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.)

Refers to the number of digits in a numbering system. For example, the decimal numbering system is said to be radix-10. May also be referred to as the "base".

A data-storage device from which data can be read out and new data can be written in. Unless otherwise indicated, the term RAM is typically taken to refer to a semiconductor device in the form of an integrated circuit.

A data-storage device from which data can be read out and new data can be written in. Unless otherwise indicated, the term RAM is typically taken to refer to a semiconductor device in the form of an integrated circuit.

A data-storage device from which data can be read out, but new data cannot be written in. Unless otherwise indicated, the term ROM is typically taken to refer to a semiconductor device in the form of an integrated circuit.

An alternative (and possibly more appropriate) name for a random access memory.

Refers to the amount of area available on a substrate.

A product whose function may be customized many times (see also Configurable Hardware, Remotely Reconfigurable Hardware, Dynamically Reconfigurable Hardware, and Virtual Hardware).

Logic functions implemented using only XOR and XNOR gates.

An oven employing infrared radiation or hot air.

A surface mount technology process in which the substrate and attached components are passed through a reflow oven to melt the solder paste.

Metals such as tungsten, titanium, and molybdenum which are capable of withstanding extremely high, or refractory, temperatures.

A product whose function may be customized remotely, by telephone or radio, while remaining resident in the system (see also Configurable Hardware, Reconfigurable Hardware, Dynamically Reconfigurable Hardware, and Virtual Hardware).

A material which is used to coat the substrate and is then selectively cured to form an impervious layer.

Logic gates implemented using particular configurations of resistors and bipolar junction transistors. For the majority of today's designers, resistor-transistor logic is of historical interest only.

Hybrid constructions which combine standard rigid circuit boards with flexible printed circuits, thereby reducing the component count, weight, and susceptibility to vibration of the circuit, and greatly increasing its reliability.

A transition from a logic 0 to a logic 1. Also known as a positive edge.

A data-storage device from which data can be read out, but new data cannot be written in. Unless otherwise indicated, the term ROM is typically taken to refer to a semiconductor device in the form of an integrated circuit.

Logic gates implemented using particular configurations of resistors and bipolar junction transistors. For the majority of today's designers, resistor-transistor logic is of historical interest only.

An alternative (and possibly more appropriate) name for a random access memory.

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