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.