F
- Feed-Thru:
A connector or terminal block usually having double-ended terminals which permit simple distribution and bussing of electrical circuits. Also used to describe a bushing in a wall or bulkhead separating compartments at different pressure levels with terminations on both sides.
- Ferrule:
A short tube used to make solder-less connections to shielded or coaxial cable. In fiber optics, a tube with a central hole that holds the fiber in a connector.
- Fiber (fiber Optic):
A short tube used to make solder-less connections to shielded or coaxial cable. In fiber optics, a tube with a central hole that holds the fiber in a connector.
- Fiber Optics (F.O.):
A general term describing a lightwave or optical communications system. In such a system, electrical information is converted to light energy, transmitted to another location through optical fibers and is there converted back into electrical information.
- Flange:
A mechanical shoulder on the outside housing, enabling attachment to a panel; can also allow for seals with gaskets or o-rings.
- Flexible:
That quality of a cable or cable component which allows for bending under the influence of outside force, as opposed to limpness, which is bending that occurs due to the cable's own weight.
- Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP):
FEP is similar to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTPE) but has a melting point of about 50° C lower and slightly different physical properties.
- Frequency:
The number of times an alternating current repeats its cycle in one second, expressed in cycles per second, or Hertz (Hz).
- Front Mounted:
A connector is front mounted when it is attached to the outside or mating side of a panel. A front mounted connector can only be installed or removed from the outside of the equipment.