cycle: That portion of an AC waveform where the voltage goes from its lowest
point to the highest point and back again. This cycle repeats again and again
until you turn off the signal.decoder: An IC that takes information transmitted by either infrared or radio
remote signal and translates it into output signals. See alsoencoder, inte-
grated circuit.desolder pump: A piece of equipment that sucks up excess solder by using a
vacuum.diode: A device that limits the flow of current to one direction, thereby con-
verting alternating current to direct current.direct current (DC):A type of current in which the electrons move only from
the negative terminal through the wires to the positive terminal in one direc-
tion. A battery generates direct current.double-pole, double-throw switch (DPDT):A type of switch with two input
connections and four output connections.double-pole, single-throw switch (DPST):A type of switch with two input
connections and two output connections.double-pole switches: A type of switch with two input connections.DPDT:Seedouble-pole, double-throw switch.DPST:See double-pole, single-throw switch.dual inline package (DIP): A commonly used integrated circuit plastic pack-
age; used in breadboards and circuit boards used by hobbyists.electricity:The movement of electrons through a conductor.electrolytic capacitor: One of the most common types of capacitor. This type
is used for larger values of capacitance. See alsocapacitor.electromagnet: A type of wire coiled around a piece of metal (usually an iron
bar). When current runs through the wire, the metal is magnetized. Shut off
the current, and the metal loses its magnetic quality.electromotive force: An attractive force which you measure in volts. This
force exists between positive and negative charges.electron: A negatively charged particle. See alsoproton.Glossary 383
26_009683 gl.qxp 6/22/06 9:38 PM Page 383