ELECTRICAL TERMINOLOGIES

A
ACTUATOR SOLENOID - The solenoid in the actuator housing on the back of the injection
pump which moves the control rack as commanded by the engine controller.
ALTERNATOR - A device which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) - A flow of electrons which reverses its direction of flow at
regular intervals in a conductor.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE - The temperature of the surrounding medium, such as gas, air or
liquid, which comes into contact with a particular component.
AMMETER - An instrument for measuring the flow of electrical current in amperes. Ammeters
are always connected in series with the circuit to be tested.
AMPERE - A unit of measure for the flow of current in a circuit. One ampere is the amount of
current flow provided when one volt of electrical pressure is applied against one ohm of
resistance. The ampere is used to measure electricity much as "gallons per minute" is used to
measure water flow.
AMPERE-HOUR - A unit of measure for battery capacity. It is obtained by multiplying the
current (in amperes) by the time (in hours) during which current flows. For example, a battery
which provides 5 amperes for 20 hours is said to deliver 100 ampere - hours.
AMPLIFIER - A device of electronic components used to increase power, voltage, or current of
a signal.
AMPLITUDE - A term used to describe the maximum value of a pulse or wave. It is the crest
value measured from zero.

ANALOG IC - integrated circuits composed to produce, amplify, or respond to variable

voltages. They include many kinds of amplifiers that involve analog - to - digital conversions and
vice versa, timers, and inverters. They are known as Operational Amplifier Circuits or OP Amps.
AMERICAN WIRE GAUGE (AWG)- A standard for wire sizes, with the smallest being
designated as forty (40) and the largest as four aught (4/0).
AMPACITY - The currentcarrying capacity of conductors in amperes.
AMPERAGE (A)- The amount of electric current in amperes.
AMPLIFIER- An electronic circuit that boost the voltage and/or the current level of a signal.
ANALOG- Generally refers to signals that have many discrete values versus digital binary
signal that have only two states. Also, refers to the branch of electronics dealing with such
signals and their circuits. The term linear is another term often used for such circuits and
signals.
ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL-CONVERTER (A/D) - A circuit or devise used to convert an
analog signal to a digital form.
AND gate or logic- Generates logic 1 only if all of its two or more inputs are 1.
APPARENT POWER- The product of voltage times current in a circuit containing reactances
and measured in volt-amps.
ARMATURE- The moving part of a motor or generator.
AUTOTRANSFORMER - A power transformer having one continuous winding that is tapped.
ARTIFICIAL MAGNETS - A magnet which has been magnetized by artificial means. It is also
called, according to shape, a bar magnet or a horseshoe magnet.
ATOM - A particle which is the smallest unit of a chemical element. It is made up mainly of
electrons (minus charges) in orbit around protons (positive charges).
Auxiliary SPEED SENSOR - The engine speed sensor located on the engine timing gear cover.
It serves as a back - up to the primary engine speed sensor.
ADAPTER A cord or block style device with different ends that allows different devices to
connect.

B
BENDIX DRIVE - One type flywheel engaging device for a starting motor. It is said to be
mechanical because it engages by inertia.
BREAK - See "Open."
BRUSH - A device which rubs against a rotating slip ring or commentator to provide a passage
for electric current to a stationary conductor.
BALLAST- A device used to provide starting current for certain types of lamps (fluorescent).
BATTERY- A direct-current power source consisting of two or more cells.
BINARY- In electronics, a number system that has two as its base; therefore any position has
only two possible values, 0 or 1. A signal that has only two possible states at any instance.
BIPOLAR JUNCTION TRANSISTOR (BJT)- A transistor type having two PN junctions,
configured as NPN or PNP. May be used as an amplifier or switch.
BIT- A single binary digit, can be either a 0 or 1.
BRIDGE - See Wheatstone bridge
BYTE- A group of eight binary bits, commonly used to represent digital data.

CALIBRATION - The determination or rectification of the graduations used on a

testing instrument.
CAPACITOR - A device which stores electrical energy. Commonly used for filtering out
voltage spikes.
CHARGE - To restore the active materials in a storage battery by the passage of direct current
through the battery cells in a direction opposite that of the discharging current.
CURRENT - Movement of electricity along a conductor. Current is measured in amperes.
CURRENT FLOW - The flow or movement of electrons from atom to atom in a conductor.

CYCLE - The change in an alternating electrical sine wave from zero to a positive peak to zero
to a negative peak and back to zero.
CYCLING - The process by which a battery is discharged and recharged.
CABLE A cable is a set of wires, usually encased in an outer protective jacket. A cord would
be a cable by this definition so far, but a cable is part of a permanent installation; a cord is more
flexible and often has a plug end for a portable appliance or lamp.
CABLE HARNESS A string of cables and/or wires which transmit informational signals or
operating currents (energy). The cables are bound together by clamps, cable ties, cable lacing,
sleeves, electrical tape, conduit, a weave of extruded string, or a combination thereof.
CE Conformite Europeene. A European standard of safety. The CE marking on end products
indicates compliance with all applicable directives.
CONDUCTOR The internal material of a cord that conducts electricity. Copper is the most
common material used for electrical wiring. Silver is the best conductor, but is expensive.
Because it does not corrode, gold is used for high-quality surface-to-surface contacts.
CONNECTOR A female cord mounted wiring device with the conducting elements recessed
behind the mating surface. This type of device is normally wired to be live when nothing is
plugged in to it. Therefore, connectors are wired to the source of power.
CAPACITANCE - The ability of two conductors separated by an insulator to store an
electrical charge; measured in farads (F).
CAPACITIVE RACTANCE (CR)The opposition that a capacitor offers to alternating
current. This opposition, in the form of a counter electromotive force (cemf), is expressed in
ohms.
CELL- A device that transforms one form of energy into electrical energy. An example would
be a chemical dry cell commonly used in flashlights (D, C, AA, AAA) and other electric devices.
These are often referred to as batteries.
CIRCUIT - An arrangement or connection of circuit devices and components to perform a
specific objective. In the simplest form it would require an energy source, a load to transform
the energy into the desired task, and conductors to connect the source to the load. In most
applications a control device (switch) would be included and may also include a protective
device. Common example of a simple circuit would be a flashlight.
CIRCUIT BREAKER- A circuit protection device that opens the circuit automatically when an
overload or short circuit occurs.

CLOSED CIRCUIT- A circuit that provides a complete path for current.

COIL- A wound spiral of two or more turns of insulated wire, used to introduce inductance into
a circuit, produce a magnetic field from current flow, or to respond to a changing magnetic field
by producing a voltage or mechanical motion.
COMPONENT/S- In electronics, a general term to refer to a part or parts of a circuit without
reference to specific names.
COMMUTATOR- A cylindrical arrangement of insulated metal bars connected to the armature
coils of a direct-current electric motor or generator, providing a unidirectional current from the
generator or a reversal of current into the coils of the motor.
CONDUCTANCE (G)- The ability of a conductor to allow the flow of electrons. Measured in
Siemens (S). The reciprocal of resistance.
CONVENTIONAL CURRENT- A direction flow assignment that has current flowing from
positive to negative.
CRYSTAL- A natural or synthetic crystalline material having piezoelectric properties. As a
transducer, used to convert dynamic pressures (vibrations) to ac electricity or change ac
electricity into vibrations.

D
DIAGNOSTIC CODE - A number which represents a problem detected by the engine
controller. Diagnostic
codes
are
transmitted
for
use
by
on
board
displays or a diagnostic reader so the operator or technician is aware there is a problem and in
what part of the fuel injection system the problem can be found.
DIFFERENTIATOR CIRCUIT - A circuit that consists of resistors and capacitors designed to
change a DC input to an AC output. It is used to make narrow pulse generators and to trigger
digital logic circuits. When used in integrated circuits it is known as an inverter.
DIGITAL IC - integrated circuits that produce logic voltage signals or pulses that have only two
levels of output that are either ON or OFF (yes or no). Some component output examples are:
Diagnostic Codes Output, Pulse - Width - Modulated (PWM) Throttle Output, Auxiliary Speed
Output, and Fuel FlowfThrottle Output.
DIODE - An electrical device that will allow current to pass through itself in one direction only.
Also see "Zener diode."

DIRECT CURRENT (DC) - A steady flow of electrons moving steadily and continually in the
same direction along a conductor from a point of high potential to one of lower potential. It is
produced by a battery, generator, or rectifier.
DISCHARGE - To remove electrical energy from a charged body such as a capacitor or battery.
DISTRIBUTOR (IGNITION) - A device which directs the high voltage of the ignition coil to
the engine spark plugs.
DISTRIBUTOR LEAD CONNECTOR - A connection plug in the wires that lead from the
sensor in the distributor to the electronic control unit.
DYER DRIVE - One type of flywheel engaging mechanism in a starting motor.
DIELECTRIC Any insulating medium, which intervenes between two conductors and permits
electrostatic attraction and repulsion to take place across it.

DIELECTRIC TEST Tests which consist of the application of a voltage higher than that of
the rated voltage for a specified time for the purpose of determining the adequacy against
breakdown of insulating materials and spacing under normal conditions.
DIFFERENCE OF POTENTIAL- See electromotive force and voltage.
DIGITAL- Generally in electronics refers to signals, devices, or circuits that are binary, meaning
they only have two states (high or low, 1 or 0, on or off). The branch of electronics dealing with
such signals and their circuits.
DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG-CONVERTER (D/A)- A circuit that converts a binary signal to an
equivalent analog form.
DUTY CYCLE- The ratio of pulse width to period, indicates the percentage of time a pulse is
present during a cycle.

E
ELECTRICAL FIELD - The region around a charged body in which the charge has an effect.
ELECTRICITY - The flow of electrons from atom to atom in a conductor.

ELECTROCHEMICAL - The relationship of electricity to chemical changes and with the

conversions of chemical and electrical energy. A battery is an electrochemical device.
ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC VALVE - A hydraulic valve actuated by a solenoid through variable
voltage applied to the solenoid coil.
ELECTROLYTE - Any substance which, in solution, is dissociated into ions and is thus made
capable of conducting an electrical current. The sulfuric acid - water solution in a storage battery
is an electrolyte.
ELECTROMAGNET - core of magnetic material, generally soft iron, surrounded by a coil of
wire through which electrical current is passed to magnetize the core.
ELECTROMAGNETIC CLUTCH - An electromagnetic device which stops the operation of
one part of a machine while other parts of the unit keep on operating.
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD - The magnetic field about a conductor created by the flow of
electrical current through it.
ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION - The process by which voltage is induced in a
conductor by varying the magnetic field so that lines of force cut across the conductor.
ELECTRON - A tiny particle which rotates around the nucleus of an atom. It has a negative
charge of electricity.
ELECTRON THEORY - The theory which explains the nature of electricity and the exchange
of "free" electrons between atoms of a conductor. It is also used as one theory to explain
direction of current flow in a circuit.
ELECTRONICS - The control of electrons (electricity) and the study of their behavior and
effects. This control is accomplished by devices that resist, carry, select, steer, switch, store,
manipulate, and exploit the electron.
ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) - General term for any electronic controller. See
"controller:'
ELECTRONIC GOVERNOR - The computer program within the engine controller which
determines the commanded fuel delivery based on throttle command, engine speed, and fuel
temperature. It replaces the function of a mechanical govnor.

ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM - A system in which the timing of the ignition spark is
controlled electronically. Electronic ignition systems have no points or condenser, but instead
have a reluctor, sensor, and electronic control unit.
ELEMENT - (1) Any substance that normally cannot be separated into different substances. (2)
The completed assembly of a battery consisting of negative plates, positive plates, and separators
mounted in a cell compartment.
ENGINE CONTROLLER - The electronic module which controls fuel delivery, diagnostic
outputs, back - up operation, and communications with other electronic modules.
ELECTRICAL ENERGY
The energy carried by free electrons from a source to a load.
Also, the potential energy of a stationary charge.
ELECTRICAL POWER (P)
Measured in watts (W).

The rate at which energy is consumed in a circuit or load.

ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR
A capacitor whose dielectric is formed through the
reaction of an electrolyte and its electrodes.
ELECTROMECHANICAL - A classification of actions or devices whereby a mechanical
action is caused by the forces of attraction or repulsion created when current flow generates
magnetic fields (electromagnetic).
ELECTROSTATIC FIELD-

An electric field produced by stationary charges.

F
FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR (FET) - A transistor which uses voltage to control the flow of
current. Connections are the source (input), drain (output) and gate (control).
FIXED RESISTOR - A resistor which has only one resistance value.
FREOUENCY - The number of pulse or wave cycles that are completed in one second.
Frequency is measured in Hertz, as in 60Hz (hertz) per second.
FUNDAMENTAL LAW OF MAGNETISM - The fundamental law of magnetism is that unlike
poles attract each other, and like poles repel each other.
FUSE - A replaceable safety device for an electrical circuit. A fuse consists of a fine wire or a
thin metal strip encased in glass or some fire-resistant material. When an overload occurs in the
circuit, the wire or metal strip melts, breaking the circuit.

FEMITE Ferromagnetic ceramic non-conductive compound material used to prevent high

frequency electrical noise from entering or exiting the equipment.
FARAD (F)- The basic unit of measurement for capacitance. One farad is that capacitance that
will store one coulomb of charge when the charging force is one volt. Since the farad is a very
large unit, capacitance will more commonly be expressed as microfarad (uF) or picofarad (pF)
values. Named for Michael Farady, the British physicist and chemist who discovered
electromagnetic induction and proposed the field theory later developed by Maxwell and
Einstein.
FILTER- A circuit designed to pass a specific frequency range while rejecting all others.
FLUXforce.

Generally refers to a magnetic line of force but may also describe an electric line of

G
GATE - A logic circuit device which makes a YES or NO (one or zero) decision (output) based
on two or more inputs.
GENERATOR- A device which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
GRID- A wire mesh to which the active materials of a storage battery are attached.
GROUND- A ground occurs when any part of a wiring circuit unintentionally touches a metallic
part of the machine frame.
GROUNDED CIRCUIT- A connection of any electrical unit to the frame, engine, or any part
of the tractor or machine, completing the electrical circuit to its source.
GROWLER- A device for testing the armature of a generator or motor.
GAUSS

A unit of measurement for magnetic field.

GFCI Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter. An electrical wiring device that disconnects a

circuit whenever it detects that the electric current is not balanced between the energized
conductor and the return neutral conductor. Such an imbalance is sometimes caused by current
leakage through the body of a person who is grounded and accidentally touching the energized
part of the circuit.

GROUND A connection between an electrical device and the Earth or at the voltage defined as
zero (in the U.S., called ground; in the UK, called earth).

H
HYDROMETER- An instrument for measuring specific gravity. A hydrometer is used to test the
specific gravity of the electrolyte in a battery.
HARMONIZED CODE An international coding system for specifying the attributes of cord
voltages, jackets, diameters, etc.

HERTZ Measurement of frequency, equaling one cycle per second, U.S. devices are typically
60 Hertz and international devices are typically 50 hertz.
HEAT SINK- A device attached to a component to aid in the dissipation of heat.
HENRY (H)- The unit of inductance in which an induced electromotive force of one volt is
produced when the current is varied at the rate of one ampere per second. Named for Joseph
Henry, an American physicist who performed extensive studies of electromagnetic phenomena.

I
IGNITION CONTROL UN IT - The module that contains the transistors and resistors that
controls the electronic ignition.
INDUCTANCE - The property of an electric circuit by which an electromotive force (voltage) is
induced in it by a variation of current either in the circuit itself or in a neighboring circuit.
INDUCTOR - A coil of wire wrapped around an iron core.
INSULATED GATE FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR (IGFET) - A diffused transistor which
has an insulated gate and almost infinite gate - channel resistance.
INSULATOR - A substance or body that resists the flow of electrical current through it. Also see
"Conductor:'

INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (IC) - An electronic circuit which utilizes resistors, capacitors,

diodes, and transistors to perform various types of operations. The two major types are Analog
and Digital Integrated Circuits. Also see "Analog IC" and "DigitaI IC."
INTEGRATOR CIRCUIT - A circuit that consists of resistors and capacitors and functions as a
filter which can pass signals only below a certain frequency.
INVERTER - A device with only one input and one output; it inverts or reverses any input.
ION - An atom having either a shortage or excess of electrons.
ISOLATION DIODE - A diode placed between the battery and the alternator. It blocks any
current flow from the battery back through the alternator regulator when the alternator is not
operating.
IMPEDANCE (Z) Opposition to current flow from the combined effects of resistance and
reactance measured in ohms (S).
INDUCTIVE REACTANCE (XL) The opposition that an inductor offers to alternating
current. This opposition, in the form of a counter electromotive force (cemf), is expressed in
ohms.
INSULATION- Nonconductive material used to cover wires and components to prevent shock
and short circuits.
INTERNAL RESISTANCE- The resistance within a power source.
INVERTER- A logic devise (NOT function) whose output is always opposite the input. Also
refers to a devise that converts dc to ac.
ICC International Color Code. Standard for wire jacket colors; Hot=Brown, Neutral=Blue,
Ground=Green/Yellow.
IEC International Electro technical Commission, an international organization that sets
standards for electrical products
IEC320 IEC standard of thirteen 2 or 3 wire plugs, connectors, inlets or outlets usually used in
the computer industry.
Inlet A male flange mounted wiring device with the conducting pins protruding and exposed.
This type device should never be wired to make the exposed pins live while the mating device is
unplugged.

Insulation The material that encases a conductor preventing leakage of current from a
conductor.

JACKET Outer material layer of a cord.

JUNCTION FIELD EFFECT TRANSITION (JFET)- A transistor type made by diffusing a
gate region into a channel region. Voltage applied to the gate controls current in the channel by
either depleting or enhancing the channel.
JOULE- The basic unit of electrical, mechanical, and thermal energy. As a unit of electrical
energy it is equal to the energy carried by 1 coulomb of charge being propelled by an
electromotive force of 1 volt. Named for James Joule, the British physicist who established the
mechanical theory of heat and discovered the first law of thermodynamics.

L
LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (LED) - A solid - state display device that emits infrared light
when a forward - biased current flows through it.
LINES OF FORCE - Invisible lines which conveniently illustrate the characteristics of a
magnetic field and magnetic flux about a magnet.
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) - A display device utilizing a special crystal fluid to
allow segmented displays.
LAMP- A light producing device consisting of a filament placed in a vacuum.
LAW OF MAGNETIC POLES- Like poles repel, unlike poles attract.
LENZ LAW- Basic law of electromagnetic induction which states that an induced voltage will
have a polarity that opposes the current change that produced it.

LINEAR- A circuit or component where the output is a straight line (direct proportion)
function of the input.
LOAD- A device or apparatus that uses the energy of a circuit to perform work. May also refer
to the power used by a device, machine, or a combination of many.

M
MAGNET - A body which has the property of at. tracting iron or other magnets. Its molecules
are aligned.
MAGNETIC FIELD - That area near a magnet in which its property of magnetism can be
detected. It is shown by magnetic lines of force.
MAGNETIC FLUX - The flow of magnetism about a magnet exhibited by magnetic lines of
force in a magnetic field.
MAGNETIC INDUCTION - The process of introducing magnetism into a bar of iron or other
magnetic material.
MAGNETIC LINES OF FORCE - Invisible lines which conveniently illustrate the
characteristics of a magnetic field and magnetic flux about a magnet.
MAGNETIC MATERIAL - Any material to whose molecules the property of magnetism can
be imparted.
MAGNETIC NORTH - The direction sought by the north pole end of a magnet, such as a
magnetic needle, in a horizontal position. It is near the geographic north pole of the Earth.
MAGNETIC PICKUP ASSEMBLY - The assembly in a self - integrated electronic ignition
system that contains a permanent magnet, a pole piece with internal teeth, and a pickup coil.
These parts, when properly aligned, cause the primary circuit to switch off and induce high
voltage in the secondary windings.
MAGNETIC SOUTH - The opposite direction from magnetic north towards which the south
pole end of a magnet, such as a magnetic needle, is attracted when in a horizontal position. It is
near the geographic south pole of the Earth.
MAGNETIC SWITCH - A solenoid which performs a simple function, such as closing or
opening switch contacts.

MAGNETISM - The property inherent in the molecules of certain substances, such as iron, to
become magnetized, thus making the substance into a magnet
MICROPROCESSOR - An integrated circuit combing logic, amplification and memory
functions.
MILLIAMPERE - 1/1,OOO,OOO ampere.
MOLECULE - A unit of matter which is the smallest portion of an element or compound that
retains chemical identity with the substance in mass. It is made up of one or more atoms.
MOTOR - A device which converts electric energy into mechanical energy.
MUL TIMETER - A testing device that can be set to read ohms (resistance), voltage (force), or
amperes (current) of a circuit.
MUTUAL INDUCTION - Occurs when changing current in one coil induces voltage in a
second coil.
MIDGET Referring to an inlet or outlet with a shallow depth. Commonly mounted in areas
where space is limited.
MAGNETIC POLES The two points of strongest concentration of magnetic flux around a
magnet or electromagnet. By assignment the flux leaves the North Pole and returns to
the South Pole.
MAGNETIC SATURATION
The point where an increase in magnetic force produces no
further magnetic effect in a magnetic material. The material can have no further increase in flux.
Iron, nickel, cobalt, and their alloys are considered to be magnetic materials.
MEGA (M)

Prefix for units of measurement equal to millions (1,000,000 or 106).

MEMORY The part of a computing device where data and instructions are stored.
METAL OXIDE FIELD- EFFECT TRANSISTOR (MOSFET) Also called insulated gate
field effect transistor (IGFET). A transistor type that uses an electric field to control conduction.
MODEM Abbreviation for modulator-demodulator. A device that converts data from one
form into another, as from one form usable in data processing to another form usable in
telephonic transmission.

NATURAL MAGNET - A magnet which occurs in nature, such as a lodestone. Its property of
magnetism has been imparted by the magnetic effects of the Earth.
NEGATIVE - Designating or pertaining to a kind of electricity. Specifically, an atom that gains
negative electrons is negatively charged.
NEUTRON - An uncharged elementary particle. Present in all atomic nuclei except the
hydrogen nucleus.
NON-MAGNETIC MATERIAL - A material whose molecules cannot be magnetized.
NORMALLY OPEN and NORMALLY CLOSED - These terms refer to the position taken by
the contacts in a magnetically operated switching device, such as a relay, when the operating
magnet is de. Energized.
NAND GATE OR LOGIC

Stands for NOT-AND. Gives an inverted output of AND logic.

NONLINEAR A circuit or component whose output versus input graph is not a straight line.

O
OHM - The standard unit for measuring resistance to flow of an electrical current. Every
electrical
conductor offers resistance to the flow of current, just as a tube through which water flows offers
resistance to the current of water. One ohm is the amount of resistance that limits current flow to
one ampere in a circuit with one volt of electrical pressure.
OHMMETER - An instrument for measuring the resistance in ohms of an electrical circuit.
OHM'S LAW - Ohm's Law states that when an electric current is flowing through a conductor,
such as a wire, the intensity of the current (in amperes) equals the electromotive force (volts)
driving it, divided by the resistance of the conductor. The flow is in proportion to the
electromotive force, or voltage, as long as the resistance remains the same.
OPEN OR OPEN CIRCUIT - An open or open circuit occurs when a circuit is broken, such as
by a broken wire or open switch, interrupting the flow of current through the circuit. It is
analogous to a closed valve in a water system.
OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIER - A high - voltage gain, low - power, linear amplifying circuit
device used to add, subtract, average, etc.

OVERRUNNING CLUTCH - One type of flywheelengaging member in a starting motor.

OR GATE OR LOGIC- Generates a logic 1 if any one of its two or more inputs are 1.
OSCILLATOR A circuit that converts dc power into ac signals with constant frequency. Also,
an instrument that generates ac signals whose frequency and amplitude can be varied. These are
also referred to as signal generators.
OSCILLOSCOPE An instrument that displays a plot of voltage over time. Often referred to
as a scope.
OVERLOAD

A load in excess of the design limit for a circuit.

OD Outer Diameter, the outer diameter of a cord.

OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer.

P
PARALLEL CIRCUIT - A circuit in which the circuit components are arranged in branches so
that there is a separate path to each unit along which electrical current can flow.
PERMANENT MAGNET - A magnet which retains its property of magnetism for an indefinite
period.
PIEZO ELECTRIC DEVICE - A device made of crystalline materials, such as quartz, which
bend or distort when force or pressure is exerted on them. This pressure forces the electrons to
move.
PLATE - A solid substance from which electrons flow. Batteries have positive plates and
negative plates.
POLARITY - A collective term applied to the positive (+) and negative ( - ) ends of a magnet or
electrical mechanism such as a coil or battery.
POLE - One or two points of a magnet at which its magnetic attraction is concentrated.

POLE SHOES - Iron blocks fastened to the inside of a generator or motor housing around
which the field or stator coils are wound. The pole shoes may be permanent or electro - magnets.
POSITIVE - Designating or pertaining to a kind of electricity. Specifically, an atom which loses
negative electrons and is positively charged.
POTENTIOMETER - A variable resistor used as a voltage divider.
POWER SWITCH TRANSISTOR - The part responsible for switching off the primary circuit
that causes high voltage induction in the secondary winding in an electronic ignition system.
PRIMARY SPEED SENSOR - An engine speed sensor located inside the actuator housing on
the back of the injection pump.
PRINCIPLE OF TURNING FORCE - Explains how magnetic force acts on a current carrying conductor to create movement of an armature, such as in an electric motor.
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD - A device used to hold integrated circuit components in place
and provide current paths from component to component. Copper pathways are etched into the
board with acid.
PROTON - A particle which, together with the neutron constitutes the nucleus of an atom. It
exhibits a positive charge of electricity.
PULSE - A signal that is produced by a sudden ON and OFF of direct current (DC) within a
circuit.
PULSE-WIDTH-MODULATED (PWM) - A digital electronic signal which consists of a pulse
generated at a fixed frequency. The information transmitted by the signal is contained in the
width of the pulse. The width of the pulse is changed (modulated) to indicate a corresponding
change in the information being transmitted, such as throttle command.

R
RECTIFIER - A device (such as a vacuum tube, commutator, or diode) that converts alternating
current into direct current.
REGULATOR - A device which controls the flow of current or voltage in a circuit to a certain
desired level.

RELAY - An electrical coil switch that uses a small current to control a much larger current.
RELUCTANCE - The resistance that a magnetic circuit offers to lines of force in a magnetic
field.
RELUCTOR - A metal cylinder, with teeth or legs, mounted on the distributor shaft in an
electronic ignition system. The reluctor rotates with the distributor
shaft and passes through the electromagnetic field of the sensor.
RESISTANCE - The opposing or retarding force offered by a circuit or component of a circuit
to the passage of electrical current through it. Resistance is measured in ohms.
RESISTOR - A device usually made of wire or carbon which presents a resistance to current
flow.
RHEOSTAT - A resistor used for regulating a current by means of variable resistance; rheostats
allow only one current path.
RIGHT-HAND RULE - A method used to determine the direction a magnetic field rotates about
a conductor, or to find the north pole of a magnetic field in a coil.
ROTOR - The rotating part of an electrical machine such as a generator, motor, or alternator.
RECEPTACLE A female flange mounted wiring device with the conducting elements
recessed behind the mating surface. Often referred to as an outlet. This type of device is normally
wired to be live when nothing is plugged in to it. Therefore, receptacles are wired to the source
of power.
REACTANCE Opposition to current offered by capacitors and inductors in the form of a
counter-electromotive force (cemf), but expressed in ohms. Reactance does not consume power
but gives the appearance that it does.
READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM) A classification of non-volatile memory that has its contents
built in at time of manufacturer and which cannot be changed and cannot be lost if power is
turned off. Variations include Programmable (PROM) and Erasable Programmable (EPROM)
which has provisions for user programming.
RESONANCE A circuit condition when the inductive reactance (XL) equals the capacitive
reactance (XC). A resonant circuit is one that has been tuned to that condition and resonant
frequency is that frequency that resonance occurs in a circuit and provides a maximum output
for one of its

RIPPLE

The small amount of ac voltage that still remains in the output of a dc power supply.

S
SELF-INDUCTION - Voltage which occurs in a coil when there is a change of current.
SEMICONDUCTOR - An element which has four electrons in the outer ring of its atoms.
Silicon and germanium are examples. These elements are neither good conductors nor good
insulators. Semiconductors are used to make diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits.
SENDING UNIT - A device, usually located in some part of an engine, to transmit information
to a gauge on an instrument panel.
SENSOR - A small coil of fine wire in the distributor on electronic ignition systems. The sensor
develops an electromagnetic field that is sensitive to the presence of metal. In monitors and
controllers, they sense operations of machines and relay the information to a console.
SEPARATOR - Any of several substances used to keep one substance from another. In batteries
a separator separates the positive plates from the negative plates.
SERIES CIRCUIT - A circuit in which the parts are connected end to end, positive pole to
negative pole, so that only one path is provided for current flow.
SERIES-PARALLEL CIRCUIT - A circuit in which some of the circuit components are
connected in series and others are connected in parallel.
SHORT (OR SHORT CIRCUIT) - This occurs when one part of a circuit comes in contact with
another part of the same circuit, diverting the flow of current from its desired path.
SHUNT - A conductor joining two points in a circuit so as to form a parallel circuit through
which a portion of the current may pass.
SLIP RING - In a generator, motor, or alternator, one of two or more continuous conducting
rings from which brushes take, or deliver to, current.
SOLENOID - A tubular coil used for producing a magnetic field. A solenoid usually performs
some type of mechanical work.
SOLID-STATE CIRCUITS - Electronic (integrated) circuits which utilize semiconductor
devices such as transistors, diodes and silicon controlled rectifiers.

SPARK PLUGS - Devices which ignite the fuel by a spark in a spark - ignition engine.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY - The ratio of a weight of any volume of a substance to the weight of an
equal volume of some substance taken as a standard, usually water for solids and liquids. When a
battery electrolyte is tested the result is the specific gravity of the electrolyte.
SPRAG CLUTCH DRIVE - A type of flywheel engaging device for a starting motor.
STARTER MOTOR - A device that converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical
energy that turns an engine over for starting.
STATOR - The stationary part of an alternator in which another part (the rotor) revolves.
STORAGE BATTERY - A group of electrochemical cells connected together to generate
electrical energy. It stores the energy in a chemical form.
SULFATION - The formation of hard crystals of lead sulfate on battery plates. The battery is
then "sulfated."
SWITCH - A device which opens or closes electrical pathways in an electrical circuit.
SYNCHROGRAPH - An all - purpose distributor tester.

T
TACHOMETER - An instrument for measuring rotary speed; usually revolutions per minute.
TEMPORARY MAGNET - A magnet which loses its property of magnetism quickly unless
forces act to re - magnetize it.
THERMISTOR - A temperature - compensated resistor. The degree of its resistance varies with
the temperature. In some regulators, it controls a Zener diode so that a higher system voltage is
produced in cold weather, when needed.
TRANSFORMER - A device made of two coil windings that transfers voltage from one coil to
the next through electromagnetic induction. Depending upon the number of windings per coil, a
transformer can be designed to step - up or step - down its output voltage from its input voltage.
Transformers can only function with alternating current (AC).

TRANSIENT VOLTAGE PROTECTION MODULE (TVP) - A device which protects the

engine controller electronics against high energy voltage transients such as alternator load
dumps.
TRANSISTOR - A device constructed of semi - conductors that is used in circuits to control a
larger current by using a smaller current for operation. Its function is the same as a relay.
TRIMMER RESISTOR - A resistor used in applications where only a small resistance change
is needed.
TEMPERATURE RATING The maximum temperature at which insulation will maintain its
integrity.

TERMINAL A terminal is the point at which a conductor from an electrical component, device
or network comes to an end and provides a point of connection to external circuits. A terminal
may simply be the end of a wire or it may be fitted with a connector or fastener. The connection
may be temporary, as for portable equipment, or may require a tool for assembly and removal, or
may be a permanent electrical joint between two wires or devices.

TWIST- LOCKING Refers to a NEMA device with circular prongs that locks the connection
in place. Locking connectors use curved blades. Once pushed into the receptacle, the plug is
twisted and its now-rotated blades latch into the receptacle. To unlatch the plug, the rotation is
reversed. The locking coupling makes for a more reliable connection in commercial and
industrial settings, where vibration or incidental impact could disconnect a non-locking
connector.

UL Underwriters Laboratories, an independent non-profit product safety and certification

organization.

V
VACUUM FLORESCENT DISPLAY (VDC) - An anode - controlled display which emits its
own light. It works like a television tube, directing streams of electrons to strike phosphorescent
segments.
VARIABLE RESISTOR - A resistor that can be adjusted to different ranges of value.
VISCOSITY - The internal resistance of a fluid, caused by molecular attraction, which makes it
resist a tendency to flow.
VOLT - A unit of electrical pressure (or electromotive force) which causes current to flow in a
circuit. One volt is the amount of pressure required to cause one ampere of current to flow
against one ohm of resistance.
VOLTAGE - That force which is generated to cause current to flow in an electrical circuit. It is
also referred to as electromotive force or electrical potential. Voltage is measured in volts.
VOLTAGE REGULATOR - A device that controls the strength of a magnetic field produced by
a generator or alternator. It prevents the battery from being over or undercharged during high - or
low - speed operation of the generator or alternator.
VOLTMETER - An instrument for measuring the force in volts of an electrical current. This is
the difference of potential (voltage) between different points in an electrical circuit. Voltmeters
are connected across (parallel to) the points where voltage is to be measured.
VOLTAGE DIVIDER A series circuit that divides voltage.
VOLTAGE DROP The difference in potential between two points caused by current flow
through a component.

W
WATT - A unit of measure for indicating the electrical power applied in a circuit. It is obtained
by multiplying the current (in amperes) by the electrical pressure (in volts) which causes it to
flow. That is: watts = amperes x volts.
WATT-HOUR - A unit of electrical energy. It indicates the amount of work done in an hour by a
circuit at a steady rate of one watt. That is, watthours = ampere - hours x volts.

WAVE - A signal that is produced by varying a continuous flow of current within a circuit.
Waveforms can be created by either AC or DC current.
WAVEFORM - A graphical representation of electrical cycles which shows the amount of
variation in amplitude over some period of time.
WINDING - The coiling of a wire about itself or about some object. Often identified as a series
winding, a shunt winding, etc.
WIRING HARNESS The trunk and branches which feed an electrical circuit. Wires from one
part of the circuit enter the trunk, joining other wires, and then emerge at another point in the
circuit.

Z
ZENER DIODE (Reverse Bias Direction Diode) - A semiconductor device that will conduct
current in the reverse direction when the voltage becomes higher than a predetermined voltage.