Glossary M

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Magnet

A magnet is an object that has a magnetic field. It can be in the form of a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.
Magnet

Matrix

Wikipedea article
Main article available to MERG Members only.

Memory Wire

Wire made from a special alloy which changes its molecular structure at a certain temperature causing it to shrink. This effect can usefully be applied to point and signal actuation. Some types require a tension spring to pull it back to its original length while others will return unaided, although a spring is still required to keep the wire tight, it can only pull when shrinking, it cannot push.
Wikipedia article
See also TBs: G19/01, G19/02, G22/01, G23/01 & G23/02.

Microprocessor

A microprocessor (sometimes abbreviated µP) is a programmable digital electronic component that incorporates the functions of a central processing unit (CPU) on a single semiconducting integrated circuit (IC).
Microprocessor

Mobile decoder

A DCC decoder intended for fitting in a loco.

Modulation

Is the process of superimposing information onto a pure sine wave (Carrier wave), this process can be achieved by any of four methods, amplitude (AM), frequency (FM), Phase (PM) or Pulse (PAM, PWM, or PPM)

MOMS

MERG Online Membership System - MERG's membership management system - used by Members to manage their contact details and renew membership and by the Membership Secretary for administration purposes. Available via the MERG Forum

Monostable

An electronic circuit that has a single (mono) stable state and an unstable state, an input will cause the circuit to assume the unstable state, when the input signal is removed and after a predictable delay the circuit will return to the stable state. This behaviour is the basis of most timer circuits.

MOSFET

metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor MOSFET

MSAG

MERG Somerset Area Group

Multiplexor

A communications device that multiplexes (combines) several signals for transmission over a single medium. A demultiplexor completes the process by separating multiplexed signals from a transmission line. Frequently a multiplexor and demultiplexor are combined into a single device capable of processing both outgoing and incoming signals.
A multiplexor is sometimes called a mux and also spelled as multiplexer.
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