Engineering Vocabulary

By: David Flores

Additive Synthesis

• A synthesis technique that creates a periodic signal by adding sinusoids together

Algorithm

• A step-by-step process to achieve a goal. (describe and illustrate how to design new products or devices.

Amplitude

• The size of a signal

Approximation

• A calculation or procedure that produces a value close to the actual or perfectly computed one.

Bass Clef

• Also called f clef. Indicates the note on the fourth line is F below middle C.

Binary

• A term referring to a quantity that takes on one of two different values. Often used when referring base-two, or binary, numbers.

Bit

• Short for “binary digit”. A bit takes on the value of 0 or 1.

Byte

• Eight consecutive bits.

Chord

• A collection of simultaneously played tones.

Clef

• The sign written at the beginning of a staff to indicate pitch.

Engineering design algorithm

• 9 step process followed by engineers 1.identify problem.2Define goals and identify constraints.3Research and gather information4.create potential.5Analyze the viability of solutions.6Choose the most appropriate 7.Build the design.8Test the design 9.Repeat all steps if needed.

Exponential function

• A waveform that grows or decays in particular increasing or decreasing pattern.

Fundamental frequency

• A mathematical quantity describing the repetition rate of a periodic signal.

Hertz

• Units of frequency or repetition rate, measured in periods per second.

Input

• Instructions or data used by a system to carry put a task. For example, the disk and the controls are both inputs to a CD player.

Loud speaker

• A device that turns electrical energy into a sour energy.

Melody

• A sequence of notes that make up a piece of music.

Memory

• Physical devices , typically digital, used to store information such as data , music, pictures, video, or computer programs.

Microphone

• A device that turns sound energy into electrical energy.

Moore’s law

• An insightful observation by Gordan Moore in the 1960’s stating that the number of transistors on a computer chip doubles every two years.