Acronym for Alternating Current.

Abbreviation of Ampere, a unit of measure for electrical current.

American Wire Gage is a numerical standard used to refer to the diameter cross sectional area of a wire. Smaller numbers refer to larger cross sectional areas.

This is an electrical device made up of four diodes, which perform the function of full wave rectification (converts the full AC sine wave to DC).

This is an electronic device used to store an electric charge or to allow varying current to flow. The ideal capacitor will not allow steady state or DC current to flow. The capacitor is used in many applications including transient suppression, electrical noise filtering, timing circuits, etc.

This is a material that can easily conduct (flow) electrical current. Metals are considered to be good conductors of electricity.

This is a short term (transient) condition causing a larger than normal amount of current to flow through a conductor. A current surge can often cause damage to an electrical device that is not properly protected.

Acronym for Direct Current.

This is an acronym used for the Deutsches Institut fur Normung (German Standardization Institute).

A German standard stating the characteristics and requirements of connectors for magnetic valves used in hydraulics and pneumatics.

This is a solid state electronic component that allows current to flow in only one direction, similar to a check valve used in hydraulic or pneumatic applications. The diode is used in applications including transient suppression, power supply circuits etc.

This is a solid state device used to sense a magnetic field. Canfield Connector uses magneto-resistive sensors on all electronic magnetic sensors.

Unit of measure for magnetic flux density.

This term is used to define an electrical connection normally common to the chassis of a device or earth ground.

The unit of measure for frequency in cycles per second.

An environmental protection rating of enclosures according to the German Standard DIN 40050.

This is an acronym used for the International Standards Organization.

An acronym for Light Emitting Diode. A solid state diode which emits light when current passes through it in the proper direction.

An acronym for Metal Oxide Varistor. A solid state device used to suppress voltage surges/spikes.

An acronym for National Electric Manufacturers Association.

This is a rubber-like man-made material used extensively in gasket and sealing applications.

The state of the output or switch is ON with no external influence.

The state of the output or switch is OFF with no external influence.

Acronym used to describe the polarization of bipolar junction transistors (BJTs). Also associated with a sinking output.

Refers to a technique used to optically activate (turn on) an electronic device, usually a transistor or triac, and physically separate two sides of a circuit. This action is similar to a solenoid relay. The typical opto-coupler incorporates an LED (light emitting diode) as the actuating device.

The term used to describe the polar orientation of the piston magnet with respect to the cylinder stroke. In this case, the north and south poles are oriented in the same direction parallel to the cylinder stroke.

The term used to describe the polar orientation of the piston magnet with respect to the cylinder stroke. In this case, the north and south poles are oriented perpendicular to the cylinder stroke.

Acronym used to describe the polarization of bipolar junction transistors (BJTs). Also associated with a sourcing output.

This is a term used to describe an electrical process which converts AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current).

This is a miniature mechanical switch that changes state when a magnetic field is applied.

This is an electronic device that resists the flow of current. Higher resistor Ohm values offer more resistance to the flow of current.

This is a rubber-like man-made material used extensively in gasket and sealing applications. It is very resistant to a wide range of chemicals including oils and solvents, and has a very wide temperature range.

The term is used here to describe the way a switch is connected in the circuit. If the switch completes the electrical circuit by connecting the load to ground/(-), it is considered to be sinking the load. In a solid state device this is equivalent to a NPN ouput.

This is a term often used to describe an electronic device made up of solid components (no moving parts).

The term is used here to describe the way a switch is connected in the circuit. If the switch completes the electrical circuit by connecting the load to the positive/(+), it is considered to be sourcing the load. In a solid state device this is equivalent to a PNP output.

Acronym used for Single Pole Double Throw switches.

Acronym used for Single Pole Single Throw switches.

This is a solid state device used in electronic circuits. It is often used in switching or amplifier applications.

This is a solid state device often used to switch AC voltage/current.

The unit of measure for electrical potential.

This is a short term (transient) condition causing a larger than normal amount of voltage to be applied to a circuit. Voltage spikes can often cause damage to an electric device that is not properly protected.

The unit of measure for electrical power.