Definition

1. Noun:
   • A signal generated by electronic means: An "electronic signal" is a detectable, time-varying quantity, such as a voltage or current, that is intentionally created and transmitted using electronic circuits and components to convey information, data, or a command.

Usage

• As a noun: The term "electronic signal" is used to describe the fundamental carrier of information in modern technology. It is the abstract or physical representation of data within electronic systems.
  • The antenna converts radio waves into a weak electronic signal.
  • A digital watch uses electronic signals to keep precise time.
  • The integrity of the electronic signal is crucial for clear audio transmission.

Advanced Usage

• In technical contexts: Often discussed in terms of its properties, such as amplitude, frequency, phase, and whether it is analog or digital.
  • Engineers analyzed the electronic signal to identify the source of the interference.
  • The device filters out noise from the desired electronic signal.

Variants and Related Words

• Signal (n): A broader term for any sign, gesture, sound, or impulse that conveys information. An electronic signal is a specific type of signal.
  • Traffic signals control the flow of cars.
• Analog signal (n): An electronic signal that varies continuously over time.
• Digital signal (n): An electronic signal that represents data as a sequence of discrete values (typically 0s and 1s).

Synonyms

• Electrical signal: Often used interchangeably, though "electronic" specifically implies active control using devices like transistors, while "electrical" can be broader.
• Pulse: A common type of brief electronic signal.
• Waveform: Refers to the shape of the signal when graphed.

Related Phrases

• Signal processing: The analysis, manipulation, and interpretation of electronic signals.
  • Digital signal processing is used in mobile phones and music players.
• Signal strength: A measure of the power of a received electronic signal.
  • The signal strength on my phone is very low in this building.
• Signal-to-noise ratio: A measure comparing the level of a desired electronic signal to the level of background noise.
  • A high signal-to-noise ratio is essential for quality audio.

Idioms

(No common idioms are directly formed with the specific term "electronic signal." Idioms typically use the more general word "signal.")

Noun

1. a signal generated by electronic means