How to Read a Schematic

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Overview
Schematics are our map to designing, building, and troubleshooting circuits. Understanding how to
read and follow schematics is an important skill for any electronics engineer.
This tutorial should turn you into a fully literate schematic reader! We’ll go over all of the fundamental
schematic symbols:
Then we’ll talk about how those symbols are connected on schematics to create a model of a circuit.
We’ll also go over a few tips and tricks to watch out for.

Suggested Reading
Schematic comprehension is a pretty basic electronics skill, but there are a few things you should
know before you read this tutorial. Check out these tutorials, if they sound like gaps in your growing
brain:

 What is Electricity?
 What is a Circuit?
 Voltage, Current, Resistance, and Ohm’s Law

Schematic Symbols (Part 1)

Are you ready for a barrage of circuit components? Here are some of the standardized, basic
schematic symbols for various components.

Resistors
The most fundamental of circuit components and symbols! Resistors on a schematic are usually
represented by a few zig-zag lines, with two terminals extending outward. Schematics using
international symbols may instead use a featureless rectangle, instead of the squiggles.

Potentiometers and Variable Resistors

Variable resistors and potentiometers each augment the standard resistor symbol with an arrow. The
variable resistor remains a two-terminal device, so the arrow is just laid diagonally across the middle.
A potentiometer is a three-terminal device, so the arrow becomes the third terminal (the wiper).

Capacitors
There are two commonly used capacitor symbols. One symbol represents a polarized (usually
electrolytic or tantalum) capacitor, and the other is for non-polarized caps. In each case there are
two terminals, running perpendicularly into plates.

The symbol with one curved plate indicates that the capacitor is polarized. The curved plate
represents the cathode of the capacitor, which should be at a lower voltage than the positive, anode
pin. A plus sign might also be added to the positive pin of the polarized capacitor symbol.

Inductors
Inductors are usually represented by either a series of curved bumps, or loopy coils. International
symbols may just define an inductor as a filled-in rectangle.

Switches
Switches exist in many different forms. The most basic switch, a single-pole/single-throw (SPST), is
two terminals with a half-connected line representing the actuator (the part that connects the
terminals together).

Switches with more than one throw, like the SPDT and SP3T below, add more landing spots for the
the actuator.
Switches with multiple poles, usually have multiple, alike switches with a dotted line intersecting the
middle actuator.

Power Sources
Just as there are many options out there for powering your project, there are a wide variety of power
source circuit symbols to help specify the power source.

DC or AC Voltage Sources
Most of the time when working with electronics, you’ll be using constant voltage sources. We can
use either of these two symbols to define whether the source is supplying direct current (DC) or
alternating current (AC):
Batteries
Batteries, whether they’re those cylindrical, alkaline AA’s or rechargeable lithium-polymers, usually
look like a pair of disproportionate, parallel lines:

More pairs of lines usually indicates more series cells in the battery. Also, the longer line is usually
used to represent the positive terminal, while the shorter line connects to the negative terminal.
Voltage Nodes
Sometimes – on really busy schematics especially – you can assign special symbols to node
voltages. You can connect devices to these one-terminal symbols, and it’ll be tied directly to 5V,
3.3V, VCC, or GND (ground). Positive voltage nodes are usually indicated by an arrow pointing up,
while ground nodes usually involve one to three flat lines (or sometimes a down-pointing arrow or
triangle).

Schematic Symbols (Part 2)

Diodes
Basic diodes are usually represented with a triangle pressed up against a line. Diodes are
also polarized, so each of the two terminals require distinguishing identifiers. The positive, anode is
the terminal running into the flat edge of the triangle. The negative, cathode extends out of the line in
the symbol (think of it as a - sign).
There are a all sorts of different types of diodes, each of which has a special riff on the standard
diode symbol. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) augment the diode symbol with a couple lines pointing
away. Photodiodes, which generate energy from light (basically, tiny solar cells), flip the arrows
around and point them toward the diode.

Other special types of diodes, like Schottky’s or zeners, have their own symbols, with slight
variations on the bar part of the symbol.

Transistors
Transistors, whether they’re BJTs or MOSFETs, can exist in two configurations: positively doped, or
negatively doped. So for each of these types of transistor, there are at least two ways to draw it.

Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs)

BJTs are three-terminal devices; they have a collector (C), emitter (E), and a base (B). There are
two types of BJTs – NPNs and PNPs – and each has its own unique symbol.

The collector (C) and emitter (E) pins are both in-line with each other, but the emitter should always
have an arrow on it. If the arrow is pointing inward, it’s a PNP, and, if the arrow is pointing outward,
it’s an NPN. A mnemonic for remembering which is which is “NPN: not pointing in.”

Metal Oxide Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs)

Like BJTs, MOSFETs have three terminals, but this time they’re named source (S), drain (D), and
gate (G). And again, there are two different versions of the symbol, depending on whether you’ve got
an n-channel or p-channel MOSFET. There are a number of commonly used symbols for each of the
MOSFET types:

The arrow in the middle of the symbol (called the bulk) defines whether the MOSFET is n-channel or
p-channel. If the arrow is pointing in means it’s a n-channel MOSFET, and if it’s pointing out it’s a p-
channel. Remember: “n is in” (kind of the opposite of the NPN mnemonic).

Digital Logic Gates

Our standard logic functions – AND, OR, NOT, and XOR – all have unique schematic symbols:

Adding a bubble to the output negates the function, creating NANDs, NORs, and XNORs:

They may have more than two inputs, but the shapes should remain the same (well, maybe a bit
bigger), and there should still only be one output.

Integrated Circuits
Integrated circuits accomplish such unique tasks, and are so numerous, that they don’t really get a
unique circuit symbol. Usually, an integrated circuit is represented by a rectangle, with pins
extending out of the sides. Each pin should be labeled with both a number, and a function.
 Schematic symbols for an ATmega328 microcontroller (commonly found on Arduinos), an
ATSHA204 encryption IC, and an ATtiny45 MCU. As you can see, these components greatly vary in
size and pin-counts.
Because ICs have such a generic circuit symbol, the names, values and labels become very
important. Each IC should have a value precisely identifying the name of the chip.

Unique ICs: Op Amps, Voltage Regulators

Some of the more common integrated circuits do get a unique circuit symbol. You’ll usually see
operation amplifiers laid out like below, with 5 total terminals: a non-inverting input (+), inverting input
(-), output, and two power inputs.

Often, there will be two op amps built into one IC package requiring only one pin for power and one
for ground, which is why the one on the right only has three pins.
Simple voltage regulators are usually three-terminal components with input, output and ground (or
adjust) pins. These usually take the shape of a rectangle with pins on the left (input), right (output)
and bottom (ground/adjust).
Miscellany
Crystals and Resonators
Crystals or resonators are usually a critical part of microcontroller circuits. They help provide a clock
signal. Crystal symbols usually have two terminals, while resonators, which add two capacitors to
the crystal, usually have three terminals.

Headers and Connectors

Whether it’s for providing power, or sending out information, connectors are a requirement on most
circuits. These symbols vary depending on what the connector looks like, here’s a sampling:

Motors, Transformers, Speakers, and Relays

We’ll lump these together, since they (mostly) all make use of coils in some way. Transformers (not
the more-than-meets-the-eye kind) usually involve two coils, butted up against each other, with a
couple lines separating them:
Relays usually pair a coil with a switch:

Speakers and buzzers usually take a form similar to their real-life counterparts:

And motors generally involve an encircled “M”, sometimes with a bit more embellishment around
the terminals:

Fuses and PTCs

Fuses and PTCs – devices which are generally used to limit large inrushes of current – each have
their own unique symbol:
The PTC symbol is actually the generic symbol for a thermistor, a temperature-dependent resistor
(notice the international resistor symbol in there?).

No doubt, there are many circuit symbols left off this list, but those above should have you 90%
literate in schematic reading. In general, symbols should share a fair amount in common with the
real-life components they model. In addition to the symbol, each component on a schematic should
have a unique name and value, which further helps to identify it.

Name Designators and Values

One of the biggest keys to being schematic-literate is being able to recognize which components are
which. The component symbols tell half the story, but each symbol should be paired with both a
name and value to complete it.

Names and Values

Values help define exactly what a component is. For schematic components like resistors,
capacitors, and inductors the value tells us how many ohms, farads, or henries they have. For other
components, like integrated circuits, the value may just be the name of the chip. Crystals might list
their oscillating frequency as their value. Basically, the value of a schematic component calls out
its most important characteristic.
Component names are usually a combination of one or two letters and a number. The letter part of
the name identifies the type of component – R’s for resistors, C’s for capacitors, U’s for integrated
circuits, etc. Each component name on a schematic should be unique; if you have multiple resistors
in a circuit, for example, they should be named R1, R2, R3, etc. Component names help us reference
specific points in schematics.
The prefixes of names are pretty well standardized. For some components, like resistors, the prefix
is just the first letter of the component. Other name prefixes are not so literal; inductors, for example,
are L’s (because current has already taken I [but it starts with a C…electronics is a silly place]).
Here’s a quick table of common components and their name prefixes:

Name IdentifierComponent
R Resistors
C Capacitors
L Inductors
S Switches
D Diodes
Q Transistors
U Integrated Circuits
Y Crystals and Oscillators
Although theses are the “standardized” names for component symbols, they’re not universally
followed. You might see integrated circuits prefixed with IC instead of U, for example, or crystals
labeled as XTAL’s instead of Y’s. Use your best judgment in diagnosing which part is which. The
symbol should usually convey enough information.

Reading Schematics
Understanding which components are which on a schematic is more than half the battle towards
comprehending it. Now all that remains is identifying how all of the symbols are connected together.

Nets, Nodes and Labels

Schematic nets tell you how components are wired together in a circuit. Nets are represented as
lines between component terminals. Sometimes (but not always) they’re a unique color, like the
green lines in this schematic:

Junctions and Nodes

Wires can connect two terminals together, or they can connect dozens. When a wire splits into two
directions, it creates a junction. We represent junctions on schematics with nodes, little dots placed
at the intersection of the wires.
Nodes give us a way to say that “wires crossing this junction are connected”. The absences of a
node at a junction means two separate wires are just passing by, not forming any sort of connection.
(When designing schematics, it’s usually good practice to avoid these non-connected overlaps
wherever possible, but sometimes it’s unavoidable).

Net Names
Sometimes, to make schematics more legible, we’ll give a net a name and label it, rather than
routing a wire all over the schematic. Nets with the same name are assumed to be connected, even
though there isn’t a visible wire connecting them. Names can either be written directly on top of the
net, or they can be “tags”, hanging off the wire.
 Each net with the same name is connected, as in this schematic for an FT231X Breakout Board.
Names and labels help keep schematics from getting too chaotic (imagine if all those nets were
actually connected with wires).
Nets are usually given a name that specifically states the purpose of signals on that wire. For
example, power nets might be labeled “VCC” or “5V”, while serial communication nets might be
labeled “RX” or “TX”.

Schematic Reading Tips

Identify Blocks
Truly expansive schematics should be split into functional blocks. There might be a section for power
input and voltage regulation, or a microcontroller section, or a section devoted to connectors. Try
recognizing which sections are which, and following the flow of circuit from input to output. Really
good schematic designers might even lay the circuit out like a book, inputs on the left side, outputs
on the right.
 If the drawer of a schematic is really nice (like the engineer who designed this schematic for
the RedBoard), they may separate sections of a schematic into logical, labeled blocks.

Recognize Voltage Nodes

Voltage nodes are single-terminal schematic components, which we can connect component
terminals to in order to assign them to a specific voltage level. These are a special application of net
names, meaning all terminals connected to a like-named voltage node are connected together.
 Like-named voltage nodes – like GND, 5V, and 3.3V – are all connected to their counterparts, even
if there aren’t wires between them.
The ground voltage node is especially useful, because so many components need a connection to
ground.

Reference Component Datasheets

If there’s something on a schematic that just doesn’t make sense, try finding a datasheet for the
most important component. Usually the component doing the most work on a circuit is an integrated
circuit, like a microcontroller or sensor. These are usually the largest component, oft-located at the
center of the schematic

Analysis of troubles and isolation techniques

Information Sheet 3.4-2

Analysis of Troubles and Isolation Techniques

Learning Objective: After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, you must be able to

1. Apply the techniques in performing the pre-testing procedures of electronically-controlled

domestic appliances.
2. Analyze the trouble and apply isolation techniques of electronically-controlled domestic
appliances.
3. Explain to the responsible person the identified defects and faults in accordance with
enterprise or company policy and procedures.
 4. Advise / inform the customer the status and serviceability of the unit.

Introduction:

Troubleshooting is a systematic approach to solving problems quickly and efficiently.

Troubleshooting often involves a logical process of elimination where a technician will follow
a set of steps to identify or to determine the true source of a problem.

1) Determine what the problem really is.

a. Ask questions to the owner/operator of the electronically-controlled domestic appliances to
identify the problem for you.
b. Ask for a description of the problem and how long it has been going on.
c. Ask for a comparison of how long such domestic appliance is operating at the present time.
d. Inquire whether the domestic appliance has done this in the past and how it is supposed to
operate.
2) Be sure you understand how the domestic appliance is supposed to operate.
a. If you have worked on it before, check it out to see if it still operates in the same manner.
b. Try to determine if anyone has modified it since you were last involved with it.
c. Review the operating manual if you are not overly familiar with the model of the domestic
appliance.
d. Review the service literature for the unit prior to any testing regardless of your previous
knowledge about the domestic appliance.
3) Perform preliminary inspection to locate where the problem originated.
a. If possible, attempt to operate the domestic appliance to gather information about the
problem whether or not the system of the unit is functioning.
b. While operating the domestic appliance, listen for unusual noises and look for smoke or other
visual signs of trouble.
c. Do not forget to use your sense of smell to assist in the diagnosis process.
4) Perform closer inspection into the suspected parts or components.
a. Prepare the tools needed and remove the cover ready for inspection.
b. Apply careful physical inspection of the suspected parts/components.
c. Look for burned and broken components.
d. Inspect for loose connections or broken wires.
5) Plan your approach to the repair problem.
a. List the tools and measuring instrument, where to use them and what you expect to find
when you conduct the test.
b. Modify your plans as you obtain additional information during the testing process.

The following are the techniques in performing pre-testing of electronically-

controlled domestic appliances.
1. Conduct a prompt diagnosis of the trouble symptom and repair the defective set in the
shortest possible time. Do not troubleshoot any electronically-controlled domestic
appliances unless you have determined what the fault is. Locate the fault from the
mechanical section or electrical circuit section.

2. Wear cotton gloves while troubleshooting, to avoid the electrical shock. Also note that,
especially in tropical countries, sweat on the hands may later on cause corrosion.

3. When troubleshooting in the electrical circuit section, never remove a component for
testing. Before doing this, first measure the voltage. If the reading is abnormal, analyze the
circuit and check which component may be causing the trouble and should be tested.

4. Discharge large capacitors by connecting a jumper wire across their two conducting
terminals.
 5. If the trouble symptom is caused by aging components, the defective component is usually
one of them. But in some cases, especially in high-power-handling circuits, a defective
component may cause other components to malfunction.

6. Know the usual defects of components. For example, capacitors usually become leaky,
shorted or open. Resistors increase their resistance when they become defective. Semi-
conductors such as transistors usually become open or shorted.

7. When troubleshooting integrated circuits (ICs) in the electrical circuit section of a domestic
appliance, do not remove the IC from the PCB, simply because you suspect it is defective. To
help you diagnose the function of the IC, secure a circuit diagram from the manufacturer. It
would be even better if you have available diagram showing the internal connection of the
IC.

8. Always be careful about the polarity of the components when replacing them. Electrolytic
capacitors used in transistors or integrated circuits have only low voltages.

9. Do not remove components from the PCB. Every component has a specific function in the
circuit; there is absolutely no wasted component. Always analyze the specific function of
every component in the circuit.

10. Don’t replace an opened fuse or burned resistor unless you have corrected the trouble or the
cause of it.

11. Always suspect a faulty contact on mechanical switch circuit rather than defective electronic
components.

12. When replacing the resistor (SCR/TRIAC) the replacement should have the same current
rating.

13. If you find a blown fuse, first find the cause of the short circuit before replacing it. If you
cannot find the cause, replace the blown fuse with a fuse of the same rating. If the glass of
the blown fuse is clear, or if the conductor inside the fuse is neatly cut, assume an overload
has caused it. In this case, the trouble maybe complicated. If the glass of the blown fuse is
black, or if the conductor inside has melted, assume the short circuit is due to extremely
strong electric current.

14. Use needle-pointed probes for better contact and to avoid short circuiting nearby
components.

15. While troubleshooting, study the schematic diagram carefully. Always compare with the
actual measured voltage in the set the voltage indicated on the circuit diagram. A difference
of around 10% between the measured voltage and the ideal diagramed voltage is tolerable,
but not more than 10%.

16. When measuring resistances in the circuit, make sure that power is not being supplied on the
circuit, and that stored charges in capacitors are properly discharged. Failure to do so can
damage the volt-ohm-meter (VOM) and the circuit due to the low resistance of the
ohmmeter.

17. The functions and the characteristics of the VOM should be wisely used.
 18. While using a VOM for in-circuit resistance measurement, always exchange the setting of
positive and negative probes. Take the higher meter reading as the approximate resistance.

19. Prepare only the tools and measuring instrument needed for servicing electric fan. Not all
electronic tools are needed and useful all the time.

20. When using the measuring equipment, first read carefully the user’s manual. Analyze
carefully the readings of measurements you have obtained.

21. Use soldering irons with the proper power rating to prevent the components and the circuit
board from being overheated and damaged. The soldering iron tips should be clean and
preferably slim. Soldering guns are not recommended for beginners, since it is difficult to
keep their temperatures constant.

22. Use proper tools and soldering aids when troubleshooting printed circuit boards. Ground the
soldering iron to avoid damaging ICs and transistors.

23. Dry solder joints are hard to detect. However, when they are found or suspected, remove the
components from the PCB; then file or clean the leads and solder the joints back. Reheating
dry joints with a new soldering lead is another remedy. When re-soldering, make sure you do
not overheat the components. Overheating the PCB may cause the copper layer on it to
warp and peel off.

24. Select a soldering iron with the rating appropriate for the particular application.

Task Sheet 3.4-2

Learning Outcome: Apply symptoms diagnosis and systematic pre-testing
procedures

Analyze troubles and apply isolation techniques

e Objectives: After reading information sheet 3.4-2, you must able to analyze of troubles and apply
isolation techniques in repairing and maintaining electronically-controlled domestic
appliances.

Time Allotment: 30 minutes

Materials and Equipment needed:

 Diagnosing form
 Multi-tester
 Set of Screwdrivers
 Set of pliers
 Gloves
 PPE
 Washing Machine/ Rice cooker/ flat iron/electric fan

Procedures:
1. Arrange workstation according to laboratory lay-out.
2. Prepare tools that use for analyzing troubles.
3. Apply the principles of caring and use of hand-tools.
4. Conduct a prompt diagnosis of the troubles in the defective given unit.
5. Apply the techniques in performing the pre-testing procedures of electronically-controlled
domestic appliances.
6. Fill up diagnosing form

Task Sheet 3.4-2

Analyze troubles and apply isolation techniques

Direction: Given the materials needed perform symptoms diagnosis and

systematic pre-testing procedures in repairing and Electronic module

Condition:

Materials and Equipment needed:

 Diagnosing form
 Multi-tester
 Set of Screwdrivers
 Set of pliers
 Gloves
 PPE
 Electronic module

Procedures:
1. Arrange workstation according to laboratory lay-out.
2. Prepare tools that use for analyzing troubles.
3. Apply the principles of caring and use of hand-tools.
4. Conduct a prompt diagnosis of the troubles in the defective given unit.
5. Apply the techniques in performing the pre-tes ting procedures of electronic
products and systems.
6. Fill up diagnosing form

INFORMATION SHEET 3.4.2

READING SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM
NOTE:

 Resistor

All resistors are carbon 1/4w resistors unless marked as follows:

Unit of resistance is OHM (Ω) (K= 1 000 000)

 Capacitor

All capacitors are ceramic 50v capacitors unless marked as follows:

Unit of capacitance is μf unless otherwise noted.
  Voltage measurement

Voltage is measured using DC voltmeter.

Conditions of the measurement are the following:
Power source……………..AC AUTO 110-240v, 50/60hz
Receiving signal………….Colour Bar signal (RF)
All customer’s controls…Maximum positions

 Number in red circle indicates waveform number.

 When arrow mark is found, connection is easily found from the direction of arrow.

 →: indicates the major signal flow.

 This schematic diagram is the latest at the time of printing and subject to change without notice.

Remarks:
The power circuit contains a circuit area which uses a separate power supply to isolate the connection.
The circuit is defined by Hot and Cold indications in the schematic diagram.
Take precautions.
Note:
All circuits, except the power circuit are cold.
Precautions:

 Do not touch the hot part or the hot and cold parts at the same time or
you will be shocked.

 Do not short circuit the hot and cold circuits or the fuse may blow and
parts may break.

 Do not connect an instrument such as an oscilloscope to the hot and

cold circuits simultaneously or the fuse may blow.

 Connect the body of the appliance to the earth ground.

 Make sure to disconnect the power plug before removing the chassis.