DB Unlimited - Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms

Term Definition

AC Abbreviation for Alternate Current

AC/DC Abbreviation related to a device that operates on both Alternate Current and Direct Current

Alert Generic term for audio devices which covers a broad spectrum of products and technologies

Alternating Current Electrical current with variable magnitude and direction, such as in a sine wave or square wave

Amperes Standard unit of measure for electrical current

Amps Abbreviation for Amperes

Audio A sound that is capable of being heard by the human ear, typically falling between a frequency pitch of 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz

A-Weighting Related to the measurement of sound pressure level and is applied in an effort to account for the relative loudness perceived by the human ear

Bracket Mount Device mounting method that employs the use of some sort of bracket, whether metal or other material

Buzzer Generic term for an audio device that contains its own drive circuitry, also know as an indicator

Constant Tone A tone which is continuous once voltage is applied, versus a pulsing tone

dB Abbreviation for Decibels

dB(A) Abbreviation for decibels with the application of A-weighting

Decibels Standard unit of measure for sound pressure level, represented as dB and dB(A) if an A-Weighted scale is applied

Direct Current Electrical current with unidirectional flow.

Dual tone A tone that alternates between two separate frequencies. Also known as a Hi-Lo Tone or Warble Tone

EAU Abbreviation for Estimated Annual Usage

Electrostatic Discharge Sudden flow of an electrical discharge between two objects as a result of physical contact which can be damaging to electronics

Electromagnetic Interference A disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due to either electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic radiation emitted from an external source

EMI Abbreviation for Electromagnetic Interference

ESD Abbreviation for Electrostatic Discharge

Estimated Annual Usage The total number of a given product that will be utilized in one year, based on best estimates

FeedBack A third terminal option on transducers which provides voltage that is 180 degrees out of phase of the input voltage signal

Flange Mount Device mounting method that employs the use of flanges, typically two on either side of the device with holes in the center for fasteners

Frequency As it pertains to audio devices, it is the number of peaks per second of the audio pressure wave, measured in hertz

Hertz Standard unit of measure for frequency, referencing once cycle per second

Hi-Lo Tone A tone that alternates between two separate frequencies. Also known as a Dual Tone or Warble Tone

Hz Abbreviation for Hertz

Indicator An audio device which has all the internal circuitry required to generate a tone

IP Ratings Abbreviation for Ingress Protection Ratings, which was developed by the European Committee for Electro Technical Standardization, specific for environmental protection of enclosures against solid objects, liquids and mechanical impacts

Knurled Nut The plastic or metal nut that is treaded onto the neck of a panel mount device

NEMA Abbreviation for National Electrical Manufacturers Association, which is a collaboration of electronic equipment and medical imaging manufactures, focusing on technical standards that are in the best interests of the electronic industry and users

Over-Voltage A condition when the voltage in a circuit or part is raised above its upper design limit

Panel Mount Device mounting method in which the audio device is inserted through a hole in the end product and secured from the other side with a knurled nut

PC Board Mount Device mounting method that employs the use of through hole pins, typically via wave soldering to make a physical and electrical connection to the printed circuit board

Piezo Bender A device that employs the use of Piezoelectricity in order to create an audible tone, in transducers, indicators or as a stand alone device

Piezoelectricity The electric charge that accumulates in certain solid materials, such as crystals or ceramics, in response to applied mechanical stress

Pulsing Tone An audio tone that repeatedly cycles on and off

Resonant Frequency The frequency at which an audio device achieves its most efficient operation and greatest sound pressure level

RoHS Abbreviation for Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, which focuses on the restriction of 6 hazardous materials (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Hexavalent Chromium, Polybrominated Biphenyls, Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether) in the manufacturing of various types of electronic and electrical equipment

Siren Tone An audio tone that repeatedly rises and lowers in pitch

SMT Abbreviation for Surface Mount Technology

Sound Pressure Level A localized pressure deviation from the ambient atmospheric pressure, caused by a sound wave, represented in dB or dB(A), referring to the "loudness" of a device

SPL Abbreviation for Sound Pressure Level

Sounder Diaphragm or Element The component of an audio device which physically deflects to produce an air pressure wave perceived as sound

Surface Mount Technology Device mounting method that employs the use of surface mount pads, typically via reflow soldering to make a physical and electrical connection to the printed circuit board

Transducer An audio device which does not contain the internal circuitry to generate its own tone, but rather requires an AC signal at an appropriate frequency

UL Registered A device that is UL Registered means that it has been tested and certified by UL to a specific specification

Voltage Electrical potential difference between two points, measured in volts

Volts Standard unit of measure for Voltage

Warble Tone A tone that alternates between two separate frequencies. Also known as a Dual Tone or Hi-Lo Tone

Wash Tab A paper or plastic tape that is put on an audible device to cover the sound port opening so that the device can be sent through a wash cycle after the soldering operation, but must be removed after washing for normal audio performance

Watt Derived unit of power, defined as one joule per second, typically used to with audio devices to represent the power of a dynamic speaker

Indicators

Piezo

Electro-Mechanical

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Piezo

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