18WuD2x

436 maxima and minima • Maxwell’s equations
Local
maxima
y
maxima
intensity. 5. The study and solution of maximum,
minimum, and inflection points on the curve of a
function.
maximal flatness For an amplifier or network, the
condition in which peaks are not present in the
normal passband response.
maximum Abbreviation, max. The highest value in
a range or set. Also see MAXIMA AND MINIMA
and PEAK.
maximum available gain Abbreviation, MAG. The
amplification provided by a circuit or device
whose input and output impedances are correctly
matched to source and load.
maximum current 1. Symbol, I m or I max . The highest
value reached by an alternating-current halfcycle
or by a pulse current. Also called PEAK
CURRENT. 2. The highest value of current in a
series of current values.
maximum power 1. Symbol, P m or P max . The highest
value of power that an equipment can be
called upon to supply. 2. The highest value of
power in a series of measurements or calculations.
maximum-power discharge current For a cell or
battery, the current at which the greatest amount
of power is delivered.
maximum power output See MAXIMUM POWER,
1.
maximum power transfer The condition in which
the largest amount of power is delivered by a
source to a load.
maximum power transfer theorem Maximum
power is transferred from a generator to a load
when the impedance of the load equals the internal
impedance of the generator. Compare COM-
PENSATION THEOREM, NORTON’S THEOREM,
RECIPROCITY THEOREM, SUPERPOSITION
THEOREM, and THEVENIN’S THEOREM.
maximum rating 1. The highest value of a quantity
(e.g., current, voltage, or power) that can safely be
used with a given device. 2. The highest value of a
quantity afforded by a given device (e.g., maximum
capacitance of a variable capacitor).
x
maximum record level 1. In a magnetic tape,
magnetic disk, or phonograph disc, the highest
amplitude of input signal that can be recorded
with an acceptable amount of distortion. 2. The
recording-head current or power that results in
third-harmonic distortion of three percent.
maximum signal level 1. In an amplitude-modulated
signal, the peak power. 2. In an amplitudemodulated
facsimile or television system, the
amplitude that results in a black or white picture
(depending on whether the highest amplitude
produces black or white).
maximum undistorted power output Abbreviation,
MUPO. The highest power that an active amplifying
device will deliver before significant
distortion occurs.
maximum usable frequency Abbreviation, MUF.
The highest frequency that can be used successfully
at a given time, between two specific geographic
locations, for communication via the
ionosphere.
maximum voltage 1. Abbreviation, E m , E max , V m ,
or V max . The peak value reached by an alternating-current
voltage half-cycle, or by a voltage
pulse. 2. The highest value of voltage in a series
of voltage measurements or calculations.
maximum wattage See MAXIMUM POWER.
maxterm form In mathematical calculations, the
factored form of a function, expressed as a product
of sums. For example, the maxterm form of
f(x) = x 2 + 5x + 6 is f(x) = (x + 2) (x + 3).
maxwell Symbol, Mx. The cgs unit of magnetic
flux, equivalent to one line of flux or 10 –8 weber.
Maxwell bridge A four-arm alternating-current
bridge for measuring inductance against a standard
capacitance.
Maxwell’s equations A set of four equations developed
by James Clerk Maxwell in 1864 and 1873,
describing vector quantities pertaining to points in
space subjected to varying electric and magnetic
forces. Through his classic presentation, Maxwell
Gen
Det
Maxwell bridge