C

CAPACITIVE DISCHARGE - Ignition system in which primary power is stored in a capacitor; ignition spark is created by discharge of the capacitor. Also called "capacitor discharge."

CAPACITOR - Electrical storage component also known as a "condensor" which acts as an electrical sponge. Wired across the distributor's breaker points, a capacitor absorbs electricity when points open, discharges it when they close. Capacitors are also used to suppress radio interference.

CATHODE - Negative pole of an electric current.

CHARGE (or Recharge) - Passing an electrical current through a battery to restore it to its proper energy level.

CHIP - A miniaturized electronic circuit etched into a base of silicon.

CIRCUIT - A system through which electricity flows before it returns to its source (thus having completed a circuit).

CIRCUIT BREAKER:

CIRCUIT BREAKER - A mechanical device that opens contacts when an electric flow is excessive; used in place of a fuse. When current flow returns to normal, the circuit breaker in a car closes.
CLOCK SIGNAL - Continuous series of pulses at a constant frequency.
CLOSED CIRCUIT - A circuit which is uninterrupted from the current source and back to the current source.

CLOSED LOOP - A system that feeds back its output to the input side of electronic control assembly which monitors the output and makes corrections as necessary.

COAST - A speed control operating mode where the system is deactivated to reduce speed by pressing the COAST button. Once the COAST button is released, speed control is set at the speed that the vehicle is currently travelling. If the vehicle speed is reduced below approximately 30 mph (48 km/h), the operator must manually increase the speed and reset the system.

COIL - An assembly of two wire coils in a transformer that steps up low-voltage current to the high levels needed to produce an ignition spark.

COIL SECONDARY - Refer to "Secondary Circuit".

COLD CRANKING RATE - A rating for automotive batteries in a 30-sec discharge test; measured in amperes at either 0~F or -20~F.

COLLECTOR - One of three elements or terminals of a transistor, usually where the output signal is taken from.

COMMUTATOR - A slotted metal ring on the end of the rotor of a generator or electric motor. When in contact with stationary brushes, segments of the commutator conduct electricity to or from the turning rotor.

COMPUTER - A device that takes information, processes it, makes decisions and outputs those decisions.

CONDENSER - See "Capacitor."

CONDUCTOR - A material, normally metallic, that permits easy passage of heat or electricity.

CURRENT - A flow of electricity. Under the Electron Theory, flow is from negative to positive poles. Under the Conventional Theory, flow is from positive to negative.
CURRENT LIMITING - A function usually done in the electronic control unit that allows B + to be connected to the sensor without short circuiting.