Circuit boards are essential in the electronics world, providing the framework for connecting various components in a circuit. They are crucial for the functioning of numerous devices, from household appliances to smartphones, computers, and high-tech automobiles. But how do you read a circuit board and identify its components? Let’s dive into the details!

Who Determines the Standards for Circuit Boards?

Understanding and reading circuit boards involves knowing the meaning and context of their electronic components and symbols. A circuit board is a collection of electronic components linked via conductive paths printed on a baseboard. Schematic diagrams, which map electrical components and pathways, are drawn based on globally accepted rules and symbols. These symbols are established by professional organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

How to Read Circuit Boards and Understand Components

Power Supply and Source

To begin understanding a circuit board, start with its power source. Every electronic component on a PCB relies on a power source, and the design typically starts from there. Additionally, power supply issues are common causes of electronic device failures. Understanding the symbols associated with power supply and sources is crucial.

Passive Components

Once you grasp the power supply basics, move on to the passive components. These components cannot inject power or amplify it; they only absorb, dissipate, or store energy. They do not require a specific energy level to function. Common passive components include:

• Resistors: These components resist the flow of current, dissipating energy as heat and creating a voltage drop. The resistance value (R) is expressed in Ohms, and the voltage drop can be calculated using Ohm’s Law: V = IR (where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance).
• Capacitors: Capacitors store energy in an electric field, with their capacitance value expressed in Farads.
• Inductors: Inductors store energy in a magnetic field, with inductance (L) measured in Henrys.
• Transformers: Transformers step up or step down voltages and currents. They transfer energy through changing magnetic flux and have primary and secondary windings.
• RLC Circuits: These circuits, made of resistors, inductors, and capacitors, are used in power transmission, audio noise filtering, and EMI filters.

Active Components

Active components are the heart of modern electronics, typically composed of semiconductors. These components require a specific voltage to operate and perform their functions efficiently. Common active components include:

• Transistors: Semiconductors capable of amplifying or switching electronic signals. Transistors come in various types, each with a unique symbol, and are identified by their model number and symbol.
• Diodes: Diodes allow current to flow in only one direction. They are used to rectify AC currents into DC currents and include variations such as LEDs and photodiodes.
• Integrated Circuits (ICs): ICs contain from a few to billions of transistors and perform essential tasks on a circuit board. They provide computing power, storage, and switching functions and are identifiable by their packaging and the number of pins.

Wrapping It Up

Understanding circuit boards starts with knowing the schematic symbols for different electronic components. Begin with power supply components, then move on to passive components like capacitors, and finally, learn about active components such as transistors. By mastering these elements, you’ll be well on your way to reading circuit boards and identifying their components effectively.