Electronic Engineering Glossary Terms

Selected item. A selected item is an existing item, under the control of another design activity or defined by a nationally recognized standardization document, that is subjected to refined acceptance criteria (such as fit, tolerance, performance, or reliability) to meet design requirements.

Set. A unit or units and necessary assemblies, sub-assemblies and parts connected or associated together to perform an operational function. (Examples: radio receiving set; sound measuring set, which includes parts assemblies and units such as cable, microphone and measuring instruments; radar homing set) Set is also used to denote a collection of like parts such as a tool-set or a set of tires.

Specification. A document prepared to support acquisition that describes essential technical requirements for materiel and the criteria for determining whether those requirements are met. The department of Defense uses the document name beginning with MIL-y-xx to refer to a specification. Where y is a general category and the xx refers to a specific type of part. The DOD also uses Detail Specifications [MIL-DTL-xx] and Performance Specifications [MIL-PRF-xx]. [added by the editor]

Standard. A document that establishes uniform engineering or technical criteria, methods, processes, and practices. The department of Defense uses the document name beginning with MIL-STD-xx to refer to a standard. [added by the editor]

Standardization document. A document developed by the Government or private sector association, organization, or technical society which plans, develops, establishes or coordinates standards, specifications, handbooks, or similar documents for the purpose of standardizing items, materials, processes, or procedures.

Standard, company. A company document which establishes engineering and technical limitations and applications for items, materials, processes, methods, designs and engineering practices unique to that company.

Sub-assembly. Two or more parts which form a portion of an assembly or a unit replaceable as a whole, but having a part or parts which are individually replaceable.

Supplier. A vendor, distributor, or manufacturer where a product may be procured from. Most engineering companies allow for direct sell to customers, of course that isn't true for normal consumers. Although a distributor will sell piece parts, or cover low volume orders, while a Original Equipment Manufacturer may only sell in bulk. In addition vendors and distributors may actually have parts on hand, while a component from the OEM may not be available until the next production run. [added by the editor]

System. A composite of equipment, skills and techniques capable of performing or supporting an operational role or both. A complete system includes all equipment, related facilities, material, software, services and personnel required for its operation and support to the degree that it can be considered a self-sufficient unit in its intended operational environment.

Unit. An assembly or any combination of parts, sub-assemblies and assemblies mounted together normally capable of independent operation in a variety of situations.
NOTE: That the size of an item is a consideration in some cases.

Vendor. A source from whom a purchased item is obtained. The term Vendor is synonymous with a Supplier. Note the icon for Distributors below. [added by the editor]