Constant Resistance Discharge - A battery discharge regime whereby the resistance of the equipment load remains constant throughout discharge.
Thermistor - A temperature sensitive resistor, usually made from specially processed oxides.
Inverter (off-line or stand-by) - UPS configuration in which the inverter is parallel-mounted to the load supply line and backs up the mains. This configuration offers a substantial cost reduction but is applicable only to low outputs, under 3 kVA, because it results in an interruption lasting up to 10 ms during transfer and does not filter inrush currents.
Inverter - UPS subassembly that recomposes a sine-wave output (regulated and without breaks) using the DC current supplied by the rectifier-charger or the battery. The primary elements of the inverter are the DC/AC converter, a regulation system and an output filter.
Battery or Pack - Two or more electrochemical cells electrically interconnected in an appropriate series/parallel arrangement to provide the required operating voltage and current levels. Under common usage, the term "battery" is often also applied to a single cell.
Metal Hydride - An intermetallic compound or alloy in which hydrogen has been absorbed; also, the negative electrode in a nickel-metal hydride battery.
Rectifier/charger - UPS component that draws on the mains the power required to supply the inverter and to float charge or recharge the battery. The alternating input current is rectified and then distributed to the inverter and the battery.
