N

Symbol for the prefix nano, or one billionth.

N-Series

A large radio frequency connector covered by military specification.

N-Type Connector

An input/output connector with threaded couplings. N-type connectors are commonly used in microwave systems.

Naked Header

The preferred term for shrounded header.

See Header.

NAND Gate

A logic gate that is equivalent to an AND gate followed by a NOT gate. If both inputs are 1, its output is 0; otherwise its output is 1. All Boolean logic operations can be built out of NAND gates.

Nano

Prefix meaning one billionth or one thousandth of one millionth.

Nanometer

A unit of measure equal to one billionth of a meter.

National Electrical Code

A set of guidelines for the installation of electrical wiring and apparatus. Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association under the auspices of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

NBR

Nitrile-butadiene rubber or, alternatively, butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer rubber. A material with good oil and chemical resistance.

NBR/PVC

A blend of nitrile rubber and polyvinyl chloride.

NC

See Normally Closed Contacts.

See Numerical Control.

NC Contacts

See Normally Closed Contacts.

Near End Noise (NEN)

The backward noise (or noise which flows toward the generator or near end of the line) resulting from an active line being too close to a victim line where the former's electric and magnetic field coupling creates this noise as a function of signal voltage amplitude, coupling length (up to a max for NEN saturation to occur), and its relative coupling coefficients.

See also Crosstalk, Far End Noise, Saturation.

NEC

National Electrical Code

NEDA

National Electronic Distributor Association. Supports an educational program aimed at establishing standard nomenclature/glossary in the electronic interconnect industry.

Negative Charge

An electrical state caused by an excess of electrons.

NEMA

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

NEPCON

National Electronic Packaging and Production Conference

Nest

Part of a crimping die set that provides the location and support for the terminal barrel as it is being deformed into the desired crimp configuration by the indentor. Also known as anvil.

See also Anvil.

Network Interface

The official point of demarcation between a local telephone company network and the premises wiring system. This may differ slightly from the building entry point.

Neutral

Ground. The common or grounded wire in a single or three-phase power cable.

NEXT

Near End Crosstalk

See Crosstalk.

Nibble

One half byte, or 4 bits.

Nick

A small cut or notch in conductor strands or insulation.

Nickel (Ni)

Metallic element with atomic # 28. High purity nickel is used for applications in which copper normally would be used, but where high temperatures are likely.

NM

Non-metallic sheathed cable. Braid or plastic covered, 60° C.

NMC

Non-metallic sheathed cable. Plastic or neoprene covered, 60° C.

NO

See Normally Open Contacts.

NO Contacts

See Normally Open Contacts.

NOD

Non-Optical Disconnect, feature prevents ferrules from separating when force is applied to the cable.

Node

  1. A point on a LAN where intelligent devices, other than the hub, are attached
  2. An intelligent device on a LAN, such as a PC or printers.

Non-Accum

Non-accumulative

Non-compliant Press-fit Technology

A square pin pushed into a slightly undersized plated through hole on a PCB.

See also Compliant Pin Press-fit Technology.

Non-contaminating Compound

A compounded material that will not leach ingredients and contaminate or degrade adjacent materials.

Non-functional Land

A land on internal or external layers, not connected to the conductive pattern on its layer.

Non-insulated Terminals

Solderless terminals without insulation.

Non-preloaded

A condition in which the terminals, in their normal state, are not stressed.

Non-zero Insertion Force (Non-ZIF)

A characteristic of a connector that differentiates it from Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) connectors, such that the insertion of flat flexible cable or flexible printed circuitry results in a discernible amount of insertion force.

Non-tactile Switch

In membrane switch technology, a micro motion single-pole, single-throw switch that does not have mechanical snap when depressed.

Non-wetting

A condition in which a surface has contacted molten solder, but none of the solder has adhered to it.

NOR Gate

A Boolean logic gate used in computer arithmetic. The OR gate output is 0 if either or both of its inputs is 1; it is equivalent to an OR gate followed by a NOT gate. An exclusive NOR gate has an output of 1 if both inputs are the same.

Normal Force 

The force perpendicular to the contact interface.

Normally Closed Contacts (NC)

In a switch or relay, the contact pairs that are closed when the switch is not held on or the relay is not energized (no coil current), and open when the relay is energized, or in the case of the switch, open when the switch is held on.

Normally Open Contacts

In a switch or relay, the contact pairs that are open when the switch is not held on or relay is not energized (no coil current), and closed when the relay is energized, or in the case of the switch, closed when the switch is held on.

Notebook Computer

See Laptop.

NP

Nickel Plate

NRHW

Moisture and heat resistant rubber insulation with neoprene jacket. 600 in, 75° C.

NTT

Nippon Television and Telegraph

NTT-AT

Nippon Television and Telegraph Advances Technology

Nude Contact

A contact with a locking member that remains in the insert at all times.

Numerical Aperture (NA)

In fiber optics, a characteristic parameter that defines the angles at which a component such as a fiber will accept light or the angles at which light will exit the component. Also it indirectly controls the number of transmission modes that the fiber can support.

See also Monomode Fiber, Multimode Fiber.

Numerical Control (NC)

A historic term indicating code on a tape which controls another machine to accomplish a precise operation.

See also Computerized Numerical Control.

Nylakrimp

Premium line terminal tradename for insulated splices.

Nylon

A polymer that is well-known for its relatively high and deleterious moisture content 3 - 5%. Because of their toughness, nylons are good candidates for automotive and appliance industry connectors.