Plugboard: meaning, definitions and examples
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plugboard
[ˈplʌɡbɔːrd ]
Definition
Context #1 | Noun
electrical device
A plugboard is a panel with multiple sockets into which electrical plugs can be connected. It is commonly used to create custom connections between devices, enabling the flexibility of wiring in various electronic applications.
Synonyms
connection board, patch panel, terminal board.
Examples of usage
- The technician adjusted the plugboard to reroute the signals.
- Each plugboard configuration can change the output in significant ways.
- They installed a new plugboard to accommodate additional devices.
- The vintage computer used a plugboard for its early programming.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'plugboard' combines 'plug,' meaning to insert something into a socket, and 'board,' referring to a flat piece of material.
- This term became popular in the mid-20th century when technology advanced and more devices needed to connect with each other.
Technology
- Plugboards were widely used in early computers and telecommunications, allowing users to manage connections manually.
- In the 1940s, plugboards significantly contributed to the operation of devices like the ENIAC, one of the first electronic general-purpose computers.
History
- During World War II, plugboards played a crucial role in the operation of the electromechanical Arabic cipher machine, which helped encrypt messages.
- The use of plugboards can be traced back to switchboards in telephone exchanges, enabling manual routing of calls.
Pop Culture
- The concept of plugboards has appeared in films and shows depicting hacker culture, symbolizing how connections can lead to hidden paths or secrets.
- Plugboards are often used in escape room designs, where participants must make specific connections to solve puzzles.
Science
- In the field of electronics, plugboards are also known as patch panels, providing a physical format for managing connections in complex systems.
- Studying plugboards can help understand basic principles of circuit design and signal flow, crucial in fields like telecommunications.