a
Acrylic refers to a group of thermoplastics derived from acrylic acid and its derivatives.
Alternating Current (AC) is an electric current which periodically reverses direction.
An ADC is a device that converts analog signals into digital data.
A set of protocols and tools for building and interacting with software applications.
An open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software.
An LED lighting technology allowing individual control of each LED's color and intensity.
ATX is a motherboard and power supply specification standard for personal computers.
A heat dissipation method utilizing airflow to lower the temperature of electronic components.
The volume of air moved over a specified period of time by a system, typically measured in cubic meters per hour (m³/h) or cubic feet per minute (CFM).
An All-In-One (AIO) is a personal computer in which the central processing unit and all essential components are integrated into the display unit.
b
A Battery Management System (BMS) is an electronic system that manages a rechargeable battery's operations, safety, and performance.
A BJT is a type of semiconductor device that amplifies or switches electrical currents using three layers of differently doped semiconductor material.
Bit rate is the number of bits transmitted per second in a digital network.
Bluetooth is a wireless communication protocol for short-range data exchange.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a wireless personal area network technology designed for reduced power consumption compared to traditional Bluetooth.
A breadboard is a flat, rectangular matrix of electrically conductive clips used for prototyping electronic circuits without soldering.
The surface or platform on which a 3D printed object is constructed.
A backplate is a structural component mounted on the rear of a graphics card for physical support and heat dissipation.
The base clock is the standard operating frequency of a processor in Hertz (Hz).
BIOS is a firmware that initializes and tests hardware components during the computer's booting process.
A benchmark is a standardized test used to evaluate the performance of a computer system.
A bezel is a frame or lip that surrounds and protects the display panel of electronic devices.
The highest possible clock speed a CPU or GPU can operate at under specific conditions.
A boot drive is the storage device from which a computer loads its operating system at startup.
A bottleneck is a limiting factor in a computer system that reduces overall performance.
c
Capacitance is the ability of a system to store electric charge per unit voltage, measured in farads (F).
A capacitor is a passive electrical component that stores energy in an electric field.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) refers to the automated control of machining tools by means of a computer.
A process of using computer software to create precision drawings or technical illustrations.
A device that transforms electrical signals or power from one format to another.
Current is the rate of flow of electric charge past a point in a circuit, expressed in amperes (A).
Cable management is the organization of cables connected to electrical devices to improve functionality and safety.
A cache is a hardware or software component that stores data to serve future requests faster.
The maximum amount that a system or component can contain or handle.
The case is the enclosure that houses and protects the internal components of a personal computer.
A CPU is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside a computer.
A distinct path for communication in a computing or telecommunications system.
A chipset is a collection of integrated circuits that manage data flow between the processor, memory, and peripherals of a computer.
The intentional gap between two interacting parts or components.
Clock speed is the operating frequency of a computer's CPU, measured in hertz (Hz).
A personal computer that imitates the hardware and functionality of a branded counterpart.
A Closed Loop Cooler (CLC) is a device used to cool fluids within a sealed system, preventing external contamination and water or coolant loss.
The delay time between the memory controller's request to access a specific column in a memory module and the moment the data is available for use.
The ability of a system or component to work with other products or systems without modification.
A CMOS is a technology for constructing integrated circuits used in microprocessors, microcontrollers, and other digital logic circuits.
Core count refers to the number of independent CPU cores present within a processor.
CFM is a unit of measurement for volumetric airflow.
d
An electric motor that runs on direct current (DC) electricity.
Debugging is the process of identifying, analyzing, and resolving errors or issues within a software or hardware system.
Desoldering is the process of removing solder and components from a circuit board.
A development board is a printed circuit board containing a microcontroller or microprocessor with integrated peripherals and interfaces to facilitate prototyping and development of electronic projects.
An electronic measuring instrument that combines several measurement functions in one unit.
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is an electronic device that converts digital signals into analog signals.
A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only.
Direct Current (DC) is the unidirectional flow of electric charge.
DOA describes a condition where a hardware component is found non-functional at the point of installation or first use.
DOCP is a BIOS feature used to automatically configure RAM settings for overclocking on AMD platforms.
DisplayPort is a digital display interface developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) for connecting a video source to a display device.
A driver is a software component that allows the operating system (OS) and a hardware device to communicate efficiently.
A Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) is a type of computer memory format that consists of a series of dynamic random-access memory integrated circuits.
A component used to prevent dust particles from entering a PC enclosure.
e
A type of electronic paper display that uses electronic ink technology to mimic the appearance of ordinary ink on paper.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is the sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects caused by contact or electrical short.
A physical casing designed to protect electronics or mechanical components from external elements.
ESP32 and ESP8266 are low-cost, versatile microcontroller modules with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
Efficiency rating is a measure of the performance or output of a device relative to its input, expressed as a percentage.
The rapid transfer of static electricity from one object to another.
The exhaust is the process of expelling combustion gases from an engine.
XMP is an Intel-developed specification for overclocking DDR3/DDR4/DDR5 memory modules.
f
A Field Effect Transistor (FET) is a type of transistor that uses an electric field to control the flow of current.
Firmware is a specialized software programmed directly onto a hardware device.
Flux is a chemical cleaning agent used in the soldering process to remove oxidation from metal surfaces and improve solder flow.
An FTDI programmer is a device used to program and interact with microcontrollers using FTDI chips for USB-to-serial conversion.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing process that builds objects layer by layer using a continuous filament of thermoplastic material.
A fan is a hardware device used for active cooling by moving air.
Firmware is a specialized, embedded software designed to control and manage hardware operations of a device.
The physical size, shape, and configuration of a hardware component or device.
The M.2 form factor defines the physical specifications for solid-state drives (SSDs) in computing devices.
The process of preparing a data storage device for use and setting up a file system.
Frames Per Second (FPS) is a measure of how many unique consecutive images, known as frames, are displayed in one second.
Frequency is the rate at which a periodic event repeats per unit of time, typically measured in Hertz (Hz).
g
G-code is a programming language used to control CNC machinery.
GPIOs are generic pins on a microcontroller or microprocessor that can be used for input or output functions.
A standard developed to describe protocols for second-generation (2G) cellular networks used by mobile phones.
Ground refers to a reference point in an electrical circuit from which voltages are measured.
Gigahertz (GHz) is a unit of frequency equal to one billion hertz, used to measure clock speed in computers.
A graphics card is a hardware component that renders images and video output to a display device by processing graphical data using a dedicated GPU.
A specialized electronic circuit designed to accelerate image rendering for output to a display device.
The process of connecting electrical equipment to the earth, reducing the risk of electric shock.
h
A Hardware Attached on Top (HAT) is a specification for add-on modules for the Raspberry Pi computer, designed for consistent electrical and mechanical interfacing.
Header pins are electrical connectors used for creating solderless or soldered connections between circuit boards and other components.
A heat gun is an electric tool that emits a stream of hot air for various applications.
Heat shrink is a protective plastic sheath that contracts when exposed to heat, used for insulating wires and cables.
A tool consisting of articulated arms and clips used to securely hold workpieces in place during assembly or soldering.
The hot-end is the component of a 3D printer that melts and extrudes thermoplastic filaments to create printed objects.
A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a data storage device that uses magnetic storage to retrieve and store digital information using one or more rigid rapidly rotating disks (platters) coated with magnetic material.
A personal computer (PC) is a multi-purpose microcomputer designed for individual use.
A thermal management device that dissipates heat away from electronic components.
A specification for transmitting digital video and audio signals over a single cable.
i
Impedance is the measure of opposition that a circuit presents to a current when a voltage is applied.
Inductance is the property of an electrical conductor by which a change in current generates an electromotive force (EMF) in the conductor itself and in any nearby conductors due to electromagnetic induction.
An inductor is a passive electronic component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electrical current flows through it.
An IMU is a device that measures velocity, orientation, and gravitational forces using a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and sometimes magnetometers.
Infill in 3D printing refers to the internal structure or pattern within a printed object used to provide support and strength.
An Integrated Circuit (IC) is a set of electronic circuits on a small flat piece (chip) of semiconductor material, usually silicon.
A software application that provides comprehensive facilities to computer programmers for software development.
I2C is a multi-master, multi-slave, packet-switched, single-ended, serial communication bus.
A network of interconnected physical devices that can collect and exchange data using embedded sensors, software, and other technologies.
An inverter is an electrical device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
The state of a PC where it remains switched on but does not perform any active computing tasks.
ITX is a motherboard form factor with a small size designed for compact PC builds.
The communication interface allowing exchange of data between a computer system and external devices.
IPC refers to the number of computer instructions a processor can execute for each clock cycle.
The process by which air enters an internal combustion engine or other machinery.
l
Laser cutting is a technology that uses a laser to cut materials with precision and speed.
A collection of precompiled routines used in programming to optimize development.
A light dependent resistor (LDR) is a resistor whose resistance varies significantly with light intensity.
A semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it.
Lithium Polymer (LiPo) is a type of rechargeable battery composed of lithium-ion technology in a pliable polymer casing.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) is a type of rechargeable battery featuring lithium ions moving between the anode and cathode during charging and discharging.
A logic analyzer is an electronic instrument used to capture and display multiple signals from a digital circuit or system.
The voltage range in which a digital circuit recognizes input signals as representing binary states.
LoRa is a wireless communication protocol designed for long-range data transmission at low power levels.
Latency is the delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction for its transfer.
A system that uses liquid to remove heat from computer components.
m
MISO is a communication line used in SPI protocol to transfer data from the slave device to the master device.
MOSI is a unidirectional communication line used in SPI communication protocols for transmitting data from the master to the slave device.
MQTT is a lightweight, open-source messaging protocol for constrained devices and low-bandwidth, high-latency networks.
A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system.
The MSRP is the price at which the manufacturer recommends a retailer sell a product to consumers.
A component that stores data and instructions for immediate access by the CPU.
Micro ATX is a motherboard form factor measuring 244 mm x 244 mm (9.6 x 9.6 inches).
Mini-ITX is a compact motherboard standard measuring 170 mm × 170 mm (6.7 in × 6.7 in).
A change made to a computer system's hardware or software to meet specific requirements or improve performance.
A motherboard is the primary circuit board that connects all components of a computer system.
The process of securely attaching components or devices to a surface or framework.
n
A set of communication protocols that enable communication between two electronic devices over a distance of 4 cm (1.57 inches) or less.
A negative temperature coefficient (NTC) is a property of certain materials where resistance decreases as temperature increases.
A rechargeable battery type utilizing nickel oxide hydroxide and a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for its electrodes.
NVMe is a high-performance, scalable protocol for accessing non-volatile storage media connected via PCI Express (PCIe).
o
A licensing model permitting source code inspection and modification by end users.
An oscilloscope is an electronic test instrument that graphically displays varying signal voltages as a waveform.
Overclocking is the practice of increasing a computer component's operating speed beyond its officially specified rate by the manufacturer.
p
A parallel circuit is an electrical circuit where components are connected alongside each other, forming multiple paths for the current to flow.
A Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor detects infrared radiation emitted from objects in its field of view.
PLA, ABS, and PETG are thermoplastic polymers commonly used in 3D printing.
The electrical condition that determines the direction of current flow in a circuit.
A material property where resistance increases with rising temperature.
A potentiometer is a three-terminal resistor with a rotating or sliding contact that forms an adjustable voltage divider.
A device that provides electrical power to an electrical load, converting from one form of energy to electrical energy.
A structure used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate.
A prototype is an early sample, model, or release of a product built to test a concept or process.
A prototyping board is a platform used to assemble electronic circuits without soldering.
PWM is a modulation technique used to encode information into a pulsing signal by varying the pulse width.
A partition is a logical division of storage space on a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD).
PCIe is a high-speed interface standard for connecting peripheral devices to a computer's motherboard.
A port is an interface on a computer or peripheral device for connecting with other devices or networks.
A power supply is a hardware component that supplies electrical energy to an electrical load in a computer system.
A Power Supply Unit (PSU) is a device that converts AC electrical power into DC power for a computer system.
A diagnostic testing process performed by a computer's firmware upon startup.
A processor is the central unit in a computer responsible for executing instructions from programs.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a technique used to encode data into a pulsing signal by varying the width of the pulses.
A pump is a mechanical device used to move fluids or slurries by mechanical action, usually via reciprocating or rotary mechanisms.
r
Radio Frequency refers to the range of electromagnetic waves with frequencies from 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
A compact, single-board computer developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
A Real-Time Clock (RTC) is a computer clock that keeps track of the current time and date, integral to maintaining time during system power-off.
A regulator is a device designed to maintain a constant output of a specified parameter despite variations in external conditions.
An electrically operated switch that uses an electromagnet to mechanically operate a set of contacts.
A storage location for digital data and files, often used in software development for version control.
The opposition to the flow of electric current, typically measured in ohms (Ω).
A resistor is a passive electrical component that implements electrical resistance as a circuit element.
A component in a PC cooling system that transfers thermal energy from the coolant to the air.
RAM is a type of computer memory that allows data to be accessed directly in any order.
RGB is a color model used in electronic displays to represent a wide range of colors by varying the intensity of red, green, and blue light.
A reservoir in PC cooling systems is a component that stores additional coolant fluid.
A Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) is a formal approval to return a product to the manufacturer or supplier for repair, replacement, or refund.
Riser cable is a type of electrical cable designed for vertical distribution and riser applications in buildings.
s
A serial clock (SCK) is a timing signal used to synchronize communication between devices in a serial communication interface.
A serial monitor is a tool used to send and receive data over a serial communication interface.
Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) is a synchronous serial communication protocol used for short-distance communication, primarily in embedded systems.
An electrical circuit configuration where components are connected end-to-end so the current flows through each component in a single path.
A servo motor is a rotary actuator that allows for precise control of angular position, velocity, and acceleration.
An add-on board that extends the functionality of an Arduino microcontroller.
A sketch is a preliminary drawing or outline used to conceptualize and communicate the design of a product or system.
SS is a digital signal line used for enabling a slave device in SPI communication.
The process of converting a 3D model into instructions for a 3D printer.
A device that converts sunlight into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells.
Solder is an alloy used to join metal components, typically in electronic circuit assembly.
Soldering is a process of joining two or more metal components by melting and flowing a filler metal into the joint.
A soldering iron is a hand tool used for connecting electronic components by melting solder.
An electromagnetically operated coil that converts electrical energy into linear motion.
A stepper motor is an electromechanical device that converts electrical pulses into discrete mechanical movements.
Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing process that uses a laser to cure liquid resin into solid 3D objects.
A type of electronic component that is mounted directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB).
SATA is a computer bus interface used for connecting host bus adapters to mass storage devices like hard drives and optical drives.
A shroud is a component used in PCs to direct airflow efficiently over specific hardware components.
A slot is a connector on a motherboard used for installing and holding add-in cards.
A technical specification for computer cases and systems that are significantly reduced in size compared to standard desktop PCs.
A socket is a physical or virtual interface for connecting compatible computer components or peripheral devices.
A non-volatile storage device that uses integrated circuit assemblies to store data persistently.
Static refers to electrical charge at rest on a surface or material.
Storage refers to the component or device used to store digital data within a computer system.
t
A thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance varies significantly with temperature.
A method of mounting electronic components using leads inserted through holes on a printed circuit board (PCB).
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance, indicating its thermal energy.
Tempered glass is a type of safety glass processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatment to increase its strength compared to normal glass.
TDP is the maximum amount of heat a computer component such as a CPU or GPU is designed to dissipate under workload.
A thermally conductive compound used to enhance the thermal interface between heat-generating components and heat sinks.
Thermal throttling is a mechanism that reduces a computer's processor speed to prevent overheating.
The number of threads woven together in one square centimeter (or inch) of fabric.
Throughput is the rate at which a computer system processes data.
Timing refers to the synchronization of tasks or processes in a computing system based on clock cycles.
The process of diagnosing the source of a problem in a system.
u
A transducer that uses ultrasonic waves to measure distances to an object.
A UART is a hardware communication protocol essential for asynchronous serial communication.
UEFI is a modern firmware interface for computers, designed to replace BIOS.
A standardized interface that allows communication between devices and a host controller.
v
The management of changes to documents, programs, and other information stored as computer files.
Voltage is the electric potential difference between two points within an electric field, expressed in volts (V).
A VRM is a device that provides a microprocessor or other components with a stable power supply by converting and regulating voltage levels.
w
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking protocol that enables devices to communicate over a wireless signal.
A wire stripper is a tool used to remove the insulation from electrical wires.
A waterblock is a cooling device used in liquid cooling systems to transfer heat away from electronic components.
Wattage is the measure of electrical power expressed in watts (W).