Anatomy of a Circuit
From Diagrams to Breadboards What we’ll cover
● Electronic Components & Symbols ○ LEDs, Motors, resistors, buttons, breadboard, battery ● Circuit Diagrams ○ How to read them & breadboard circuits using them ● Types of circuits ○ Simple ○ Series ○ Parallel ● Switches ○ How they work ○ Alternative DIY Switches Electronic Components: Definitions
An electronic symbol is a pictogram used to represent various electrical and electronic devices (such as wires, batteries, resistors, and transistors) in a schematic diagram of an electrical or electronic circuit. Electronic Components: LED
A light-emitting diode (aka LED) is a semiconductor device that emits visible light when an electric current passes through it. Electronic Components: DC Motor
A DC motor is any of a class of rotary electrical machines that converts direct current electrical energy into mechanical energy. The most common types rely on the forces produced by magnetic fields. Electronic Components: DC Motor
Rotation of a DC Motor depends on how it’s connected to power.
battery battery Electronic Components: Resistor
A resistor is an electrical component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical current in an electronic circuit. Electronic Components: Button / Switch
A push button is a momentary or non-latching switch which causes a temporary change in the state of an electrical circuit. A push to the switch allows electricity to flow between its two contacts when held in. When the button is released, the circuit is broken. Electronic Components: Breadboard
A solderless breadboard is a board for making an experimental model of an electric circuit. Electronic Components: Battery
An electric battery is a device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells with external connections provided to power electrical devices such as flashlights, smartphones, and electric cars.
3V Types of Circuits: Simple
An electric circuit (aka simple circuit) is a path in which electrons from a voltage or current source flow. Types of Circuits: Series
A series circuit is a closed circuit in which the current follows one path. The current through each load is the same and the total voltage across the circuit is the sum of the voltages across each load. Types of Circuits: Parallel
A parallel circuit is a closed circuit in which the current divides into two or more paths before recombining to complete the circuit. Each load connected in a separate path receives the full circuit voltage, and the total circuit current is equal to the sum of the individual branch currents. 3V
3V 6V Switches
In electrical engineering, a switch is an electrical component that can "make" or "break" an electrical circuit, interrupting the current or diverting it from one conductor to another. Alternative Switches: DIY Switches
#1 #2 #3 Paper Clips & Brass Craft Foam Window Clothespin Switch Fasteners Push Button Let’s Review
1. What are the three types of circuits? 2. How are breadboards connected, by rows or columns? 3. On an LED, which lead is positive? 4. What is another name for the positive lead on an LED? The negative lead? 5. Does a resistor have polarity? 6. How can I reverse a DC motor’s rotational direction? 7. What is another name for power, +? 8. What is another name for negative, -? 9. How does a switch work? 10. When do you connect power to a circuit?