K - An abbreviation for the value 1,024 which is 210. Often used to
express the memory capacity of a computer. For example, a 512K computer has 524,288 bytes
of memory.
KEEP-ALIVE CURRENT - See KEEP-ALIVE VOLTAGE .
KEEP-ALIVE VOLTAGE - DC voltage applied to a tr gap electrode to produce a
glow discharge that allows the tube to ionize faster when the transmitter fires .
KEY-CLICK FILTERS - Filters used in keying systems to prevent key-click
interference .
KEY CLICKS - Interference in the form of "clicks" or
"thumps" caused by the sudden application or removal of power .
KEY-TO-DISK - A process, similar to key-to-tape, in which data is
transmitted from a keyboard to magnetic disk.
KEY-TO-TAPE - An operation in which data is transmitted from a keyboard to
magnetic tape.
KEYED-OSCILLATOR TRANSMITTER - A transmitter in which one stage is used to
produce the rf pulse .
KEYER - (1) A device that changes dc pulses to mark and space modulation
for teletypewriter transmissions . (2) A synchronizer .
KEYING RELAYS - Relays used in radio transmitters where the ordinary hand
key cannot accommodate the plate current without excessive arcing .
KILO - A prefix meaning one thousand .
KINETIC ENERGY - Energy that a body possesses by virtue of its motion .
KIRCHHOFF'S LAWS - (1) The algebraic sum of the current flowing toward any
point in a circuit and the current flowing away from it is zero. (2) The algebraic sum of
the products of the current and resistance in each of the conductors in any closed path in
a network is equal to the algebraic sum of the electromotive forces in the path .
KLYSTRON POWER AMPLIFIER - A multicavity microwave electron tube that uses
velocity modulation .
KNEE OF THE CURVE - The point of maximum curvature of a magnetization
curve. (Shaped like the knee of a leg that is bent.)
