Description

This eBook is our step-by-step guide designed to help you get started with electronics. Learn about electronics components, how to read circuit diagrams and how to build simple circuits. You will also use the 555 timer integrated circuit, learn how to use a multimeter and tips about soldering.

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Module 1 – Electricity, Current, Voltage and Resistance

In the first module, you’ll start learning electronics concepts such as electricity, current, voltage, resistance and basic formulas. Units included:

• Unit 1 – Electricity
• Unit 2 – Current
• Unit 3 – Voltage and Resistance
• Unit 4 – The Water Analogy
• Unit 5 – Ohm’s Law and Electric Power
• Unit 6 – A Basic Circuit Example

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Module 2 – Circuit Diagrams and Basic Electronic Components

In the second module, you’ll be introduced to circuit diagrams and to electronics components. You will understand what they are used for and you will be able to read simple circuit diagrams. Units included:

• Unit 1 – Circuit Diagrams
• Unit 2 – Most common components and their symbols
• Unit 3 – Batteries
• Unit 4 – Resistors
• Unit 5 – Resistor color chart
• Unit 6 – Resistors in series and in parallel
• Unit 7 – Diodes and LEDs
• Unit 8 – Capacitors
• Unit 9 – Switches, transistors and integrated circuits
• Unit 10 – Potentiometers

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Module 3 – Building Your First Circuits

In the third module, you will learn how to use a breadboard and you’ll start building your very first simple circuits with LEDs and buttons. Units included:

• Unit 1 – Breadboard, Prototype Board and Printed Circuit Board
• Unit 2 – How Does a Breadboard Work?
• Unit 3 – Lighting up an LED
• Unit 4 – LEDs in Series
• Unit 5 – LEDs in Parallel
• Unit 6 – How to Make a Simple Flashlight with a Pushbutton
• Unit 7 – Flashlight Circuit with a Toggle Switch
• Unit 8 – Controlling the LED Brightness
• Unit 9 – Automatic Light Triggered LED with Transistor and LDR

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Module 4 – Introducing Integrated Circuits

In the fourth module, you will play with integrated circuits, more specifically with a very common IC, called the 555 timer. You’ll learn how it works and you’ll build more advanced circuits with it. You will also learn how to use a potentiometer, blink an LED and adjust the LED brightness using PWM. Units included:

• Unit 1 – Introducing the 555 Timer
• Unit 2 – Flashing an LED with the 555 Timer
• Unit 3 – Controlling the LED Brightness with PWM

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Module 5 – Tools of the Trade

In this unit, you’ll learn how to use two of the most important tools in electronics: a multimeter and a soldering iron. Units included:

Unit 1 – How to use a multimeter
Unit 2 – How to use a soldering iron
Unit 3 – Wrapping Up