Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Electric Circuits II

Chapter overview

This chapter consists of five projects in total:

1. Police siren with flashing LEDs

2. Piano

3. Burglar alarm

4. Muscle hand

5. Traffic lights

Using your knowledge of electronic circuits, you will design and construct these innovative
projects. The projects will provide you with the opportunity to further develop your skills and
reinforce your knowledge. In every project, the aim and learning outcomes are clearly
defined so that you understand what you will learn and what skills you will utilise.

The projects are designed with a focus on science and technology. This can be seen in both
the project-based content and the activities. However, all the projects will provide you with
the opportunity to relate to cross-curricular topics that you have studied in other STREAM-
based subjects, and are therefore carried throughout all the projects as themes.

In addition, projects can be completed individually or in groups. However, teamwork is one

of the most important entrepreneurial skills that you are encouraged to develop throughout
this term. By doing so, you will be able to overcome individual challenges and prepare
yourself for the job market.
Project 1. Police siren with flashing LEDs

Aim

All police vehicles are equipped with flashing lights and sirens to get people's attention. This is
to let them know that the vehicle is approaching. Using these visual and audio alerts, people
and cars will clear the vehicle's path, allowing it to pass through.

The aim of this project is to build an analogue 555 timer circuit that operates a police siren
with flashing LEDs.

Learning outcomes
• Explain the fundamental laws of electrical circuits.
• Calculate quantities relating to fundamental laws of electrical circuits.
• Determine the functions and types of various electronic components.
• Determine the different applications of printed circuit boards and breadboards.
• Produce a prototype for common electric circuit using breadboards and/or computer
simulation tools.
• Choose appropriate tools and joining methods to build permanent circuits.
• Demonstrate safety procedures when dealing with electrical circuits.
• Produce a soldered prototype of an electric circuit.

Prior knowledge
To successfully complete this project, you should already know how to:
• identify the electric principles of Ohm’s law.
• use breadboards for building electronic circuits.
• use basic electronic components.
• distinguish between parallel and series circuits.
• use different IC chips in electronic circuits.
• identify the resistance of colour-coded resistors.

My STREAM focus
• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Math

Key vocabulary
Word Meaning Picture
 IC chip that can generate pulses of variable
NE-555 timer IC duration, commonly used in timers, pulse
generators, and oscillator applications

Task 1: Circuit design

In this task, you will be provided with the list of components required to build the police car
control circuit. You will also be provided with a circuit diagram that shows the components
and their interconnections.

Task 1.2: Components and breadboard diagram - The police car flashing lights circuit
The following table shows a list of components that you will be using to make the police car
flashing lights control system.

Figure 4.1. 1 Breadboard diagram (with and without component labels)

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/dy6d1QmHg5k-copy-of-police-
lights/editel?sharecode=vKagcY_jrsKTVJGEkl4Z0uZuUvYeTORN1Bqf4qS25rw
Task 1.4: Components and breadboard diagram - The police car siren circuit
The following table shows a list of components that you will be using to make the police car
siren control system.

Figure 4.1. 2 Breadboard diagram (with and without component labels)

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/hVLoyL3qPtA-copy-of-wailing-siren-using-555-
timer/editel?sharecode=gr8sMGHS1gcVeVR0CHC6SG0AsJT4E5R1Nwvdrk0E6FE
Task 3: Checkpoint questions

1. How are LEDs connected in the circuit?

1 2 3

4 5 6

LEDs 1 -3 are connected in series

LEDs 4 -6 are connected in series
The set of LEDs (1-3) –(4-6) are connected in parallel

2. What is the function of the following components:

o Capacitors
o Resistors

A capacitor is an electronic component that stores and releases electricity in a

circuit. It also passes alternating current without passing direct current.

A resistor is an electrical component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical

current in an electronic circuit.

3. What are the other possible applications of this circuit?

 Answers may vary

Ambulance

4. In the following circuit, calculate the current (I) flowing through the resistor. Explain
how you calculated the current value.

V = IR
I = V/R

I = 9/1000 = 0.009A

5. In the following circuit, the fixed resistor was replaced by a potentiometer. How does
the potentiometer affect a circuit?
Build the circuit and test it.
Task 4: Evaluation

Answer may vary

Project 2. Piano

Aim

Italy has produced many famous artists and musicians. Among the most famous artists and
musicians of the country are Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Luigi Boccherini.
Therefore, it is not surprising that many musical instruments, such as the piano, come from
Italy. During the 1700s, the Italian musician Bartolommeo Cristofori invented the first piano.

In this project, a 555 timer IC and resistors will be used to simulate the sound of eight different
musical tones.

Learning outcomes
• Explain the fundamental laws of electrical circuits.
• Calculate quantities relating to fundamental laws of electrical circuits.
• Determine the functions and types of various electronic components.
• Recommend appropriate electronic components for suitable applications.
• Calculate the voltage, amperage, and resistance of series and parallel circuits.
• Produce a prototype for common electric circuit using breadboards and/or computer
simulation tools.
• Choose appropriate tools and joining methods to build permanent circuits.
• Demonstrate safety procedures when dealing with electrical circuits.
 • Produce a soldered prototype of an electric circuit.

Prior knowledge
To successfully complete this project, you should already know how to:
• identify the electric principles of Ohm’s law.
• use breadboards for building electronic circuits.
• use basic electronic components.
• distinguish between parallel and series circuits.
• use different IC chips in electronic circuits.
• identify the resistance of colour-coded resistors.

My STREAM focus
• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Arts
• Math
Task 1: Circuit design
In this task, you will be provided with the list of components required to build the piano control
circuit. You will also be provided with a circuit diagram that shows the components and their
interconnections.

Task 1.2: Components and breadboard diagram

The following table shows a list of components that you will be using to make the piano control
system.

Figure 4.2. 2 Breadboard diagram (with and without component labels)

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/bJm6QGaIH4H-
piano2/editel?sharecode=pw5JtV3bH5tCGKeOUyCwJPOrf4iVpOWrxKwguVysUGc
Task 3: Checkpoint questions

1. Calculate the equivalent resistance of resistors:

o R11 and R3
o R10 and R5

The resistors are connected in series, hence:

Req1 = R11+R3
Req2 = R10+R5

2. What are the advantages of using fewer resistors for reconstructing the same circuit?
Think of the following aspects: design and schematic, wiring, cost, practicality, time,
effort, size, etc.

Using less components will:

- make the design less complex and user friendly
- make it easy to interpret the schematic diagram
- make it easy to wire up the circuit and have tidier connections
- generally cost less as less components are to be purchased
- be more practical as:
- it will save time
- it requires less effort
- it makes the design compact (enhances size efficiency)
- it decreases the probability of having faulty equipment, and hence non-
functional circuits
3. Use the circuit you built and play the notes as shown in the following figure.

Do you recognise the notes you just played?

UAE’s national anthem
4. Calculate the resistance value of RB in order to obtain a B7 note. The frequency of B7
is 3951.066 Hz.
1
𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 =
0.7 (𝑅𝐴 + 2𝑅𝐵 )𝐶
1
3951.066 =
0.7 (1000 + 2𝑅𝐵 )1 × 10−7
Project 3. Burglar alarm

Aim

In 1850, the first electric home alarm system was invented. It was Augustus Pope who invented
the electromagnetic alarm that could be mounted to the doors and windows of a home. The
alarm system would beep when a door or window is opened. In 1905, Edwin Holmes improved
on Pope's work and sold the system to American Telephone and Telegraph (ATT). ATT linked
Holme's system to a police emergency call centre to ensure that they were notified in case of
an emergency. Currently, high-tech security and alarm systems are in use. The systems can
detect even the slightest breach and send warnings and alarms in the event of an intrusion.
These systems can be used in residential buildings, commercial buildings, offices, and even
military installations.

The aim of this project is to build a cost-effective burglar alarm system. When a burglar crosses
a light beam surrounding the premises, the alarm system is activated. An alarm buzzer is used
to alert the owner of the presence of this unwanted guest.

Learning outcomes
• Explain the fundamental laws of electrical circuits.
• Calculate quantities relating to fundamental laws of electrical circuits.
• Determine the functions and types of various electronic components.
• Categorise components as input and output.
• Calculate the voltage, amperage, and resistance of series and parallel circuits.
• Determine the different applications of printed circuit boards and breadboards.
• Produce a prototype for common electric circuit using breadboards and/or computer
simulation tools.
• Choose appropriate tools and joining methods to build permanent circuits.
• Demonstrate safety procedures when dealing with electrical circuits.
• Produce a soldered prototype of an electric circuit.
Prior knowledge
To successfully complete this project, you should already know how to:
• identify the electric principles of Ohm’s law.
• use breadboards for building electronic circuits.
• use basic electronic components.
• distinguish between parallel and series circuits.
• use different IC chips in electronic circuits.
• identify the resistance of colour-coded resistors.

My STREAM focus
• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Math

Key vocabulary
Word Meaning Picture
LDR
variable resistor that changes its resistance with
(light dependent
the light intensity that falls on it
resistor)

Task 1: Circuit design

In this task, you will be provided with the list of components required to build the burglar alarm
control circuit. You will also be provided with a circuit diagram that shows the components
and their interconnections.

Task 1.2: Components and breadboard diagram

The following table shows a list of components that you will be using to make the burglar alarm
control system.
Figure 4.3. 1 Breadboard diagram (with and without component labels)

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/6tNGYCjLT6T-burglar-alarm-
dmm/editel?sharecode=Pi8kaceGzxSIF0q8Vk6JVy4VFW_3SO0SeXvKTw3kiS0

Task 3: Checkpoint questions

1. What is the function of the following components:

o LDR (photoresistor)
o Potentiometer

Light dependent resistors (LDR) are light sensitive devices most often used to
indicate the presence or absence of light, or to measure the light intensity.

Potentiometers can be used as variable resistors or voltage dividers in circuits.

2. Identify which components of the burglar alarm circuit are input components and
which components are output components. Explain your answer.
 Buzzer: output device
Potentiometer/LDR: input devices
Resistor/IC/Capacitor: Neither

3. What happens if you cover the LDR with your hand? Explain.

The buzzer will start beeping, that’s because the burglar loop is broken.

4. Measure the resistance value of the LDR using the multimeter in 3 cases: no light, low
light and bright light. You can use your smartphone’s flashlight to change the light
intensity falling on the LDR.
Note: You need to connect the negative (black) lead of the multimeter to the LDR’s
terminal that is connected to ground. Connect the positive (red) lead of the
multimeter to the LDR’s other terminal.
Case 1 – No light falling on the LDR. The measured resistance value = 42.7 kΩ
Case 2 – Low light level falling on the LDR. The measured resistance value = 7.38 kΩ
Case 3 – Bright light falling on the LDR. The measured resistance value = 1.02 kΩ

Conclusion: What happens when the intensity of the light falling on the LDR
increases?
When there’s no light falling on the LDR, the LDR’s resistance value is high (ohm’s law:
V = I × R). Because of the high resistance the current will not pass through the circuit.
In a burglar alarm this means that someone came between the LDR and the light,
hence an alarm will be activated.
However, when there’s light falling on the LDR, its resistance value is low and the
current is flowing. And the alarm stays off.
Project 4. Muscle hand

Aim

In medicine, the term 'prosthetic' refers to an artificial device that replaces a body part that
has been lost as a result of an accident, disease, or birth defect. The purpose of prosthetics is
to restore the normal function of the missing body part.

This project aims to build a circuit that operates a prosthetic hand using servo motors.

Learning Outcomes
• Explain the fundamental laws of electrical circuits.
• Calculate quantities relating to fundamental laws of electrical circuits.
• Determine the functions and types of various electronic components.
• Determine the different applications of printed circuit boards and breadboards.
• Produce a prototype for common electric circuit using breadboards and/or computer
simulation tools.
• Choose appropriate tools and joining methods to build permanent circuits.
• Demonstrate safety procedures when dealing with electrical circuits.
• Produce a soldered prototype of an electric circuit.

Prior knowledge
To successfully complete this project, you should already know how to:
• identify the electric principles of Ohm’s law.
• use breadboards for building electronic circuits.
• use basic electronic components.
• distinguish between parallel and series circuits.
• use different IC chips in electronic circuits.
• identify the resistance of colour-coded resistors.

My STREAM focus
• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Math

Key vocabulary
Word Meaning Picture
 rotary actuator (motor) that allows for precise
servo motor control in terms of angular position,
acceleration and velocity
Task 1: Circuit design
In this task, you will be provided with the list of components required to build the muscle hand
control circuit. You will also be provided with a circuit diagram that shows the components
and their interconnections.

Task 1.2: Components and breadboard diagram

The following table shows a list of components that you will be using to make the muscle hand
control system.

Figure 4.4. 3 Breadboard diagram (with and without component labels)

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/eumK6acjb8J-muscle-hand-servo-
motor/editel?sharecode=QHmMw_M0OmU1oO-nl2g31jUUYGjxeW7cW-y1F0pbCl0
Task 3: Checkpoint questions

1. How does a diode work and what are its applications?

A diode is an electronic component that directs the flow of electricity in a single

direction. They can regulate the flow of electricity, maintain a constant voltage,
and extract signals from radio waves.

2. Explain how to connect diodes?

When connecting a diode in an electric circuit, make sure the anode and cathode
are connected in the circuit such that charge flows from the positively charged
anode to the negatively charged cathode.
Project 5. Traffic lights

Aim
To this day, traffic lights remain the most effective method of controlling traffic and
preventing vehicular accidents. Several inventors have developed traffic light systems, both
in terms of design and functionality. Lester Wire invented the electric traffic signal in 1912,
consisting of two lights, red for stop and green for go. In 1914, James Hoge introduced yellow
as the third colour on traffic signals to alert drivers that the traffic lights are about to change.
Currently, traffic lights are controlled by smart technology.

Using the 555 timer IC and the 4017 decade counter IC, you will design a two-way traffic
light system.

Learning Outcomes
• Explain the fundamental laws of electrical circuits.
• Calculate quantities relating to fundamental laws of electrical circuits.
• Determine the functions and types of various electronic components.
• Determine the different applications of printed circuit boards and breadboards.
• Produce a prototype for common electric circuit using breadboards and/or computer
simulation tools.
• Choose appropriate tools and joining methods to build permanent circuits.
• Demonstrate safety procedures when dealing with electrical circuits.
• Produce a soldered prototype of an electric circuit.

Prior knowledge
To successfully complete this project, you should already know how to:
• identify the electric principles of Ohm’s law.
• use breadboards for building electronic circuits.
• use basic electronic components.
• distinguish between parallel and series circuits.
• use different IC chips in electronic circuits.
• identify the resistance of colour-coded resistors.

My STREAM focus
• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Math
Key vocabulary
Word Meaning Picture
4017 decade
IC chip that counts values between 0-10
counter IC
Task 1: Circuit design
In this task, you will be provided with the list of components required to build the traffic light
control circuit. You will also be provided with a circuit diagram that shows the components
and their interconnections.

Task 1.2: Components and breadboard diagram

The following table shows a list of components that you will be using to make the traffic light
control system.
Figure 4.5. 2 Breadboard diagram (with and without component labels)

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/7z9OPsZBBe2-copy-of-traffic-lights-with-555-and-
4017/editel?sharecode=EcNNT_jidTH4x7El_D4E9PPjoMpmEG269IYeBQ0Mfcc

Task 3: Checkpoint questions

1. How can you control the glowing time of the LEDs?

The glowing time of certain LED lights totally depends upon the 555 timer’s pulse,
which we can control via the potentiometer, so if you want to change the time of
glow for a specific LED, you can do so by varying the potentiometer which is used
to handle the setting of timing durations.
 Student reflection

List three things you have learned and two things you have enjoyed doing.

Three things you have learned:

1. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Two things you have enjoyed:

1. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Key Skills
(please tick the box to show I’m an
Learning outcomes I don’t Understand I understand
your understanding of the Expert
skills below)
Explain the fundamental laws I can differentiate
of electrical circuits. between the physical
and mathematical
interpretation of Ohm's
law.
Calculate quantities relating I can calculate current,
to fundamental laws of voltage, and resistance
electrical circuits. values using Ohm’s law.
Determine the functions and I can identify the
types of various electronic different types of
components. resistors/capacitors.
I can identify the
function of switches
and fuses.
I can identify types of
diodes (LEDs), how they
work and their
applications.
I can distinguish
between the different
types of transistors and
identify their
applications.
I can determine the
characteristics of
operational amplifier
IC.
Recommend appropriate I can select
electronic components for appropriate resistors,
suitable applications. capacitors, and power
sources for a project.
Categorise components as I can identify
input and output. components such as
pushbuttons,
microphones, speakers
as input or output
components.
Calculate the voltage, I can apply ohm's law
amperage, and resistance of to calculate electrical
series and parallel circuits. quantities in series and
parallel circuits.
Determine the different I can differentiate
applications of printed circuit between permanent
boards and breadboards. and temporary circuits.
Produce a prototype for I can build circuits on
common electric circuits using breadboards or using
breadboards and/or online simulation tools
computer simulation tools. such as TinkerCad.
Choose appropriate tools and I can explain how the
joining methods to build soldering process works.
permanent circuits. I can identify the
correct tools and
procedure for
soldering.
Demonstrate safety I can identify the risks
procedures when dealing with and hazards associated
electrical circuits. with soldering.
Produce a soldered prototype I can create a fully
of an electric circuit. soldered PCB.
I can troubleshoot the
circuit to make sure it
functions as required by
tracing all connections
and making sure they
are correct.
Teacher comment: