18WuD2x

608 sample • saturation
(electrolyte, insulant, corrosion, rust, etc.) taken
from a larger group or body.
sample and hold A method of storing a variable
signal for detailed examination.
sampled data system A system that can be either
analog or digital, and that works from samples of
the input signals.
sampler In audio systems, a device that digitizes
and stores sound for a brief interval of time.
sample size In statistics, the number of items in
the sample space chosen for analysis.
sample space In statistics, the set of events, numbers,
or other items chosen for analysis.
sampling 1. Observation of a signal at various
points in a circuit, without affecting the operation
of the circuit. 2. The conversion of analog signals
to binary signals—especially for use in digital
communications systems and in computers. 3. In
statistics and probability, a set of function values
corresponding to specifically chosen points in the
domain.
sampling rate The frequency with which samples
are taken [e.g., 1/hr (one sample per hour) or
10/min (10 samples per minute)].
sampling window See WINDOW, 2.
sand load A microwave power dissipator in which
the absorptive material is a mixture of sand and
carbon.
sapphire needle See SAPPHIRE STYLUS.
sapphire stylus A jewel-tipped stylus for disc
recording and playback. It is noted for durability.
sat 1. Abbreviation of saturate. 2. Abbreviation of
SATURATION. 3. Abbreviation of SATELLITE.
satd Abbreviation of saturated.
satellite An artificial object sent into orbit around
the earth or another planet. See, for example, AC-
TIVE COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE and PAS-
SIVE COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE.
satellite communication Communication via one
or more satellite transponders. Usually both stations
are on the ground, although sometimes one
or both stations are airborne or in space.
satellite processor 1. In a computer, a microprocessor
that is subsidiary to the central processing
unit (CPU). 2. In a data-processing system, a CPU
used to handle the running of programs of secondary
importance to the system’s main application.
satellite television The broadcasting and reception
of television (TV) signals via earth-orbiting satellite.
Usually, the satellite is in a geostationary orbit.
The receiving station employs a dish antenna,
a tuner, a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter (if the
signals are digital), and a TV receiver.
satisfy To make a statement of inequality or an
equation true (e.g., x = 2 satisfies the equation
2x = x 2 ).
saturable capacitor A voltage-variable ceramic or
semiconductor capacitor in which variations in
capacitance stabilize at a reasonably constant
value after a particular voltage level is reached.
saturable-core magnetometer A MAGNETOME-
TER in which the sensor is a saturable magnetic
core with a winding. The readout is proportional
to the change in permeability of the core produced
by the magnetic field under test.
saturable reactor An inductor consisting essentially
of a coil wound on a core of magnetic
material whose magnetic flux can easily reach
saturation level. The inductance and, accordingly,
the reactance of the device can be varied by passing
a direct current through the coil simultaneously
with the alternating current to be controlled.
saturable transformer A transformer having a saturable
core that permits automatic regulation of
an alternating-current voltage.
saturated color A visible color whose energy is
concentrated at a single wavelength or in a narrow
band of wavelengths. Also called pure color.
saturated logic Any form of digital-logic circuit in
which the transistors are either completely cut off
or completely saturated. It is characterized by relative
immunity to noise, high speed, and high
input-level requirements.
saturated operation 1. The operation of a magnetic
core at or beyond its saturation point (i.e.,
in the region where an increase in coil current
produces no change in core magnetization).
2. The operation of a transistor or vacuum tube
beyond its saturation point (i.e., in the region
where an increase in voltage produces no change
in current, or vice versa). Compare UNSATURATED
OPERATION.
saturated solution A solution, such as an electrolyte,
that contains all of the solute that it ordinarily
will hold at a given temperature and
pressure. Compare SUPERSATURATED SOLU-
TION. Also see SOLUTE; SOLUTION, 1 and SOL-
VENT, 2.
saturating current See SATURATION CURRENT.
saturation 1. See SATURATION POINT. 2. The
state of purity of a color. In general, the greater