18WuD2x

134 compensation theorem • complementary wave
zero internal impedance, and whose generated
voltage equals the instantaneous potential difference
produced across Z by the current flowing
through it. Compare MAXIMUM POWER
TRANSFER THEOREM, NORTON’S THEOREM,
RECIPROCITY THEOREM, SUPERPOSITION
THEOREM, and THEVENIN’S THEOREM.
compensator A device or circuit that facilitates the
adjustment of a quantity, manually or automatically,
to obtain precise values, or to counteract
undesired variations.
compilation time The period during which a program
is compiled, as distinct from RUN TIME.
compile 1. To unify computer subroutines into an
all-encompassing program. 2. To gather information
or data together into a single file or file
set.
compiler
In computer operations, a program that
changes a HIGH-LEVEL LANGUAGE, such as
BASIC, C, C++, COBOL, or FORTRAN, into MA-
CHINE LANGUAGE. A compiler must be written
especially for the high-level language being used.
compiler language Any computer language that
serves as an interface between the operator and
the computer.
compiler program A program that converts compiler
language into machine language.
compiling routine In digital computer operation, a
routine permitting the computer itself to construct
a program to solve a problem.
complement 1. The difference between a number
and the radix (modulus or base) of the number
system. For example, the complement of 7 is
equal to 3 (because 10 – 7 = 3) in the decimal
(radix-10) number system. 2. Also called ones
complement. In computer operations, a representation
of the negative value of a binary number.
All the available digits are set to 1, and then
the number in question is subtracted. For example,
the complement of 101 is equal to 010
(because 111 – 101 – 010); the complement of
1001 is equal to 0110 (because 1111 – 1001 =
0110).
complementary A Boolean operation whose result
is the same as that of another operation, but with
the opposite sign; thus, OR and NOR operations
are complementary.
complementary colors 1. In the additive color
system, two colors that produce light gray or
white when combined. 2. In the subtractive
color system, two pigments that produce dark
gray or black when combined. 3. Colors or pigments
that are opposite each other on the color
wheel.
complementary constant-current logic A form of
bipolar logic with high operating speed and high
component density.
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor
Also sometimes called complementary metal-oxide
silicon. Acronym, CMOS (pronounced “seamoss”).
A digital integrated-circuit (IC) technology, in
which logic gates are formed by n-channel/
p-channel pairs of metal-oxide-semiconductor
field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) fabricated on a
substrate. Noted for high speed and low current
drain.
complementary operator The logical negation
(NOT) operation.
complementary pushpull circuit See COMPLE-
MENTARY-SYMMETRY CIRCUIT.
complementary rectifier In the output circuit of a
magnetic amplifier, nonsaturating half-wave rectifier
elements.
complementary silicon-controlled rectifier A
silicon-controlled rectifier that has polarity
opposite from the usual silicon-controlled rectifier.
complementary-symmetry circuit A bipolartransistor
circuit that uses an npn and pnp transistor.
The transistors conduct during opposite
half-cycles of the input signal, the result being
that push-pull output is provided with a singleended
input; no phase-splitting input circuit is
required. The complementary-symmetry circuit
offers very low output impedance, permitting a
loudspeaker voice coil (or other low-impedance
load) to be operated directly without a coupling
transformer.
In
complementary-symmetry circuit
complementary tracking A control system in
which several secondary (slave) devices are controlled
by a primary (master) device.
complementary transistors A transistor pair of
opposite polarity operated in a complementarysymmetry
circuit or its equivalent.
complementary wave An electromagnetic wave in
a transmission line that occurs as a result of reflection.
Any impedance discontinuity will result
in complementary waves.
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