Ohms Law

Current (I) is proportional to Voltage

(V) and inversely proportional to
Resistance (R)

V IR
V
I
R

V
R
I

Ohms Law, Including Power

Series Circuits

One current path, therefore the current (I T) is the same around a close loop.

V1
R1
VT

V2
R2
IT

VT = V1 + V 2
IT = I1 = I2
RT = R 1 + R 2

Kirchhoffs Voltage Law (KVL)

The sum of the voltage drops across the resistors is equals

the total voltage applied to the circuit.

Total resistance (RT) is the sum of the individual resistances..

Parallel Circuits

Current takes more than one path.

The voltage is the same across each resistors.

IT
VT

R1

VT = V1 = V2

I2

I1
V1

IT = I1 + I2
RRT2

V2
RT =

1
1
1

R
R
R1
R2
1
2

Kirchhoffs Current Law (KCL)

The current entering a node is equal to the sum of the

current leaving the node. or
Total current (I ) is the sum of the individual currents.
T

Diodes
a diode is a component that restricts the
direction of movement of charge.
Here is the schematic for a diode:
Current can flow from the anode side to the
cathode side but not in the opposite direction.

Light Emitting Diodes (LED)

A type of diode designed to
emit light
Can be visible or Infra Red
2 V voltage drop
Typically draws 20 mA (0.020 A)
Schematic Symbol

Integrated Circuits
7400 series typically used for logic
gate experiments
Very susceptible to
voltage variations and
static discharge
Refer to applicable datasheet for pinouts
1

14

Capacitor
The capacitor is an element that continuously stores
charge (energy), for later use over a period of time.
The amount of charge (Q) is determined by the capacitance
(c) and the voltage (V) applied across the capacitor: Q = C * V
Capacitance is measured in farads (F) usually in microfarad
(f).
Schematic symbol

A typical computer memory chip contains 16,777,216

capacitors; each is charge to approximately 5V to store
binary digit 1,
or 0V to store binary digit 0.

Bipolar Transistors (NPN, PNP)

For most practical purposes, bipolar transistors are
electrically activated switches (either fully ON with
maximum current, or fully OFF with no current).
There are two types of standard transistors, NPN and PNP,
with different circuit symbols.
The leads are labelled base (B), collector (C) and emitter
(E).

The Breadboard
Top Rail Connected

Connected
In Fives

Bottom Rail Connected

Divider

The Breadboard Connection

Circuit Analysis with LED using

KVL and Ohms Law
VT VR VLED
VR
IT
VT= 9V

R
V LED

IT= IR = ILED = 20m A = 0.020 A

VR VT VLED
92
= 2V
7V
VR
R
IR
7V

0.020 A
350