scaling factor

scaling factor

[′skāl·iŋ ‚fak·tər] (electronics) The number of input pulses per output pulse of a scaling circuit. Also known as scaling ratio. (engineering) Factor used in heat-exchange calculations to allow for the loss in heat conductivity of a material because of the development of surface scale, as inside pipelines and heat-exchanger tubes. (physics) A constant of proportionality which appears in a scaling law.