18WuD2x

364 inertia relay • information superhighway
inertia relay A time-delay relay whose operation is
slowed by the addition of weights or other attachments.
inertia switch A switch that can sense a disturbance
of its inertia.
inference engine A circuit that gives instructions
to a computer or robot, by applying programmed
rules to commands issued by a human operator.
Comprises the functional portion of an EXPERT
SYSTEM.
infinite Pertaining to a quantity or region that has
no defined limits.
infinite baffle A loudspeaker baffle having no
openings for the passage of sound from the front
to the back of the speaker cone.
infinite-impedance detector A detector that offers
the very high input impedance of a gatesource
circuit and the large-signal capabilities of
a diode detector. Audio-frequency output is taken
across the source resistor, which is bypassed for
radio-frequency signals. There is no drain resistor.
Drain current increases with the input signal
from a very low value at zero signal level.
RF input
L1
L2
C1
C2
−B
R1
C3
infinite-impedance detector
R3
AF
output
R2
+B
infinite line See INFINITE TRANSMISSION LINE.
infinite regress A reasoning pattern (either human
or machine-based) that is fallacious because
it defines or explains something in terms of itself.
infinite sample space In statistics, a sample
space having no definite limits.
infinite series A mathematical series in which the
number of terms is limitless. For example, 1 ⁄6 = 0.1
+ 0.06 + 0.006 + 0.0006 + . . .
infinitesimal 1. A quantity, such as a differential,
that approaches zero as the limit. 2. Pertaining to
a quantity whose magnitude is extremely small or
negligible. 3. Pertaining to an extremely small
change in a quantity or measured value.
infinite transmission line A theoretical transmission
line with normal characteristics, but extending
away from the signal generator or receiver for
a limitless distance.
C4
infinity Symbol, ∞. A quantity that is unlimited in
duration or dimension. A quantity that increases
without limit is sometimes said to “approach infinity.”
infix notation A system of logical operation notation
wherein operands are separated by operators,
thus, A & B, where the ampersand means
AND. Compare PREFIX NOTATION.
Infobahn See INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY.
infobond On a printed circuit board, a form of
wiring on the side opposite the components. The
wiring is used in place of the foil normally on
such a circuit board.
information 1. Collectively, data or communications,
excluding the symbols or signals used to
describe, present, or store them. 2. The result of
data processing (i.e., that which is derived from
the compilation, analysis, and distillation of
data).
information bits In an encoded signal, data characters
or digits that can be treated to give information
(excluding control characters).
information center A storage bank designed for
use by many different subscribers, via computer.
information channel A channel through which
data and associated signals are transmitted and
received.
information feedback system In message transmission,
a control system in which intelligence
received at a terminal is returned to the sending
unit for automatic verification.
information gate A device or circuit that opens
and closes an information channel.
“information processor” species Anything that
uses data to derive conclusions, to produce other
data, or to take specific actions, and whose functioning
can be explained entirely on the basis of
data-processing operations. This includes computers
and smart robots. Many (but not all) scientists
believe that animals are also included;
some believe that human beings qualify as well.
information retrieval In digital computer and
data-processing operations, the categorizing and
storage of information and the automatic recall of
specific file items. Also see ACCESS TIME.
information separator An indicator that separates
items of information or fields in a (usually
variable-length) record.
information storage In digital computer and data
processing operations, holding information in
memory pending retrieval.
information superhighway 1. General expression
for a worldwide network consisting of computers
(personal, educational, industrial, and government)
interconnected by telephone lines. 2. See
INTERNET. 3. A massive, evolving, somewhat
controversial data communication network linking
computers, television, and telephone systems.
It uses high-speed, high-volume data links.
Communication technologies include fiberoptics,
radio-frequency repeaters, microwaves, geosta-