Glossary

Many of the technical terms used throughout our website are explained in this glossary. Please select a letter of the alphabet – or choose “View All” – to browse terms and definitions.

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A/D converter: Analog to digital converter- a circuit whose input is analog (e.g. voltage) and whose output is a digital representation of the input. Since a computer program cannot directly process analog information, these circuits are often used where a sensor is needed to monitor some condition (e.g. pressure, temperature) and a microcontroller makes decisions based on the sensor reading.

ALC: Automatic Level Control

Altium: A software company that markets the Protel line of printed circuit layout CAD software.

ATE: Automated Test Equipment

ATF: Automatic transmission fluid- a substance largely consisting of lanolin which is used in automotive transmissions.

AUT: Amplifier Under Test