Neets Master Glossary

1-45 MODE SHIFTING—In a magnetron, the inadvertent shifting from one mode to another during a pulse [18]. MODE SKIPPING—Operation in which the magnetron fires randomly, rather than firing on each successive pulse as desired [18]. MODIFIED TRANSISTOR OUTLINE (TO)—An IC package resembling a transistor [14]. MODULAR CIRCUITRY—A technique where printed circuit boards are stacked and connected together to form a module [7]. MODULAR PACKAGING—Circuit assemblies or subassemblies packaged to be easily removed for maintenance or repair [14]. MODULATED WAVE—A complex wave consisting of a carrier and a modulating wave that is transmitted through space [12]. MODULATING WAVE—An information wave representing intelligence [12]. MODULATION—The process of impressing intelligence upon a transmission medium, such as radio waves [12]. MODULATION FACTOR (M)—An indication of relative magnitudes of the RF carrier and the modulating signal [12]. MODULATION INDEX—The ratio of frequency deviation to the frequency of the modulating signal [12]. MODULATOR—(1) A device that produces modulation; that is, a device that varies the amplitude, frequency, or phase of an ac signal [11] [12]. (2) A circuit used in servosystems to convert a dc signal to an ac signal. The output ac signal is a sine wave at the frequency of the ac reference voltage. The amplitude of the output is directly related to the amplitude of the dc input. The circuit's function is opposite to that of a DEMODULATOR [15]. (3) In radar, it produces a high-voltage pulse that turns the transmitter on and off [18]. MODULATOR SWITCHING DEVICE—Controls the on (discharge) and off (charge) time of the modulator [18]. MODULE—A circuit or portion of a circuit packaged as a removable unit. A separable unit in a packaging scheme displaying regularity of dimensions [14]. MOISTURE LAPSE—Abnormal variation of moisture content at different altitudes because of high moisture located just above large bodies of water [18]. MONOLITHIC CIRCUIT—A circuit where all elements (resistors, transistors, and so forth) associated with the circuit are fabricated inseparably within a continuous piece of material (called the substrate), usually silicon [7]. MONOLITHIC IC—ICs that are formed completely within a semiconductor substrate. Silicon chips [14]. MONOPULSE (SIMULTANEOUS) LOBING—A radar receiving method using two or more (usually four) partially overlapping lobes. Sum and difference locate the target with aspect to the axis of the antenna [18].