Engineering Glossary

A component of a machine that is responsible for moving and controlling a mechanism or system, for example by opening a valve.

Clearance or lost motion in a mechanism caused by gaps between parts, especially in gears.

The ability of a system to store an electric charge.

The percentage of one period in which a signal or system is active.

A device that converts motion into an electrical signal that can be read by some type of controlling device.

Permanent software programmed into a read-only memory.