What is a Capacitor? A Complete Guide for Beginners
Capacitors are circuit components that store electric charge when a potential difference is applied across their terminals. This ability to store charge is called capacitance (C) and is measured in farads (F). One farad is equivalent to one coulomb of charge…
How to Read a Schematic Circuit Diagram
A schematic diagram is a simplified representation of various circuit elements. It uses lines and standard graphic symbols to depict the interconnection of components and other parameters. Nowadays, software like Fritzing and Tinkercad uses realistic pictures to represent different components…
Grounding Basics: What is Ground in Electronic Circuits
If you’re working on a circuit and you don’t know where the ground is, the first step is to consult the schematic diagram. The ground is usually (but not always) marked with a symbol that looks like a series of…
Field-Effect Transistors (FETs) Explained: Types and Applications
Unlike bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), which control current using current, FETs control current using an electric field. This distinction also makes them integral to a variety of electronic applications because of their high input impedance and low power consumption. What…
Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs): NPN Vs. PNP
Transistors, often hailed as the building blocks of modern electronics, play a pivotal role in amplifying or switching electrical signals. In this discussion, we will dive deeply into bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), particularly focusing on their two types: NPN and…
How Does a Diode Work in a Circuit
You can play the audio version of this article. This podcast episode discusses the fundamentals of diodes, including: How they work Biasing Preventing reverse current Rectification in power supplies Diodes are essential and widely used components in electronics. They play…
Potentiometers and Variable Resistors: A Complete Guide
Whether you’re adjusting the volume on a speaker, dimming a light, or varying the speed of a motor, one essential component often comes into play: the potentiometer. It is also known as a variable resistor. This component allows you to…
Non-Inverting Operational Amplifier (Op-amp) Circuit
Operational amplifiers (Op-Amps) are integral electronic components with various applications, including mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, integration, and differentiation. They are characterized by their linear behavior and nearly ideal DC amplification properties, making them essential for signal processing and…
LM386-Based Audio Amplifier
Description: This version of the LM386-based audio amplifier offers low noise, minimal distortion, and efficient power consumption. It operates within a 4V – 12V DC voltage supply and is capable of delivering a clean power output of 700mW. The amplifier…