Terminal (electronics)
Template:Short description {{#invoke:other uses|otheruses}} Template:Redirect
A terminal is the point at which a conductor from a component, device or network comes to an end.<ref name="interfacebus">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Terminal may also refer to an electrical connector at this endpoint, acting as the reusable interface to a conductor and creating a point where external circuits can be connected.<ref name="zvei">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="eng-dict">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A terminal may simply be the end of a wire or it may be fitted with a connector or fastener.Template:Citation needed
In network analysis, terminal means a point at which connections can be made to a network in theory and does not necessarily refer to any physical object. In this context, especially in older documents, it is sometimes called a pole. On circuit diagrams, terminals for external connections are denoted by empty circles.<ref name="symbols">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> They are distinguished from nodes or junctions which are entirely internal to the circuit and are denoted by solid circles.<ref name="symbols-handbook">Template:Cite book</ref>
All electrochemical cells have two terminals (electrodes) which are referred to as the anode and cathode or positive (+) and negative (–). On many dry batteries, the positive terminal (cathode) is a protruding metal cap, and the negative terminal (anode) is a flat metal disc Template:Crossreference. In a galvanic cell such as a common AA battery, electrons flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, while the conventional current is opposite to this.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Types of terminalsEdit
- Connectors
- Line splices
- Terminal strip, also known as a tag board or tag strip
- Solder cups or buckets
- Wire wrap connections (wire to board)
- Crimp terminals (ring, spade, fork, bullet, blade)
- Turret terminals for surface-mount circuits
- Crocodile clips
- Screw terminals and terminal blocks
- Wire nuts, a type of twist-on wire connector
- Leads on electronic components
- Battery terminals, often using screws or springs
- Electrical polarity
See alsoEdit
- Electrical connector – many terminals fall under this categoryTemplate:Citation needed
- Electrical termination – a method of signal conditioningTemplate:Citation needed