The sole purpose of ICs is to increase the efficiency of the electronic devices, while reducing their size and manufacturing cost. Jack Kilby invented the first integrated circuit in 1958 at Texas Instruments. They are the tiny electronic circuits that can fit inside a small silicon chip. That’s where integrated circuits come in. Though PCBs can offer a lot of advantages, most modern instruments such as computers and mobiles require complex circuits, having thousands and even millions of components. When the layout of a circuit board is printed chemically onto a plastic board, it is called a printed circuit board or PCB. It comprises a plastic board with connecting copper tracks on one side and lots of holes to affix the components. That’s why designers have to arrange tiny electronic components on a circuit board. Most electronic appliances require complex electronic circuits. Hence, a short circuit can damage electronic equipment, cause batteries to explode, and even start a fire in commercial and residential buildings. However, short circuits usually lead to serious accidents as the current can flow at dangerously high levels. For example, if there is a direct connection between the battery’s negative and positive terminal, the current will flow through it rather than passing through the circuit. As a result, the current tends to flow through this newly formed connection rather than along the intended path. In the case of short-circuit, a low-resistance connection forms between two points in an electric circuit. For example, a circuit connected to a dead battery may not perform any work, but it is still a closed circuit. However, a complete circuit that doesn’t perform any function is still a closed circuit. Thus, it is the exact opposite of an open circuit. Fact 2: Closed CircuitĪ closed circuit is one that forms a loop without any interruptions. In other words, any circuit that does not form a loop is an open circuit.
However, when it comes to an open circuit, the current can’t flow as one or more components are disconnected either intentionally (by using a switch) or accidentally (broken parts). Complex circuits, however, have different loads such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, and transistors.Įlectronic Circuit Facts Fact 1: Open CircuitĪs mentioned before, a circuit must always form a loop to allow the current to flow through it. Element 3: LoadĪ load is an element in the circuit that consumes power to perform a particular function.
It is a two-terminal device such as a battery, generators or power systems that provide a potential difference (voltage) between two points in the circuit so that current can flow through it. So, the first key element is the voltage source. The primary function of a circuit is to allow electric current to pass through it safely. They are often used in small and complex circuits such as Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). Conductive traces are nothing but copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. Though copper wires are used in simple circuits, they are rapidly being replaced by conductive traces. The electric current flows through the conducting path. However, the simplest circuit consists of three elements, including a conducting path, a voltage source, and a load. The complexity and the number of components in an electronic circuit may change depending on its application. However, a circuit is complete only if it starts and ends at the same point, forming a loop. Conductive wires or traces are used to connect the components to each other. It comprises several different components such as resistors, transistors, capacitors, inductors, and diodes. For each type I'll discuss the composition, how it works, and the function & significance of the component.Īn electronic circuit is a structure that directs and controls electric current to perform various functions including signal amplification, computation, and data transfer. Then I will provide more information on 7 different types of components. In this article I will provide an overview on electronic circuits. This guide explains in detail about common electronic components used in electronic circuits and how they work. Simply put, electronic circuits are the lifelines of various electrical appliances. Most gadgets have tiny electronic circuits that can control machines and process information. In fact, the electronics revolution and the computer revolution go hand in hand. From aviation to medical and healthcare industries, electronic gadgets have a wide range of applications in the modern world. They have made our lives more comfortable and convenient. Electronic gadgets have become an integral part of our lives.