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GLOSSARY OF CABLE AND CONNECTOR TERMS
ADAPTER - An adapter is used to change one connector type to another. Typically an adapter refers to a passive adaptation (a physical change in the connection). If the signal is changed, it is more appropriate to use the term converter.
AMP (AMPERE) - The measure of electrical current. Most commonly expressed in milli-Amps (mA).
ANALOG - A non-digital type of signal transmission with an infinite number of values within a specific wavelength. Because the values are not discreet, analog signals are more susceptible to interference. However, they are less susceptible to signal loss and often the signal of choice for long distance applications.
AWG - American Wire Gauge. A measurement of the size or thickness of a wire. The larger the number, the thinner the wire.
BANANA PLUG - Single pin connector that bulges in the middle (like a banana) primarily used for speaker connections.
BANDWIDTH - A measure of the amount of data that can be transmitted in a fixed amount of time. Measured in bits per second (bps) for digital signals and cycles per second, or Hertz (HZ), for analog signals.
BIT - Binary DigIT. The smallest unit of digital data. A bit represents a single value, usually a 1 or a 0.
BNC - A coaxial cable connector that uses a twist and lock type of retention. BNC connectors are commonly used with video and radio communication equipment.
BPS - Bits per second. A measurement of digital data transmission speed.
BYTE - 8 bits combined into a logical unit.
CABLE - A system, made up of individual conductors and a connector at each end, for carrying a signal from point to point.
CAPACITANCE - The ability of a cable to store electricity, measured in picofarads per foot (pf/ft). CATV - Cable Television. CATV cables typically use the F-type connector terminated to 75 Ohm coaxial cable.
CCTV - Closed Circuit Television. A system where video (and sometimes audio) is directly transmitted to specific users and not broadcast to the general public (e.g., security systems).
CENTRONICS - Standard parallel interface used for printers and other parallel peripherals. The term “Centronics” has come to be used for any connector with the following configuration (regardless of the number or contacts or the application): a 36-pin connector with two rows of facing contacts on either side of a spaced channel, and uses a bail-lock type of retention.
COAXIAL - Type of cable design that has two conductors, one that runs through the center of the cable and is surrounded by some type of non-conductive insulator and has a second braided conductor that wraps around the insulation material, both layers serve as a shield against any possible interference. Coaxial is a popular cable for video because it is highly resistance to signal loss and interference, and can carry a large amount of bandwidth.
COMPONENT VIDEO - One of the highest quality types of analog video signals, most commonly used for Hi-Definition Television (HDTV). Component Video separates the signal into three elements or components (one luminance or picture signal, and two color signals), each carried on their own conductor.
COMPOSITE VIDEO - Video information combining color and brightness information into a single signal. Although convenient to use as all signals are carried on one cable, composite (or RCA) video does not provide the highest picture quality. The connector type used is RCA, and it is typically colored yellow. This connection should only be used when S-video and component video are not available.
CONDUCTOR - A conductor is a material that allows electricity to flow freely. In cable terms, the conductor is the physical medium that carries the signal (e.g., copper conductors, fiber conductors).
CONNECTOR - A device designed to allow electrical flow from one wire or cable to a device or another cable. A connector is typically a physical housing that contains a number of contact pins.
CONVERTER - A device that converts the signal from one type to another type. If the only change is in the physical connection type (not signal type), the device is more appropriately called an adapter.
COUPLER - A special type of adapter used to join two cables together that have the same connector type. For example, if you have two three-foot cables you can use a coupler to join them together to get a six-foot cable.
CURRENT - The flow of electricity through a wire or circuit. Measured in Amperes.
DAC or D/A - Abbreviation for digital-to-analog converter. A device used to convert digital signals to analog signals.
DB (db) - Used as a prefix for d-shaped connectors, such as the db-9 or db25. Short form of d-sub.
DBS - Direct Broadcast Satellite. A broadcast method for digital audio and video that is beamed from satellites to small receiver dishes. DirecTV and DISH Network are two providers of DBS signals.
DC - Direct Current. An electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value. Electric batteries use DC.
DECIBEL (dB) - Logarithmic scale measuring the intensity of sound (the sound pressure level).
More to Come...
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