Terminal (electronics)

A terminal is the point at which a conductor from a component, device or network comes to an end.[1] Terminal may also refer to an electrical connector at this endpoint, acting as the reusable interface to a conductor and creating a point where external circuits can be connected.[2][3] A terminal may simply be the end of a wire or it may be fitted with a connector or fastener.

"Pole (electrical circuits)" redirects here. For the poles of switches, see Switch § Contact terminology.
Terminal symbol
A terminal strip, to which wires can be soldered

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 physical object. In this context, especially in older documents, it is sometimes called a pole. On circuit diagrams, terminals for external connections are denoted by empty circles.[4] They are distinguished from nodes or junctions which are entirely internal to the circuit, and are denoted by solid circles.[5]

All electrochemical cells have two terminals, referred to as the anode and cathode or positive (+) and negative (-). On many dry batteries, the positive terminal (cathode) is a protruding metal cap and the negative terminal (anode) is a flat metal disc (see Battery terminal). In a galvanic cell such as a common AA battery, electrons flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, while the conventional current is opposite to this.[6]

Types of terminals
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See also

References
  1. Davis, Larry (4 January 2012). "Definitions of Technical Terms - 'T' to 'Ter'". Electronic Engineering Dictionary. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
  2. Connectors - Technologies and Trends (PDF). ZVEI - German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association. August 2016. p. 51.
  3. Barach, John. "Definition of Terminal". Dictionary of Automotive Terms. Babylon NG.
  4. "Circuit Symbols for Wires, Cables, Switches, Connectors". Electronics Notes. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
  5. Electronics Symbols Handbook (PDF). Cleveland Institute of Electronics. p. 6. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
  6. "An introduction to redox equilibria". Chemguide. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
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