UNIT 2.

ELECTRONICS PROJECT #1

In the table below, provide a definition as to the function of each of the listed electrical
components, as well as an image of what each component looks like. In addition,
include the schematic for the component, if available or appropriate.
1.

RESISTANCE (Ohm)

Definition:
Resistance is an electrical quantity that measures
how the device or material reduces electrical
current flow through it.
Measured in Ohm.

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Schematic / Symbol

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Schematic

How can electrical resistance be useful?

Electrical resistance is useful because

without resistance, current flow, (or
amperage), would be too excessive and hard
to control.

2.

CURRENT (Amperes)

Definition:
A current is the flow of electrical current
Measured in Amps

How can current be increased or decreased?

To increase current you can increase voltage and
decrease resistance. To decrease current you can
decrease voltage or increase resistance.

3.

VOLTAGE (Volts)

Definition:
An electromotive force or potential difference
expressed in Volts

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Schematic

How can voltage be increased or decreased?

Voltage can be increased by increasing your
current or increasing your residence
What is the advantage of high voltage?
The advantage of high voltage is with increase

in the transmission voltage size of the

conductors is reduced
4.

POWER (Watts)

Definition:
To supply a device with mechanical or electrical
power

5.

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Schematic

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SWITCH

Definition:
A device for making and breaking the connection
in an electrical circuit

What are some different types of switches?

Different types of switches are:
- SPDT Switch
- DPDT Switch
- Toggle switch
- Pushbutton switch
- Selector Switch
- Joystick Switch
- Proximity Switch

6.

SPDT SWITCH

Definition:

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Schematic

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Schematic

A Single Pole Double Throw toggle switch

connects a common terminal to one or the
other of two terminals. It is always connected
to one or the other
What would you use a SPDT switch for?
This switch is used for switching things on and off

7.

DPDT SWITCH

Definition:

Adding another pole to the SPDT creates a

double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) switch.
Basically two SPDT switches, which can
control two separate circuits, but are always
switched together by a single actuator.

What would you use a DPDT switch for?

To control two different power devices from one
switch

8.

INDUCTOR (COILS & RELAYS)

Definition:

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An inductor, also called a coil, choke or

reactor, is a passive two-terminal electrical
component which resists changes in electric
current passing through it. It consists of a
conductor such as a wire

What can a coil be used for in a circuit?

A coil is used to resist a change in an electrical
current
What can a relay be used for in a circuit?

Electrical relays can be used to allow low

power electronic or computer type circuits to
switch relatively high currents or voltages
both On or Off

9. RESISTOR
Definition:

a device having a designed resistance to the

passage of an electric current.

How does it change a current?

The resistor changes the current by slowing down
the current
The more resistor, the slower the current

10.

TRANSISTOR

Definition:

A semiconductor device with three

connections, capable of amplification in
addition to rectification.

What does a transistor do in electrical circuit?

A device that is used to amplify and switch

electronic signals and electrical power.

11.

CAPACITOR

Definition:

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Schematic

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A device used to store an electric charge,

consisting of one or more pairs of conductors
separated by an insulator.

What does a capacitor do in electrical circuit?

A capacitor stores energy in the form of an

electrostatic field between its plates.

12.

DIODE

Definition:

A semiconductor device with two terminals,

typically allowing the flow of current in one
direction only.

What does a diode do in electrical circuit?

When the diode is in forward bias, the diode

allows traffic, or current, to flow from the
anode, towards the cathode leg. In a reverse
bias current is blocked so there is no flow of
electricity through the circuit.
13.

LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (LED)

Definition:

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a

semiconductor device that emits visible light
when an electric current passes through it.
The light is not particularly bright, but in most
LEDs it is monochromatic, occurring at a
single wavelength.

What does a LED do in electrical circuit?

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a special kind

of diode that glows when electricity passes
through it

14.

CONDUCTOR

Definition:

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Schematic

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A material or device that conducts or

transmits heat, electricity, or sound,
especially when regarded in terms of its
capacity to do this.

15.

CIRCUIT

Definition:

An electric circuit is a path in which electrons

from a voltage or current source flow

16.
STATIC ELECTRICITY
Definition:
A stationary electric charge, typically
produced by friction that causes sparks or
crackling or the attraction of dust or hair.

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Schematic

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Where would you find static electricity?

Static electricity is found when you rub your
feet on the carpet and touch a metal
doorknob. The electrons transfer to you.
Static electricity is stationary, so it cant move
until your body touches something to transfer
the energy too. This is why you experience a
shock
Why is static electricity a problem in
electronics?
Static electricity is a problem in electronics
because a buildup of static could damage the
system

17.

CURRENT ELECTRICITY

Definition:

An electric current is a flow of electric charge.

In electric circuits this charge is often carried
by moving electrons in a wire. It can also be
carried by ions in an electrolyte, or by both
ions and electrons such as in a plasma.

How is current electricity different than static?

Current electricity is a flow of electric charge, the
electricity is moving. static is a stationary charge

List several ways that current electricity is

used.
1) Used to operate appliances such as
washing machines and stoves
2) Flashlights
3) Telephones

18.

DIRECT CURRENT (DC)

Definition:

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Schematic

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Direct current (DC) is the unidirectional flow

of electric charge. Direct current is produced
by sources such as batteries, power supplies,
thermocouples, solar cells, or dynamos.

In what equipment is DC current used?

Equipment that uses DC current is solar powered
objects and batteries

What does DC Current look like?

DC current looks like:

19.

AC CURRENT

Definition:

Alternating current (AC), is an electric current

in which the flow of electric charge
periodically reverses direction.

In what equipment is AC current used?

Most homes are wired for AC

What does AC current look like?

20.

THREE PHASE CURRENT (3-Phase)

Definition:

Three-phase electric power is a common

method of alternating-current electric power
generation, transmission, and distribution. It is
a type of polyphase system and is the most
common method used by electrical grids
worldwide to transfer power.

In what equipment is 3-phase current used?

The most common method used by electrical

worldwide to transfer power. It is also used to
power large motors and other heavy loads

Why is it used?

Three Phase current is used because its

more effective than one phase or two phase
and it can transfer current faster.
21.

POLARITY

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Schematic

Definition:

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Electrical polarity (positive and negative) is

present in every electrical circuit. Electrons
flow from the negative pole to the positive
pole.

What happens when you reverse polarity?

When you reverse polarity the current will go
through the circuit in the opposite direction

22.

ANALOG SIGNAL

Definition:

An analog or analogue signal is any

continuous signal for which the time varying
feature (variable) of the signal is a
representation of some other time varying
quantity,

Where are analog signals used?

Analog Signal is commonly used in crossover

filters in loudspeakers, "bass", "treble" and

"volume" controls on stereos, and "tint"
controls on TVs. Common analog processing
elements include capacitors, resistors,
inductors and transistors.

23.

DIGITAL SIGNAL

Definition:

A digital signal is a discrete-time signal for

which not only the time but also the amplitude
has discrete values; in other words, its
samples take on only values from a discrete
set (a countable set that can be mapped oneto-one to a subset of integers).

Where are digital signals used?

Digital signals are used for standardized symbols
like HDMI for video (and audio) and MIDI are
digtally transmitted

24.

INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (IC)

Definition:

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Schematic

An electronic circuit formed on a small piece

of semiconducting material, performing the
same function as a larger circuit made from
discrete components.

Where an IC might be used?

An IC will be used on a circuit board.
What does it do?

An IC can function as an amplifier, oscillator,

timer, counter, computer memory, or
microprocessor.

25.

PHOTO-DIODE

Definition:

A photodiode is a semiconductor device that

converts light into current.

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Schematic

Where a photo-diode might be used?

Photodiodes are used in consumer

electronics devices such as compact disc
players, smoke detectors, and the receivers
for infrared remote control devices used to
control equipment from televisions to air
conditioners
What does it do?

The current is generated when photons are

absorbed in the photodiode. A small amount
of current is also produced when no light is
present. Photodiodes may contain optical
filters, built-in lenses, and may have large or
small surface areas.

26.

PHOTOCELL

Definition:

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Schematic

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A photo resistor or light-dependent resistor

(LDR) or photocell is a light-controlled
variable resistor. The resistance of a photo
resistor decreases with increasing incident
light intensity; in other words, it exhibits
photoconductivity.

Where is a photocell used?

Photocells are used in automatic night lights and
in street lamps that turn themselves on at night.
What does it do?

It converts EM-wave (light) into an electric

current.
27.

THERMISTOR

Definition:

An electrical resistor whose resistance is

greatly reduced by heating, used for
measurement and control.

How does it work?

There are two types of thermistors: Negative

Temperature Coefficient (NTC) and Positive
Temperature Coefficient (PTC). With an NTC
thermistor, when the temperature increases,
resistance decreases. Conversely, when
temperature decreases, resistance increases.

28.

THERMOCOUPLE

Definition:

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A thermocouple is a sensor used to measure

temperature

How does it work?

Thermocouples consist of two wire legs made

from different metals. The wires legs are
welded together at one end, creating a
junction. This junction is where the
temperature is measured.

29.

H-BRIDGE

Definition:

A H bridge is an electronic circuit that enables

a voltage to be applied across a load in either
direction

How does it work?

The H-bridge arrangement is generally used

to reverse the polarity/direction of the motor,
but can also be used to 'brake' the motor,
where the motor comes to a sudden stop, as
the motor's terminals are shorted, or to let the
motor 'free run' to a stop, as the motor is
effectively disconnected from the circuit.

30.

ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROLLER (ESC)

Definition:

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Schematic

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An electronic speed control or ESC is an

electronic circuit with the purpose to vary an
electric motor's speed, its direction and
possibly also to act as a dynamic brake.

How does it work?

n ESC interprets control information not as

mechanical motion as would be the case of a
servo, but rather in a way that varies the
switching rate of a network of field effect
transistors, or FETs.[1] The rapid switching of
the transistors is what causes the motor itself
to emit its characteristic high-pitched whine,
especially noticeable at lower speeds. It also
allows much smoother and more precise
variation of motor speed in a far more efficient
manner than the mechanical type with a
resistive coil and moving arm once in
common use.
31.

SERVO CONTROLLER

Definition:

Servo control from a radio control receiver to

32.

PULSE WIDTH MODULATOR (PWM)

Definition:

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Is a technique for getting analog results with

digital means

What is Pulse Width Modulation anyway?

Pulse width modulation (PWM) is a fancy

term for describing a type of digital signal

33.

SERIAL SIGNAL

Definition:

It formally defines the signals connecting

between a DTE (data terminal equipment)
such as a computer terminal, and a DCE
(data circuit-terminating equipment, originally
defined as data communication equipment[1]),
such as a modem. The RS-232 standard is
commonly used in computer serial ports. The
standard defines the electrical characteristics
and timing of signals, the meaning of signals,
and the physical size and pinout of
connectors

What does a serial signal look like?

See image.

How does it differ from a Parallel signal?

In parallel transmission, multiple bits (usually

8 bits or a byte/character) are sent
simultaneously on different channels (wires,
frequency channels) within the same cable, or
radio path, and synchronized to a clock in
serial transmission, bits are sent sequentially
on the same channel (wire) which reduces
costs for wire but also slows the speed of
transmission

34.

USB SIGNAL

Definition:

USB, short for Universal Serial Bus, is an

industry standard developed in the mid-1990s
that defines the cables, connectors and
communications protocols used in a bus for
connection, communication, and power
supply between computers and electronic
devices.

What does a USB signal look like?

How is it different from serial and parallel?

USB cables are connected by cables and wires
What is the distance limit in can move over
wire?

16 feet 5 inches

35.

DC MOTOR

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Definition:

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A DC motor is any of a class of electrical

machines that converts direct current
electrical power into mechanical power. The
most common types rely on the forces
produced by magnetic fields.

What could you use a DC motor for?

You can use a DC motor in tools, small tools and
appliances
How does a DC Motor work (think stator)
A simple DC motor has a stationary set of
magnets in the stator and an armature with one or
more windings of insulated wire wrapped around
a soft iron core that concentrates the magnetic
field. The windings usually have multiple turns
around the core, and in large motors there can be
several parallel current paths. The ends of the
wire winding are connected to a commutator. The
commutator allows each armature coil to be
energized in turn and connects the rotating coils
with the external power supply through brushes.
(Brushless DC motors have electronics that
switch the DC current to each coil on and off and
have no brushes.)

36.

SERVO MOTOR

Definition:

A servomotor is a rotary actuator or linear

actuator that allows for precise control of
angular or linear position, velocity and
acceleration. It consists of a suitable motor
coupled to a sensor for position feedback.

Where would you use a servo motor? (3 uses)

3 places a servo motor is used is in BluRay discs,
gas pedals in car and in Airplanes.

37.

STEPPER MOTOR

Definition:

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A stepper motor is a brushless, synchronous

electric motor that converts digital pulses into
mechanical shaft rotations. Each rotation of a
stepper motor is divided into a set number of
steps, sometimes as many as 200 steps.

What is the advantage of a stepper motor?

The advantages of a stepper motor is:

- The rotation angle of the motor is

proportional to the input pulse.
- The motor has full torque at standstill (if the
windings are energized)
- Precise positioning and repeatability of
movement since good stepper motors have
an accuracy of 3 5% of a step and this error
is non cumulative from one step to the next.
- Excellent response to
starting/stopping/reversing.

38.

HMI

Definition:

An HMI is a software application that presents

information to an operator or user about the
state of a process, and to accept and
implement the operators control instructions.
Typically information is displayed in a graphic
format (Graphical User Interface or GUI).

What is an example of a sophisticated HMI?

An example of a sophisticated HMI is ignition in a
car.

39.

TV VIDEO SIGNAL COAX CABLE

Definition:

Coaxial cable, or coax is a type of cable that

has an inner conductor surrounded by a
tubular insulating layer, surrounded by a
tubular conducting shield

What does a video signal look like?

How many wires do you need to carry it?

You need one wire to carry a video signal

How do the two formats differ (NTSC and

PAL)?

While NTSC delivers a frame rate of 30

frames per second (fps) at an aspect ratio of
720x480, PAL uses a frame rate of 25 fps and
a 720x576 aspect ratio.

40.

DIGITAL VIDEO (DV) SIGNAL

Definition:

A digital signal is a physical signal that is a

representation of a sequence of discrete
values (a quantified discrete-time signal), for
example of an arbitrary bit stream, or of a
digitized (sampled and analog-to-digital
converted) analog signal.

How is this different than an analog video

signal?

The difference between analog and digital

technologies is that in analog technology,
information is translated into electric pulses of
varying amplitude

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What are the advantages / disadvantages?

Some advantages are:

No signal losses due to DA and AD

conversion

Geometry, clock and phase settings

unnecessary, therefore simple to use

Lower costs as less electronic circuitry

required

Some disadvantages are:

41.

No signal losses due to DA and AD

conversion

Geometry, clock and phase settings

unnecessary, therefore simple to use

Lower costs as less electronic circuitry

required

HIGH DEFINITION (HD) VIDEO SIGNAL

Definition:

a high degree of detail in an image or screen.

How is this different than a standard video

signal?
High definition signal uses more pixels than
standard video signal.

What is the advantage, if any?

The advantage is it uses more pixels and the
picture is less fuzzy, so watching TV is more
enjoyable

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41.

PROGRESSIVE vs. INTERLACED VIDEO DISPLAY (TVs)

Definition: Progressive display

Progressive scanning (alternatively referred

to as noninterlaced scanning) is a way of
displaying, storing, or transmitting moving
images in which all the lines of each frame
are drawn in sequence.

Definition: Interlaced Display

Interlaced video is a technique for doubling

the perceived frame rate of a video display
without consuming extra bandwidth. The
interlaced signal contains two fields of a video
frame captured at two different times.

What is the advantage, if any, of these two

different display methods on a TV?
Advantages of interlaced video display are:
-Reduced bandwidth
-Popularity
Advantages of progressive are:
-No blurring
-Higher quality of imaging

Progressive

Interlaced Video Display