18WuD2x

storage temperature • stray field 659
storage temperature 1. The recommended temperature
for storing specified electronic components.
2. The particular temperature at which
electronic components have been stored.
storage time 1. The interval during which carriers
remain in a semiconductor-junction device after
the bias has been removed. Also see DIODE RE-
COVERY TIME. 2. For a switching semiconductor
device, the time required for the amplitude of the
output pulse to fall from maximum to 90% of
maximum after the input pulse has fallen to zero.
3. In a computer, the time required for data to be
transferred from random-access memory (RAM)
to nonvolatile storage (e.g., hard disk).
storage tube A cathode-ray tube that retains information
in the form of images on a special electrode
until erased by a signal.
store 1. To place data in a nonvolatile medium
(such as a hard disk, diskette, optical disk, magnetic
tape, etc.). 2. To place in the memory of a
calculator or computer. 3. In computing, a command
that causes data to be placed in a nonvolatile
medium. In some applications, this is
called save. 4. A nonvolatile medium on which
data has been placed for future use or for archival
purposes.
stored base charge The carriers that remain in the
base layer of a bipolar transistor immediately after
the forward bias has been interrupted. This
charge maintains collector current momentarily.
stored-energy welding A method of electric welding
in which electrical energy is stored slowly,
then released at the rate required for the welding.
STP See STANDARD TEMPERATURE AND PRES-
SURE.
straight adapter An inline coaxial fitting for joining
two fixture-terminated coaxial lines in series.
straight angle An angle measuring 180 degrees.
straight dipole A (usually center-fed) dipole antenna
having only one radiator. Also see DIPOLE
ANTENNA.
straightforward Pertaining to data transmission in
one direction only.
straight-gun CRT A cathode-ray tube (CRT) in
which the electron gun projects the beam in a
straight line through the deflecting elements to
the screen. Compare BENT-GUN CRT.
straight-line capacitance Abbreviation, SLC. Pertaining
to a variable capacitor for which the
setting-vs.-capacitance curve is a straight line;
the capacitance variation is linear. Compare
STRAIGHT-LINE FREQUENCY and STRAIGHT-
LINE WAVELENGTH.
straight-line coding See STRAIGHT-LINE PRO-
GRAMMING.
straight-line frequency Abbreviation, SLF. Pertaining
to a variable capacitor in a tuned circuit
for which the setting-vs.-frequency curve is a
straight line; the frequency variation is linear.
Compare STRAIGHT-LINE CAPACITANCE and
STRAIGHT-LINE WAVELENGTH.
straight-line programming During the writing of
a computer program, avoiding the creation of
loops by repeating a series of instructions to reduce
execution time.
straight-line tracking In a phonograph turntable,
linear lateral stylus movement (as opposed to motion
along an arc) as the disc is played. This ensures
that the stylus is always at the optimum
angle in the disc groove. The result is improved
sound reproduction, and longer disc and stylus
life because of minimal friction between the stylus
and groove.
straight-line wavelength Abbreviation, SLW. Pertaining
to a variable capacitor in a tuned circuit
for which the setting-vs.-wavelength curve is a
straight line; the wavelength variation is linear.
Compare STRAIGHTLINE CAPACITANCE and
STRAIGHT-LINE FREQUENCY.
straight-through amplifier An amplifier in which
the input and output circuits are tuned to the
same frequency. Compare MULTIPLIER AMPLI-
FIER.
strain A force that compresses or squeezes a body.
Compare TENSION, 1.
strain gauge See ELECTRIC STRAIN GAUGE.
strain-gauge bridge A four-arm resistance bridge
in which an ELECTRIC STRAIN GAUGE forms
one arm. The resistance of the gauge changes because
of strain. The amount of strain can be determined
by balancing the bridge.
strain-gauge transducer A transducer, other than
a strain sensor, that uses strain gauges to convert
values of pressure into their electrical
analogs (e.g., pressure transducer and straingauge
phonograph pickup).
strain pickup A phonograph pickup using a strain
gauge to convert sound vibrations into a varying
electric current.
strand A single solid conductor in a STRANDED
WIRE.
stranded wire A conductor composed of several
non-insulated wires twisted together to provide
mechanical flexibility. Compare SOLID WIRE.
stratosphere The portion of earth’s upper atmosphere
beginning at a height of approximately 10
miles and extending to the ionosphere.
stray capacitance Inherent capacitance in a place
where it can be detrimental, such as that between
the turns of a coil or between adjacent areas in a
circuit. Also see STRAY COMPONENT.
stray component An electrical property that exists
as an inherent, and usually undesirable, side effect
in a circuit or device. Thus, for example,
STRAY CAPACITANCE unavoidably exists between
parallel conductors, and STRAY INDUC-
TANCE is present in all wiring.
stray field The portion of an electric or magnetic
field that extends beyond the immediate vicinity
of the circuit with which it is associated, and
which is, therefore, capable of interfering with
other circuits or devices.