Arithmetic Logic Unit
/ˌeɪ ɛl ˈjuː/
noun … “Circuit that performs arithmetic and logic operations.”
ALU, short for Arithmetic Logic Unit, is a fundamental component of a CPU or microprocessor that executes mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and logical operations (AND, OR, NOT, XOR). The ALU processes binary data from registers or memory and outputs the result to registers, memory, or other parts of the system.
Inductor
/ɪnˈdʌktər/
noun … “Component that stores energy in a magnetic field.”
Inductor is a passive electronic component that resists changes in current by storing energy in a magnetic field created around a coil of wire. Inductors are widely used in filtering, energy storage, tuning circuits, and electromagnetic interference suppression. They work in tandem with capacitors and resistors to form fundamental building blocks of analog circuits.
Battery
/ˈbætəri/
noun … “Device that stores chemical energy and provides electrical power.”
Flip-Flop
/ˈflɪp flɑːp/
noun … “Basic memory element in digital circuits.”
Flip-Flop is a bistable sequential circuit that can store one bit of binary information, holding a state of 0 or 1 until it is changed by a control signal. Flip-flops are the building blocks of digital memory, registers, counters, and finite state machines (FSMs), providing the essential ability to store and remember information in digital systems.
Key characteristics of Flip-Flop include:
Microprocessor
/ˌmaɪkroʊˈprɑːsɛsər/
noun … “Central processing unit on a single integrated circuit.”
Microprocessor is a compact electronic chip that contains the core computational components of a computer or embedded system, including the central processing unit, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), control unit, and registers. Microprocessors execute instructions stored in memory, perform arithmetic and logical operations, and control data flow between peripherals, making them the heart of modern computing devices.
Capacitor
/kəˈpæsɪtər/
noun … “Component that stores and releases electrical energy.”
Capacitor is a passive electronic component that stores energy in an electric field between two conductive plates separated by a dielectric material. Capacitors are widely used in electronic circuits for energy storage, filtering, signal coupling, timing, and voltage regulation. They can respond rapidly to changes in voltage, making them essential for stabilizing power supplies and shaping signals.
Key characteristics of Capacitor include:
Resistor
/rɪˈzɪstər/
noun … “Component that limits current flow.”
Resistor is a passive electronic component that restricts the flow of electric current in a circuit, converting electrical energy into heat. Resistors are fundamental in controlling voltage, setting current levels, dividing voltages, and protecting sensitive components. They are typically made from materials with precise resistance values, such as carbon film, metal film, or wire-wound elements.
Key characteristics of Resistor include: