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.
Microsecond - 1,000,000th of a second (mS).
UPS (Uninterruptible Power supply) - An electrical device providing an interface between the main power supply and sensitive loads (computer systems, instrumentation, etc.). The UPS supplies sinusoidal AC power free of disturbances and within strict amplitude and frequency tolerances. It is generally made up of a rectifier/charger and an inverter together with a battery for backup power in the event of a mains failure.
Top-Up Charge - A low rate charge following the main charge, designed to ensure maximum capacity.
Thermostat - A temperature sensitive switch.
MTTF (Mean Time To Failure) - Mathematical calculation of the duration of normal operation of a non-reparable device, i.e. for which a MTBF is not possible. The product, expressed in hours, is an indication on the reliability of the device.
Drain - The current withdrawn from a battery during discharge.