Glossary of Automotive Electrical Terminology

Accelerometer: Generates an analog voltage in relation to the severity of acceleration or deceleration forces. An accelerometer may also be used to sense the direction of impact force in a collision.

Actuators:  Devices that perform the actual work commanded by the on-board computer. Actuators can be in the form of a motor, relay, switch, or solenoid.

Air Core Gauge: A gauge design that uses the interaction of two electromagnets and the total field effect upon a permanent magnet to cause a needle to move.

Alternating Current: Electrical current that changes direction between positive and negative polarities.

Ambient Temperature: The temperature of the outside air.

Ambient Temperature Sensor: A thermistor used to sense the ambient temperature.

American Wire Gauge (AWG): A system used to determine wire sizes based on the cross-sectional area of the conductor.

Ammeter: A test meter used to measure electrical current (amperes).

Amp-hour Rating: Indicates the amount of steady current a battery can supply for 20 hours.

Amperes:  Refer to current.

Analog: A voltage signal that is infinitely variable or that can be changed  within a given range.

Anode: The positively charged electrode in a voltage cell. Also, the positive terminal of a Diode.

Armature: The movable component of an electric motor, which consists of a conductor wound around a laminated iron core and is used to create a magnetic field.

Asynchronous: Data that is sent on the bus network intermittently (as needed) rather than continuously.

Atom: The smallest part of a chemical element that still has all the characteristics of that element.

Avalanche (Zener) Diodes: Diodes that conduct in the reverse direction when a specific reverse bias voltage or higher is applied.

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