"A"
"B",
"C",
"D",
"E",
"F",
"G",
"H",
"I",
"J",
"K",
"L",
"M",
"N",
"O",
"P",
"Q",
"R",
"S",
"T",
"U",
"V",
"W",
"X",
"Y",
"Z"
"B" to "Bas", "Bat" to "Bim", "Bin" to "Bm", "Bo" to "Bz"
BACKBONE. A high traffic connectivity
portion of any communications network. In packet-switched networks, a primary forward direction path traced sequentially through two or more major relay or switching stations. In
packet-switched networks, a backbone consists primarily of switches and inter-switch trunks. Also refer to the glossary of Network Topologies.
BACKGROUND NOISE. The total system noise in the absence of a signal [information transmission].
BACK RESISTANCE. The larger resistance value observed when you are checking the resistance of a
semiconductor.
BACK SHELL. The rear portion of a connector.
Read more regarding Back Shell Definition.
BALANCED CODE. In PCM systems, a code constructed so that the frequency spectrum resulting
from the transmission of any code word has no DC component. A code that has a
finite digital sum variation [PCM]. A number of additional terms are related, use the search bar, below right, to find the correct definition.
| BALANCED LINE. A cable or circuit having two identical conductors with the same electromagnetic characteristics in relation to other conductors and to ground, as in a pair of conductors. |
 Balanced Circuit |
BALANCED MIXER. A circuit or device that generates the sum and difference frequencies of two input signals. RF Mixer Manufacturers
BALANCED PHASE DETECTOR. A circuit that controls the oscillator frequency (afc). RF Phase Detector Manufacturers
BALUN. An acronym for Balanced/Unbalanced. A device used to couple a balanced system to an un-balanced system. Read more Balun Definition. RF Transformer Manufacturers
| BANANA JACK. A type of connector. The Banana Jack may be a male on one end and a female on the other end, or a completely different style connector. Read more on Banana Jack Definition. |
 BNC to Banana Jack Connector |
BANDPASS FILTER. A filter that allows a narrow band of frequencies to pass through the circuit. Rejects or attenuates frequencies that are either higher or lower than the desired band of frequencies. A filter that ideally passes all frequencies between two non-zero finite limits and bars all frequencies not within the limits. The cutoff frequencies are normally taken to be the 3-dB points.
BAND-REJECT FILTER. A tuned circuit that does not pass a specified band of frequencies. Refer to the entry on Passive Filters.
BANDWIDTH. The width of a communication channel, measured as frequency. The difference between the highest usable frequency of a device (upper frequency limit) and the lowest usable frequency of the device (lower frequency limit) - measured at the half-power points. The difference between the limiting frequencies within which performance of a device, in respect to some characteristic, falls within specified limits. The difference between the limiting frequencies of a continuous frequency band. The capacity of a telecom line to carry signals. The necessary bandwidth is the amount of spectrum required to transmit the signal without distortion or loss of information.
BARRETTER. A type of bolometer characterized by an increase in resistance as the dissipated power rises. A Thermistor.
| BASE. A reference value. A number that is multiplied by itself as many times as indicated by an exponent. Same as radix. The region between the emitter and collector of a transistor that receives minority carriers injected from the emitter. The element in a transistor that controls the flow of current carriers. The element that corresponds to the control grid of an electron tube. |
 Transistor Base |
BASE-INJECTION MODULATOR. Similar to a control-grid modulator. The gain of a transistor is varied by changing the bias on its base.
BASIC. Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code, a non-graphical programming language. Also refer to a short example of HP BASIC
The next portion of the B listing; "B" Terms
