Digital Signal Processing
/ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈsɪgnəl ˈprəʊsɛsɪŋ/
noun — "analyzing and modifying signals with algorithms."
Pulse-Width Modulation
/ˌpiːˌdʌbəljuːˈɛm/
noun — "modulates digital signal duty to control analog behavior."
PWM, short for Pulse-Width Modulation, is a technique used to encode analog signal levels or control power delivered to electronic devices by varying the duty cycle of a digital square wave. It allows a digital output, such as a microcontroller pin, to simulate analog voltage levels by controlling the ratio of time the signal is high versus low within a fixed period.
Technically, a PWM signal is defined by two main parameters:
Current
/ˈkʌrənt/
noun … “Flow of electric charge.”
Current is the rate at which electric charge flows through a conductor or circuit, typically carried by electrons in metals or ions in electrolytes. It is one of the fundamental concepts in electricity, working alongside voltage and resistance to describe how electrical energy moves and performs work in circuits.
Key characteristics of Current include:
Voltage
/ˈvoʊltɪdʒ/
noun … “Electrical potential difference between two points.”
Voltage is the measure of electric potential energy per unit charge between two points in a circuit. It represents the force that drives electric charges to move through a conductor, creating current. Voltage is fundamental to understanding and designing electrical and electronic systems.
Key characteristics of Voltage include:
Electricity
/ɪˌlɛkˈtrɪsɪti/
noun … “Flow of electric charge.”
AC
/ˌeɪ ˈsiː/
noun … “Electric current that periodically reverses direction.”
AC, short for Alternating Current, is a type of electrical current in which the flow of electric charge reverses direction periodically, typically in a sinusoidal waveform. AC is the standard form of electricity delivered by power grids because it can be easily transformed to different voltages for efficient long-distance transmission.
DC
/ˌdiː ˈsiː/
noun … “Electric current that flows in one direction.”
DC, short for Direct Current, is a type of electrical current in which electric charge flows consistently in a single direction. Unlike alternating current, where the direction of flow periodically reverses, DC maintains constant polarity, making it especially suitable for electronic circuits, digital systems, and energy storage.
Rectifier
/ˈrɛktɪfaɪər/
noun … “Circuit that converts alternating current to direct current.”
Rectifier is an electronic circuit or device that converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). Rectification is a fundamental process in power electronics, allowing electrical systems and devices that require steady, one-directional current to operate using AC power sources such as wall outlets or generators. Rectifiers are built primarily using diodes, which enforce one-way current flow.
Amplifier
/ˈæmplɪfaɪər/
noun … “Device that increases signal strength.”
Amplifier is an electronic circuit or device that increases the amplitude of a signal, making it stronger in voltage, current, or power without altering the underlying information it carries. Amplifiers are essential in both analog and digital systems, enabling weak signals from sensors, microphones, or antennas to be processed, transmitted, or reproduced effectively.
Key characteristics of Amplifier include:
Binary
/ˈbaɪnəri/
adjective … “Based on two discrete values, 0 and 1.”
Binary refers to a number system, representation, or data encoding that uses only two symbols, typically 0 and 1. In computing, binary underlies all digital systems, as digital signals, memory storage, and logic circuits operate on two-state systems. Binary representation enables efficient computation, storage, and communication of information using simple, reliable hardware components.
Key characteristics of Binary include: