"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"
"P" to Pd", "Pe" to "Pg",
"Ph",
"Pi" to "Pn",
"Po" to "Pot",
"Pow" to "Pq",
"Pr" to "Pz"
PACKET. A sequence of binary
digits, including data and control signals, that is
transmitted and switched as a composite whole, for data communications.
PACKET FORMAT. The structure of data, address, and
control information in a packet.
PACKET SWITCHING. The process of routing and transferring data by means of addressed packets so
that a channel is occupied during the transmission of the packet only, and upon completion of the
transmission the channel is made available for the transfer of other traffic.
PAD. See Attenuator Pad, or PCB Pad, or Resistor Pad Schematics
PARALLAX ERROR. The error in meter readings that results when you look at a meter from some
position other than directly in line with the pointer and meter face. A mirror mounted on the meter face
aids in eliminating parallax error.
Analog Meter Display
PARALLEL CIRCUIT. Two or more electrical devices connected to the same pair of terminals so separate currents flow through each; electrons have more than one path to travel from the negative to the positive terminal.
PARALLEL PORT. A port through which two or more data bits are passed simultaneously, such as all the bits of an 8-bit byte, and that requires as many input channels as the number of bits that are to be handled simultaneously. Centronics, IEEE-1284
PARALLEL-NEGATIVE LIMITER. A resistor and diode, connected in series with the input signal, in which the output is taken across the diode and the negative alternation is eliminated.
PARALLEL-POSITIVE LIMITER. A resistor and diode connected in series with the input signal, in which the output is taken across the diode and the positive alternation is eliminated.
| PARALLEL-RESONANT CIRCUIT. A resonant circuit in which the source voltage is connected across a parallel circuit (formed by a capacitor and an inductor) to furnish a high impedance to the frequency at which the circuit is resonant. Often referred to as a tank circuit. |
 Oscillator |
PARITY. A method of checking the accuracy of binary data. In binary-coded data, a condition that is maintained such that, in any permissible coded expression, the total number of 1s, or 0s, is always odd or always even. A binary digit appended to a group of digits or character so that there are an even number of 1s or 0s in the stream, or an odd number of 1s or 0s in the data field. Sometimes abbreviated as PAR. Related term; CRC Definition
PARITY CHECK. The process of checking the accuracy of binary data, by counting the total number of 1s, or 0s, to insure that there is always odd or always even amount depending on the parity. For reference see Manufacturers of Error correction ICs
Parity Checker
PARITY ERROR. A condition that occurs when the received number of 1s, or 0s do not equal the expected value. A signal output from a device that indicates the parity or number of 1s or 0s do not match the expected count. Sometimes abbreviated as PERR.
PASSIVE FILTER. A filter that does not use active components. Refer to the main entry on Passive Filters.
PASSIVE SATELLITE. A satellite that reflects radio signals back to earth.
PASSIVE SERIAL INTERFACE. A term used with programming an FPGA. In the Passive Serial [PS] interface, an external host (configuration device, embedded processor, or host PC) controls configuration of the FPGA. Also called Passive Serial Mode, or Passive Serial Scheme; where Passive Serial may be Abbreviated as PS. Related terms include Active Serial Interface, and JTAG Interface.
PATCH PANEL. A Panel used to tie different circuitry together by means of Patch Cords, usually of the same or similar type, appearing on jacks for monitoring, interconnecting, and testing purposes. Patch Panels facilitate flexibility in the use, routing or restoration of a variety of circuit types. There are a number of standard patch panels; Bantam, 1/4" Longframe , Mini WECO, XLR Patchbays, Telecom Patchbays. Also called a Patch Bay, Although sometimes a patch panel is referred to as a part of a patch bay. Refer to the graphic, right. Patch Panel Recommendations.
Next set of "P" Terms
