Robotics - Circuit components

• Cell


  • Generates electrical energy through chemical reactions
  • Provides power to electronic devices or circuits
  • Often used in small, portable devices like watches, calculators, and remote controls
• Battery


  • Comprised of multiple cells connected
  • Stores electrical energy chemically and releases it as needed
  • Provides power to a wide range of electronic devices, from small gadgets to large vehicles
  • Offers portability and convenience for applications where a continuous power source is needed
• DC power source


  • Supplies direct current (DC) electricity to electrical systems
  • Commonly used in electronic devices, computer systems, and automotive applications
  • Provides a constant voltage level with a single polarity
  • Can be sourced from batteries, solar panels, rectifiers, or DC power supplies
• AC power source


  • Supplies alternating current (AC) electricity to electrical systems
  • Typically delivers power to household appliances, industrial machinery, and electronic devices
  • Provides a standardized voltage level (e.g., 120V or 230V) depending on the region
  • Can be sourced from the electrical grid or generated by devices such as generators or inverters
• Fuse


  • Protects electrical circuits from overcurrent conditions
  • Consists of a metal wire or element that melts when subjected to excessive current flow, thereby interrupting the circuit and preventing damage to connected components
  • Acts as a sacrificial element that breaks the circuit in case of a short circuit or overload, preventing fires and equipment damage
  • Available in various ratings to match the current-carrying capacity of the circuit they protect
  • Commonly used in household electrical wiring, automotive systems, industrial machinery, and electronic devices as a safety device
• Wire


  • Conducts electrical current between components in a circuit
  • Provides a path for the flow of electrons from one point to another
  • Can be made of various materials such as copper, aluminum, or gold, depending on the application
  • Comes in different gauges and types (e.g., solid core, stranded) to suit different needs and environments
• Wires joined


  • Indicates a connection point in a circuit diagram where two or more wires are electrically connected
  • Allows the flow of current to continue seamlessly between components
  • Represents soldered joints, wire nuts, or other methods of electrical connection in physical circuits
  • Ensures continuity and proper functioning of the circuit by maintaining a low-resistance path for current flow
• Wires not joined


  • Represents a break in the electrical path within a circuit diagram
  • Indicates an interruption in the flow of current, preventing electricity from passing through
  • Used in schematics to show open circuits or disconnected components
  • Typically signifies a point where components can be added or removed without affecting the rest of the circuit
• Lamp/Light Bulb

  • Converts electrical energy into light energy
  • Utilizes various technologies such as incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, or LED
  • Provides illumination in homes, offices, vehicles, and outdoor spaces
  • Used for general lighting, decorative purposes, signaling, and display applications
• Buzzer


  • Converts electrical energy into sound energy
  • Typically produces a buzzing or buzzing sound when activated
  • Used for alerting purposes in alarms, timers, doorbells, and other notification systems
  • Can be electromechanical or piezoelectric, depending on the application
• Loudspeaker


  • Converts electrical signals into audible sound waves
  • Consists of a diaphragm driven by an electromagnet or a piezoelectric element
  • Amplifies and reproduces audio signals from electronic devices such as radios, televisions, stereos, and public address systems
  • Available in various sizes and designs to suit different audio applications
• Light-emitting diode (LED)


  • Emits light when current flows through it in the forward direction
  • Highly efficient and long-lasting compared to traditional light sources
  • Used for indicator lights, display panels, signage, automotive lighting, and general illumination
• AC Motor


  • Converts electrical energy into mechanical energy
  • Operates on alternating current (AC) and relies on the interaction between magnetic fields to produce rotational motion
  • Found in various applications such as fans, pumps, compressors, conveyor systems, and household appliances like washing machines and refrigerators
  • Available in different types including induction motors, synchronous motors, and universal motors, each suited for specific applications
• DC Motor


  • Converts electrical energy into mechanical energy
  • Operates on direct current (DC) and utilizes the interaction between magnetic fields to generate rotational motion
  • Found in applications where precise speed control, high torque, and compact size are required, such as robotics, electric vehicles, power tools, and small appliances
  • Available in various types including brushed DC motors, brushless DC motors, and stepper motors, each offering different performance characteristics
• Microphone


  • Converts sound waves into electrical signals
  • Used in various applications including telecommunication devices, audio recording equipment, and voice recognition systems
  • Transduces acoustic energy into electrical energy, allowing for the capture and processing of audio information
• Capacitor


  • Stores and releases electrical energy in the form of an electrostatic field
  • Used in circuits for filtering, timing, decoupling, and energy storage purposes
  • Provides capacitance, which determines its ability to store charge and influence the flow of current in a circuit
• Switch


  • Controls the flow of electrical current in a circuit by making or breaking connections
  • Used to turn devices on or off, change the direction of current flow, or select between different circuits
  • Available in various types including toggle switches, push-button switches, rotary switches, and relay switches, each serving different purposes and applications
• Solar Cell/Photovoltaic cell


  • Converts sunlight into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect
  • Comprised of semiconductor materials, such as silicon, that absorb photons from sunlight and generate electron-hole pairs, creating a flow of electricity
  • Used in solar panels to harness solar energy for power generation in both residential and commercial settings, as well as in portable devices and off-grid applications
• Resistor


  • Limits or controls the flow of electrical current in a circuit
  • Used to adjust voltage levels, divide voltages, provide load resistance, and protect components from excessive current flow
  • Provides resistance, measured in ohms, which determines the extent to which it impedes the flow of current in a circuit
• Ammeter


  • An instrument used to measure the flow of electric current in a circuit
  • It is connected in series with the circuit being measured and has a very low resistance to prevent altering the circuit's behavior significantly
  • Ammeters come in analog and digital forms, with digital ammeters typically providing more accuracy and additional features like auto-ranging
• Ohmmeter


  • Specifically designed to measure resistance in a circuit
  • It applies a known voltage to the circuit and measures the resulting current, then calculates resistance using Ohm's Law (R = V/I)
  • Ohmmeters can be standalone devices or integrated into multimeters, which are versatile instruments capable of measuring multiple electrical parameters
• Voltmeter


  • Used to measure the voltage difference between two points in a circuit
  • Voltmeters are connected in parallel across the component or portion of the circuit where voltage is to be measured
  • Like ammeters, they come in analog and digital variants, with digital voltmeters being more common nowadays due to their accuracy, ease of use, and additional features
• Multimeter


  • A versatile instrument capable of measuring multiple electrical parameters, including voltage, current, and resistance
  • It typically combines the functions of an ammeter, voltmeter, and ohmmeter into a single device, providing convenience and cost-effectiveness for troubleshooting and testing electrical circuits
  • Multimeters can also measure other parameters like capacitance, frequency, and temperature, depending on their features and specifications
• Transformer


  Primarily used to step up or step down the voltage in electrical circuits. This is crucial for transmitting electricity efficiently over long distances and for adapting voltage levels to meet the requirements of various devices.
• Transformer


  • Provide electrical isolation between the input and output circuits. This isolation is essential for safety reasons, preventing direct contact between different parts of a system and reducing the risk of electric shock.
  • Utilized for impedance matching between different parts of a system. This ensures maximum power transfer between components and optimal performance of the system.
• Ground (Earth)


  • Used in various electrical systems, including power distribution, electronics, and telecommunications.
  • Provides a reference point for electrical circuits.
  • Serves as a safety measure by directing excess electrical current to the earth, preventing electrical shock and equipment damage.
  • Helps stabilize voltage levels in circuits and reduces electrical noise.