, so let's beign.

Here is what you will need: 1 - Timer 555 8 pin IC 1 - 2N3905 PNP general switching transistor 1 - 2N3053 NPN general purpose amplifier (I dont know if this is a switching or amplifer but I used MPSA2222A instead and it worked fine, I also tried 2N3904 and it worked, but a littler worse than the one I used) 20 - red LEDs (although you can use any color choice you want) 20 - blue LEDs (although you can use any color choice you want) 1 - LED (this is used to verify if your circuit works, can be any color) 1 - 1uF Electrolytic capacitor 1 - .1uF disc capacitor 1 - 150k resistor 1 - 4.7k resistor 1 - 160 ohm resistor 1 - 220 ohm resistor (although I used a 160 ohm) 20 - 100 ohm resistors (I didnt have 20 so I used 10 of 100 ohm and 10 of 120 ohm) 1 - 6V source wire

A resistor limits current flow. A capacitor stores charge and thus energy via an electric field and also can act as a frequency filter for AC applications. An inductor stores energy in a magnetic field. An example is the coil in an automobile sparkplug distribution or coil on plug technology. When the magnetic field collapses in the coil, it liberates its energy. That's how the spark is made. Inductors can also be used as frequency filters. The main function of a diode is to block the current in one direction, and allow current to flow in the other direction. Current flowing through the diode is called forward current. There are several types of diodes: Rectifier diodes -- these are the most common, with its function described above. Detector diodes -- these are more sensitive than normal rectifier diodes. They are used in radios and televisions to convert radio signals to audio or television signals. Zener diodes -- These diodes are the opposites of the normal diodes, because they are designed to conduct current in the backwards (reverse) direction BUT only at a very precise voltage. Zener diodes are used to regulate voltages (to behave sort-of like a battery). Capacitance diodes act as tunable capacitors and are also used in radios and TVs to allow electronic automatic tuning. Tunnel diodes are used in oscillator circuits

What is the function of a transformer?

Answer: A transformer is a device that changes an electrical voltage or current from one level to another. (In radio frequency applications, it is used to couple the RF electronic circuits.) Transformers are used to:

Convert high voltage alternating current (AC) to desired low voltage alternating current (AC). Such transformers are called step down transformers. Convert low voltage alternating current (AC) to desired high voltage alternating current (AC). Such transformers are called step up transformers. Electrically separate one part of the circuit (or any other electrical system) from the other part, termed as 'electrical isolation'. Such transformers are called isolation transformers.

The transformation may involve the loss of some power as waste heat.

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Circuit Symbols
Wires | Supplies | Output devices | Switches | Resistors | Capacitors | Diodes | Transistors | Audio & Radio | Meters | Sensors | Logic gates | Download symbols electronicsclub.info

Next Page: Electricity and the Electron Also see: Circuit Diagrams Circuit symbols are used in circuit diagrams which show how a circuit is connected together. The actual layout of the components is usually quite different from the circuit diagram. To build a circuit you need a different diagram showing the layout of the parts on stripboard or printed circuit board. Temporary and trial circuits are often built on breadboard which does not require soldering.

Wires and connections

Component
Wire

Circuit Symbol

Function of Component
To pass current very easily from one part of a circuit to another. A 'blob' should be drawn where wires are connected (joined), but it is sometimes omitted. Wires connected at 'crossroads' should be staggered slightly to form two T-junctions, as shown on the right. In complex diagrams it is often necessary to draw wires crossing even though they are not connected. The simple crossing on the left is correct but may be misread as a join where the 'blob' has been forgotten. The bridge symbol on the right leaves no doubt!

Wires joined

Wires not joined

Power Supplies

Component

Circuit Symbol

Function of Component
Supplies electrical energy. The larger terminal (on the left) is positive (+).
A single cell is often called a battery, but strictly a battery is two or more cells joined together.

Cell

Battery

Supplies electrical energy. A battery is more than one cell. The larger terminal (on the left) is positive (+). Supplies electrical energy. DC = Direct Current, always flowing in one direction. Supplies electrical energy. AC = Alternating Current, continually changing direction. A safety device which will 'blow' (melt) if the current flowing through it exceeds a specified value. Two coils of wire linked by an iron core. Transformers are used to step up (increase) and step down (decrease) AC voltages. Energy is transferred between the coils by the magnetic field in the core. There is no electrical connection between the coils. A connection to earth. For many electronic circuits this is the 0V (zero volts) of the power supply, but for mains electricity and some radio circuits it really means the earth. It is also known as ground.

DC supply

AC supply

Fuse

Transformer

Earth (Ground)

Output Devices: Lamps, Heater, Motor, etc.

Component

Circuit Symbol

Function of Component
A transducer which converts electrical energy to light. This symbol is used for a lamp providing illumination, for example a car headlamp or torch bulb.

Lamp (lighting)

Lamp (indicator)

A transducer which converts electrical energy to light. This symbol is used for a lamp which is an indicator, for example a warning light on a car dashboard. A transducer which converts electrical energy to heat. A transducer which converts electrical energy to kinetic energy (motion).

Heater

Motor

Bell

A transducer which converts electrical energy to sound.

Buzzer

A transducer which converts electrical energy to sound.

Inductor (Coil, Solenoid)

A coil of wire which creates a magnetic field when current passes through it. It may have an iron core inside the coil. It can be used as a transducer converting electrical energy to mechanical energy by pulling on something.

Switches

Component
Push Switch (push-to-make) Push-to-Break Switch

Circuit Symbol

Function of Component
A push switch allows current to flow only when the button is pressed. This is the switch used to operate a doorbell. This type of push switch is normally closed (on), it is open (off) only when the button is pressed. SPST = Single Pole, Single Throw. An on-off switch allows current to flow only when it is in the closed (on) position.

On-Off Switch (SPST)

2-way Switch (SPDT)

SPDT = Single Pole, Double Throw. A 2-way changeover switch directs the flow of current to one of two routes according to its position. Some SPDT switches have a central off position and are described as 'on-off-on'. DPST = Double Pole, Single Throw. A dual on-off switch which is often used to switch mains electricity because it can isolate both the live and neutral connections.

Dual On-Off Switch (DPST)

Reversing Switch (DPDT)

DPDT = Double Pole, Double Throw. This switch can be wired up as a reversing switch for a motor. Some DPDT switches have a central off position.

Relay

An electrically operated switch, for example a 9V battery circuit connected to the coil can switch a 230V AC mains circuit.
NO = Normally Open, COM = Common, NC = Normally Closed.

Resistors

Component

Circuit Symbol

Function of Component
A resistor restricts the flow of current, for example to limit the current passing through an LED. A resistor is used with a capacitor in a timing circuit.
Some publications still use the old resistor symbol:

Resistor

Variable Resistor (Rheostat)

This type of variable resistor with 2 contacts (a rheostat) is usually used to control current. Examples include: adjusting lamp brightness, adjusting motor speed, and adjusting the rate of flow of charge into a capacitor in a timing circuit. This type of variable resistor with 3 contacts (a potentiometer) is usually used to control voltage. It can be used like this as a transducer converting position (angle of the control spindle) to an electrical

Variable Resistor (Potentiometer)

signal. This type of variable resistor (a preset) is operated with a small screwdriver or similar tool. It is designed to be set when the circuit is made and then left without further adjustment. Presets are cheaper than normal variable resistors so they are often used in projects to reduce the cost.

Variable Resistor (Preset)

Capacitors

Component

Circuit Symbol

Function of Component
A capacitor stores electric charge. A capacitor is used with a resistor in a timing circuit. It can also be used as a filter, to block DC signals but pass AC signals. A capacitor stores electric charge. This type must be connected the correct way round. A capacitor is used with a resistor in a timing circuit. It can also be used as a filter, to block DC signals but pass AC signals.

Capacitor

Capacitor, polarised

Variable Capacitor

A variable capacitor is used in a radio tuner.

Trimmer Capacitor

This type of variable capacitor (a trimmer) is operated with a small screwdriver or similar tool. It is designed to be set when the circuit is made and then left without further adjustment.

Diodes

Component
Diode

Circuit Symbol

Function of Component
A device which only allows current to flow in one direction.

LED
Light Emitting Diode

A transducer which converts electrical energy to light.

Zener Diode

A special diode which is used to maintain a fixed voltage across its terminals.

Photodiode

A light-sensitive diode.

Transistors

Component Circuit Symbol

Function of Component

Transistor NPN

A transistor amplifies current. It can be used with other components to make an amplifier or switching circuit.

Transistor PNP

A transistor amplifies current. It can be used with other components to make an amplifier or switching circuit.

Phototransistor

A light-sensitive transistor.

Audio and Radio Devices

Component

Circuit Symbol

Function of Component

Microphone

A transducer which converts sound to electrical energy.

Earphone

A transducer which converts electrical energy to sound.

Loudspeaker

A transducer which converts electrical energy to sound.

Piezo Transducer

A transducer which converts electrical energy to sound.

Amplifier
(general symbol)

An amplifier circuit with one input. Really it is a block diagram symbol because it represents a circuit rather than just one component.

Aerial (Antenna)

A device which is designed to receive or transmit radio signals. It is also known as an antenna.

Meters and Oscilloscope

Component

Circuit Symbol

Function of Component
A voltmeter is used to measure voltage.

Voltmeter

The proper name for voltage is 'potential difference', but most people prefer to say voltage!

Ammeter

An ammeter is used to measure current.

Galvanometer

A galvanometer is a very sensitive meter which is used to measure tiny currents, usually 1mA or less.

Ohmmeter

An ohmmeter is used to measure resistance. Most multimeters have an ohmmeter setting.

Oscilloscope

An oscilloscope is used to display the shape of electrical signals and it can be used to measure their voltage and time period.

Sensors (input devices)

Component

Circuit Symbol

Function of Component
A transducer which converts brightness (light) to resistance (an electrical property). LDR = Light Dependent Resistor A transducer which converts temperature (heat) to resistance (an electrical property).

LDR

Thermistor

Logic Gates Logic gates process signals which represent true (1, high, +Vs, on) or false (0, low, 0V, off). For more information please see the Logic Gates page. There are two sets of symbols: traditional and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).

Gate Type

Traditional Symbol

IEC Symbol

Function of Gate
A NOT gate can only have one input. The 'o' on the output means 'not'. The output of a NOT gate is the inverse (opposite) of its input, so the output is true when the input is false. A NOT gate is also called an inverter.

NOT

AND

An AND gate can have two or more inputs. The output of an AND gate is true when all its inputs are true.

NAND

A NAND gate can have two or more inputs. The 'o' on the output means 'not' showing that it is a Not AND gate. The output of a NAND gate is true unless all its inputs are true.

OR

An OR gate can have two or more inputs. The output of an OR gate is true when at least one of its inputs is true.

NOR

A NOR gate can have two or more inputs. The 'o' on the output means 'not' showing that it is a Not OR gate. The output of a NOR gate is true when none of its inputs are true.

EX-OR

An EX-OR gate can only have two inputs. The output of an EXOR gate is true when its inputs are different (one true, one false). An EX-NOR gate can only have two inputs. The 'o' on the output means 'not' showing that it is a Not EX-OR gate. The output of an EX-NOR gate is true when its inputs are the same (both true or both false).

EX-NOR

Table of Electrical Symbols

Symbol

Component name Wire Symbols Electrical Wire

Meaning

Conductor of electrical current

Connected Wires

Connected crossing

Not Connected Wires

Wires are not connected

Switch Symbols and Relay Symbols SPST Toggle Switch Disconnects current when open

SPDT Toggle Switch

Selects between two connections

Pushbutton Switch (N.O)

Momentary switch - normally open

Pushbutton Switch (N.C)

Momentary switch - normally closed

DIP Switch

DIP switch is used for onboard configuration

SPST Relay Relay open / close connection by an electromagnet SPDT Relay

Jumper

Close connection by jumper insertion on pins.

Solder Bridge

Solder to close connection

Ground Symbols Earth Ground Used for zero potential reference and electrical shock protection.

Chassis Ground

Connected to the chassis of the circuit

Digital / Common Ground

Resistor Symbols Resistor (IEEE) Resistor reduces the current flow. Resistor (IEC)

Potentiometer (IEEE) Adjustable resistor - has 3 terminals. Potentiometer (IEC)

Variable Resistor / Rheostat (IEEE) Adjustable resistor - has 2 terminals. Variable Resistor / Rheostat (IEC)

Trimmer Resistor

Preset resistor

Thermistor

Thermal resistor - change resistance when temperature changes Photo-resistor - change resistance with light intensity change

Photoresistor / Light dependent resistor (LDR)

Capacitor Symbols Capacitor Capacitor is used to store electric charge. It acts as short circuit with AC and open circuit with DC. Capacitor

Polarized Capacitor

Electrolytic capacitor

Polarized Capacitor

Electrolytic capacitor

Variable Capacitor

Adjustable capacitance

Inductor / Coil Symbols Inductor Coil / solenoid that generates magnetic field

Iron Core Inductor

Includes iron

Variable Inductor

Power Supply Symbols Voltage Source Generates constant voltage

Current Source

Generates constant current.

AC Voltage Source

AC voltage source

Generator

Electrical voltage is generated by mechanical rotation of the generator

Battery Cell

Generates constant voltage

Battery

Generates constant voltage

Controlled Voltage Source

Generates voltage as a function of voltage or current of other circuit element.

Controlled Current Source

Generates current as a function of voltage or current of other circuit element. Meter Symbols

Voltmeter

Measures voltage. Has very high resistance. Connected in parallel. Measures electric current. Has near zero resistance. Connected serially.

Ammeter

Ohmmeter

Measures resistance

Wattmeter

Measures electric power

Lamp / Light Bulb Symbols Lamp / light bulb

Lamp / light bulb

Generates light when current flows through

Lamp / light bulb

Diode / LED Symbols Diode Diode allows current flow in one direction only (left to right). Allows current flow in one direction, but also can flow in the reverse direction when above breakdown voltage Schottky diode is a diode with low voltage drop

Zener Diode

Schottky Diode

Varactor / Varicap Diode

Variable capacitance diode

Tunnel Diode

Light Emitting Diode (LED)

LED emits light when current flows through

Photodiode

Photodiode allows current flow when exposed to light Transistor Symbols

NPN Bipolar Transistor

Allows current flow when high potential at base (middle) Allows current flow when low potential at base (middle) Made from 2 bipolar transistors. Has total gain of the product of each gain.

PNP Bipolar Transistor

Darlington Transistor

JFET-N Transistor

N-channel field effect transistor

JFET-P Transistor

P-channel field effect transistor

NMOS Transistor

N-channel MOSFET transistor

PMOS Transistor

P-channel MOSFET transistor

Misc. Symbols Motor Electric motor

Transformer

Change AC voltage from high to low or low to high.

Electric bell

Rings when activated

Buzzer

Produce buzzing sound

Fuse

Fuse

The fuse disconnects when current above threshold. Used to protect circuit from high currents.

Bus

Bus

Contains several wires. Usually for data / address.

Bus

Optocoupler / Opto-isolator

Optocoupler isolates onnection to other board

Loudspeaker

Converts electrical signal to sound waves

Microphone

Converts sound waves to electrical signal

Operational Amplifier

Amplify input signal

Schmitt Trigger

Operates with hysteresis to reduce noise.

Analog-to-digital converter (ADC)

Converts analog signal to digital numbers

Digital-to-Analog converter (DAC)

Converts digital numbers to analog signal

Crystal Oscillator

Used to generate precise frequency clock signal

Antenna Symbols Antenna / aerial Transmits & receives radio waves Antenna / aerial

Dipole Antenna

Two wires simple antenna

Logic Gates Symbols NOT Gate (Inverter) Outputs 1 when input is 0

AND Gate

Outputs 1 when both inputs are 1.

NAND Gate

Outputs 0 when both inputs are 1. (NOT + AND)

OR Gate

Outputs 1 when any input is 1.

NOR Gate

Outputs 0 when any input is 1. (NOT + OR)

XOR Gate

Outputs 1 when inputs are different. (Exclusive OR)

D Flip-Flop

Stores one bit of data

Multiplexer / Mux 2 to 1 Connects the output to selected input line. Multiplexer / Mux 4 to 1

Demultiplexer / Demux 1 to 4

Connects selected output to the input line.