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Terminal (electronics)

Terminal (electronics)

Overview
A terminal is a the point at which a conductor from an electrical component, device or network comes to an end and provides a point of connection to external circuits. A terminal may simply be the end of a wire or it may be fitted with a connector or fastener. In network analysis, terminal means a point at which connections can be made to a network in theory and does not necessarily refer to any real physical object.
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Encyclopedia
A terminal is a the point at which a conductor from an electrical component, device or network comes to an end and provides a point of connection to external circuits. A terminal may simply be the end of a wire or it may be fitted with a connector or fastener. In network analysis, terminal means a point at which connections can be made to a network in theory and does not necessarily refer to any real physical object. In this context, especially in older documents, it is sometimes called a "pole".

The connection may be temporary, as for portable equipment, or may require a tool for assembly and removal, or may be a permanent electrical joint between two wires or devices.

Types of terminals

  • Splices
  • Solder Lugs
  • Tongue Crimp terminals (ring terminals)
  • Turrets
  • Test probes (pogo terminals)
  • Clips
  • Screw terminals
  • Tab terminals (quick-connect, quick-disconnect)
  • Wire nuts