Electronic Engineering Glossary Terms

dB. An abbreviation for decibel(s). One tenth of the common logarithm of the ratio of relative powers, equal to 0.1 B (bel). The decibel is the conventional relative power ratio, rather than the bel, for expressing relative powers because the decibel is smaller and therefore more convenient than the bel.

dBa. An abbreviation for decibels adjusted. Weighted absolute noise power, calculated in dB referenced to 3.16 picowatts (-85 dBm), which is 0 dBa.

dBc. dB relative to the carrier power.

dBm. An abbreviation used to represent power levels above or below a 1-milliwatt reference.

dB Meter. A sound meter that measures sound pressure in dB.

DC. Direct Current.

DC Block. A component that blocks DC voltage normally by means of a series capacitor, and in most cases also blocks frequencies near DC because the capacitor is not selective. The related term is AC Coupled, which refers to only passing AC and not DC voltages [blocking DC]. A DC Block connector normally refers to a coaxial connector with a high pass filter in series with the center conductor [inside DC block], a high pass filter in series with the cable shield [outside DC block], or having both a high pass filter in series with the center conductor and the cable shield.

DCE. An abbreviation for data circuit-terminating equipment. In a data station, the equipment that performs functions, such as signal conversion and coding, at the network end of the line between the data terminal equipment (DTE) and the line, and that may be a separate or an integral part of the DTE or of intermediate equipment. The interfacing equipment that may be required to couple the data terminal equipment (DTE) into a transmission circuit or channel and from a transmission circuit or channel into the DTE.

DC to DC Converter. A component or electronic circuit used to convert DC voltages into other levels. A module that accepts one level of DC voltage and outputs a different voltage level. Also refer to DC-to-DC Voltage Modules.

DC Voltage. Direct current voltage, meaning direct voltage that is one directional and basically constant in amplitude.

Dead Short. A short circuit having minimum resistance. A direct connection between two points. The word Short could also refer the same condition, and might be used in short hand.

Deadlock. A condition that exist when two processors or systems sharing the same resource try to access that resource but prevent each other from access.

Deassertion. When the output of an IC is taken to Vol, in a single-ended device, assuming an active high logic circuit [positive logic]. When the +side of a differential circuit is taken to Vol and the -side of the same differential circuit is taken to Voh for the same signal. The opposite state of a signal being asserted.

Debounce. A circuit which reduces the signalling from a switches spring-back or vibration. Refer to the Switch Debounce definition.

Debug. To examine, test, locate and isolate a circuit fault.
Related topic; Device Under Test. To detect, trace, isolate and eliminate mistakes.

Debugging. A process to detect and remedy inadequacies, preferably prior to operational use.