Instructor manual

Linear Circuit Analysis

Muzamil Hussain

Experiment No 01
Electronics Lab Fundamentals, An Introduction to the Components and
Equipment.

About This Experiment

This experiment is an introduction to the fundamental equipment and
components used in electronics. The experiment will introduce the students to
the several types of meters used to measure the current, voltage, and resistance.
The experiment will also introduce the student to the basic components used to
build circuit. In addition, a discussion of electronics terminology, safety, and
common lab practices will be introduced.
After Completing This Experiment You will Be To:
 Identify typical lab equipment and components.
 Use and understand basic electronics terminology.
 Apply fundamental safety rules in the lab.

Reading Assignment
None

Tools, Equipment, and Components.

None required for this experiment
Time Required
Approximately 1 hour and half hour
Theory of Operation
The first section of every experiment will introduce you to the theoretical
concepts behind the operation of the equipment, components, and circuit that
you will be studying. The term theory of operation is used throughout the
electronics industry to describe how things work in theory.
The information in this experiment will familiarize you with the basic safety,
equipment, components, and practices common to all electronics labs.

Terminology
The following list is meant to be an introduction to the terminology that may be
unfamiliar. This is the partial list of words, abbreviation, and terms used in
electronics.
Conductor This is any material that conducts current.
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 Instructor manual
Linear Circuit Analysis
Muzamil Hussain

Insulator This is any material that does not conduct the current.
DC This is a common abbreviation for the direct current. DC is a current
flows in a one direction
AC This is a common abbreviation for the alternating current. AC is the
current which flows or alternates in one direction then in other.
Analog the term Analog means equipment which uses a magnetic meter
movement where a pointer or needle deflects up or down the scale. Such
meters are as accurate as the digital meters but more difficult to read.
Digital The term digital means that the meter has digital or light emitting
diode (LED) readout and does not use a magnetic meter movement. A
digital meter has all the inside processing done with digital circuitry or
chips.
Positive the plus (+) sign is used to identify the positive side of the
components, power sources, or volltages, and any value above 0.
Negative The minus sign (-) is used to identify the negative side of
components, power sources, or voltages, and any value below 0.
Schematic A drawing or map of an electronic circuit which shows the
components and the path where current flows.

Safety In the Lab

The start of any electronics lab class should always begin with safety. This
means knowing which equipment, components, and processes are dangerous
and how to use them without injury. Remember the following safety principles:
 Don’t work in the lab if you are feeling sleepy or tired.

 Make sure that your workplace and workbench is dry and clean, if it is not so
then first make your workplace and workbench dry and clean and then further
proceed your work.

 Illumination on the workplace must be adequate. Don’t work in laboratory in

case of inadequate illumination.

 Don’t be hasty while working.

 Always Be Careful of Electricity.
 Shoes must be worn at all times.
 Remove all loose conductive jewelry and trinkets, including rings, which
may come in contact with exposed circuits. (Do not wear long loose ties,
scarves, or other loose clothing around machines.
 Consider all circuits to be "hot" unless proven otherwise.

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Linear Circuit Analysis
Muzamil Hussain

 When making measurements, form the habit of using only one hand at a time.
No part of a live circuit should be touched by the bare hand.
 Keep the body, or any part of it, out of the circuit. Where interconnecting wires
and cables are involved, they should be arranged so people will not trip over
them.
 Be as neat a possible. Keep the work area and workbench clear of items not
used in the experiment.
 Always check to see that the power switch is OFF before plugging into the
outlet. Also, turn instrument or equipment OFF before unplugging from the
outlet.
 When unplugging a power cord, pull on the plug, not on the cable
 When disassembling a circuit, first remove the source of power.
 No ungrounded electrical or electronic apparatus is to be used in the laboratory
unless it is double insulated or battery operated.
 Keep fluids, chemicals, and beat away from instruments and circuits.
 Report any damages to equipment, hazards, and potential hazards to the
laboratory instructor.
 If in doubt about electrical safety, see the laboratory instructor. Regarding
specific equipment, consult the instruction manual provided by the
manufacturer of the equipment. Information regarding safe use and possible-
hazards should be studied carefully.

Tools and Equipment

Power Supplies The dc power supply is similar to a battery but is adjustable. Most
bench supplies can maintain a constant voltage and, sometimes, a constant current.
Such power supplies usually have their ranges or maximum values listed on the face.
For example, 0 to 10 volts or 0 to 30 volts.

Breadboard, Springboard, or Prototype This is a special board used to assemble

circuit usually by inserting components into springs, sockets, or other such holes.
Such boards are used in the industry to make proto-type circuits before they are mass
produced.

Leads Connecting leads are insulated wires used to connect meters to the circuits or
components being measured. Often the leads are colored red or black to identify the
polarity of the connection.

Digital Multimeter This is the most commonly used type of multimeter for the field
use. It can measure resistance, voltage and current. The DMM is usually small,
portable (battery powered), and accurate. It is most important invention that is mostly
used nowadays.

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Linear Circuit Analysis
Muzamil Hussain

Oscilloscope An oscilloscope, or CRO (for cathode-ray oscilloscope), is a type

of electronic test instrument that allows observation of constantly varying
signal voltages, usually as a two-dimensional plot of one or more signals as a function
of time. Other signals (such as sound or vibration) can be converted to voltages and
displayed.

Function Generator A function generator is usually a piece of electronic test

equipment used to generate different types of electrical waveforms over a wide range
of frequencies. Some of the most common waveforms produced by the function
generator are the sine, square, triangular and saw tooth shapes.

Components

Resistors Resistors control the amount of the current flow. Resistors are the most
common components on the circuit board, and knowing their value is required to
determine the amount of the current passing through them and the amount of the
voltage across their two ends. There is a color code which is used to identify resistor
values in ohms.

Capacitors Capacitors are able to hold an electric charge like a battery. They block a
dc voltage and allow the ac to flow as they charge and discharge alternatively. These
reactive components are often used in power supply circuits.

Inductors Also called coils because they are coils of a wire, inductors are the
components which can induce or create the voltage as result of the magnetic field
t0hey produce when ac is applied. They allow dc to pass through them with no
opposition. They are often used in power supply circuits.

The scientific Method and Lab Reports

This method is a logical approach to doing experiments and it is made of these three
parts:

1. Hypothesis (a theory to prove)

2. Collecting Data (making measurements)
3. Analysis (analyze the data to prove or disprove the hypothesis.)

This is the proved method of performing the experiments. You will always be making
measurements (collecting data) and organizing the results into a conclusive reports.

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 Instructor manual
Linear Circuit Analysis
Muzamil Hussain

A lab report usually contains data in the form tables, graph, and written statements.
Describe what happened in the experiment and show that you understand the data
(facts) you collected.

Assignment

Complete the written report as follows:

1. Answer the questions.
2. Look around your lab and familiarize yourself with the equipment, safety
information, and supplies.
3. Make a list of things in the lab that you already know how to use and list of
those you don’t know how to use. Write the name or type of the meter or
equipment and manufacturer, model number, and any other information you
can easily find. This list is your first technical report.

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 Instructor manual
Linear Circuit Analysis
Muzamil Hussain

Name____________________________ CMS ID ___________________

WRITTEN LAB REPORT

Experiment 01: Electronics Lab Fundamentals

Questions for experiment 01

1. A meter for measuring resistance.

1.__________________________
2. A meter for measuring current
2.__________________________
3. A component that opposes the flow of current.
3.__________________________
4. A map of an electronic circuit
4.__________________________
5. Hypothesis, data collection, verification.
5.__________________________
6. Something that should not be worn in the lab
6.__________________________

List of Equipment

Equipment I know how to use:

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________

Equipment I don’t know how to use:

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________

Instructor’s Signature______________

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