1.2 Glossary of Terms
Alternating Current (AC) - current that reverses direction on a regular basis
(usually 60 times per second in the United States). Measured in amps.
AC Power Source - An instrument that takes one AC voltage and frequency
level and converts it into another AC voltage and frequency level.
Amplifier - a circuit that boosts an input signal from one level to another.
Apparent Power - The total power generated or consumed by a device due to
real and reactive circuit components. Measured in VA (volt-amps).
Calibration - the process of comparing an unknown value with a reference
standard and reporting the results. For example: Applied = 1.30V, Indicated =
1.26V (or Error= -0.04V). Calibration may include adjustment to correct any
deviation from the value of the standard.
Crest Factor - The ratio of peak current (Apeak) to RMS current (Arms).
Complex Power – the vector sum of the real and reactive power components of
a circuit. Measured in VA (volt-amps).
Direct Current (DC) - current that only flows in one direction. Direct current
comes from a polarized source, meaning one terminal is always at a higher
potential than the other. Measured in amps.
Frequency - The number of times a waveform completes a cycle in a period of
time. Measured in hertz.
Inrush Current - A term used to describe the current needed to power a load
upon start-up. Some loads require a large/inrush starting current in order to
operate.
Linear Power Source - a power source that uses a simple amplifier to linearly
increase the amplitude of the output waveform.
Modular - capability that allows the operator to interconnect multiple power
sources in order to increase the power output or power configuration beyond that
of a single instrument.
OC Fold - Over current fold back is a technology used in power sources that
keeps output current constant by reducing the voltage in order to power loads
that may have a high inrush current.
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