There are so many electronic components it can be tricky to know which component does which function; so here is an easy-to-understand guide on each.
Firstly, we have capacitors – these store an electric charge and therefore act as a reservoir of energy. Their electrical counterparts, diodes, work by allowing electricity to flow in one direction and one direction only.
These were actually called valves, back when they were invented, and allow electricity to use a little bit of energy at a time. This causes a forward voltage drop, and helps to keep a constant current running through the diode. Reverse voltages can also be applied in certain circumstances; however this can sometimes lead to the diode working ineffectively or not at all.
Now we come onto LEDs, or light-emitting diodes. These light up when electricity passes through them, although they must be connected in the right way for this to happen. LEDs must never be connected to a power supply directly, or a battery, as this can destroy the light and burn it up.
Using LEDs can be a great way to test if a circuit works, as you can tell by whether it lights up or not. Many people buy their electronic components online, and LEDs are readily available for would-be engineers.
Switches can be used on the circuit, connected to the LED light. Numerous terms are used when describing switches and their contacts; such as way, open, closed, momentary, pole and throw. Furthermore, three different factors must be considering when deciding upon which switch to include in a circuit – the contacts, the method of operation (i.e. slide or a toggle) and the ratings (voltage).
Circuits don’t just have to be a series of connected components, however; you can also make use of integrated circuits. These are tiny chips which have circuits engraved onto them; and usually feature numbers around the chip, in an anti-clockwise direction.
Using LEDs can be a great way to test if a circuit works, as you can tell by whether it lights up or not. Many people buy their electronic components online, and LEDs are readily available for would-be engineers.
Switches can be used on the circuit, connected to the LED light. Numerous terms are used when describing switches and their contacts; such as way, open, closed, momentary, pole and throw. Furthermore, three different factors must be considering when deciding upon which switch to include in a circuit – the contacts, the method of operation (i.e. slide or a toggle) and the ratings (voltage).
Circuits don’t just have to be a series of connected components, however; you can also make use of integrated circuits. These are tiny chips which have circuits engraved onto them; and usually feature numbers around the chip, in an anti-clockwise direction.