BEGINNER

ELECTRONICS

(power and electrical design)

BY
HASSAN ELNAHAS 26.4.2024
Table of Contents
AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) ....................................................3
closed and open circuits .....................................................................................4
the concept of electricity .....................................................................................5
Resistors in electronics circuits ...........................................................................6
LED ....................................................................................................................7
how to choose the right resistor value for an LED circuit.........................................8
essential tools ....................................................................................................9
understanding of breadboard ............................................................................ 10
A multimeter .................................................................................................... 11
Schematics ...................................................................................................... 12
Switches .......................................................................................................... 13
Ohm’s Law ....................................................................................................... 14
power and wattage. ........................................................................................... 15
the concepts of series and parallel circuits ......................................................... 16
Capacitors ....................................................................................................... 17
Buttons and potentiometer................................................................................ 18
Diodes ............................................................................................................. 19
relay ................................................................................................................ 20
transistor ......................................................................................................... 21
The 555 timer IC................................................................................................ 22
Logic gates ....................................................................................................... 23
the binary number system ................................................................................. 24
Binary arithmetic .............................................................................................. 25
The binary half-adder ........................................................................................ 26
The binary fully-adder........................................................................................ 27
The binary subtractor ........................................................................................ 28
AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current)

Key Insights

• AC (alternating current) is commonly found in wall outlets, while DC (direct

current) is usually generated by batteries. This difference in current type
determines the compatibility of devices with different power sources.
• AC can be converted into DC, and vice versa, with the help of special electronic
devices. This conversion allows devices designed to run on one type of current to
be powered by the other type.
• The main distinction between AC and DC is the direction of the current flow. AC
constantly changes direction, while DC flows consistently in one direction. This
difference in current flow affects how devices using each type of current operate.
• The tutorial series primarily focuses on DC, as many electronic components and
devices operate on this type of current. However, alternating current is also
briefly discussed throughout the series to provide a comprehensive
understanding of electronics.
closed and open circuits

Key

Insights

• 💡 The negative and positive terminals of a battery are crucial in creating a

circuit, as they provide the flow of electricity.
• 💡 An open circuit, with a gap between the terminals, does not allow electricity
to flow and will not power devices.
• 💡 A closed circuit, where both terminals are connected, enables electricity to
flow and powers devices.
• 💡 Connecting a light bulb to both terminals of a battery creates a closed circuit
and allows the bulb to light up.
• 💡 Understanding closed and open circuits is fundamental in beginner
electronics and lays the foundation for further learning.
• 💡 Closed circuits are essential for devices to function, as they provide a
continuous flow of electricity.
the concept of electricity

Key Insights

• 💡 Understanding the basics: The video focuses on helping beginners

comprehend advanced topics in electricity by simplifying concepts and using
relatable examples.
• ⚡️ Voltage as water pressure: By comparing voltage to water pressure, the
presenter makes it easier for viewers to grasp the idea of electrons flowing with
a certain force.
• 💧 Current as flow rate: Analogizing current to water flow rate helps viewers
visualize the amount of electrons passing through a circuit.
• 🔌 Relationship between voltage and current: The video explains that while
voltage remains constant, the size of the pipe (resistance) determines the flow
rate (current) of electrons.
• 🔋 Resistance as a determining factor: Different materials used in circuits can
affect resistance, either allowing electrons to flow easily (low resistance) or
creating obstacles (high resistance).
• 🌡️ Impact of resistance on current: Higher resistance restricts electron flow,
resulting in lower current, while lower resistance allows for easier electron flow
and higher current.
Resistors in electronics circuits

Key Insights

• 💡 Resistance is crucial in circuits as it helps control the flow of current and

prevents damage to components.
• 💡 Color bands on resistors provide a standardized way to determine their
resistance value, allowing for easy identification and usage.
• 💡 Tolerance is an important factor to consider when selecting resistors, as it
determines the accuracy of their resistance value.
• 💡 Different types of resistors exist, such as kilo ohm and mega ohm resistors,
offering a wide range of resistance values for various applications.
• 💡 Understanding resistor color codes is essential for circuit design and
troubleshooting.
• 💡 The video emphasizes the practical aspect of resistors by showcasing real
examples and explaining their importance in electronics.
• 💡 By using visuals and practical demonstrations, the video aims to make the
topic of resistors more accessible and understandable for beginners.
LED

Key Insights

• 💡 LEDs are essential components in electronics, widely used for their efficiency,
durability, and versatility in terms of colors and shapes. They provide
illumination and visual indicators in various applications.
• ⚡️ The need for a resistor in an LED circuit is crucial to prevent excessive current
flow and protect the LED from burning out. Choosing the correct resistor value
will depend on the LED’s voltage rating and the power source being used.
• 🔌 Understanding the polarity of LEDs is vital for their proper operation. The
anode (positive) and cathode (negative) leads must be connected correctly to
avoid damaging the LED and ensure it emits light.
• ⚠️ Identifying the anode and cathode leads of an LED is important, as
connecting them incorrectly will prevent the LED from working. Visual cues like
lead length and flat spots can help determine the polarity.
• 📏 Having a good supply of LEDs is recommended for electronics projects, as
they are frequently used. It’s always better to have extras on hand, as LEDs can
sometimes burn out or get damaged during experimentation.
• 🛠️ LEDs will be extensively used in the tutorial series, emphasizing their
significance in electronics. Familiarity with LEDs and their proper usage is
essential for successfully completing the projects.
how to choose the right resistor value for an LED circuit

Key Insights

• 💡 Knowing the forward voltage and amps of the LED is crucial in determining
the appropriate resistor value. This information can be found in the
manufacturer’s datasheet or online.
• 💡 The resistor value equation (Resistance = (Power Source Voltage - Forward
Voltage) / Amps) provides a straightforward way to calculate the resistance
needed for the LED circuit.
• 💡 Approximating resistance values is acceptable if the exact value is not
available. Choosing a slightly higher or lower resistance value can still ensure the
LED works properly without burning out.
• 💡 Memorizing the resistor value equation can be helpful for future projects
where resistance calculations are required.
• 💡 It is important to provide the correct power source voltage in the equation to
ensure accurate resistance calculation.
• 💡 Checking manufacturer information and datasheets for electronic
components is crucial for obtaining the necessary values to calculate resistance.
essential tools

Key Insights

• 💡 Battery holders are recommended for convenience and providing wires for
easy connection.
• 💡 Pliers, especially needle-nose type, are essential for accessing tight spaces
and handling wires.
• 💡 Different types of switches, such as dip switches and toggle switches, offer
versatility for various projects.
• 💡 Push buttons, both small and larger ones, are important for prototyping and
finished projects, depending on the size and functionality required.
• 💡 Breadboards are crucial for efficient circuit prototyping without the need for
soldering.
• 💡 Pre-cut wires with stripped ends are convenient for connecting components
on breadboards.
• 💡 Breadboards and wires are the most essential tools for beginners in
electronics, enabling easy circuit creation and experimentation.
understanding of breadboard

Key Insights

• 🔌 Understanding breadboards is crucial for creating and prototyping electronic

circuits.
• 📌 Power rails on the edges of the breadboard allow for easy connection of
power sources.
• 🧩 The main section of the breadboard consists of rows of interconnected holes
for component placement.
• 🚀 Breadboards provide a clean and organized way to build circuits without the
need for clips or holding components.
• 💡 Breadboards facilitate experimentation and quick iteration in electronics
projects.
• 🔄 Proper understanding of breadboard connections helps in troubleshooting
and debugging circuit issues.
• 💪 Breadboards are a fundamental tool for beginners and advanced electronics
enthusiasts alike.
A multimeter

Key Insights

• 🛠️ A multimeter is a versatile tool that can help troubleshoot and fix circuit
problems efficiently.
• 📏 The basic functions of a multimeter include measuring voltage, resistance,
and amps.
• 🔄 An auto-ranging multimeter eliminates the need to manually input range
settings, making measurements easier.
• 💡 By using probes and selecting the desired measurement function, a
multimeter can provide accurate values for voltage and resistance.
• 🧪 The multimeter can also be used to measure the resistance of a body or a
resistor.
• 📝 Having a multimeter, even a simple one, is highly recommended for anyone
working with electronics.
• ⚡️ The multimeter becomes increasingly valuable as circuits become more
complex, aiding in troubleshooting and ensuring proper functionality.
Schematics

Key Insights

• 💡 Schematics are like blueprints for circuits, providing a visual representation

of the circuit that needs to be built.
• ⚠️ Understanding the symbols used in schematics is essential for correctly
interpreting and creating circuits.
• 🔌 The symbol for a power source in a schematic represents the positive and
negative terminals of a battery or an alternating current source.
• 🔢 The symbol for a resistor in a schematic is a series of squiggly lines and may
be labeled with its value.
• 💡 The schematic symbol for an LED consists of a triangle with a line and two
arrows, representing the anode and cathode terminals.
• 🖇️ Wires in schematics can overlap to save space, but overlapping does not
indicate a connection between them.
• ⚡️ To show a connection between two wires in a schematic, a giant dot is placed
at the intersection.
Switches

Key Insights

• 🤔 Understanding the different types of switches is essential for working with

circuits effectively.
• 📝 The number of poles in a switch refers to the number of separate
connections it can make.
• 🔍 The number of throws in a switch indicates the number of positions it can
support.
• 💡 Single pole single throw switches have one connection in the on position,
while double throw switches have two.
• 🔄 Double pole single throw switches allow for more circuit connections than
single pole single throw switches.
• 🌐 Double pole double throw switches offer the most flexibility with multiple
separate connections.
• 🏠 Switches, like light switches, work by making or breaking connections within a
circuit.
Ohm’s Law

Key Insights

• 💡 Ohm’s Law is a fundamental equation that enables us to analyze and design

electronic circuits by relating voltage, current, and resistance. It provides a
powerful tool for understanding and manipulating electrical quantities.
• 💡 The equation V = IR, derived from Ohm’s Law, allows us to calculate voltage
(V) by multiplying current (I) and resistance ®. This relationship is critical in
determining the behavior of components and circuits.
• 💡 By rearranging the equation, we can solve for current (I) or resistance ® by
dividing voltage (V) by the respective variable. This flexibility allows us to find the
missing value in a circuit, given the other two variables.
• 💡 Understanding Ohm’s Law is essential for selecting the appropriate resistor
to protect components like LEDs. It ensures that the voltage across the LED
remains within its specified limits, preventing damage.
• 💡 Ohm’s Law serves as a foundation for further exploration and analysis of
electrical circuits. It provides a systematic approach to solving circuit problems,
enabling us to predict and control circuit behavior.
• 💡 While initially challenging, with practice and experience, applying Ohm’s Law
becomes intuitive. As one progresses in electronics, the equation becomes a
valuable tool for troubleshooting and designing circuits.
• 💡 Mastery of Ohm’s Law is indispensable for anyone working with electronics. It
forms the basis for understanding and manipulating electrical systems, enabling
the safe and efficient operation of various devices.
power and wattage.

Key Insights

• 💡 Understanding the placement of switches in a circuit is a matter of

convention and safety. Placing the switch closer to the positive terminal is the
common practice.
• 💡 The direction of electricity flow in a DC circuit is from the negative to the
positive terminal, as electrons physically move in that direction.
• 💡 Power is the rate of energy usage, and wattage is the unit of measure for
power. Wattage ratings for resistors indicate how much energy they can handle
without damage.
• 💡 Power can be calculated using the equation P = V * I, where P is power, V is
voltage, and I is current. This equation helps determine the energy consumption
of a component like an LED.
• 💡 While understanding power and wattage may be challenging for beginners, it
is useful to be aware of these concepts to ensure efficient energy usage and
avoid exceeding component capabilities.
the concepts of series and parallel circuits

Key Insights

• 🔍 Series circuits have a single path for electricity flow, while parallel circuits
have multiple paths.
• 🔍 Parallel circuits are more reliable than series circuits as one component
failure does not affect others.
• 🔍 Current remains the same in series circuits, while voltage remains the same
in parallel circuits.
• 🔍 Total resistance in series circuits is the sum of individual resistances, while in
parallel circuits, it is calculated differently using reciprocal values.
• 🔍 Adding resistors increases total resistance in series circuits and decreases it
in parallel circuits. Current decreases in series circuits and increases in parallel
circuits.
Capacitors

Key Insights

• 💡 Capacitors are essential components in electronics as they can store

electrical charge and release it when needed, similar to batteries.
• 💡 Understanding the types and characteristics of capacitors is crucial for
selecting the right one for a specific application.
• 💡 Polarity is an important consideration when working with electrolytic
capacitors, as connecting them incorrectly can lead to damage or malfunction.
• 💡 The voltage rating of a capacitor indicates the maximum voltage it can
handle, and exceeding this limit can result in failure or even explosion.
• 💡 Capacitance, measured in farads, determines the amount of charge a
capacitor can store. Microfarads and nanofarads are commonly used units in
electronics.
• 💡 The construction of a capacitor, with two conductive plates separated by a
dielectric material, facilitates the storage and release of electrical charge.
• 💡 The RC time constant is a useful concept for understanding the charging and
discharging behavior of capacitors, providing information about the time it takes
for a capacitor to reach a certain charge level.
Buttons and potentiometer

Key Insights

• 💡 Buttons are simple components that connect or disconnect circuits when

pressed.
• 💡 Tactile buttons are recommended for prototyping due to their small size and
compatibility with breadboards.
• 💡 Potentiometers are variable resistors that allow the adjustment of resistance.
• 💡 The resistive material in a potentiometer determines its resistance value,
which can be changed by adjusting the knob or screw.
• 💡 Potentiometers have three terminals, with the middle terminal connecting to
a wiper that moves along the resistive track.
• 💡 By connecting devices to different terminals on a potentiometer, the overall
resistance in the circuit can be adjusted.
• 💡 The presented circuit using a potentiometer allows for the dimming and
brightening of an LED by changing the resistance.
Diodes

Key Insights

• 💡 Diodes are crucial for controlling the direction of current flow in a circuit,
ensuring proper operation of other components.
• 💡 Understanding the anode and cathode of a diode is essential for correctly
connecting it within a circuit.
• 💡 Forward bias allows current to flow through a diode, while reverse bias
blocks current flow.
• 💡 Diodes have voltage limits that, if exceeded, can lead to damage. It is
important to use diodes with appropriate voltage ratings.
• 💡 The voltage drop across a diode affects the overall voltage available in a
circuit and must be considered when designing electronic systems.
• 💡 Using a diode in conjunction with a capacitor can provide protection against
reverse polarity, safeguarding the circuit from potential damage.
• 💡 Measuring the voltage drop across a diode using a multimeter can help verify
its correct operation and ensure proper circuit functionality.
relay

Key Insights

• 💡 Relays are electronically operated switches that can replace manual switching
in circuits.
• ⚡️ The most basic form of relay is the single pole single throw, which functions
like a switch with an open or closed position.
• 🔄 Other types of relays, such as single pole double throw and double pole
double throw, have multiple switching positions.
• 🔌 Relays can be used to control the flow of electricity in circuits, allowing for
automated switching.
• 📚 Relays have limitations, such as slower switching speeds, which led to the
development of components like transistors.
• 🛠️ Understanding how relays work is fundamental to learning about more
complex electronic components like transistors and logic gates.
• 📝 Relays come in different forms and can be represented by different
schematic symbols, but their basic function is to act as electronically operated
switches.
transistor

Key Insights

• 💡 Transistors are the building blocks of computers and integrated circuits,

playing a crucial role in decision-making circuits.
• 💡 NPN transistors can be used as electronically operated switches and
amplifiers, allowing or preventing the flow of electricity.
• 💡 Understanding the inner workings of transistors is not necessary for building
an 8-bit computer, but additional resources are available for those interested.
• 💡 Controlling the base of an NPN transistor with a small amount of voltage and
current can enable or disable the flow of a larger current from the collector to
the emitter.
• 💡 The demonstrated circuit with an NPN transistor, resistor, and LED shows
how the transistor acts as a switch, allowing the LED to light up when the base
receives voltage and current.
• 💡 By using a finger as a resistor in the circuit, the LED can be powered by the
electrical resistance of the thumb, showcasing the versatility of NPN transistors.
The 555 timer IC

Key Insights

• 🎛️ The 555 timer IC is a popular and versatile IC used in various electronic

applications.
• 📝 Understanding IC packaging and pin connections is crucial to correctly use
and connect ICs.
• ⚡️ The 555 timer IC can be used in different modes, such as stable, monostable,
and bistable modes, each with its own functionality.
• 🎥 Visual demonstrations and hands-on building of circuits help in
understanding complex concepts in electronics.
Logic gates

Key Insights

• 🔌 Logic gates are essential in building an 8-bit computer and understanding

electronics.
• ➕ The NOT gate gives the opposite output of its input, with a low input resulting
in a high output and vice versa.
• 🔀 The OR gate outputs a high value if either or both of its inputs are high.
• ✖️ The AND gate only outputs a high value if all of its inputs are high.
• 🔍 The XOR gate outputs a high value if its inputs are different, but a low value if
they are the same.
• ⚠️ The NAND gate is the opposite of the AND gate, and the NOR gate is the
opposite of the OR gate.
• 📛 The demonstration circuit with an exclusive OR gate highlights the
importance of powering the gate separately and avoiding circuit problems.
the binary number system

Key Insights

• 💡 Understanding the binary number system is essential for working with

computers and digital electronics, as binary numbers are used to represent
information in a simple and efficient manner.
• 💡 The positional value in the decimal number system is also applicable to
binary numbers, where each digit’s position determines its significance and
value.
• 💡 Converting binary numbers to decimal numbers involves multiplying each
digit by the corresponding power of 2 and summing the results.
• 💡 Converting decimal numbers to binary numbers involves repeatedly dividing
the decimal number by 2 and noting the remainders until the quotient becomes
0.
• 💡 With practice, individuals can become proficient in converting between binary
and decimal numbers, allowing them to work effectively in computer
programming and digital electronics.
Binary arithmetic

Key Insights

• 🔌 Binary arithmetic is essential for understanding computer systems and

designing circuits.
• 🔢 Adding binary numbers follows a similar process to adding decimal numbers,
but with different rules.
• 💻 Computers store binary numbers in chunks called bytes, with each byte
consisting of 8 bits.
• ➕ Two’s complement allows efficient addition and subtraction of binary
numbers, including negative numbers.
• ⚠️ It’s important to check carry bits when adding numbers in two’s complement
to ensure valid results.
• 💡 Learning about two’s complement is crucial for understanding how negative
numbers are represented in binary.
• 🔢 Adding negative numbers in two’s complement involves flipping the bits and
adding 1 to the result.
The binary half-adder

Key Insights

• 💡 The binary half-adder is a simple circuit that can only add two single-digit
binary numbers together, providing a sum and carry output.
• 💡 The sum output is obtained using an XOR gate, while the carry output is
obtained using an AND gate.
• 💡 The circuit can be built using XOR and AND gate chips, connecting the inputs
and outputs accordingly.
• 💡 The circuit can be tested by inputting different combinations of binary
numbers and observing the sum and carry outputs.
• 💡 The circuit can be expanded to add larger binary numbers by cascading
multiple binary half-adders together.
• 💡 The issue of unknown state when inputs are disconnected can be solved
using pull-up or pull-down resistors.
• 💡 The binary half-adder serves as the foundation for creating circuits that can
add larger binary numbers together.
The binary fully-adder

Key Insights

• 🧩 The half adder circuit is used to add two single-bit numbers together and
produces a sum and a carry output.
• 🧠 By analyzing the truth table of a full adder, it is possible to design a circuit
that adds three binary digits together, taking into account the carry input.
• 🔗 Chaining multiple full adder circuits allows for the addition of larger binary
numbers by propagating the carry output from one adder to the carry input of
the next adder.
• 📊 The circuit design for a binary full adder involves combining half adder
circuits and using logic gates such as XOR, NAND, and OR gates.
• 💡 The carry output of the last full adder in the chain can be used as the
overflow bit to handle cases where the addition results in a number larger than
the desired number of bits.
• 🖥️ The concept of a binary full adder is essential in computer architecture for
performing arithmetic operations on binary numbers.
The binary subtractor

Key Insights

• 💡 Understanding two’s complement is essential for representing negative

numbers in binary form.
• 💡 Carry out values and overflow bits help determine the validity of subtraction
results in two’s complement.
• 💡 Modifying a full adder circuit by inverting the second number and adding a
carry in value of 1 creates a binary subtractor.
• 💡 An ALU can be designed to perform both addition and subtraction operations
efficiently.
• 💡 The use of carry in and carry out values allows for cascading multiple full
adder circuits to perform calculations on larger binary numbers.
• 💡 Checking the match between carry out values and carry in values helps
identify potential overflow during subtraction.
• 💡 Inverting the second number and adding a carry in value of 1 effectively
converts it to its two’s complement form, enabling subtraction in binary circuits.