Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This book could not have been completed without the help, encouragement
and support from a number of organizations and people who all deserve
our sincerest gratitude and appreciation.
We would like to send our special thanks to Namdinh University of
Technology Education, who initiate the project of completing this book.
Without this initiation, this book could not be finished.
Our deepest gratitude and appreciation also go to our families, our
colleagues and our friends. Their constant encouragement and support
gave us a great deal of strength and determination during the completion of
the book.

Ngo Thi Thanh, M.A

Hoang Thi Kim Lien, M.A
Nguyen Tien Hung, M.A

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Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

Lêi c¶m ¬n

Cuèn s¸ch nµy ®-îc hoµn thµnh nhê sù gióp ®â quý b¸u tõ c¸c tæ chøc còng
nh- c¸ nh©n.
Tr-íc tiªn, chóng t«i muèn göi lêi c¶m ¬n ch©n thµnh ®Õn Tr-êng §¹i häc S-
ph¹m Kü thuËt Nam §Þnh, ®· t¹o ®iÒu kiÖn gióp ®â chóng t«i nghiªn cøu vµ
hoµn thµnh cuèn s¸ch nµy.
Chóng t«i còng muèn göi lêi c¶m ¬n s©u s¾c ®Õn gia ®×nh, ®ång nghiÖp vµ b¹n
bÌ, ®· ®éng viªn, khÝch lÖ vµ hç trî chóng t«i rÊt nhiÒu trong qu¸ tr×nh hoµn
thµnh cuèn s¸ch.

Th¹c sü Ng« ThÞ Thanh

Th¹c sü Hoµng ThÞ Kim Liªn
Th¹c sü Nguyễn Tiến Hưng

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INTRODUCTION

English for Electrical Engineering and Electronics is intended for students at the
pre-intermediate level. The most important aim of this book is to help students develop
the ability to deal with the concepts used in scientific discussion and writing in
English. The book contains a number of features to aid students:
 The format is clear and flexible: There are 8 units with 8 corresponding topics in
the book. Each unit is divided into four main sections:
- Reading comprehension: This part provides a reading passage of the topic
mentioned in the unit. Thanks to this reading passage, students are able to broaden
their knowledge about technical terms relating to the topic and enhance their reading
skill in specific scientific field.
- Use of language and practice: This part is a source of grammar theory and
exercises for students to reinforce their grammar knowledge.
- Writing: In this part, students stand a golden chance to have guided writing or
free writing practice and apply their knowledge about technical terms and grammar to
their own products.
- Further reading: This part of each unit supplies a further reading passage on the
given topic, which enables students to understand more about the mentioned topic and
widen their vocabulary on specific topic. This part also gives students a range of
homework to work at home and self-study.
 Practice materials are numerous: Most of the skills are reinforced by activities
and exercises
 Self-study is encouraged: Each unit provides students with many exercises and
activities. Students are not expected to deal with all these exercises and activities in
class. Hence, they are required to prepare for each lesson before class, and do the rest
tasks at home after class. Only by this way can students get the best results.
For further information about the course description and requirements, please refer to
the next page.
We do hope that students will enjoy this book. If you have any questions regarding to
the course, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to share with you
our experience of study English for Electrical Engineering and Electronics.
Compiled by Ngo Thi Thanh, M.A - Hoang Thi Kim Lien, M.A - Nguyen Tien Hung, M.A
April, 2011

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Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

Lêi giíi thiÖu

TiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn - §iÖn tö ®-îc biªn so¹n cho sinh viªn ë tr×nh
®é ®¹i häc vµ cao ®¼ng Khoa §iÖn - §iÖn tö Tr-êng §¹i häc S- ph¹m Kü thuËt Nam
§Þnh. HiÖn nay ®· cã rÊt nhiÒu tµi liÖu vÒ TiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn - §iÖn tö, tuy
nhiªn nh÷ng tµi liÖu nµy ch-a phï hîp víi sinh viªn tr-êng §¹i häc S- ph¹m Kü thuËt
Nam §Þnh. V× vËy, chóng t«i biªn so¹n cuốn s¸ch nµy nh»m trang bÞ cho sinh viªn
nh÷ng kiÕn thøc vÒ chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn - §iÖn tö, gióp sinh viªn vËn dông ®äc vµ dÞch
c¸c tµi liÖu cÇn thiÕt cho c«ng viÖc.
Cuèn s¸ch nµy ®-îc chia thµnh 8 bµi, mçi bµi t-¬ng øng víi mét chñ ®Ò. Mçi
bµi ®-îc chia thµnh 4 phÇn chÝnh sau:
- §äc hiÓu: PhÇn nµy cung cÊp cho sinh viªn c¸c bµi ®äc t-¬ng øng víi tõng chñ
®Ò trong mçi bµi. Th«ng qua nh÷ng bµi ®äc nµy, sinh viªn cã kh¶ n¨ng më réng
vèn tõ kü thuËt vµ n©ng cao kü n¨ng ®äc tµi liÖu chuyªn ngµnh.
- Sö dông ng«n ng÷ vµ luyÖn tËp: PhÇn nµy cung cÊp lý thuyÕt vÒ ng÷ phÊp vµ c¸c
bµi tËp cho sinh viªn luyÖn tËp, nh»m cñng cè kiÕn thøc ng÷ ph¸p.
- ViÕt: Trong phÇn nµy, sinh viªn ®-îc luyÖn viÕt theo c¸c chñ ®Ò t-¬ng øng víi
mçi bµi.
- §äc thªm: PhÇn nµy cung cÊp cho sinh viªn c¸c bµi ®äc thªm theo tõng chñ ®Ò.
PhÇn nµy gióp sinh viªn hiÓu s©u h¬n vÒ chñ ®Ò ®· häc vµ më réng vèn tõ
chuyªn ngµnh.
Chóng t«i hy väng r»ng cuèn s¸ch TiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn - §iÖn tö sÏ
nhËn ®-îc sù h-ëng øng vµ ®ãng gãp tõ phÝa ®ång nghiÖp còng nh- sinh viªn.
Ng-êi biªn so¹n: Th¹c sü Ng« ThÞ Thanh – Th¹c sü Hoµng ThÞ Kim Liªn
– Th¹c sü Nguyễn Tiến Hưng
Th¸ng 4/ 2011

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

Number of credits: 2 credits

Time available:
 Theory: 29 periods
 Test: 1 period
 Self-study: 60 periods

Course description:
English for Electrical Engineering and Electronics is intended for students at the
pre-intermediate level, aiming at providing students with technical terms and basic
knowledge on Electrical Engineering in English.

Objectives:
By the end of the course, students are able to acquire and develop essential skills in:
- understanding and using technical terms relating to Electrical Engineering and
Electronics
- reading in scientific field: including scanning and skimming skills
- remembering and applying grammar theory in each scientific topic
- practicing guided or free writing on specific scientific topic

Course requirements:
Preparation, attendance, and participation: Students are required to read book in
advance to prepare for each lesson, attend class regularly and make contributions to
lessons.
Homework:
Students are required to do homework to fulfill the exercises in the book and other
tasks assigned by their teacher.

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Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

M« t¶ m«n häc
(2 tÝn chØ)

Thêi gian:
 Lý thuyÕt: 29 giê
 KiÓm tra: 1 giê
 Tù häc: 60 giê

M« t¶ m«n häc:
TiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn - §iÖn tö ®-îc biªn so¹n cho sinh viªn ë tr×nh ®é ®¹i
häc vµ cao ®¼ng Khoa §iÖn - §iÖn tö Tr-êng §¹i häc S- ph¹m Kü thuËt Nam §Þnh,
nh»m trang bÞ cho sinh viªn nh÷ng kiÕn thøc vÒ chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn - §iÖn tö, gióp
sinh viªn vËn dông ®äc vµ dÞch c¸c tµi liÖu cÇn thiÕt cho c«ng viÖc.

Môc tiªu:
Sau khi kÕt thóc m«n häc, sinh viªn cã kh¶ n¨ng tiÕp thu vµ ph¸t triÓn c¸c kü n¨ng sau:
- HiÓu vµ sö dông ®-îc c¸c thuËt ng÷ kü thuËt liªn quan ®Õn chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn -
§iÖn tö
- §äc hiÓu vÒ lÜnh vùc TiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn - §iÖn tö
- N¾m b¾t vµ hiÓu ®-îc c¸c thuËt ng÷ vµ c¸c cÊu tróc chuyªn ngµnh ®Ó cã thÓ sö
dông thµnh th¹o
- Cã kü n¨ng viÕt theo c¸c chñ ®Ò ®· häc

Yªu cÇu m«n häc:

ChuÈn bÞ bµi vµ dù líp: Sinh viªn ph¶i ®äc s¸ch tr-íc ®Ó chuÈn bÞ bµi tr-íc khi ®Õn
líp, dù líp ®Çy ®ñ vµ ®ãng gãp ý kiÕn x©y dùng bµi.
Bµi tËp vÒ nhµ:
Sinh viªn ph¶i lµm bµi tËp vÒ nhµ ®Çy ®ñ vµ hoµn thµnh c¸c nhiÖm vô gi¸o viªn giao.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................. 1
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 3
COURSE DESCRIPTION ................................................................................... 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................... 7
UNIT 1: CONDUCTORS, INSULATORS AND SEMICONDUCTORS ......... 8
UNIT 2: CIRCUIT ELEMENTS ....................................................................... 26
UNIT 3: THE DC MOTOR ............................................................................... 45
UNIT 4: THE CATHODE RAY TUBE ............................................................ 62
UNIT 5: ELECTRONICS IN THE HOME ....................................................... 78
UNIT 6: SEMICONDUCTORS DIODES ......................................................... 89
UNIT 7: HIGH DEFINITION TELEVISION ................................................. 102
UNIT 8: DATA TRANSMISSION ................................................................. 112
Some related reading texts ........................................................... 124
TEXT 1 ............................................................................................................. 124
RADIo ............................................................................................................. 124
KEY TO EXERCISES ..................................................................................... 136
REFERENCES ................................................................................................. 165

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UNIT 1: CONDUCTORS, INSULATORS AND

SEMICONDUCTORS

If we connect a battery across a body, there is a movement of free

electrons towards the positive end, this movement of electrons is an electric
current. All materials can be classified into three groups according to how
readily they permit an electric current to flow. These are: conductors, insulators
and semiconductors.
In the first category are substances which provide an easy path for an
electric current. All metals are conductors; however, some metals do not conduct
well. Manganin, for example, is a poor conductor. Copper is a good conductor,
therefore it is widely used for cables. A non-metal which conducts well is
carbon. Salt water is an example of a liquid conductor.
A material which does not easily release electrons is called an insulator.
Rubber nylon, porcelain and air are all insulators. There are no perfect insulators.
All insulators will allow some flow of electrons; however, this can usually be
ignored because the Flow they permit is so small.
Semiconductors are midway between conductors and insulators. Under
certain conditions they allow a current to flow easily but under others they
behave as insulators. Germanium and silicon are semiconductors. Mixtures of
certain metallic oxides also act as semiconductors. These are known as
thermistor. The resistance of thermistors falls rapidly as their temperature rises.
They are therefore used in temperature-sensing devices.

1.1. READING COMPREHENSION

EXERCISE 1 Answer the questions.
1. What are conductors, insulators and semiconductors?
2. What is an electric current?
3. What is copper usually used for?

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4. Are all insulators perfect? Why?

5. What are thermistors?

EXERCISE 2 What do the pronouns in italics in these sentences refer to?

1. All materials can be classified into three groups according to how readily they
permit an electric current to flow. (line 4)
A. three groups B. all materials C. free electrons
2. Under certain conditions they allow a current to flow easily but under others
they behave as insulators. (line 16)
A. conductors B. semiconductors C. insulators
3. These are known as thermistors (line 18)
A. metallic oxides B. semiconductors C. mixtures of certain metallic
oxides
4. They are therefore used in temperature-sensing devices (line 20)
A. thermistors B. semiconductors C. metallic oxides

EXERCISE 3 Check the facts and ideas.

Decide if these statements are True (T) or False (F). Quote from the passage to
support your decisions.
1. Electrons flow from positive to negative
2. Copper provides an easy path for an electric current
3. All metals are good conductors
4. All good conductors are metals
5. Air is not a perfect insulator
6. Rubber readily releases electrons
7. The resistance of a thermistor is higher at low temperature than at high
temperature.

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EXERCISE 4 Rewrite the following sentences, replacing the words in

italics with expressions from the passage which have similar meanings.
Example: If we link a battery across a torch body.
If we connect a battery across a torch body..
1. The flow of free electrons is an electric current.
2. Materials in the first group, are called conductors
3. Materials which provide a path for an electric current are conductors
4. All insulators permit some flow of electrons
5. Germanium sometimes acts as an insulator and sometimes as a conductor.

1.2. USE OF LANGUAGE

1.2.1. Describing shapes
Study these nouns and adjectives for describing the shapes of objects:
Shape Noun Adjective Shape Noun Adjective
Two Three
dimensional dimensional

Circle Circular Sphere Spherical

Semi- Semi-
Cylinder Cylindrical
circle circular

Square Square Tube Tubular

Rectangle
Rectangle rectangular
cubic
Lines Edges
Rounded
Straight

Curved pointed

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NOTE:
 When something has a regular geometric shape we can use one of the
adjectives from the table to describe it.
Example:
A square wave
 When the object has no recognized geometric shape but does resemble a
well known object or a letter of the alphabet, it may be described in one
of the following ways:

An H-shaped antenna A saw-tooth wave

EXERCISE Describe the following shapes

For example: 1. A circle capacitor

a) b)

c) d)

1. A ceramic capacitor 2. Transformer laminations

3. An electrolytic capacitor 4. A magnet

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5. A cable conduct 6. A carbon brush

7. A capacitor 8. A resistor

1.2.2. Describing position and connection

Be + past participle + preposition

Example:
1. The tuning capacitor IS CONNECTED ACROSS the coil.
2. The semiconductor rectifier IS MOUNTED ON the heat sink.

EXERCISE Complete each sentence using an appropriate phrase from

the below list
- wound round - mounted on - located within - connected to
- connected across - wired to - applied to - connected between

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pole
pieces

core
1. The bulbs are……………the battery 2. The core is…………. the pole pieces

27pF

3. The 27pF capacitor is……….. the 4.The antenna is……………the coil

collector and the base

C1

feedback

5. Feedback voltage is………….. the base 6.The rotor is………. the shaft
of the transistor through C1

core

7. The coil is…………an iron core 8. The negative pole of the battery…………
earth

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1.2.3. Relative clause (Which, Where, Who)

In this part, we mention defining relative clause. Defining relative clause is
used to define the noun before it. If we omit it, the noun will not be clear. Before
the defining relative clause, there is no comma.
We can use relative pronouns ― which, where, who‖ to initiate defining relative
clauses.
- ― which‖ is used for things/ objects
- ― where‖ is used for places
- ― who‖ is used for people
Example:
1. Starter motor brushes are made of carbon.
2. The carbon contains copper.
 Starter motor brushes are made of carbon which contains copper. (― which
contains copper‖ is a defining relative clause to define ― carbon‖ . ― which‖
is the relative pronoun replacing ― carbon‖ .)
3. Consumers are supplied at higher voltages than domestic consumers.
4. These consumers use large quantities of energy.
 Consumers who use large quantities of energy are supplied at higher
voltages than domestic consumers.
5. 33kV lines are fed to intermediate substations.
6. In the intermediate substations the voltage is stepped down to 11kV
33kV lines are fed to intermediate substations where the voltage is
stepped down to 11kV.

EXERCISE Connect the following sentences using relative clauses

1. The coil is connected in series with a resistor.
The resistor has a value of 240 ohms.
For example: The coil is connected in series with a resistor which has a value of
240 ohms.
2. The supply is fed to a distribution substation.
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The supply is reduced to 41V in the distribution substation.

3. Workers require a high degree of illumination.
The workers assemble very small precision instruments.
4. Manganin is a metal.
This metal has a comparatively high resistance.
5. The signal passes to the detector.
The signal is rectified by the detector.
6. A milliammeter is an instrument.
The instrument is used for measuring small currents.
7. Workers require illumination of 300 lux.
The workers assemble heavy machinery.
8. Armoured cables are used in places.
There is risk of mechanical damage in these places.
9. A simple circuit breaker consists of a solenoid and a switch with contacts.
The contacts are held closed by a latch.
10. This latch releases the switch contacts.
The switch contacts are pulled apart by a spring.

1.2.4. Reason and result connectives (because, because of, therefore)

Study these sentences:
1. Copper is used for cables
2. Copper is a good conductor.
Sentence 1 tells us what copper is used for. Sentence 2 tells us why it is used.
Sentence 2 provides a reason for sentence 1. We can link a statement and a
reason using because
 1+2. Copper is used for cables because it is a good conductor.
When the reason is a noun or a noun phrase, we use because of
The motor overheated because of dirt in the air gap
Now study this pair:
3. The flow of electrons through an insulator is very small.

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4. The flow can be ignored.

Sentence 4 is a result of sentence 3. We can link a statement and a result using
therefore.
 3+4: The flow of electrons through an insulator is very small. Therefore it
can be ignored.
Note that a stop or a semi-colon is used before therefore.

EXERCISE Link these ideas using “ because” or “ therefore”

1. Soft iron is used in electromagnets.
Soft iron can be magnetized easily.
Example: Soft iron is used in electromagnets because it can be magnetized
easily.
2. The voltage is 250V and the current 5A.
The resistance is 50Ω
3. Pvc is used to cover cables.
Pvc is a good insulator.
4. Transistors can be damaged by heat.
Care must be taken when soldering transistors.
5. Capacitance is usually measured in microfarads or picofarads.
The farad is a too large unit.
6. Output transistors are mounted on a heat sink.
Output transistors generate heat.
7. It is to control the speed of Dc motors.
Dc motors are used when variable speeds are required.
8. A cathode-ray tube screen glows when an electron beam strikes it.
The screen is coated with a phosphor.

1.2.5. Pronoun links between sentences (it, they, them, this, that…)
- When we link sentences together, or into paragraphs, repeated nouns usually
become pronouns.
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Examples:
1. A short circuit occurs in a transformer.
2. The short circuit may cause overheating.
3. The overheating may further damage the insulation.
When a short circuit occurs in a transformer, it may cause overheating. This
may further damage the insulation.

EXERCISE Replace the repeated nouns in this paragraph with suitable

pronouns where there is no likelihood of confusion
1. A transformer is a device which changes the magnitude of an ac voltage. The
transformer consists of primary coils to which the input is applied, and a
secondary coil from which the output is obtained.
Example: A transformer is a device which changes the magnitude of an ac
voltage. It consists of primary coils to which the input is applied, and a
secondary coil from which the output is obtained.
2. The transformer consists of primary coils and a secondary coil. The coils are
insulated and wound round a former.
3. The coils are insulated and wound round a former. The coils have a core of
soft iron on which the former is mounted.
4. The coils have a core of soft iron on which the former is mounted. The core is
made from many thin sheets or laminations.
5. The sheets are oxidized so that the sheets are insulated from each other.
6. The sheets are oxidized. Oxidizing the sheets reduces eddy losses.

1.3. WRITING
1.3.1. Simple instructions use the infinitive.
Example:
1. Measure the collector current..
2. Switch off the supply
3. Do not solder transistors without a heat – shunt.
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1.3.2. Simple instructions use the present passive.

Example:
1. The collector current is measured.
2. The supply is switched off.
3. Transistors are not soldered without a heat – shunt.

EXERCISE Study this description of how batteries are charged

(1) The filler plugs are removed and the battery is connected to the charger. (2) It
must be ensured that the correct polarity is observed and good connections are
made. (3) The charger is then switched on. (4) The charger is switched off when
the battery has been fully charged. (5) The specific gravity of a sample cell is
checked. (6) The filler plugs are replaced and the battery is left to cool before
use.
Now begin a list of instruction for how to charge a battery. Begin like this:
Example:
1. Remove the filler plugs.

1.4. FURTHER READING

EXERCISE 1 Comprehension
Study this passage carefully and answer the questions which follow:
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY
The resistance of metals varies with their temperature. When they get hot, their
resistance increases. When they cool, their resistance falls. The resistance of
some metals and alloys steadily decreases as their temperature is lowered, then
falls suddenly to a eligible value at temperatures a few degrees above absolute
zero (-273oC). In other words, these materials have almost no resistance to an
electric current at very low temperatures. They became almost perfect
conductors. This is called superconductivity. It occurs only with certain
materials, for example lead, and only at very low temperatures.

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The practical applications of superconductivity are limited because of the very

low temperatures required. A number of uses, however, have been proposed. If a
current is induced by a magnetic field in a ring of superconducting material, it
will continue to circulate when the magnetic field is removed. In theory this
could be made use of in the memory cells of computers. Memory cells made of
superconducting materials could store information indefinitely. Because of the
zero resistivity of the cells, the information could be retrieved very quickly, as
fast as 10-6 seconds.
Ninety percent of the total losses in modern transformers is due to the resistance
of the windings. Transformers could be made with windings cooled to the low
temperatures at which superconductivity occurs. The resistance of the windings
would be zero and the transformer would be almost ideal. Similarly a 100%
efficient electric motor has been proposed using the magnetic field of
superconductivity coils.
1. Name a superconducting material.
2. When do materials exhibit superconductivity?
3. Why are the practical applications limited?
4. What applications have been proposed?
5. What advantages would a memory cell made of a superconducting
material have?
6. How efficient would transformers and motors be which used
superconductivity?
EXERCISE 2 Summarizing
Complete this summary of the passage using your answers to EXERCISE 1:
Some materials, for example (1)………., become almost perfect conductors at
(2)………
The applications of superconductivity are limited because (3)…...
Possible uses are (4)………
A superconducting memory cell would allow information (5)…….
A transformer or motor using superconductivity would be (6)………

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1.5. VOCABULARY
Act as (v) Coi nh-, gièng nh-
Antenna (n) ¨ngten
Armoured cable (n) C¸p bäc kim lo¹i
Assemble (v) L¾p ghÐp
Base (n), (v) Ch©n ®Ìn, dùa trªn
Battery (n) Pin, ¾c quy
Behave (v) Coi nh-
Breaker (n) Bé ng¾t
Brush (n) Chæi
Cable (n) C¸p
Cable conduit (n) Vá bäc c¸p
Carbon (n) C¸cbon
Carbon brush (n) Chæi than
Category (n) Lo¹i, mÉu
Cell (n) Pin
Certain (adj) NhÊt ®Þnh, ch¾c ch¾n, chÝnh x¸c
Charge (v) N¹p ®iÖn, pin
Charger (n) Bé n¹p
Circle (n) H×nh trßn
Circuit breaker (n) Bé ng¾t m¹ch
Circular (adj) D¹ng ®-êng trßn
Classify (v) Ph©n lo¹i
Coil (n) Cuén d©y
Collector (current) (n) Dßng cùc gãp
Condition (n) §iÒu kiÖn
Conduct (v) DÉn ®iÖn
Conductor (n) ChÊt dÉn ®iÖn
Conduit (n) Vá bäc
Consumer (n) Ng-êi tiªu thô (®iÖn)

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Contact (n), (v) C«ng t¾c, liªn kÕt víi

Contain (v) Chøa, gåm cã
Core (n) Lâi
Curved (adj) D¹ng h×nh cung, cong
Cylinder (n) H×nh trô
Cylindrical (adj) D¹ng h×nh trô
Damage (v), (n) H- háng, tµn ph¸, ph¸ hñy
Degree (n) B»ng cÊp tr×nh ®é, ®é
Dimension (a) ChiÒu, kÝch th-íc, khæ, cì
Dimensional (adj)
Distribution substation (n) Tr¹m ph©n phèi trung gian, tr¹m cung
cÊp
Domestic (adj) Thuéc gia ®×nh
Domestic consumer (a) Hé tiªu thô
Edge (n) MÐp, biªn, bê
Electric current (n) Dßng ®iÖn
Electrolytic (adj) §iÖn ph©n
Electrolytic capacitor (a) Tô hãa
Electron (n) H¹t ®iÖn tö
Energy (n) N¨ng l-îng
Fall (v) Gi¶m
Feed to (v) TruyÒn tíi, t¶i tíi
Feedback (adj) Håi tiÕp
Feedback voltage (n) §iÖn ¸p håi tiÕp
Filler plug (a) N¾n dßng
Flow (n), (v) Ch¹y, truyÒn (dßng ®iÖn)
Free (adj) Tù do
Free electron (a) H¹t ®iÖn tù do
Full (adj) ®Çy
Fully (adv)

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Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

Germanium (a) Gecmani (1 lo¹i kim lo¹i)

Gravity (n) Lùc hÊp dÉn, lùc hót
Group (n) Nhãm
Heat shunt (n) Má hµn
Heat sink (n) TÊm t¶n nhiÖt
Ignore (v) Bá qua
Illumination (n) §é s¸ng
Instruct (v) ChØ dÉn
Instruction (n) Sù chØ dÉn
Instrument (n) ThiÕt bÞ, dông cô ®o l-êng
Insulate (v) C¸ch ®iÖn
Insulator (n) ChÊt c¸ch ®iÖn
Intermediate substation (n) Tr¹m biÕn ¸p trung gian
Iron (adj), (n) thÐp
Iron core (n) Lâi thÐp
Lamination (n) L¸ thÐp
Latch (n) C¸i chèt, then cµi
Line (n) §-êng d©y ®iÖn
Line (n) §-êng th¼ng
Liquid (adj) ChÊt láng thÓ láng
Lux (n) §¬n vÞ ®o ¸nh s¸ng
Machinery (n) M¸y mãc, thiÕt bÞ , dông cô
Magnet (n) Nam ch©m
Manganin (n) Manganin, hîp kim ®ång
mangan+nicken
Measure (v) ®o
Material (n) ChÊt liÖu, vËt liÖu
Mechanic (n) Thî m¸y, c«ng nh©n c¬ khÝ
Mechanical (adj) C¬ khÝ
Metal (n) Kimlo¹i

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 Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

Metallic (adj) Thuéc kim lo¹i

Metallic oxide (n) ¤xit kim lo¹i
Milliammeter (n) Ampe kÕ
Mixture (n) Sù hçn hîp
Motor pole shoe (n) §Çu cùc m«t¬
Move (v) Di chuyÓn, rêi
Movement (n) Sù di chuyÓn, sù rêi ®i
Non-metal (a) Phi kim
Nylon (n) Nil«ng
Observe (v) KiÓm tra, gi¸m s¸t
Pass to (v) TruyÓn t¶i, t¶i qua
Path (n) §-êng truyÒn
Perfect (adj) Hoµn h¶o
Permision (n) Sù cho phÐp
Permit ( v) Cho phÐp, chÊp nhËn
Place (n), (v) N¬i chèn; ®Æt, ®Ó (vÞ trÝ)
Pointed (adj) D¹ng h×nh chän
Polarity (n) Ph©n cùc
Pole piece (a) §Çu cùc, b¶n cùc
Pole shoe (a) §Çu cùc
Poor conductor (n) ChÊt dÉn kÐm
Porcelain (a) Sø, ®å sø
Precision (a) §é chÝnh x¸c
Precision instrument (n) ThiÕt bÞ ®o ®é chÝnh x¸c cao
Pull (v) KÐo
Push (v) §Èy
Quantity (a) Sè l-îng
Rapidly (adv) Nhanh
Readily (adv) Hoµn toµn
Rectangle (a) Tam gi¸c

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Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

Rectify(v) ChØnh l-u

Release (v) Gi¶i phãng, gi¶i tho¸t
Remove (v) Th¸o (æ c¾m)
Replace (v) Rót bá, thay thÕ
Require (v) Yªu cÇu, ®ßi hái
Resistance (n) §¬n vÞ ®iÖn trë
Rise (v) T¨ng
Risk (a) Rñi ro, tæn hao, tæn thÊt
Rotor (a) R«to, phÇn ®éng, phÇn quay
Rounded (adj) D¹ng h×nh trßn
Rubber (n) Cao su
Salt water (n) N-íc muèi
Sample (n) MÉu
Saw-tooth wave (n) Sãng d¹ng r¨ng c-a
Semi-circle (a) B¸n nguyÖt
Semi -circular (adj) D¹ng h×nh b¸n nguyÖt
Semiconductor (n) ChÊt b¸n dÉn
Shaft (n) Trôc
Shape (n) H×nh , khèi
Silicon (n) Silic
Solder (v) Hµn
Solenoid (n) Cuén s«lªnoit (cuén d©y K1 trë nªn
cã tõ tÝnh khi cã dßng ®iÖn ch¹yqua
Specific gravity (n) Khèi l-îng riªng
Sphere (n H×nh cÇu
Spherical (adj) D¹ng h×nh cÇu
Spring (n) Lß xo
Square (n), (adj) H×nh vu«ng
Starter motor brush (n) Chæi than khëi ®éng (chæi vãt)
Step down (v) Gi¶m xuèng

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 Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

Straight (adj) Cã d¹ng ®-êng th¼ng

Substance (n) VËt chÊt, ch©t liÖu
Substation (n) Tr¹m ®iÖn, nhµ m¸y ®iÖn
Supply (n) Nguån cÊp, cung cÊp
Switch off (v) T¾t
Switch on (v) BËt
Temperature (n) NhiÖt ®é
Temperature-sensing device (n) ThiÕt bÞ c¶m øng nhiÖt
Therefore (adv) V× vËy, do vËy
Thermistore (n) NhiÖt biÕn trë
Torch body (n) ®Ìn pin
Toward (adv) VÒ phÝa
Transformer (n) M¸y biÕn ¸p
Transformer lamination (n) L¸ thÐp biÕn ¸p
Tube (n) H×nh èng
Tubular (adj) D¹ng h×nh èng
Tuning capacitor (n) Tô ®iÒu h-ëng
Value (a) Gi¸ trÞ
Variable capacitor (n) Tô xoay, tô biÕn thiªn
Wave (n) Sãng
Widely (adj)) Mét c¸ch réng r·i

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Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

UNIT 2: CIRCUIT ELEMENTS

Current moves from a point of high potential energy to one of low

potential. It can only do so if there is a path for it to follow. This path is called an
electric circuit. All circuits contain four elements: a source, a load, a
transmission system and a control.
The source provides the electromotive force. This establishes the
difference in potential which makes current flow possible. The source can be any
device which supplies electrical energy. For example, it may be a generator or a
battery.
The load converts the electrical energy from the source into some other
form of energy. For instance, a lamp changes electrical energy into light and
heat. The load can be any electrical device.
The transmission system conducts the current round the circuit. Any
conductor can be part of a transmission system. Most systems consist of wires. It
is often possible, however, for the metal frame of a unit to be one section of its
transmission system. For example, the metal chassis of many electrical devices
are used to conduct current. Similarly, the body of a car is part of its electrical
transmission system.
The control regulates the current flow in the circuit. It may control the
current by limiting it, as does a rheostat, or by interrupting it, as does a switch.

wires

4.5v 0.3w bulb

Figure 2.1: Torch body

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 Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

Relay

Battery
Television Load
of solar
Camera
cells

wires
Figure 2.2: Transmission system

Study Fig. 2.1. In this simple flashlight circuit, the source comprises three
1.5V cells in series. The load is a 0.3 W bulb. Part of the transmission system is
the metal body of the flashlight, and the control is a sliding switch.
Compare Fig. 2.2. The function of this circuit is to operate a television
camera aboard a space satellite. Here the source is a battery of solar cells. A
solar cell is an electric cell which converts sunlight into electrical energy. The
load is the television camera. The transmission system is the connecting wires.
The control is a relay actuated by transmissions from ground control. Although
the function of this circuit is much more complex than that of the flashlight, it
too consists of the four basic elements.

2.1. READING COMPREHENSION

EXERCISE 1 Answer the questions
1. What is an electric circuit?
2. How many elements does a circuit contain? What are they?
3. How does the load convert the electrical energy?
4. What is a solar cell?

EXERCISE 2 What do the pronouns in italics in these sentences refer to?

1. Current moves from a point of high potential energy to one of low potential.
(line 1+2)
A. current B. energy C. a point
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2. For example, it may be a generator or a battery (line 7+8)

A. the source B. a device C. electromotive force
3. It is often possible, however, for the metal frame of a unit to be one section of
its transmission system. (line 14+15)
A. the metal frame‘ s B. the unit‘ s C. the circuit‘ s
4. Although the function of this circuit is much more complex than that of the
flashlight, it too consists of the four basic elements. (line 28+29)
A. the satellite circuit B. the function C. the flashlight

EXERCISE 3 Decide if these statements are True (T) or False (F)

1. A difference in potential is required before current can flow in a circuit.
2. A generator is a source of electromotive force.
3. Loads convert electrical energy into light and heat
4. Transmission systems must consist of wires.
5. A rheostat may be used as a control.
6. The load in the flashlight circuit is a bulb.
7. The source in the satellite circuit is a solar cell.
8. The current flow in the satellite circuit is regulated by a relay.
9. The flashlight circuit differs basically from the satellite circuit.

EXERCISE 4 Rewrite the following sentences, replacing the words in

italics with expressions from the passage which have a similar meaning
1. A lamp converts electrical energy into light.
2. The generator provides the circuit with electromotive force.
3. The metal frame of the oscilloscope is part of its transmission system.
4. The rheostat controls the current flow in the circuit.
5. A battery of solar cells supplies power to the circuit.

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2.2. USE OF LANGUAGE

2.2.1. Describing function
When we answer the question “ What does X do?” , we describe the function of
X.
We can use the following structures:
- S+V+O
Example:
What does a fuse do? It protects a circuit.
- The function of + N +is + to V
Example:
The function of a fuse is to protect a circuit.

EXERCISE Match a component in column A with a function in column

B and write complete sentences using the patterns to describe the function
Column A

1) 2)

Resistor Capacitor

3) 4)

Variable resistor Variable capacitor

5) 6)

Transformer Fuse

mA
7) 8)

Switch Milliammeter
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Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

9) 10)

Diode Antenna
Column B
(a) adds capacitance to a circuit
(b) rectifies alternating currents
(c) adds resistance to a circuit
(d) measures very small currents
(e) breaks a circuit
(f) protects a circuit
(g) varies the current in a circuit
(h) transforms ac voltages
(i) receives rf signals
(j) selects a frequency
For example: 1-c: A resistor adds resistance to a circuit

2.2.2. Describing purpose

When we answer the question “ What is X for?” , we describe the purpose of X.
We can use the following structure:
- It is used for + Ving
Example:
What is an ammeter for? It is for measuring current.
- It is used + to V
Example:
It is used to measure current.
- S + V + with + N

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 Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

Example:
We measure current with an ammeter.
- S + V +O + Ving + N
Example:
We measure current using an ammeter.

EXERCISE 1 Match an instrument or a tool in column A with a purpose

in column B and write complex sentences using any of the structures to
describe purpose
Column A Column B
1. a voltmeter a. measure very small current
2. a soldering iron b. cut wires
3. a milliammeter c. reduce heat
4. an oscilloscope d. measure resistance
5. a heat sink e. show variations in an electric current
6. wire – clippers f. generate signals
7. a megohmmeter g. measure voltage
8. an ohmmeter h. charge batteries
9. a signal generator i. solder connections
10. a battery charger j. measure very high resistance
For example: 1 – g: A voltmeter is used to measure voltage.

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EXERCISE 2 Describing means

Study this diagram. It shows the controls of an oscilloscope. Some of them have
been numbered.

Study this information about the focus control:

Control Function Means
Focuses the electron Varies the potential on
7 FOCUS
lens anode 2-
Using this information, we can answer three questions:
1. What does the focus control do?
2. What is the focus control for?
3. How does the focus control work?
Question 1 is about function. As you have seen, we can answer it like this:
The focus control focuses the electron lens.
Question 2 is about purpose. We can answer it like this:
The focus control is for focusing the electron lens.
Question 3 is about means. It asks for an explanation of how the focus control
works. We can answer it in this way:

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 Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

The focus control focuses the electron lens by varying the potential on anode2-
Or we can say:
The focus control varies the potential on anode 2-, there by focusing the electron
lens.
Now ask and answer questions about the function, purpose and means of
operation of the controls listed in this table.
Control Function Means
1 FOCUS Focus the electric lens Alters the biasing of the
X amplifier
2 BRIGHTNESS Varies the intensity of the Varies a resistor in the
beam timebase oscillator
3 X SHIFT Moves the trace along the Alters the gain of the Y
X axis amplifier
4 Y SHIFT Moves the trace along the Alters the biasing of the
Y axis Y amplifier
5 COARSE Selects the approximate Varies the potential on
FREQUENCY time base frequency anode
6 FINE Adjust the timebase Varies the negative
FREQUENCY frequency potential on the grid
7 Y GAIN Control the signal Selects a capacitor in the
amplification timebase oscillator.
1. What does……….. do?
2. How does………….. work?
3. What is………….. for?

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2.2.3. Qualification (however, but, although)

Study these sentences:
1. All metals are conductors.
2. Some metals do not conduct well.
Sentences 2 qualifies sentence 1. We can link a statement and a qualification
using however, but or although.
Examples
1. All metals are conductors; however some metals do not conduct well.
2. All metals are conductors but some do not conduct well.
3. Although all metals are conductors, some do not conduct well.

EXERCISE 1 Link each of the statements in the left-hand column with a

suitable qualification (however, but, although) and statements from the right
– hand column.
Example: (1 – c)  The unit of capacitance is the farad; however, capitance is
usually measured in microfarads or picofarads.
1. The unit of capacitance is the a. Valves are still used in large
farad. transmitters
2. In an ideal transformer there b. For professional work a tolerance
would be no loss. of 1 or 2% is required
3. Moving – iron meters can c. Capitance is usually measured in
measure a voltages without a rectifier microfarads or picofarads
4. Resistors usually have a d. In practice there is always some
tolerance of or 10% loss
5. Semiconductors have replaced e. Moving – coil meters with
valves in most applications rectifiers are preferred

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EXERCISE 2 Qualification
When we qualify a statement, it is common to give a reason for the qualification.
Example:
Mica is an excellent dielectric. Statement
It is not used for making large capacitors. Qualification
The cost would be excessive Reason
 Mica is an excellent dielectric but it is not used for making large capacitors
because the cost would be excessive.
Match the complete sentences in EXERCISE 1 with one of the sentence in this
exercise and write full sentences using “because, because of”
Example: (1 – c – 2)  The unit of capacitance is the farad; however, capitance
is usually measured in microfarads or picofarads because the farad is too large a unit
1. the resistance of the windings
2. the farad is too large a unit
3. higher standards of accuracy are needed
4. the very high powers required
5. they do not absorb so much power from the circuit

2.3. WRITING
EXERCISE 1
One use of defining relative clause is to make definitions. Study this diagram:

(a) a solar cell

is

(b) an electric cell

which (c) converts sunlight into
electrical energy

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Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

We can make a definition of a solar cell by joining (a), (b) and (c)
A solar cell is an electric cell which converts sunlight into electrical energy.
a) b) c)
A generator A material Measures light
An insulator Readily releases electrons
An alternating current An instrument Flows first in one direction, then in
the other
A direct current Does not readily release electrons
A resistor A current Impedes the flow of current in a
circuit
A conductor Measures current
A light meter A device Converts mechanical energy into
electrical energy
An ammeter Flows in one direction only

EXERCISE 2 Relative clauses : Adding information to a passage

Use non- defining relative clauses to add extra information to this paragraph
about a relay. This extra information is given below the paragraph.

Electric relays (1) ……. utilize the magnetic effect of a current in a solenoid.
One of the most common types (2) ….. consists of a solenoid with a soft-iron
core. When energized by a suitable Dc current, the solenoid attracts an armature
(3) …….. The armature is pivoted in such a way that it pushes together or pulls

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 Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

apart a set of contacts (4) ….. These contacts (5) ….. control one or more
circuits. Normally these circuits draw a much heavier current than the relay coil
itself.
1. Electric relays are widely used in telecommunications.
2. The most common type of relay is known as the hinged armature relay.
3. The armature is also made of soft iron.
4. The sets of contacts are mounted on the body of the relay.
5. The contacts are often made of platinum.
Example: 1. which are widely used in telecommunications
EXERCISE 3 Join the following groups of sentences to make ten longer
sentences. Use the words printed in italics above each group. You may omit
words and make whatever changes you think are necessary in the word order
and punctuation of the sentences
1. Which
A resistor is a device.
A resistor is used to add resistance to a circuit.
2. both
Many types of resistors are made.
Fixed and variable resistors are made.
3. either…or…
Most resistors are made from two materials.
Resistance wire and compressed graphite are used.
4. such as, which
Wire sound resistors consist of a coil of resistance wire.
Nichrome is a resistance wire.
The resistance wire is wound on a former.

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Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

5. to
A ceramic coating is applied over the winding.
The ceramic coating insulates the winding.
6. for example
For small currents, carbon resistors are used.
Small currents are usual in radio work.
7. which
Carbon resistors are made of compressed graphite.
The graphite is formed into small tubes.
8. which
Connections are made with wires.
The wires are attached to the end of the resistor.
9. either…or…
Variable resistors may have a coil of resistance wire.
Variable resistors may have a carbon track.
10. so that
The wire or track is mounted.
A sliding contact can rub over it to select the resistance required.

2.4. FURTHER READING

EXERCISE 1 Comprehension
Study this passage carefully and answer the questions which follow:
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC (MHD) GENERATION
In conventional power generation, fuel such as oil or coal is burned. The burning
fuel heats boilers to produce steam. The steam is used to drive turbo- alternators.
The MHD process generates electricity without requiring a boiler or a turbine.
MHD generation works on the principle that when a conductor cuts a magnetic
field, a current flows through the conductor. In MHD generation the conductor is
an ionized gas. Small amounts of metal are added to the gas to improve its
conductivity. This is called seeding the gas. The seeded gas is then pumped at a
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 Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

high temperature and pressure through a strong magnetic field. The electrons in
the gas are collected at an electrode. This movement of electrons constitutes a
current flow.
Two methods of MHD generation can be used: the open-cycle and the closed-
cycle. In the open-cycle method the hot gas is discharged. In the closed-cycle
method it is recirculated.
The open-cycle method uses gas from burning coal or oil. The gas is seeded and
then passed through a magnetic field to generate current. The seeding elements
are recovered and the gas can then be used to drive a turbine before being
allowed to escape.
The closed-cycle method uses an inert gas, such as helium, which is heated
indirectly. The gas is circulated continually through the MHD generator.
MHD generation is still in its early stages but already an efficiency rate of 60%
has been reached. This compares with a maximum of 40% from conventional
power stations.
1. How does the MHD process differ from conventional systems?
2. What principle does MHD generation make use of?
3. What form does the conductor take in the MHD process?
4. What happens to the gas?
5. What methods of MHD generation are in use?
6. How do the two methods differ?
7. How does the efficiency of this process compare with conventional system?

EXERCISE 2 Summarizing
Complete this summary of the passage using your answers to Exercise 1:
Unlike conventional power generation, the MHD process does not require
(1)…………….
It operates on the principle that (2)……………
The conductor is an ionized gas seeded with (3)…………….
It is pumped at a high temperature and pressure (4)……………

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Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

Two methods can be used: (5)……………….

In the open-cycle method gas from oil or coal is passed through a magnetic field
and then used to drive a turbine before (6)…………….., whereas in the closed-
cycle method (7)………………
The MHD process has an efficiency rate of (8)……………. compared with
(9)……………….. for conventional stations.

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2.5. VOCABULARY
Actuate (v) Khëi ®éng, kÝch thÝch hoat ®éng
Adjust (v) §iÒu chØnh
Alter (v) BiÕn ®æi, thay ®æi
Ammeter (n) Ampe kÕ
Amplification (n) Sù khuÕch ®¹i
Anode (n) Anèt, cùc +
Axis (n) Trôc
Basic (adj) C¬ b¶n
Beam (n) Chïm tia (®iÖn tö)
Biasing (n). §é dèc, ®é nghiªng, ®é tr-ît
Brightness (n) §é s¸ng
Capacitance (n) §iÖn dung
Capacitor (n) Tô
Carbon resistor (n) §iÖn trë cacbon
Carbon track (n) Sù t¹o vÕt c¸c bon, vÖt than
Cathode (n) Catèt, cùc –
Ceramic (adj) Sø
Ceramic coating (ri) Líp, côm bäc sø
Change (v) Thay ®æi
Chassis (n) Khung
Coarse frequency (n) ChØnh th« tÇn sè
Complex (adj) Phøc t¹p
Compressed graphite (n) GraphÝt nÐn, than Ðp
Comprise (v) Gåm, chøa ®ùng
Connecting wire (n) D©y nèi
Convert (v) ChuyÓn ®æi thµnh, biÕn thµnh
Current source (n) Nguån dßng ®iÖn
Direction (n) H-íng, ph-¬ng h-íng
Electric circuit (n) M¹ch ®iÖn

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Gi¸o tr×nh tiÕng Anh chuyªn ngµnh §iÖn

Electric component (n) Linh kiÖn ®iÖn

Electrical energy (n) §iÖn n¨ng
Electromotive force (n) Søc ®iÖn ®éng
Electron beam (n) Chïm ®iÖn tö, tia ®iÖn tö
Electron lens (n) ThÊu kÝnh electron
Element (n) Thµnh phÇn, thµnh tè
Energy source (n) Nguån n¨ng l-îng
Establish (v) LËp thµnh, t¹o thµnh
Fine frequency (n) Tinh chØnh tÇn sè
Fixed resistor (n) ®iÖn trë cè ®Þnh
Flashlight (n) §Ìn chíp, ®Ìn nh¸y
Flashlight circuit (n) M¹ch nh¸y chíp
Focus (n) Tiªu ®iÓm
follow (v) Theo
Force (n) Lùc
Form (n) D¹ng, h×nh d¹ng, kiÓu
Former (n) Khu«n
Frame (n) Khung
Function (n) Chøc n¨ng
Gain (n) HÖ sè khuyÕch ®¹i
Generate (v) Ph¸t ®iÖn
Generator (n) M¸y ph¸t
Grid (n) L-íi, m¹ng l-íi
Ground control (n) TiÕp ®Êt
Ideal transformer (n) M¸y biÕn ¸p lý t-ëng
In practice (n) Thùc tÕ
Intensity (n) C-êng ®é
Interrupt (v) Ng¾t, lµm gi¸n ®o¹n
Lamp (n) §Ìn bµn
Lens (n) ThÊu kÝnh

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Light (n) ¸nh s¸ng

Light meter (n) §ång hå ®o ¸nh s¸ng
Limit (v) H¹n chÕ, ng¨n chÆn
Load (n), (v) Phô t¶i
Loss (n) Tæn hao, tæn thÊt
Means (n) Ph-¬ng tiÖn, ý nghÜa
Mechanical energy (n) C¬ n¨ng
Meter (n) §ång hå ®o
Metal oxide semiconductor (n) ChÊt b¸n dÉn kim lo¹i « xÝt
Moving-iron meter (n) ThiÕt bÞ ®o kiÓu
Nichrome (n) Hîp chÊt nicken
Operate (v) VËn hµnh, ho¹t ®éng
Oscillator (n) M¸y dao ®éng sãng
Point (n) §iÓm
Possible (adj) Cã thÓ
Potential (adj) Thuéc ®iÖn thÕ
Potential energy (n) §iÖn thÕ
Professional (adj) Thuéc chuyªn m«n
Professiona1 work (n) C«ng viÖc chuyªn m«n
Resistance ratio (n) Tû lÖ ®iÖn trë
Regulate (v) §iÒu chØnh
Relay (n) R¬ le
Rheostat (n) BiÕn trë
Satellite (n) VÖ tinh
Select (v) Chän lùa, chän
Selection (n) Sù lùa chän
Shift (n) Nót
Signal (n) TÝn hiÖu
Sliding switch (n) CÇu dao tr-ît
Solar cell (n) Pin mÆt trêi

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Source (n) Nguån

Space satellite (n) VÖ tinh kh«ng gian
Sunlight (n) ¸nh s¸ng mÆt trêi
Switch (n) C«ng t¾c
Television camera (n) M¸y quay h×nh
Time base frequency (n) TÇn sè quÐt
Timebase oscillator (n) M¸y t¹o quÐt
Tolerance (n) Dung sai, sai sè
Trace (n) VÖt
Track (n) VÖt, vÕt, r·nh
Transmission (n) Sù truyÒn t¶i
Transmission system (n) HÖ thèng truyÒn t¶i
Transmit (v) TruyÒn t¶i
Transmitter (n) Bé truyÒn, m¸y truyÒn
Type (n) Lo¹i, kiÓu lo¹i
Valve (n) Van, ®Ìn ®iÖn tö
Variable resistor (n) BiÕn trë
Voltage source (n) Nguån ®iÖn ¸p
Wirewound resistor (n) §iÖn trë d©y quÊn

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UNIT 3: THE DC MOTOR

An electric motor is a machine for converting electrical energy into

mechanical energy. Motors can be designed to run on direct (DC) or alternating
current (AC). Its most important parts are the rotor, the stator and the brush gear.
The rotor is the moving part. It contains an armature, which is a set of wire
loops wound on a steel core. When current is fed to the armature, these windings
produce a magnetic field. The armature and core are mounted on a shaft which
runs on bearings. It provides a means of transmitting power from the motor.
The rotor also contains a commutator. This consists of a number of copper
segments insulated from one another. The armature windings are connected to
these segments. Carbon brushes are held in contact with the commutator by
springs. These brushes allow current to pass to the armature windings. As the
rotor turns, the commutator acts as a switch making the currents in the armature
alternate.
The stator does not move. It consists of magnetic and electrical
conductors. The magnetic circuit is made up of the frames and the poles. Wound
round the poles are the field coils. These form of the stator‘ s electrical circuit.
When current is fed to them, a magnetic field is set up in the stator.
The motor operates on the principle that when a current-carrying
conductor is placed in a magnetic field, a force is produced on the conductor.
The interaction of the forces produced by the magnetic field of the rotor and the
stator makes the rotor spin.

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1. brush bar 10. driving end bearing

2. brushes 11. fan hub
3. brush holder 12. armature coils
4. brush pressure (commutator winding)
5. terminals (main) 13. main pole bolt
6. interpole 14. main pole
7. interpole coil winding 15. main pole coil winding
8. fan 16. commutator segments
9. driving shaft 17. commutator end bearing
18. armature core

FIGURE 3.1: DC Motor

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3.1. READING COMPREHENSION

EXERCISE 1 Answer the questions
1. What is an electric motor used for?
2. What are the most important parts of a motor?
3. What does a rotor contain? What are the features of these parts?
4. What does a stator consist of? What are the features of these parts?
5. What is the main difference between a rotor and a stator?
6. What is the operation principle of a motor?

EXERCISE 2 Choose the word with the closest meaning to the italic word
1. provides (line 7)
A. produces
B. supplies
C. allows
2. segments (line 10)
A. sections
B. pieces
C. wires
3. alternate (line 13 )
A. reverse
B. change
C. flow in one direction then in another
4. interaction (line 20 )
A. acting together
B. operation
C. result

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EXERCISE 3 Basing on the above passage, complete the following diagram

Dc motor

1. 2. Brushgear

3. commutator Magnetic Electrical 4.

conductors conductors

5. 7. 8.

6. poles

core

3.2. USE OF LANGUAGE

3.2.1. Describing the parts
The following verbs can be used to break down a piece of equipment into its
component parts. Note how they are used.
- ―to consist of, to comprise, to be composed of, to be made up of‖ are used to
show that there are only part B and part C in the device A.
- ―to contain, to include‖ are used to show that there are not only part B and part
C in the device A, but there are also other parts.
Example:
- A variable wirewound resistor consists of tags, a sliding contact, a
rotating shaft and a wirewound track.
- A lamp circuit contains a source and a lamp.

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EXERCISE 1 According to the following passage, complete the diagram

TRANSFORMER
A simple transformer consists of two coils, a primary and a secondary, wound on
a former which is mounted on a soft-iron core. The coils are made up of a
number of turns of insulated wire: The core is composed of thin laminations.
Either E- and I- or U- and T-shaped laminations are used. The former is mounted
on the centre limb of the E or T.

6…..… 7…..…

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EXERCISE 2 Describing the parts

Describe the parts of the following devices using diagrams.

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7. A power supply

8. A choke
Example:
1.
A carbon
resistor

Ceramic Carbon rod Connecting End-sealing End cap

housing wire compound forced on
metal sprayed
end

3.2.2. Expressing an advice and an emphasis

We can use the following structures:
- ― should + be + Ved‖ to express an advice
- ― must + be + Ved‖ to express an emphasis
Read the following directions
1. Use a high-resistance voltmeter.
2. Do not insert a fuse in an earth conductor
They can be transformed into: ― should + be + Ved‖ to express an advice:

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1. A high-resistance voltmeter should be used.

2. A fuse should not be inserted in an earth conductor.
They can also be transformed into: ― must + be + Ved‖ to express an emphasis:
1. A high-resistance voltmeter must be used.
2. A fuse must not be inserted in an earth conductor.

EXERCISE Read the following directions and transform them into

“ should be Ved” or “ must be Ved”
1. Use heat shunts when soldering.
Example:
 Heat shunts should be used when soldering.
 Heat shunts must be used when soldering.
2. Do not connect or disconnect transistors with the power on.
3. Do not use an ohmmeter for checking transistors unless a safe voltage or
current range is used.
4. Keep sharp bends in the leads at least 1-5 mm away from the transistor body.
5. Do not exceed the reverse breakdown voltage.

3.2.3. Relative clause with prepositions

When there is a preposition in the relative clause it is obliged to keep the
preposition at a right preposition. We can put the preposition at its original
position or put it before relative pronoun.
Read the following sentences
1. The resistor has a value of 33000 ohms.
2. The capacitor is connected across the resistor.
These are the ways to link the two sentences using relative clause:
1+2: The resistor which the capacitor is connected across has a value of 33000
ohms. (The preposition ― across‖ is kept in its original position, after the verb
― connected‖ )

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Or 1+2: The resistor across which the capacitor is connected has a value of
33000 ohms. (The preposition ‗ across‘ must be kept in the relative clause and it
is put before the relative pronoun ‗ which‘ )

EXERCISE Link the following sentences using relative clauses

1. The range is 0-1000 volts.
The meter can operate over the range.
Example: The range is 0-1000 volts over which the meter can operate.
2. A battery is a device.
The device changes chemical energy into electrical energy.
3. Power supplies are used to drive DC motors.
The power supplies use thyristor rectifiers.
4. The capacitor has a value of 27pF.
The signal is passed through the capacitor.
5. The telephone is a device.
The device uses the magnetic effect of a current.
6. The receiver can only be used with headphones.
The headphones have a high impedence.
7. The plates are known as X and Y plates.
The beam passes between the plates.
8. The rotor contains a commutator.
The commutator acts as a switch.

3.2.4. Linking words of cause and result

- Statement + reason: since, as, for the reason that
- Statement + result: hence, consequently, for this reason
If linking words consist of more than one syllable, use comma before them.
Example:
- Dc motors are used for cranes, for the reason that their speed can be finely
controlled.

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- The current rose above the maximum. Consequently the circuit breaker opened.
- Copper is often used for cables since it is a good conductor.

EXERCISE Link the following sentences using linking words (because,

since, as, but, for this reason, for the reason that, hence, consequently…)
1. Conventional current flow is from positive to negative.
In fact electrons flow from negative to positive.
Example: Conventional current flow is from positive to negative, because in fact
electrons flow from negative to positive.
2. Alternators are preferred to dynamos for cars.
Alternators give higher outputs at low speeds.
3. Dirt and dust reduce effective light.
Lamps must be kept clean.
4. Squirrel cage motors are simple, cheap and strong.
Squirrel cage motors are used for many general duties.
5. It is convenient to describe magnetic lines of force.
In reality magnetic lines of force do not exist.
6. Transistorized equipment is easily portable.
Transistors can operate from battery voltages.
7. Ultrasonic welding is better than heat welding.
The materials are not distorted.
8. Watchmakers work with very small parts.
Watchmakers require a lot of light.

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3.3. WRITING
EXERCISE 1 Read the following passage and complete the diagram.
TESTING A DC MOTOR
The supply should be disconnected by opening the main switch and
removing the fuses. Both starter input terminals are joined together and
connected to one terminal of the megohmmeter. The other lead of the
megohmmeter is connected to the motor frame. The megohmeter generator
should be rotated at about 160 rpm and a reading taken.
If the resistance is found to be low, then the starter should be isolated and the
test repeated on the starter alone. If the resistance is still low, then the starter
coils should be checked individually until the fault is located. If the resistance of
the starter is high, then the fault must lie in the motor and not in the starter. The
brushes should be lifted off the commutator and the field windings and
brushgear tested. If the resistance is satisfactory, then the armature only should
be tested. If the resistance is low, then the field windings and brushgear should
be tested separately until the fault is located.

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start
1. open the main 2.
switch and remove the
fuses

4. 3.

5. rotate the
megohmmeter
generator and take a
The motor
reading If the reading is and starter
high are not faulty

If the reading is low

The starter
6. If the reading is is faulty
low

If the reading is high

7.

8. The
If the reading is armature is
high faulty

If the reading is low

9. check the field coils

and brushgear
separately

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EXERCISE 2 Link the following sentences. You can add, remove words,
change the word position or use punctuations if necessary
1. A zinc case is used as a container for the cell.
The zinc case is used as the negative electrode.
Example: A zinc case is used as both a container for the cell and the negative
electrode.
2. A carbon rod forms the positive electrode.
The carbon rod is in the centre of the cell.
3. The space between the zinc case and the carbon rod is filled with a paste of
ammonium chloride.
The paste also is used as an electrolyte.
4. The electrolyte is a paste and not a liquid.
This type of cell is called a dry cell.
5. The paste also contains manganese dioxide.
The manganese dioxide prevents gas being formed.
6. The cell is sealed with a cap.
The cap is made of metal or plastic.
The cap is to prevent the paste coming out.
7. A small space is left below the cap.
Gas formed by the cell can collect in the space.
8. Dry cells are usually enclosed in a cardboard case.
An additional metal jacket may be added.
The jacket makes the cell leakproof.
9. Leakproof cells are often prefered.
The electrolyte cannot leak out.
The cell ages.
10. Leaking electrolyte may damage the equipment.
The cells are installed in the equipment.

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3.4. FURTHER READING

EXERCISE 1 Guess the meaning
Read the title and the first sentence of each paragraph and decide what the
passage is about.
THE EFFECTS OF AN ELECTRIC CURRENT
The effects of an electric current are thermal, luminous, chemical and
magnetic. When a current flows through a conductor it may heat the conductor.
This heat is sometimes undesirable and has to be reduced. For this reason many
electric motors and generators contain a fan. However, domestic appliances,
such as electric cookers and many industrial processes depend on the heating
effect of an electric current.
The passage of a current may produce light. This can happen in a number
of ways. The heat generated by the current may be so great that the conductor
becomes incandescent. For example, the filament of a light bulb emits intense
white light when heated by a current. Light is also produced when a current
ionizes a gas. The colour of the light will vary according to the gas used.
Mercury vapour lamps give a greenish-blue light.
An electric current can separate a chemical compound into its
components. This is called electrolysis. Chlorine is generated by the electrolysis
of salt water. Electrolysis can also be used to break down water into hydrogen
and oxygen. Because pure water does not conduct well, sulphuric acid has to be
added before the electrolysis takes place.
A current flowing through a conductor creates a magnetic field around it.
This field has three applications. It can magnetize magnetic materials and attract
them to conductor. The electric relay works on this principle. If the magnetic
field is cut by another conductor, an electromotive force will be induced in that
conductor. For instance, the change in current flowing through the primary of the
transformer will induce a current in the secondary. This principle is also used in
generators. Thirdly, if a current - carrying conductor is placed in the magnetic
field, a force will be exerted on it. This effect is utilized in the electric motor.

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EXERCISE 2 Note-taking
Read the above passage carefully and complete the following notes.
Effects of electric current:
- thermal
- (1)…………
- (2)…………
- magnetic
Heat can be
- undesirable e.g. motor
- (3) ……..e.g. cooker
Light
- from incandescent conductor e.g (4)……………
- from (5)……. e.g. vapour lamp
(6) ………= breakdown of chemical compound e.g. salt water into chlorine
Current flowing in conductor (7)………round it.
Magnetic field has 3 applications:
- (8)………….e.g relay
- induce emf in another conductor e.g (9)………...
- (10) ………….e.g motor

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3.5. VOCABULARY
Application (n) øng dông
Armature (n) Cuén øng
Bearing (n) æ , vßng bi
Bolt (n) C¸i èc
Brush (v) C¸i chæi
Commutator (n) Cæ gãp
Compound (n) Hîp chÊt
Depend (v) Phô thuéc vµo
Domestic appliance (n) §iÖn gia dông
Effect (n) T¸c dông
Electrolysis (n) §iÖn ph©n
Exert (v) T¸c dông
Fault (n) Lçi
Feed (v) (fed - fed) N¹p
Fuse (n) CÇu ch×
Heat (n) Lµm nãng
Incandescent (adj) Chãi s¸ng
Induce (v) C¶m øng
Intense (adj) Cùc m¹nh
Interaction (n) T-¬ng t¸c
Ionize (v) Ion ho¸
Lie(v) N»m
Locate(v) §Þnh vÞ
Loop (n) Vßng
Megohmmeter (n) Mª «m kÕ
Mercury (n) Thuû ng©n
Pole (n) Cùc
Principle (n) Nguyªn t¾c
Relay (n) R¬ le

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Segment (n) SÐc m¨ng, thanh

Shaft (n) Trôc
Spring (n) Lß xo
Starter (n) Bé khëi ®éng
Switch (n) C«ng t¾c
Terminal (n) Cæng
Utilize (v) Sö dông
Vary (v) Thay ®æi
Winding (n) Cuén d©y

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UNIT 4: THE CATHODE RAY TUBE

The cathode ray tube (crt) is used in oscilloscopes, radar receivers and
television sets. The type described here is that used in oscilloscopes. By means
of a crt, an oscilloscope not only shows the size of a signal, but also how the
signal varies with time. In other words it shows the waveform of the signal.
The crt operates as follows. First electrons are emitted from a heated
cathode. Then these electrons are formed accelerated to give them velocity. Next
they are formed into a beam which can be deflected vertically and horizontally.
Finally, they are made to strike a screen coated on its inner surface with a
phosphor.
The crt comprises an electron gun and deflection system enclosed in a glass
tube with a phosphor coated screen. The electron gun forms the electrons into a
beam. It contains a cathode which is heated to produce a stream of electrons. On
the same axis as the cathode is a cylinder known as the grid. By varying the
negative potential on the grid, the intensity of the beam can be varied. A system
of three anodes follows. These accelerate the beam and also operate as a lens to
focus the beam on the screen as a small dot. Varying the potential on the central
anode, allows the focus to be adjusted.
On leaving the electron gun, the beam passes through two sets of plates
which are at right angles to each other. The first set of plates is the Y plates. As
these are nearer the anodes, they have a greater effect on the beam. Therefore the
signal is applied to this set. They control the vertical deflection of the beam. The
second set is the X plates. On an oscilloscope the output from a timebase
oscillator is applied across these plates as a means of moving the beam
horizontally at regular intervals. Hence the horizontal axis of an oscilloscope is
the time axis by means of the deflection system. Then, the beam can be made to
traverse the screen both horizontally and vertically.

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The final element is the phosphor-coated screen. When the electron beam
strikes the screen, the phosphor coating fluoresces. Various colours of light are
produced depending on the phosphor used.

Figure 4.1: Cathode ray tube

4.1. READING COMPREHENSION

EXERCISE 1 Answer the questions
1. Why is an oscilloscope better than a meter?
2. What is the source of electrons for the electron beam?
3. What is the function of the electron gun?
4. How is the intensity of the beam controlled?
5. In what way is the system of anodes like a lens?
6. Why is the signal applied to the Y plates?
7. What does the timebase do?
8. Why is the horizontal axis of an oscilloscope the time axis?

EXERCISE 2 What do the pronouns in italics in these sentences refer to?

1. In other words it shows the waveform of the signal.
A. an oscilloscope B. a signal C. a cathode ray tube
2. Next, they are formed into a beam which can be deflected vertically and

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horizontally.
A. signals B. electrons C. heated cathodes
3. It contains a cathode which is heated to produce a stream of electrons.
A. the crt B. a deflection system C. an electron gun
4. As these are nearer the anodes, they have a greater effect on the beam.
A. the Y plates B. the X plates C. the beams

EXERCISE 3 Check the facts and ideas. Decide if these statements are
True (T) or False (F).
1. …...The cathode ray tube shows the waveform of the signal.
2. .......Electrons are formed into a beam which can be deflected vertically and
horizontally.
3. .......The electron gun contains a cathode which is heated to produce a stream
of electrons.
4. ……On an oscilloscope the output from a timebase oscillator is applied across
the Y plates as a means of moving the beam horiontally at regular intervals
5. ……When the electron beam strikes the screen, the phosphor coating
fluoresces.

EXERCISE 4 Choose the word with the closest meaning to the italic word
1. emitted (line 5) 2. deflected (line 7)
A. scattered A. moved
B. given off B. bent
C. absorbed C. changed
3. intensity (line 14) 4. adjusted (line 17)
A. focus A. reduced
B. brightness B. varied
C. shape C. increased

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5. regular (line 24) 6. fluoresces (line 28)

A. frequent A. lights
B. equally timed B. emits electrons
C. varying C. turns green

4.2. USE OF LANGUAGE

4.2.1. Writing instructions as explanations
We can use the following structures to express instructions as explanations:
- Imperative (mÖnh lÖnh thøc) + by + Ving
- To V, + imperative
Study these instructions. They explain how to disconnect the supply to the motor
in the circuit.

Figure 4.2
1. Disconnect the supply BY WITHDRAWING THE FUSES.
2. TO DISCONNECT the supply, WITHDRAW the fuses.

EXERCISE Describing a process

Study these instructions for soldering a resistor into a printed circuit board
(pcb):
1. Bend the leads and insert them through the correct holes in the pcb.
2. Pull the resistor flat against the board and bend back the leads.
3. Heat the first lead with a soldering iron and apply solder to the heated
lead.
4. Heat and apply solder to the second lead.
5. Allow the soldered joints to cool.
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6. Trim the leads using wire clippers.

Write a description of this process by rewriting each instruction in the present
passive
Example;
The leads are bent and inserted though the correct holes in the pcb.

4.2.2. Describing sequence: sequence- words

To make the correct sequence of a number of events clear, we often use
sequence words like these:
(a) first
(b) then
(c) next
(d) after that
(e) finally
(a) and (e) must come first and last respectively, but the others can be used in
any order and can be repeated.

EXERCISE 1 Replace each number in your description of soldering a

resistor into a pcb with a sequence word to make the order of events clear
Example;
First the leads are bent are and inserted though the correct holes in the pcb.

EXERCISE 2 Describing the distribution of power

The following diagram shows the distribution of power from the power station to
the consumer. The sentences which follow it describe this distribution. Put the
sentences in the correct order and mark this order using sequence words.

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Figure 4.3: The distribution of power

(a) It is fed to distribution substation where it is reduced to 415V,3 phrase and
240V,1 phrase.
(b) It is stepped up by a transformer to 132, 275 or 400KV for long-distance
distribution.
(c) It is distributed via the grid system to main grid supply points where it is
stepped down to 33KV for distribution to heavy industry.
(d) It is distributed to the domestic consumer.
(e) In the UK, electrical energy is generated at power stations at 25KV
(f) It passes via the switching compound to the grid.
(g) It is distributed via overhead or underground cables to intermediate
substations where it is further reduced to 11KV for light industry.

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4.2.3. Short relative clause

1. The lines are arranged in two groups.
2. The lines carry the supply.
1 + 2. The lines which carry the supply are arranges in two groups.
Relative clauses with certain active verbs can be shortened by omitting the
relative word and changing the verb to its-ing form. These verbs include:
Carry, contain, consist of, form, hold, measure…
We can shorten the relative clause like this:
The lines carrying the supply are arranged in two groups.
Note how these two sentences are joined by a relative clause.
3. The lines are suspended from insulators
4. The insulators are made of porcelain.
3+4. The lines are suspended from insulators which are made of porcelain.
Relative clauses like this with passive verbs can be shortened by omitting the
relative word and the verb to be:
The lines are suspended from insulators made of porcelain.

EXERCISE Link each group of sentences into one sentence. Use short
relative clause where possible
1. In Britain electrical energy is fed to the National Grid.
The energy is generated in power stations.
2. The energy passes through a transformer.
The transformer steps up the voltage to 123,275 or 400kV.
3. The transmission lines are usually arranged in groups of three overhead
conductors.
The lines carry the supply.
The overhead conductors are suspended from porcelain insulators.
4. Energy from power stations may be fed to the Grid by underground cables.
The power stations are located in built-up areas.
5. For voltages up to 400kV cables are used.
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The cables contain oil under low pressure.

4.2.4. Reinforcement connectives
Study these sentences:
1. Steel-cored aluminum is used for high-voltage lines.
2. Steel-cored aluminum lines are cheaper than copper.
Sentence 2 provides a reason for sentence 1. We can link the ideas in these
sentences with because.
1+2. Steel-cored aluminum is used for high-voltage lines because it is cheaper
than copper.
3. Steel-cored aluminum lines are 50% stronger than copper.
Sentence 3 provides an additional reason for Sentence 1. It reinforces sentence 2.
We can link a reinforcing idea using in addition, moreover, or furthermore.
1+2+3. Steel-cored aluminum is used for high-voltage lines because it is
cheaper than copper. In addition, steel-cored aluminum lines are 50% stronger
than copper.

EXERCISE Each group of sentences which follow contains one statement

and two supporting ideas. Identify them, then link them with appropriate
connectives. Make sure repeated nouns are changed into pronouns.
1. (a) Semiconductors are cheaper than valves.
(b) Semiconductors are much smaller and lighter.
(c) Semiconductors are used in preference to valves.
Example: Semiconductors are used in preference to valves because they are
cheaper, smaller and lighter than valves.
2. (a) Dc motors permit powerful dynamic barking.
(b) Dc motors are preferred for cranes.
(c) Dc motors allow a wide range of speed variation.
3. (a) Dielectric heating is even.
(b) Dielectric heating is faster and cheaper.

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(c) Dielectric heating rather than conduction heating is used in plywood

production.
4. (a) Fluorescent lamps are better than filament lamps.
(b) The light is closer to daylight.
(c) The heat from fluorescent lamp is much less than from filament lamps.

4.3. WRITING
EXERCISE 1 Reinforcing ideas in a passage
Fill the spaces in this paragraph with suitable reinforcing ideas from the table.
A number of instruments can be employed to measure voltage. The moving coil
multimeter is often used because it is cheap and reasonably accurate.
Moreover (1) it is more robust and versatile. However if the impedance of the
instrument is low, the meter will draw too much current from the circuit. In
addition, (2)………….. The electronic voltmeter is almost ideal since the circuit is
not loaded. Furthermore, (3)…………… However, it is a relatively expensive
instrument. The electrostatic meter is the simplest instrument for every high
voltages. It responds to both ac and dc. However, it is insensitive and
(4)………….. The cathode ray oscilloscope gives more information than any other
instrument. It not only measures the voltage but it also (5)……………… However
oscilloscopes are usually large. In addition, (6)……………….
Instrument for voltage measurement
Instrument Advantages Disadvantages
Moving-coil multimeter Reasonably accurate, Frequency range limited
robust, versatile on ac
Electronic voltmeter Draws no current from Expensive
the circuit, wide
frequency range
Electrostatic meter Simple, can be used with Insensitive, has a non-
ac or dc without a linear scale
rectifier
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Oscilloscope Also gives information Large, expensive

about wave form and
frequency

EXERCISE 2 Interpreting a diagram

Study this diagram of a simple radar system. Column A describes the
components and how they are related. Column B lists the stages in the operation
of the system in sequence.
Answer these questions about the diagram:
1. What does a simple radar system consist of?
2. What does the transmitter comprise?
3. What does the receiver include?
4. Where is the signal generated?
5. What happens to the signal next?
6. How is the transmitted signal radiated?
7. If a target is hit, what receives the reflected signal?
8. Where is the signal then fed to?
9. What happens to the signal in the receiver?
10. Where is the signal fed to next?
11. What happens in the comparator?
12. What happens to both signals finally?

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A B
oscillator The signal is
generated
Transmitter
Power amplifier The signal is
amplified

Transmitting The signal is

antenna radiated

If a target is hit…

Receiving A weak reflected

antenna signal is received

Radio frequency The signal is

Reference

amplifier amplified
signal

Receiver
detector The signal is
rectified

The received
comparato signal is
compared with a
reference signal
from the
transmitter

indicator Both signals are

displayed

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EXERCISE 3 Describing a diagram

Use your own answers to the questions in Exercise 2 to write.

4.4. FURTHER READING

EXERCISE 1 Pre-read
Read the title and the first sentence of each paragraph of the following passage.
Write the main ideas of the passage.
DIELECTRIC HEATING
Dielectric heating is a method of heating a non-conducting material, a
dielectric, by high-frequency voltages. The material is placed between metal
plates across which a high-frequency supply is connected. The dielectric and the
plates then form a capacitor and an electrostatic field is set up in the dielectric.
As very high frequencies are used, up to 200MHz, the movement of electrons in
the dielectric becomes rapid. This causes considerable-heat in the substance.
Dielectric heating has two great advantages over other forms of heating: it
provides rapid heat, and the heat is produced uniformly throughout the material.
In other words, the inside of the material gets hot at the same time as the surface.
In addition, dielectric heating can be easily controlled and it is predictable.
Accurate heating times can be calculated knowing the dielectric properties of the
materials to be heated.
Dielectric heating has many different uses, from the manufacture of
plastic raincoats to baking biscuits. It is especially used in plastics, woodworking
and food industries.
A typical use is the manufacture of plywood. In the past the layers of
wood and glue were steam-heated under pressure until the glue melted and the
wood was firmly bonded. The heat took a long time to penetrate the wood, the
glue did not melt uniformly and it dried unevenly. With dielectric heating,
because of the difference in dielectric properties, the glue melts before the wood
heats. It heats uniformly and it dries evenly. Using the dielectric process, a

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single press can prepare 100 3-ply, 1cm thick sheets of plywood in about 30
minutes.

EXERCISE 2 Guess the main ideas

Read the passage carefully and complete the following main ideas.
Dielectric heating
Dielectric heating = hf heating of (1)…………..
Operation
Materials and electrodes form a capacitor
Hf voltage applied to electrodes  rapid electron movement  (2)…………….
Advantages
Heat is
- (3)……………………………
- (4)……………………………
- controllable and predictable
Applications
- Plastic e.g. raincoats
- (5)……………………………
- (6)……………………………
Example-plywood
Old, steam heat BUT
- lengthy
- (7) …………………………..
- (8)……………………………
New, dielectric
- glue melts before wood heats
- (9)…………………………….
- (10)…………………………….

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4.5. VOCABULARY
Ac-alternating current (n) Dßng ®iÖn xoay chiÒu
Accelerate (v) T¨ng tèc
Ac motor M« t¬ xoay chiÒu
Arrange (v) S¾p xÕp
Bond (v) G¾n chÆt
Built-up area (n) Vïng, n¬i kiªn cè
Carry (v) Mang, t¶i
Comparator (n) Bé so s¸nh
Cathode ray tube (crt) èng tia ©m cùc
Crane (n) CÇn trôc, cÇn cÈu
Dc - direct current (n) Dßng mét chiÒu
Dc motor (n) M«t¬ mét chiÒu
Deflect (v) Lµm chÖch h-íng. ®æi h-íng
Deflection system (n) HÖ thèng ®æi h-íng
Dielectric (n) ChÊt ®iÖn m«i
Dielectric heating (n) Sù gia nhiÖt ®iÖn m«i
Display (v) HiÓn thÞ
Dot (n) DÊu chÊm
Effect (n) ¶nh h-ëng, hiÖu dông
Electron gun (n) Sóng ®iÖn tö
Emit (v) Tho¸t ra, ph¸t ra
Enclose (v) Bao bäc, bao phñ
Filament lamp (n) §Ìn sîi ®èt
Fluorescent lamp (n) §Ìn huúnh quang
Fluoresce (v) Ph¸t s¸ng
Fluorescent (adj) Thuéc huúnh quang
Glass tube (n) èng thñy tinh
Gun(p) Sóng
Heated cathode (n) Catèt ®-îc nung nãng

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High-frequency (n) Cao tÇn

Horizontal (adj) Cã h-íng ngang
Horizontally (aclv) ChiÒu h-íng ngang
Indicator (n) Bé chØ b¸o, bé hiÓn thÞ
Lighter (n) ®Ìn
Locate (v) ®Þnh vÞ
National Grid (n) M¹ng l-íi ®iÖn quèc gia
Oscilloscope (n) «sil«, m¸y hiÓn thÞ sãng
Overhead (adj) Trªn kh«ng
Penetrate (v) Xuyªn qua
Phosphor (n) Phèt pho
Phosphor coaled screen (n) Mµn h×nh phèt pho bao phñ
Plate (n) B¶n, l¸ (kim lo¹i)
Plywood (n) Gç d¸n, v¸n Ðp
Plywood production (n) S¶n xuÊt v¸n Ðp
Power station (n) Tr¹m ®iÖn
Powerful dynamic barking (n) H·m ®éng n¨ng
Predictable (adj) ®o¸n tr-íc ®-îc
Pressure (n) nÐn, ¸p lùc
Property (n) tÝnh chÊt
Radar (n) ra®a
radiate (v) ph¸t x¹
Rapid (adj) nhanh
Receiver (n) bé thu
Reference signal (n) thanh chiÕu
Screen (n) mµn h×nh
Set of plates (n) tÊm kim lo¹i
Size (n) kÝch cì
Steel-core aluminum (n) nh«m lâi thÐp
Step up (v) t¨ng dÇn

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Stream (n) dßng

Strike (v) va vµo, tr¹m vµo
Surface (n) bÒ mÆt
Suspend (v) treo l¬ löng
Television set (n) kªnh, hÖ thu h×nh
Transmission line (n) ®-êng truyÒn, ®-êng t¶i
Transmitter (n) M¸y ph¸t tÝn hiÖu
Traverse (v) Ch¹y ngang qua, l-ít qua
Underground (adj) NgÇm, d-íi mÆt ®Êt
Underground cable (n) C¸p ngÇm
Unevenly (adj) Kh«ng ®Òu
Uniform (adj) ®ång nhÊt
Velocity (n) VËn tèc
Vertical (adj) Cã h-íng th¼ng ®øng
Waveform (a) D¹ng sãng

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UNIT5: ELECTRONICS IN THE HOME

Electronics began at the start of the twentieth century with the invention of
the vacuum tube. The first devices for everyday use were radios followed by
televisions, record players, and tape recorders. These devices were large and
used a lot of power.
The invention of the transistor in 1948 meant that much smaller, low-
powered devices could be developed. A wide variety of electronic, devices such
as hi-fi units and portable radios became common in the home.

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It was, not until 1958 that microelectronics began with the development of
ICs (integrated circuits) on a silicon chips. This led to a great increase in the use
of electronics in everyday items. The introduction of the microprocessor allowed
electronics to be used for the control of many common processes.
Microprocessors are now used to control many household items such as
automatic washing-machines, dishwashers, central heating systems, sewing
machines, and food processors. Electronic timers are found in digital alarm
clocks, water heaters, electric cookers, and microwave ovens. Telephones use
electronics to provide automatic dialing and answer phone facilities. New
entertainment devices have been developed, such as video recorders and CD
(compact disc) players.
In the future, electronics are likely to become even more common in the
home as multimedia entertainment systems and computer-controlled robots are
developed.

5.1. READING COMPREHENSION

EXERCISE 1 Answer the questions
1. List three electronic devices for everyday use from the passage.
2. What devices became common in the home in 1948?
3. What was developed in 1958?
4. Where are electronic timers found?
5. What kinds of electronics are developed in the future?

EXERCISE 2 Decide if these statements are true (T) or false (F)

1. Electronics started in late 20th century.
2. The first devices were small and used little power.
3. The transistor was not useful to the development of much smaller,
low-powered devices
4. Integrated circuits were invented in 1958.
5. Electronics timers are found in clocks, fridges, cookers and ovens.

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EXERCISE 3 Fill in the gaps in this table with the help of the text
Date Invention Applications in the home
Early 20th century (1)___________________ (2)____________________
(3)___________ Transistor (4)______________________
1958 (5)___________________ Automatic washing machine
Future (6)___________________ (7)______________________

5.2. USE OF LANGUAGE

Passive voice
Study the following sentences
- Microprocessors are now used to control many household items.
- Electronic timers are found in digital alarm clocks.
- New entertainment devices have been developed.
Form:
Be + PII

EXERCISE 1 Change the following sentences into Passive voice

1. They made one hundred fridges last year.
For example: One hundred fridges were made last year.
2. Telephones use electronics to provide automatic dialing and answer phone
facilites.
3. She cleans cookers twice a week.
4. They have produced a lot of dishwashers since 1995.
5. He is going to design a robot next year.

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EXERCISE 2 Describing „ block diagrams‟ and circuits.

aerial Power
AF amp amp
tuner detector volume speaker
control

We can describe the links between each building block using these expressions:
The tuner is connected to the detector.
is linked to

5.3. WRITING
EXERCISE Describing diagrams
With the help of the diagram, fill in the gaps in the description. Each gap
represents one word. The description should answer these questions:
1. What does the diagram consist of?
2. What does it consist of in terms of blocks?
3. How are the blocks connected?
4. What is the function of each block?

amplitude-modulated aerial
Rf carrier
Rf carrier

RF power
RF oscillator Modulator
amplifier

microphone
RF
amplifier
AF signal

The above figure shows the block diagram of an amplitude-moduled (AM) radio
transmitter. It 1 _________ of a radio frequency (RF) oscillator, a 2 _________,
3
an audio frequency (AF) amplifier, and an RF power amplifier. The RF
__________ generates an RF 4 ________ wave which is fed into the modulator.
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The microphone converts sounds into audio frequency signals which are
5 6
amplified by the AF ________. The modulator then uses the amplified AF
_________ to modulate the RF carrier wave.
The power of the modulated carrier wave is increased by the RF 7 __________
8
amplifier. The strong modulated output signals are fed to the __________
which enables them to be transmitted over long distances.

5.4. FURTHER READING

EXERCISE 1 Reading and guessing the main ideas
BATTERY
Everyone knows what a battery is: it is one of those little tubes that you put in
your Walkman or your torch so that you can have music or light wherever you
go. It is portable electricity.
In fact, batteries come in many shapes and sizes, not simply tubes, and we
should really call them cells, because a battery is a number of cells linked
together. They range from the button-sized cells to the heavy batteries which can
power submarines.
There are two different types of cells: one is called a primary cell, and the other
is known as secondary cell. Both kinds change chemical energy into electricity.
Primary cells are thrown away when the chemicals they contain are used up.
Secondary cells can be recharged and used again and again.
The commonest and cheapest kind of primary cell is the Zinc-carbon cell. It
consists of a zinc can which contains two chemicals. The zinc is the negative
electrode. One of the chemicals, manganese dioxide, forms the positive
electrode. Millions of cells like this are used every year in radios, torches and
tape recorders.

EXERCISE 2 Answer the questions

1. Why are batteries called cells?
A. because we can have music or light wherever you go.

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B. because batteries come in many shapes and sizes.

C. because batteries rang from the button-sized cells.
D. because a battery is a number of cells linked together.
2. What does the Zinc-carbon cell contain?
A. a chemical B. zinc
C. manganese dioxide D. both B and C
3. Which batteries cannot be charged?
A. heavy batteries B. primary batteries C. tape recorders D. secondary
cells
4. There are two different types of cells.
A. tubes B. torches C. kinds D. chemicals
5. Which sentence is wrong?
A. Batteries change chemical energy into electricity.
B. Cells have many shapes and sizes.
C. The Zinc-carbon cell cannot be recharged.
D. Primary cells can be used again and again.

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5.5. VOCABULARY
Aerial (n) ¨ngten
AF: audio frequency ©m tÇn
Alarm clock (n) §ång hå b¸o thøc
Allow (v) Cho phÐp
Amp (amplifier) (n) Bé khuyÕch ®¹i
Amplifier (n) Bé khuyÕch ®¹i
Amplify (v) KhuyÕch ®¹i
Answer phone facility (ii) ThiÕt bÞ tr¶ lêi ®iÖn tho¹i
Application (n) øng dông
Automatic (adj) Tù ®éng
Automatic dialing facility (n) ThiÕt bÞ quay sè tù ®éng
Automatically (adv) Mét c¸ch tù ®éng
Become (v) Trë thµnh
Block (n) Khèi, h×nh khèi
Bottom (n) D-íi cïng
Capacitor (n) Tô ®iÖn
CD: Compact disc (n) §Üa CD
CD player (n) §Çu ®Üa CD
Central (adj) Trung t©m
Central heating system (n) HÖ thèng lß s-ëi trung t©m
Centre (n) Trung t©m
Century (n) ThÕ kû
Check (v) KiÓm tra
Chip (n) Con chÝp ®iÖn tö/ Vi m¹ch
Common (adj) Phæ biÕn, chung chung
Component (n) Linh kiÖn
Computer (n) M¸y tÝnh
Computer-controlled robot (n) R«bèt ®iÒu khiÓn b»ng m¸y tÝnh
Connect (v) Nèi, kÕt nèi

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Connection (n) Sù kÕt nèi

Control (n) Bé, nót ®iÒu khiÓn (®iÒu chØnh)
Control (v) §iÒu chØnh, ®iÒu khiÓn
Db - decibel §¬n vÞ ®o ®é lín cña ©m thanh
Decide (v) QuyÕt ®Þnh
Decision (n) Sù quyÕt ®Þnh
Describe (v) M« t¶, miªu t¶
Description (n) Sù miªu t¶
Design (v) ThiÕt kÕ
Detector (n) Bé t¸ch sãng
Develop (v) Ph¸t triÓn
Development (n) Sù ph¸t triÓn
Device (n) ThiÕt bÞ
Diagram (n) S¬ ®å
Dial (v) Quay sè (®iÖn tho¹i)
Digital (adj) Kü thuËt sè
Dishwasher (n) M¸y röa b¸t ®Üa
Electric (n) §iÖn
Electric cooker (n) BÕp ®iÖn
Electronic timer (n) §ång hå ®iÖn tö
Electronics (n) §iÖn tö häc
End (n) §o¹n cuèi
Entertain (v) Gi¶i trÝ
Entertainment (n) Gi¶i trÝ
F -farad Fara, ®¬n vÞ ®o ®iÖn dung
Facility (n) ThiÕt bÞ, ®å dïng
False (adj) Sai
Figure (n) H×nh vÏ
Find (v) T×m kiÕm
G-Giga 1G=1000M

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Gap (n) Kho¶ng trèng, chç trèng

GHz - Gigahertz §¬n vÞ ®o tÇn sè (1GHz=103
MHz=106 KHz=109Hz)
H - henry §¬n vÞ ®o ®é tù c¶m
heat (n) NhiÖt, sîi ®èt
heater (n) ThiÕt bÞ gia nhiÖt
Hi-fi (high fidelity) §é trung thùc cao
hi-fi unit (n) Khèi, m¸y cã ®é trung thùc cao
Household (n) Gia dông
Hz-hertz §¬n vÞ ®o tÇn sè
Idea (n) ý kiÕn
Inductor (n) Cuén c¶m, phÇn c¶m
lntegrated circuits (ics) (n) M¹ch tæ hîp
Introduce (v) Giíi thiÖu
Introduction (n) Sù giíi thiÖu
Invent (v) Ph¸t minh
Invention (n) Sù ph¸t minh
Item (n) MÆt hµng, thiÕt bÞ
K —Kilo 1KHz=1000Hz
Kind (n) Lo¹i, kiÓu lo¹i
KV —Kilovolts 1Kv=1000V (§¬n vÞ ®o ®iÖn ¸p,
®iÖn thÕ)
Link (v, n) Nèi, liªn kÕt
Little (adj) Nhá, mét chót, h¬i h¬i
M-Mega 1M=1000Kilo
Media (n) Ph-¬ng tiÖn truyÒn th«ng
Microelectronics (n) Vi ®iÖn tö
Microhenry §¬n vÞ ®o ®é tù c¶m
Microprocessor (n) Bé vi xö lý
Microwave oven (n) Lß vi sãng

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Multimedia (n) §a ph-¬ng tiÖn

Multimedia entertainment system (n) HÖ thèng gi¶i trÝ ®a ph-¬ng tiÖn
Multiple (n) Béi sè, tÝch sè
mW - milliwatts §¬n vÞ ®o c«ng suÊt
N - Nano 1 nano=10-9
Negative (adj) Mang tÝnh ©m
Negative terminal (n) §Çu cùc ©m
Nf – Nanofarad 1 nanofarad = 10-9 farads
Ohm ®¬n vÞ ®o ®iÖn trë
Parallel (adj) Song song
Passage (n) Sù chuyÓn qua, tr«i qua
pF - picofarad 1pF = 1012 farads
Portable (adj) Cã thÓ x¸ch tay, mang theo
Portable radio (n) Radio x¸ch tay
Positive (adj) Mang tÝnh d-¬ng
Positive terminal (n) §Çu cùc d-¬ng
Power (n) Nguån, c«ng suÊt
Power amplifier (n) Bé khuyÕch ®¹i c«ng suÊt
Prefix (n) TiÕp ®Çu ng÷
Process (n) Qui tr×nh, qu¸ tr×nh xö lý
Processor (n) Bé xö lý
Provide (v) Cung cÊp
Quote (v) §-a ra, trÝch dÉn
Rail (n) Tay vÞn, chÊn song, c¸i gi¸ xoay
record player (n) m¸y quay ®Üa, m¸y h¸t
Resister (n) §iÖn trë
Robot (n) R«bèt
Sewing machine (n) M¸y kh©u
Silicon (n, adj) ChÊt silic
Silicon chip (n) ChÝp silic

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Speaker (n) Loa

Statement (n) Tr×nh bµy, c©u
Support (v) ñng hé
Symbol (n) Ký hiÖu
System (n) HÖ thèng
Tape recorder (n) M¸y ghi ©m trªn b¨ng tõ
Telephone (n, v) §iÖn tho¹i, gäi ®iÖn tho¹i
Terminal (n) §Çu cùc
Top (n) Trªn cïng
Transistor (n) Transito, bãng b¸n dÉn
True (adj) ®óng
Tuner (n) Bé dß kªnh
Unit (n) Khèi, m¸y
Use (v) Sö dông
V-Volt 1 ®¬n vÞ ®o ®iÖn ¸p
Vacuum tube (n) §Ìn ®iÖn tö
Variable (adj) BiÕn
Variety (n) NhiÒu, ®a d¹ng
Vary (v) BiÕn ®æi
Via (pre) Th«ng qua, qua
Video recorder (n) §Çu ghi h×nh
Voltage (n) §iÖn ¸p
Volume (n) ¢m l-îng
Volume control Bé ®iÒu khiÓn ©m l-îng
W-watt §¬n vÞ ®o c«ng suÊt
Washing-machine (n) M¸y giÆt
Water heater (n) M¸y ®un n-íc
Zero (n) 0

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UNIT 6: SEMICONDUCTORS DIODES

If two crystals of a semiconductor material, one of p-type and one of n-type,

are joined together, a pn junction is formed. This junction can be used as a
rectifier and is known as a pn junction diode.

current (mA)
Forward
Reverse voltage (V) Forward voltage (V)
6.0 4.0 2.0 1.0
current (mA) 2.0
Reverse

Figure 6.1
Fig. 6.1 illustrates what happens when a voltage is applied across a silicon
pn junction diode. The first quadrant of the graph shows the characteristics of the
diode when the source is connected with the positive to the p-side of the junction
and the negative to the n-side. In other words, the diode is forward biased. With
forward bias, the current at first increases slowly. When the applied voltage
reaches about 600 mV, the current rises rapidly. The diode is then a good
conductor. The current will continue to rise with increased voltage but eventually
a point will be reached where the diode is destroyed by heat.
The third quadrant shows the characteristics when the source is connected
with the positive to the n-side and the negative to the p-side. When the diode is
reverse biased, there is almost no current flow. The junction is therefore a good
rectifier: it conducts well in one direction and almost not at all in the other.

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However there is a small reverse leakage current. This leakage current remains
substantially constant until what is known as breakdown.
Voltage (Vb) is reached. At this point there is a sharp increase in the
reverse current. This sudden increase in current is called the Zener effect.
Normal diodes are never operated in the breakdown region but Zener
diodes are designed to make use of the breakdown phenomenon. Because any
slight increase in voltage beyond the breakdown point causes a large increase in
current. Zener diodes are often used as a kind of overspill to protect sensitive
circuits fluctuations in the power supply.

6.1. READING COMPREHENSION

EXERCISE 1 Meaning from context
Select a word from the three alternatives give which is most similar in
meaning to the word in italics as it is used in the passage:
1. characteristics (line 12)
A. typical behaviour B. voltage figures C. graph
2. substantially (line 16)
A. almost B. greatly C. hardly
3. sharp (line 17)
A. slight B. steep C. cutting
4. phenomenon (line 20)
A. voltage B. effect C. result
5. fluctuations (line 22)
A. rises and falls B. increases C. failures

EXERCISE 2 Recognizing rephrasing

Find the sentence in the passage which is similar in meaning to each of these
sentences:
1. The positive of the source is connected to the p-side of the diodes and the
negative to the n-side.
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2. When a forward voltage is applied across the diode, there is. at first, only a
slow rise in current.
3. The diode allows current to flow freely.
4. If a reverse voltage is applied to the diode, it conducts badly.
5. There is almost no change in leakage current until the reverse voltage reaches
breakdown point.

EXERCISE 3 Describing diode characteristics

Complete this description of the current-voltage characteristics of a silicon
diode. Use the passage and Figure 6.1 to help you.
At first, a forward voltage is applied (1) …………….. When the forward
voltage has reached about 600mV, (2)…………… If the forward voltage is further
increased, (3)…………… There is only a very small leakage current flows. When
the break down voltage is reached, (4)……………. After the breakdown point, any
further increase in reverse voltage causes (5)……………….

EXERCISE 4 Checking facts and ideas

Decide if these statements are true (T) or false (F). Quote from the passage to
support your decisions.
1. The first quadrant of the graph shows the characteristics of the diode in
forward bias.
2. For forward voltages over 600mV, the diode conducts well.
3. When the source is connected with the negative to the n-side an the
positive to the p-side, the diode is reverse biased.
4. When a reverse voltage is first applied, a diode conducts badly.
5. Zener diodes are never used beyond breakdown point.

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6.2. USE OF LANGUAGE

Time clauses
Time clauses relate two actions in time. In this section we will study clauses
relating:
1. Simultaneous actions
EXAMPLE: As the voltage increases, the current rises.
2. Actions in immediate succession
EXAMPLE: When the switch is pressed, the light goes on.
3. An action and its limit
EXAMPLE: The current increases until the diode is destroyed by heat.
1. Simultaneous actions

RΩ

ToC

Study this graph. It represents two actions which happen at the same time, i.e.
two simultaneous actions.
Action (i) the temperature rises
Action (ii) the resistance rises
We can link two simultaneous actions using ― as‖
EXAMPLE: As the temperature rises, the resistance rises.
We will represent simultaneous actions like this:

action (i)

action (ii)

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2. Actions in immediate succession

240v

Study this circuit and note how action (i) is followed immediately by action (ii).
Action (i) the switch is closed
Action (ii) the motor starts
We can link actions in immediate succession using when or as soon as.
EXAMPLE: WHEN the switch is closed, the motor starts.
We will represent actions in immediate succession like this:

action (i) action (ii)

3. Action and limit

ImA
P

VV

This graph shows an action and its limit.

Action the current rises steadily
Limit point P is reached
We can link an action and its limit using until.
EXAMPLE: The current rises steadily UNTIL point P is reached.

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We will represent this relationship like this:

action limit

You have already studied ways to relate actions in sequence in Unit 5.

EXAMPLE: AFTER the signal has been detected, it is amplified.
Remember that we represent actions in sequence like this:

Action (i) Action (ii)

EXERCISE Link these pairs of actions using time clauses. The

diagrams indicate the relationship between each pair

1. the voltage increases the current increases

2. the current continues the diode is destroyed

to rise by heat
3. a reverse voltage is very little current flows
applied

4. the signal is rectified the signal is amplified

5. The leakage current The breakdown voltage

remains constant is reached.

6. The applied voltage The current rises

reaches about 600mV rapidly.

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7. The magnetizing Saturation point is

current is increased reached.

8. The current drawn by The current in the Zener

the load increases decreases.

6.3. WRITING
Writing explanations
A good explanation allows the reader to link his knowledge with that of
the writer. A bad explanation either over – estimates the reader‘ s knowledge
with the result that he cannot understand it, or under-estimate the reader‘ s
knowledge so that he is bored.
Study the following explanations. They all try to explain why conductors
are coated with plastic.
EX: Conductors are coated with plastic because plastic is an insulator.
Explanation 1 is effective if the reader knows what an insulator is.
Conductors are coated with plastic because plastic is an insulator. An
insulator does not readily release electrons.
Explanations often involve answering how and why questions.
1. Copper is a good conductor. (Why?) BECAUSE it readily release
electrons.
2. Use a heat shunt when soldering sensitive components. (Why?) SO THAT
they are not damaged by heat.
3. The current flowing through a resistor can be calculated. (how?) BY
DIVIDING the voltage by the resistance.
4. The rf section of a receiver is sometimes screened. (why?) TO PREVENT
interference from other parts of the receiver.

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EXERCISE Match the column A with B

1. Soldering wire contains flux a) The pole shoes help form a radial
(why?) to… magnetic field.
2. When a current flows through the b) The filament becomes
filament of a light bulb, it gives off incandescent.
light (why?) because…
3. The value of a resistor can be c) The equipment is not damaged by
calculated from the color bands on excess current.
the body (how?) by…
4. Manganin wire is used for the d) The gases prevent the filament
elements of an electric wire (why?) burning up.
because of…
5. Sensitive equipment is protected e) The flux prevents the surfaces
by fuses (why?) so that… being joined from oxidizing.
6. Light bulbs may contain rare gases f) A relay contains a moving
(why?) to… armature which controls the contacts.
7. Curved bulbs may contain rare g) Manganin has a higher resistance
gases (why?) to… than most metals.
8. When a relay is energized, sets of h) The color code is used to
contacts are pushed together or apart determine the value of a resistor.
(how?) by means of…
Example: 1-e. Soldering wire contains flux to prevent the surfaces being joined
from oxidizing.

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6.4. FURTHER READING

EXERCISE 1 Reading for specific information
Find all the answers to these questions in the passage which follows. Work as
quickly as you can. Try to ignore information which will not help you to answer
the questions.
1. What is modulation?
2. Which three quantities of a wave can be modulated?
3. Why is the frequency modulation better than amplitude modulation?
MODULATION
We can only communicate information by radio waves by changing the
wave in some way. This change is known as modulation. The simplest way form
of modulation is to turn the wave on and off. This method was used in the early
days of radio for telegraphic signals. The wave was stopped and started to
represent the dots and dashes of the Morse code by means of a telegraph key.
Speech and music produce audio frequencies which cannot be transmitted
directly. But they can be used to modulate radio waves. The modulated radio is
then transmitted. When it is received, the wave is demodulated and the original
audio-frequency signal is recovered. The high frequency radio wave acts only to
carry the audio-frequency signal and is called the carrier wave. The audio-
frequency signal is termed the modulating signal.
A wave has three quantities: amplitude, frequency and phase. Any of these
quantities can be modulated. The two most common methods of modulation are
amplitude modulation, am, and frequency modulation, fm.
In amplitude modulation, the amplitude of the carrier wave is changed
according to the amplitude of the modulating signal. The frequency of the carrier
is kept constant. Fig. 6.2 represents part of an audio-frequency signal, which
might be generated by a microphone. Fig. 6.3 represents a radio wave of much
higher frequency. Fig. 6.4 shows the same radio frequency wave after it has been
modulated by the audio-frequency signal in Fig. 6.2.

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FIGURE 6.2: Audio frequency signal

FIGURE 6.3: Higher frequency radio wave

FIGURE 6.4: Modulated audio frequency signal

In frequency modulation, the amplitude of the carrier wave is kept constant, but
the frequency is varied in proportion to the amplitude of the modulating signal.
Frequency modulation has several advantages over amplitude modulation. The
most notable is that reception is less likely to be disturbed. This is because
atmosphere disturbances and noise generated in the receiver itself result in a
change in the amplitude of the received signal. However, changes in only the
frequency would distort the modulated information.
In fm sound broadcasting, the limit of modulation is usually 75kHz above and
below the frequency of the unmodulated carrier wave. In other words, fm
broadcasts spread 75kHz either side of the carrier frequency. This is the reason
why fm stations broadcast in the vhf band (30-300MHz) where stations can be
spaced more than several hundred kilohertz apart unlike the medium frequency
bands where spacing of only 9 to 10kHz are common.

EXERCISE 2 Recognizing rephrasing

Now read the whole passage carefully. Each of these sentences summarizes part
of the passage. Identify the lines summarized:

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1. In fm frequency of the carrier wave is modulated according to the

amplitude of the modulating signal. (lines…………….)
2. Audio frequencies cannot be transmitted. (lines…………)
3. The amplitude, frequency and phase of a wave can be modulated.
(lines………….)
4. Fm broadcasts are in the vhf band partly because fm stations require
greater spacing. (lines………….)
5. The carrier wave is demodulated by the receiver and the audio-frequency
signal recovered. (lines…………….)
6. No information can be communicated by radio waves without
modulating them. (lines……………..)
7. In am the amplitude of the carrier wave is modulated according to the
amplitude of the modulating signals. (lines……………)
8. Stopping and starting the wave is the simplest method of modulation.
(lines……………)
9. Fm is better than am because there is less interference.
(lines………………….)
10. Audio frequencies can be used to modulate high frequency radio waves
which can then act as carriers of the audio-frequency signals.
(lines…………)
EXERCISE 3 Summarizing
Put the sentences in Exercise H in the correct order and use them to make a
paragraph summarizing the passage. You may add words of your own to make a
good paragraph. Make sure no information is repeated unnecessarily.

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6.5. VOCABULARY
Band (n) D¶i, b¨ng
Breakdown (adj) ®¸nh thñng
Breakdown voltage (n) ®iÖn ¸p ®¸nh thñng
Burn up (v) Ch¸y
Calculate (v) tÝnh to¸n
Characterstic (n) ®Æc tÝnh
Code (n) M·
Colour band (n) D¶i mµu
Colour code (n) M· mµu
Component (n) Thµnh phÇn
Crystal (n) Tinh thÓ
Determine (v) X¸c ®Þnh
Diode (n) Di èt
Divide (v) Chia thµnh
energize (v) CÊp n¨ng l-îng
Equipment (n) Dông cô
Fit to (v) L¾p ®Æt, ®-a vµo
Fluctuation (n) Sù dao ®éng
Flux (n) ChÊt g©y ch¸y, ®¬n vÞ chiÕu s¸ng
Forward/ reverse biased ChÖch vÒ phÝa tr-íc/ phÝa ng-îc l¹i
Forward current (n) Dßng thuËn
Forward voltage (n) ®iÖn ¸p thuËn
Fuse (n) CÇu ch×
Gas (n) khÝ
Heatshunt (n) má hµn
Interference (n) sù nhiÔu
Join (v) tiÕp xóc
Leakage (n) rß rØ
Leakage current (n) dßng ®iÖn rß

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Light bulb (n) bãng ®Ìn

Light-emitting diode (n) §i èt ph¸t quang
Magnet (n) nam ch©m
Overspill (n) trµn ra
Oxidize (v) «xi hãa
Phenomenon (n) HiÖn t-îng
Photo-diode (n) §i èt quang
Plastic (n) Nhùa
P-N junction (n) Chç nèi ©m - d-¬ng/ Liªn kÕt P-N
Radial (adj) Thuéc tia
Radial magnetic field (n) Tr-êng ®iÖn tõ
Region (n) Vïng
Remain (v) Cßn l¹i
Reverse current (n) Dßng ng-îc
Reverse voltage (n) ®iÖn ¸p ng-îc
Semiconductor diode (n) Di èt b¸n dÉn
Sensitive circuit (a) M¹ch kh«ng æn ®Þnh
Sensitive circuit fluctuation (n) Sù dao ®éng m¹ch
Side (n) MiÒn, c¹nh, mÆt
Zener diode (n) §i èt Zener
Zener effect (n) HiÖu øng Zener

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UNIT 7: HIGH DEFINITION TELEVISION

In Europe, the USA and Japan, the race is on to produce a new generation
of television sets. These new sets will be larger than today‘ s models, possibly
with 100 centimetre flat screens. Picture quality will be excellent, crisp, and
without flicker, as good as those we are used to seeing in the cinema. Sound
quality too will be superb, thanks to digital multitrack transmissions. By the turn
of the century such sets may be offering programmes in a choice of languages as
they will be equipped with eight sound tracks.
In Europe, the term HDTV is used. In the USA, the more generic term
were the first to start work on the new technology, in 1974, called their system
Hi-Vision. Whatever name is used, these new sets share certain features.
The picture is displayed using more lines per frame. This means that they
provide clearer, more detailed, high quality images. The picture can be displayed
on large, wide screens which are flicker-free. They also provide very high
quality three-dimensional sound output.
A wider range of frequencies can be used to transmit each HDTV channel.
This is because they can be transmitted at high frequencies which are virtually
unused at present. These wide frequency ranges make it possible to transmit
digital, rather than analogue signals. Digital processing can then be used in the
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receivers to provide almost perfect pictures even when the strength of the input
signal is low. A computer could also be used to produce special effects.
Since not everyone is convinced of the need for such high quality TV
systems, the move towards HDTV is likely to be very gradual. The first HDTV
receivers will need to be able to process both the old and the new transmissions
and, throughout the world, agreement will have to be reached on new
transmission standards.

7.1. READING COMPREHENSION

EXERCISE 1 Carrying out a survey to find out the viewing habits of your
class and their ideas on future developments in television. You may add extra
questions of your own
1. How many hours of television do you watch each week?
2. When do you watch television?
3. What sort of programs do you watch?
4. Which television station do you watch most/ least often?
5. How do you think television will change in the future?

EXERCISE 2 Study these graphics. Note ways in which high definition

television will be different from existing sets. Compare your answers with your
partner. For example:
Feature Existing High definition
No. of lines 625 1.250
_________________ _________________ _________________
_________________ _________________ _________________
_________________ _________________ _________________
_________________ _________________ _________________
_________________ _________________ _________________
_________________ _________________ _________________
_________________ _________________ _________________

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Figure 7.1
EXERCISE 3 Decide whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F).
1. The new generation of television sets in Japan is called Hi-Vision.
2. The American were the first to start work on this new technology.
3. New television sets in Europe are completely different from those in the
USA.
4. The wide range of frequencies can transmit digital signals.
5. Many people are going to use such high quality TV systems.

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EXERCISE 4 Answer the following questions.

1. How is the picture and sound quality of the new generation of television
sets?
2. What are the names of the new generation of television sets in Europe and
the USA?
3. Why are images of new television sets clearer and more detailed?
4. What can also be used to produce special effects?
5. Why is the move towards new generation of television sets gradual?

7.2. USE OF LANGUAGE

Certainty
The text describes possible future developments in television. The writer is
confident about some developments and less confident about others. What
difference can you see between these statements?
1. By the turn of the century such sets may be offering programmes in choice
of languages.
2. Picture quality will be excellent.
3. The move towards HDTV is likely to be very gradual.
We cannot measure certainty in language with precision, but the following table
provides a guide to how certain a writer is about a future development.
Certainty (%) Verb Adjective Adverb
100 Will Certain Certainly
85 Likely Unlikely
75 Probable Probably
Improbable
50 Could/ may Possible Possibly

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EXERCISE How likely are these developments in the next five years? Make
statements about each development using the certainty expressions in the above
table. Compare your answers. For example:
Most houses in your country will be cleaned by electronic robots.
I think it’ s unlikely that most houses in my country will be cleaned by electronic
robots. It’ s possible that some houses will use them.
1. Vinyl records will not be made.
2. Ordinary audio cassettes will not be made.
3. Most families in your country will have CD player.
4. Most families in your country will have MD player.
5. Most families in your country will have DCC player.
6. Computers will understand and respond to your spoken language.
7. Cars will be electronically guided through cities.
8. Most teaching will be done by computer.
9. No manual labour will be done in factories in your country.
10. Most families in your country will have HDTVs.

7.3. WRITING Linking facts and ideas

EXERCISE Link each set of statements, using words or phrases of your
own to make an explanation of how a television picture is composed. Omit
necessary words and make any other changes required
1. A television picture is built up gradually.
This is done by a moving spot.
Example: A television picture is built up gradually by a moving spot.
2. The spot strikes the television screen.
The phosphor coating on the screen emits light.
The light varies in brightness according to the intensity of the original image.
3. The spot reaches the right side of the screen.
The spot is blanked.
The spot is moved rapidly back to the left side in a movement called flyback.
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4. The present European system sweeps the screen in a series of lines.

There are 625 closely-spaced lines.
Using 625 lines ensures a good quality picture.
5. The movement across the screen is controlled by the line scan signal.
The movement down the screen is controlled by the field scan signal.
6. The scan rate must be greater than 40Hz.
A lower scan rate would cause the screen to flicker.
7. Sync pulses are added to the video signal.
The sync pulses ensure that the TV camera and TV receiver start a new line
and frame at the same time.
8. The build-up of the screen happens so quickly.
The eye sees only a complete picture.

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7.4. FURTHER READING

Reading
TELEVISION PICTURES
A television picture is built up gradually by moving a spot of light across and
down a screen in a raster pattern (see Fig. 7.2).

Figure 7.2: The moving way of a spot

The video signal causes the brightness of the spot to vary in proportion to the
intensity of light in the original image. The movement of the spot across the
screen is controlled by the line scan signal. Each time the spot reaches the right
side of the screen, it is blanked and moved rapidly back to the left side ready to
start the next line. This rapid movement back to a starting position is known as
flyback. Each complete image or frame requires a minimum of 500 lines to give
a picture of acceptable quality. The present European TV system uses 625 lines
per frame.
The movement of the spot down the screen is controlled by the field scan signal.
When the spot reaches the bottom of the screen, it is blanked and moved rapidly
back to the top of the screen. The frame must be scanned at least forty times per

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second to prevent the screen from flickering. The present European TV system
has a frame scan rate of 50Hz.
The video signal contains line and field sync pulses to make sure that the TV
receiver starts a new line and a new frame at the same time as the TV camera
(see Fig. 7.3).

Figure 7.3
To allow the video signal to be transmitted using a smaller range of frequencies,
each frame is transmitted in two separate halves, known as fields. The first time
the spot travels down the screen it displays the first field, which consists of the
odd-numbered frame lines. The second time the spot travels down the screen it
displays the second field, which consists of the even-numbered frame lines.
Combining two fields in this way is known as interlacing. Although the fields
are displayed one after the other, it happens so quickly that the human eye sees
them as one complete picture.

EXERCISE Find the answers to these questions

1. What controls the movement of the spot of light across a television
screen?
2. What name is given to the rapid movement of the spot back across the
screen to the start of the next lines?
3. How many lines are used to build up a frame in present European
television systems?

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4. What happens to a screen if the frame is not scanned at least forty times
per second?

7.5. VOCABULARY
Acceptable (adj) Cã thÓ chÊp nhËn ®-îc
Analogue (adj) T-¬ng tù, t-¬ng ®ång
Audio cassette (n) B¨ng ®µi
Audio-signal (n) TÝn hiÖu ©m thanh
Channel (n) Kªnh
Complete (adj) Hoµn chØnh
Convince (v) ThuyÕt phôc
Crisp (adj) Sinh ®éng
Digital (adj) Kü thuËt sè
Display (v) HiÓn thÞ
DTV (Digital Television) TruyÒn h×nh kü thuËt sè
Effect (n) HiÖu øng
Electronic (adj) ®iÖn tö, thuéc vÒ ®iÖn tö
Electronically (adv)
Emit (v) Ph¸t ra, táa ra
Even (n) Sè ch½n
Feature (n) ®Æc ®iÓm
Field (n) Tr-êng
Flicker (v,n) Rung
Flicker-free (adj) Chèng rung
Frame (n) Khung
Frequency (n) TÇn sè
Generic (n) Chung chung
Gradual (adj) DÇn dÇn
HDTV (High Definition Television) TruyÒn h×nh cã ®é râ nÐt cao
Hi-fi (adj) Cã ®é trung thùc cao

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Image (n) H×nh ¶nh

Input (n) ChiÒu vµo, ®Çu vµo
Intensity (n) C-êng ®é
Multitrack (n) ®a kªnh
Odd (n) Sè lÎ
Ordinary (adj) B×nh th-êng, th«ng th-êng
Output (n) ChiÒu ra, ®Çu ra
Picture (n) H×nh ¶nh
Prevent (v) Tr¸nh khái, ng¨n c¶n
Proportion (n) TØ lÖ
Receiver (n) M¸y thu
Respond (v) Tr¶ lêi
Scanning line (n) §-êng quÐt h×nh
Screen (n) Mµn h×nh
Signal (n) TÝn hiÖu
Sound (n) ¢m thanh
Sound track (n) §-êng ghi ©m
Standard (adj) ChuÈn mùc
Superb (adj) TuyÖt vêi, chÊt l-îng cao
Television set (n) Ti vi
Three-dimensional (adj) 3 chiÒu
Track (n) R·nh, kªnh
Transmission (n) Sù chuyÓn ®æi
Transmit (v) ChuyÓn ®æi
Vary (v) Thay ®æi, biÕn thiªn
Video-signal (n) TÝn hiÖu h×nh ¶nh
Vinyl (n) ChÊt nhùa dÎo (nhùa vinyl)
Vinyl record (n) §Üa ghi ©m b»ng nhùa
Virtually (adv) Thùc tÕ, thùc sù
Vision (n) TÇm nh×n

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UNIT 8: DATA TRANSMISSION

Figure 8.1: Facsimile transmission

FAX
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Facsimile machines only came into widespread use in the late 1970s when
international standards were set by the Comite Consultatif International
Telegraphique et Telephonique (CCITT), a body based in France. Before this,
machines could only communicate with those made by the same manufacturer.
Since then, facsimile technology has become increasingly sophisticated. The
latest machines, which must be linked to a special digital phone line, can send a
document to several places at once for the price of one phone call.
Facsimile transmission involves sending a document along a telephone line and
converting the received signals into a reproduction of the original. ‗ Fax‘
machines can now send an A4 document, containing images as well as words, in
less than a minute.
When you feed a document into the machine, a fluorescent lamp reflects the
image on to a series of mirrors which reduce its size so that the whole document
can be reflected on to a camera lens. The lens can only read the image in black
and white. This information is converted, via microprocessor, into binary
information. The machine records black as 0 and white as 1.
Another microprocessor then converts the binary data into digital information,
which allows more data to be stored on the microchip. But, because most
telephone systems cannot read digital information, this is again changed, via
another microprocessor (modem), into analogue tones, or pitches of noise. The
first machine transmits these tones to the second.
The receiving machine converts the analogue tones back into digital and then
binary information. It sends a signal (in binary code) to the thermal head, or
printer. This turns heated elements on or off according to the pattern of 0s and 1s
contained in the signal. The pattern of black and white is then printed on to heat
sensitive paper.
Fax machine sends information at the rate of 9,600 baud, or bits of information
per second. A few seconds‘ interference on the phone line can make several lines
of a document illegible. If the line is noisy, the sending machine will slow down
to reduce the amount of information lost.

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8.1. READING COMPREHENSION

EXERCISE 1 Study this diagram which shows how a document can be
sent from one fax machine to another and read the text to answer these
questions
1. How are fax machines link?
2. How is the image transferred from the document to a microprocessor
within the fax?
3. In what form is information sent down the telephone lines?
4. In what form is information fed to the thermal head in the receiving fax?
5. How does the thermal head create images on paper?

EXERCISE 2 Find the reference in the text for each of the following
1. A body based in France (line 3)
2. Those made by the same manufacturer (line 4)
3. The latest machines (line 6)
4. This information is converted (line 15)
5. Converts the binary data into digital information (line 17)
6. The first machine transmit these tone (line 21)
7. IT sends a signal (in binary code) (line 23)
8. If the line is noisy (line 29)

8.2. USE OF LANGUAGE

8.2.1. Reduced relative clauses
In relative clauses, we can reduce them by omitting the relative pronouns and
change the verbs into Ving (in active sentences) or into Ved (in passive
sentences).
Example 1
1. the thermal head is a mechanism

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2. the head contains a line of dots

 The thermal head is a mechanism which contains a line of dots
 The thermal head is a mechanism containing a line of dots.
Example 2
1. The microprocessor converts the information into signals
2. The signals are called analogue tones.
3. The signals are suitable for telephone transmission
 The microprocessor converts the information into signals, which are
called analogue tones, which are suitable for telephone
transmission.
 The microprocessor converts the information into signals, called
analogue tones, suitable for telephone transmission

EXERCISE 1 Shorten this summary of the technical reading passage by

reducing the relative clauses where possible
TRANSMISSION LINES
The lines which connect telephones within a building are the simplest
types of transmission line, which consists of parallel wires. Those which link
telephones to a local exchange may be twisted pairs, although these are being
replaced. Coaxial cable, which is formed from a copper core which is surrounded
by a copper braid, is used to carry a large number of signals over long distances.
The cables which provide connections between telephone exchanges are often
coaxial. Waveguides, which are made of copper, are used to carry microwave
signals between dish aerials and receivers. They are suitable for frequencies
which are between 1GHz and 300GHz. Optical fibres, which are made from very
pure silicon fibre, are the forms of transmission line which is most often used
these days.
Example: The lines connecting telephones within a building are the simplest
types of transmission line

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8.2.2. Short forms

Some technical words have common short forms. In some cases the short form is
used much more frequently than the full form. For example
Full form Short form
A facsimile message A fax

EXERCISE 1 What are the short forms of these terms?

1. amplifier
2. video recorder
3. television
4. coaxial cable

EXERCISE 2 What terms are presented by these short forms?

1. phones
2. mike
3. phone

8.3. WRITING Describing transmission processes

EXERCISE
 Flowchart 1 describes in note form what happens when a document is fed
into a fax machine.
 Complete Flowchart 2 to describe how the data is received by the
receiving machine.

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Flowchart 1 Flowchart 2
Sending Receiving

1. Document fed into machine 1.

2. Passes over fluorescent 2.

3. Image reflected to a lens 3.

4. Lens passes image to microprocessor 4.

5. Microprocessor 1 breaks image into 5.

series of horizontal

6. Microprocessor 2 converts each line

into series of binary-coded dots.

7. Dots converts into digital information

8. Modem converts digital information

into analogue tones for transmission

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8.4. FURTHER READING

Reading
Communications services
Telephones, connected by a network of cables, are commonly used for the two-
way transmission of speech. The signals are switched from one line to another at
switching centres known as telephone exchanges. Lines in a small area are
switched by local exchanges, local exchanges are connected through trunk
exchanges, and trunk exchanges are connected to other countries by
international exchanges. Such a system is called a Public Switching Telephone
Network (PSTN) (see Fig.8.2).

Figure 8.2: Public Switching Telephone Network

Modern digital telephone networks can use videophones to transmit video
images as well as speech. The telephone network is used by video-conferencing
services to interconnect small television studios. In this way, business people can
hold conferences at a distance.
Public telephone networks are used by many other data communications
services. One of the oldest is the telex system. This enables messages, typed on
teletype terminals, to be automatically printed by distant teleprinters. Telex can
only transmit simple text containing capital letters and punctuation marks. It is
also slow- about 100 words per minute (see Fig. 8.3).

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Figure 8.3: Example of a teleprinter or teletype terminal

A newer, more advanced telex system, known as teletex, is also available. This
uses VDU terminals to transmit a variety of text and graphics characters. High
quality formats can be used and it is much faster than telex, operating at speeds
up to 2,600 words per minute(see Fig. 8.4)

Figure 8.4: Example of a teletex

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A facsimile (FAX) system allows the transmission of text, graphics and

photographic images.
Contacting people on the move is possible using a radiopaging service. By
carrying a small radio receiver called a radiopager, people can be contacted
wherever they are. Keying their number in on a telephone causes the paper to
beep. The person then goes to the nearest telephone to get in touch with the
caller.
A telephone network can be used to connect personal computers to an electronic
mail (email) system. Messages sent from a personal computer are stored on a
central computer. Users can read and reply to these messages using their own
computer.
Videotex or viewdata systems transmit pages of text and graphics through the
PSTN to be displayed on a viewdata terminal or television screen. The date
comes from a central computer. It is an interactive system, allowing the user to
send messages back to the computer using a keyboard. The user can perform
various tasks from home such as ordering goods and controlling bank accounts.
A similar data communications service, known as teletext, uses the television
broadcasting system rather than the PSTN. Text and graphics are transmitted as
part of the television video signal. The user can switch between pages on the
screen using special keys on a remote control unit. Unlike viewdata, teletext is
not interactive but does provide a similarly wide variety of useful information,
such as news and travel information. Fig.4 shows a teletext screen.
An Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is gradually being developed
which uses telephone networks with microwave links and satellite
communications to interconnect all types of data communications services
throughout the world.

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EXERCISE 1 Match these services with the given types of signals

Communications service Type of signal transmitted
1. telephone a. high quality text, graphics
characters
2. teletex b. video, speech
3. viewdata c. simple text, punctuation
4. radiopaging d. messages
5. fax e. radio signal, beep
6. videophone f. text, graphics, photographic images
7. email g. speech
8. teletext h. interactive information, e.g. travel,
shopping, banking
9. telex i. general information, e.g. news,
sports results

EXERCISE 2 Which type of communications service would best meet

these needs?
1. A travelling salesman whose office needs to contact him from time to time.
2. A company which wishes to hold a nationwide sales conference without
bringing all its sales people to their headquarters.
3. Scientists in different universities who want to exchange ideas about their
research.
4. A company which wishes to monitor and control its bank accounts without
having to go to the bank every day.
5. Someone who wants instant access to sports results.
6. A reporter who wants to send a story to her newspaper from a remote location.
7. A police officer who wants to send a picture of a suspect as fast as possible to
a police station at a distance.

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8.5. VOCABULARY
Amount (n) L-îng
Analogue tone (n) TÝn hiÖu t-¬ng tù
Baud (n) §¬n vÞ baud ®o tèc ®é truyÒn
Binary code (n) M· nhÞ ph©n
Bit (n) §¬n vÞ bit/ gi©y
Body (n) Tæ chøc, trô së
Camera information (n) ThÊu kÝnh camera
CCITT – Comite Consultatif ñy ban t- vÊn ®iÖn tho¹i vµ ®iÖn to¸n
International Telegraphique et quèc tÕ
Telephonique
Coaxial cable (n) C¸p ®ång trôc
Copper braid (n) Vá ®ång
Data transmission (n) TruyÒn t¶i d÷ liÖu
Document (n) T- liÖu, v¨n b¶n
Facsimile machine (FAX) M¸y fax
Fax machine (n)
Heat sensitive paper (n) GiÊy c¶m nhiÖt
Image (n) H×nh ¶nh
International exchange (n) Tæng ®µi quèc tÕ
Local exchange (n) Tæng ®µi ®Þa ph-¬ng
Manufacture (v) S¶n xuÊt, chÕ t¹o
Manufacturer (n) Nhµ s¶n xuÊt
Microchip (n) Vi m¹ch
Mike (n) Microphone
Mirror (n) KÝnh, g-¬ng
Modem (n) Bé ®iÒu gi¶i, modem
National exchange (n) Tæng ®µi trong n-íc, quèc gia
Original (n) S¶n phÈm gèc, ban ®Çu
Parallel wire (n) D©y m¾c song song

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Phone call (n) Cuéc gäi (®iÖn tho¹i)

Pitch (n) B-íc sãng
Potentiometer (n) §iÖn kÕ
Printer (n) M¸y in
Puff (n) ViÕt t¾t cña Picofarad
Pure silicon fibre (n) Sîi silic nguyªn chÊt
Reduce (v) Gi¶m, h¹ xuèng
Send (v) Göi
Standard (n) Tiªu chuÈn
Technology (n) C«ng nghÖ
Telephone exchange (n) Tæng ®µi ®iÖn tho¹i
Telephone line (n) §-êng d©y ®iÖn tho¹i
Thermal head (n) §Çu tõ nhiÖt
Waveguide (n) §-êng dÉn sãng
Widespread (adj) Lan réng, phæ biÕn, réng r·i

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Some related reading texts

TEXT 1
RADIo
Radio frequency (RF) waves are used to carry audio frequency
(AF) waves over long distances through the air. The audio signals can
be combined with the RF carrier wave in such a way that it varies the
amplitude of the carrier. This gives an amplitude-modulated (AM)
carrier wave.

AF signal

RF carrier modulated RF carrier

In a frequency - modulated (FM) wave, the audio signal is combined with

the RF carrier wave to vary the frequency of the carrier.,

AF signal

RF carrier

FM carrier

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The block diagram of a radio is shown in Fig. 3 below. The tuner selects
the required RF wave from those picked up by the aerial. The selected RF wave
is amplified and passed to the detector, which separates. The audio modulation
from the RF carrier wave. The audio frequency amplifier then amplifies the
audio signal to make it strong enough to drive the loudspeaker.
serial Amplified
modulated modulated
RF carrier RF carrier AF Amplified AF loudspeaker
RF RF Detector or AF RF Power
tuner Amplifier demodulator Amplifier Amplifier

Tuner
A typical radio tuner circuit consists of an inductor and capacitor
connected in parallel. The size of the aerial inductance coil can be kept small by
winding it on a ferrite rod core.

The RF Waves fed to the tuner cause the circuit to oscillate. The
impedance of the circuit is smallest and the oscillator is greatest at a particular
frequency known as the resonant frequency. This frequency is determined by the
values of the inductance and the capacitance. By using a variable capacitor, the
circuit can be tuned to the required radio frequency, and the selected RF wave
passed on to the RF amplifier.
Exercise: Check the facts and ideas ( True or False )
1. Audio frequency (AF) waves are carried over short distances through the air
by radio frequency ( RF) waves .
2. When the audio signal is combined with the RF carrier ,the frequency of the
carrier is varied.
3. The detector separates the audio modulation from the AF carrier wave.

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4. An inductor and capacitor in a typical radio tuner connected in parallel.

5. At a particular frequency ,the impedance of the circuit is greatest and the
oscillator is smallest.

TEXT 2
AUDIO RECORDING SYSTEMS
For a long time hi-fi recordings have been produced on vinyl gramophone
records. Records use an analogue recording system, which stores patterns by
cutting a continuous groove in a vinyl disk. The shape of the sides of the groove
represents the audio pattern. The sound can be reproduced by spinning the record
and using the movement of a metal needle in the groove to produce varying
magnetic fields (see the below Fig.). These magnetic Fields arc then processed to
produce the sound. A typical LP (long-playing record) has a recording capacity
of about 45 minutes.

A digital recording system, known as a compact disc (CD) system, was

introduced in 1978. This uses a laser optical mechanism in which a laser beam
reads marks on the surface of a specially prepared perspex disc.. It gives near-
perfect reproduction of sound and the sound quality does riot deteriorate with
use. Sonic of the problems associated with vinyl records are eliminated such as
‗ crackle‘ caused by dust and static, and ‗ jumping‘ s due to scratches off the
recording surface.
In a CD system, a recording is made by electronically sampling the sound
44,100 limes every second. The electronic samples are used to control a laser
beam, which makes a pattern of very small pits in the surface of the perspex disc.

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The audio pattern is represented by he length of the pits and he distance between
them. The pits are arranged in circular tracks. A typical CD has about 20,000
circular tracks and a maximum recording capacity of 74 minutes.
To play back the recording, the disc is made to revolve at a constant speed
and a laser beam is directed at its surface. The varying reflection of the laser
beam is fed into a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC). This produces the
electronic signals, which are amplified to drive a loudspeaker.
Exercise: Use the text above to complete this table of differences between LPs
and CDs.
LPs --------------- CDs----------------
1. Recording system Analogue ------------------------------
2. Sound quality poorer than the original ------------------------------
3. Access Serial random
4. Audio pattern ------------------------------ pits
5. Material -------------------------------- Perspex
6. Playing mechanism Mechanical ---------------------------
7. Durability easily damaged -------------------------
8. Size 12 inches 12 cm
9. Playing time ------------------ -----------------

TEXT 3
VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER
The step from recording sound on magnetic tape to doing the same with
video signals is one of increased band width, early reel-to-reel machines used
one-inch wide ipc and made the most of the available hand width by moving the
tape pass the head at high speed. Unfortunately, this meant that the transport
mechanism had to be built to a high specification.
Improvements in magnetic tape and the USC of helical scanning meant
that far more data could be crammed into a smaller area. By spinning thc1head
at a high speed, the rate a which the data could be stored or retrieved was
increased. Aligning the head at an angle to the tape laid down the information as
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a series of slaiicd tracks. This allowed the cassettes tape to be narrower and
move at a slower speed, giving rise to the modern video cassette recorder.
Early VCRs were playback-only, but by building iii a full-colour TV tuner,
programmes could be recorded from the air while another channel was being
viewed on a normal TV. The inclusion of a tipier meant that recordings could be
made and viewed at a later dale. Early timers only switched the (ape on at a
certain time, leaving the VCR running until the tape finished. The latest
machines allow a large number of on / ocr programmed times to be set so that
viewers can go on holiday and not miss a single episode of their favourite soap
opera.
Exercise: Checking the facts and ideas (True or False)
1. One-inch wide tape is used in early reel-to-reel machines.
2. The most of the available bandwidth was made by moving the tape pass the
head at slow speed.
3. As a result of the improvements in magnetic tape and the use of helical
scanning, far more data could be crammed into a smaller area.
4. As a result of. aligning the head at an angle to the tape, the cassette tape is
narrower and moves at a higher speed.
5. Early timers turned the tape on at any time, leaving the VCR running until the
tape finished.

TEXT 4
PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS
Control systems provide a means of replacing human operators in many
industrial processes. They are widely used to monitor and control pressure,
temperature, motor speed, the flow of liquid, or any other physical variable to be
controlled, such as the air temperature in a factory or the pressure of a hydraulic
system, must be measured. Then its vale must be compared with the desired
value. Next, action has to be taken to reduce to zero the difference between the
actual and desired value.
The basic components of a control system are an input transducer, an error
sensor, a controller and an output transducer. The input transducer converts

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changes in the physical variable into electrical signals. The transducer converts
changes in pressure to frequency changes. Pressure changes move the diaphragm
in or out, thus altering the position of the ferrite core which forms part of a tuned
circuit. This causes the frequency of the circuit to change, thus altering the
output frequency of the oscillator. The output is then fed to an error sensor.
The error sensor measures the deviation between the actual and desired
values for the variable. The controller receives the error sensor output and uses it
to control the variable either directly or indirectly. A simple controller is an
electromagnetic relay which uses a small signal to control a much larger signal
such as a power supply output.
The output transducer converts the electrical output from the controller
into whatever form of energy is required to change the physical variable. It may
be a valve, a heater, a motor or any electrically operated of equipment. An
example is a motor-operated valve which controls the flow of fluid in a pipeline.
Let us take as an example a process system for controlling the speed of a DC
motor. The input transducer measures the speed and converts it into a voltage.
The error sensor compares this voltage with the voltage across a speed-setting
potentionmeter. The error sensor output is fed to the controller which sends a
signal to the power supply of the motor. This increases or reduces the supply of
current to the motor, thus controlling its speed.
The operation of a process control system is a closed-loop system. In such
a system the result of the action of the controller are constantly fed back to it.
Exercise: Answer the questions
1. What must a process control system be capable of doing?
2. Compare and input transducer with an output transducer.
3. What is the function of an error sensor?
4. What is a closed-loop system?
5. How does a control system provide a means of replacing human operators?

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TEXT 5
PROPAGATION
A signal from a transmitter may be propagated in three ways; by ground
waves, by space waves and by sky waves. Ground waves travel round the surface
of the earth for short distances. As they travel, they lose energy. This loss of
power, or attenuation, depends on the nature of the surface. Attenuation also
varies with the frequency of the signal: the higher the frequency, the greater the
ground wave attenuation. At frequencies above 20MHz the range is reduced to
line of sight.
Propagation by space waves applies mainly to very high frequencies. Part
of the transmitted signal travels in a direct line from transmitting antenna to
receiving antenna. Partly the signal is reflected from the ground. The higher the
frequency, the greater the possible ground wave reflection. The range of space
wave propagation is restricted to approximately twice the direct optical path.
The range covered by ground waves and space waves is limited. Greater
distances can be achieved using sky waves. Sky waves propagation depends on
the ionosphere.
A signal transmitted from a point on the earth would not be received at
another one because of the curvature of the earth if it were not for the
ionosphere. This consists of a number of layers of ionized gas in the upper
atmosphere. If a transmission is directed towards these layers it will be reflected
back to earth.
Then wave may then be reflected back from the earth to the ionosphere.
Indeed it may be carried right round the earth by successive reflections although
it will lose power both in the earth and in the ionosphere at each bounce.
The bending effect of the ionosphere depends on the frequency of the
signal and the angle of radiation. The higher the frequency, the less the bending.
At a certain frequency, signals will pass straight through the layers and be lost in
space. The smaller the angle of radiation, the greater the distance which can be
covered in one reflection.

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At any time there is a maximum usable frequency for transmissions from

a given site over a particular path. This frequency depends on the state of the
ionosphere which varies according to many factors including the time of day and
the season of the year. The lower the frequency of a transmission, the greater the
number of reflections needed to cover the required distance and hence the
weaker the signal will be. For this reason, it is best to use a frequency as high as
possible without exceeding the maximum usable frequency as this will cover the
required distance with the smallest number of reflection and hence the least
attenuation.
Exercise: Answer the following questions
1. List three types of propagation.
2. How do ground waves travel?
3. What is attenuation?
4. Name two factors which affect the attenuation of ground waves.
5. What frequencies are propagated by space waves?
6. Name two ways in which space ways travel.
7. What range has space waves?
8. What controls sky wave propagation?
9. What is the ionosphere?
10. How do sky waves cover great distances?
11. Name two factors which determine the bending effect of the ionosphere.
12. What is the maximum usable frequency?

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TEXT 6
FROM CAMERA TO SCREEN
A television camera contains a lens system which is used to focus an
image of the object on to the face of the camera tube. This tube contains a photo-
cathode which emits electrons in response to light. The brighter the light from
the image, the more electrons are emitted by the photo-cathode. In a black and
white camera, the photo-cathode responds only to brightness, hence it is at this
point that information on the color of the image is lost. The electrons from the
cathode are now made to strike a target electrode causing some of its atoms to
become positively charged.
The target electrode is scanned by an electron beam. The beam sweeps the
target electrode in a series of closely spaced lines. There are 405 and 625 of
these lines depending on the system used.
When the beam reaches the end of the top scan line, it is brought quickly
back to the beginning of the next line which is slightly lower. This return is
called fly back an is much quicker than a line scan.
The scanning beam loses electrons to the positively charged atoms on the
target electrode and is thus changed or modulated. Its density is thus
proportional to the light intensity of the original image. In this way the camera
produces a continuous waveform which contains information on the brightness
of the original image. This video waveform information added to it, sync pulses,
to synchronize the start of each scanning line and frame.
The video signal is transmitted and received in a similar fashion to sound
transmissions. After detection and amplification it is fed to the cathode of the crt
in the television receiver thus controlling the intensity of the electron beam. The
sync pulses ensure that the beam in the crt is in exactly the same position as the
beam in the television camera. The beam is made to move sideways and
progressively downwards matching line by line the scanning of the television
camera. As the electron beam strikes the television screen, the phosphor coating
on the screen emits light. This light varies in whiteness according to the

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brightness of the original image. Because the line by line built up the picture
takes place so quickly, the eye sees only a complete picture of the object in front
of the television camera.
Exercise: Answer the questions
1. What part of the camera tube is scanned?
2. Why is the color information lost?
3. What two type of information does the video waveform carry?
4. What is the function of the sync pulses?

TEXT 7
CAREERS IN ELECTRONICS
1. Manufacturing
Manufacturing includes making anything from individual components or
printed circuit boards to complete pieces of equipment such as televisions. In the
case of the latter, it is usual to break down the equipment into modules and
manufacturing these separately. For example, television sets are manufactured in
this way with each set consist of up to seven individual modules. When the
modules come off the assembly, they are passed to groups of testers and
troubleshooters to check for faults. The various modules are then assembled to
produce the complete unit. The disadvantage of this kind of work is the
monotony and the time pressure of assembly line work.
2. Planning
Firms with large communications networks require planners. For example,
telecommunications network providers need to know where to place exchanges
for maximum switching capability, and microwave towers for minimum
interference. They also need to know the sizes of cables to handle traffic growth.
Rapidly springing up everywhere from a number of different suppliers are
the radio mobile, cellular, and paging networks. All these require careful
planning and field surveys to prevent mutual interference. Job opportunities will
grow in this sector.

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3. Installation
There is a wide range of installation work required, for example, installing
exchanges, LANs, and medical equipment. Such work involves cabling and may
require some knowledge of mechanical engineering if special racks and even
entire rooms have to be constructed to accommodate equipment. Installation
work usually involves travel which can be overseas depending on the product
involved.
4. Commissioning
Once equipment is installed, it needs to be commissioned, i.e. put into
operation. Problems often emerge at this stage which have to be ironed out. This
work is usually done by engineers with long experience in the type of equipment
being commissioned.
5. Maintenance
As electronic equipment has become more complex, so maintenance
technicians have become more specialized. For instance, technicians who used to
service both radio and television may now specialize in either radio and audio
equipment or television sets and video recorders. Similarly, technicians now
specialize in servicing computers, telecommunications equipment, industrial
robots, and so on. Testing and fault-finding equipment has become more
sophisticated. Oscilloscopes are commonplace on workbenches, and
programmable analysers are available for carrying out a full rage of diagnostic
tests on particular types of equipment. Although these save a great deal of time,
they can make the work of the service technician less challenging. Service men
and women are always in demand.
6. Sales
Sales staff too requires specialist knowledge – not so much of how the
equipment works, but what it is capable of the differences between similar types
of equipment. They also have to know the advantages of their company‘ s
products over those of their rivals. Although selling ability is more important

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than technical expertise, it is not unusual for service technicians to transfer to

sales.
Most salespeople work on a commission basis. In addition, they usually
have use for a company car. They can earn high salaries and are crucial to the
success of a company. Selling usually involves a great deal of travel and can be
stressful.
7. Teaching
Colleges and universities employ substantial numbers of graduates in
electronics. Colleges prefer teaching staff who also has experience in industry or
business. Universities look for teaching staff with research experience. Salaries
in education tend to be lower than in industry.
Technicians are also employed in educational institutes in laboratories and
workshops to assist with research and to provide maintenance.
8. Research and development
Large companies run their own R&D departments. Exciting opportunities
exist for creative engineers in the design and testing of new products. Such
opportunities are limited. Most R&D work is carried out at the company‘ s
headquarters. Many electronic companies are multinational, so the R&D work
may not be done in the country where the product is assembled.
Exercise: Answer the questions
1. What does manufacturing include?
2. Why do different suppliers require careful planning and field surveys?
3. What does installation work usually involve?
4. When maintenance technicians have become more specialized?
5. Why can most salespeople earn high salaries?
6. What do colleges prefer teaching staff?
7. Where is most R&D work carried out?

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KEY TO EXERCISES

UNIT 1 : Conductors, insulators and semiconductors

1.1. READING COMPREHENSION
EXERCISE 1
1. - Conductors are substances which provide an easy path for an electric current.
- Insulators are materials which does not easily release electrons.
- Semiconductors are midway between conductors and insulators.
2. It is the movement of free electrons towards the positive end.
3. It is used for cables.
4. No, they aren‘ t. Because some insulators will allow some flow of electrons but
the flow they permit is so small.
5. They are mixtures of metallic oxides.
EXERCISE 2
1. B 2. B 3. C 4. A
EXERCISE 3
1. F 4. T 6. F
2. T 5. T 7. T
3. F
EXERCISE 4
1. The movement of free electrons is an electric current.
2. Materials in the first category are called conductors.
3. Substances which provide a path for an electric current are conductors.
4. All insulators allow some flow of electrons.
5. Germanium sometimes behaves as an insulator and sometimes as a conductor.
1.2. USE OF LANGUAGE
1.2.1. Describing shapes

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EXERCISE
1. a circle capacitor 2. a T-shaped/ U-shaped/ E-shaped/ I-
shaped transformer laminations
3. a tube capacitor 4. a U-shaped magnet
5. a tube cable conduct 6. a rectangle carbon brush
7. a rectangle capacitor 8. a tube resistor
1.2.2. Describing position and connection
EXERCISE
1. The bulbs are connected across the battery.
2. The core is located within the pole pieces.
3. The 27pF capacitor is connected between the collector and the base.
4. The antenna is connected to the coil.
5. Feedback voltage is applied to the base of the transistor through C1.
6. The rotor is mounted on the shaft.
7. The coil is wound round an iron core.
8. The negative pole of the battery is wired to earth.
1.2.3. Relative clause
EXERCISE
1. The coil is connected in series with a resistor which has a value of 240 ohms.
2. The supply is fed to a distribution substation where the supply is reduced to
41V.
3. Workers who assemble very small precision instruments require a high degree
of illumination.
4. Mangarin is a metal which has a comparatively high resistance.
5. The signal which is rectified by the detector passes to the detector.
6. A milliammeter is an instrument which is used for measuring small currents.
7. Workers who assemble heavy machinery require illumination of 300 lux.
8. Armoured cables are used in places where there is risk of mechanical damage.
9. A simple circuit breaker consists of a solenoid and a switch with contacts
which are held closed by a latch.
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10. This latch releases the switch contacts which are pulled apart by a spring.
1.2.4. Reason and result connectives (because, because of, therefore)
EXERCISE
1. Soft iron is used in electromagnets because iron can be magnetized easily.
2. The voltage is 250V and the current 5A, therefore the resistance is 50Ω.
3. Pvc is used to cover cables because pvc is a good insulator.
4.Transistors can be damaged by heat, therefore care must be taken when
soldering transistors.
5. Capacitance is usually measured in microfarads or picofarads because the
farad is too large a unit.
6.Output transistors are mounted on a heat sink because output transistors
generate heat.
7. It is to control the speed of Dc motors because Dc motors are used when
variable speeds are required.
8.A cathode-ray tube screen glows when an electron beam strikes it because the
screen is coated with a phosphor.
1.2.5. Pronoun links between sentences (it, they, them, this, that…)
EXERCISE
2. The transformer consists of primary coils and a secondary coil. They are
insulated and wound round a former.
3. The coils are insulated and wound round a former. They have a core of soft
iron on which the former is mounted.
4. The coils have a core of soft iron on which the former is mounted. It is made
from many thin sheets or laminations.
5. The sheets are oxidized so that they are insulated from each other.
6. The sheets are oxidized. Oxidizing them reduces eddy losses.

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1.3. WRITING
EXERCISE
2. Ensure that the correct polarity is observed and good connections are made.
3. Then switched on the charger.
4. Switch off the charger when the battery has been fully charged.
5. Check the specific gravity of a sample cell .
6. Replace the filler plugs and leave the battery to cool before use.
1.4. FURTHER READING
EXERCISE 1
1. Lead at very low temperatures
2. When they are at very low temperatures
3. They are limited because of very low temperatures required.
4. Applications of the memory cells of computers
5. They could store information indefinitely..
6. The resistance of the windings would be zero and they would be almost ideal
EXERCISE 2
1. lead 2. very low temperatures
3. very low temperatures required 4. in the memory cells of computers
5. indefinitely 6. almost ideal

UNIT 2: Circuit elements

2.1. READING COMPREHENSION
EXERCISE 1
1. It is a path for current to follow.
2. It contains 4 elements: a source, a load, a transmission system and a control
3. It converts the electrical energy from the source into some other form of
energy
4. It is an electric cell which converts sunlight into electrical energy

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EXERCISE 2
1. C 2. A 3. A 4. A
EXERCISE 3
1. T 4. F 7. F
2. T 5. T 8. T
3. T 6. T 9. F

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EXERCISE 4
1. A lamp changes electrical energy into light.
2. The generator supplies the circuit with electromotive force.
3. The metal chassis of the oscilloscope is part of its transmission system.
4. The rheostat regulates the current flow in the circuit.
5. A battery of solar cells provides power to the circuit.

2.2. USE OF LANGUAGE AND PRACTICE

2.2.1. Describing function
EXERCISE
2-a: A capacitor adds capacitance to a circuit.
3-h: A variable resistor transforms ac voltages.
4-j: A variable capacitor selects a frequency.
5-g: A transformer varies the current in a circuit.
6-f: A fuse protects a circuit.
7-e: A switch breaks a circuit.
8-d: A milliammeter measures very small currents.
9-b: A diode rectifies alternating currents.
10-i: An antenna receives rf signals.
2.2.2. Describing purpose
EXERCISE 1
2. A soldering iron is for soldering connections.
3. A milliammeter is used for measuring very small current.
4. An oscilloscope is used for showing variations in electrical current.
5. A heat sink is used to reduce heat.
6. We cut wires with wire-clippers.
7. We measure very high resistance using a megohmmeter.
8. We measure resistance with a ohmmeter.
9. A signal generator is used to generate signals.
10. We charge batteries using a battery charger.

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EXERCISE 2
1. The focus focuses the electric lens by altering the biasing of the X amplifier.
2. The brightness varies the intensity of the beam by varying a resistor in the
timebase oscillator.
3. The X shift alters the gain of the Y amplifier, thereby moving the trace along
the X axis.
4. The Y shift alters the biasing of the Y amplifier, thereby moving the trace
along the Y axis.
5. The coarse frequency selects the appoximate time base frequency by varying
the potential on anode.
6. The fine frequency adjust the timebase frequency by varying the negative
potential on the grid.
7. The Y ganin selects a capacitor in the timebase oscillator, thereby controlling
the signal amplification.
2.2.3. Qualification (however, but, although)
EXERCISE 1
2 - d. In an ideal transformer there would be no loss, but in practice there is
always some loss.
3 - e. Although moving – iron meters can measure a voltages without a
rectifier, moving – coil meters with rectifiers are preferred.
4 - b. Resistors usually have a tolerance of or 10%; however, for professional
work a tolerance of 1 or 2% is required.
5 - a. Semiconductors have replaced valves in most applications, but valves are
still used in large transmitters.
EXERCISE 2
2-d-1. In an ideal transformer there would be no loss, but in practice there is
always some loss because of the resistance of the windings.
3-e-4. Although moving – iron meters can measure a voltages without a
rectifier, moving – coil meters with rectifiers are preferred because of the very
high powers required.

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4-b-3. Resistors usually have a tolerance of or 10%; however, for professional

work a tolerance of 1 or 2% is required because higher standards of accuracy are
needed.
5-a-5. Semiconductors have replaced valves in most applications, but valves are
still used in large transmitters because they do not absorb so much power from
the circuit.
2.3. WRITING
EXERCISE 1
1. A generator is a device which converts mechanical energy into electrical
energy.
2. An insulator is a material which does not readily release electrons.
3. An alternating current is a current which flows first in one direction, then in
the other.
4. A direct current is a current which flows in one direction only.
5. A resistor is a device which impedes the flow of current in a circuit.
6. A conductor is a material which readily releases electrons.
7. A light meter is an instrument which measures light.
8. An ammeter is an instrument which measures current.
EXERCISE 2
2. which is known as the hinged armature relay
3. which is also made of soft iron.
4.which are mounted on the body of the relay.
5. which are often made of platinum
EXERCISE 3
1. A resistor is a device which is used to add resistance to a circuit.
2. Both fixed and variable resistors are made.
3. Most resistors are made from either resistance wire or compressed graphite.
4. Wire sound resistors consist of a coil of resistance wire such as nichrome
which is wound on a former.
5. A ceramic coating is applied over the winding to insulate the winding.

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6. For small currents, carbon resistors are used, for example, in radio work.
7. Carbon resistors are made of compressed graphite which is formed into small
tubes.
8. Connections are made with wires which are attached to the end of the resistor.
9. Variable resistors may have either a coil of resistance wire or a carbon track.
10. The wire or track is mounted so that a sliding contact can rub over it to select
the resistance required.
2.4. FURTHER READING
EXERCISE 1
1. It does not require burning fuel.
2. It makes use of the principle that when a conductor cuts a magnetic field, a
current flows through the conductor.
3. The conductor is an ionized gas.
4. The gas is seeded, then pumped at a high temperature and pressure through a
strong magnetic field.
5. The open-cycle and the closed-cycle.
6. In the open-cycle method the hot gas is discharged. In the closed-cycle
method it is recirculated.
7. The efficiency rate of MHD generation is 60% compared with a maximum of
40% from conventional power stations.
EXERCISE 2
1. fuel
2. when a conductor cuts a magnetic field, a current flows through the conductor
3. small amounts of metal
4. through a strong magnetic field
5. the open-cycle and the closed-system
6. being allowed to escape
7. the gas is circulated continually through the MHD generator
8. 60%
9. maximum of 40%

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UNIT 3: The DC motor

3.1. READING COMPREHENSION
EXERCISE 1
1. It is used for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.
2. Its most important parts are the rotor, the stator and the brush gear.
3. It contains an armature and a commutator. An armature is a set of wire loops
wound on a steel core. A commutator consists a number of copper segments
insulated from one another.
4. It consists of magnetic and electrical conductors. The magnetic circuit is made
up of the frames and the poles. Wound round the poles are the field coils. These
form of the stator‘ s electrical circuit.
5. The rotor is the moving part, but the stator does not move.
6. The motor operates on the principle that when a current-carrying conductor is
placed in a magnetic field, a force is produced on the conductor.
EXERCISE 2
1. B 2. B 3. A 4. A
EXERCISE 3
1. rotor 5. wire loops
2. stator 6. shaft
3. armature 7. frames
4. windings 8. field coils

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3. 2. USE OF LANGUAGE AND PRACTICE

3.2.1. Describing the parts
EXERCISE 1
2. primary coil 5. E-shaped laminations
3. secondary coil 6. T-shaped laminations
4. I-shaped laminations 7. U-shaped laminations

EXERCISE 2
1.
A variable
wirewound
resistor

tags Sliding contact Rotating shaft Wirewound track

2.
A lamp circuit

source wire switch lamp

3.
A relay

contacts frame armature coil Coil Soft-iron

connections core

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4.
A filament bulb

contact Threaded end cap Tungsten filament Gas filled

glassbulb

5.
A variable
capacitor

Two sets of Two sets of fixed Insulated supports spindle

moving vanes vanes

6.
A power supply

transformer rectifier Smoothing circuit stabilizer

7.

Rf carrier
A choke

Thermal Cooling Safety Test Solid Convenient Control

prote water interlocks points copper accessibility circuit
flow heat sink electronics
RF
RF power
oscillator
amplifier
ction
switch

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3.2.2. Expressing an advice and an emphasis

EXERCISE
1. Heat shunts must be used when soldering.
2. Transistors shouldn‘ t be connected or disconnected with the power on.
3. An ohmmeter mustn‘ t be used for checking transistors unless a safe voltage or
current range is used.
4. Sharp bends must be kept in the leads at least 1-5 mm away from the transistor
body.
5. The reverse breakdown voltage shouldn‘ t be exceeded.
3.2.3. Relative clause with preposition
EXERCISE
1. The range over which the meter can operate is 0-1000 volts.
2. A battery is a device which changes chemical energy into electrical energy.
3. Power supplies which use thyristor rectifiers are used to drive DC motors.
4. The capacitor through which the signal is passed has a value of 27pF.
5. The telephone is a device which uses the magnetic effect of a current.
6. The headphones with which the receiver can only be used have a high
impedence.
7. The plates between which the beam passes are known as X and Y plates.
8. The rotor contains a commutator which acts as a switch.
3.2.4. Linking words of cause and result
EXERCISE
2. Alternators are preferred to dynamos for cars since alternators give higher
outputs at low speeds.
3. Dirt and dust reduce effective light, for this reason lamps must be kept clean.
4. Squirrel cage motors are simple, cheap and strong, consequently, squirrel cage
motors are used for many general duties.
5. It is convenient to describe magnetic lines of force, but in reality magnetic
lines of force do not exist.

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6. Transistorized equipment is easily portable as transistors can operate from

battery voltages.
7. Ultrasonic welding is better than heat welding for the reason that the materials
are not distorted.
8. Watchmakers work with very small parts, hence, watchmakers require a lot of
light.
3.3. WRITING
EXERCISE 1
2. join input terminals together
3. connect to one terminal of the megohmmeter
4. connect the other lead of the megohmmeter to the motor frame
6. test the starter
7. test the motor
8. test the brushgear
EXERCISE 2
2. A carbon rod which is in the centre of the cell forms the positive electrode.
3. The space between the zinc case and the carbon rod is filled with a paste of
ammonium chloride which is used as an electrolyte.
4. The electrolyte is called a dry cell, because it is a paste and not a liquid.
5. The paste also contains manganese dioxide which prevents gas being formed.
6. The cell is sealed with a cap made of metal or plastic to prevent the paste
coming out.
7. A small space is left below the cap so that gas formed by the cell can collect
there.
8. Dry cells are usually enclosed in a cardboard case with an additional metal
jacket to make the cell leakproof.
9. Leakproof cells are often prefered because the electrolyte cannot leak out and
the cell ages.
10. Leaking electrolyte may damage the equipment in which the cells are
installed.

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3.4. FURTHER READING

EXERCISE 1
The effects of an electric current
EXERCISE 2
1. luminous 6. electronlysis
2. chemical 7. added
3. essential 8. magnetize magnetic materials
4. filament bulb 9. transformer
5. ionized gas 10. exert a force

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UNIT 4: The cathode ray tube

4.1. READING COMPREHENSION
EXERCISE 1
1. Because it shows the wave form of the signal
2. A cathode
3. It forms the electron gun into a beam
4. By varying the negative potential on the grid
5. It focuses the beam on the screen as a small dot
6. Because they are nearer the anodes and have greater effect on the beam
7. It controls the time
8. Because the output from a timebase oscillator is applied across X plates as a
means of moving the beam horizontally at regular intervals
EXERCISE 2
1. A 2. B 3. C 4. A
EXERCISE 3
1. F 3. T 5. T
2. T 4. F
EXERCISE 4
1. B 3. A 5. A
2. C 4. B 6. A
4.2. USE OF LANGUAGE
4.2.1. Writing instructions as explanations
EXERCISE
2. The resistor flat is pulled against the board and the leads are bended back.
3. The first lead is heated with a soldering iron and solder is applied to the heated lead.
4. Solder is heated and applied to the second lead.
5. The soldered joints are allowed to cool.
6. The leads are trimmed using wire clippers.
4.2.2. Describing sequence: sequence - words
EXERCISE 1
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Next, the resistor flat is pulled against the board and the leads are bended back.
Then, the first lead is heated with a soldering iron and solder is applied to the
heated lead. After that, solder is heated and applied to the second lead. Then, the
soldered joints are allowed to cool. Finally, the leads are trimmed using wire
clippers.
EXERCISE 2
In the UK, electrical energy is generated at power stations at 25KV. First, it is
stepped up by a transformer to 132, 275 or 400KV for long-distance distribution.
Then, it passes via the switching compound to the grid. Next, it is distributed via
the grid system to main grid supply points where it is stepped down to 33KV for
distribution to heavy industry. After that, it is distributed via overhead or
underground cables to intermediate substations where it is further reduced to
11KV for light industry. Then, it is fed to distribution substation where it is
reduced to 415V,3 phrase and 240V,1 phrase. Finally, it is distributed to the
domestic consumer.
4.2.3. Short relative clause
EXERCISE
1. In Britain electrical energy generated in power stations is fed to the National
Grid.
2. The energy passes through a transformer which steps up the voltage to
123,275 or 400kV.
3. The transmission lines carrying the supply are usually arranged in groups of
three overhead conductors suspended from porcelain insulators.
4. Energy from power stations located in built-up areas may be fed to the Grid
by underground cables.
5. For voltages up to 400kV cables which contain oil under low pressure are
used.
4.2.4. Reinforcement connectives
EXERCISE

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1. Semiconductors are used in preference to valves because they are cheaper than
valves. In addition, they are much smaller and lighter.
2. Dc motors are preferred for cranes because they permit powerful dynamic
barking. In addtion, they allow a wide range of speed variation.
3. Dielectric heating rather than conduction heating is used in plywood
production because it is even. In addtion, it is faster and cheaper.
4. (a) Fluorescent lamps are better than filament lamps because the light is closer
to daylight. In addtion, the heat from fluorescent lamp is much less than from
filament lamps.
4.3. WRITING
EXERCISE 1
1. it is robust and versatile
2. the frequency range is limited on ac
3. the frequency range is wide
4. has a non-linear scale
5. gives information about wave form and frequency
6. they are expensive
EXERCISE 2
1. It consists of a transmitter and a receiver.
2. It comprises an oscillator, a power amplifier and a transmitting antenna.
3. It includes a receiving antenna, a radio frequency amplifier, a detector, a
comparator and an indicator.
4. It is generated in the oscillator.
5. It is amplified.
6. It is radiated through the transmitting antenna.
7. The receiving antenna.
8. It is then fed to the radio frequency amplifier.
9. The signal is amplified.
10. It is fed to the detector.
11. The received signal is compared with a reference signal from the transmitter.

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12. They are displayed.

EXERCISE 3
A simple radar consists of a transmitter and a receiver. A transmitter comprises
an oscillator, a power amplifier and a transmitting antenna. A receiver includes a
receiving antenna, a radio frequency amplifier, a detector, a comparator and an
indicator. The signal is generated in the oscillator, then it is amplified and
radiated through the transmitting antenna. If the target is hit, a weak reflected
signal is received by the receiving antenna. Then the signal is amplified in the
radio frequency and rectified by the detector. In the comparator, the received
signal is compared with a reference signal from the transmitter. Finally, both
signals are displayed.
4.4. FURTHER READING
EXERCISE 1
The method of dielectric heating
EXERCISE 2
1. a non-conducting material 6. food industries
2. considerable heat 7. not uniform
3. rapid 8. unevenly dry
4. uniform 9. it heats uniformly
5. woodworking 10. it dries evenly

UNIT 5: Electronics in the home

5.1. READING COMPREHENSION
EXERCISE 1
1. radios, televisions and record players
2. Hi-fi units and portable radios did.
3. ICs on silicon chips were.
4. They are found in digital alarm clocks, water heaters, electric cookers and
microwave oven.
5. Multimedia entertainment systems and computer-controlled robots are.
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EXERCISE 2
1. F 2. F 3. F 4. F 5. F
EXERCISE 3
1. electronics 5. development of ICs on silicon chips
2. vacuum tube 6. automatic machines
3. 1948 7. computer-controlled robots
4. hi-fi units

5.2. USE OF LANGUAGE

EXERCISE 1
2. Electronics is used by telephones to provide automatic dialing and answer
phone facilites.
3. Cookers are cleaned twice a week.
4. A lot of dishwashers have been produced since 1995.
5. A robot is going to be designed next year.
EXERCISE 2
1. The detector is connected to the AF amplifier.
2. The AF amplifier is linked to the volume control.
3. The volume control is connected to the power amplifier.
4. The power amplifier is connected to the speaker.
5.3. WRITING
EXERCISE
1. consists 5. amplifier
2. modulator 6. signal
3. oscillator 7. power
4. carrier 8. microphone

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5.4. FURTHER READING

EXERCISE 1
Battery and types of battery
EXERCISE 2
1. D 2. D 3. B 4. C 5. D

UNIT 6: Semiconductor diodes

6.1. READING COMPREHENSION
EXERCISE 1
1. A 2. B 3. B 4. B 5. A

EXERCISE 2
1. The source is connected with the positive to the p-side and the negative to the
n-side.
2. With forward bias, the current at first increases slowly.
3. The diode is then a good conductor.
4. When the diode is reverse biased, there is almost no current flow.
5. This leakage current remains substantially constant until what is known as
breakdown.
EXERCISE 3
1. across a silicon pn junction diode
2. the current rises rapidly
3. a point will be reached where the diode is destroyed by heat
4. this leakage current changes
5. a large increase in current
EXERCISE 4
1. T 2. T 3. F 4. T 5. T

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6.2. USE OF LANGUAGE

EXERCISE
1. As the voltage increases, the current increases.
2. The current continues to rise until the diode is destroyed by heat.
3. When a reserved voltage is applied, very little current flows.
4. After the signal is rectified, the signal is amplified.
5. The leakage current remains constant until the breakdown voltage is reached.
6. When the applied voltage reaches about 600mV, the current rises rapidly.
7. The magnetizing current is increased until saturation point is reached.
8. As the current drawn by the load increases, the current in the Zener decreases.
6.3. WRITING
EXERCISE
2-b. When a current flows through the filament of a light bulb, it gives off light
because the filament becomes incandescent.
3-h. The value of a resistor can be calculated from the color bands on the body
by determining the value of a resistor.
4-g. Manganin wire is used for the elements of an electric wire because of a
higher resistance than most metals.
5-c. Sensitive equipment is protected by fuses so that the equipment is not
damaged by excess current.
6-d. Light bulbs may contain rare gases to prevent the filament burning up.
7-a. Curved bulbs may contain rare gases to help form a radial magnetic field.
8-e. When a relay is energized, sets of contacts are pushed together or apart by
means of a moving armature which controls the contacts.
6.4. FURTHER READING
EXERCISE 1
1. Modulation is changing radio waves.
2. Amplitude, frequency and phase can.
3. Because in frequency modulation, the amplitude of the carrier wave is kept
constant.

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EXERCISE 2
1. lines 21 – 22 6. lines 1 – 2
2. lines 4 – 7 7. lines 15 - 16
3. lines 12 – 14 8. lines 2 - 5
4. lines 28 – 33 9. lines 23 – 26
5. lines 8 – 9 10. lines 9 - 11
EXERCISE 3
No information can be communicated by radio waves without modulating them.
Stopping and starting the wave is the simplest method of modulation. Audio
frequencies cannot be transmitted. The carrier wave is demodulated by the
receiver and the audio-frequency signal recovered. Audio frequencies can be
used to modulate high frequency radio waves which can then act as carriers of
the audio-frequency signals. The amplitude, frequency and phase of a wave can
be modulated. In am the amplitude of the carrier wave is modulated according to
the amplitude of the modulating signals. In fm frequency of the carrier wave is
modulated according to the amplitude of the modulating signal. Fm is better than
am because there is less interference. Fm broadcasts are in the vhf band partly
because fm stations require greater spacing.

UNIT 7: High definition television

7.1. READING COMPREHENSION
EXERCISE 1 (suggestions)
1. I watch TV 7 hours each week.
2. I watch TV in the evening.
3. I watch films.
4. I watch HBO the most and TV5 the least.
5. I think the quality of TV will be better in the future.

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EXERCISE 2
Feature Existing High definition
No. of lines 625 1.250
Images less realistic more realistic
number of dots 120,000 480,000
width/ height ratio 4:3 16:9
optimal viewing distance 7 times the height of the 3 times the height of the
screen screen
viewing range 10o 30o
EXERCISE 3
1. F 2. T 3. F 4. T 5. T
EXERCISE 4
1. Picture quality is excellent, crisp, and without flicker, as good as those we are
used to seeing in the cinema. Sound quality is too superb, thanks to digital
multitrack transmissions.
2. In Europe, it is called HDTV. In the USA, it is call Hi-Vision.
3. Because the picture is displayed using more lines per frame.
4. A computer can.
5. Since not everyone is convinced of the need for such high quality TV systems.
7.2. USE OF LANGUAGE
EXERCISE
1. It is unlikely that vinyl records will not be made.
2. It is unlikely that ordinary audio cassettes will not be made.
3. It is certain that most families in my country will have CD player.
4. It is unlikely that most families in my country will have MD player. It is
possible that some families will have it.
5. It is unlikely that most families in my country will have DCC player. It is
possible that some families will have it.
6. It is improbable that computers will understand and respond to my spoken
language.

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7. It is possible that cars will be electronically guided through cities.

8. It is possible that most teaching will be done by computer.
9. It is unlikely that no manual labour will be done in factories in my country.
10. It is unlikely that most families in my country will have HDTVs. It is
possible that some families will have them.
7.3. WRITING
EXERCISE
2.The spot strikes the television screen and the phosphor coating on the screen
emits light which varies in brightness according to the intensity of the original
image.
3.When the spot reaches the right side of the screen, it is blanked and moved
rapidly back to the left side in a movement called flyback.
4.The present European system sweeps the screen in a series of lines where there
are 625 closely-spaced lines to ensure a good quality picture.
5.The movement across the screen is controlled by the line scan signal and the
movement down the screen is controlled by the field scan signal.
6.The scan rate must be greater than 40Hz because a lower scan rate would cause
the screen to flicker.
7. Sync pulses are added to the video signal to ensure that the TV camera and TV
receiver start a new line and frame at the same time.
8.The build-up of the screen happens so quickly that the eye sees only a
complete picture.
7.4. FURTHER READING
EXERCISE
1. The line scan signal does.
2. Flyback is.
3. 625 lines are.
4. The screen flickers.

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UNIT 8: Data transmission

8.1. READING COMPREHENSION
EXERCISE 1
1. Fax machines are linked to a telephone line.
2. A fluorescent lamp reflects the image on to a series of mirrors which reduce
its size so that the whole document can be reflected on to a camera lens.
3. Information in form of analogue tones is.
4. Information in form of binary code.
5. It turns heated elements on or off according to the pattern of 0s and 1s
contained in the signal and the pattern of black and white is then printed on to
heat sensitive paper.
EXERCISE 2
1. the Comite Consultatif International Telegraphique et Telephonique (CCITT)
2. machines
3. facsimile machines
4. the image in black and white
5. binary information
6. analogue tones
7. the receiving machine
8. the phone line
8.2. USE OF LANGUAGE
8.2.1. Reduced relative clauses
EXERCISE
TRANSMISSION LINES
The lines connecting telephones within a building are the simplest types of
transmission line consisting of parallel wires. Those linking telephones to a
local exchange may be twisted pairs, although these are being replaced. Coaxial
cable formed from a copper core surrounded by a copper braid, is used to carry
a large number of signals over long distances. The cables providing connections
between telephone exchanges are often coaxial. Waveguides made of copper are
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used to carry microwave signals between dish aerials and receivers. They are
suitable for frequencies between 1GHz and 300GHz. Optical fibres made from
very pure silicon fibre are the forms of transmission line most often used these
days.
8.2.2. Short forms
EXERCISE 1
1. amp 2. VCR 3. TV 4. COAX
EXERCISE 2
1. telephones 2. microphone 3. telephone
8.3. WRITING
EXERCISE
1. converts the analogue tones back into digital information
2. converts digital information into binary information
3. sends a signal (in binary code) to the thermal head, or printer
4. turns heated elements on or off according to the pattern of 0s and 1s
5. prints the pattern of black and white on to heat sensitive paper.

8.4. FURTHER READING

EXERCISE 1
1. g 2. a 3. h 4. e 5. f 6. b 7. d 8. i 9.c
EXERCISE 2
1. email 5. teletext
2. video phone 6. telex
3. viewdata 7. fax
4. viewdata

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SOME COMMON SHORT FORMS

IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND ELECTRONICS

AC Alternating current
Dòng điện xoay chiều
AF Audio frequency
Tần số âm thanh
AM Amplitude modulation
Sự điều biến biên độ xung
AMP Amplifier
Bộ khuếch đại
COAX Coaxial cable
Dây cáp đồng trục
DC Direct current
Dòng điện một chiều
G Giga
Giga
IC Integrated circuit
Vi mạch
LED Light-emitting diode
Điôt phát quang
MB Megabit
Mêgabai
RF Radio frequency
Tần số radio
RFA Radio frequency amplifier
Bộ khuếch đại tần số radio
RW Read/ write

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Đọc/ viết
SW Short wave
Sóng ngắn
UHF Ultrahigh frequency
Tần số siêu cao

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REFERENCES

Eric, H. G. (1983). English in Electrical Engineering and Electronics. Oxford

University Press.
Eric, H. G., & John, M. (2000). Oxford English for Electronics. Oxford
University Press.
Nguyễn, T. Y. (2005). Tiếng Anh trong ngành điện. Nhà xuất bản thành phố Hồ
Chí Minh.
Trương, Q. H., & Phạm, Đ. (2005). Special English for Mechanical and
Electrical Engineering. Nhà xuất bản giao thông vận tải.
Trương, Q. H., & Trương, Q. T. (2003). Từ điển chuyên ngành điện Anh Việt.
Nhà xuất bản thanh niên.

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