limiteurs

Limiteurs, a French term, broadly translates to "limiters" in English. This term can be applied in various contexts, most commonly in engineering, mechanics, and electronics, to describe devices or mechanisms designed to restrict or control movement, force, or flow to a predefined maximum or minimum.

In mechanical engineering, limiteurs are often found in systems where excessive force or displacement could cause damage or malfunction. Examples include torque limiters, which prevent a drivetrain from exceeding a certain rotational force, thereby protecting components from breakage. Similarly, position limiters, such as mechanical stops or end-of-travel sensors, prevent an object from moving beyond a designated point.

In electronics, limiters are used to control signal amplitudes. A peak limiter, for instance, prevents an audio signal from exceeding a certain loudness, thus avoiding distortion or damage to speakers. In power electronics, current limiters protect circuits from overcurrent conditions by automatically reducing or interrupting the flow of electricity when it surpasses a safe threshold.

The function of a limiteur is essentially to act as a safety or control feature. By defining boundaries, these devices ensure that a system operates within its intended parameters, preventing damage, ensuring safety, and maintaining operational integrity. The specific design and implementation of a limiteur depend heavily on the application and the physical quantities it is intended to control.