A microphone equip-
ped with a deflector that helps to guide acoustic
preshoot amplitude The peak voltage of a PRE- energy toward the diaphragm.
SHOOT, measured from the zero line to the valley prestore To place data in memory before it is in-
of the preshoot. tended for use.
preshoot time The width of a PRESHOOT, mea- pretuned stage A stage, such as one in an inter-
sured along the horizontal base line (time axis). mediate-frequency amplifier or single-frequency
pressing 1. A process by which phonographic receiver, that is preset to a frequency, rather than
discs are fabricated from plastic. 2. A disc being continuously tuned.
pressed from plastic. prf Abbreviation of PULSE REPETITION FRE-
press-to-talk microphone A microphone that QUENCY.
uses a PRESS-TO-TALK SWITCH for actuation. pri Abbreviation of PRIMARY.
press-to-talk switch A switch in a microphone or primaries See PRIMARY COLORS.
on the end of a control cord. It is used to actuate primary 1. See PRIMARY WINDING. 2. See PRI-
a transmitter, telephone, or recorder when the MARY STANDARD.
operator wishes to speak. primary battery A battery composed of primary
pressure Abbreviation, P or p. 1. Force per unit cells.
area. It can be expressed in any appropriate units primary block A fundamental group of channels in
of force and area (e.g., newtons per square meter, pulse-code modulation, combined by means of
pounds per square inch, grams per square cen- time-division multiplexing.
timeter, etc.). 2. The application of force over part primary capacitance 1. The distributed capaci-
or all of a surface. 3. Compression. 4. See TEN- tance of the primary winding of a transformer
SION, 1. whose secondary winding is unloaded. Compare
pressure amplitude The pressure caused by an SECONDARY CAPACITANCE, 1. 2. A series or
acoustic disturbance. It is usually measured in shunt capacitance used to tune the primary coil
dynes per square centimeter. of a radio-frequency transformer. Compare SEC-
pressure capacitor An enclosed fixed or variable ONDARY CAPACITANCE, 2.
capacitor, whose breakdown voltage increases primary cell An electrochemical cell that does not
when the air pressure rises inside the container. require, and generally will not accept, an electri-
pressure contact 1. Electrical contact made by cal charge in order to function. Once it has been
pressing two conducting surfaces together (to discharged, the cell must usually be thrown
complete a circuit). 2. A contact for obtaining the away. Compare STORAGE CELL. Also see CELL,
condition described in 1. DRY CELL, and STANDARD CELL.
pressure-gradient microphone See PRESSURE primary circuit 1. The circuit associated with the
MICROPHONE. primary winding of a transformer. 2. The circuitry
pressure microphone A microphone that receives associated with the input to a device or system.
sound waves at only one side of its diaphragm. primary coil See PRIMARY WINDING.
554 primary colors • print

primary colors See COLOR PRIMARY. primary utilization factor Abbreviation, UFp. For
primary current The current flowing in the pri- a transformer in a rectifier circuit, the ratio of
mary winding of a transformer. Also called direct-current power output to primary volt-
TRANSFORMER INPUT CURRENT. Compare amperes. Numerically, the primary utilization
SECONDARY CURRENT. factor is higher than the secondary utilization
primary electron The electron possessing the factor, but is less than 1. Also see SECONDARY
greater energy after a collision between two elec- UTILIZATION FACTOR and UTILITY FACTOR.
trons. Compare SECONDARY ELECTRON. primary VA The volt-amperes in the input circuit
primary emission Emission arising directly from a of a transformer. Compare SECONDARY VA.
source, such as the cathode of an electron tube. primary voltage The voltage across the primary
Compare SECONDARY EMISSION. winding of a transformer. Also called transformer
primary frequency standard A device that gener- input voltage. Compare SECONDARY VOLTAGE.
ates unmodulated signals at precise frequencies. primary winding The normal or usual input wind-
It generally uses a highly stable crystal oscillator ing of a transformer. Also called primary coil.
that can be referred to a time standard and peri- Compare SECONDARY WINDING.
odically corrected. A string of multivibrators, to- prime meridian See ZERO MERIDIAN.
gether with harmonic amplifiers and buffers, prime mover A machine, such as a gas engine,
divide, and multiply the fundamental crystal fre- steam engine, or water turbine, that converts a
quency. The resulting signals provide markers for natural force or material into mechanical power.
calibrating receivers and test equipment. Com- primitive oscillation period In a complex oscilla-
pare SECONDARY FREQUENCY STANDARD. tion waveform, the shortest period for which a
Also see PRIMARY STANDARD. definite repetition occurs; the highest fundamen-
primary impedance 1. The impedance of the pri- tal frequency.
mary winding of a transformer whose secondary principal axis The line passing through the center
winding is unloaded. Compare SECONDARY of the spherical part of a lens, mirror, or dish re-
IMPEDANCE, 1. 2. An external impedance pre- flector.
sented to the primary winding of a transformer. principal focus The focal point of rays arriving
Compare SECONDARY IMPEDANCE, 2. parallel to the principal axis of a lens, mirror, or
primary inductance The inductance of the pri- dish reflector.
mary winding of a transformer whose secondary
winding is unloaded. Compare SECONDARY IN-
DUCTANCE.
primary kVA The kilovolt-amperes in the primary
circuit of a transformer. Compare SECONDARY
KVA.
primary measuring element A detector, sensor,
or transducer that performs the initial conversion
in a measurement or control system. Such an el-
ement converts a phenomenon into a signal that
can be transmitted to appropriate instruments
for translation and evaluation. Principal axis
primary power Power in the primary circuit of a
transformer. Also see PRIMARY KVA and PRI-
MARY VA. Compare SECONDARY POWER.
primary radiator 1. The driven element of a direc-
tive antenna system that incorporates parasitic
elements. 2. The driven element of a directive an-
tenna that uses a reflector, such as a screen or Principal focus
dish.
primary resistance The direct-current resistance
of the primary winding of a transformer. Compare
SECONDARY RESISTANCE.
primary standard A usually stationary source of a principal focus
quantity (e.g., capacitance, frequency, time, in-
ductance, resistance, etc.). This source is so pre-
cise, and is maintained with such care, that it principal mode See DOMINANT MODE.
can be used as a universal reference. Compare principal ray The path described by an electron en-
SECONDARY STANDARD. tering an electron lens parallel to the lens’ axis, or
primary turns Symbol, Np. The number of turns in by an electron leaving this lens parallel to the axis.
the primary winding of a transformer. Compare print 1. The material transferred from a typewriter
SECONDARY TURNS. onto paper. 2. The command, in a computer sys-
 print • private branch exchange 555

tem, that causes data to be placed on paper or There are several types, including the dot-matrix
onto the output screen. 3. The alphanumeric out- printer, the daisy-wheel printer, the inkjet printer,
put of a computer or data terminal. and the laser printer. Some printers, such as the
printed capacitor A two-plate capacitor formed on daisy-wheel type, can render only text data;
a printed circuit. others, such as the laser type, can print high-
printed circuit A pattern of conductors (corre- resolution graphic images, sometimes in color.
sponding to the wiring of an electronic circuit) printing calculator 1. An electronic calculator
formed on a board of insulating material, such as that supplies a printed record of the results of a
a phenolic, by photo-etching, silk-screening of calculation. 2. For a programmable calculator,
metallic paint, or by the use of pressure-sensitive the results, a record of program steps, and plots
preforms. The leads or pins of discrete compo- of curves.
nents are soldered to the printed metal lines at printing digital voltmeter Abbreviation, PDVM. A
the proper places in the circuit, or the compo- digital voltmeter that delivers a printed record of
nents can be formed along with the conductors. a voltage reading, in addition to the usual digital
Also see ETCHED CIRCUIT. readout of the voltage.
printed-circuit board A usually copper-clad plas- printing telegraph 1. A telegraph that prints the
tic board used to make a printed circuit. received message on a tape or page. 2. See TELE-
printed-circuit lamp A baseless lamp having flex- TYPEWRITER.
ible leads for easy soldering or welding to a printing wheel See PRINT WHEEL.
printed circuit. print format The form of data transmitted by a
printed-circuit relay A usually small relay pro- computer program to a printer (e.g., plain text,
vided with pins or lugs for easy solder connection graphics, color graphics, etc.).
to a printed circuit. printout See DATA PRINTOUT, 1, 2.
printed-circuit switch A rotary switch whose con- print-through In prerecorded magnetic tape on a
tacts and contact leads are printed on a substrate. reel or cassette, the transfer of magnetism be-
printed-circuit template Also called etching pat- tween layers of the rolled-up tape.
tern. A drawing for the purpose of making print wheel In a daisy-wheel printer, the rotatable
printed-circuit boards by photographic means. wheel on whose rim the letters, numbers, and
printed coil A flat, spiral coil formed on a printed other symbols are inscribed in relief.
circuit. priority indicator In data transmission, a code
that specifies the order of importance of a mes-
sage in a group of messages to be sent.
priority processing In multiple programming op-
erations, a system for ascertaining the order of
processing for different programs.
privacy code 1. A subaudible tone used in cord-
less telephone systems to reduce the chances of
interference between phones operating on the
same channel in close proximity. 2. A subaudible
tone used in radio transmissions, especially in
conjunction with repeaters, to allow only those
stations with the proper code to be received. 3. A
tone-burst sequence at the beginning of a trans-
mission that actuates a receiver, allowing only
those stations with the proper code to be re-
printed-circuit template ceived.
privacy equipment Devices, such as speech
printed component A component formed on the scramblers and digital encryption programs, that
substrate of a printed circuit. See, for example, provide some measure of secrecy in communica-
PRINTED CAPACITOR, PRINTED COIL, and tions.
PRINTED RESISTOR. privacy switch In a telephone amplifier, a switch
printed display See DATA PRINTOUT, 2. (usually a pushbutton) for muting outgoing mes-
printed element See PRINTED COMPONENT. sages.
printed inductor See PRINTED COIL. private automatic exchange Abbreviation, PAX. A
printed resistor A resistor printed or painted on a dial telephone system for use within an organiza-
printed circuit. tion and having no connection to the central of-
printed wiring The printed or etched metal lines fice. Compare PRIVATE BRANCH EXCHANGE.
that serve as the conductors in a printed circuit. private branch exchange Abbreviation, PBX. A
printer In computer and calculator operations and telephone system, complete with a private manu-
in measurement procedures, a readout device ally operated switchboard and individual tele-
that prints a permanent record of output data. phone sets, installed and operated on private
556 private branch exchange • program

premises but having trunk-line connection to the product 1. The result of mixing or heterodyning of
central office. Compare PRIVATE AUTOMATIC two or more signals. 2. The result of modulating
EXCHANGE. one signal with another. 3. The result of combin-
private line 1. A communication circuit in which ing or processing a signal or signals in a specified
the use is limited, by electronic means, to certain manner. 4. The saleable end result of a manufac-
subscribers. 2. A subaudible-tone system used to turing process. 5. The result obtained when two
restrict access to a communications system. The or more quantities are multiplied by each other.
tone frequency is predetermined. For access to product detector A detector circuit whose output
the system, a transmitted signal must contain is the product of two signals applied simultane-
the tone of the appropriate subaudible frequency, ously to the circuit. In a single-sideband receiver,
in addition to the voice or other information. for example, one of the signals is the incoming
probability 1. The branch of mathematics con- signal; the other, the signal from the local beat-
cerned with the likelihood of an event’s occur- frequency oscillator.
rence. It has many applications in quality control
and physics. 2. The mathematical likelihood that
an event will occur. +12 V
probable error Abbreviation, PE. The value of error
above and below which all other error values are
equally likely to occur.
probe 1. A usually slender pencil-like implement Out
with a pointed metal tip and a flexible, insulated
lead. It is used to contact live points in a circuit
under test (e.g., voltmeter probe and oscilloscope IF
probe). 2. A device used to sample a radio-
frequency voltage or current at a desired point
(e.g., WAVEGUIDE PROBE). 3. A pickup device
shaped like a probe for insertion into close
quarters (e.g., PROBE THERMISTOR).
probe meter See PROBE-TYPE VOLTMETER. Local osc.
probe thermistor A thermistor of slender con-
struction for insertion into an area in which the
temperature is to be monitored or controlled.
probe thermocouple A thermocouple in the form
of a slender probe for insertion into close quarters
for temperature sensing or temperature control. product detector
probe tip See PROD.
probe-type voltmeter A voltmeter installed in a
long probe or wand. Kilovoltmeters are some- production lot A manufactured set of compo-
times constructed in this fashion, with a long nents, circuits, or systems, intended for sale. All
multiplier resistor housed in the probe. of the units in the lot are identical. The finished
probing A process for locating, or determining the product is suitable (presumably) for consumer
existence of, external artificial interference (e.g., use.
power-line noise) in a radio communications cir- production unit One unit in a production lot; a
cuit. finished unit, ready for use by a consumer.
problem-oriented language Any high-level com- product modulator A modulator whose output is
puter programming language that allows the user equal or proportional to the product of carrier
to write programs as statements in terms appli- voltage and modulating voltage.
cable to the field of interest (e.g., COBOL’s state- product of sine waves The result of multiplying
ments in English for problems relating to one sine wave by another with attention being
business). paid to the power factor. In the case of a resistive
problem reduction In artificial intelligence, a pro- circuit, where the power factor is equal to 1, all
cess in which problems are made easier by break- voltage-current (EI) products are positive, and are
ing them down into smaller logical parts. equal to the true power. A product wave has neg-
process control The control of a process, such as ative half-cycles when the circuit contains reac-
one of manufacturing, by means of computers. tance.
processor 1. A circuit or device used to modify professional engineer A person licensed by a state
a signal in response to certain requirements board of examiners to work independently as an
(e.g., clipper and waveshaper). 2. See DATA- engineering. Also see PE and REGISTERED PRO-
PROCESSING MACHINE. 3. See CENTRAL PRO- FESSIONAL ENGINEER.
CESSING UNIT. 4. See MICROPROCESSOR. program 1. In computer operations, a detailed se-
prod The metal tip of a probe (see PROBE, 1). quence of instructions representing an algorithm
 program • promethium cell 557

(the necessary steps in solving a problem) that program register See CONTROL REGISTER.
can be implemented by a computer. 2. The con- program segment A unit within a computer pro-
tent of a radio or television broadcast during a gram that is stored with others in memory at the
specified period of time. 3. In audio recording, the time of the program’s execution, or sometimes, as
composite output from the mixer, used to make overlays loaded individually when the entire pro-
the master tape or disc. gram exceeds memory capacity.
program address counter See INSTRUCTION program specification A description of the steps
REGISTER. involved in the solution of a problem, from which
program amplifier A broadcast preamplifier used a programmer devises a computer program.
at the studio or a remote location. program step An instruction in a computer pro-
programatics The study of computer programming. gram.
program circuit In wire telephony, a circuit capa- program tape In computer operations, a magnetic
ble of handling music and other audio data that or paper tape that contains programs for a sys-
covers a wide band of frequencies. tem or application.
program compatibility The condition in which a program timer 1. A programmed timer (see CY-
program written for one computer can be used CLE TIMER). 2. A timing unit that controls the
with another computer having a different archi- duration of a program.
tecture. progressive scanning Non-interlaced television
program controller In a central processor, a unit raster scanning, in which the lines are traced
that controls the sequence and execution of pro- from top to bottom in succession. Conventional
gram instructions. television broadcasting uses INTERLACED
program counter See CONTROL REGISTER. SCANNING.
program file A flexible reference system for soft- progressive wave A wave disturbance that travels
ware library maintenance. through a theoretically perfect homogeneous
program flowchart A representation of a computer medium. This can be a compression (longitudi-
program in the form of a flowchart. Each function nal) wave, a transverse wave, or an electromag-
and transition point is indicated by a box in the netic wave.
chart. A user can follow the flowchart and deter- projected cutoff For an amplifier circuit, the oper-
mine the outcome of the program for any given ating point at which crossover distortion van-
set of input parameters. ishes. The direct-current bias voltage (grid or
program library A collection of computer or pro- gate) required for projected cutoff is somewhat
grammable-calculator programs. Usually, it lower than the value corresponding to conven-
means the collection of programs used in a given tional cutoff of plate or drain current.
computer system, often a software package sup- project engineering A field of engineering dealing
plied by the hardware vendor. It might also be a with the coordination of a complete project.
catalog of programs with instructions for their use. projection television Large-screen television for
programmable calculator A calculator that can be viewing by a relatively large group, usually ac-
programmed to perform a chain of operations in a complished via a projection tube and optical sys-
given order repetitively. tem.
programmable read-only memory In a computer, projection tube A cathode-ray tube, especially a
a read-only memory (ROM) that can store a pro- television picture tube, capable of producing a
gram. bright image that can be projected onto a large
program maintenance The ongoing correcting, screen by means of a lens system.
updating, and modification of computer pro- projector 1. A device that transmits a visible image
grams belonging to a system. onto a surface for reproduction. 2. In general, any
programmed dump A dump that occurs during a device that transmits a signal into space.
program run, according to a program instruction. PROLOG Acronym for programming in logic. A
programmed halt During a computer program high-level computer programming language, sim-
run, a temporary cessation resulting from an in- ilar to LISP, used in artificial intelligence. The op-
terrupt or halt instruction. erator inputs facts and rules; the computer, in
programmed instruction See MACRO INSTRUC- effect, derives theorems from the facts by follow-
TION. ing the logical rules.
programmed timer See CYCLE TIMER. PROM Abbreviation of PROGRAMMABLE READ-
programmer A person who writes computer pro- ONLY MEMORY.
grams. promethium Symbol, Pm. A metallic element of
program modification 1. In computer program- the rare-earth group, produced artificially.
ming operations, a change in the effect of instruc- Atomic number, 61. Atomic weight, approxi-
tions and addresses during a program run by mately 145. Formerly called illinium.
performing arithmetic and logical operations on promethium cell A radioactive battery cell using
them. 2. Rewriting, or adding a patch to, a com- an isotope of promethium. Radioactive particles
puter program. Also see PATCH, 3. from this substance strike a phosphor, causing it
558 promethium cell • protective gap

to glow. Self-generating photocells then convert proportional amplifier An amplifier in which the
this light into electricity. instantaneous output amplitude is proportional
PROM programmer An electronic device that can to the instantaneous input amplitude.
store a computer program in a PROGRAM- proportional control A voltage-regulation system
MABLE READ-ONLY MEMORY (PROM). It uses a in which the feedback correction voltage is pro-
built-in keyboard. portional to the output-voltage error.
prompt In computer operations, a message re- proportional counter A Geiger tube having a
ceived by an operator from an operating system pointed-wire (or ball-tipped-wire) anode. The volt-
or an individual program. For example, in disk age developed across the load resistor is propor-
operating system (DOS), it could be the statement tional to the number of ions created by the
“Bad command or file name.” radioactive particles entering the tube.
prompting In computer or programmed-calculator proprioceptor A set of transducers and associated
operations, the entry of a special, required vari- circuitry that allows a computerized robot to con-
able when the machine halts and awaits such en- stantly sense the positions of its end effectors, and
try. use this data in carrying out programmed tasks.
prong See PIN. prosodic features Variations in voice tone and em-
prony brake An arrangement for measuring the phasis that lend meaning and implication to
mechanical power output of a rotating machine. spoken statements. It is important in advanced
It is a special form of friction brake consisting of computer speech recognition and speech synthe-
a band passed around a pulley on the rotating sis systems. Two sentences with identical wording
shaft of the machine under test and held at each can have greatly different meanings, depending on
end by a spring balance. these factors (e.g., “You are!” versus “You are?”).
propagation 1. The extension of energy into and prosthesis An electromechanical artificial human
through space. Thus, radiant energy is propa- limb or body part. Examples: artificial legs, artifi-
gated from and by its source. 2. A phenomenon cial hands, and artificial respirators. Some such
resulting from the extension of energy into and devices are computer-controlled; others can be
through space. Thus, radio waves can be spoken manipulated by nerve impulses.
of as a propagation. protactinium Symbol, Pa. A relatively short-lived
propagation constant For waves transmitted radioactive metallic element. Atomic number, 91.
along a line, a number showing the effect the line Atomic weight, 231.04 Formerly called protoac-
has on the wave. This is a complex figure [i.e., one tinium.
containing a real-number component (the attenu- protected area A region to which access is re-
ation constant) and an imaginary-number com- stricted, and that is secured by an alarm system,
ponent (the phase constant)]. surveillance cameras, or other intrusion-preven-
propagation delay 1. Symbol, tpd. In an inte- tion systems.
grated-circuit logic gate, the time taken for a logic protected location In computer storage, a loca-
signal to be propagated across the gate. 2. In dig- tion whose contents are protected from mutila-
ital-circuit operation, the time required for a tion or erasure by making the location usable
logic-level change to be transmitted through one only by following a special procedure (e.g., using
or more elements. a password).
propagation delay-power product See DELAY- protection In a multiple processing computer sys-
POWER PRODUCT. tem, preventing interference between data or pro-
propagation factor The ratio E/Eo, where E is the grams.
complex electric-field strength at a point to which protective bias In the final power amplifier of a ra-
a wave has been propagated, and Eo is the com- dio transmitter, external direct-current bias ap-
plex electric-field strength at the point of origin. plied to the base, gate, or grid. Prevents runaway
Also called propagation ratio. in collector, drain, or plate current when the bias
propagation loss The path loss of an electromag- caused by the driving signal is lost.
netic disturbance between the transmitting and protective capacitor A power-line bypass capaci-
receiving antennas. tor.
propagation mode See WAVEGUIDE MODE. protective device 1. A component that breaks a
propagation ratio See PROPAGATION FACTOR. circuit in the event of excessive voltage or current
propagation time In digital-circuit operation, the from the power supply. 2. A device that prevents
time required for a binary bit to be transferred excessive power from being delivered to a load by
from one point to another in the system. a driving circuit.
propagation velocity See VELOCITY OF PROPA- protective gap 1. A spark gap connected in paral-
GATION. lel with a component, or between a line and
proportional action An action, such as amplifica- ground as protection against high-voltage tran-
tion or conversion, that produces an output sients and surges. 2. A spark-gap-type lightning
signal proportional to the input signal. arrester.
 protective resistor • pseudo-instruction 559

To proton A positively charged particle in the nucleus

antenna of an atom. The mass of a proton is approximately
1840 times the mass of an electron.
proton rest mass See MASS OF PROTON AT
Two-wire REST.
feed line proton-synchrotron A synchrotron that uses fre-
quency modulation of the radio-frequency accel-
Tuning erating voltage. It can accelerate protons to
network energies of several billion electronvolts.
prototype The preliminary design or model of a de-
vice or system. It is often modified numerous
times before the final design is attained. Compare
Protective PILOT MODEL.
gaps proustite Crystalline silver arsenide trisulfide. Ar-
tificial crystals of this compound are used in tun-
able infrared-ray instruments.
proximity alarm A capacitance relay used to actu-
ate an alerting-signal device when an area is in-
truded upon or a person is too close to a
protective gap protected object. Also called INTRUSION ALARM.
proximity detector See PROXIMITY SENSOR.
protective resistor 1. A bleeder resistor connected proximity effect 1. The influence of high-
in parallel with a filter capacitor in a high-voltage frequency current flowing in one conductor on
direct-current power supply to discharge the ca- the distribution of current flowing in an adjacent
pacitor automatically, thus preventing electric conductor. 2. In an audio system, the result of
shock. 2. A series resistor that limits the current placing a microphone too close to a person’s
going through a device. mouth. Under these conditions, some spoken
consonants (e.g., B, F, P, and T) produce clapping
+ or booming sounds.
proximity fuse An electronic device situated in the
nose of a missile. When the missile is near the
target, the fuse transmits a signal that is reflected
back from the target; this reflected signal deto-
nates the missile.
proximity relay See CAPACITANCE RELAY.
proximity sensing The ability of a machine, espe-
cially a robot, to detect when an object is near.
+ This is an aid in robot navigation because it pre-
Protective vents collisions. Some devices can measure the
resistor distance from a robot, or from a robotic end effec-
tor, to a nearby object.
proximity sensor A device that indicates the pres-
ence of a nearby body. Such a device uses some
form of circuit, such as that of a CAPACITANCE
protective resistor, 2.
RELAY, that changes its operating characteristics
when an object enters its field.
protector 1. A fast-acting power-disconnect de- proximity switch See CAPACITANCE RELAY.
vice, such as a circuit breaker or fuse, that acts to PRR Abbreviation of PULSE REPETITION RATE.
protect electronic equipment. 2. A device or con- PRV Abbreviation of PEAK REVERSE VOLTAGE.
nection, such as a safety ground or ground-fault PS Abbreviation of POWER SUPPLY.
interrupter, that protects an operator from elec- ps Abbreviation of PICOSECOND. (Also, psec.)
tric shock. 3. See CONTACT PROTECTOR. PSD Abbreviation of PHASE-SENSITIVE DETEC-
protium The light isotope of hydrogen, having an TOR.
atomic mass of 1. psec Abbreviation of PICOSECOND. (Also, ps.)
protoactinium See PROTACTINIUM. pseudocode In a computer system, an instruction
protocol 1. A set of parameters for a digital com- or code symbol that affects the operation of the
munications signal. 2. The method by which a programming in an indirect manner.
procedure is followed; a uniform set of governing pseudo-instruction In computer programming op-
regulations. It ensures proper operation of a sys- erations, data representing an instruction and re-
tem or network. quiring translation by a compiler or assembler.
560 pseudo-offlining • pulling

pseudo-offlining During input/output operations PSWR Abbreviation of power standing-wave ratio.

in a computer system, maximizing hardware by psychoacoustics A field of acoustics, overlapping
disconnecting slow devices from the process in with psychology, concerned with the effects of
question. sounds on human beings.
pseudo-operation In computer operations, an op- PT Abbreviation of Pacific Time.
eration that, rather than being performed by Pt Symbol for PLATINUM.
hardware, is carried out by special software or by PTC Abbreviation of POSITIVE TEMPERATURE
macroinstruction. COEFFICIENT.
pseudo-random numbers Numbers that, although PtIr Symbol for PLATINIRIDIUM.
produced by a computer operating on an algo- PTM Abbreviation of PULSE-TIME MODULATION.
rithm for their generation, are useful for an appli- PTO Abbreviation of PERMEABILITY-TUNED OS-
cation requiring random numbers. CILLATOR.
pseudo-stereophonic effect A somewhat height- PTT Abbreviation for press-to-talk. See PRESS-TO-
ened binaural effect obtained when two loud- TALK MICROPHONE; PRESS-TO-TALK SWITCH.
speakers are situated, relative to the listener, so PTV Abbreviation of public television.
that a transit-time difference of 1 to 30 millisec- p-type conduction In a semiconductor, current
onds results. flow consisting of the movement of holes. Com-
pare N-TYPE CONDUCTION.
p-type material Semiconductor material that has
Hi-fi been doped with an acceptor-type impurity and,
Out consequently, conducts current mainly via hole
migration. Germanium, for example, when doped
Level with indium, becomes p-type. Compare N-TYPE
equalizer Amp.
MATERIAL.
p-type semiconductor An acceptor-type semicon-
ductor (i.e., one containing an excess of holes in
its crystal lattice).
PU Abbreviation of PICKUP.
Pu Symbol for PLUTONIUM.
Long public-address amplifier A high-gain, high-power
path audio amplifier designed especially for the repro-
Short duction of speech and music at large gatherings.
path public-address system A system of sound repro-
duction especially designed for use at large gath-
erings indoors or outdoors. The system includes
microphones, a public-address amplifier, loud-
Listener speakers, and sometimes recorders and playback
devices. Also called PA system.
pseudo-stereophonic effect puck drive In a tape recorder, a speed-reduction
system for driving the flywheel from the shaft of
the (high-speed) motor. In some machines, a rub-
psf Abbreviation of pounds per square foot. (Also, lb ber tire mounted on the flywheel is driven,
per sq ft, lb/ft2.) through friction, by the motor shaft. In others, an
psi 1. Abbreviation of pounds per square inch. intermediate rubber-tired wheel is placed be-
(Also, lb per sq in, lb/in2.) tween the motor shaft and the rim of the flywheel.
psia Abbreviation of POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH puffer A meter or bridge for measuring small val-
ABSOLUTE. ues of capacitance. The name comes from the
psig Abbreviation of POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH spoken sound of pF, the abbreviation of PICO-
GAUGE. FARAD.
psi particle A massive elementary particle that pulldown Descriptive of a circuit, device, or indi-
represents a resonance in an electron-positron vidual component used to lower the value (e.g.,
interaction. impedance) of a circuit to which it is connected.
PSK Abbreviation of PHASE-SHIFT KEYING. pull-in current The current required to close a re-
PSM Abbreviation of pulse-spacing modulation, lay.
more commonly called PULSE-INTERVAL MODU- pulling 1. The abnormal tendency of one circuit to
LATION. cause another to slip into tune with it. This often
psophometer A device used to measure noise in a results from coupling (intended or accidental)
wire communications system. It provides quanti- that is too tight. Thus, when two oscillators feed a
tative readings based on typical human observa- common circuit, such as a mixer, one might pull
tions. the other into tune with itself. 2. Lowering of a
psvm Abbreviation of phase-sensitive voltmeter. crystal frequency by an external reactance.
 pull-in voltage • pulse droop 561

pull-in voltage The voltage required to close a re- pulse-code modulation Abbreviation, PCM. A
lay. method of conveying information in wireless com-
pull switch A mechanical switch actuated by a munications. A train of pulses is transmitted. The
pulling action. intelligence-carrying signal is sampled periodi-
pullup Descriptive of a circuit or component used cally and the amplitude is converted into bi-
to raise the value (e.g., impedance) of a circuit to nary code. The code might allow for eight levels
which it is connected. (000 to 111), 16 levels (0000 to 1111), 32 levels
pulsar An extremely dense, rapidly rotating col- (00000 to 11111), or 64 levels (000000 to 111111).
lapsed star that produces radio signals at regular pulse-code-modulation binary code A pulse code
intervals. The pulse frequency varies from less used in communications not in the form of line
than one hertz to several tens or hundreds of transmission. Individual values are denoted by
hertz. binary numbers.
pulsating direct current A direct current that pe- pulse-code modulation multiplex equipment A
riodically rises and falls between zero and a max- multiplexer/demultiplexer for signal conversion
imum value (or between two positive or negative between a single signal and multiple-channel sig-
values) without changing polarity. Thus, it is pos- nals. It uses both pulse-code modulation and
sible to have either a pulsating positive current or time-division multiplexing.
a pulsating negative current. Also see DIRECT pulse-count divider A circuit or device that receives
CURRENT. an input of a certain number of pulses (or pulses
per second) and delivers an output that is a func-
tion of that quantity. See, for example, DIVIDE-BY-
+10 SEVEN CIRCUIT and DIVIDE-BY-TWO CIRCUIT.
pulse counter A circuit or device that indicates the
+8 number of pulses presented to it in a given time
interval.
Voltage

+6
pulse counting Counting pulses in a sequence. At
+4 low speed (pulse repetition rate), this can be done
with an electromechanical dial-type counter. At
+2 high speed, a fully electronic circuit is required.
pulse delay circuit A monostable multivibrator
0
Time adapted to deliver its single output pulse a prede-
termined time after the input pulse has been ap-
pulsating direct current plied.
pulse dialing A form of telephone dialing in which
each digit is formed by a series of pulses, usually
pulsating wave See PULSATING DIRECT CUR- at 10 to 20 Hz. The pulses are the equivalent of
RENT. disconnecting the line for a few milliseconds. Each
pulse A transient signal that is usually of short du- digit has the corresponding number of pulses, ex-
ration, constant amplitude, and one polarity. A cept digit 0, which is formed by 10 pulses.
typical example is a narrow positive or negative pulse droop Distortion observable as a downward-
spike. sloping top on the oscilloscope trace of a pulse. It
pulse amplifier An amplifier having wide fre- can be quantified in volts, millivolts, microvolts,
quency response and low distortion, used for am- amperes, milliamperes, or microamperes.
plifying steep-sided pulses of short duration.
pulse-amplitude modulation Abbreviation, PAM. +8
A method of conveying information in wireless
communications. A train of pulses is transmitted.
The strength of each individual pulse varies ac- +6
cording to the modulating waveform. Normally,
the pulse amplitude increases as the instanta- Droop
Voltage

neous modulating-signal level increases (positive

+4
modulation). However, this can be reversed so
that higher audio levels cause the pulse ampli-
tude to go down (negative modulation).
pulse bandwidth For an amplitude pulse, the min- +2
imum bandwidth occupied. The faster the rise
and/or decay times of a pulse, the greater the
bandwidth. The greater the pulse frequency, the 0
greater the bandwidth. Time
pulse code A code in which groups of pulses repre-
sent digits. pulse droop
562 pulsed laser • pulse-time modulation

pulsed laser A laser in which flashes (pulses) of 2. A device that modulates pulses (see PULSE
high-intensity light excite the lasing medium. MODULATION, 2).
pulse duration The time period during which a pulse narrower A circuit or device that reduces the
pulse exists (i.e., its width on an oscilloscope dis- duration (width) of a pulse.
play). pulse-numbers modulation Abbreviation, PNM.
pulse-duration modulation Abbreviation, PDM. See PULSE-INTERVAL MODULATION.
See PULSE WIDTH MODULATION. pulse operation Intermittent operation of a circuit,
pulse equalizer A MONOSTABLE MULTIVIBRA- in the form of discrete pulses.
TOR adapted to deliver pulses of equal amplitude, pulse oscillator Any oscillator with an output that
shape, and width—even when it receives trigger consists of a series of pulses.
pulses of different kinds. pulse-position modulation Abbreviation, PPM. A
pulse fall time The time required for the trailing method of conveying information in wireless com-
edge of a pulse to fall from 90 to 10 percent of its munications. A train of pulses is transmitted. The
peak amplitude. Compare PULSE RISE TIME. timing of each individual pulse varies accord-
pulse-forming line A circuit used in radar for pro- ing to the modulating waveform. The pulses
ducing high-intensity pulses. Inductances and occur earlier or later than the nominal (zero-
capacitances are combined in a long string, and modulation) time, depending on the instanta-
the effect is to generate high-amplitude radio- neous amplitude of the modulating signal.
frequency pulses. pulse rate See PULSE REPETITION RATE.
pulse-frequency modulation Abbreviation, PFM. pulse ratio The ratio of pulse height (amplitude) to
See PULSE-INTERVAL MODULATION. pulse width (duration).
pulse generator A signal generator that produces pulse regeneration Restoration of the original
pulses. A general-purpose generator of this sort waveform and frequency to a pulse. It eliminates
will produce pulses of adjustable amplitude, du- distortion caused by circuits or propagation con-
ration, shape, and repetition rate. ditions.
pulse-height discriminator A circuit or device pulse repetition frequency Abbreviation, PRF.
that passes only pulses whose amplitudes exceed See PULSE-REPETITION RATE.
a predetermined level. pulse-repetition rate Abbreviation, PRR. The
pulse interval The interval between successive number of pulses per unit time; usually pulses
pulses. per second (pps).
pulse-interval modulation Abbreviation, PIM. pulse rise time The time required for the leading
Also called pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) or edge of a pulse to rise from 10 to 90 percent of its
pulse-numbers modulation (PNM). A method of maximum amplitude. Compare PULSE FALL
conveying information in wireless communica- TIME.
tions. A train of pulses is transmitted. Every pulse scaler A circuit actuated by the reception of
pulse has the same amplitude and the same du- a definite, predetermined number of input
ration, but their rate fluctuates with the modulat- pulses.
ing waveform. When there is no modulation, the pulse-shaping circuit 1. A circuit for producing a
pulses are evenly spaced with respect to time. An pulse from a wave of some other shape (e.g., sine
increase in the instantaneous data amplitude wave). 2. A circuit for tailoring a pulse to desired
might cause pulses to be sent more often (positive shape, amplitude, and duration.
modulation) or less often (negative modulation). pulse spacing The interval between successive
pulse inverter A single-stage, wideband, low- pulses.
distortion, common-emitter, or common-source pulse-spacing modulation Abbreviation, PSM. See
amplifier. The output-pulse waveforms are PULSE-INTERVAL MODULATION.
therefore inverted, with respect to the input-pulse pulse-steering diode In a flip-flop circuit, a diode
waveforms. through which the trigger pulse must pass to
pulse jitter In a pulse train, a disturbance charac- switch the circuit. Because of the unidirectional
terized by random changes in the spacing be- conductivity of a diode, pulses of only one polar-
tween pulses. ity are passed.
pulse-length modulation See PULSE-DURATION pulse stretcher 1. A shaping circuit that widens a
MODULATION. pulse (i.e., increases its duration). 2. A circuit,
pulse load The load impedance for a pulse genera- such as a special monostable multivibrator, that
tor. generates a pulse that is wider than the trigger
pulse mode See PULSE MODULATION. pulse.
pulse modulation See PULSE-AMPLITUDE MOD- pulse stuffing See JUSTIFICATION, 2.
ULATION, PULSE-CODE MODULATION, PULSE- pulse tilt The sloping of the normally flat top of a
INTERVAL MODULATION, PULSE-POSITION pulse either up or down. Also see PULSE DROOP.
MODULATION, PULSE-WIDTH MODULATION. pulse time See PULSE DURATION.
pulse modulator 1. A modulator that delivers pulse-time modulation See PULSE-POSITION
power or voltage pulses for modulating a carrier. MODULATION.
 pulse train • purity control 563

pulse train A series of successive pulses of usually pump frequency The frequency of a PUMP voltage.
one kind. pumping A method of laser actuation. A series of
pulse transformer A transformer designed to ac- pulses, at the resonant frequency of the lasing
commodate the fast rise and fall times of pulses material, is injected to cause laser output.
and similar nonsinusoidal waveforms. Such pump oscillator An oscillator for producing a
transformers often use special core materials and pump voltage.
are made using special winding techniques. pump voltage The voltage of a pumping signal.
pulse transmitter 1. A device that transmits a se- Also see PARAMETRIC AMPLIFIER and PUMP,
ries of pulses. 2. A pulse-modulated transmitter. 1, 2.
3. See PULSE MODULATOR. punch 1. A tool for cutting holes in metal chassis,
pulse waveform The general shape of a pulse as it panels, and boxes for electronic equipment. 2.
appears on an oscilloscope display. The various High signal strength.
forms range from positive or negative half- punch-in editing In audio recording, a feature
sinusoids, through rectangles, to thin-line spikes. that allows convenient insertion of new
pulse width The horizontal dimension of a pulse material on a tape. The tape recorder can be
(i.e., its duration). switched instantly from Play to Record, and
pulse-width modulation Abbreviation, PWM. Also back again, whenever the operator wants to add
called pulse-duration modulation (PDM). A material.
method of conveying information in wireless com- punchthrough In a bipolar transistor, the poten-
munications. A train of pulses is transmitted. tially damaging condition resulting when the re-
The width (duration) of each individual pulse verse bias of the collector is increased to a voltage
varies according to the modulating waveform. high enough to spread the depletion layer entirely
Normally, the pulse width increases as the in- through the base. This tends to effectively con-
stantaneous modulating-signal level increases nect the emitter to the collector.
(positive modulation). However, this can be re- punchthrough region The conduction region as-
versed so that higher audio levels cause the pulse sociated with higher-than-punchthrough voltage,
width to decrease (negative modulation). in which bipolar-transistor current is excessive.
Also see PUNCHTHROUGH.
punchthrough voltage The voltage that causes
Modulating PUNCHTHROUGH in a given bipolar transistor.
waveform puncture voltage See BREAKDOWN VOLTAGE, 1.
Pupin coil One of several loading coils that can be
inserted at intervals in series with a telephone
line to cancel line-capacitance effects and, thus,
improve the clarity of speech.
pure tone An audio-frequency (AF) tone having es-
sentially no harmonic content; a sine-wave AF
tone.
pure wave A wave containing no distortion prod-
Pulse ucts.
amplitude purging The removal of an undesired gas or other
substance from a system by introducing a mate-
rial to displace it.
purifier A power-line operated alternating-current
electromagnet that can be manually rotated in
front of a color-television picture tube to demag-
pulse-width modulation netize the tube. Also called a DEGAUSSER.
purity 1. In color television, complete saturation
pump 1. In a parametric amplifier, the oscillator of a hue. 2. In a waveform, complete freedom
that supplies the signal that periodically varies from distortion. 3. The extent to which spurious
the reactance of the varactor. 2. The pumping signals are attenuated in the output of a radio or
signal in 1. 3. To perform the operation (pump- television transmitter. Also called spectral
ing) described in 1. 4. To increase the energy level purity.
of an atom or molecule (by exposing it to electro- purity adjustment In a color-television picture
magnetic radiation) to such an extent that oscil- tube, adjustment of each purity control for pure
lation or amplification occurs. A ruby laser, for color.
example, produces its intense, coherent beam as purity coil A variable-current coil around the neck
a result of pumping. 5. The radiation used to of a color-television picture tube that is used to
pump an atom or molecule. 6. The device pro- adjust color purity.
ducing the radiation required to pump an atom or purity control For a purity coil, the variable resis-
molecule. tor that controls the current for color correction.
564 purity magnet • push-push multiplier

purity magnet A ring-magnet collar around the the input-signal cycle and deliver a combined
neck of a color-television picture tube to adjust, output signal.
by rotation, color purity. push-pull deflection In an oscilloscope, the appli-
purple plague Corrosion that occurs when alu- cation of deflection voltage to a pair of deflecting
minum and gold are placed in contact. plates 180 degrees out of phase with each other.
pushbutton tuner A radio or television tuner uti- For this purpose, the output amplifier in the hor-
lizing pushbutton tuning. izontal or vertical deflection channel is a push-
pushbutton tuning The tuning of a circuit to vari- pull stage.
ous frequencies in single steps by means of push- push-pull doubler See PUSH-PULL MULTIPLIER.
button switches. push-pull microphone A set of two microphones,
pushdown list In data processing, a method of in which the audio-frequency outputs are in
amending a list. A new item entered at the top phase opposition.
moves each existing item one position down. push-pull multiplier A push-pull amplifier with its
pushdown stack Also called first-in/last-out. A dig- output circuit tuned to an odd-numbered multi-
ital read-write memory in which data bits emerge ple of the input frequency. This circuit is unsuit-
in reverse sequence from the order they go in. If able for even-harmonic operation, but has some
data bit x enters the pushdown stack before data merit as an odd-harmonic multiplier (e.g., a
bit y, then x will come out after y. Compare tripler or quintupler). Also see PUSH-PUSH MUL-
FIRST-IN/FIRST-OUT. TIPLIER.
push-in terminal A circuit contact or tie point, push-pull oscillator An oscillator stage in which,
usually of thin, springy material, that can be in- for increased power output, two active devices are
serted into a hole in a perforated board. operated 180 degrees out of phase with each
push-pull Pertaining to a circuit in which two ac- other in opposite halves of a symmetrical circuit.
tive devices are used, with the inputs and out- Also see PUSH-PULL CIRCUIT.
puts both placed in phase opposition. In the push-pull/parallel amplifier An amplifier stage in
output circuit, even harmonics are canceled, and which tubes or transistors are connected in
odd harmonics are reinforced. push-pull/parallel for increased power output.
Also see PARALLEL-COMPONENT AMPLIFIER,
PUSH-PULL AMPLIFIER, and PUSH-PULL/PAR-
+12 V ALLEL CIRCUIT.
push-pull/parallel circuit A push-pull circuit in
which two or more active devices are connected in
parallel on each side of the circuit. This arrange-
ment gives increased power output over that of
the conventional push-pull circuit. See, for exam-
ple, PUSH-PULL/PARALLEL AMPLIFIER and
Input Output PUSH-PULL/PARALLEL OSCILLATOR.
push-pull/parallel oscillator An oscillator stage
in which active devices are connected in
push-pull/parallel for increased power output.
Also see PARALLEL-COMPONENT OSCILLATOR,
PUSH-PULL OSCILLATOR, and PUSH-PULL/
PARALLEL CIRCUIT.
push-pull recording A type of film sound track
consisting of two side-by-side images 180 degrees
out of phase with each other.
push-pull transformer A transformer having a
center-tapped winding for operation in a push-
pull circuit.
push-push Pertaining to a circuit in which two ac-
tive devices are used, with the inputs connected
push-pull in phase opposition, and the outputs connected
in parallel. The result is reinforcement of the even
harmonics, and cancellation of the fundamental
push-pull amplifier An amplifier stage in which, frequency and all odd harmonics.
for increased power output, two active devices are push-push circuit See PUSH-PUSH MULTIPLIER.
operated 180 degrees out of phase with each push-push multiplier An amplifier circuit contain-
other in opposite halves of a symmetrical circuit. ing two active devices with their inputs connected
Also see PUSH-PULL CIRCUIT. in phase opposition and their outputs connected
push-pull circuit A symmetrical circuit in which in parallel. This circuit is unsuitable for funda-
two active devices operate on separate halves of mental-frequency and odd-harmonic operation,
 push-push multiplier • PZT 565

Pyralin See CELLULOSE NITRATE.

pyramidal horn antenna A rectangular horn an-
tenna that is flared in two dimensions. The horn
Input width and height both increase linearly with in-
creasing distance (in the direction of maximum
radiation/response) from the feed point.
Output
pyramidal wave See BACK-TO-BACK SAWTOOTH.
Pyrex A heat-resistant glass having numerous ap-
plications in electronics and chemistry.
pyrheliometer An instrument used to measure in-
frared radiation.
pyroelectricity In certain crystals, electricity gen-
erated by temperature change, and in particular,
by the application of heat.
pyroelectric lamp See NERNST LAMP.
pyroelectric material A crystalline material that
generates an output voltage when it is heated.
+12 V pyrolysis The process whereby heat changes a
substance into one of several different sub-
push-push stances by rearranging its atoms.
pyromagnetic effect In a material or circuit, the
combined effect of heat and magnetism.
but has some merit as an even-harmonic multi- pyrometer An instrument, other than a ther-
plier (e.g., a doubler or quadrupler). Also see mometer, used for the measurement of tempera-
PUSH-PULL MULTIPLIER. ture. See, for example, OPTICAL PYROMETER.
push-to-talk switch See PRESS-TO-TALK Pythagorean scale A sound scale defining a spe-
SWITCH. cific type of relationship among audio tones. If x
pushup list In data processing, a method of and y are related by the Pythagorean scale and
amending a list, whereby new items are added at are adjacent in frequency, then a specific fre-
the end of the list; all other items retain their orig- quency ( f ) exists, so x = f 2 and y = f 3.
inal positions. Compare PUSHDOWN LIST. Pythagorean theorem A theorem of plane geome-
pV Abbreviation of PICOVOLT. try. For a right triangle, with sides of lengths a, b,
PVC Abbreviation of POLYVINYL CHLORIDE. and c, where c is the side opposite the right angle,
pW Abbreviation of PICOWATT. it is always true that a2 + b2 = c2.
PWM 1. Abbreviation of PULSE-WIDTH MODULA- p-zone See P LAYER.
TION. 2. Abbreviation of PLATED-WIRE MEM- PZM Abbreviation of PRESSURE-ZONE MICRO-
ORY. PHONE.
pwr Abbreviation of POWER. PZT Abbreviation of LEAD ZIRCONATE TITANATE.
Q 1. The figure of merit of a capacitor, inductor, or Radiating element
inductance-capacitance (LC) circuit, equal to the
reactance divided by the resistance. 2. Symbol for
electrical charge. 3. Occasional symbol for SE-
LECTIVITY. 4. See Q BAND. 5. See Q OUTPUT.
q 1. Symbol for quantity of electricity (in
coulombs). 2. Symbol for the charge carried by an
electron (the charge carried by a hole is repre-
sented by –q). 3. Symbol for the value of a quan-
tum.
QA Abbreviation of QUALITY ASSURANCE.
Q adjustment The separate null adjustment for
the Q value of a component being tested in an
impedance bridge having separate resistive and
reactive balances.
Q-antenna An antenna in which the transmission Q-matching
line (feeder) is matched in impedance to the cen- section
ter of the radiator by means of a Q-matching sec-
tion.
QAVC Abbreviation of QUIET AUTOMATIC VOL-
UME CONTROL.
Q band The radio-frequency band 36 to 46 GHz. It
is subdivided as follows: Qa, 36 to 38 GHz; Qb, 38
to 40 GHz; Qc, 40 to 42 GHz, Qd, 42 to 44 GHz;
and Qe, 44 to 46 GHz.
Q bar One of the parallel metal tubes in a
Q-matching section. Also see Q ANTENNA.
Q booster See Q MULTIPLIER. Feeder
Q bridge An alternating-current bridge used prin-
cipally to determine the Q of capacitors and
inductors. Bridges are usually used for
audio-frequency Q determinations; resonant-type
Q meters are generally used for measurement of
radio-frequency Q. Q-antenna

Copyright 2001 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Click Here for Terms of Use
 QC • quad 567

QC Abbreviation of QUALITY CONTROL.

QCE Abbreviation of QUALITY-CONTROL ENGI-
NEERING or QUALITY-CONTROL ENGINEER.

Forward
Q channel In American (NTSC) color television, the

current
Forward Q point.
508-kHz-wide green-magenta color information
transmission band.
QCT Abbreviation of QUALITY-CONTROL TECHNI- Reverse Forward
CIAN. voltage load line
QCW In the local oscillator and associated circuitry
Forward voltage
of a color television receiver, a 3.85-MHz CW sig-
nal of Q PHASE.
Reverse

Reverse
QCW signal In a color television receiver, the com-

current
ponent of the chrominance signal that is 90 de- Q point
grees out of phase with the in-phase component. Reverse
Q demodulator In a color television receiver, the load line
demodulator that combines the chrominance sig-
nal and the color-burst oscillator signal to recover
the Q signal (see Q SIGNAL, 2). Q points on diode characteristic
QED 1. Abbreviation of QUANTUM ELECTRODY-
NAMICS. 2. Abbreviation of quod erat demon-
strandum, Latin for “which was to be QRD Abbreviation of QUADRATIC RESIDUE DIF-
demonstrated.” Also, Q.E.D. Often written at the FUSOR.
conclusions of valid logical proofs and derivations. Q-section transformer See Q-MATCHING SEC-
Q factor See Q. TION.
QFM Abbreviation of QUADRATURE MODULA- Q signal In color television, the quadrature compo-
TION. nent of the chrominance signal, equal to +0.48(R-
QM Abbreviation of QUADRATURE MODULATION. Y) and to +0.41(B-Y), where B is the blue camera
Q-matching section A linear radio-frequency signal, R is the red camera signal, and Y is the lu-
impedance-matching transformer consisting of minance signal.
two straight, rigid, parallel metal conductors that Q signals A set of three-letter groups, each begin-
are used to match a feeder to an antenna. The ning with the letter Q, used for simplified tele-
section is 1⁄4 wavelength long at the operating fre- graph and radiotelegraph communication, and
quency. The diameters and center-to-center sometimes rapid voice communication (in ra-
spacing of the conductors are such that the char- diotelephony). Each signal represents a com-
acteristic impedance of the matching section is monly used phrase or message.
equal to the geometric mean of the feeder charac- QSL card A card verifying communication with, or
teristic impedance and the radiation resistance of the reception of signals from, the station sending
the radiator. Also see Q ANTENNA and QUAR- the card. Such verification is common in the am-
TER-WAVELENGTH MATCHING STUB. ateur radio service and with some shortwave
Q meter A usually direct-reading instrument for broadcast and CB stations.
determining the Q of a capacitor, inductor, or in- QSO Amateur radiotelegraph abbreviation for
ductance-capacitance (LC) circuit. Most Q meters TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION.
are operated at radio frequencies, but audio- Q spoiler A device or circuit that produces Q
frequency instruments are available. SPOILING in a laser.
Q modulation Amplitude modulation obtained by Q spoiling The technique of inhibiting laser action
varying the effective Q of a radio-frequency tank during an interval when an ion population excess
circuit in step with a modulating component. See is pumped up. When the laser is subsequently
ABSORPTION MODULATION. triggered by Q switching, a more powerful pulse
QMQB Abbreviation of quick make/quick break. of light results than would be otherwise obtained.
Q multiplier A positive-feedback (regenerative) Q switching A laser-switching action obtainable
amplifier that increases the effective Q of a tuned with Kerr cells or rotating reflecting prisms,
circuit, and thereby sharpens its response, when which consists of holding the Q of the laser cavity
its input is connected across the tuned circuit. to a low value during an ion-population buildup,
Q output The reference output of a flip-flop. then abruptly switching the Q to a higher value.
Q phase A color-television carrier signal that is 147 Q transformer See Q-MATCHING SECTION.
degrees out of phase with the color subcarrier. qty Abbreviation of QUANTITY.
Q point The point or points at which a load line in- quad 1. A combination of four components, such as
tersects a device characteristic (such as the col- diodes, transistors, etc., in a single housing. The
lector curve of a transistor or plate curve of a components are usually carefully matched. 2. In a
tube) and that identifies the quiescent operating cable, a combination of four separately insulated
point. conductors (sometimes, two twisted pairs) twisted
568 quad • quadrillion

together. 3. Abbreviation of QUADRANT. 4. See Quadrant

QUAD ANTENNA. 5. See QUADROPHONIC. Mirror
quad antenna A directional antenna similar to the
Yagi, except that full-wavelength loops are used
instead of straight elements. A two-element array Quartz fiber
Needle
can consist of a driven element and a reflector, or
it can have a driven element and a director. A Needle Quadrant
three-element system has one driven element,
one director, and one reflector. The director has
a perimeter of about 0.97 electrical wavelength, quadrant electrometer
the driven element measures exactly 1 electrical
wavelength around, and the reflector has a quadraphonic sound Sound recording and repro-
perimeter of about 1.03 electrical wavelength. Ad- duction involving four channels.
ditional director elements can be added to the ba- quadraphony Music recording or playback in
sic three-element quad design to form arrays which four distinct information channels are
having any desired numbers of elements. The used. Also called four-channel stereo.
gain and directivity increase as the number of el- quadratic equation A second-degree equation
ements increases. Compare YAGI ANTENNA. [i.e., one in which the highest exponent is 2 (the
square of an unknown) (e.g., ax2 + bx + c = 0)].
quadratic residue diffusor Abbreviation, QRD. In
Reflector acoustics, a sound-reflection grating that scat-
ters (diffuses) sound waves almost uniformly in
Radiator all directions. The depths of the indentations in
the grating are determined according to a
QUADRATIC EQUATION.
quadrature The state of (cyclic events or points)
being 90 degrees out of phase.
quadrature amplifier An amplifier circuit that in-
troduces a 90-degree phase shift. Such amplifiers
are used in control devices, test instruments,
Stub transmitters, and color television receivers.
quadrature axes The vertical axes in the complex-
number plane (i.e., the +j and –j axes).
Feeder quadrature carrier See Q PHASE.
quadrature component 1. The reactive compo-
quad antenna nent of an alternating current or voltage. 2. A vec-
tor perpendicular to a reference vector. 3. The
imaginary-number component in a complex-
quadded cable See QUAD, 2. number expression.
quadding Redundancy obtained by connecting quadrature current Reactive current in an alter-
components in series-parallel for enhanced relia- nating-current circuit.
bility and/or increased power-handling capacity. quadrature modulation In-phase modulation of
quad latch A set of four interconnected flip-flops two carrier components having a 90-degree phase
that is used for digital data storage. difference.
quadrant 1. A specific 90-degree arc of a circle. quadrature number See IMAGINARY NUMBER.
2. One of the four parts formed on a plane surface quadrature-phase subcarrier signal See QCW
by rectangular coordinates and designated I, II, SIGNAL.
III, and IV in a counterclockwise direction, start- quadrature portion In color television, the por-
ing with the upper-right quadrant. 3. An altitude- tion of the chrominance signal having the same
measuring instrument. (or opposite) phase as that of the Q-signal-
quadrantal deviation The part of magnetic- modulated subcarrier, and that is 90 degrees out
compass deviation caused by the induction of of phase with the in-phase portion.
transient magnetism into the horizontal soft iron quadrature sensitivity The sensitivity of a trans-
of a vessel by the horizontal component of ducer to motions in a direction that is perpendic-
terrestrial magnetism. ular to the normal axis of response.
quadrantal error See QUADRANTAL DEVIATION. quadrature voltage A voltage 90 degrees out of
quadrant electrometer An electrometer whose phase with another (reference) voltage.
principal parts are quadrants (a pillbox-shaped quadrilateral 1. Pertaining to an object having
brass chamber split into four parts) and a needle (a four sides. 2. A four-sided plane polygon.
flat, bowtie-shaped aluminum vane) suspended by quadrillion The number 1,000,000,000,000,000
a platinized quartz fiber between the quadrants. (1015).
 quadripartite • quantized pulse modulation 569

quadripartite Having four parts. quantitative test A test performed to determine

quadripole network A four-terminal network, the numerical values (and their relationships)
usually with input- and output-terminal pairs. connected with observable phenomena. Compare
quadrivalent Having a valence of 4. Tin, for exam- QUALITATIVE TEST.
ple, is quadrivalent. Also called TETRAVALENT. quantity 1. A parameter (e.g., collector current,
quadruped robot A robot with four legs that can grid voltage, etc.). 2. In calculations, a positive or
move independently. It offers better stability than negative real number. 3. Electrical charge, usu-
three-legged designs. Functions well in mobile ally specified or measured in coulombs (see
machines that must navigate irregular terrain. COULOMB). Also called electrical quantity.
quadrupler 1. A rectifier circuit that delivers a di- quantization The conversion of a quantity having
rect-current output voltage approximately equal infinitely many possible values or levels (such as
to four times the peak value of the alternating- an analog signal) into one that can attain only a
current input voltage. 2. An amplifier or other cir- finite number of defined values or levels (such as
cuit that delivers an output signal of four times a digital signal). The number of levels is usually
the frequency of the input signal. some integral power of 2 (i.e., 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc.).
quadruplex circuit A data circuit in which two mes- This allows the levels to be represented as binary
sages are carried in each direction simultaneously. numbers.
quadrupole 1. A combination of two dipoles, pro-
ducing a force that varies inversely with the
fourth power of distance. 2. A four-pole magnet 111
used in some synchrotrons and linear accelera-
tors to focus and bend a particle beam. 3. A sys- 110
tem consisting of two dipoles of equal and
opposite direct moment. 101
qualification The quality-control or quality-
Amplitude

assurance scheme used in the production of 100

components, circuits, or systems. Certain
011
minimum requirements must be met for a device
to obtain qualification. 010
qualitative test A test performed to determine the
general mode of operation or the presence of cer- 001
tain factors, without regard to numerical values.
Compare QUANTITATIVE TEST. 000
quality 1. In audio-frequency applications, fidelity Time
of transmission or reproduction. 2. The degree of
conformity of a product to specifications. quantization
quality assurance The outcome of measures taken
to bring performance into conformity with specifi-
cations. See QUALITY, 2. quantization distortion Distortion introduced by
quality control The surveillance of selection, man- the process of QUANTIZATION in a communica-
ufacturing, and testing operations to ensure con- tions or broadcast signal.
formity of a product to specifications. quantization distortion power The level of the
quality-control engineering The branch of engi- distortion in a signal resulting from QUANTIZA-
neering concerned principally with the technical TION. It is expressed in microwatts, milliwatts, or
methods of quality control and statistical meth- watts. It can also be expressed as a percentage, or
ods of assessing quality (see QUALITY, 2). as a level in decibels, relative to the power level of
quality-control technician A technician whose the input signal.
principal duty is the performance of operations in quantization error The difference between the ac-
the areas of incoming inspection, manufacturing tual values of quantities and their quantized val-
support, and product testing. Sometimes statisti- ues.
cal evaluations are required. quantization noise Noise introduced by the pro-
quality engineering A field of engineering that deals cess of QUANTIZATION in a communications or
with quality assurance and quality control in the broadcast signal.
production of components, circuits, and systems. quantize 1. To perform the process of QUANTIZA-
quality factor See Q. TION. 2. To split a quantitative commodity, such
quality-factor bridge See Q BRIDGE. as energy into its smallest measurable incremen-
quality-factor meter See Q METER. tal units.
quanta Plural of QUANTUM. quantized pulse modulation Pulse modulation in-
quantimeter An instrument used to measure the volving QUANTIZATION. Examples are PULSE-
quantity of X rays to which a body has been ex- CODE MODULATION and PULSE-NUMBERS
posed. MODULATION.
570 quantizer • quarter wavelength

quantizer A circuit or device that selects the digital quarter-deflection method A method of measur-
subdivision into which an analog quantity is ing high-frequency resistance, involving the use
placed (e.g., an analog-to-digital converter). of a sine-wave signal source, a standard nonin-
quantizing See QUANTIZATION. ductive variable resistor, and a square-law radio-
quantometer An instrument for measuring mag- frequency ammeter.
netic flux. quarter-phase See TWO-PHASE.
quantum 1. Abbreviation, Q. Plural, quanta. In quarter wave 1. The length of time corresponding
physics, the elemental unit or particle of electro- to 90 electrical degrees in a wave disturbance.
magnetic energy. The energy contained in one 2. The distance in space, or along a wire or feed
such particle is directly proportional to the fre- line that corresponds to 90 electrical degrees in a
quency, and inversely proportional to the wave- wave disturbance.
length. 2. See PHOTON. 3. Any discrete unit quarter-wave antenna An antenna in which the
derived by QUANTIZATION. radiator is an electrical quarter-wavelength long
quantum chromodynamics A term coined by Pro- at the operating frequency.
fessor Murray Gell-Mann for the theory of quarks
and gluons.
quantum counter A radiation-counter tube with a
window for the admission of light to the cathode.
quantum efficiency See QUANTUM YIELD. 1/4-wave
radiator
quantum electrodynamics A branch of quantum
mechanics that involves the motions of electrons,
photons, and muons caused by electromagnetic
action. Quantum electrodynamics takes relativis-
tic effects into account.
quantum electronics The branch of electronics
concerned with energy states in matter. Coaxial
quantum equivalence The principle that one elec- Ground line
tron is emitted for each photon absorbed by a ma- radials
terial (when the photon has the necessary energy).
quantum jump The abrupt movement of a particle
from one discrete energy state to another.
quantum level The orbit or ring occupied by an
electron in an atom.
quantum mechanics A branch of physics con-
cerned with the behavior of matter and energy, on Earth
the basis of observable data.
quantum noise A noise signal arising from ran-
dom variations in the average rate at which quarter-wave antenna
quanta impinge upon a detector.
quantum number A number that describes the en-
ergy level, or change in energy level, for a particle. quarter-wave attenuator In a transmission line or
quantum statistics A branch of QUANTUM ME- waveguide, two energy-absorbing structures sep-
CHANICS concerned with the distribution of ele- arated by an odd number of quarter wavelengths
mentary particles through various quantized so that the reflection from one structure is can-
energy levels. celed by that from the other.
quantum theory The theory that the emission or quarter-wave balun A balun using quarter-wave
absorption of energy by atoms or molecules oc- elements. One form of this device consists of
curs in discrete packages or units, rather than a grounded quarter-wavelength-long cylinder
continuously. Each unit is the emission or ab- closed at one end and open at the other, for
sorption of an energy packet called a QUANTUM. matching an unbalanced low-impedance line to a
Thus, radiant energy is thought to be divided into balanced high-impedance line.
quanta. quarter wavelength Symbol, λ/4. The distance that
quantum transition The movement of an electron corresponds to 90 degrees of phase as an electro-
from one energy level to another within an atom. magnetic (EM) field is propagated. In free space, it
quantum yield The photoelectric efficiency of a is related to the frequency by a simple equation
light-sensitive surface in terms of the number of L ft = 246/f
electrons emitted for each absorbed quantum of
light. where L ft represents λ/4 in feet, and f represents
quark A hypothetical particle having a fractional the frequency in megahertz. If λ/4 is expressed in
electrical charge; quarks are thought to be con- meters, then the formula is
stituents of other subatomic particles. L m = 75/f
 quarter wavelength • quartz plate 571

where L m represents the displacement in meters. quarter-wave termination In a waveguide, a set of

In general, if v is the velocity factor (expressed as two metal barriers separated by 90 electrical de-
a ratio) in a given medium, then: grees. One barrier totally reflects the energy strik-
L ft = 246v/f ing it. The other barrier allows some energy to
pass through. Resonance occurs in the space be-
and tween the barriers.
L m = 75v/f quarter-wave transformer A quarter-wave reso-
Compare FULL WAVELENGTH, HALF WAVE- nant line short-circuited at one end by an ad-
LENGTH. justable slider. This arrangement is useful for
quarter-wavelength line A transmission line or radio-frequency impedance matching.
feeder that is a quarter-wavelength long at the quarter-wave transmission line See QUARTER-
operating frequency. Also called quarter-wave WAVE LINE.
line. quartic equation A fourth-degree equation of the
quarter-wavelength matching stub An arrange- form ax4 + bx3 + cx2 + dx + e = 0, where a, b, c, d,
ment consisting of a quarter-wavelength-long and e are constants. Also called BIQUADRATIC
parallel-wire section of transmission line, used EQUATION.
for matching the impedance of a nonresonant quartz A mineral that is a variety of natural silicon
feeder to that of an antenna. It is similar to a Q- dioxide, or an artificially grown material of the
MATCHING SECTION, except that flexible trans- same sort. In the natural state, quartz occurs in
mission line (e.g., ladder line) is used, rather than hexagonal crystals having pyramidal ends. It has
rigid metal rods or tubing. various uses in electronics; one of the most com-
quarter-wave monopole A nondirectional UHF mon is the manufacture of piezoelectric crystals.
vertical antenna requiring no ground. The radia- quartz bar A comparatively large, thick piezoelec-
tor is 1⁄4 wavelength long, and is an enlarged- tric quartz plate used in standard-frequency os-
diameter outer sleeve connected to the outer cillators and in sharply tuned low-frequency
conductor of the coaxial feeder. The two sections filters. Common resonant frequencies are 50 kHz,
simulate a half-wave antenna. 100 kHz, and 1000 kHz.
quarter-wave plate A plate of double-refracting quartz crystal A natural or artificial piece of
crystalline material whose thickness allows the quartz cut to specific dimensions, usually self-
introduction of a quarter-cycle phase difference contained in a solder-in or plug-in enclosure. The
between the ordinary and extraordinary compo- device acts as a highly stable selective circuit. It
nents of light transmitted by it. exhibits a sharp resonance at the frequency for
quarter-wave radiator An antenna consisting of a which it is cut, and at harmonics of this fre-
single, usually straight, active element that mea- quency. It is used as the frequency-determining
sures an electrical quarter wavelength from end element in precision oscillators.
to end. When operated against electrical ground, quartz-crystal oscillator See CRYSTAL OSCILLA-
the element exhibits resonance. A simple quar- TOR.
ter-wavelength (λ/4) conductor with a high quartz-crystal resonator See CRYSTAL RES-
length-to-diameter ratio measures approximately ONATOR.
95 percent of λ/4 in free space. The element can quartz delay line An acoustic delay line using
be much shorter than free-space λ/4 yet remain quartz to transmit the sound waves.
resonant when operated against electrical ground quartz-fiber electroscope An electroscope using a
if inductance is inserted in series with the radia- gold-plated quartz fiber, instead of gold leaves.
tor. The element can be much longer than free- quartz-halogen lamp An incandescent, usually
space λ/4 yet remain resonant when operated low-voltage lamp used in automotive headlights,
against electrical ground if distributed capaci- and in some home and office lighting appliances.
tances are inserted in series with the radiator. It provides greater efficiency than conventional
quarter-wave resonance Resonance at the operat- incandescent lamps.
ing frequency in a quarter-wave antenna. quartz lamp A mercury-vapor lamp with a trans-
quarter-wave resonant line A section of transmis- parent quartz (instead of glass) envelope. Unlike
sion line (such as open-wire line or coaxial cable) glass, quartz readily passes the ultraviolet rays
that is a quarter-wavelength long at the operating generated by the mercury discharge.
frequency. Such a section is useful in impedance quartz lock A circuit that uses a CRYSTAL OSCIL-
matching and in various radio-frequency tests LATOR to regulate frequency, timing, or speed. It
and measurements. is used in electronic clocks and watches, televi-
quarter-wave stub See QUARTER-WAVE TRANS- sion receivers, synthesized radio receivers, trans-
FORMER. mitters, transceivers, high-fidelity turntables, etc.
quarter-wave support In a coaxial line, a quarter- quartz oscillator See CRYSTAL OSCILLATOR.
wave metal stub that can be used, instead of an quartz plate A piezoelectric plate cut from a quartz
insulator, to separate the inner and outer con- crystal. The plate is itself often called a crystal.
ductors. Also see CRYSTAL AXES and CRYSTAL CUTS.
572 quartz resonator • quick-break fuse

quartz resonator See CRYSTAL RESONATOR. +

quartz timepiece A watch or clock having as its
control element a time-determining quartz crys-
tal.

Amplitude
quasi- A prefix meaning “to some extent” or “simi-
lar to,” as in quasi-optical radio wave (a radio Time
wave that behaves like a light ray).
quasi-bistable circuit A trigger-operated multivi-
brator. It operates as a flip-flop when the trigger
frequency is sufficiently high.
−
quasi-instruction In a computer program, a data
item appearing as an encoded instruction, but quasi square wave
that is not acted upon.
quasi-linear feedback system A system in which
the feedback elements are nearly linear, but not quench 1. To suddenly bring to an end (e.g., to
entirely linear. quench an oscillation). 2. To cool quickly, as in
quasi-negative Pertaining to a voltage that is the quenching of a heated metal object. 3. To ex-
negative, with respect to some other voltage, but tinguish the discharge in a gas tube.
whose absolute polarity is positive. For example, quench capacitor A capacitor that prevents a
+0.5 volt is quasi-negative, with respect to spark from arcing across an inductor when cur-
+5.5 volts. rent flow abruptly stops.
quasi-optical Behaving like light. The term is used quench frequency See QUENCHING FRE-
to describe certain extremely short radio waves or QUENCY.
other radiations that, like light rays, follow line- quenching action Typical operation of a superre-
of-sight paths and can be directed, reflected, re- generative circuit, in which regeneration is in-
fracted, or diffused. creased to nearly the point of oscillation and then
quasi-optical path A line-of-sight path followed by reduced; this action is repeated at an ultrasonic
very short radio waves, such as microwaves. frequency and results in very high sensitivity.
quasi-positive Pertaining to a voltage that is posi- Also see QUENCHING FREQUENCY, QUENCH
tive, with respect to some other voltage, but OSCILLATOR, and SUPERREGENERATIVE CIR-
whose absolute polarity is negative. For example, CUIT.
–0.5 volt is quasi-positive, with respect to quenching frequency The frequency at which re-
–5.5 volts. generation in a superregenerative circuit is in-
quasi-random A set of numbers considered to be creased and decreased.
random, but chosen according to an algorithm. quench oscillator In some superregenerative cir-
quasi-rectangular wave A wave whose shape ap- cuits, the separate ultrasonic oscillator that pro-
proaches that of a rectangular wave, but that duces the required quenching action.
possesses a small amount of tilt and/or curva- quench resistor A resistor in a quenching network
ture. that prevents a spark from occurring across an
quasi-scientific A term that is sometimes applied inductor when current flow stops.
to the design of electronic systems or to the ap- queue A list of data, steps in a process, or com-
praisal of circuit behavior, using an intuitive, mands awaiting execution in a specific order.
rather than analytical approach. queuing theory A branch of mathematical elec-
quasi-sine wave A waveform that is not a perfect tronics, dealing with the optimum order in which
sine curve, but is close enough to be considered steps should be executed to obtain a particular
sinusoidal, for all practical purposes. end result.
quasi-single sideband A modulated waveform that quibinary code In computer operations, a binary-
somewhat resembles single sideband, in which coded decimal system in which each decimal digit
parts of both sidebands are present. is represented by seven bits occupying places
quasi-square wave A waveform that is not a per- whose values are 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 1, and 0.
fect square, but is close enough to be considered quibinary decade circuit A decade counter con-
square for all practical purposes. It is sometimes sisting of a ring-of-5, followed by a single binary
applied to a rectangular wave when a square stage.
wave is desired. quick break An operating characteristic of a
quasi-technical A term sometimes applied to qual- switch, relay, or circuit breaker whereby the con-
itative tests, as opposed to quantitative tests. tacts open rapidly—even when the actuating cur-
quaternary 1. Pertaining to a base-4 number rent or mechanical force is slow-acting.
system. 2. Of an atom, joined to carbon atoms for quick-break fuse A fuse in which the wire melts
four bonds. 3. The fourth member of a 4-unit set. and breaks almost instantly when the current
Quebec Phonetic alphabet code word for the rating is exceeded. Also called quick-blow fuse.
letter Q. Compare SLOW-BLOW FUSE.
 quick-break switch • QWERTY 573

quick-break switch A switch that opens rapidly— quiescent period The no-signal interval during
even if its handle or lever is moved slowly by the which equipment is not operating—even though
operator. This action minimizes arcing and pre- it is energized.
vents chatter. Compare QUICK-MAKE SWITCH. quiescent point The point on the characteristic
quick charge The process of charging a battery, curve of a transistor, diode, or similar device, de-
such as a nickel-cadmium (NICAD) or nickel- noting the zero-signal operating conditions.
metal-hydride (NiMH) type, at a relatively rapid quiescent push-pull Denoting a push-pull stage,
rate, at high charging current. It is sometimes especially an audio power-output amplifier, in
used to charge a battery from a state of almost to- which the direct-current signal is essentially
tal discharge. Compare TRICKLE CHARGE. zero.
quick-disconnect The characteristic of a connec- quiescent state The inactive, or resting, state of
tor that enables its mating halves to be separated an active component, such as a transistor or vac-
quickly and simply, to break the circuit in which uum tube.
it is situated. quiescent value The zero-signal value of current
quickening liquid A solution of mercuric cyanide or or voltage for any component supplied with oper-
mercuric nitrate, into which objects can be dipped ating power.
prior to electroplating with silver. The process en- quiet AGC See DELAYED AUTOMATIC GAIN CON-
sures good adhesion of the silver to the object. TROL.
quick make An operating characteristic of a quiet automatic gain control See DELAYED AU-
switch, relay, or circuit breaker, whereby the con- TOMATIC GAIN CONTROL.
tacts close rapidly—even when the actuating cur- quiet automatic volume control See DELAYED
rent or mechanical force is slow acting. AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL.
quick-make switch A switch that closes rapidly— quiet AVC See DELAYED AUTOMATIC GAIN CON-
even if its handle or lever is moved slowly by the TROL.
operator. Compare QUICK-BREAK SWITCH. quiet battery A direct-current source specially de-
quick printer A high-speed printer, used with a signed and filtered to minimize noise components
data terminal or computer. A relative term, de- in its output.
pending on the user and the application. quieting Noise-voltage reduction in the output of a
quicksilver See MERCURY. frequency-modulation (FM) receiver when an un-
quick-stop control A control on tape recorders and modulated carrier is received. Also called noise
some dictating machines that allows the operator quieting.
to stop the tape, but keep the machine in the play quieting level In a frequency-modulation (FM) re-
or record mode. Also called pause control. ceiver, the limiter threshold point.
QuickTime Trade name (Apple Computer, Inc.) for quieting sensitivity In a frequency-modulation
system software commonly used in MULTIMEDIA (FM) receiver, the lowest input-signal amplitude
applications with personal computers. at which the output signal-to-noise ratio is below
QUICKTRAN For multiaccess computer systems, a the specified limit.
computer programming language based on FOR- quiet tuning A system of tuning in which the out-
TRAN and offering facilities, through the use of put of a receiver is muted until a station is tuned
remote terminals, for running, testing, debug- in properly.
ging, and compiling programs. quinary code See BIQUINARY CODE.
quiescent carrier operation A modulation system quinary counter A decade counter consisting of a
in which the carrier is present only during modu- five-stage ring.
lation (i.e., it is suppressed at all other times). quinhydrone electrode A pH meter electrode con-
Also called controlled-carrier transmission. sisting of a platinum wire in a solution of quinhy-
quiescent-carrier telephony A carrier-current drone (C12H10O4). Also see PH METER.
(wired-wireless) telephone system in which the quintillion The number 1,000,000,000,000,
carrier is suppressed when there is no voice or 000,000 (1018).
alerting signal. quintupler 1. A rectifier circuit that delivers a di-
quiescent component In an electronic device, a rect-current output voltage equal to about five
component that is momentarily nonfunctional. times the peak value of the alternating-current
quiescent current Operating current (usually a di- input voltage. 2. A circuit that delivers an out-
rect current) flowing in a circuit or component put signal at the fifth harmonic of the input sig-
during zero-signal or no-drain intervals. Also nal.
called IDLING CURRENT. QWERTY The standard typewriter and computer
quiescent operation Zero-signal operation of a de- keyboard layout. The name is derived from the
vice, such as a transistor, diode, magnetic ampli- first several letters in the top letter row: Q, W, E,
fier, or similar component. R, T, and Y.
R 1. Symbol for RESISTANCE. (Also, r.) 2. Ra- Scale
diotelegraph abbreviation for ROGER. 3. Symbol
for RELUCTANCE. 4. Abbreviation of RADIUS.
r 1. Symbol for ROENTGEN. 2. Symbol for correla- Pointer
tion coefficient. 3. Abbreviation of RADIUS. (Also,
abbreviated R.)
re Symbol for CLASSICAL ELECTRON RADIUS.
RA 1. Abbreviation of right ascension. 2. Abbrevia-
Straight,
tion of RANDOM ACCESS.
toothed rod Shaft
rabbit ears An indoor antenna, sometimes used
with a television receiver, consisting of two verti-
cal whips (usually telescoping), the angle between
which is adjustable.
Round,
RAC Abbreviation of RECTIFIED ALTERNATING toothed gear
CURRENT.
Rac Symbol for AC RESISTANCE. (Also, rac.)
race Incorrect interpretation of the clock pulses by
a digital circuit. Also called racing. The circuit im- rack and pinion
properly attempts to do many operations during
one clock pulse, rather than a single operation. rack up In computer operations, a way of display-
RACES Abbreviation of Radio Amateur Civil Emer- ing data, in which a new line added to the already
gency System. completely occupied screen bumps up what has
raceway See WIRE DUCT and WIREWAYS. forgone, thus eliminating the top line.
rack An upright frame for holding equipment of racon Acronym for radar beacon.
RACK-AND-PANEL CONSTRUCTION. rad 1. A unit of ionizing radiation received by a
rack-and-panel construction A method of build- body (dose) equal to 0.001 J/kg. 2. Abbreviation
ing electronic equipment on a chassis attached of RADIAC. 3. Abbreviation of RADIAN. 4. Abbre-
horizontally or vertically to a vertical panel. After viation of RADIO. 5. Abbreviation of RADIX.
completion of a unit, the panel is fastened in radar 1. A microwave system for detecting objects
place on a RACK. Several such panels fill the and determining their distance, direction, head-
rack. ing, speed, and other characteristics. Signals
rack and pinion A device used for mechanical ad- from the transmitter are reflected back to the
justment of a control, such as the tuning control transmitter site by the object, and the reflection
in a radio receiver. A gear engages a serrated rod. (sometimes along with the transmission) is dis-
As the gear is turned, the rod moves lengthwise. played on a cathode-ray screen. The name is an

Copyright 2001 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Click Here for Terms of Use
 radar • radial 575

acronym for radio detection and ranging. 2. The (usually in degrees clockwise from geographic
theory and application of radio detection and north) and radius from the transmitter (usually
ranging systems as defined in 1. in miles or kilometers). Altitude above mean sea
radar altitude The distance of an aircraft above level can be displayed for individual echoes.
the surface of the earth, as determined by radar. radar homing A method of missile homing in
This value varies with the terrain over which the which radar is used to track a target.
aircraft passes. radar speed trap A radar system used by traffic
radar antenna Any antenna used for transmitting police to spot speeding vehicles.
and/or receiving radar signals. radar telescope The transmission and reception
radar astronomy The use of radar equipment to unit used in radar astronomy. Compare RADIO
observe and map planets, moons, and asteroids, TELESCOPE.
and to measure their distance from the earth or RadCM Abbreviation of RADAR COUNTERMEA-
from a spacecraft. SURES. (Also, RCM.)
radar beacon A radar transceiver that, on receipt radial 1. One of several conductors used to enhance
of radar signals, transmits encoded signals from the performance of an unbalanced, vertical an-
which the operator can take a bearing. tenna. These can be constructed from wire or
radar beam The cone-shaped main lobe of energy metal tubing, and generally measure one-quarter
emitted by a radar antenna. The narrower the wavelength or more. When a vertical antenna is
beam, the greater the resolution of the radar sys- mounted at the earth’s surface, the ground con-
tem. ductivity is improved by these conductors, which
radar clutter Visual interference on a radar screen run outward from the base of the radiator, and are
caused by reflections from ground or sea. connected to the shield of a coaxial feed line. The
radar countermeasures Abbreviations, RCM and greater the number of radials of a given length, the
rad CM. In wartime, any method of interfering more the ground loss is reduced. Also, the longer
with enemy radar, such as jamming or use of de- the radials for a given number, the better. If a ver-
coys. tical radiator is mounted with its base more than
radar detector 1. A device used in automobiles one-quarter wavelength above the earth’s sur-
and trucks to detect the proximity of police or face, there need only be three or four conductors
highway-patrol radar. 2. A device used in military measuring exactly one-quarter wavelength.
applications, especially aviation, to indicate the See GROUND-MOUNTED VERTICAL ANTENNA,
presence of radar. GROUND-PLANE ANTENNA. 2. Pertaining to the
radar display The scheme via which a radar set distance from the center of a circle to its periphery.
portrays the relative positions of the objects that 3. Pertaining to the distance from the center of a
produce echoes. The most common is the az- sphere to its surface. 4. Extending or emanating
imuth/range display, showing compass bearings outward in a straight line from a defined point.

Vertical
radiating
element

Radial Radial

Coaxial
feed line

radials
576 radial ground • radioactive

radial ground An earth connection composed of Maximum

radials buried in the ground. radiation
radial lead A lead (pigtail) attached perpendicular
to the axis of a component, such as a resistor or
capacitor.
radian Abbreviation, rad. The angle at the center of Antenna
a circle subtended by an arc whose length is
equal to the radius. Equal to approximately Angle
57.2958 degrees.
radiance The radiant flux emitted by an object. Ra-
diance is measured in terms of the amount of en-
ergy contained in a unit solid angle (steradian)
with the source at the apex.
radians-to-degrees conversion The conversion of Average terrain
radian angular measure into degrees. To change (horizontal)
radians to degrees, multiply the number of de-
grees by 57.2958. Thus, 0.7854 radian = 45 de-
grees. Compare DEGREES-TO-RADIANS CON-
VERSION. radiation angle
radiant efficiency The ratio of the radiant energy
emitted by a source to the energy consumed by radiation loss Loss of energy through radiation
the source. The radiant energy is generally speci- from a conductor. Also see LOSS.
fied within a certain range of wavelengths. An ex- radiation pattern A graphical representation of
ample is the incandescent light bulb, which has the intensity of the electromagnetic field in vari-
relatively low radiant efficiency in the visible ous directions from a radiator, such as a trans-
spectrum between about 750 and 390 nanome- mitting antenna. It is usually shown in either the
ters. horizontal plane or a specific vertical plane con-
radiant energy 1. Any form of energy emitted by a taining the antenna. Also see LOBE.
source and propagated through space as an elec- radiation physics The study of radiation and its
tromagnetic disturbance. Included are radio effects on matter. Radiation physics is especially
waves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X rays, concerned with ionizing radiation, but it can in-
and gamma rays. 2. Electromagnetic distur- volve any kind of particle or electromagnetic en-
bances at infrared and shorter wavelengths. ergy.
radiant flux The rate at which radiant energy is radiation pressure Pressure exerted on a surface
emitted. by impinging electromagnetic radiation.
radiation 1. The emission of energy or particles radiation resistance The inherent resistance at
(e.g., waves from an antenna, X rays from an X- the feed point of a resonant radio antenna.
ray tube, energy from a radioactive material, heat radiation sickness General physiological symp-
from a body, etc.). 2. Radio waves, infrared, visi- toms resulting from a short-term overdose of
ble light, ultraviolet, X rays, or gamma rays. X rays, gamma rays, or atomic-particle radia-
3. Ionizing emissions from radioactive substances tion.
(e.g., alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons, radiator 1. The element of an antenna from which
gamma rays, etc.). radio energy is directly radiated, as opposed to
radiation angle The horizontal or vertical angle at the transmission line, lead-in, reflector, or direc-
which electromagnetic waves are radiated from tor. 2. See LOUDSPEAKER.
an antenna. Measured between the central axis of radio 1. Wireless electrical communication, i.e., by
the main lobe and the horizon, or between the means of electromagnetic waves. 2. See RADIO
central axis of the main lobe and geographic RECEIVER. 3. See RADIO TRANSCEIVER. 4. See
north. RADIO TRANSMITTER. 5. To communicate by ra-
radiation belts See VAN ALLEN RADIATION dio.
BELTS. radio- 1. A prefix meaning “pertaining to wireless
radiation counter An instrument used for deter- electrical communication.” Examples: radiotele-
mining the intensity of atomic-particle radiation, phone and radiotelegraph. 2. A prefix meaning
X rays, or gamma rays. It operates by means of “using radio waves.” Examples: radiosonde, ra-
ionization of a gas in a sealed tube. diolocator, and radiothermics. 3. A prefix meaning
radiation field The portion of the electromagnetic “pertaining to using or possessing radioactivity,”
field that is propagated by a radiator, as opposed or “pertaining to X rays.” Examples: radiograph,
to the induction field. radioisotope, and radiologist.
radiation intensity For a directional radio trans- radioactive Having the property of emitting alpha,
mitting antenna, the radiated power per stera- beta, and (sometimes) gamma rays as the result
dian in a given direction. of nuclear disintegration. Also see HALF-LIFE.
 radioactive element • radio-frequency choke 577

radioactive element A chemical element that is radio control See REMOTE CONTROL.
RADIOACTIVE (e.g., uranium). Also called ra- radio direction finder See DIRECTION FINDER.
dioelement. radio Doppler 1. A change in the frequency of a ra-
radioactive isotope See RADIOISOTOPE. dio signal emitted by a source having radial mo-
radioactive tracer A quantity of radioactive mate- tion, with respect to the receiver. 2. An electronic
rial put into a system so that its path can be mon- device used to measure radial speed by means of
itored by means of a radiation detector. An the Doppler effect at radio frequencies.
example is the introduction of radioactive barium radio-electronics The branch of electronics specif-
into the large intestine. The flow and concentra- ically involved with wireless communications.
tion of the barium gives an indication of the func- radioelement See RADIOACTIVE ELEMENT.
tioning of the lower intestine. radio engineer A trained professional skilled in the
radioactive transducer A pickup device for detect- physics and mathematics of radio communica-
ing and measuring radioactivity (e.g., Geiger- tions, and in the theory and application of basic
Mueller tube). electronics engineering and related subjects. Also
radioactivity counter See GEIGER COUNTER see RADIO ENGINEERING.
and SCINTILLATION COUNTER. radio engineering The branch of electronics engi-
radio altitude See RADAR ALTITUDE. neering devoted to the theory and operations of
radio amateur An electronics hobbyist licensed to radio communication.
operate two-way wireless communications sta- radio field strength The intensity of radio waves
tions in various assigned frequency bands, with- at a given point. Also see FIELD INTENSITY, 2
out receiving payment for services rendered. and RADIO MAP.
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency System Abbre- radio frequency Abbreviation, RF. 1. Consisting
viation, RACES. A civil-defense organization of li- of, or pertaining to, alternating currents at fre-
censed amateur radio stations. Also see RADIO quencies above about 9 kHz (the lowest allocated
AMATEUR. radio communications frequency). 2. Consisting
radio astronomy The observation, study, and of, or pertaining to, electromagnetic fields whose
analysis of radio-frequency electromagnetic emis- wavelengths are longer than those of infrared,
sions from bodies or points in space, and the but shorter than about 33 kilometers (corre-
study of these bodies through their radiations. sponding to a frequency of 9 kHz). Also see RA-
radioautograph See AUTORADIOGRAPH. DIO SPECTRUM.
radio beacon 1. A radio transmitter of direction- radio-frequency amplifier 1. In a superhetero-
finding or guidance signals. 2. Also called radio dyne circuit, the channel in which the incoming
beam. The signals transmitted by a radio beacon, signal is amplified. Compare INTERMEDIATE-
as defined in 1. FREQUENCY AMPLIFIER. 2. Broadly, an ampli-
radio beam 1. Antenna radiation focused in one fier of radio-frequency signals.
direction. 2. See RADIO BEACON, 2. radio-frequency choke Abbreviation, RFC. A low-
radiobiology A field of biology concerned with the inductance coil used to block radio-frequency
influence of radiant energy or radioactivity on liv- (RF) alternating currents. Many RF chokes have
ing organisms. air cores; some have cores of ferrite or powdered
radio broadcast A radio transmission directed to iron.
numerous, nonspecific receivers—especially by a
station in the broadcast service. Also called RA-
DIOCAST. Also see BROADCAST SERVICE, 1, 2.
radio car An automobile equipped with a two-way
radio.
radio carbon Radioactive carbon (i.e., carbon 14).
radiocast See RADIO BROADCAST.
radio channel A single, usually narrow radio- Out
frequency band within a larger band, in which
stations are authorized to transmit signals of a In
specified type. Also see CHANNEL, 1; CHANNEL
SEPARATION; and CHANNEL WIDTH.
radiochemistry The chemistry of radioactive sub-
stances.
radio communication Wireless communication
carried on by means of radio-frequency electro- +12 V
magnetic waves.
radio compass See DIRECTION FINDER.
radioconductor A substance or body whose elec- (General bipolar circuit)
trical conductivity is affected by radio waves, and
that can be used as a sensor of such waves. radio-frequency amplifier, 2
578 radio-frequency current • radiolocation

radio-frequency current Symbol, IRF. 2. The in- radiogram A (usually printed out) message trans-
tensity of a generated radio-frequency (RF) signal, mitted and received via radiotelegraphy or ra-
usually expressed in microamperes. 2. Loosely, dioteletype. The term is an acronym for radio
any measurable RF signal. telegram.
radio-frequency heating The generation of heat in radiograph 1. To contact by sending a RADIO-
an object by an intense radio-frequency electro- GRAM. 2. An X-ray photograph.
magnetic field. See, for example, DIATHERMY, 1; radio homing 1. A method of homing that uses the
DIELECTRIC HEATING; and INDUCTION HEAT- tracking of a target on the basis of a radio signal
ING. emitted by that target. 2. A method of keeping a
radio-frequency interference Abbreviation, RFI. missile on track via radio remote control.
1. Annoying electrical noise in radio-frequency radio interference 1. Interference to radio com-
(RF) amplifiers, detectors, and instruments. munication, from whatever cause. 2. See RADIO-
2. Undesired RF signals that compete with desired FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE.
ones in amplifiers, receivers, and instruments. radioisotope A radioactive isotope (natural or artifi-
3. The unwanted interception and demodulation cial) of a normally nonradioactive chemical element
of a strong RF signal by an audio-frequency (AF) (e.g., radioactive carbon). Also see ISOTOPE.
device, such as a telephone set or high-fidelity radio jamming See JAMMING.
stereo amplifier. radio knife A surgical instrument consisting essen-
radio-frequency meter An instrument for mea- tially of a needle that forms a high-frequency arc.
suring signals of RADIO FREQUENCY (9 kHz and The arc simultaneously cuts and cauterizes tissue.
above). radiolocation A process whereby the position of a
radio-frequency oscillator Abbreviation, RFO. An vehicle, aircraft, or ocean-going vessel is deter-
oscillator (self-excited or crystal-controlled) for mined. The simplest method is the directional
operation at radio frequencies. In such an oscilla- method. Two or three fixed receiving stations are
tor, stray components, efficiency, and general used. Radio direction-finding (RDF) equipment is
losses are of primary concern. Also see RADIO employed at each station, in conjunction with a
FREQUENCY. transmitter aboard the vessel, to establish the
radio-frequency power Symbol, PRF. Alternating- bearings of the vessel with respect to each sta-
current power at radio frequencies. tion. Radar can also be used to locate vessels. In
radio-frequency resistance The total in-phase re- wartime, enemy craft can sometimes be located
sistance exhibited by a conductor at radio fre- by visual or infrared apparatus. Satellites can lo-
quencies. This opposition to current includes cate enemy ships and missiles, in some cases
direct-current resistance and the in-phase com- with an error smaller than the length of the ves-
ponents caused by skin effect, shielding, and the sel itself. Compare RADIONAVIGATION.
presence of dielectrics.
radio-frequency selectivity The selectivity of a ra-
dio-frequency (RF) channel, such as the RF am-
plifier and first detector of a superheterodyne
circuit. Receiver
radio-frequency transformer Abbreviation, RF X
transformer. A device used for the purpose of
impedance matching, antenna tuning, or inter-
stage coupling at frequencies above the range of
human hearing (approximately 20 kHz and up). Vessel Receiver
The device might consist of solenoidal windings Y
with an air core, solenoidal windings with a
powdered-iron or ferrite core, or toroidal wind-
ings with a powdered-iron or ferrite core. The
windings are designed to minimize distributed
capacitance and direct-current resistance.
When no reactance is present, the impedance-
transfer ratio is equal to the square of the turns
ratio. Compare AUDIO-FREQUENCY TRANS-
FORMER.
radio-frequency transistor 1. A transistor capa-
ble of providing significant amplification at radio
frequencies. 2. A transistor operable at frequen-
cies above 100 kHz. Receiver Z
radiogenic Produced by radioactivity.
radiogoniometer A radio compass (see DIREC-
TION FINDER and GONIOMETER, 1). radiolocation
 radiolocator • radio spectroscope 579

radiolocator See RADAR. radio micrometer See MICRORADIOMETER.

radiological system See X-RAY THERAPY SYS- radionavigation The use of radio apparatus, usu-
TEM. ally in conjunction with computers, by personnel
radiologist A specialist skilled in RADIOLOGY. aboard moving vessels, for the purpose of plotting,
radiology The science embracing the theory and correcting, and maintaining a course. The inter-
use of X rays and radioactive substances in the secting-line method is simplest. Two or three
diagnosis and treatment of diseases and ail- land-based transmitters are needed. Their loca-
ments. tions must be accurately known. A direction-
radiolucency 1. The property of a material that al- finding device on the vessel is used to determine
lows ionizing radiation to pass through it with lit- the bearings of each of the transmitters. Aircraft
tle or no absorption. 2. The extent to which a radionavigation can be performed with the aid of
material transmits ionizing radiation. radar. The most sophisticated radionavigation
radioluminescence Visible light emitted from a ra- techniques employ the Global Positioning System
dioactive material. A good example is radium; it (GPS). Computers are used to project the course
was once used on wristwatch dials so that they of a craft based on its current position, its speed,
could be seen in the dark. and the direction of its movement. Course correc-
radiolysis Chemical decomposition brought about tions are made by choosing the desired course
by radiation. and having the computer calculate speed and/or
radioman A radio technician or operator. direction changes. Compare RADIOLOCATION.
radio map A map of a geographic area, on which radio net A group of radio stations operating to-
lines are drawn connecting measured points of gether in an organization, often on or near the
equal field strength for signals from a radio sta- same frequency.
tion at the approximate center of the area. radio network See RADIO NET.
radiometeorograph See RADIOSONDE. radio operator A technician licensed to operate a
radiometer A device for detecting and measuring transmitter in the radio, television, or radar ser-
the strength of radiant energy. One form consists vices.
of a set of vanes blackened on one side and radiopaque Opaque to X rays or other ionizing ra-
mounted on pivots in a partially evacuated glass diation. Compare RADIOPARENT.
bulb. Visible light or infrared causes the vane as- radioparent Transparent to X rays or other ioniz-
sembly to rotate, the speed being proportional to ing radiation. Compare RADIOPAQUE.
the intensity of the light. radiophone See RADIOTELEPHONE.
radiophoto A photograph transmitted and re-
ceived by radio. Also see FACSIMILE.
Glass
radio pill See ENDORADIOSONDE.
envelope
radio prospecting The use of radio-frequency de-
vices to locate underground or underwater metals
and mineral deposits. Also see METAL LOCATOR.
Light radio range A radio station providing navigational
aid to airplanes.
radio receiver The complete apparatus that se-
lects, amplifies, demodulates, and reproduces a
radio signal for purposes of communication, as
distinct from facsimile receiver, remote-control re-
ceiver, telemetry receiver, television receiver, etc.
radiosensitivity 1. The property of being sensitive
to ionizing radiation. Most photographic films
have this property. 2. The extent to which a sub-
stance or device is sensitive to ionizing radiation.
radio service technician An electronics techni-
cian skilled in the repair and maintenance of ra-
dio equipment—especially receivers.
radiosonde A balloon-carried combination of radio
transmitter and transducers, for sending to a
ground monitoring station signals revealing such
atmospheric conditions as temperature, humid-
radiometer ity, and pressure. It is used mainly for gathering
meteorological data at high altitudes.
radiometry The science and art of measuring radi- radiosonobuoy See SONOBUOY.
ation in the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet re- radio spectroscope A device used by radio as-
gions of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum. tronomers to obtain the radio-frequency profile of
Compare PHOTOMETRY. a distant star or galaxy. It generally consists of a
580 radio spectroscope • radiothermics

graph, obtained by scanning the radio spectrum frequency (UHF), 300 to 3000 MHz; super high fre-
and plotting signal intensity as a function of fre- quency (SHF), 3 to 30 GHz; extremely high fre-
quency or wavelength. quency (EHF), 30 to 300 GHz.
radio spectrum The continuum of frequencies radiostat See CRYSTAL FILTER.
useful for radio communication and control. radio station 1. The location at which a radio
Classified in the following manner: Very low fre- transmitter and/or receiver is/are installed.
quency (VLF), 9 to 30 kHz; low frequency (LF), 30 2. The complete set of equipment for a radio receiv-
to 300 kHz; medium frequency (MF), 300 to 3000 ing and/or transmitting installation, including
kHz; high frequency (HF), 3 to 30 MHz; very high the studio, linking apparatus, and antennas. 3. A
frequency (VHF), 30 to 300 MHz; ultrahigh standard broadcast station.
radio technician A professional skilled in the con-
To struction, testing, repair, and maintenance of radio
infrared, equipment, and sometimes in its design, and who
visible light, usually works under the supervision of a radio en-
ultraviolet, X rays, gineer. Also see RADIO SERVICE TECHNICIAN.
gamma rays radiotelegram See RADIOGRAM.
radiotelegraph 1. Pertaining to the theory and ap-
plication of, and the equipment for, Morse code
transmission and/or reception via radio. 2. An
0.1 mm 3 THz installation for Morse code transmission and/or
Decimillimetric reception via radio. 3. The transmission and/or
reception of Morse code signals via radio.
1 mm 300 GHz radiotelegraph code See CONTINENTAL CODE.
radiotelegraph distress signal See SOS.
Millimetric EHF
radiotelegraph monitor See KEYING MONITOR.
Microwaves radiotelegraphy The transmission and/or recep-
tion of telegraphic communications, usually
1 cm 30 GHz Morse code, by means of radio.
Centimetric SHF radiotelephone 1. Pertaining to the theory and ap-
plication of, and the equipment for, voice trans-
mission and/or reception via radio. 2. An
10 cm 3 GHz installation for voice transmission and/or recep-
Decimetric UHF
tion via radio. 3. The transmission and/or recep-
tion of voice signals via radio.
radiotelephone distress signal See MAYDAY.
1m 300 MHz radio/telephone patch See PHONE PATCH.
VHF radiotelephony The transmission and/or recep-
Metric tion of audio signals, usually human voices, by
means of radio.
10 m 30 MHz radio telescope A directional antenna and associ-
HF ated equipment for receiving and evaluating the
Decametric radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation from
space—especially from celestial objects (such as
100 m 3 MHz the sun, planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies,
MF quasars, etc.). See RADIO ASTRONOMY.
Hectometric radioteletype 1. Pertaining to the theory and ap-
plication of, and the equipment for, text data
1 km 300 kHz transmission and/or reception via radio. 2. An
LF installation for text data transmission and/or re-
Kilometric ception via radio. 3. The transmission and/or re-
10 km 30 kHz ception of text data signals via radio.
VLF radioteletypewriter A teletypewriter adapted to
Myriametric 30 km 10 kHz radio, rather than wire service; it is used in some
RADIOTELETYPE installations. In recent years,
100 km 3 kHz personal computers and terminals have largely
replaced adapted teletypewriters for this purpose.
radiotherapy The use of X rays and/or radioactive
To lower audio substances in the treatment of disease and disor-
and subaudio ders.
radiothermics The science of the generation of
radio spectrum heat by means of radio-frequency current.
 radiothermy • random feed 581

radiothermy See DIATHERMY. rad/s Abbreviation of radians per second, the SI

radio thorium Radioactive THORIUM. unit of angular velocity.
radiotracer See TRACER. rad/s2 Abbreviation of radians per second squared,
radio transceiver A RADIO RECEIVER and RADIO the SI unit of angular acceleration.
TRANSMITTER built into a single unit, and gener- radux A continuous-wave, low-frequency radion-
ally intended for use in two-way communication. avigation system. Position is determined by com-
radio transmitter The complete apparatus that paring the phase of two signals sent from
generates radio-frequency power, modifies it with different locations.
the data needed for communication, and delivers RAID Acronym for REDUNDANT ARRAY OF INDE-
the product to an antenna for radiation into PENDENT DISKS.
space. Here, the radio transmitter is distin- rainbow generator A test-signal generator that
guished from similar equipment: facsimile trans- produces a full color spectrum, a pattern resem-
mitter, remote-control transmitter, telemetry bling the successive coloration of a rainbow, on
transmitter, television transmitter, etc. the screen of a color-television receiver. Also see
radio-transparent material 1. A substance RAINBOW PATTERN.
through which radio waves pass with little or no rainbow pattern A test pattern for servicing a
attenuation. 2. A substance through which color-television receiver. It consists of a full color
X rays, gamma rays, or high-speed subatomic spectrum, thus taking its name from its resem-
particles can pass with little or no attenuation. blance to a rainbow. Also see RAINBOW GENER-
radiotrician Acronym for radio electrician. See RA- ATOR.
DIO SERVICE TECHNICIAN. RAM Abbreviation of RANDOM-ACCESS MEM-
radio tube 1. A VACUUM TUBE used at radio fre- ORY.
quencies. 2. A vacuum tube used as an amplifier, ramp A sawtooth wave with a linear rise and a
local oscillator, detector, or mixer in an early ra- practically instantaneous decay; its name was
dio receiver. derived from its resemblance to an incline.
radiovision See TELEVISION.
radio watch See WATCH.
radio waves Electromagnetic waves in the RADIO
SPECTRUM.
radio window That portion of the radio-frequency
Amplitude

electromagnetic spectrum that passes through

the atmosphere, rather than being refracted or
absorbed. The wavelength range is about 20 me-
ters to 5 millimeters, or 15 MHz to 60 GHz. The
lower limit of this range is affected by ionospheric
conditions. The upper frequency limit depends on
various factors, including relative humidity and Time
dust content of the air.
radium Symbol, Ra. A rare radioactive metallic ramp
element. Atomic number, 88. Atomic weight,
226.025.
radius The straight-line distance from the center of ramp generator A test-signal generator that pro-
a circle or sphere to its periphery. duces sawtooth-wave signals. Also see RAMP.
radius vector In spherical or polar coordinates, a R and D Abbreviation of research and development
line segment drawn from the pole, or origin, and or research and design. (Also, R&D.)
representing the vector magnitude. random access Abbreviation, RA. In computer and
radix The number indicating the number of sym- data-processing operations, pertaining to storage
bols in a system of numerical notation, and the or memory in which data can be recovered in any
powers of which give the place values of the sys- order.
tem. Thus, 10 is the radix of the decimal system, random-access memory In computer and data-
and 2 is the radix of the binary system. Also processing systems, a memory providing access
called BASE. time that is independent of the address.
radix point In a number, the point (dot or period) random deviation Irregular RIPPLE.
separating the integral and fractional digits. Its random-fed antenna An antenna that uses RAN-
specific name depends on the system of notation DOM FEED.
involved: binary point, decimal point, etc. random feed A method of connecting a transmis-
radome A plastic shell housing a radar antenna— sion line to an antenna, wherein the feed point is
especially aboard an aircraft. not necessarily at the center and not necessarily
radon Symbol Rn. A gaseous radioactive element at a current loop or voltage loop. This technique
that results from the disintegration of radium. is rarely used; it generally results in some radia-
Atomic number, 86. Atomic weight, 222. tion from the feed line.
582 random noise • ratio detector

random noise Electrical noise in which the pulses raser A device that produces coherent electromag-
or fluctuations have no discernible pattern of oc- netic waves at radio frequencies; the radio-
currence (i.e., they are haphazard in frequency frequency equivalent of a LASER.
and amplitude). raster The rectangle of light (composed of unmod-
random number A number derived by chance. It is ulated lines) seen on the screen of a television
used in statistical analysis for various purposes. picture tube when no signal is present.
random number generator Hardware or software ratchet circuit See COMMUTATOR, 2 and ELEC-
that provides a sequence of numbers or digits TRONIC RATCHET.
that are random for the purpose of a given statis- rate action See DERIVATIVE ACTION.
tical application. rate effect In a four-layer semiconductor device,
random occurrence See CHANCE OCCURRENCE. the tendency for the switch to conduct undesir-
random variable In statistics, a variable that can ably as a result of a transient spike.
have a number of values, each of the same prob- rate-grown transistor See GRADED-JUNCTION
ability. TRANSISTOR.
random winding A coil winding in which the turns rate gyro A special gyroscope for measuring angu-
are wound haphazardly to reduce distributed ca- lar rates.
pacitance. rate of change 1. The extent to which the value of
range 1. The limits within which a circuit or device a dependent variable changes in accordance with
operates (i.e., the territory defined by such lim- a specified change in an independent variable
its). Examples: current range, frequency range, (usually time). 2. A quantitative expression of the
and voltage range. 2. The difference between the speed with which a dependent variable changes,
upper and lower limits of deflection of a meter. with respect to an independent variable (usually
3. The distance over which a transmitter operates time).
reliably. 4. A clear area for testing antennas. rate signal A signal whose amplitude is propor-
5. The distance between a radar station and a tional to the derivative of a variable, with respect
target. 6. The possible values for a quantity or to time.
function that lie between given limits. rate time In automatic-control operations, the
range capacitor See TRIMMER CAPACITOR. time over which the addition of DERIVATIVE AC-
range-height indicator Abbreviation, RHI. A radar TION advances PROPORTIONAL ACTION.
display in which the horizontal axis shows dis- ratio-arm bridge A simple four-arm bridge in
tance to the target, and the vertical axis shows el- which the balancing potentiometer supplies the
evation of the target. two arms, one on each side of the slider at all
range mark See DISTANCE MARK. settings.
range plotting The creation of a graph of the dis-
tance (range) to objects, as a function of direction
or orientation in two or three dimensions. Com- Rx Rs
monly used in robot guidance systems.
range resistor See TRIMMER RESISTOR.
range sensing The measurement of distances to
objects via electronic methods such as radar, Det
Ra
sonar, vision systems, etc. Commonly used in Rx = R
Rb s
robot guidance systems.
ranging 1. Any means of determining the distance
from a station or vehicle to an object or objects. Ra Rb
2. Any of several methods for a vehicle, vessel,
aircraft, spacecraft, or robot to navigate in its en-
vironment by measuring, and keeping track of
changes in, the distance between itself and one or
more objects or beacons.
rank 1. To arrange in a specific sequence accord-
ratio-arm bridge
ing to significance. 2. A place in such a se-
quence.
Rankine scale A temperature scale on which the ratio arms Two impedance arms serving to estab-
freezing point of water is 491.69 degrees, and the lish the numerical ratio of a bridge circuit.
boiling point 671.69 degrees. Absolute zero is ratio control In automatic-control operations, a
represented by 0 degrees. For conversion to system in which the controlled variable is in a
kelvins, multiply degrees Rankine by 5/9. prescribed ratio to another variable.
rapid drift A fast change of a quantity or setting ratio detector A frequency-modulation (FM) sec-
(usually in one direction) with time. ond detector resembling the FOSTER-SEELEY
rapid printer See QUICK PRINTER. DISCRIMINATOR, except that one of the two
 ratio detector • reactance 583

diodes is reversed and the junction point of the Rayleigh distribution A probability-density func-
load resistors is grounded. In an FM circuit using tion, used to describe the behavior of sky-wave
a ratio detector, no limiter is required. The ratio of electromagnetic signals.
the direct-current outputs is proportional to the Rayleigh’s law The hysteresis loss in a magnetic
ratio of the instantaneous signal voltages applied material varies in proportion to the cube of the
to the two diodes. magnetic induction.
ratio meter An instrument that compares two dif- Rb Symbol for RUBIDIUM.
ferent signals (and indirectly their sources) and RB Symbol for BASE RESISTANCE. (Also, rB.)
delivers a reading of their ratio. RC 1. Abbreviation of RESISTANCE-CAPACI-
rational number A number that can be expressed TANCE. 2. Abbreviation of RADIO-CON-
in the form a/b, where a and b are integers and b TROLLED. 3. Abbreviation of REMOTE CONTROL.
is not equal to zero. Rc 1. Symbol for COLLECTOR RESISTANCE. (Also,
rational operation Any of the conventional arith- rC.) 2. Symbol for COLD RESISTANCE.
metic operations: multiplication, division, addi- RCA jack See PHONO JACK.
tion, or subtraction. RCA plug See PHONO PLUG.
ratio of geometric progression In a geometric RC circuit See RESISTANCE-CAPACITANCE CIR-
progression, the ratio of one value to the next. CUIT.
ratio of similitude The ratio of the lengths of cor- RC-coupled amplifier See RESISTANCE-CAPACI-
responding sides in similar geometric figures. TANCE-COUPLED AMPLIFIER.
rat race See HYBRID RING. RC coupling See RESISTANCE-CAPACITANCE
raven red A variety of red oxide of iron, a commer- COUPLING.
cial red paint used as the magnetic coating of RC filter See RESISTANCE-CAPACITANCE FILTER.
early recording tapes. RCL 1. Abbreviation of RECALL. 2. Abbreviation of
raw ac Unrectified alternating current (ac) or volt- RESISTANCE-CAPACITANCE-INDUCTANCE.
age. RCM Abbreviation of RADAR COUNTERMEA-
raw data Data that has not been processed in any SURES. (Also, radCM.)
way. RC phase shifter See RESISTANCE-CAPACI-
rawinsonde A RADIOSONDE tracked by a radio di- TANCE PHASE SHIFTER.
rection finder to determine wind velocity. The RC time constant See RESISTANCE-CAPACI-
name is an acronym from radar wind radiosonde. TANCE TIME CONSTANT.
raw tape See BLANK TAPE. RCTL Abbreviation of RESISTOR-CAPACITOR-
ray 1. A line of radiant energy. Such a line (e.g., TRANSISTOR LOGIC.
the path of a single photon of visible light) is RC tuning See RESISTANCE-CAPACITANCE TUN-
imagined to arise from a point source and have ING.
zero width. 2. A thin beam of radiant energy RCV Abbreviation for receive. (Also, rcv.)
(e.g., the beam of electrons in a cathode-ray RCVR Abbreviation for RECEIVER. (Also, rcvr, rx.)
tube). 3. A quantity of radiant energy or ionizing rd Abbreviation for rutherford.
radiation (e.g, gamma ray). 4. One of numerous R & D See R AND D.
lines converging toward, or emanating from, a RD Symbol for DRAIN RESISTANCE.
specific point. 5. A vector representing the direc- Rd 1. Symbol for DIODE RESISTANCE. (Also, rd.)
tion in which an electromagnetic field or acous- 2. Symbol for DISTRIBUTED RESISTANCE.
tic disturbance travels. 6. Also called half line. R-DAT Abbreviation of ROTARY DIGITAL AUDIO
The set of points on a line consisting of a defined TAPE.
origin and all the points on one side of the origin. Rdc Symbol for DC RESISTANCE. (Also, rdc.)
Example: the positive reactance axis in an AR- RDF Abbreviation of RADIO DIRECTION FINDER.
GAND DIAGRAM. Re Symbol for RHENIUM.
Raydist A continuous-wave, medium-frequency Re Symbol for EMITTER RESISTANCE. (Also, rE.)
radionavigation system. The position is deter- REA Abbreviation of Rural Electrification Adminis-
mined according to the phase difference between tration.
two signals transmitted from different locations. reachthrough See PUNCHTHROUGH.
Rayleigh-Carson theorem An expression of the reachthrough region See PUNCHTHROUGH RE-
reciprocal relationship between the transmitting GION.
and receiving properties of an antenna. If voltage reachthrough voltage See PUNCHTHROUGH
E applied to antenna A causes current I to flow at VOLTAGE.
a given point in antenna B, then the same voltage reactance Symbol, X. Unit, ohm. The opposition
(E) applied at that point in antenna B will produce offered to the flow of alternating current by pure
identical current I (same magnitude and phase) capacitance, pure inductance, or a combination
at the point in antenna A, where voltage E of the two. Reactance introduces phase shift. Also
originally was applied. Also see RECIPROCITY see CAPACITIVE REACTANCE and INDUCTIVE
THEOREM. REACTANCE. Compare RESISTANCE.
584 reactance chart • readthrough

reactance chart A nomograph for capacitance, in- reactor 1. An inductor, especially one having very
ductance, and frequency. low internal resistance, used principally for its in-
reactance factor The ratio of the alternating- ductive reactance. 2. A chamber in which the nu-
current resistance of a conductor to the direct- clei of atoms are split to provide atomic energy.
current resistance. The reactance factor generally Also see NUCLEAR REACTOR. 3. In industrial
increases as the frequency increases because of chemistry, a vat in which reactions take place.
skin effect and because the length of the conduc- read 1. In computer operations, to extract data
tor might be a sizable part of the wavelength of from memory or a storage medium and (usually)
the transmitted energy. transfer it to another area of memory or other
reactance modulator A frequency modulator us- medium. Compare WRITE. 2. In digital communi-
ing a variable reactance, usually a varactor diode cations, to transcribe data into printed form. 3. In
in the oscillator. radiotelegraphy, to listen to Morse-code signals
and comprehend the text without necessarily
writing it down. 4. To observe and note the indi-
cation of an instrument, such as a meter.
readability In electronic communications, the de-
To gree to which a desired signal can be recognized
osc. and interpreted in a given context.
readback In a multiplexer, a feature that facilitates
AF inspection of the contents of the control latch.
in reader A device that transcribes digital signals or
markings into meaningful data. Examples:
Circuit Morse-code reader and bar-code reader.
read head In a magnetic memory or in a tape
recorder or wire recorder used for data recording,
− + the head that picks up the magnetic pulses from
Varactor the drum, tape, disk, or wire. Compare WRITE
bias HEAD.
reading rate The number of input characters per
reactance modulator second that a computer or other data-processing
device handles.
reactance transistor A transistor used as a REAC- read-only memory Abbreviation, ROM. In a com-
TANCE MODULATOR. puter or calculator, a memory unit in which in-
reaction-time meter See NEOMATACHOGRAPH structions or data are permanently stored for use
and NEOMATACHOMETER. by the machine or for reference by the user. The
reactive absorber In acoustics, a device that dissi- stored information is read out nondestructively.
pates impinging sound waves by means of reflec- readout lamp An electron tube containing several
tion, resonance, and other effects, besides cathodes, filled with a gas (such as neon), and
dissipation in the form of heat. used as a numeric or alphanumeric display de-
reactive attenuator An attenuator that functions vice. Each cathode is connected to a separate pin
by means of reactance, rather than by means of on the base. A single anode is common to all
resistance. cathodes. The cathode(s) to which a voltage is ap-
reactive current The component of alternating plied glow(s), showing the shape of a numeral, let-
current that is not in phase with the voltage. ter of the alphabet, or other symbol. In recent
Compare RESISTIVE CURRENT. years, this type of display has been replaced by
reactive kilovolt-ampere Abbreviation, kVAR. A light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and liquid-crystal
unit of high apparent power; it is the product of displays (LCDs).
kilovolts and amperes in a reactive component of readout pulse In a random-access memory (RAM),
a circuit. Also see APPARENT POWER, KILO- a pulse applied to the word line, facilitating read-
VOLT-AMPERE, REACTIVE VOLT-AMPERE, and out of the information in a certain storage slot.
VOLT-AMPERE. read pulse In computer operations, a pulse that
reactive load 1. A load device that is capacitive or activates the read function (see READ). Compare
inductive, rather than resistive. 2. A load device WRITE PULSE.
that contains reactance as well as resistance. read rate The number of data units an input read
reactive power See REACTIVE KILOVOLTAM- device can transcribe per unit of time [e.g., bits
PERE and REACTIVE VOLT-AMPERE. per second (bps) and words per minute (wpm)].
reactive volt-ampere Abbreviation, VAR. A unit of readthrough 1. The reception of signals between
apparent power; it is the product of volts and am- transmitted pulses at the same frequency.
peres in a reactive component of a circuit. Also see 2. The continuous monitoring of a signal being
APPARENT POWER, KILOVOLT-AMPERE, REAC- jammed. Any change in the frequency, modula-
TIVE KILOVOLT-AMPERE, and VOLT-AMPERE. tion, or other characteristics of the signal can
 readthrough • receiver front end 585

then be detected, and the jamming signal translucent, flat surface. The viewer is positioned
adjusted accordingly. on the side of the screen opposite to the project-
read time The period during which data is being ing beam.
transferred from a computer storage unit. Reaumur scale A thermometer scale on which zero
read-write channel In computer operations, a is the freezing point of water and 80 degrees is the
channel over which activity between a central boiling point of water. Compare ABSOLUTE
processing unit and a specific peripheral occurs. SCALE, CELSIUS SCALE, FAHRENHEIT SCALE,
read-write head An electromagnetic transducer and RANKINE SCALE.
used for both reading and writing data. See READ rebecca The airborne interrogator in the British
and WRITE. REBECCA-EUREKA SYSTEM.
read-write memory 1. A small data storage bank rebecca-eureka system A British 90-mile-
for short-term use. The contents of the memory hovering radar navigation system that consists of
are easily changed. 2. See RANDOM ACCESS an airborne interrogator (rebecca) and a ground
MEMORY. transponder beacon (eureka).
real address See ABSOLUTE ADDRESS. rebroadcast The retransmission of a radio broad-
real axis The axis of the real-number component of cast simultaneously by a station other than the
a COMPLEX NUMBER (i.e., the horizontal axis in originator. Also see AUTOMATIC RELAY STATION.
an ARGAND DIAGRAM). rebroadcast station See AUTOMATIC RELAY STA-
real component The real-number part of a COM- TION.
PLEX NUMBER. recalescence During the cooling of a metal, the
real image The image formed on a screen when sudden release of heat. Also see RECALESCENT
rays from the object converge on passing through POINT. Compare DECALESCENCE.
a lens. Compare VIRTUAL IMAGE. recalescent point In a metal whose temperature is
being lowered from a higher value, the tempera-
ture at which heat is suddenly released. Compare
Screen
Lens DECALESCENT POINT.
recall Abbreviation, RCL. In computers and calcu-
lators, an instruction that brings material from
Object the memory for examination or use. The opposite
instruction is STORE.
Image receiver 1. A device or system operated at the des-
tination end of a communication link; it accepts a
signal and processes or converts it for local use.
real image Also see specific entries for various types of re-
ceiver. 2. The earpiece of a telephone. 3. A radio
real number A number in the category that in- broadcast-band tuner integrated with a general-
cludes zero, all rational numbers, and all irra- purpose preamplifier and power amplifier, and
tional numbers. Also see COMPLEX NUMBER, containing standard jacks for input and output of
IMAGINARY NUMBER, IRRATIONAL NUMBER, audio signals to and from peripheral equipment.
and RATIONAL NUMBER. receiver detector In a wireless communications or
real power The apparent power multiplied by the broadcast receiver, a circuit that extracts the in-
power factor in an alternating-current circuit formation from the signal. The design depends on
containing reactance. Real power is the difference the type of emission to be received. See also DIS-
between the apparent power and the reactive CRIMINATOR, ENVELOPE DETECTOR, PHASE-
power. Actual radiated or dissipated power can- LOCKED LOOP, PRODUCT DETECTOR, RATIO
not exceed the real power. DETECTOR.
real time Pertaining to the operation of a computer, receiver dynamic range A quantitative measure of
communications, or data processing system in the ability of a wireless receiver to maintain a
which events are represented or acted on as they fairly constant output, and yet to maintain its
occur. Data is processed as it becomes available, rated sensitivity, in the presence of signals ranging
usually through the use of time-sharing, direct- from very weak to extremely strong. This figure is
access storage devices, and remote terminals. specified in decibels. It is typically 100 dB or more
real-time clock A device that produces periodic in a well-engineered communications receiver.
signals that reflect the interval between events. It receiver front end The portion of a wireless com-
is sometimes used to indicate time of day. munications or broadcast receiver consisting of
rear end The low-frequency portion of a super- the first radio-frequency (RF) amplifier, and often
heterodyne receiver (i.e., the intermediate- also including bandpass filters between this am-
frequency amplifier, second detector, and plifier and the antenna. The dynamic range and
audio-frequency amplifier). Compare FRONT END. sensitivity of a receiver are determined by the per-
rear projection A method of big-screen television formance of this stage. These two characteristics
picture reproduction. The image is focused onto a are among the most important for any receiver.
586 receiver front end • recombination rate

Low-noise, high-gain amplifiers are the rule. receiver sensitivity A quantitative measure of the
Field-effect transistors are commonly used. ability of a wireless receiver to recover weak sig-
receiver IF chain In a wireless communications or nals and process them into readable data. The
broadcast receiver, the series of radio-frequency most common expression is the number of signal
(RF) amplifier stages in which most of the gain microvolts that must exist at the antenna termi-
takes place. These stages are also where the best nals to produce a certain signal-to-noise ratio
possible RF selectivity is obtained. The intermedi- (S/N). Sometimes, the signal-plus-noise-to-noise
ate frequency (IF) on which the amplifiers works ratio (abbreviated S+N/N) is given. The front end,
is a constant frequency. This simplifies the de- or first RF amplifier stage, of a receiver is the
sign of the amplifiers to produce optimum gain most important stage with regard to sensitivity.
and selectivity. Crystal-lattice filters or mechani- Sensitivity is directly related to the gain of this
cal filters are commonly used in these stages to stage, but the amount of noise the stage gener-
obtain the desired bandwidth and response. ates is even more significant. A good front end
receiver mixer In a superheterodyne wireless com- should produce the best possible S/N or S+N/N
munications or broadcast receiver, a stage that ratio at its output. All subsequent stages amplify
converts the variable input signal frequency to a the front-end noise output as well as the front-
constant intermediate frequency (IF), or a stage end signal output.
that converts the first IF to a second IF usually receiving set RADIO RECEIVER.
having a lower frequency. This type of circuit is receiving station A station that ordinarily only re-
nonlinear, and combines the signal with a carrier ceives signals (i.e., it makes no type of transmis-
from a local oscillator (LO). The output is either sion). Compare TRANSMITTING STATION.
the sum or the difference of the signal frequency receptacle 1. See SOCKET. 2. The half of a con-
and the LO frequency. nector that is mounted on a support, such as a
receiver muting See MUTING, 1. panel, and that is therefore stationary.
receiver noise figure A quantitative measure of the recharge In certain cells and batteries, the restora-
ability of a wireless receiver to respond to desired tion of chemical energy following use so that the
signals while rejecting unwanted noise. This can device is ready to deliver its full rated electric cur-
be quantified in various ways. In general, the rent. Also see RECHARGEABLE.
lower the noise figure, the better the sensitivity. rechargeable Pertaining to a secondary cell or bat-
Gallium–arsenide field-effect transistors (GaAs- tery that can accept a restoration of chemical en-
FETs) are well known for the low levels of noise ergy following use, and thus can be completely
they generate, even at quite high frequencies. charged and discharged numerous times. Exam-
Other types of FETs can be used at lower fre- ples: nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) battery and
quencies. Bipolar transistors tend to be noisy. lead-acid battery.
See also NOISE FACTOR, NOISE FIGURE. reciprocal impedances See INVERSE IMPED-
receiver post-detector stages In a wireless com- ANCES.
munications or broadcast receiver, one or more reciprocal ohm See SIEMENS and MHO.
stages of amplification and/or filtering employed reciprocation 1. The determination of a mathe-
to refine the detector output to a form suitable for matical reciprocal value from a given value.
feeding a speaker, headset, printer, fax machine, 2. The transmission of a message in response to
slow-scan television picture tube, computer, a received message.
electromechanical device, or other peripheral reciprocity in antennas See RAYLEIGH-CARSON
equipment. THEOREM.
receiver primaries See DISPLAY PRIMARIES. reciprocity theorem When a voltage E across
receiver selectivity A quantitative measure of the branch A of a network causes a current I to flow
ability of a wireless receiver to respond to a de- in branch B of the network, the voltage can be ap-
sired signal, but not to undesired ones. The fre- plied across branch B to cause the same value of
quency window is established by a preselector in current to flow in branch A. Compare COM-
the early RF amplification stages, and is honed to PENSATION THEOREM, MAXIMUM POWER
precision by bandpass filters in later amplifier TRANSFER THEOREM, NORTON’S THEOREM,
stages. The preselector passes energy within a SUPERPOSITION THEOREM, and THEVENIN’S
range of about plus-or-minus 10 percent of the THEOREM.
signal frequency; other frequencies are attenu- recombination The refilling of holes by electrons
ated. This reduces the chance for strong, out-of- in a semiconductor.
band signals to impair the performance of recombination current In a transistor circuit,
the receiver. The narrowband filter in the final base current resulting from recombination.
intermediate-frequency (IF) stage responds only recombination rate In a semiconductor material,
to energy within the actual signal band. This the speed at which the electrons and holes re-
minimizes adjacent-channel interference. In combine. It can be expressed as the time
some receivers, yet another bandpass filter is required for a certain proportion of charge carri-
used in the audio-amplifier stages. ers to recombine.
 recompile • rectified alternating current 587

recompile In computer operations, to COMPILE switched from forward to reverse. 2. The time re-
again, usually according to program amendments quired for a circuit to recover from momentary
following debugging, or to create a different form overdrive. 3. The time required for a computer
of a program so that it will be compatible with system to stabilize following a degenerative oper-
other hardware. ation. 4. The time required for switching a mem-
record 1. See PHONOGRAPH DISC. 2. A chart de- ory from the write to the read mode. It is
livered by a graphic recorder. 3. To make one of measured as the length of time from switching
the foregoing. 4. In data processing, a constituent out of the write mode until meaningful signals oc-
of a file. 5. In data processing, a data unit por- cur at the output. 5. In a transceiver, the time re-
traying a specific transaction. quired from the completion of a transmitted
record blocking In data processing operations, signal until the receiver is activated.
making data blocks from groups of records so rect Abbreviation of RECTIFIER.
that the blocks can, in a single operation, be rectangular coordinates See CARTESIAN COOR-
transferred to a nonvolatile storage medium, DINATES.
such as diskette or tape. rectangular scan 1. A method of beam scanning in
record count A usually running total of a file’s a cathode-ray tube, in which the beam moves se-
records. quentially in parallel lines to cover a rectangular
recorded disc A phonograph disc on which a region. Used in television. 2. In radar, a two-
recording has been made. Also called PRERE- dimensional scan, covering a specific rectangular
CORDED DISC. region.
recorded tape Magnetic tape containing recorded rectangular wave An alternating or pulsating cur-
material. Also called PRERECORDED TAPE. rent or voltage whose rise and decay times are es-
Compare BLANK TAPE. sentially zero, and whose maxima and minima
recorder 1. A machine for preserving sound, video, are essentially flat, but not necessarily of equal
or data signals in the sequence in which they oc- duration. The SQUARE WAVE is a special type of
cur (e.g., DISC RECORDER, TAPE RECORDER, rectangular wave.
and WIRE RECORDER). 2. A machine for making
a permanent visual record (photographically or
by stylus) of an electrical phenomenon. Exam- +
ples: DRUM RECORDER and OSCILLOGRAPH.
record head See RECORDING HEAD.
recording density In a magnetic storage medium,
the number of information units (bits, bytes, etc.)
represented by magnetized areas, per unit area or
length.
Amplitude

recording disc A phonograph record on which ma-

terial has not been recorded, or from which
Time
recorded material has been removed. Compare
PRERECORDED DISC.
recording head In a magnetic recorder/repro-
ducer, the head that magnetizes the medium in
accordance with sounds or other signals. Also
called RECORD HEAD and WRITE HEAD. Com- −
pare PLAYBACK HEAD.
rectangular wave
Recording Industry Association of America Ab-
breviation, RIAA. An organization that sets stan-
dards for audio recording and reproduction in the rectangular waveguide A waveguide having a rect-
United States. angular cross section.
recording instrument A measuring instrument, rectification The conversion of alternating current
such as a voltmeter or ammeter, that makes a into pulsating direct current by any means other
permanent record of its deflections. Also see than the use of a motor-generator. Also see REC-
RECORDER, 2. TIFIER.
recording loss 1. Loss of data during a recording rectification efficiency The ratio (expressed as a
process. 2. Loss resulting from recording effi- percentage) of the direct-current output voltage
ciency of less than 100 percent; audio power loss. to the peak alternating-current input voltage of a
recording tape Magnetic tape on which nothing rectifier.
has been recorded, or from which all data has rectified alternating current The unfiltered, pul-
been erased. Compare PRERECORDED TAPE. sating direct-current output of a rectifier. It con-
recovery time 1. Symbol, t r. The time required for sists of the unidirectional half-cycles passed by
a semiconductor pn junction to attain its high- the rectifier (one per cycle for half-wave rectifica-
resistance state when the bias voltage is suddenly tion, and two per cycle for full-wave rectification).
588 rectifier • reductionism

rectifier Abbreviation, rect. An electronic or elec- +4

tromechanical device that converts alternating +3
current into pulsating direct current.
+2
rectifier diode A heavy-duty tube or semiconduc-
tor diode designed primarily to change alternat- +1 Pen
ing current to pulsating direct current in power 0
supplies. −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
−1
rectifier filter A circuit containing parallel capaci-
tance, sometimes in combination with series in- −2
ductance, intended for smoothing out the ripple −3
in the output of a power-supply rectifier.
−4
Movement of paper

rectilinear chart

controls. Also called REPETITIVE SWEEP. Com-

pare NONREPETITIVE SWEEP.
recursion 1. Generating a complete sequence of
functions or numbers by applying an algorithm to
initial values in the sequence. 2. In computer
programming and artificial intelligence, a logical
process containing loops in calculation or reason-
ing.
recursive Relating to a procedure or set of steps
that repeat endlessly.
Red Book The first format developed for compact-
rectifier-filter system The rectifier plus power- disc data storage media, developed by Sony and
supply-filter combination for converting alternat- Philips. It is commonly used in digital audio sys-
ing current into direct current. tems. See also CD-ROM, GREEN BOOK, OR-
rectifier photocell A photovoltaic cell consisting of ANGE BOOK, and YELLOW BOOK.
two layers of material with a semiconductor junc- red-green-blue Abbreviation, RGB. In video appli-
tion between them. The device produces direct cations, the three primary colors from which all
current when exposed to visible light, infrared, or other colors are derived. Also see COLOR TELE-
ultraviolet radiation. VISION.
rectifier probe A diode-type probe used with a red gun In a three-gun color-television picture
direct-current (dc) voltmeter to measure radio- tube, the electron gun whose (correctly adjusted)
frequency (RF) voltage. The diode rectifies the RF beam strikes only the red phosphor dots on the
signal and presents to the meter a dc voltage pro- screen.
portional to the peak RF voltage. red oxide of iron An iron oxide of the general for-
rectifier stack An assembly of separate rectifier mula Fe2O3, used as the magnetic coating of
disks or plates in series on a central bolt, as in recording tape. Also see IRON OXIDE.
most selenium rectifiers. red oxide of zinc See ZINCITE.
rectifier tube A two-element electron tube, once red-tape operation An operation or function
commonly used for converting alternating cur- needed for organizational purposes, but that does
rent into pulsating direct current in high-voltage, not directly contribute to the completion of the
high-current power supplies. task at hand.
rectifier-type meter See DIODE-TYPE METER. reduced instruction set computer Abbreviation,
rectilinear chart A graphic-recorder chart in RISC. A computer architecture in which program
which the crossing coordinates are arcs, rather instructions are simplified to obtain enhanced
than straight lines, to correspond to the swing of processing speed. It is useful especially in com-
the pen. Also see STRIP CHART. plex graphics, animation, multimedia, and scien-
rectilinear scan See RECTANGULAR SCAN, 1. tific work requiring many calculations.
recurrent network A circuit in which several sec- reductio ad absurdum A method of obtaining a
tions of identical configuration (e.g., L sections) conclusion by proving that its negation results in
are cascaded. a contradiction. It is sometimes used in computer
recurrent phenomenon A phenomenon that re- programming involving mathematical proofs.
peats itself periodically. reduction In an electrochemical cell or battery, a
recurrent sweep In an oscilloscope, a repetitive transfer of electrons to the active chemical.
horizontal sweep of the beam occurring at a fre- reductionism The theory that all human thought
quency determined by the settings of the sweep processes, including emotion and intuition, can
 reductionism • reflected power 589

be reduced to digital logic, and thus can be dupli- the beam against a target surface, measured with
cated by a sufficiently powerful computer. It is of respect to the normal (perpendicular) line at the
interest to researchers in artificial intelligence. surface.
reductionist A person who subscribes to the the- reference antenna A standard antenna, such as
ory of REDUCTIONISM. an isotropic radiator or a half-wave dipole, used
redundancy 1. The repetition of components in a to establish a reference for determining the rela-
circuit (e.g., series or parallel connection of them) tive gain of another antenna.
so that one will be available for circuit operation reference bias current In a reference amplifier,
if the other fails. 2. Having available more than the input current that subtracts from the refer-
one method for performing a function. 3. Having ence current. It is generally measured in mi-
on hand several copies of data as a safeguard croamperes.
against data loss. reference current range In a digital-to-analog con-
redundancy check A check for the integrity of dig- verter, the difference between the maximum and
itized data to which extra bits have been added minimum reference current for which the device
for the purpose (e.g., parity check). is within specifications for resolution.
redundant 1. Pertaining to any two units of data reference diode A Zener diode whose constant
that resemble each other in such a manner that if voltage drop is used as a direct-current reference
either unit is removed, no information is lost from potential in calibrator circuits and voltage regula-
the system. 2. A unit of data that contains infor- tors.
mation already present in the system. reference dipole See REFERENCE ANTENNA.
redundant array of independent disks Acronym, reference electrode For use with a pH meter, an
RAID. A set of data storage media used to store electrode that provides a reference potential.
video programs. reference input slew rate In a digital-to-analog
red video voltage In a three-gun color-television converter, the average rate of change in output
circuit, the red-signal voltage that actuates the for a given change in the reference input. It is ex-
red gun. pressed in milliamperes or microamperes per mi-
reed A usually thin metal blade, leaf, or strip used crosecond.
in vibrators, reed-type relays, reed-type oscilla- reference level A specific value of a quantity (e.g.,
tors, and similar devices. current, frequency, power, or voltage) to which
reed oscillator See REED-TYPE OSCILLATOR. other values of the same quantity are referred.
reed relay See DRY-REED SWITCH and reference time The point at which a trigger pulse
MERCURY-WETTED REED RELAY. attains 10 percent of its maximum amplitude.
reed-relay logic Logic circuits using reed relays. reference tone A standard audible tone of known
Also see RELAY LOGIC. frequency [e.g., 440 Hz (representing A below
reed switch 1. A frequency-sensitive switch in middle C)]. Sometimes the intensity as well, as
which the movable contact is mounted on the tip the frequency, is specified.
of a thin, metal strip (reed). The reed is actuated reference white level The television picture signal
by an alternating-current (ac) coil. The reed value representing the uppermost limit for peak
closes the contacts when the ac excitation is at its white signals.
natural frequency. 2. See DRY-REED SWITCH. Reff Symbol for EFFECTIVE RESISTANCE.
reed-type oscillator An electromechanical audio- reflectance 1. See MISMATCH FACTOR. 2. The re-
frequency oscillator whose frequency is con- flected part of the radiant flux striking a surface.
trolled by a vibrating metal strip (reed) instead of It is expressed as a fraction of the total incident
a tuning fork. Also see HUMMER. radiation.
reed-type switch See REED SWITCH. reflected binary code See CYCLIC CODE.
reel 1. The spool around which a magnetic tape or reflected electromagnetic field In a transmission
video film is wound. 2. A spool containing mag- line, the electromagnetic energy not absorbed by
netic tape or video film. the load when an impedance mismatch exists be-
reentrant cavity A resonant cavity in which one or tween the load and the line. See INCIDENT
more sections are directed inward to confine the POWER and REFLECTED POWER.
electric field to a small volume. reflected impedance In a coupled circuit, the
reentrant winding A winding of wire that returns impedance in the secondary that appears in the
to its starting point—especially in a motor arma- primary circuit, or vice-versa, as if it were re-
ture. flected through the coupling transformer.
ref Abbreviation of REFERENCE. reflected power In a transmission line not per-
reference address As a point of reference, an ad- fectly matched to a load at the feed point, an ex-
dress for instructions having relative addresses. pression of the amount of electromagnetic field
reference amplifier A voltage-regulation device reflected from the feed point, rather than ab-
consisting of a transistor and Zener diode in the sorbed by the load. In general, this can be ex-
same envelope. pressed in watts or as a percentage of the
reference angle In radar, the angle of incidence of incident power. It is not a true indicator of the
590 reflected power • refractivity

loss caused by the mismatch because the re- reflection loss 1. Loss caused by the reflection of
flected field is usually all returned again when it an electromagnetic field at a discontinuity in a
arrives back at the transmitter. transmission line. 2. Loss that occurs when an
reflected-power meter A radio-frequency instru- electromagnetic wave is reflected from a surface
ment, connected between a source and a load, or object.
that can measure INCIDENT POWER and RE- reflection phase grating A device that diffuses
FLECTED POWER. sound waves by diffraction effects. The acoustic
reflected ray The ray that is reflected by the sur- equivalent of an electromagnetic-wave DIF-
face of a body or region it strikes. Compare INCI- FRACTION GRATING.
DENT RAY and REFRACTED RAY. reflective code See GRAY CODE.
reflected resistance 1. In a transformer, the effec- reflectivity 1. See MISMATCH FACTOR. 2. The
tive resistance across the primary winding when degree to which a point, plane, or surface reflects
a resistive load is connected to the secondary. the radiation (light, for example) that strikes it.
2. In a transmission line, the resistance at the input reflectometer 1. See REFLECTED-POWER ME-
end when a load is connected to the output end. TER. 2. A type of photometer used to measure re-
reflected wave 1. An electromagnetic wave reflected flection.
by the ionosphere or by the surface of the earth. reflector 1. A smooth, metal surface or wire screen
Compare INCIDENT WAVE and REFRACTED for reflecting radio waves. See, for example,
WAVE. Also see IONOSPHERE and IONOSPHERIC PARABOLIC REFLECTOR. 2. A length of wire,
PROPAGATION. 2. A wave that is bounced off an rod, or tubing used in a parasitic antenna to re-
obstruction, such as a building or mountain. flect radio waves. Compare DIRECTOR and RADI-
reflecting galvanometer A galvanometer having a ATOR. 3. A polished surface for reflecting visible
light-beam pointer. light or infrared rays (i.e., a mirror). 4. See RE-
reflecting shell See IONOSPHERE. PELLER.
reflection 1. The turning back of a ray by a surface reflector element See REFLECTOR, 2.
it strikes. Examples of reflecting media are the reflector satellite A satellite whose skin reflects
surface of the earth, the polished surface of a ma- radio waves.
terial, and a layer of the ionosphere. Compare reflector voltage In a reflex Klystron, the reflector-
REFRACTION. 2. The return of energy to the to-cathode voltage.
source by the mismatched end of a transmission reflex baffle A loudspeaker BAFFLE constructed
line or by the end of a radiator. so that some of the sound radiated to the rear of
reflection error In a radar, radionavigation, or ra- the diaphragm is transmitted forward (after
diolocation system, an error in the reading phase shift) to boost acoustic radiation at some
caused by reflections of the signal from objects frequencies.
other than the intended signal source or object. reflex bunching In a Klystron, electron bunching
reflection factor See MISMATCH FACTOR. following direct-current-field-induced reversal of
reflection law When a ray strikes a smooth reflect- the velocity-modulated electrons. Also see RE-
ing surface, the angle of incidence is equal to the FLEX KLYSTRON.
angle of reflection. reflex circuit A radio receiver circuit in which a
single transistor is used successively for different
functions. For example, one active device can act
Reflected ray as a mixer and as a radio-frequency amplifier.
Tangent plane
reflex Klystron A Klystron having only one cavity.
This cavity serves first as the buncher and then,
as the electrons are turned around and caused to
Surface pass through again, as the catcher.
␾ refracted ray The ray that is refracted by a body or
region through which it passes. Compare INCI-
DENT RAY and REFLECTED RAY.
refracted wave An electromagnetic wave that is re-
fracted by the ionosphere. Compare INCIDENT
WAVE and REFLECTED WAVE. Also see IONO-
SPHERE and IONOSPHERIC PROPAGATION.
␪ refraction The bending of an energy ray as it
passes through media that cause a change in the
speed of propagation. It can occur with radio
␪ = Angle of incidence
␾ = Angle of reflection waves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X rays,
Incident ray
gamma rays, and sound waves.
refractive index See INDEX OF REFRACTION.
refractivity The extent of the ability to refract, given
reflection law as the quantity (v1/v2) – 1, where v1 is the phase
 refractivity • rejection filter 591

velocity in free space, and v2 is the phase velocity

in the medium through which a wave passes.
refractory A heat-resistant, nonmetallic ceramic
material.
refrigerator A chamber used to maintain a circuit
or component at a constant temperature that is
lower than the ambient temperature. This device
is analogous to the oven, which maintains a
higher temperature than the surrounding
medium. A refrigerator can be used to maintain
precise frequency for a reference oscillator.
regeneration 1. The processing of a distorted sig-
nal so that it has its original characteristics.
2. Positive feedback generally used for the purpose 3. See CURRENT REGULATION. 4. See VOLT-
of causing oscillation, or for detection in a regen- AGE REGULATION.
erative receiver. See POSITIVE FEEDBACK. regulator 1. A device that automatically holds a
regeneration period The period during which the quantity to a constant value (e.g., a voltage regu-
electron beam scans a cathode-ray tube screen to lator). 2. A device via which a quantity can be var-
restore changes to the screen surface. ied (e.g., potentiometer, rheostat, and variable
regenerative amplifier An amplifier that uses re- autotransformer).
generation to increase its gain and/or selectivity. regulator diode A semiconductor diode—espe-
regenerative detector A detector provided with re- cially a Zener diode used as a two-terminal volt-
generative feedback. Although such a detector is age regulator.
sensitive, it can be unstable. Compare NONRE- reinitialization The setting of all lines in a micro-
GENERATIVE DETECTOR. computer or microprocessor to logic zero auto-
regenerative feedback Feedback producing re- matically when power is removed, then reapplied.
generation (i.e., positive feedback). Compare DE- reject amplifier A tuned amplifier having the re-
GENERATIVE FEEDBACK. sponse of a band-suppression filter. Like the fil-
regenerative IF amplifier An intermediate- ter, the amplifier rejects or severely attenuates
frequency amplifier in which regeneration is intro- one frequency (or band of frequencies) while read-
duced to boost sensitivity and, sometimes, ily passing lower and higher frequencies. Com-
selectivity. pare PASS AMPLIFIER.
regenerative reading A method of reading data reject filter See REJECTION FILTER.
(see READ) so that it is automatically restored, by rejection circuit A circuit performing the function
writing, to locations from which it came. of a REJECTION FILTER.
register In computer systems, an arrangement of rejection filter A filter that suppresses one fre-
several storage devices, such as flip-flops, for quency (or band of frequencies) while passing all
storing a certain number of digits (a two-bit regis- other frequencies.
ter, for example, requires two flip-flops).
register capacity The range of values for quanti-
ties that can be handled by a register.
registered professional engineer A title granted Input Output
by a state board of examiners to a person licensed
to work as an engineer.
register length The number of characters or bits
that can be held in a register, according to its ca-
pacity.
registration The accurate alignment of terminals
or other points on different components or on op-
posite sides of a board so that when the surfaces
containing those points are overlaid, all points
mate precisely.
regulated power supply A power supply whose
output is held automatically to a constant level or
within a narrow range, regardless of loading vari-
ations.
regulating transformer See VOLTAGE-REGULAT-
ING TRANSFORMER.
regulation 1. In general, the adjustment or control
of a component, device, or system. 2. Automatic
control. See, for example, SELF-REGULATION. rejection filter
592 rejection notch • reluctance motor

rejection notch A sharp dip in the transmission relaxation time 1. The time required for an expo-
characteristic of a crystal filter. It provides rejec- nentially decreasing variable to fall to 1/e (ap-
tion-filter action at the notch frequency. Also see proximately 36.8 percent) of its initial value,
CRYSTAL RESONATOR and REJECTION FILTER. where e is the natural-logarithm base (approxi-
rejectivity The degree to which a selective circuit mately 2.71828). 2. For a gas, the time required
rejects an unwanted signal. Compare TRANSMIT- for it to return to its original state after having
TIVITY. been disturbed.
rejuvenation See REACTIVATION. relay 1. A signal-actuated switching device. In
rel Symbol, R. The cgs unit of reluctance, equiva- most instances, a relatively weak current or volt-
lent to gilberts per maxwell. age is used to make the relay switch a higher cur-
relative accuracy In a measuring instrument, the rent or voltage. A relay can be electromechanical
error determined as a percentage of the actual or fully electronic (no moving parts). See, for ex-
value; the difference between the actual and mea- ample, ELECTROMECHANICAL RELAY and
sured values, divided by the actual value, then ELECTRONIC RELAY. 2. A repeater station. 3. In
multiplied by 100. communications, to receive a message and re-
relative address In the address part of a computer transmit it en route from a source to a destina-
program instruction, a number specifying a loca- tion.
tion relative to a BASE ADDRESS. When the base relay amplifier See RELAY DRIVER.
address is added to the relative address, it yields relay booster See RELAY DRIVER.
the ABSOLUTE ADDRESS. relay driver A direct-current amplifier (usually one
relative error The ratio of the absolute error to the stage) used to actuate an electromechanical relay
exact value of a quantity. in response to a low-powered signal.
relative gain The current, voltage, or power gain, relay flip-flop See BISTABLE RELAY.
measured, with respect to a reference standard. relay logic Abbreviation, RL. In computer and
relative humidity Abbreviation, rh. The ratio, as a industrial-control operations, a logic system us-
percentage, of the amount of moisture in the air ing electromechanical relays as flip-flops (see
to the amount the air could contain at a given BISTABLE RELAY).
temperature. Compare ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY. relay transmitter See AUTOMATIC REPEATER
relative luminosity Luminosity measured with re- STATION.
spect to a reference level. release time 1. The interval between the instant
relative permeability The ratio of the permeability power is removed from a relay and the instant
of a given material to the permeability of another the armature is released sufficiently to operate
material (or of the same material under different the contacts. 2. The time between one control in-
conditions). put becoming inactive and another becoming ac-
relative power Power level specified with respect tive. 3. The time required for reception to
to another (often reference) power level. resume in a transceiver, once transmission has
relative uncertainty The uncertainty of a mea- stopped. 4. An expression for the rapidity with
surement divided by the measured value. The which an automatic gain control reverts to max-
maximum value that this quotient can have is 1. imum sensitivity following the reception of a
Also see UNCERTAINTY IN MEASUREMENT. strong signal.
relative visibility Response of the human eye to reliability 1. The dependability of operation of a
light. This is relative because the eye does not see device or circuit under specified conditions.
equally well throughout the visible spectrum. The 2. The proportion of units that still work after a
peak response of the human eye is around 5.4 × set of units has been in use for a specified length
1014 Hz; this represents yellow-green light. Photo- of time.
electric devices have peak responses that can dif- reliability engineering The branch of engineering
fer considerably from this value. devoted to the theory and application of reliabil-
relativity theory See EINSTEIN’S THEORY. ity; based on fundamental engineering and ad-
relaxation A delayed change in circuit conditions, vanced statistical concepts.
as a result of change in the input. reluctance Symbol, R. SI unit, A/Wb; cgs unit, rel.
relaxation inverter An inverter circuit in which In a magnetic circuit, the opposition to the estab-
the direct-to-alternating-current conversion de- lishment of a magnetic field; it is analogous to re-
vice is a RELAXATION OSCILLATOR. sistance in electric circuits.
relaxation oscillator An oscillator whose operation reluctance motor An electric motor having a
results from the buildup of a charge in a capaci- squirrel-cage rotor with some of its teeth ground
tor, followed by sudden discharge of the capacitor, down, and a shaded-pole or split-phase type of
the sequence being repeated periodically. In one stator that supplies a rotating magnetic field.
circuit, a capacitor is connected in series with a When starting, this motor comes up to speed like
resistor and a direct-current power supply, and a an induction motor, but the protruding teeth of
neon bulb is connected in parallel with the capac- the rotor then follow the field in the manner of the
itor. The output is a sawtooth wave. poles of a hysteresis motor.
 reluctivity • replacement 593

reluctivity Specific reluctance (i.e., the reluctance rendering In three-dimensional computer anima-
of a sample of magnetic material one centimeter tion, the software process in which all the aspects
long and one square centimeter in cross section). of the model are combined to obtain the presen-
Reluctivity is the reciprocal of permeability. tation.
rem Acronym for roentgen equivalent man, an rep 1. Acronym for roentgen equivalent physical,
amount of ionizing radiation having the same ef- an amount of ionizing radiation that, upon ab-
fect on the body as a one-roentgen dose of gamma sorption by body tissue, will develop the energy of
or X radiation. a one-roentgen dose of gamma or X radiation.
remagnetizer A magnetizer used principally to re- 2. Colloquial abbreviation for repetition, as in rep
store weakened permanent magnets. rate. 3. Colloquial abbreviation for representative,
remainder 1. The result of subtracting one quan- as in service representative.
tity (the subtrahend) from another (the minuend). repeatability The ability of an instrument, system,
Also called DIFFERENCE. 2. In division, the nu- or method to give identical performance or results
merical value left over after the integral part of in successive instances.
the quotient has been determined; it becomes the repeater A receiver/transmitter device that re-
fractional part when divided by the divisor. For transmits a signal it receives from another
example, in 25/3, the remainder is 1. source, often simultaneously. In this way, a sig-
remanence See RESIDUAL MAGNETISM. nal can be transmitted on several frequencies, or
remanent flux density See REMANENCE. the service area of the original station can be ex-
remodulator Any device that changes the modula- tended. Also see ONE-WAY REPEATER and TWO-
tion of a signal from one form to another, such as WAY REPEATER.
from frequency modulation to amplitude modula-
tion, without loss of intelligence.
remote alarm In security systems, an alarm that Receive Transmit
occurs at a location different from where an in- antenna antenna
trusion occurs (e.g., at the headquarters of a se-
curity company).
remote control Control of distant devices by me-
chanical means or by radio-frequency signals
sent from a transmitter especially designed for Isolator
the purpose; in the latter case, it is sometimes
called radio control.
remote-control receiver The complete device that Receiver Transmitter
selects, amplifies, and demodulates or rectifies a
radio signal for control of a circuit or mechanism
at a distance from the transmitter of the control repeater
signal. Some receivers have self-contained anten-
nas.
remote-control transmitter The complete device repeater station See AUTOMATIC REPEATER
that generates radio-frequency power, adds to it STATION and REPEATER.
the signals needed for remote control, and radi- repeating decimal A decimal fraction in which
ates the modified power. groups of digits recur endlessly (e.g., 25/99 =
remote-control system The complete set of hard- 0.252525. . .).
ware units and software programs facilitating the repeller An electrode, especially in a velocity-mod-
operation of a computer or robot from a distance. ulated tube, for reversing the direction of an elec-
remote data terminal In a computer system, a tron beam.
terminal connected to the central processor by a repertoire The instruction set for a particular ob-
telephone line or radio link. It is used for the ject or source computer programming language.
transfer of data without providing control of the repetition instruction In a loop in a computer
system. Also called remote data station. program, an instruction that causes the repeti-
remote error sensing A method of regulation used tive implementation of one or more instructions.
in some power supplies. The voltage across the repetitive phenomenon See RECURRENT PHE-
load, or the current through the load, is deter- NOMENON.
mined by remote control. The power-supply out- repetitive sweep See RECURRENT SWEEP.
put is adjusted to compensate for losses in the replication In an electronic system, especially in a
system. computer, the redundancy of hardware units to
remote job entry In computer operations, the key- provide standby facilities in case of failure.
ing-in of input data at a site physically distant replacement A component or circuit that can be
from the central processor. substituted directly for another; it fits exactly into
remote tuning The electrical or radio tuning of a place and functions exactly like the component it
circuit or device from a distance. replaces, without modification to the equipment.
594 report • resilience

report 1. The results of testing and evaluation of a tional again so that it can detect subsequent in-
device, organized into a written document. 2. The trusions should they occur.
output of a computer, printed on paper for per- reset action 1. The return of a circuit or device to
manent reference. its normal operating condition. 2. A method of
report program generator Abbreviation, RPG. A adjusting a circuit to compensate for the severity
computer programming language with which pro- of an abnormal condition. The extent of readjust-
grams can be produced for the generation of busi- ment is determined by the extent of the departure
ness reports. from normal conditions.
reproduce head See PLAYBACK HEAD. reset generator A circuit or device that generates a
reproducing stylus A stylus for the playback of pulse for resetting a flip-flop or counter. Also see
material from a phonograph disc. RESET and RESET TERMINAL.
reproduction 1. The recovery of data from storage, reset pulse A pulse that resets (see RESET, 1) a
and its presentation in original form. 2. Data ob- storage cell in a computer memory.
tained by the process defined in 1. 3. See PLAY- reset terminal In a flip-flop, the zero-input termi-
BACK. nal. Compare SET TERMINAL.
reproduction loss See PLAYBACK LOSS. reset time The elapsed time between a malfunc-
repulsion A force that pushes objects away from tion and the completion of the reset action.
each other, as between similar electric charges or reset timer A device that returns a circuit or de-
similar magnetic poles. Compare ATTRACTION. vice to its initial state after a specified time delay.
Also see LAW OF REPULSION. reserve In multiple programming computer opera-
repulsion-induction motor An alternating- tions, to allocate memory areas and peripherals
current motor arranged to start as a REPULSION for a program.
MOTOR and run as an INDUCTION MOTOR, but reserve battery A battery in which the electrolyte
with better regulation than that of the latter. is in a special standby chamber outside of the in-
repulsion motor An alternating-current motor terelectrode section while the battery is on the
having an armature and commutator similar to shelf. When the battery is readied for service, the
those of a direct-current motor, and a stator sim- electrolyte is caused to flow into position between
ilar to that of a split-phase motor, without the the electrodes, either by heating the battery,
auxiliary starting winding. Repulsion caused by shocking it mechanically, or inverting it.
the negative half-cycle of torque is utilized to drive residual amplitude modulation See INCIDENTAL
the armature, by placing the brushes in such a AM.
way that they close the coils only when the latter residual charge The electric charge remaining in a
are in position to receive this repulsive action. capacitor after it has been initially discharged. It
repulsion-start motor An alternating-current mo- results from dielectric absorption.
tor that starts as a REPLUSION MOTOR but at residual current A current that continues to flow
approximately 75 percent of full speed. Its com- in a circuit after removing power. The duration is
mutator is automatically short-circuited and the measured in nanoseconds or microseconds.
motor runs as an INDUCTION MOTOR. Also see residual frequency modulation 1. See INCIDEN-
REPULSION INDUCTION MOTOR. TAL FM. 2. Frequency modulation of the funda-
request slip In computer operations, peripheral mental frequency of a Klystron by noise or
and memory needs for a program given in a writ- alternating-current heater voltage.
ten statement. residual gas Minute quantities of gas remaining in
reradiation Radiation of energy by a body that has a vacuum tube after evacuation.
been exposed to radiation, as when a receiving residual magnetism Magnetism remaining in a
antenna retransmits a signal. material, such as iron, after the magnetizing force
rerecording A recording of played-back material. has been removed.
reroute 1. In computer operations, to establish new residual modulation 1. Modulation of a signal by
channels between peripherals and main memory. hum or noise. 2. See INCIDENTAL AM. 3. See IN-
2. To establish new circuit paths, physically (as by CIDENTAL FM.
changing conductor orientation) or electronically residual voltage In the output of a null device,
(as by selecting an alternate signal bus). such as a bridge, a usually small voltage still pre-
rerun See ROLLBACK. sent at null and preventing zero balance.
res 1. Abbreviation of RESISTANCE or RESISTOR. residue check In computer operations, the verifica-
(Also, R and r.) 2. Abbreviation of RESEARCH. 3. tion of the result of an arithmetic operation using
Abbreviation of RESOLUTION. the remainders generated when each operand is di-
reset 1. The clearing of a flip-flop of data in storage vided by a special number; the remainder is trans-
(i.e., the setting of the flip-flop to its zero state). 2. mitted along with the operand as a check digit.
In a computer program, an instruction to initial- resilience Also called fault resilience. The ability of
ize the value of a variable. 3. In a security system, an electronic device or system, especially a com-
a function that terminates an alarm signal follow- puter, to keep functioning after part of it has
ing an intrusion, and renders the system opera- failed.
 resin • resistance-inductance circuit 595

resin A natural or synthetic organic substance resistance-capacitance circuit A circuit contain-

that is polymeric in structure and largely amor- ing only resistors and capacitors. There are no in-
phous. Various plastics are made from synthetic ductors.
resins. resistance-capacitance-coupled amplifier A
resistance 1. Symbol, R or r. Unit, ohm. In a de- multistage amplifier circuit in which RESIS-
vice, component, or circuit, the simple opposition TANCE-CAPACITANCE COUPLING is used be-
to current flow. Resistance by itself causes no tween stages and at the input and output points
phase shift. In a purely resistive circuit, R = E/I, of the circuit.
where R is the resistance in ohms, E is the voltage resistance-capacitance coupling Coupling, espe-
in volts, and I is the current in amperes. 2. A cially between stages in a circuit, using blocking
property of circuits, devices, or substances that capacitors and supply-path resistors.
causes impinging energy to be dissipated by con- resistance-capacitance filter A power-supply fil-
version to heat. Compare REACTANCE. ter or wave filter containing only resistors and ca-
pacitors. The resistors are in the positions
resistance occupied by inductors in inductance-capacitance
filters.
Per kilometer of solid copper wire for American Wire Gauge
resistance-capacitance-inductance Abbrevia-
(AWG) 1 through 40.
tion, RCL. Pertaining to a combination of resis-
AWG ohms/km AWG ohms/km tance, capacitance, and inductance.
1 0.42 21 43 resistance-capacitance phase shifter A phase
2 0.52 22 54 shifter containing only resistors and capacitors to
3 0.66 23 68 obtain the desired shift.
4 0.83 24 86
5 1.0 25 110
6 1.3 26 140 ER EC
7 1.7 27 170 +
8 2.1 28 220 R ER
0
9 2.7 29 270
10 3.3 30 350
C EC −
11 4.2 31 440
12 5.3 32 550
13 6.7 33 690
14 8.4 34 870 resistance-capacitance phase shifter
15 11 35 1100
16 13 36 1400 resistance-capacitance time constant Symbol, t.
17 17 37 1700 The time constant (see ELECTRICAL TIME CON-
18 21 38 2200 STANT) of a circuit containing (ideally) only resis-
19 27 39 2800 tance and capacitance; t = RC, where t is in
20 34 40 3500 seconds, R is in ohms, and C is in farads. Compare
RESISTANCE-INDUCTANCE TIME CONSTANT.
resistance alloys Metallic alloys used in the man- resistance-capacitance tuning Tuning of a cir-
ufacture of resistance wire and resistance ele- cuit, such as that of an amplifier or oscillator, by
ments. Such alloys include CONSTANTAN, means of a variable resistor or ganged units of
GERMAN SILVER, MANGANIN, MONEL METAL, this type. See, for example, PARALLEL-TEE AM-
and NICHROME. PLIFIER, PARALLEL-TEE OSCILLATOR, and
resistance balance A device used to balance a cir- WIEN-BRIDGE OSCILLATOR.
cuit, by means of the insertion of resistances. resistance-coupled amplifier See RESISTANCE-
resistance brazing A method of brazing in which CAPACITANCE-COUPLED AMPLIFIER.
metal is heated by passing a current through it. resistance drop The voltage drop across a resistor,
The I 2R loss, or dissipated power, occurs in the or across the inherent resistance of a device.
form of heat. resistance-inductance Abbreviation, RL. Pertain-
resistance bridge A bridge (see BRIDGE, 2) for ing to a combination of resistance and inductance
measuring resistance only. (e.g., RESISTANCE-INDUCTANCE CIRCUIT).
resistance-capacitance Abbreviation, RC. Pertain- resistance-inductance bridge 1. A four-arm null
ing to a combination of resistance and capacitance circuit containing only resistors and inductors.
(e.g., RESISTANCE-CAPACITANCE CIRCUIT). Also see BRIDGE, 1. 2. An alternating-current
resistance-capacitance bridge 1. A four-arm null bridge (see BRIDGE, 2) for measuring resistance
circuit containing only resistors and capacitors. and inductance only.
Also see BRIDGE, 1. 2. An alternating-current resistance-inductance circuit A circuit contain-
bridge (see BRIDGE, 2) for measuring resistance ing only resistors and inductors. There are no ca-
and capacitance. pacitors.
596 resistance-inductance phase shifter • resistors in series-parallel

resistance-inductance phase shifter A phase exhibits significant resistivity. See, for example,
shifter containing only resistors and inductors to RESISTANCE ALLOYS and RESISTANCE METAL.
obtain the desired phase shift. resistance-wire sensor A specific length of resis-
tance wire, properly mounted, whose resistance
is proportional to a sensed phenomenon (such as
EL ER strain, temperature, presence of gas, pressure,
ER etc.). See, for example, ELECTRICAL STRAIN
R GAUGE, GAS DETECTOR, and PRESSURE
TRANSDUCER.
resistive current The component of alternating
EL current that is in phase with voltage. Also called
L WATT CURRENT. Compare REACTIVE CURRENT.
resistive cutoff frequency Symbol, frco. The fre-
quency beyond which a tunnel diode ceases to ex-
resistance-inductance phase shifter hibit negative resistance.
resistive load A load device that is essentially a
pure resistance.
resistance lamp An incandescent bulb inserted in resistive losses Losses resulting from the resis-
series with a circuit to provide a dropping resis- tance of a circuit or device, and usually appearing
tance. Such a lamp is capable of dissipating a as heat.
large amount of power, shows very little reac- resistive transducer A transducer in which the
tance at low frequencies, and is inexpensive. sensed phenomenon causes a change in resis-
resistance magnetometer A magnetometer whose tance, which in turn produces a corresponding
operation is based upon the change of electrical change in output current or voltage. Compare
resistance of a material (such as bismuth wire) CAPACITIVE TRANSDUCER, CRYSTAL TRANS-
placed in the magnetic field under test. DUCER, INDUCTIVE TRANSDUCER, MAGNETIC
resistance material A substance, such as carbon TRANSDUCER, and PHOTOELECTRIC TRANS-
or German silver, whose resistivity is high DUCER.
enough to enable its use as a lumped resistor. resistive trimmer See TRIMMER RESISTOR.
See, for example, RESISTANCE ALLOYS and RE- resistive voltage The voltage across the resistance
SISTANCE METAL. component in a circuit. In an alternating-current
resistance metal A metal, such as iron, whose re- circuit, the resistive voltage is in phase with the
sistivity is high enough to enable its use as a current.
lumped resistor. Also see RESISTANCE ALLOYS. resistivity Symbol, r. Resistance per unit volume
resistance pad An attenuator composed of nonin- or per unit area. It can be expressed in terms of
ductive resistors. ohms per cubic meter or ohms per square meter.
resistance standard A highly accurate and stable Also see MICROHM-CENTIMETER and OHM-
resistor used in precision measurements of resis- CENTIMETER.
tance. Also see PRIMARY STANDARD and SEC- resistor A device having resistance concentrated in
ONDARY STANDARD. lumped form. Also see RESISTANCE and RESIS-
resistance strain gauge An electrical strain gauge TIVITY.
in which the stressed element is a thin resistance resistor-capacitor-transistor logic Abbreviation,
wire. RCTL. A form of RESISTOR-TRANSISTOR LOGIC
resistance strip A strip of metallic or nonmetallic in which capacitors are used to enhance switch-
resistance material. Also see RESISTANCE AL- ing speed.
LOYS and RESISTANCE METAL. resistor color code See COLOR CODE.
resistance temperature detector A transducer resistor core A form around which a resistance
consisting of a specially made resistor whose re- wire can be wound for the purpose of construct-
sistance varies linearly with temperature. ing a high-power resistor.
resistance thermometer An electronic thermome- resistor decade See DECADE RESISTOR.
ter whose operation is based on the change of re- resistor diode A usually forward-biased semicon-
sistance of a wire as it is heated or cooled. ductor diode that acts as a VOLTAGE-DEPEN-
resistance transducer See RESISTIVE TRANS- DENT RESISTOR.
DUCER. resistor FET See ELECTRONIC RESISTOR.
resistance tuning See VARIABLE-RESISTANCE resistor fuse See FUSIBLE RESISTOR.
TUNING. resistors in parallel See PARALLEL RESISTORS.
resistance welding An electrical or electronic resistors in parallel-series See PARALLEL-
welding process in which the workpieces are SERIES RESISTORS.
heated by current flowing through the inherent resistors in series See SERIES RESISTORS.
resistance of their junction. resistors in series-parallel See SERIES-
resistance wire Wire made of a metal or alloy that PARALLEL RESISTORS.
 resistor substitution box • resonant-line oscillator 597

resistor substitution box A self-contained assort- variations in the frequency of an applied sound or
ment of common-value resistors arranged to be signal. Such curves are almost always plotted in
switched one at a time to a pair of terminals. In rectangular coordinates with frequency as the in-
troubleshooting and circuit development, any of dependent variable on the horizontal axis. The de-
several useful fixed resistance values can thus be pendent variable, plotted on the vertical axis, can
obtained. be any characteristic that displays a peak or dip
resistor transistor See ELECTRONIC RESISTOR. at the resonant frequency or frequencies. In radio-
resistor-transistor logic Abbreviation, RTL. A cir- frequency circuits, such parameters include cur-
cuit in which the logic function is performed by rent, voltage, attenuation, gain, and impedance.
resistors, and an inverted output is provided by resonance theory of hearing The theory that
transistors. sound waves pass down the auditory canal and
resnatron A form of vacuum tube that is used as cause the eardrum to vibrate. Behind the
an oscillator and amplifier at ultra-high and mi- eardrum is a system of three bones leading to the
crowave frequencies. It is essentially a cavity res- cochlea. The cochlea consists of fibers that res-
onator. onate. Therefore, they vary in length and tension.
resolution 1. The degree to which closely adjacent Various groups of fibers are activated by different
parts of an image can be differentiated. 2. The re- sounds, and the vibrations are transmitted to
duction of a problem by means of logical analysis. nerves leading to the brain.
3. The ability of a vision or ranging system to dis- resonance radiation Electromagnetic radiation
tinguish between objects that are close together from an energized substance, resulting from
in terms of radial distance, direction, or absolute movement of electrons from a higher to lower en-
separation. ergy level. When an electron moves from a higher
resolution ratio In a television image, the ratio of to a lower orbit, a photon, having a definite wave-
horizontal resolution to vertical resolution. length, is emitted.
resonance 1. The state in which the natural re- resonant cavity A chamber whose size reinforces
sponse frequency of a circuit coincides with the energy injected into it at a natural frequency,
frequency of an applied signal, or vice versa, which is determined by the chamber’s dimen-
yielding intensified response. 2. The state in sions. Such cavities can be used with acoustic or
which the natural vibration frequency of a body electromagnetic waves.
coincides with an applied vibration force, or vice resonant circuit A circuit whose constants are
versa, yielding reinforced vibration of the body. chosen for maximum circuit response at a given
resonance bridge An alternating-current bridge frequency. Examples: parallel-resonant circuit
(see BRIDGE, 2) in which one or two arms are and series-resonant circuit. Also see RESONANCE
series-resonant or parallel-resonant, the other and RESONANT FREQUENCY.
arms being resistances. Also see SERIES-TYPE resonant current Current flowing in a tuned cir-
RESONANCE BRIDGE and SHUNT-TYPE RESO- cuit at resonance.
NANCE BRIDGE. resonant feeder An antenna feeder that is reso-
resonance curve A graph of the insertion gain or nant at the operating frequency.
loss of a component, device, circuit, or system to resonant filter A filter containing at least one se-
ries- or parallel-resonant arm for sharp response.
Thus, a power-supply filter of this kind might
have a parallel-resonant arm acting as a wave-
trap at the ripple frequency.
resonant frequency Symbol, fr or fo. The natural
frequency at which a circuit oscillates or a device
Current or voltage

vibrates. In an inductance-capacitance circuit

(series-resonant or parallel-resonant), the reac-
tances cancel at the resonant frequency, leaving
only resistance.
resonant-gate transistor A transistor embodying
a tiny tuning fork for resonance at low frequen-
cies, thus eliminating bulky coils and capacitors.
resonant line A transmission line that is resonant
at the operating frequency.
f0 resonant-line amplifier See LINE-TYPE AMPLI-
FIER.
resonant-line circuit A circuit using resonant
lines as a tank. See, for example, LINE-TYPE
Frequency AMPLIFIER and LINE-TYPE OSCILLATOR.
resonant-line oscillator See LINE-TYPE OSCILLA-
resonance curve TOR.
598 resonant-line wavemeter • reverberation system

resonant-line wavemeter See LECHER WIRES. ders the retrace line invisible on the screen so
resonant rise See VOLTAGE RISE. that it will not interfere with the display.
resonant-slope amplifier See DIELECTRIC AMP- retrace line See RETRACE, 2.
LIFIER. retrace ratio For the swept beam in a cathode-ray
resonant-slope detector See SLOPE DETECTOR. tube, the ratio of the scanning velocity in the
resonant suckout The drawing of radio-frequency trace direction to the scanning velocity in the RE-
energy out of the energized part of a coil or trans- TRACE direction.
mission line by the part not intended to be ener- retrace time In a cathode-ray tube, the amount of
gized, when the latter resonates at the same time required for the scanning beam to move
frequency. from the end of one trace or line to the beginning
resonant-voltage rise See VOLTAGE RISE. of the next.
resonant-voltage stepup See VOLTAGE RISE. retrofit To supply something with specially de-
resonate 1. To exhibit RESONANCE—either elec- signed or adapted parts that were not available
trically or acoustically. 2. To adjust a variable- when it was made.
frequency electrical or acoustical device so that it retrograde orbit For an artificial earth satellite, an
exhibits RESONANCE at a specific frequency. orbit whose direction is east-to-west, relative to
resonator A device that produces or undergoes the earth’s surface.
resonance. See, for example, HELMHOLTZ RES- return 1. See RETRACE. 2. See RETURN CIRCUIT.
ONATOR and RESONANT CAVITY. 3. See RETURN POINT. 4. In an electronic circuit,
resource A part of a computer system that can be the electrical ground and ground current path.
used for a specific application as a unit (e.g., return circuit The circuit through which current
printer, PCMCIA standard adapter card, tape returns to a generator.
drive, etc.). return instruction In a computer program, an in-
responder The transmitting section of a transpon- struction in a subroutine directing operation
der. back to a specific point in the main program.
response The behavior of a circuit or device (espe- return interval See RETRACE TIME.
cially in terms of its dependent variables), in ac- return line See RETRACE, 2.
cordance with an applied signal (e.g., frequency return point 1. The point to which circuits are re-
response and current-vs.-voltage response). turned (e.g., a common ground point). 2. The ter-
response curve A graph depicting the perfor- minal point of a return circuit.
mance of a circuit or device. Examples: attenua- return ratio See FEEDBACK FACTOR.
tion-vs.-frequency curve and current-vs.-voltage return time See RETRACE TIME.
curve. return to zero 1. Abbreviation RZ or RTZ. In the
response time The interval between the instant a magnetic recording of data, a method in which the
signal is applied to or removed from a circuit or write current returns to zero following the write
device and the instant that the circuit acts ac- pulse. Compare NONRETURN-TO-ZERO. 2. A
cordingly. logic system in which the zero and one states are
restart Following a malfunction or error occurring represented by zero voltage and a discrete voltage.
during a computer program run, to go back to an return trace See RETRACE, 1, 2.
earlier point in the program. REV 1. Abbreviation of REENTRY VEHICLE. 2. Ab-
resting state See QUIESCENT STATE. breviation of REVERSE.
restore See RESET. rev 1. Abbreviation of REVOLUTION. 2. To quickly
resultant 1. The vector that results from the addi- and substantially increase the angular velocity of
tion of two or more vectors. 2. A quantity that re- a motor.
sults from mathematical operations performed on reverberation 1. Multiple reflections of sound
other quantities. waves from the inside surfaces of an enclosed
retarding magnet See DRAG MAGNET. chamber. 2. The dying-out of sound waves in an
retentivity 1. The property whereby a material re- enclosed chamber as the waves reflect repeatedly
tains magnetism imparted to it. 2. A quantitative from the inside surfaces. 3. In sound recording
measure of the extent to which a material retains and/or reproduction, an electronically produced
magnetism imparted to it. echo. It is used for special effects—especially in
retention period In computer operations, the time electronic music systems. 4. See RESONANCE, 2.
during which the data on a magnetic medium reverberation chamber A room in which the walls,
(disk or tape) must be kept intact. floor, and ceiling absorb very little sound, result-
retrace 1. In a cathode-ray tube, the return of the ing in echoes. To avoid standing waves, the room
scanning beam to its starting point. 2. In a cath- is designed so that no two surfaces are exactly
ode-ray tube, a line traced on the screen by the parallel.
scanning beam as it returns to its starting point, reverberation system A system of devices oper-
if RETRACE BLANKING is not used. ated with an electronic organ to simulate the ef-
retrace blanking Obliteration of the RETRACE of fect of reverberation in a large room, such as a
the electron beam in a cathode-ray tube. It ren- church auditorium.
 reverberation time • revolution 599

reverberation time In an enclosed chamber, the reverse engineering A design process in which a
time required for a sound to die down to a speci- specific device or system is copied functionally,
fied level (usually -60 dB) after the disturbance but not literally.
has stopped. reverse Polish notation Abbreviation, RPN. A sys-
reverberation unit A device for producing artificial tem of notation for expressing mathematical op-
echoes—especially in the operation of electronic erations in which the operators follow the
music systems. operands being manipulated. It is a mode of entry
reverse 1. To alter the direction of a current or pro- for some calculators (e.g., the operation 7 × 2
cess or motion of an object so that the new direc- might be entered by pressing keys in this order:
tion is exactly opposite the previous direction. 7, ENTER, 2, ×).
2. In a directional wattmeter, the reflected-power reverse recovery time See RECOVERY TIME, 1.
indication or switch position. reverse resistance Symbol, Rr. The resistance of a
reverse AGC Automatic gain control in which a reverse-biased pn junction. Also called BACK RE-
signal-dependent voltage is fed back to an earlier SISTANCE. Compare FORWARD RESISTANCE.
stage to adjust its gain automatically. Compare reverse voltage Symbol, Er or Vr. Direct-current
FORWARD AGC. voltage applied to a pn junction so that the
reverse bias Reverse voltage or current in a tran- p-type material is electrically more negative than
sistor or a semiconductor diode. Compare FOR- the n-type material. Also called BACK VOLTAGE.
WARD BIAS. Compare VOLTAGE.
reverse-voltage capacitance The internal capaci-
tance of a reverse-biased semiconductor pn junc-
tion.
reverse voltage drop The voltage drop across a
semiconductor pn junction that is biased in the
npn reverse (low-conduction) direction.
reversible counter A counter that, by a control
+ signal, can have the value it is holding either in-
creased or decreased.
reversible permeability The permeability of a fer-
− romagnetic substance when the magnitude of the
alternating-current field is arbitrarily small.
reversing switch 1. A switch that reverses the po-
larity of a direct-current voltage. 2. A switch that
reverses the direction of motor rotation.

pnp

+
Input Ganged
+
− output

reverse bias

reverse breakdown See AVALANCHE.

reverse breakdown voltage See AVALANCHE reversing switch
VOLTAGE.
reverse characteristic The current-vs.-voltage re-
sponse of a semiconductor junction that is biased revolute geometry A method by which a robot
in the reverse (low-conduction) direction. Com- arm can move freely in three dimensions. The en-
pare FORWARD CHARACTERISTIC. tire assembly rotates from the base in a horizon-
reverse conduction The very small current con- tal plane through a complete circle (360 degrees).
duction through a pn junction when it is reverse- An elevation joint at the base moves the arm from
biased. Compare FORWARD CONDUCTION. horizontal to vertical (90 degrees). A joint in the
reverse current Symbol, Ir. The current that flows middle of the arm can bend through about 180
through a pn junction when it is reverse-biased. degrees.
Also called back current. Compare FORWARD revolution Abbreviation, r or rev. One complete ro-
CURRENT. tation (i.e., 360 degrees of circular travel).
600 revolving field • Rieke chart

revolving field See ROTATING FIELD. rhenium Symbol, Re. A metallic element. Atomic
rewind To run a magnetic tape on a transport at a number, 75. Atomic weight, 186.207. It is used in
high speed, in the direction opposite to that asso- some thermocouples.
ciated with the play mode. rheostat A wirewound variable dropping resistor of
rewrite In computer operations, to return informa- the rotary type or slider type.
tion read from a storage location to that location
by recording.
RF Symbol for FILAMENT RESISTANCE.
RF Abbreviation of RADIO FREQUENCY.
RF amplifier See RADIO-FREQUENCY AMPLI-
FIER. End
End Adjustable
RFC Abbreviation of RADIO-FREQUENCY CHOKE. contact
contact contact
RF heating See RADIO-FREQUENCY HEATING.
RFI Abbreviation of RADIO-FREQUENCY INTER-
FERENCE.
RF inverse feedback A negative-feedback system
for radiophone transmitters, in which a portion of Adjustable
the modulated radio-frequency (RF) signal is rec- contact
tified, and the resulting direct-current voltage is
filtered and applied as bias to one of the audio
stages in the proper polarity for degeneration.
RF lamp A lighting lamp, used with radio-
frequency (RF) alternating current, rather than
the conventional 60-Hz utility current. This results
in better efficiency, and allows much more light to End contacts
be generated with a given filament lamp, as com-
pared with 60-Hz current. rheostat
RF motion detector In security systems, an intru-
sion detection and alarm system that senses
Doppler-effect-induced changes in the frequency RHF Symbol for high-frequency resistance (see
or phase of a radio-frequency (RF) electromag- RADIO-FREQUENCY RESISTANCE).
netic field. The Doppler effect results from motion RHI Abbreviation of RANGE-HEIGHT INDICATOR.
of objects in the secured area. rhodium Symbol, Rh. A metallic element. Atomic
RFO Abbreviation of radio-frequency oscillator. number, 45. Atomic weight, 102.906.
RF power supply See OSCILLATOR-TYPE POWER rhombus A four-sided geometric plane figure, in
SUPPLY. which all four sides have equal length, and oppo-
RF preamplifier A sensitive, radio-frequency ampli- site angles have equal measure.
fier circuit intended for improving the signal-to- rhombic antenna See DIAMOND ANTENNA.
noise (S/N) ratio in a wireless receiver. Generally rho-theta A radio-navigation system in which a
placed between the receiver and the antenna or single transmitting station is used, and the posi-
feed line. Some such devices are tunable; others tion is determined, according to polar coordinates
are broadbanded. See also PREAMPLIFIER. (distance and direction).
RF probe See RECTIFIER PROBE. rhumbatron A RESONANT CAVITY—especially
RF resistance See RADIO-FREQUENCY RESIS- one in a KLYSTRON.
TANCE. RI Abbreviation of RADIO INTERFERENCE.
RF selectivity See RADIO-FREQUENCY SELEC- Ri Symbol for INPUT RESISTANCE. (Also, Rin.)
TIVITY. RIAA Abbreviation of RECORDING INDUSTRY AS-
RF transformer See RADIO-FREQUENCY TRANS- SOCIATION OF AMERICA.
FORMER. RIAA curve The amplitude-versus-frequency func-
RF transistor See RADIO-FREQUENCY TRANSIS- tion used in recording and reproduction of long-
TOR. playing (33.3 rpm) phonograph discs, and
Rg Symbol for GRID RESISTANCE. specified by the Recording Industry Association
RG Symbol for GATE RESISTANCE. of America (RIAA). The RIAA curve takes advan-
RGB Abbreviation of RED-GREEN-BLUE. tage of the sensitivity of the human ear at various
RGT Abbreviation of RESONANT-GATE TRANSIS- frequencies to reduce the level of audible noise.
TOR. ribbon microphone See VELOCITY MICROPHONE.
Rh Symbol for RHODIUM. ride gain In broadcasting, the operations of con-
R/h Abbreviation of ROENTGENS PER HOUR. stantly adjusting the audio modulation of the
RH 1. Symbol for HEATER RESISTANCE. 2. Sym- transmitter for optimum operation.
bol for HOT RESISTANCE. Rieke chart A visual aid, similar to the SMITH
rh Abbreviation of RELATIVE HUMIDITY. CHART, used with traveling-wave tubes in the