W
W - Refer to Ohm
WAAS - Refer to Wide Area Augmentation
Watt - A derived unit of power, named after the Scottish engineer James Watt. The unit defined as one joule per second, measures the rate of energy conversion or transfer. For example, a medium-sized passenger automobile engine is rated at 50 to 150 kilowatts, while cruising it will typically yield half that amount.
Wattage - A term used to refer to Electrical Power.
Watt’s Law - Similar to Ohm’s Law, it demonstrates the relationship between Voltage (E) and Current (I) to represent a quantity of Power (P). With the Watt’s Law formula, knowing two elements can mathematically compute the third element.
Wave - A single oscillation in matter (e.g., a sound wave). Waves move outward from point of disturbance, propagate through a medium, and grow weaker as they travel farther. Wave motion is associated with mechanical vibration, sound, heat, light, etc.
Wave Cancellation - Refer to Phase Cancellation
Waveform - The shape of a wave, typically viewed on an oscilloscope.
Wavelength - The length of distance a single cycle o complete sound wave travels.
WCDMA - Refer to Wideband CDMA
White Noise - Random noise with equal energy per frequency covering 20 Hz – 20 kHz. This differs from Pink Noise as pink noise has equal energy per octave (rather than frequency). Based on how humans perceived the difference in sound from octave to octave, pink noise—rather than white noise – is the preferred test signal for frequency related measurements in mobile audio systems.
Whizzer - A cone found on some full-range tweeters, sometimes constructed of paper, commonly built into a megaphone woofer to increase treble response. Known as a cheap alternative and less accurate solution to other tweeter cone designs.
Wide Area Augmentation (WAAS) - An air navigation aid in the US developed by the Federal Aviation Administration to augment the Global Positioning System (GPS), with the goal of improving its accuracy, integrity, and availability. Originally intended for use by aircraft, WAAS is also available in many consumer GPS devices, including in-vehicle navigation systems.
Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) - A 3G CDMA derivative in which higher network data rates were possible over the base CDMA technology.
Wide Open Throttle (WOT) - The electrical condition present whenever the TPS is fully engaged.
WiFi - WiFi provides wireless connectivity over unlicensed spectrum (using the IEEE 802.11xx standards), generally in the 2.4, 3.6 and 5 GHz radio bands. WiFi offers local area connectivity to WiFi-enabled devices.
Wi-Max - A wireless technology based on the IEEE 802.11xx standard providing metropolitan are network connectivity for fixed wireless access at broadband speeds.
Window Roll-up - The term used for the feature that causes the window(s) on a vehicle to close upon arming, or open and close as part of a convenience feature of a security system.
Windows Media Audio (WMA) - A file extension used with Windows Media Player. WMA stands for Windows Media Audio. WMA is both an audio format and an audio codec. WMA was intended to be a competitor for the MP3 and RealAudio audio formats.
Windows Media Video (WMV) - Is the name of a series of video codecs and their corresponding video coding formats developed by Microsoft. ... WMV consists of three distinct codecs: The original video compression technology known as WMV, was originally designed for Internet streaming applications, as a competitor to RealVideo.
Wire - metal drawn out into the form of a thin flexible thread or rod. In car audio wire is typically made of some mixture of copper, or possibly aluminum.
Wireless Local Area Network - Is a wireless distribution method for two or more devices that use high-frequency radio waves and often include an access point to the Internet. A WLAN allows users to move around the coverage area, often a home or small office, while maintaining a network connection.
Wiring Harness - A specific application of wires and proprietary connectors to facilitate connection of electronic components in multiple locations. Also used to adapt replacement components into OEM applications for “plug in” compatibility.
WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network
WMA - Refer to Windows Media Audio
WMV - Refer to Windows Media Video
Woofer - A large dynamic loudspeaker that is well suited for reproducing bass frequencies, typically 6-18 inches in diameter when used in car audio applications.
WOT - Refer to Wide Open Throttle