slew rate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical
Quick answer
What does “slew rate” mean?
A measure of how quickly an electronic signal (typically voltage) can change per unit of time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A measure of how quickly an electronic signal (typically voltage) can change per unit of time.
In electronics, the maximum rate of change of output voltage, current, or other signal, expressed in volts per microsecond. Figuratively, it can describe the speed at which any system can respond to or process change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage.
Connotations
None beyond technical precision.
Frequency
Used identically in technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “slew rate” in a Sentence
The [component] has a [high/low] slew rate of [value].Slew rate is [measured/specified] in [units].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in engineering, physics, and electronics textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in electronics for specifying amplifier and comparator performance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “slew rate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “slew rate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slew rate”
- Misspelling as 'slue rate'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'It slews rate quickly').
- Confusing it with 'bandwidth' or 'rise time' (related but distinct concepts).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Bandwidth relates to frequency response, while slew rate relates to the maximum speed of voltage change. A circuit can have high bandwidth but be limited by a low slew rate for large signals.
Rarely. It is a highly specialised term. In figurative use, it might describe the speed of decision-making in a system, but this is not standard.
Volts per microsecond (V/µs) is most common, but also volts per second (V/s) or volts per nanosecond (V/ns).
It is typically caused by internal current limitations within an amplifier that prevent the rapid charging of internal capacitances.
A measure of how quickly an electronic signal (typically voltage) can change per unit of time.
Slew rate is usually technical in register.
Slew rate: in British English it is pronounced /sluː reɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /sluː reɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a sleigh (sounds like 'slew') racing down a hill—its RATE of descent is its 'slew rate'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEED IS RATE OF CHANGE. The electronic signal is metaphorically moving or turning quickly.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'slew rate' primarily measure?