18WuD2x

complementer • component 135
complementer A logic circuit that provides an output
pulse when there is no input pulse, and vice
versa. Also called INVERTER and NOT CIRCUIT.
complement number In a base-n number system,
for a given positive integer p less than n, the positive
integer m such that m + p = n. For example, in
the decimal (base-10) system, the complement of 4
is 6, the complement of 7 is 3, and the complement
of 9 is 1. In the hexadecimal (base-16) number
system, the complement of 4 is 12, the complement
of 7 is 9, and the complement of 9 is 7.
complement-number handling A computer system
in which the operations are carried out via
the complements of the input numbers.
complement-setting technique A process of determining
the number of pulses required to complete
the switching of a counter circuit when it is
started at some state higher than full zero. The
number of pulses required for completion is equal
to the number that represents the starting state’s
complement.
complete carry In digital computer operation, a
system permitting all carries to generate carries.
complete circuit See CONTINUOUS CIRCUIT.
complete modulation Modulation to the maximum
extent possible while maintaining acceptable
circuit or system operation.
complete operation In computer operations, the
condition in which the machine rigorously follows
program instructions.
complete routine A vendor-supplied computer
program that is usable without modification.
complex function 1. A mathematical function of a
complex-number variable. 2. An integrated circuit
(IC) containing two or more subcircuits that
perform an operation more complicated that of
any one of the circuits alone.
complex notation Notation taking into consideration
both the real-number and imaginary-number
components of a quantity. Thus, impedance
(Z ) is a complex quantity that includes a resistive
(real) component (R) and a reactive (imaginary)
component ( jX). See COMPLEX NUMBER and
COMPLEX OPERATOR.
complex number A number expressed in complex
notation (e.g., a + jb, where a and b are real numbers
and j is the COMPLEX OPERATOR). Can
also be expressed as a point or a vector in an AR-
GAND DIAGRAM.
complex operator The unit imaginary number,
represented as j by engineers and as i by mathematicians.
This number is defined mathematically
as the positive square root of –1.
complex parallel permeability An expression of
the permeability of an inductor core under actual
operating conditions, assuming zero loss in the
conductors of the coil winding. A parallel combination
of reactance and resistance.
complex periodic wave A periodic wave composed
of a sine-wave fundamental and certain harmonics
in specific proportions.
complex permeability An expression of inductorcore
permeability, obtained from the mathematical
ratio of the magnitudes of the vectors
representing the induction and electromagnetic
field strength within the core.
complex plane A Cartesian coordinate system
with real numbers on the horizontal axis and
imaginary numbers on the vertical axis. Used for
vectorial representation of complex numbers. See
ARGAND DIAGRAM.
complex quantity A quantity containing both real
and imaginary components. Example: Impedance
(Z ) is a complex combination of resistance
R (a real component) and reactance jX (an
imaginary component): Z = R + jX.
complex radar target A radar target that is large
enough in theory to be detected by radar, but, because
of its geometry, cannot be detected. This effect
is the result of phase combinations of signal
components reflected from various surfaces on
the target.
complex series permeability An expression of
complex permeability of an inductor core under
actual operating conditions, assuming zero loss
in the conductors of the coil winding. A series
combination of reactance and resistance.
complex steady-state vibration Periodic vibration
with more than one sine-wave component.
complex tone An audio tone made up of more
than one sine-wave component.
complex variable A variable having real and imaginary
parts.
complex waveform The shape of a COMPLEX
PERIODIC WAVE. It is the resultant of the individual
sine-wave components (i.e., of the fundamental
and the harmonics).
complex-wave generator A signal generator
whose output signal is any of several selectable
waveforms and frequencies (or repetition rates).
Also see FUNCTION GENERATOR.
compliance 1. The ease with which a material can
be flexed or bent, an important characteristic of
transducers (such as loudspeakers). Expressed
in cm/dyne, compliance is the reciprocal of stiffness,
and is the acoustical or mechanical equivalent
of capacitance. 2. A measure of the output
impedance of a switched-current signal source.
Generally given as maximum current for a certain
change in the voltage.
compliance range The voltage range required to
maintain a constant current throughout a loadresistance
range.
compliance voltage The range over which the output
voltage of a constant-current power supply
must swing in order to maintain a steady current
in a varying load.
compliance-voltage range The output voltage
range of a constant-current power supply.
component 1. A device or part used in a circuit to
obtain some desired electrical action [e.g., a resistor
(passive component) or an integrated circuit