18WuD2x

474 network analysis • neutral wire
network analysis The rigorous examination of a
network to determine its properties and performance.
Compare NETWORK SYNTHESIS.
network analyzer An analog or digital circuit for
simulating and analyzing a network (see NET-
WORK, 1) by means of measurements and calculations
from the model so obtained.
network assurance The construction and operation
of a network in such a manner that failures
can be quickly and easily located and corrected.
network calculator An analog or digital device for
determining the component values and performance
of a given network (see NETWORK, 1).
network constant The value of a passive component
(capacitance, inductance, resistance, etc.)
used in a network (see NETWORK, 1).
network filter A transducer that passes or rejects
signals, depending on their frequency.
network interface unit Abbreviation, NIU. A device,
provided to each subscriber, that connects
telephones, television sets, and personal computers
to an electrical or fiberoptic cable. Envisioned
as an integral component of the multimedia IN-
FORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY.
network provisioning The control of a network by
means of computer software, rather than via
manual rearrangement of system devices.
network relay 1. A relay that provides protection
of the circuits in a network (see NETWORK, 1); a
circuit breaker. 2. In a communications network
(see NETWORK, 2), the reception and retransmission
of a message by a human operator.
network synthesis The design and fabrication of a
network (see NETWORK, 1) by rigorous engineering
methods to achieve a prescribed performance.
network theorems See COMPENSATION THEO-
REM, MAXIMUM POWER TRANSFER THEOREM,
NORTON’S THEOREM, RECIPROCITY THEO-
REM, SUPERPOSITION THEOREM, and
THEVENIN’S THEOREM.
network topology The analysis of networks (see
NETWORK, 1) with signal-flow diagrams. Components
of the diagram represent signal paths, open
loops, closed loops, and node points.
network transfer function A function describing
the overall processing of energy by a network (see
NETWORK, 1); it is equal to V o /V i , where V i is the
input voltage and V o is the output voltage of the
network.
Neuman’s law A property of mutual inductances.
For a given orientation and environment for two
inductors, the value of the mutual inductance
does not change, regardless of the magnitude,
frequency, or phase of the currents in the coils.
That is, mutual inductance is subject only to the
physical environment surrounding the coils.
neuristor A two-terminal semiconductor device
that simulates the behavior of a neuron (nerve
cell) and allows machines to duplicate some of
the neurological phenomena observed in the human
body.
neuroelectricity Low-voltage electricity in the nervous
system of a human being or animal.
neuron A nerve cell in a living organism.
neurosurgery assistance robot An electromechanical
device, controlled by a human operator
and assisted by computers, that helps to perform
simple neurosurgical operations requiring extreme
precision and steadiness. One procedure
for which a robot has been used is the drilling of
holes in the skull prior to brain surgery.
neutral 1. Having no electric charge; thus, an
atom is normally neutral because its internal
positive charges neutralize its internal negative
charges. 2. Devoid of voltage (e.g., a neutral line).
3. Pertaining to a chemical, especially a solution,
that is neither acidic nor alkaline.
neutral bus See NEUTRAL WIRE.
neutral circuit 1. A deenergized circuit (i.e., a
“dead” one). 2. In a teletypewriter system, a circuit
in which current flows in one direction.
neutral conductor See NEUTRAL WIRE.
neutral ground A ground connection to a neutral
wire or to the neutral point of a circuit.
neutralization The process of balancing out positive
feedback in an amplifier to prevent selfoscillation.
Also see NEUTRALIZING CAPACITOR
and NEUTRALIZING COIL.
neutralization indicator A neon bulb or radiofrequency
meter used during neutralization of an
amplifier. When the amplifier is properly neutralized,
the bulb or meter will show zero signal with
no input to the amplifier, indicating that the circuit
is not oscillating.
neutralize To eliminate positive feedback in a radio-frequency
amplifier.
neutralized amplifier An amplifier in which neutralization
has been performed to prevent self-oscillation.
neutralizing capacitor In a capacitively neutralized
circuit, a small capacitor that serves as a
coupler of signal energy from the output back
to the input in reverse phase, to cancel selfoscillation
of the circuit.
neutralizing circuit Any component or set of components
that is used to neutralize a radiofrequency
amplifier.
neutralizing coil In an inductively neutralized circuit,
a small coupling coil that picks up signal energy
from the output and applies it in reverse
phase to the input, to cancel circuit self-oscillation.
neutralizing tool A nonconducting screwdriverlike
device for adjusting a neutralizing capacitor
or coil. It is usually made of fiber or plastic.
neutralizing voltage The feedback voltage that cancels
self-oscillation in the process of neutralization.
neutralizing wand See NEUTRALIZING TOOL.
neutral line See NEUTRAL WIRE.
neutral relay See UNPOLARIZED RELAY.
neutral wire In a polyphase power-transmission
system, the line (wire) that does not carry current
until the system is unbalanced.