Electronics Engineering Glossary

Electric current that periodically reverses direction, typically in a sinusoidal waveform, characterized by its frequency and amplitude.

A circuit that increases the power, voltage, or current of a signal, using energy from a power supply to produce a larger replica of the input.

The range of frequencies over which a circuit or system operates effectively, typically defined between the $-3$ dB points.

A passive component that stores energy in an electric field between two conductive plates separated by a dielectric material.

Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor technology using paired n-channel and p-channel MOSFETs for low-power digital circuits.

The rate of flow of electric charge, measured in amperes (A). Conventional current flows from positive to negative.

The zone at a p-n junction devoid of mobile charge carriers, creating an internal electric field that opposes further diffusion.

A two-terminal semiconductor device that allows current to flow primarily in one direction, from anode to cathode.

Electric current that flows consistently in a single direction, maintaining a constant polarity.

The fraction of one period in which a signal is active or HIGH, expressed as a percentage. Used extensively in PWM.

The voltage generated by a source of electrical energy such as a battery or generator, measured in volts.

The ratio of output to input of a signal property (voltage, current, or power) in an amplifier, often expressed in decibels.

The reference point in a circuit against which all voltages are measured. May be earth ground or a circuit common.

The total opposition to alternating current, combining resistance and reactance as a complex quantity: $Z = R + jX$, measured in ohms.

A passive component that stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through its coil of wire, measured in henrys.

A miniaturized electronic circuit fabricated on a semiconductor substrate, containing transistors, resistors, capacitors, and interconnects.

Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor, a voltage-controlled device fundamental to modern digital and power electronics.

A circuit that generates a continuous periodic waveform without an external input signal, using positive feedback or resonance.

A board with conductive copper traces on an insulating substrate that mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components.

The opposition to AC current caused by capacitance or inductance, measured in ohms. Unlike resistance, it does not dissipate energy.

A circuit that converts alternating current to direct current using diodes, available in half-wave and full-wave configurations.

The opposition to current flow in a conductor, converting electrical energy to heat. Measured in ohms.

A material with electrical conductivity between a conductor and an insulator, whose properties can be controlled by doping.

A semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals, available as BJT or FET types.

The electric potential difference between two points, representing the energy per unit charge. Measured in volts.