The word "jumper block" is spelled using the English alphabet and is pronounced as /dʒʌmpər blɒk/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced with a "dzh" sound, followed by an "uh" sound. The second syllable features a short "o" sound and ends with a hard "k." This term is often used in electronics to refer to a group of pins or connectors that are manually configured to change the function of a circuit.
A jumper block, also known as a jumper cap or simply jumper, is a small piece of plastic or metal used to create an electrical connection between two pins or terminals on a circuit board or electronic device. The main purpose of a jumper block is to modify the configuration or behavior of the device by changing the circuitry or settings.
Typically, a jumper block consists of one or more small rectangular or cylindrical pieces that can be placed over pairs of pins or terminals on a jumper header or jumper block on a circuit board. By covering specific combinations of pins, the jumper block forms an electrical connection, completing a circuit or changing the electrical path in the device.
Jumper blocks are commonly used in computer hardware, such as motherboards, expansion cards, and hard drives, as well as other electronic devices. They can be used to change settings such as voltage levels, clock speeds, data transfer modes, or hardware configurations, allowing users or technicians to customize the operation or compatibility of the device.
Jumper blocks are especially useful for configuring hardware in legacy or older systems where software-based configuration options may not be available or reliable. They provide a simple, physical means of altering the behavior or functionality of a device, and their settings can usually be easily changed by physically moving or removing the jumper block.
The word "jumper block" derives from the combination of two different terms: "jumper" and "block".
The term "jumper" originated in the early 18th century and originally referred to someone or something that jumps. Over time, its meaning expanded to include an electrical or mechanical device used to close, open, or complete a circuit by joining two points or terminals. This term became prevalent in the electronics and computer industry as the technology started to develop.
The term "block", dating back to the 14th century, initially meant a large, solid piece of wood or stone. In the context of electronics and computer hardware, it refers to a small, often rectangular component or connector used to bridge connections or modify circuits.
When these two terms were combined, "jumper block" was formed.