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Physics for Kids

Electronic Circuits

All the electronics that we use today are based on complex electronic circuits. Electronic circuits combine components, wires, and electricity to accomplish some function.

Basic Circuit

The basic electronic circuit has a power source, wires connecting components, and components. Here is a simple example showing some resistors connected in parallel and series.


Schematic

The drawings of complex electronic circuits are called schematics. Schematics show how the different components are all connected together. There are standard symbols for different components that allow different engineers to work on the same project.


Example of a schematic

Printed Circuit Board

A printed circuit board is used to connect many different electronic components into a working circuit. The "wires" connecting the components are built right into the board. There are even different layers of the board with each layer having its own set of wires. Small holes called "vias" are drilled through the board to make connections from layer to layer. Components are then soldered to the surface of the board to make the electrical connections.

Power and Ground

In a complex printed circuit board there will generally be at least one layer dedicated to ground and one to the power supply. The layer for ground is called the ground plane. The ground plane serves as a return path for current for many of the components. Most active components have at least one pin that must connect to ground.

A complex circuit will also typically have at least one DC power supply. On some very complex circuit boards there may be multiple power supplies. A typical power supply will be +3.3V, +2.5V, or +1.8V depending on the technology used. Generally a full layer of the circuit board is dedicated to the main power supply voltage. This power supply is used to power the active components.

Passive Components

Passive components in a circuit are components that don't require any external power. They reside in the current path of the circuit and don't need to connect to the power supply. Some examples of passive components include resistors, capacitors, inductors, and connectors.

Active Components

Active components in a circuit need external power. They connect to the power supply and can inject power into the circuit such as amplifying a signal. Examples of active components include diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits such as the CPU in your computer.

Interesting Facts about Electronic Circuits
Activities

More Electricity Subjects

Circuits and Components
Intro to Electricity
Electric Circuits
Electric Current
Ohm's Law
Resistors, Capacitors, and Inductors
Resistors in Series and Parallel
Conductors and Insulators
Digital Electronics
 Other Electricity
Electricity Basics
Electronic Communications
Uses of Electricity
Electricity in Nature
Static Electricity
Magnetism
Electric Motors
Glossary of Electricity Terms


Science >> Physics for Kids


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