Glossary
Definitions and explanations of hardware engineering terms.
Breadboard
A reusable prototyping board with interconnected holes for building circuits without soldering. Allows quick component connections.
Capacitor
A passive component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. Measured in farads (F), commonly microfarads (µF).
Ceramic Resistor
A type of resistor with a ceramic core, typically used for high-power applications and precision circuits. More stable than carbon film resistors.
Current
The flow of electric charge through a conductor, measured in amperes (A). It's the rate at which electrons move through a circuit.
Diode
A semiconductor component that allows current to flow in only one direction. Essential for rectification and protection circuits.
Ground
A reference point in an electrical circuit with zero voltage potential. Often connected to the earth or a common return path.
I2C
Inter-Integrated Circuit - a serial communication protocol using two wires (SDA and SCL) for connecting multiple devices on a bus.
LED
Light Emitting Diode - a semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it. Requires a current-limiting resistor.
Multimeter
A measuring instrument that can measure voltage, current, and resistance. Essential tool for debugging and testing circuits.
Power
The rate at which electrical energy is transferred, measured in watts (W). Calculated as P = V × I (voltage times current).
Pull-down Resistor
A resistor connected between a signal line and ground to ensure a defined low state when no other device drives the line.
Pull-up Resistor
A resistor connected between a signal line and power supply voltage to ensure a defined high state when no other device drives the line.
PWM
Pulse Width Modulation - a technique for controlling power by rapidly switching a signal on and off. Used for dimming LEDs and controlling motors.
Resistance
The opposition to the flow of electric current, measured in ohms (Ω). It's the property that limits current in a circuit.
Resistor
A passive electronic component that limits current flow by providing electrical resistance. Measured in ohms (Ω).
Soldering
The process of joining electronic components to a circuit board using molten metal (solder). Creates permanent electrical connections.
SPI
Serial Peripheral Interface - a synchronous serial communication protocol using four wires (MOSI, MISO, SCK, CS) for high-speed data transfer.
UART
Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter - a serial communication protocol using two wires (TX and RX) for asynchronous data transfer.
Voltage
The electrical potential difference between two points, measured in volts (V). It's the "pressure" that pushes electric charge through a circuit.