Industrial Electronics Glossary

This glossary will help you understand the meaning of some terms used in the field of electrical engineering.

volt

noun

The difference of potential that would drive one ampere of current against one ohm resistance.

Example: This electrical component needs 12 volts to work properly.

fr: volt

current

noun

A flow of electricity that results from the ordered directional movement of electrically charged particles.

Example: This lamp consumes a current of 5 amps.

fr: courant

ampere

noun

The base unit of electrical current.

Example: This power supply can give out a maximum current of 5 amperes.

fr: ampère

alternating current

noun

Alternating current (AC) is an electric current that periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time.

Example: The wall outlet gives out an alternating current.

fr: courant alternatif

direct current

noun

An electric current flowing in one direction only.

Example: Your cellphone needs a 5 volts direct current to charge.

fr: courant continu

resistor

noun

A device having a designed resistance to the passage of an electric current.

Example: For this electrical circuit to work, it needs a 120 ohm resistor.

fr: résistor

ohm

noun

The unit of electrical resistance, expressing the resistance in a circuit transmitting a current of one ampere when subjected to a potential difference of one volt.

Example: This electrical component has an internal resistance of 720 ohms.

fr: ohm

multimeter

noun

An instrument designed to measure electric current, voltage, and usually resistance, typically over several ranges of value.

Example: You can use the multimeter to learn the voltage going through this resistor.

fr: multimètre

power

noun

Electric power is the rate of transfer of electrical energy within a circuit.

Example: This microwave has an electrical power of 1200 watts.

fr: puissance

watt

noun

The unit of power, corresponding to the power in an electric circuit in which the potential difference is one volt and the current one ampere.

Example: This is a 30 watts light bulb.

fr: watt

circuit

noun

A system of electrical conductors and components forming a complete and closed path.

Example: This circuit cannot work because it is open.

fr: circuit

programmable logic controller

noun

A programmable logic controller (PLC) or programmable controller is an industrial computer that has been ruggedized and adapted for the control of manufacturing processes.

Example: The sensors need to be connected to the PLC (programmable logic controller).

fr: automate programmable

input

noun

A place where, or a device through which, energy or information enters a system.

Example: The PLC can take inputs up from O to 24 volts.

fr: entrée

output

noun

A place where power or information leaves a system.

Example: This motor in connected to the PLC's outputs.

fr: sortie

relay

noun

An electrical device, typically incorporating an electromagnet, which is activated by a current or signal in one circuit to open or close another circuit.

Example: The turn signals in your car works with the help of a relay. The relay is the one making the "click" noises.

fr: relais

regulation process

noun

A control system is a set of mechanical or electronic devices that regulates other devices or systems by way of control loops.

fr: procédé de régulation

sensor

noun

A device which detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it.

Example: This sensor cans tell us if there is water in the tank.

fr: capteur

wire gauge

noun

A gauge for measuring the diameter of wire. The bigger the gauge, the smaller the diameter.

Example: A 14 gauge wire is just right for a circuit needing 120 volts and 15 amps.

fr: calibre de fil

diode

noun

A semiconductor device with two terminals, typically allowing the flow of current in one direction only.

Example: A diode can be used in a circuit to convert AC current into DC current.

fr: diode

HMI (human machine interface)

noun

Human Machine Interface, often known by the acronym HMI, refers to a dashboard or screen used to control machinery. Line operators, managers and supervisors in industry rely on HMIs to translate complex data into useful information.

Example: The operator can control the manufacturing process safely from his office thanks to the HMI.

fr: interface homme-machine

This glossary was made with the Virtual Writing Tutor glossary maker and grammar checker.