18WuD2x

gamma section • gaseous voltage regulator 309
gamma section See GAMMA MATCH.
gang To mechanically couple components (pots,
switches, etc.) for operation by a single knob.
gang capacitor A variable capacitor consisting of
sections mounted on the same shaft for simultaneous
variation. It is usually specified by the
number of sections (e.g., four-gang capacitor).
Compare GANGED CAPACITORS.
ganged capacitors Separate variable capacitors
mechanically connected together (e.g., by belt or
gear drive) for simultaneous variation. Compare
GANG CAPACITOR.
ganged potentiometers Separate potentiometers
mechanically connected together (e.g., by belt or
gear drive) for simultaneous variation. Compare
GANG POTENTIOMETER.
ganged rheostats See GANGED POTENTIOME-
TERS.
ganged switches Separate switches mechanically
connected together for simultaneous operation.
Compare MULTISWITCH.
ganged tuning Simultaneous tuning of separate
circuits by means of ganged capacitors or ganged
potentiometers.
gang potentiometer A potentiometer consisting
of sections mounted on the same shaft for simultaneous
variation. Usually specified according
to the number of sections (e.g., dual
potentiometer).
gang printer In digital computer and data processing
operations, an electromechanical printer capable
of printing an entire line at one time.
gang punch 1. To punch identical or nonvarying
information into the cards of a group. 2. A machine
for this operation.
gang rheostat See GANG POTENTIOMETER.
gang switch See MULTISWITCH.
Gantt chart A chart of activity versus time used in
industry as an aid in making decisions regarding
the allocation of resources for specific activities
[e.g., as applied to PERT (project evaluation and
review techniques)].
gap 1. A space between electrodes or magnetic
poles. 2. A device consisting essentially of separated
electrodes (e.g., spark gap). 3. A relatively
narrow space cut in iron cores to provide a break
in a magnetic circuit. Also see SLOT, 1. 4. The
opening between the opposite poles of a tape
recorder or playback head.
gap arrester A lightning arrester consisting of a
number of metal cylinders separated by air gaps.
gap coding A system in which silent periods are inserted,
according to a specific timing code, into a
transmission.
gap depth In a magnetic recording head, the depth
of the gap (taken perpendicular to the face). Compare
GAP WIDTH.
gap digit A digit that contributes no intelligence to
the word in which it appears (e.g., a parity bit).
gap energy The energy represented by the forbidden
gap in electron energy levels (e.g., between
the M-valence band and the N-conduction band
in a material).
gap filling Modification of an antenna for the
purpose of eliminating nulls in the directional
pattern.
gap insulation See SLOT INSULATION, 1, 2.
gap loss In a reproducing head, the loss that occurs
because of the GAP DEPTH.
gap-type protector A spark gap used to protect
equipment from high-voltage transients.
gap voltmeter See NEEDLE GAP and SPHERE
GAP.
gap width In a magnetic recording head, the width
of the gap (taken parallel with the face). Compare
GAP DEPTH.
garbage 1. In digital computer operations, a colloquialism
for useless or incorrect data. 2. Colloquialism
for unreadable signals or severe
intermodulation in a radio communications circuit.
3. Colloquialism for an unsound theory.
garble 1. Garbled matter. 2. Also called scramble.
To purposely render communications or data unintelligible
to everyone, except the intended recipient(s).
See SCRAMBLER CIRCUIT.
garbled matter Confused communications or
data, usually resulting from distortion in a circuit
or system. Also called GARBLE.
garbler See SCRAMBLER CIRCUIT.
garnet maser A maser that uses natural or synthetic
garnet as the stimulated material. Also see
YTTRIUM-IRON-GARNET.
gas One of the states of matter, characterized by
molecules that are widely separated and are in
continual, relatively rapid motion. Because it is a
fluid, a gas will readily conform to a container of
any shape. Gases can readily be compressed and
liquefied. Compare LIQUID, PLASMA, and SOLID.
gas amplification In a radiation-counting device,
the ratio, in decibels, of the charge collected to
the charge produced in the gas.
gas breakdown The ionization of a gas by means of
high voltage. The intensity of the electric field prevents
recombination of ions. Collisions among
atoms cause further ionization. Thus, the gas becomes
a good conductor of current.
gas cell A cell whose operation depends on gas absorption
by the electrodes.
gas cleanup Loss of pressure in a gas-filled tube,
eventually leading to failure. Caused by gas ions
forming compounds with metal parts or with the
glass envelope.
gas detector A device for sensing presence of various
gases in the air—especially toxic or explosive
gases (such as chlorine, hydrogen, or methane).
gaseous conduction The conduction of an electric
current through an ionized gas.
gaseous phototube A PHOTOTUBE containing a
small amount of a gas suitable for ionic conduction.
gaseous voltage regulator A gas-filled diode
across which the voltage drop is substantially