As beginners to electronic parts and the construction of electronics projects, sometimes one may just take all the information provided in the magazines and start to build the project. The schematics and PCB provided may not be understood fully and if there is a mistake in the information, one may not be able to troubleshoot the printed circuit board. Therefore, it is important that one understands why each electronic parts or electronic component is used and its unique characteristics.
Batteries
The primary battery is intended for one time use
only and is disposed after the charge has dropped to a level that cannot be used. The secondary battery can be recharged
many times and is reusable.
Capacitor Types
An introduction to fundamental of capacitors. Electrolytic, ceramic, tantalum, metallized polyesther and safety types are introduced here.
Digital Light Sensor
In applications such as lighting controls, heating ventilation and air conditioning controls or temperature controls system,
there are times when you will need to adjust the control parameters based on the intensity of the ambient light. You may want to consider using Intersil ISL29001 digital light sensor.
Digital Temperature Sensor
The recent decade has seen the use of integrated circuits devices in many temperature controlled related systems because they are much smaller, provide a more accurate measurement and simpler to be integrated to other digital control devices.
Diodes
Diode is a common device in most electronics devices. This page discussed their basic characteristics and applications in electronics project.
Electroluminescent Lighting and Drivers
Electroluminescent lighting is achieved by using an EL lamp which is a piece of plastic material coated with a phosphorous
material. When a high voltage of 40V or greater is applied across this material and reverse, it will emit light. Fundamental of EL and driver are provided here.
Electronic Project Enclosures for housing assembled PCB
Electronic Project Enclosures are often needed to house assembled printed circuit board and other electronic parts. Some basics types are provided here.
Fuse
Terminology and functions of Fuse.
Includes also some basic guidelines in the selection of fuse for certain application.
Heat Sink Characteristics
When a junction temperature of a semiconductor rises above its maximum allowable temperature, there is a need to
dissipate this temperature or else the device will breakdown. One of the common method used to dissipate the heat is using
a heat sink.
IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor)
The fundamental of IGBT and its characteristics are provided here. It has become a common device in motor controls in recent years.
Inductor or Coil
The fundamental of inductor, its characteristics and their applications in electronic devices are provided here.
LCD
An introduction to liquid crystal display which is now being widely used in most of the electronics project.
LEDs
Introduction to LEDs, its fundamentals and applications in various electronic circuits. It is fast replacing incandescent bulbs in many applications.
Microcontroller
The use of microcontroller as a major part of an electronic device has become indispensable these days.
Operational Amplifier
The Operational Amplifier is a differential amplifier having a large voltage gain, very high input impedance and
low output impedance.
Relays
Mechanical relays are used in various types of applications. The DC coil voltage can range from
3V to 48V DC and AC coil can range from 6V to 240V AC. Its contact ratings can range from
0.01 Ampere to 30 Ampere.
Resistors
An introduction to carbon film resistors and their typical characteristics. It is one of the most common device that is used in almost every electronic device.
Seven Segment Displays
Fundamentals of Seven Segment Displays, its applications and drivers.
Thermistors
Thermistors' fundamentals and Applications.
Thyristors or SCR
Thyristors are switching devices based on PNPN structure. They are very reliable and have current ratings up to a few thousands amperes and voltage ratings up to 5000V.
Transformers
Fundamentals and construction of Tranformers.
Transistors
Introduction To Transistors. A brief history and typical characteristics of transistor and graphs are shown here.
Triac
A triac consists of two SCR connected in
inverse parallel where the gates are connected together. The connections are labelled as MT1(Main Terminal 1),
MT2(Main Terminal 2) and G(Gate).
Varistor as a protective electronic parts
Varistor is a voltage dependent device that clamp a voltage to a certain level and absorbed the energy to prevent damage to other parts of a circuitry.
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Traffic Light Project
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The 555 astable circuit provides clock pulses for the 4017 counter which has ten outputs (Q0 to Q9). Each output becomes high in turn as the clock pulses are received. Appropriate outputs are combined with diodes to supply the amber and green LEDs. The red LED is connected to the ÷10 output which is high for the first 5 counts (Q0-Q4 high), this saves using 5 diodes for red and simplifies the circuit.
This project uses a 555 astable circuit to provide the clock pulses for the 4017 counter.
Parts Required
- resistors: 470 ×3, 22k, 100k
- capacitors: 0.1µF, 1µF 16V radial, 10µF 16V radial
- diodes: 1N4148 ×6
- LEDs: red, amber (or yellow), green
- 1M preset, horizontal
- 555 timer IC, such as NE555
- 4017 counter IC
- DIL sockets for ICs: 8-pin, 16-pin
- on/off switch
- battery clip for 9V PP3
- stripboard: 20 rows × 21 holes
Stripboard Layout
Circuit diagram
Project: 2
Constructing your own FM/Ultrasonic/Infra Red Wireless Projects
Ever since I was a student years ago, I was always fascinated by the world of wireless and wondered how they worked. The projects below will provide a good understanding and information of the world of remote controls. The projects includes schematic diagrams and parts list to enable one to construct and experiment with the concept of infrared, ultrasonic and FM transmitters.
RFID Application and Design
This project provides the basic of RFID and the application in the frequency range of 13.56MHz.
IR Remote Control Transmitter
This project is based on integrated circuit from Holtek Semiconductor HT6221/HT6222. These ICs are commonly used in television and VCR infra red remote controls, garage door controllers, car door controllers, security systems and other remote control applications.
Infrared Remote Control Decoding Project
This project based on Microchip 16C57 microcontroller decodes infrared remote control signals from television, VCR, air conditioner or other home appliances handset that uses NEC 6121 infrared format.
Infra Red Door Monitor
This door monitor project uses an infrared beam to monitor door & passageways or any other area. When the beam is broken a relay is tripped which can be used to sound a bell or alarm. Suitable for detecting customers entering a shop, cars coming up a driveway, etc.
9V FM Transmitters
Construct a FM transmitter in the range of 89MHz-109MHz. A simple LC tuned oscillator is used to generate the frequency needed in this educational project.
3V FM Transmitter
Schematic and the parts list needed to construct a 3V FM Transmitter.
FM Phone Transmitter
This device attaches in series to one of your phone lines. When there is a signal on the line (that is, when you pick up the handset) the circuit will transmit the conversation a short distance.
Ultrasonic Motion Detector
This device can be used to detect any moving object where it is installed. You can place it in the driveway, on the porch, garage, basement or any place where you need to be informed of any object that comes near the location.
Infrared Motion Detectors
This project is an excellent way for beginners of electronics and students to learn about the applications and concept of infrared devices.
