Schmitt trigger

noun

A comparator circuit with hysteresis implemented by applying positive feedback to the non-inverting input of a comparator or differential amplifier. It converts an analog signal to a digital one.

Meanings

nounSchmitt trigger (plural Schmitt triggers)

plural Schmitt triggers

  1. businessA comparator circuit with hysteresis implemented by applying positive feedback to the non-inverting input of a comparator or differential amplifier. It converts an analog signal to a digital one.

Origin

Invented by American scientist Otto H. Schmitt in 1934.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Schmitt trigger. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Schmitt%20trigger

MLA

“Schmitt trigger.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Schmitt%20trigger. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Schmitt trigger,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Schmitt%20trigger.

Source: Schmitt trigger on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.