Common Terms and Abbreviations

Commonly used words:

active = a type of component, often solid-state, that include diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers

ADC = Analog-to-Digital Converter

by-pass capacitor = a capacitor that provides a path of low impedance (often as a decoupling capacitor)

cap = capacitor

coupling vs. decoupling capacitor

CC = Carbon Comp(osition), a type of resistor

CCS = Constant Current Source (there's a nice Wikipedia introduction to simple transistor CCS circuits)

DAC = digital-to-analog converter

DIP = Dual Inline Package, as for many integrated circuits and sockets

discrete = slang for a simple component like a transistor or a capacitor, contrasted with an integrated circuit like an operational amplifier

DMM = Digital MultiMeter

ground fill = see "ground pour"

ground plane board = a 4 layer pcb where one of the layers is continuous copper--the changing current in a trace is accompanied by an equal and opposite image current in the ground plane so that there is no induced voltage on other traces

ground pour = grounded areas of copper on a pcb layer of traces--not the same as a "ground plane"

HPF = High Pass Filter

IC = integrated circuit, e.g. an operational amplifier

LFO = Low Frequency Oscillator

LPF = Low Pass Filter

meter = multimeter

MF = Metal Film, a type of resistor often preferred as low-noise

op amp = operational amplifier

OTA = Operational Transconductance Amplifier

passive = a type of component that includes resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, and switches

PCB = Printed Circuit Board

perf = perfboard

pot = potentiometer

PS = Power Supply

PWB = Printed Wiring Board (same as PCB -- used to differentiate from Polychlorinated Biphenyls)

RTS = Ready To Solder (commonly used as ready to solder board)

SIP = Single Inline Package, as for some transistors and sockets

SMD = Surface Mount Devices, including smaller versions of many familiar components

trim, trimmer = a small potentiometer, often 1/4" or 3/8" square, often used as a variable resistor

TRS = Tip-Ring-Sleeve, refers to a type of 1/4" jack, often called "stereo" and commonly used to manage the power supply in a stompbox with the input plug

vero = veroboard

xfr, xfmr = transformer

xtl = crystal