Circuit
A electrical circuit is a closed loop where electrons can flow through. They are used to power things from our microwave to our computer.
Ideal Circuit elements: Used to model real physical components
Series vs. Parallel Connection
Series Connection
Two elements are called connected in series if they are the only two elements connected to a node. Series connected elements have the same current ().
Parallel Connection
Two or more elements are connected in parallel if they are connected between the same two nodes. Parallel-connected elements have the same voltage.
Active vs. Passive Components
Passive Components
Passive components are made to receive energy from active components. They do not require any form of external electrical power to operate.
List of passive components:
Not sure: Potentiometer Crystal Oscillator Resonator
Active Components
Electronic component that supplies energy to a circuit.
Common examples of active components include:
- Voltage sources
- Current sources
- Generators (such as alternators and DC generators)
- Transistor
- Diode
Sources
Dependent/controlled sources
Electronic devices (such as transistors or amplifiers) are modeled by a dependent / controlled voltage source.
- A diamond shape is used to indicate a dependent source.
Circuit Elements and Diagrams
We use circuit diagrams to provide a more abstract picture of reality in analyzing and describing circuits. A circuit diagram is a logical picture of what is connected to what.
