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Glossary of Terms
Signal
Any visible or audible indication that can convey
information. Also, the information conveyed through
a communication system.
Silicone
This is a rubber like manmade material used
extensively in gasket and sealing applications. It is
very resistant to a great range of chemicals including
oils and solvents, and has a very wide temperature
range.
Sinking
The term is used here to describe the way a switch is
connected in the circuit. If the switch completes the
electrical circuit by connecting the load to ground/() it
is considered to be sinking the load. In a solid-state
device this is equivalent to a NPN output.
SJOO
A UL designation for a rubber jacketed junior service
cord with oil resistant conductors and jacket. Voltage
rating is 300V.
SJOOW
Same as SJOO, but with UL rating for outdoor use.
SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio)
Commonly used interchangeably with ACR
Solid Conductor
A conductor consisting of a single wire.
Solid State
This is a term used often to describe an electronic
device, which is made up of solid components (no
moving parts).
SOO
A UL designation for a rubber insulated hard service
cord with oil resistance primaries and jacket. Voltage
rating is 600V.
SOOW
Same as SOO with UL rating for outdoor use.
SOOW-A
UL rating superceded by SOOW cable.
Sourcing
The term is used here to describe the way a switch is
connected in the circuit. If the switch completes the
electrical circuit by connecting the load to the positive
(+) it is considered to be sourcing the load.
SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) - Switches
SRL (Structured Return Loss)
The magnitude of internal cable reflections,
measured in dB”.
STO
A UL designation for a thermoplastic (usually PVC)
insulated hard service cord with oil resistant outer
jacket. Voltage rating is 600V.
STOW
Same as STO with UL rating for outdoor use.
STOW-A
Obsolete – replaced by STOW.
STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)
Stranded Conductor
A conductor composed of groups of wires twisted
together.
SVHS (Super VHS)
A video format in which the two parts of the VHS
signal are transmitted separately providing for better
picture resolution with less noise.
SWR (Standing Wave Ration)
A ratio of the maximum amplitude to the minimum
amplitude of a standing wave stated in current or
voltage amplitudes.
T
Temperature Rating
The maximum temperature at which a material may
be used in continuous operation without loss of its
basic properties.
TFE (Tetrafluoroethylene)
A thermoplastic material with good electrical
insulating properties and chemical and heat
resistance.
Thermoplastic
A material that will soften, flow or distort appreciably
when subjected to heat and pressure.
Thermoset
A material that hardens or sets when heat is applied,
and which, once set, cannot be softened by heating.
The application of heat is called “curing”.
TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association)
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
Used as a jacket material in multiconductor cables,
TPE is a thermoplastic compound resistant to
the harmful effects of weld slag and chemicals,
especially oil.
TP-PMD (Twisted Pair - Physical Medium
Dependent)
TPU (Thermo Plastic-Poly Urethane)
Transistor
This is a solid-state device used in electronic circuits.
It is often used in switching or amplifier applications.
Triac
This is a solid-state device often used to switch AC
voltage/current.
Twisted Pairs
One or more pairs of insulated conductors twisted
together to reduce cross talk.
U
UHF (Ultra High Frequency) – 300 to 3,000 MHz”
UL (Underwriter’s Laboratories)
A nonprofit organization, which tests and verifies
construction and performance of electronic parts.
UP (Universal Power)
UTD (Unshielded Twisted Pair)
V
VA (Volt Ampere)
A designation of power in terms of voltage and
current.
VDE (Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker)
German approval agency equivalent to UL.
Volt (V)
The unit of measure for electrical potential.
Voltage
The term most often used in place of electromotive
force, potential difference, or voltage drop.
Designates the electrical pressure existing between
two points that is capable of producing a current
when a closed circuit is connected between these
points.
Voltage Rating
The highest voltage that may be continuously
applied to a wire in conformance with standards or
specifications.
Voltage Spike
This is a short-term (transient) condition causing a
larger than normal amount of voltage to be applied to
a circuit. Voltage spikes can often cause damage to
an electric device if it is not properly protected.
VW-1
A flammability rating established by Underwriters
Laboratories for wires and cables that pass a
specially designed vertical flame test, formerly
designated FR1.
References
Glossary of Terms
References
