The words that decide whether
a document passes review

Thin semiconductor disc used as substrate for IC fabrication

Small modular IC designed to be combined with other chiplets

Final IC design stage submitted to the foundry for manufacturing

Extreme UV lithography enabling sub-7nm semiconductor nodes

Process Design Kit: rule library for a specific fabrication process

Percentage of functional dies per wafer after fabrication

Design Rule Check: layout verification against fab constraints

Min stable time required after clock edge in a flip-flop

Individual functional circuit unit cut from a fabricated wafer

Process that transfers a circuit pattern onto a wafer using light

Removal of material layers to form circuit structures on a wafer

Introducing impurities to change a semiconductor’s electrical conductivity

Semiconductor fabrication plant where chips are manufactured

Manufacturing technology generation, e.g. 5nm or 3nm

List of a circuit’s components and the connections between them

Company that manufactures chips designed by other firms

Reusable pre-designed circuit block licensed for use in a chip design

Layer that routes connections between a die and its package

Hardware description language used to model digital circuits

Precision measurement of structures and layers during fabrication

Light-sensitive material used to pattern a wafer during lithography

Doping method that accelerates ions into a wafer surface

Chemical Mechanical Planarization: flattening a wafer surface

Transistor terminal that controls current flow

Base material on which a semiconductor circuit is built

Protective enclosure connecting a die to a circuit board

Number of defects per unit area of a wafer

Template carrying a circuit pattern for lithography

Photomask used in step-and-repeat projection lithography

3D transistor structure used at advanced process nodes

System on Chip integrating multiple functions on one die

Register-Transfer Level description of a digital circuit

Environment used to verify a circuit design

Electrical test of dies while still on the wafer

Mounting and connecting a die within its package

Solder bump providing flip-chip interconnection

RDL: layer that reroutes connections in advanced packaging

TSV: vertical interconnect running through a die

Fine wire connecting die pads to package leads

Growing a crystalline layer on a substrate

Heat treatment that repairs crystal structure after processing

Depositing thin films by ejecting atoms from a target

Protective layer applied over a finished circuit

Unwanted current that flows when a device is off

Voltage at which a transistor begins to conduct

Difference in clock-signal arrival times across a chip

Sorting tested chips into performance grades

Testing and sorting dies while still on the wafer

Stress testing chips at elevated conditions to screen early failures

Circuitry guarding against electrostatic discharge damage

Energy gap that determines a semiconductor’s electrical behavior

A damaging low-impedance path triggered in CMOS circuits

Forming the metal interconnect layers of a chip

Insulating layer separating conductive structures

Analyzing defects to raise the percentage of functional dies

Alignment accuracy between successive lithography layers

The smallest feature size a process must control (CD)

Joining two wafers to form a single structure

Post-fabrication steps: metallization, packaging and test

Wafer-fabrication steps up to metallization

Thin insulating layer under a transistor gate

Map of good and bad dies across a wafer

Spacing between dies where a wafer is cut

Grinding a wafer to a target thickness before packaging

Encapsulant reinforcing flip-chip solder joints

Ball-shaped solder bump used in BGA packaging

Width of material removed when a wafer is diced

CSP: a package barely larger than the die itself

Displacement of bond wires during moulding, a defect mode

WLP: packaging performed while dies are still on the wafer

KGD: a die verified as functional before assembly

Measuring electrical parameters against spec limits

Lithography tool that exposes a wafer field by field

Bonding a die onto a substrate or lead frame

Carrier holding multiple wafers during handling

Misalignment between successive patterned layers on a wafer

GAA: a transistor whose gate surrounds the channel on all sides

A high-permittivity insulator replacing SiO₂ in advanced gates

A copper interconnect bump used in advanced flip-chip packaging

FA: diagnosing why a device failed to feed corrective action

Separating a finished wafer into individual dies

Meeting all timing constraints across a chip design

Arranging major blocks on the die before detailed placement

CTS: building a balanced network to distribute the clock

STA: verifying timing without simulating input vectors

DFT: adding structures that make a chip easier to test

Linked flip-flops used to shift test patterns in and out

CVD: growing thin films from gaseous chemical reactions

PVD: depositing material by condensing a vaporized solid

ALD: building films one atomic layer at a time for precise thickness

OPC: pre-distorting mask features to compensate for diffraction

Splitting a dense layer across several exposures to beat resolution limits

Resistance of a thin uniform film, expressed per square

Instructions For Use: mandatory regulatory device documentation

FDA premarket notification for substantial equivalence clearance

EU Medical Device Regulation 2017/745

Corrective and Preventive Action: quality system process

Ability of material to function without causing harmful body response

International standard for medical device quality management

Good Manufacturing Practice: quality system requirements

FDA Premarket Approval required for Class III devices

Undesirable medical occurrence during treatment or a clinical trial

Population of viable microorganisms present on a product

Absence of viable microorganisms on a device or product

Inactive substance that carries or stabilizes an active ingredient

Monitoring and assessment of drug safety after market entry

Condition a device or drug is approved to diagnose or treat

Situation in which a treatment or device should not be used

Legally marketed device used to establish 510(k) equivalence

Outcome measured to judge the effect of a treatment

Identifier for a production batch, used for traceability

Period during which a product remains fit for its intended use

In Vitro Diagnostic: a test performed on samples outside the body

Collective term for GLP, GMP and GCP quality practices

Documentation of the manufacture of a production batch

Documented evidence that a process performs as intended

Ability to trace a product’s history, components and process

Process that eliminates all viable microorganisms

A deviation from a specified requirement

Identifying and controlling product risk, per ISO 14971

Designing a device for safe use, per IEC 62366

Monitoring a device’s safety after market release

Organization that assesses conformity for CE marking

Manufacturer’s statement that a product meets requirements

The component that produces a product’s intended effect

Testing how a product degrades over its shelf life

Substance used in a chemical or diagnostic reaction

Information printed on or accompanying a medical product

Substance that enhances the immune response to a vaccine

A procedure for measuring the presence or amount of a substance

Current Good Manufacturing Practice

Formal process for managing changes to a validated process

A departure from an approved procedure or specification

Status of material held pending a release decision

A measure of a drug’s biological activity

An unwanted substance present in a drug product

Occurring within a living organism

Comparable bioavailability between two products

Temperature-controlled supply chain for sensitive products

Determining a concentration through a controlled reaction

Proportion of a drug that reaches systemic circulation

Unique Device Identification for traceability of a device

Measurable indicator of a biological state or condition

A participant’s agreement to a procedure after being informed

A harmful response attributed to a product’s use

Removal or correction of a marketed product for a defect

An inactive treatment used as a control in trials

A deviation outside a product’s required temperature range

Measuring the microbial load on a product before sterilization

A bacterial toxin controlled in sterile products

The approved template governing a production batch (MBR)

DHF: records demonstrating a device was designed per plan

The documentation demonstrating device conformity for CE

Final usability testing validating safe use of a device

Reporting of device incidents to regulators

Manufacturing that keeps a product free of microorganisms

A controlled environment with regulated particle levels

Action taken to eliminate the cause of a nonconformance

Action taken to prevent a potential nonconformance

The documented process governing device design (FDA QSR)

Date after which material must be re-tested before use

A product being tested in a clinical trial

CRF: the document recording trial subject data

A formal change to a clinical trial protocol

SAE: an adverse event with grave clinical consequences

CoA: a document certifying a batch meets specifications

UFI: a code linking a product to its composition for poison centres

Regulatory approval permitting a medicinal product to be sold

SmPC: the EU reference document on a medicine for professionals

CIP: the protocol governing a medical device clinical investigation

Assigning unique identifiers to drug packs for track-and-trace

E&L: chemicals that may migrate from packaging or devices into a product

The packaging components that contain and protect a drug product

RWE: clinical evidence derived from routine care data

GCP: the standard governing ethical conduct of clinical trials

CSR: the full report of a completed clinical trial

A class of impurity subject to strict regulatory limits

The product a trial drug is tested against

SMF: a document describing a manufacturing site’s GMP activities

CTD/eCTD: the harmonized structure for regulatory submissions

DMF: confidential manufacturing data submitted to a regulator

IB: the compiled clinical and nonclinical data on an investigational product

PK: how the body absorbs, distributes and eliminates a drug

Documented evidence that a process consistently yields conforming product

Evidence that cleaning procedures remove residues to safe limits

Aircraft Maintenance Manual: ATA-chapter structured maintenance docs

European Union Aviation Safety Agency

Official approval confirming aircraft design meets airworthiness standards

US rules governing unintentional radio frequency device emissions

Fitness of an aircraft or component for safe flight

Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul of aircraft

Electronic systems used on aircraft and UAVs

Carrying capacity available for cargo, sensors or equipment

Beyond Visual Line of Sight UAV operation

Mechanical structure of an aircraft

System used to operate and monitor a UAV

Virtual boundary that restricts where a UAV may fly

Range of conditions in which an aircraft can safely operate

Instructions for Continued Airworthiness

Standardized numbering system for aircraft documentation

Routine maintenance performed between flights

CMM: repair and overhaul instructions for a part

Manufacturer notice recommending an inspection or change

Certification to operate a specific aircraft type

Broadcast of a UAV’s identity and location

Command and Control link between operator and UAV

Automatic function returning a UAV to its launch point

MTOW: heaviest weight approved for safe takeoff

The balance point of an aircraft

Control surface that manages an aircraft’s roll

The tail assembly of an aircraft

The main body of an aircraft

Forward force produced by an engine or propeller

Upward aerodynamic force that supports flight

Aerodynamic resistance opposing motion

Rotation of an aircraft about its vertical axis

Rotation of an aircraft about its lateral axis

Rotation of an aircraft about its longitudinal axis

System that automatically controls an aircraft’s flight path

Remote measurement and transmission of operational data

A coordinate that defines a segment of a flight path

Stabilized mount for a camera or sensor on a UAV

A defined volume of air in which aircraft operate

Notice to Airmen: a time-critical aeronautical notice

Duplicate systems that maintain function if one fails

A design that defaults to a safe state on failure

A non-revenue flight to reposition an aircraft

Increased lift when flying close to the ground

Compartment carrying an aircraft or UAV’s payload

A mandatory regulatory instruction to correct an unsafe condition

MEL: equipment that may be inoperative for dispatch

Documentation ensuring an aircraft is loaded within limits

The housing that holds an aircraft engine

Angle between the wing chord and the oncoming airflow

Digital communication link between aircraft and ground

Inspection performed before each flight

Loss of lift when the angle of attack becomes too high

A structural partition within an airframe

An upturned wingtip that reduces induced drag

Device that broadcasts an aircraft’s identity to radar

Initial tension applied to a fastener or bearing

Stacking of composite plies to form a structural part

LRU: a component swappable on the flight line

TBO: operating hours permitted before mandatory overhaul

IPC: a parts reference structured by ATA chapter

The approved document governing operation of an aircraft

GSE: equipment used to service aircraft on the ground

Airspace in which UAV flight is prohibited

The service life of a structure before cyclic-load cracking is expected

NDT: inspecting for defects without damaging the part

FDR: the protected unit logging flight parameters

MMEL: the manufacturer baseline from which an operator MEL is derived

DAA: a UAV capability to sense and stay clear of other traffic

SORA: the EU methodology for authorising higher-risk UAV operations

STC: approval for a major modification to a certified aircraft

The percentage of flights departing without a technical delay

CVR: the protected unit recording flight-deck audio

CPCP: a program to manage structural corrosion over service life

UTM: systems coordinating low-altitude drone traffic

The study of human performance and error in operations and maintenance

SRM: approved data for repairing aircraft structure

FIM: procedures to trace a fault to its source

ETOPS: rules permitting twin-engine operation far from diversion airports

APU: an onboard turbine supplying power on the ground and in flight

Flight control via electronic signals rather than mechanical linkages

ADS-B: aircraft broadcasting position derived from navigation systems

Collaborative robot designed to work safely alongside human workers

Safety requirements for industrial robots and robot systems

Manufacturing Execution System: real-time production management

Tool Center Point: reference for robot end-effector positioning

Programmable Logic Controller for industrial automation

Human-Machine Interface for operating equipment

Tool mounted at the end of a robot arm

Number of independent movements a robot can make

Motor providing precise position and speed control

Component that moves or controls a mechanism

Time to complete one full operation cycle

Industrial network connecting controllers and devices

Virtual replica of a physical system used for simulation

Controlled stop function meeting a defined safety standard

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system

Overall Equipment Effectiveness metric

Maintenance triggered by equipment condition monitoring

Rate at which a system produces output

Device that holds and guides a workpiece

Device that locates and supports a workpiece

Maximum load a robot or machine can handle

Ability of a robot to return to the same position

Computing a robot’s motion trajectory

Camera-based inspection and guidance system

Equipment that moves material through a line

Safety mechanism that prevents unsafe operation

Visual scheduling signal used in lean production

Approach that minimizes waste across production

Production pace required to meet customer demand

BOM: structured list of components in a product

Computer Numerical Control of machine tools

Adjusting an instrument against a known standard

Period during which equipment is not operating

Method for identifying the underlying source of a problem

Mistake-proofing mechanism that prevents operator error

Instrument for measuring a dimension or quantity

Tool that applies a specified torque to a fastener

Visual signal that alerts operators to a line problem

The actual place where work and value creation happen

A grouped arrangement of equipment for a process step

Proportion of time equipment is operational

Permissible variation in a manufactured dimension

Sequential arrangement of stations building a product

Upgrading existing equipment with new capability

A graphical programming language for PLCs

The target value a control system maintains

Speed at which a tool advances into the workpiece

The rotating component that drives a cutting tool

Reference frame defining positions in a machine or robot

Handheld device used to program a robot by demonstration

A workstation where a collaborative robot works alongside people

The process step that limits overall production rate

Switching a line or machine from one product to another

Scheduled maintenance to prevent equipment failure

A document detailing how to perform a specific task

An identifier linking a product to its production record

Proportion of output that meets quality requirements

SOP: a documented method for performing a task consistently

FAI: verifying the first part off a new process meets spec

SPC: using statistics to monitor and control a process

JIT: producing only what is needed, when it is needed

MSDS/SDS: a document detailing hazards of a material

PAC: an industrial controller combining PLC and PC functions

VSM: charting material and information flow to expose waste

TPM: an operator-involved program to maximise equipment uptime

The current best-known method documented for a task

MTBF: the average operating time between equipment failures

SMED: reducing changeover time to under ten minutes

Cp/Cpk: how well a process fits within its specification limits

FMEA: a structured method to anticipate and rank failure risks

Continuous incremental improvement driven by the people doing the work

A workplace organization method: sort, set, shine, standardize, sustain

Levelling production to smooth volume and mix

Automation with a human touch: machines stop on detecting a defect

A study of measurement-system variation from gauge and operator

MPS: the plan of what to build and when at the finished-goods level

MRP: deriving component orders from the production schedule and BOM

FPY: the share of units passing without rework

A time plot with limits used to distinguish normal from special variation

DOE: a structured method to study several factors at once

Moving one unit at a time through steps rather than in batches

On-screen text rendering of spoken dialogue

Replacing the original voice track with translated speech

Adapting creative content so it resonates in the target culture

Adapting content for a specific language and region (L10n)

Designing content and software to be adaptable across locales (i18n)

Matching dubbed audio to on-screen mouth movement

Subtitle characters-per-second limit that keeps text legible

Combined language and region setting, e.g. zh-CN

A discrete piece of UI text handled as a translation unit

Approved term list enforcing consistency across a project

Narration placed over video without lip-sync

Captions including sound cues that a viewer can toggle

A common plain-text subtitle file format

Frame-accurate time reference used to sync media

Professional voice actor for dubbing or voice-over

Automated Dialogue Replacement in post-production

Rules governing tone, voice and terminology

Testing a UI with simulated translations to catch issues

A variable slot within a UI string

RTL text direction, e.g. Arabic and Hebrew

Adapting content to a market’s cultural expectations

Joining text fragments — avoided in good localization

MT: automated translation produced by software

Human revision of machine-translated output

Machine Translation Post-Editing

Computer-Assisted Translation software with TM and termbase

A unit of source text handled during translation

A partial translation-memory match below 100%

Reuse of prior translations from a translation memory

Count of words used for scoping and pricing

The original text to be translated

The translated output text

Translating output back to the source to verify meaning

Final check of a translation for language errors

The level of formality and tone in language

An expression whose meaning is not literal

Localizing content continuously as it changes, not in batches

Reviewing translations within their actual display context

The adapted script used by voice talent for dubbing

Assets and instructions provided to localize a product

A regional form of a language, e.g. en-US vs en-GB

Rules for line length, timing and formatting of subtitles

Identifying candidate terms from source content for a termbase

Pairing source and target segments to build a translation memory

Automated checks for consistency, numbers and formatting

A translation certified by a legally authorized translator

DTP: restoring layout and formatting after translation

Simultaneous shipment of a product in all languages at once

How easily target-language text can be read and understood

A reference defining formatting and presentation rules

A log of translator questions raised for client answers

Terms that must be left untranslated (brand, code, UI IDs)

A cap on target length for UI strings or subtitles

Extracting, translating and re-importing content into a system

LSP: a company delivering translation and localization

A document stating purpose, audience, tone and constraints

The percentage of content matched from a translation memory

Identical segments recurring within a single project

Assets configuring content for a specific locale

Final linguistic approval before content is released

SME: a specialist consulted to verify domain accuracy

TM: a database of prior segments reused across projects

LQA: structured evaluation of translation quality against criteria

Maintaining approved terms so usage stays consistent across content

Verifying a localized build for linguistic and functional defects

ICR: review by an in-market reviewer before release

CMS: the platform authoring and storing source content for localization

The share of a project matched from existing memory

A floor charge applied to very small jobs

The elapsed time agreed for delivering a project

Rendering a name by sound into another script rather than translating it

MTQE: predicting machine-translation quality without a reference

A specialist who builds and maintains terminology resources

Length growth when a translation runs longer than its source

In-Context Exact: a memory match confirmed by its surrounding context

Formatting or placeholder markup embedded within a translatable segment

Substituting another font when a glyph is missing from the primary one

How characters map to bytes, e.g. UTF-8; mismatches corrupt text

Where lines break — script-dependent and easily broken in localization