AV Design Reference Manual - InfoComm

Glossary
boundary microphone A microphone with a pickup element located so that the
microphone picks up only the sounds reflected off a nearby surface. Also called surface
mount microphones.
branch circuit The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the
circuit and the alternating current (ac) outlets. An individual branch circuit is a branch
circuit that supplies a specific device or component (e.g., an equipment rack).
broadcast domain The span of a local area network as represented by the devices
capable of receiving a Network layer datagram addressed to all.
button microphone
See table microphone.
C
cable loss A type of signal loss dependent on the cable type used and the frequencies of
the signals carried. The higher the frequency of the signal, the greater the cable loss.
cable tray A rigid structure for housing and protecting cables or conductors. Usually
consists of one-piece solid or ventilated bottom or individual transverse members with two
side rails.
candela A term used to describe the intensity of light leaving a lamp or luminaire in a
given direction to measure the quantity of light from a source.
candlepower
A unit of brightness.
capacitance (C) 1. The ability of an electronic component to store electrical energy.
2. Opposition to a change in voltage.
captive-screw connector A connector that may be 3.6 mm (0.14 in) or 5 mm (0.2 in)
large and provides connections for balanced or unbalanced line-level stereo, audio and
communications signals.
cardioid microphone A microphone with a heart-shaped pickup pattern, sensitive to
sounds predominantly from the front of the microphone diaphragm.
carrier sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD) A media access
control protocol utilized by wireless local area networks. Network devices “listen” to the
network by sending a broadcast signal before real data is sent.
category A rating that defines the performance of cabling components and systems.
Describes mechanical properties and transmission characteristics of balanced twisted-pair
cabling and provides a numbered designation. Categories are defined in many regional
standards.
category 3 Balanced twisted-pair copper cabling specifications characterized in a
frequency range of 1 to 16 megahertz.
AVDRM, 1st edition G-4 © 2006 BICSI ® /InfoComm International ®