Welcome to the electronics glossary in our library!

The following glossary entries were abstracted from the book, Bebop to the Boolean Boogie (An Unconventional Guide to Electronics), with the kind permission of LLH Technology Publishing, Eagle Rock, VA, USA                          ( to return to the main glossary.)

A technique for creating thin films on substrates in precise patterns, in which the substrate is first coated with a layer of dopant material before being placed in a high vacuum. A guided beam of electrons is fired at the substrate causing the dopant to be driven into it, effectively allowing molecular-thin layers to be "painted" onto the substrate where required.

Logic gates implemented using particular configurations of bipolar junction transistors.

An input that only affects a function when it transitions from one logic value to another.

A memory device whose contents can be electrically programmed by the designer. Additionally, the contents can be electrically erased allowing the device to be reprogrammed. Also known as E²PROM.

A memory device whose contents can be electrically programmed by the designer. Additionally, the contents can be electrically erased allowing the device to be reprogrammed. Also known as EEPROM.

A memory device whose contents can be electrically programmed by the designer. Additionally, the contents can be electrically erased allowing the device to be reprogrammed.

(1)A process in which structures on an integrated circuit's substrate are eroded by the flow of electrons in much the same way as land is eroded by a river (also known as subatomic erosion). (2)The process of forming transistor-like regions in a semiconductor using an intense magnetic field.

A technique for creating thin films on substrates in precise patterns, in which the substrate is first coated with a layer of dopant material before being placed in a high vacuum. A guided beam of electrons is fired at the substrate causing the dopant to be driven into it, effectively allowing molecular-thin layers to be "painted" onto the substrate where required.

An integrated circuit fabrication process in which fine beams of electrons are used to draw extremely high-resolution patterns directly into the resist without the use of a mask.

The process of moving around can generate static electricity. The term electro-static discharge refers to a charged person, or object, discharging static electricity. Although the current associated with such a static charge is low, the electric potential can be in the millions of volts and can severely damage electronic components. CMOS devices are particularly prone to damage from static electricity.

Logic gates implemented using particular configurations of bipolar junction transistors.

One of numerous complex proteins which are produced by living cells and catalyze biochemical reactions at body temperatures.

A memory device whose contents can be electrically programmed by the designer. Additionally, the contents can be erased by exposing the die to ultraviolet light through a quartz window mounted in the top of the component's package.

A concept in which each type of logic function is assigned an equivalent gate value for the purposes of comparing functions and devices. However, the definition of an equivalent gate varies depending on who you're talking to.

A concept used to compare the component density supported by diverse interconnection technologies such as circuit boards, hybrids, and multichip modules

A memory device whose contents can be electrically programmed by the designer. Additionally, the contents can be erased by exposing the die to ultraviolet light through a quartz window mounted in the top of the component's package.

The process of moving around can generate static electricity. The term electro-static discharge refers to a charged person, or object, discharging static electricity. Although the current associated with such a static charge is low, the electric potential can be in the millions of volts and can severely damage electronic components. CMOS devices are particularly prone to damage from static electricity.

The process of selectively removing any material not protected by a resist using an appropriate solvent or acid. In some cases the unwanted material is removed using an electrolytic process.

A bond formed when two pieces of metal, or metal-coated materials, are pressed together and vibrated at ultrasonic frequencies.

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