glossary
a
A sensor that measures acceleration, typically used to detect changes in velocity or direction.
A device that converts control signals into mechanical motion.
Analog-to-Digital Converter, a system that converts analog signals to digital data.
An open-source Integrated Development Environment for Arduino microcontroller programming.
b
The number of signal changes or symbols transmitted per second in a communication channel.
The number of bits processed per unit of time in a digital network.
Board etching is a subtractive manufacturing process used to create circuit patterns on a copper-clad board by removing unwanted copper.
A bootloader is a program responsible for loading a computer’s operating system upon startup.
A breadboard is a reusable platform for assembling electronic circuits without soldering.
A surface onto which material is deposited or built in additive manufacturing processes.
c
A capacitor is a passive electrical component that stores energy in an electric field.
Circuit design is the process of creating electrical circuits by defining their components and layout.
The frequency at which a processor executes instructions.
CNC Machining is a subtractive manufacturing process using computer-controlled machines to shape materials by removing layers according to precise instructions.
A crimping tool is a hand tool used to join two metal pieces by deforming one or both to hold each other together.
d
A device that converts digital signals into analog signals.
A DC Motor is a rotary electric machine that converts direct current electrical energy into mechanical energy.
Debouncing is a technique used to eliminate the false signals generated by mechanical switches or signals due to the physical bounce of electronic contacts.
A development board is a printed circuit board designed to facilitate the development and testing of embedded systems.
A semiconductor device that allows current to flow in only one direction.
The ratio of active time to total time in a repeating cycle.
e
An E-Ink display utilizes electrophoretic technology to mimic the appearance of ink on paper.
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, used for non-volatile data storage in electronic systems.
A technique for incising designs onto a hard surface by cutting grooves into it with a tool.
An ESD mat is a specialized surface used to control electrostatic discharge by providing a path to ground.
f
Fused Deposition Modeling, a 3D printing technology using thermoplastic filament.
Mechanical components designed to facilitate the joining of two elements, with the male part fitting inside the female part.
Different materials used as input media for 3D printing processes.
Firmware is a specific class of computer software that provides the low-level control for a device's specific hardware.
Non-volatile semiconductor memory used for data storage and transfer.
Flashing is a weather-resistant barrier used to prevent water intrusion at roof and wall joints.
Form Factor refers to the physical size, shape, and configuration of an electronic device or component.
Fritzing is an open-source hardware initiative to support designers and hobbyists in developing prototypes with a graphical and schematic editor.
An FTDI programmer is a device used for programming and communicating with microcontrollers via USB using the FTDI protocol.
g
A programming language used for controlling CNC machines and 3D printers.
General-Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) is a generic pin on an integrated circuit whose behavior is controllable in software.
A set of pins on a microcontroller used for general purpose input/output interfacing.
A gyroscope is a device used to measure or maintain orientation and angular velocity.
h
A Hardware Attached on Top (HAT) is an add-on board for single-board computers with a specific design for connectivity.
Header pins are conductive metal rods used for interconnecting circuit boards or electronic components.
A heat gun is an electrical device that emits a stream of hot air, typically ranging from 100°C to 550°C (212°F to 1022°F).
A thermoplastic tube that shrinks in diameter when heated to fit snugly over wires or connections.
A process of applying heat to shrink thermoplastic materials tightly around an object.
The hot-end is the component of a 3D printer that melts the filament for extrusion.
i
I2C is a synchronous, multi-master, multi-slave, packet switched, single-ended, serial communication bus.
Infill is the internal structure of a 3D-printed object that provides support and defines its density.
A device that detects and measures infrared radiation from objects.
An interrupt is a signal to the processor which temporarily halts the current process, allowing a different program or hardware event to be attended to.
l
A process that utilizes a high-powered laser to cut materials with precision.
A panel that uses liquid crystal technology to display visual output.
A light-emitting diode is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it.
A logic analyzer is an electronic instrument that captures and displays multiple signals from a digital system or circuit.
Logic level refers to the specific voltage levels that represent logical states in digital circuits.
m
A magnetometer is a scientific instrument used to measure the strength and direction of magnetic fields.
A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system.
MISO stands for Master In Slave Out, a signal line used for communication in Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) protocol.
MOSI (Master Out Slave In) is a unidirectional data line used in SPI communication protocols.
An electronic measuring instrument used to measure voltage, current, and resistance.
o
p
A PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is a substrate used to support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive tracks, pads, and other features etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate.
A device that provides electrical power to an electrical load by converting electric current from a source to the correct voltage, current, and frequency.
The iterative process of creating a preliminary model of a product for testing and validation.
A resistor used to ensure a known voltage level at a high-impedance input pin.
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) is a technique for modulating the width of the pulses in a pulse signal to control power delivery to electrical devices.
r
Reflow soldering is a process used to attach surface mount components to printed circuit boards (PCBs) using a solder paste and heat application.
An electromechanical switch that opens and closes circuits electromechanically or electronically.
A resistor is an electrical component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical current in a circuit.
A Real-Time Clock (RTC) is a hardware component that provides precise timekeeping functionality in electronic systems.
s
Serial Clock (SCK) is a signal used in synchronous serial communication for timing data transmission.
SCL (Standard Command Language) is a script-based language used to automate manufacturing equipment and processes.
Serial Data Line utilized for communication between integrated circuits on an I2C bus.
A sensor is a device that detects changes in physical or environmental conditions and converts them into signals that can be read by an observer or an instrument.
A serial monitor is a software tool used to communicate with microcontrollers via a serial communication interface.
A servo motor is an electric motor designed for precise control of angular or linear position, velocity, and acceleration.
An extension board that enhances the capabilities of microcontrollers by providing additional interfaces and modules.
A single-board computer is a complete computer built on a single circuit board.
Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing process using a UV laser to cure photopolymer resin layer by layer.
Slicing is the process of converting 3D models into a series of 2D layers for 3D printing.
SMD soldering is the process of joining surface-mount device (SMD) components to a printed circuit board (PCB) using solder.
A device used to remove molten solder from circuit board joints.
Soldering is a process of joining two or more electrical components by melting solder around the connection, creating a permanent bond.
A soldering iron is a hand tool used to melt solder for creating electrical connections between components.
SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) Protocol is a synchronous serial communication protocol used primarily for short-distance communication.
A type of volatile memory that uses flip-flop circuits to store each bit.
SS stands for 'stainless steel', a corrosion-resistant alloy made predominantly of iron, carbon, and a minimum of 10.5% chromium by mass.
A stepper motor is an electromechanical device that converts electrical pulses into discrete mechanical movements.
Temporary construction elements that hold components in position during manufacturing processes.
A method for producing electronic circuits where components are mounted directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards (PCBs).
t
A third hand tool is an adjustable holding device used for securing small items typically during soldering or assembly processes.
A soldering technique that involves inserting component leads through pre-drilled holes on a printed circuit board (PCB) and soldering them to pads on the opposite side.
A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power.
u
A UART, or Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter, is a hardware communication protocol used for asynchronous serial communication.
UART Transmission (TX) and Reception (RX) are the serial communication processes for sending and receiving data over a UART interface, respectively.
An ultrasonic sensor is a device that uses ultrasonic sound waves to measure the distance to an object.