Definition

Noun: A device or system, specifically a type of electrical component, that transmits or indicates angular position or rotation. It typically consists of a matched pair (a transmitter and a receiver) where the receiver's position automatically follows that of the transmitter. This is achieved through synchronized electrical signals.

Usage

A synchro is used to precisely transmit rotational information without a mechanical connection. It is a key component in systems requiring remote sensing or control of position. - The aircraft's autopilot uses a synchro to read the position of the control surfaces. - The engineer replaced the faulty synchro in the radar antenna's positioning system.

Advanced Usage

• Synchro pair/chain: Refers to a system where multiple synchro units are linked together. The transmitter is often called a "synchro transmitter" and the receiver a "synchro receiver" or "synchro motor."
  • A synchro chain was used to relay the compass heading to multiple indicators on the ship's bridge.

Variants and Related Words

• Synchro-: A combining form used in technical terms related to synchronization.
  • Synchronize (verb): To cause to occur or operate at the same time or rate.
  • Synchronous (adjective): Existing or occurring at the same time.
• Resolver: A related type of component that converts angular position to an electrical signal, often considered a type of synchro.

Synonyms

• Selsyn (a trademark often used generically)
• Autosyn (a trademark often used generically)
• Synchro transmitter/receiver (more specific terms for the components)

Related Technical Terms

• Control transformer: A type of synchro used in control systems to detect error signals.
  • The error signal from the control transformer was fed into the amplifier.
• Torque receiver: A synchro unit that outputs a mechanical torque proportional to the electrical error signal.

Noun

1. a system consisting of a generator and a motor so connected that the motor will assume the same relative position as the generator; the generator and the motor are synchronized