Tech Terminology
Prime Systems Academy Glossary
Here, we break down complex terms and concepts into simple, easy-to-understand definitions.Our glossary is designed to help you speak the language of tech with confidence. Dive in and start expanding your tech fluency today!
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- Arc Blast A sudden release of energy due to an arcing fault, which can produce extreme heat, pressure waves, and molten metal.
- Arc Chute A structure inside a breaker that dissipates and extinguishes arcs when the contacts open
- Arc-Rated Protective clothing specifically tested to resist thermal hazards from an electrical arc event. Not all flame-resistant (FR) clothing is arc-rated.
- Armature The part of an electrical machine, like a generator or motor, where voltage is induced or through which current flows.
- Atom The smallest unit of an element that retains the element's chemical properties, composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
- Atomic Number The count of protons in the nucleus of an atom, determining the element's identity.
- Attenuation The reduction of signal amplitude during transmission.
- Audio Frequency Frequencies within the range of human hearing, typically between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz.
- AF Frequencies within the range of human hearing, typically between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz.
- Autotransformer A transformer with a single, tapped winding used for stepping up or stepping down voltage levels.
- Autotransformer A transformer with a single winding that acts as both the primary and secondary coil, used to step up or step down voltages.
- Avalanche Effect A phenomenon where excessive reverse bias across a diode causes a sharp increase in reverse current.
- Avalanche Effect A sharp increase in current in a diode when reverse-bias voltage exceeds a critical threshold.
- Average Value In AC circuits, it is 0.637 times the peak value of a sine wave, representing the mean amplitude over a full cycle.
- Average Value For sinusoidal AC waveforms, it is approximately 0.637 times the peak value over one half-cycle.