Illustrated Dictionary of Electronics
"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"

Kalman filter. A computational algorithm that processes measurements to deduce an optimum estimate of the past, present, or future state of a linear system by using a time sequence of measurements of the system behavior, plus a statistical model that characterizes the system and measurement errors, plus initial condition information.

Karnaugh map eliminating Static Hazards
Karnaugh map Example

Karnaugh Map. A graphical method of representing a Boolean function. A True Table displayed so that a circuit reduction can take place. [Timing Hazards]

K Band. An out-dated reference to a band of frequencies ranging between 18GHz and 27GHz. Older documents place the frequency range at 10,900MHz to 36,000MHz. The actual frequency range may differ between different organizations. Also refer to a list of Frequency Band Designations.

KC. Kilocycle. The term is obsolete, use kHz.

Keep-Alive Current. See Keep-Alive Voltage.





Keep-Alive Voltage. DC voltage applied to a tr gap electrode to produce a glow discharge that allows the tube to ionize faster when the transmitter fires.

Keep-Out. A clearance zone or area on a printed wiring board not to be used. A more complete definition of Keep-Out is provided in the dictionary of printed wiring board terms and jargon.

Kelvin. A unit of temperature equal to 10 Celsius.

Kernal. A module of a program that forms a logical entity or performs a unit function.

Keyboard. A peripheral device used with a personal computer which allows data entry. Also refer to either Keyboard Description or Keyboard Manufacturers.

Keycap. A plastic covering or cap placed over a switch lever so that an operator presses or touches the keycap to actuate a switch. In many cases a keycap may show an indication [printed character] of what the switch performs when pressed, as in the letters on a key-board.

Key-Click Filters. Filters used in keying systems to prevent key-click interference.

Key Clicks. Interference in the form of clicks or thumps caused by the sudden application or removal of power.

Keyed-Oscillator Transmitter. A transmitter in which one stage is used to produce the RF pulse.

Keyer. A device that changes dc pulses to mark and space modulation for teletypewriter transmissions. A synchronizer. This term is obsolete.

Keying Relays. Relays used in radio transmitters where the ordinary hand key cannot accommodate the plate current without excessive arcing. [Manufacturers of Relays]

Keystone. A shape, and term used to refer to a D style connector. The graphic to the right shows the basic shape of a keystone connector shell used with D-sub connectors. No dimensions are provided because the connector could be any size as long as it retains the same basic shape.

Key Switch. A style of switch that requires a key to actuate the switch. Related; Manufacturers of Key Switches.

Kickback. The voltage developed across an inductor when the current through the inductor is removed and the magnetic field across the inductor collapses.

Kilo. A prefix meaning one thousand, 103.
Refer to the table of SI Units.

Kilowatt-hour. [kWh] One thousand watts acting over a period of 1 hour. The kWh is a unit of energy. 1 kWh=3600 kJ.

Kinetic Energy. Energy that a body possesses by virtue of its motion.

Kirchhoff's Laws. The algebraic sum of the current flowing toward any point in a circuit and the current flowing away from it is zero. The algebraic sum of the products of the current and resistance in each of the conductors in any closed path in a network is equal to the algebraic sum of the electromotive forces in the path.

Klystron Power Amplifier. A multi-cavity microwave electron tube that uses velocity modulation. Also see Manufacturers of RF Amplifiers.

Knee of the Curve. The point of maximum curvature of a magnetization curve.

Knife Switch. A style of switch that uses a movable thin metal element that is sandwiched between to metal contacts. A switch using hinged blades for contacts which enter or embrace fixed contact clips. Includes switches which have a movable blade which swivels to permit contact with each of several fixed contact clips.

Knife blade clip
Blade Clip

Knob. A hand grippable component attached to a shaft to allow the shaft to be turned. Also refer to Knob and Dial Manufacturers.

Knurled Knob. A handle, knob or dial which has had a either a diamond-shaped [criss-cross] pattern, small ridges or grooves applied to the surface of the knob to aid in gripping the part or provide a texture to the part.

 
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