Glossary

Electronics & Component Engineering Glossary

Clear definitions for the terms used across component engineering, design, and manufacturing — 111 terms in 8 categories.

Component Engineering Terms

This category covers fundamental concepts in component engineering.

Approved Vendor List (AVL): Consists of a list of company P/N's and its approved components (Manufacturer name and Manufacturer P/N). Also called PPL, APL, QPL item.; Example: A list that includes the company's internal part numbers along with the approved manufacturer names and their part numbers.
Bill of Materials (BOM): A comprehensive list of parts, components, and materials required to build a product.; Example: A BOM for a smartphone that includes the screen, battery, processor, and other components.
Component: The manufacturer’s part number (P/N) that is purchased from manufacturers. The combination of the manufacturer and its P/N constitutes a component.; Example: An Intel processor with a specific model number.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM): The practice of designing products in a way that makes them easier and more cost-effective to manufacture.; Example: Adjusting PCB pad sizes and spacing to improve yield in the manufacturing process.
EDA Tools: Specific software applications used in Electronic Design Automation for various aspects of electronic system design.; Example: OrCAD for schematic capture, Altium Designer for PCB layout, and Cadence Virtuoso for IC design.
End of Life (EOL): The stage in a product's lifecycle when it is no longer supported or produced by the manufacturer.; Example: A declaration that a specific model of a hard drive is reaching its end of life.
Part: A building block of a Bill of Materials (BOM), also designates an inventory item. It is often referred to as the Company Part Number (P/N) or Item Number.; Example: A resistor with a specific resistance value listed in the company's inventory.
Part Number (P/N): A unique identifier assigned to a part within a company's inventory system. Also called Part or Company P/N.; Example: Companies typically define their Company P/N by Part Type, using specific prefixes and numbering schemes. For example, capacitors might be labeled as CAP00001, CAP00002, etc.
Product Change Notice (PCN): A formal notification sent by a manufacturer to inform customers of changes to a product, such as design modifications or material changes.; Example: A notice indicating a change in the packaging or process of a semiconductor component.
Product Discontinuation Notice (PDN): A formal notification that a product will no longer be manufactured or available. PDN is a type of PCN notice for EOL or Obsolete of a Manufacturer P/N.; Example: A notice from a manufacturer stating that a specific model of a microcontroller will be discontinued.
Qualified Parts List (QPL): A catalog of parts that have been tested and qualified for use in specific applications or products. Typically includes company-approved parts and components like those in the AVL.; Example: A list of aerospace-grade components that meet stringent reliability standards.
Thermal Management: The process of regulating the temperature of electronic components and systems through design and material choices.; Example: Designing heat sinks and selecting appropriate thermal interface materials for a power amplifier.

Components

Explore the various electronic components that form the building blocks of modern technology.

Battery: A device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells with external connections for powering electrical devices.; Example: Used in portable electronics like smartphones and laptops.
Bipolar Transistor: A type of transistor that uses both electrons and holes as charge carriers.; Example: Used in analog circuits for amplification and switching.
Capacitor: A device that stores electrical energy in an electric field.; Example: Commonly used in power supply circuits to smooth out voltage fluctuations.
Connector: An electro-mechanical device used to join electrical circuits together.; Example: USB connectors in computers and peripherals.
Crystal: A component that uses the mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal to create an electrical signal with a precise frequency.; Example: Used in clocks, radios, and computers for stable frequency generation.
Diode: A semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only.; Example: Used for rectification in power supplies.
Fuse: A safety device that protects an electric circuit from excessive current.; Example: Used in household electrical systems to prevent overloads.
IC ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit): An integrated circuit customized for a particular use, rather than intended for general-purpose use.; Example: Used in cryptocurrency mining hardware.
IC FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array): An integrated circuit designed to be configured by the customer or designer after manufacturing.; Example: Used in applications that require custom hardware functionality.
IC Microcontroller: A compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system.; Example: Used in household appliances, automotive systems, and medical devices.
IC Operational Amplifier (Op-Amp): A high-gain voltage amplifier with a differential input and, usually, a single-ended output.; Example: Used in signal conditioning, filtering, and mathematical operations.
Inductor: A passive component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it.; Example: Used in filters and transformers.
LED (Light Emitting Diode): A semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it.; Example: Used in display screens and indicator lights.
MOSFET Transistor: Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor, a voltage-controlled transistor used for amplifying or switching electronic signals.; Example: Commonly used in digital circuits and power electronics.
Oscillator: A circuit designed to generate oscillations or repetitive signals.; Example: Used in generating clock signals for digital circuits.
Potentiometer: A three-terminal resistor with a sliding or rotating contact that forms an adjustable voltage divider.; Example: Volume control in audio equipment.
Relay: An electrically operated switch.; Example: Used in automotive applications to control high-power circuits with low-power signals.
Resistor: A passive electrical component that implements electrical resistance as a circuit element.; Example: Used to limit current flow in a circuit.
Sensor: Devices that detect changes in the environment and send information to other electronics.; Example: Examples include temperature sensors, proximity sensors, and accelerometers.
Switch: A device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit.; Example: Toggle and Momentary Switch used in various applications.
Thyristor: A solid-state semiconductor device with four layers of alternating N and P-type material.; Example: Used in AC power control applications.
Transformer: A passive electrical device that transfers electrical energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction.; Example: Used in power supplies to step up or step down voltage levels.
Transistor: A semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals.; Example: Found in amplifiers and switching circuits.
Zener Diode: A type of diode that allows current to flow in the reverse direction when a specific, designed reverse voltage is reached.; Example: Used in voltage regulation circuits.

Design

Explore the key terms and concepts in electronic design.

Altium Designer: A comprehensive PCB design software with advanced features for high-speed design and 3D modeling.; Example: Designing a high-frequency RF circuit board with controlled impedance traces using Altium Designer.
Autodesk Fusion 360: A cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE platform that includes electronic design capabilities.; Example: Creating a complete product design including both mechanical parts and PCB using Fusion 360.
Cadence Virtuoso: A suite of tools for custom IC design, including analog and mixed-signal circuits.; Example: Designing a custom analog-to-digital converter chip using Cadence Virtuoso.
Design Rule Checking (DRC): An automated process that verifies whether a design meets a set of predefined rules and constraints.; Example: Checking minimum trace widths and clearances in a PCB design.
EDA Software: Electronic Design Automation software used for designing electronic systems such as integrated circuits and printed circuit boards.; Example: OrCAD, Altium Designer, KiCad, and Eagle are examples of EDA software.
High-Level Synthesis (HLS): The process of creating a hardware description from a high-level programming language.; Example: Using Xilinx Vivado HLS to create FPGA designs from C++ code.
KiCad: An open-source EDA suite for schematic capture and PCB layout.; Example: Creating a simple two-layer PCB for a hobby project using KiCad.
OrCAD: A suite of EDA tools for PCB design, including schematic capture, PCB layout, and signal integrity analysis.; Example: Using OrCAD PCB Designer for complex multi-layer board designs.
PCB Layout: The arrangement of components and creation of copper traces on a printed circuit board.; Example: Designing a multi-layer PCB using Altium Designer or KiCad.
Schematic Capture: The process of creating a diagram that represents the components and connections in an electronic circuit.; Example: Drawing a circuit diagram using OrCAD Capture or Altium Designer.
Signal Integrity: The quality of an electrical signal's ability to carry information reliably and resist the effects of high-frequency electromagnetic interference.; Example: Analyzing and optimizing high-speed PCB traces to maintain signal integrity.
SolidWorks PCB: A PCB design tool integrated with SolidWorks mechanical design software for seamless electro-mechanical design.; Example: Designing a PCB that fits precisely into a custom enclosure using SolidWorks PCB.
Synopsys Design Compiler: A synthesis tool for converting RTL designs into optimized gate-level netlists.; Example: Synthesizing a complex FPGA design from VHDL code using Synopsys Design Compiler.

Environmental

Discover how environmental concerns impact the electronics industry.

Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions.; Example: Calculating the carbon footprint of manufacturing an electronic device.
Conflict Minerals: Minerals mined in conditions of armed conflict and human rights abuses, the sourcing of which is regulated to prevent funding for armed groups and promote ethical practices.; Example: Mobile devices manufactured with conflict minerals must disclose their sourcing under regulations.
Energy Star: A program that provides certification to buildings and consumer products which meet certain standards of energy efficiency.; Example: Labeling a computer with the Energy Star logo to indicate it meets energy efficiency guidelines.
Green Electronics Council: An organization that manages the EPEAT program, which helps purchasers choose sustainable electronics.; Example: Selecting electronics that are EPEAT registered to ensure environmental performance.
Proposition 65: A California law that requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.; Example: A product label warning consumers that the product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals): A European Union regulation addressing the production and use of chemical substances, and their potential impacts on both human health and the environment.; Example: Registering a new chemical compound used in the manufacturing of electronic components.
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances): A directive that restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products.; Example: Ensuring that a circuit board is manufactured without lead, mercury, or other restricted substances.
WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive: EU directive aimed at reducing the amount of electrical and electronic equipment being produced and encouraging reuse, recycling, and recovery.; Example: Implementing a take-back program for old electronic devices when selling new ones.

Manufacturing

Learn about the terminology used in electronics manufacturing.

Automated Optical Inspection (AOI): A method of automatically inspecting PCBs for defects using cameras and image processing software.; Example: Using an AOI system to check for solder bridging, missing components, and incorrect component placement after reflow soldering.
Bill of Materials (BOM): A comprehensive list of raw materials, sub-assemblies, intermediate assemblies, sub-components, parts, and quantities needed to manufacture an end product.; Example: Creating a detailed BOM listing all electronic components, PCBs, and mechanical parts needed to produce a batch of smartphones.
Conformal Coating: The process of applying a thin protective chemical coating to a PCB to protect it from moisture, dust, and chemicals.; Example: Applying a conformal coating to a PCB destined for use in a harsh industrial environment.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM): The practice of designing products in a way that makes them easier and more cost-effective to manufacture.; Example: Adjusting PCB pad sizes and spacing to improve yield in the manufacturing process.
Pick and Place Machine: An automated machine used to place surface mount devices (SMDs) onto a printed circuit board.; Example: Using a pick and place machine to accurately position hundreds of components on a motherboard in minutes.
Reflow Soldering: A process used in SMT where a solder paste is used to temporarily attach components to their contact pads, then the entire assembly is heated to melt the solder and create permanent connections.; Example: Passing a PCB with placed components through a reflow oven to solder all SMT components simultaneously.
Solder Paste: A material used in SMT consisting of tiny solder balls suspended in a flux medium, applied to the PCB before component placement.; Example: Applying solder paste to PCB pads using a stencil before placing SMT components.
Stencil Printing: The process of applying solder paste to a PCB using a stencil with apertures that align with the board's solder pads.; Example: Using a metal stencil and squeegee to apply a precise amount of solder paste to each pad on a PCB.
Surface Mount Technology (SMT): A method for producing electronic circuits where components are mounted directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards.; Example: Placing and soldering tiny resistors and capacitors onto a smartphone's PCB using SMT.
Through-Hole Technology: A mounting scheme where component leads are inserted into holes drilled in the printed circuit board and soldered on the opposite side.; Example: Mounting large electrolytic capacitors or power transistors on a power supply board using through-hole technology.
Wave Soldering: A bulk soldering process used for both surface mount and through-hole components, where the PCB is passed over a wave of molten solder.; Example: Using wave soldering to attach through-hole connectors and some SMT components on the bottom side of a PCB.
X-ray Inspection: A non-destructive testing method used to inspect hidden solder joints, particularly in ball grid array (BGA) packages.; Example: Using X-ray inspection to verify proper solder ball formation under a BGA chip.

Regulations and Standards

Familiarize yourself with important regulations and standards in the electronics industry.

CE Marking: A certification mark that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA).; Example: A smartphone displaying the CE mark, indicating compliance with EU regulations.
CE Marking: A certification mark that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA).; Example: A smartphone displaying the CE mark, indicating compliance with EU regulations.
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standards: Standards ensuring that electronic and electrical equipment does not interfere with or is not susceptible to electromagnetic interference.; Example: Testing a smartphone for compliance with EMC standards to ensure it doesn't interfere with other devices.
FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Regulations: U.S. regulations governing radio frequency devices to ensure they don't cause harmful interference to other electronic devices.; Example: Testing a wireless device to ensure it meets FCC emission standards.
IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Standards: International standards and conformity assessment for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.; Example: Designing a power supply according to IEC 61000-3-2 for harmonic current emissions.
IPC Standards: Standards for the design, manufacturing, and assembly of electronic equipment and assemblies.; Example: Following IPC-A-610 standard for the acceptability of electronic assemblies.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Standards: International standards that ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and systems.; Example: Implementing ISO 9001 quality management system in an electronics manufacturing facility.
ISO 14001: An international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS).; Example: Implementing ISO 14001 in a manufacturing facility to improve environmental performance.
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Certification: A safety certification for products, providing assurance that they meet specific safety standards.; Example: Obtaining UL certification for a new household appliance before market release.
WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive: EU directive aimed at reducing the amount of electrical and electronic equipment being produced and encouraging reuse, recycling, and recovery.; Example: Implementing a take-back program for old electronic devices when selling new ones.

Testing and Reliability

Understand the importance of testing and reliability in electronics.

Automated Optical Inspection (AOI): A method of automatically inspecting PCBs for defects using cameras and image processing software.; Example: Using an AOI system to check for solder bridging and incorrect component placement.
Burn-In Testing: A process where components or systems are operated for a period of time to ensure they function properly and to identify early failures.; Example: Running a power supply at full load for 48 hours to ensure reliability.
Compliance Testing: Testing to confirm that a product meets specific regulations and standards, such as safety and emissions.; Example: Conducting UL certification tests on an electronic device to ensure it meets safety standards.
Environmental Stress Screening (ESS): A process used to expose defects in electronic components by subjecting them to environmental stresses such as temperature cycling and vibration.; Example: Testing a PCB by cycling it through extreme temperatures to identify potential failures.
Functional Testing: Testing that verifies a product operates according to its design specifications.; Example: Running a series of tests on a completed circuit board to ensure it performs all intended functions correctly.
HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Test): A stress testing method that applies a combination of high/low temperatures and vibration to accelerate product failures and identify design weaknesses.; Example: Subjecting a new smartphone model to extreme temperature changes and vibration to identify potential failure modes.
HASS (Highly Accelerated Stress Screen): A production screening method that uses stresses to precipitate latent defects into detectable failures, ensuring product quality before shipment.; Example: Running a batch of manufactured circuit boards through a HASS chamber to detect any hidden defects before shipping to customers.
High-Pot Test: A test method to verify the insulation strength of electrical devices by applying high voltage between the device and ground.; Example: Testing a power supply at 1500VDC for one minute to ensure insulation integrity.
In-Circuit Testing (ICT): A method of testing PCBs by powering up the circuit and using a bed-of-nails fixture to access test points.; Example: Using ICT to verify correct component placement and solder joint quality of a newly manufactured PCB.
JTAG: An industry standard for verifying designs of and testing printed circuit boards after manufacture.; Example: Used for boundary scan testing.
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): The predicted elapsed time between inherent failures of a system during operation.; Example: A power supply with an MTBF of 100,000 hours.
Thermal Cycling Test: A reliability test where a device is subjected to extreme temperature variations to evaluate its performance under thermal stress.; Example: Cycling a PCB between -40°C and +85°C for 1000 cycles to verify performance.

Vendors

Understanding vendor-related terminology is crucial for effective supply chain management and procurement.

Distributor: A company that buys products from manufacturers and resells them to retailers or directly to end-users.; Example: Arrow Electronics, Avnet, Future Electronics, and WPG Holdings distributing electronic components to various industries.
Franchised Distributor: A distributor that has an official agreement with manufacturers to sell their products and often provides additional services such as technical support and inventory management.; Example: Digi-Key, Mouser Electronics, Newark (Farnell), and RS Components providing a wide range of electronic components from various manufacturers.
Manufacturer: A company that produces finished goods from raw materials or components, typically on a large scale using machinery and labor.; Example: Intel manufacturing computer processors, Texas Instruments producing integrated circuits.
Representative: A company or individual that acts as an intermediary between manufacturers and customers, often providing sales and technical support.; Example: A manufacturer's representative firm promoting and selling electronic components to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).
Retailer: A business that sells goods directly to consumers, typically through a physical store or online platform.; Example: Best Buy selling electronics to individual customers.
Service Provider: A company or individual that offers intangible products (services) to customers.; Example: A software development company providing custom application development services for embedded systems.
Supplier: A company that provides products or services to another organization. It can be a manufacturer, distributor, or another type of vendor in the supply chain.; Example: A company that supplies resistors and capacitors to an electronics manufacturer, which could be either the component manufacturer itself or a distributor.
Vendor: A general term for any entity that provides goods or services to a company or individual. This can include manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and service providers.; Example: Any company in the supply chain that provides components, products, or services to an electronics manufacturer.