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I need guidance for overcoming a particular roadblock in my journey to become pr...
@copilot I need guidance for overcoming a particular roadblock in my journey to become proficient in electrical engineering. I have a solid foundational understanding of how electricity works, how to build a simple working circuit, what the basic electrical components do at a basic level, and how they work internally. But I come up short when it comes to actually assembling a working circuit that involves modest complexity.
When I need a resistor, I don't understand how to determine which resistance value I should use. I have a hard time understanding what affect capacitors have on a DC circuit, when I should use them, which capacitance value I should choose, and how they should be connected. I get mixed up when connecting components together in the middle of a circuit because I lose a conceptual understanding of which pole is positive or negative. For example, at the power source finding + terminal is easy, but lets say I have a few components already connected in series and now I'm connecting another component. I have difficulty understanding where the positive and negative terminals are within the middle of the circuit and get turned around at times. I also have a hard time grasping when something should be connected to ground.
Is this a common intermediate roadblock? How do I overcome it to get better at designing and building circuits?
1y
You're definitely not alone in facing these challenges! These are common hurdles for many budding electrical engineers. Here are some strategies to help you overcome them:
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Resistor Selection:
- Voltage Divider Rule: Understand when to use resistors for dividing voltage. The formula is $V_\text{out} = V_\text{in} \times \frac{R_2}{R_1 + R_2}$ where $R_1$ and $R_2$ are two resistors in series.
- Current Limiting: Use Ohm's Law ($V = IR$) to calculate resistance needed to limit current to safe levels in a circuit, particularly for LEDs and other sensitive components.
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Capacitance Selection:
- Decoupling Capacitors: Use them near microcontrollers or ICs to stabilize the power supply. A common practice is to use a small ceramic capacitor (e.g., 0.1 μF) in parallel with a larger electrolytic capacitor (e.g., 10 μF).
- Coupling/Decoupling: For audio signals, capacitors can block DC but allow AC to pass, useful in amplifier circuits.
-
Polarity Identification:
- Understand that for components like resistors, diodes, and LEDs, correct polarity matters. Diodes have an anode (+) and a cathode (-); LEDs follow the same rule.
- Use color codes on resistors and markings on diodes to identify polarity and values.
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Understanding Ground Connections:
- Signal Return Path: Ground is a common return path for current. It’s often used as a reference point in circuits for measuring voltage.
- Safety: Grounding helps prevent unwanted interference and creates a stable reference voltage level for the entire circuit.
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Practical Practice:
- Build simple circuits on a breadboard using a schematic and simulation tools like those in Flux.
- Practice reading and understanding schematics before physically assembling the circuit. Pay attention to symbols and labels that indicate polarity and connections.
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Experimentation and Iteration:
- Start with guided projects and exercises, modifying them to see the effect of different resistor and capacitor values.
- Document your experiments and results to build intuition on component behavior.
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Use Simulation Tools:
- Use Flux to simulate circuits before building them physically. This can help you understand current flow and voltage distribution without the risk of damaging components.
Understanding these concepts takes time and practice. Keep experimenting, and over time, these connections and values will start to make more intuitive sense. Remember that even experienced engineers constantly learn and reference data sheets and resources to improve their designs. Keep pushing forward, and you'll overcome these roadblocks!
1y
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6
Will an Arduino Uno R3 have enough power output on its PWM pins to run a small D...
@copilot Will an Arduino Uno R3 have enough power output on its PWM pins to run a small DC motor off the PWM signal?
1y
An Arduino Uno R3 can output a PWM signal with a voltage level of 5V from its digital pins. However, it cannot supply enough current to directly power most DC motors, as the output current capability per pin is typically limited to around 20-40 mA.
To drive a small DC motor, you'll need to use an external driver circuit, like an H-bridge or a motor driver IC. These components can control the motor using the PWM signal from the Arduino while providing sufficient current from a separate power source.
Suggested Approach:
-
Use a Motor Driver IC: Components like the L298N or L293D can be used to drive DC motors. The PWM signal from the Arduino controls the speed, while the driver provides the necessary current to the motor.
-
Typical Connection:
- Connect one of the Arduino PWM pins (e.g., U1:D3) to the EN pin of the motor driver.
- Connect the IN1 and IN2 pins of the motor driver to two digital pins of the Arduino for direction control.
- Connect the output of the motor driver to the motor's terminals.
- Ensure the motor driver is powered from a compatible power source that can supply the required current.
If you already have a specific small DC motor in mind, you can check its current and voltage requirements to choose an appropriate driver. Let me know if you need more specific guidance on setting it up!
1y
My DC motors are cheap, unlabeled motors. How do I check the voltage and current requirements?
1y
To determine the voltage and current requirements of your unlabeled DC motors, you can perform some measurements and experiments. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Steps to Determine Voltage and Current Requirements:
-
Identify Motor Type:
- If possible, identify if it's a brushed or brushless DC motor by inspecting its design. Most small, cheap DC motors are brushed.
-
Supply Voltage:
- Start Low: Begin with a low supply voltage, e.g., $1.5\text{V}$ using a single AA battery, and gradually increase the voltage while observing the motor's performance.
- Observe Performance: Look for a voltage where the motor runs smoothly without excessive noise or heat. This could be its nominal operating voltage.
- Common Voltages: Small DC motors often operate well between $3\text{V}$ to $12\text{V}$.
-
Current Measurement:
- Use a Multimeter: Connect the motor in series with a multimeter set to measure current.
- Start and Running Current: Measure the current when the motor starts (inrush current) and when it reaches a stable speed (running current).
- Stall Current: Briefly hold the motor shaft to stop it and measure the stall current. This is the maximum current the motor can draw and helps determine the driver capability needed.
-
Temperature and Noise Check:
- Monitor Temperature: Ensure the motor doesn't get excessively hot at its operating voltage.
- Listen for Noise: Unusual sounds may indicate poor operation at certain voltage levels.
- Select a Power Supply and Driver: Based on your measurements, select a power supply that matches the voltage and a motor driver (like a L298N) that can handle the measured stall current.
- Design Safety Margin: Choose a driver with a current rating higher than your stall current for safe operation.
Taking these measurements will give you a better understanding of how to safely and effectively use your motors. If you have access to a variable power supply, it can simplify this process considerably. Let me know if you need more guidance on any step!
1y
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5
Snap Action Kill Switch - Closed by Default
Snap Action Kill Switch - Closed by Default
1y
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2
U1
Reviews
- Wirelessly connects nets on schematic. Used to organize schematics and separate functional blocks. To wirelessly connect net portals, give them same designator. #portaljharwinbarrozo43.0M
- Wirelessly connects power nets on schematic. Identical to the net portal, but with a power symbol. Used to organize schematics and separate functional blocks. To wirelessly connect power net portals, give them the same designator. #portal #powerjharwinbarrozo11.4M
- A generic fixed resistor for rapid developing circuit topology. Save precious design time by seamlessly add more information to this part (value, footprint, etc.) as it becomes available. Standard resistor values: 1.0Ω 10Ω 100Ω 1.0kΩ 10kΩ 100kΩ 1.0MΩ 1.1Ω 11Ω 110Ω 1.1kΩ 11kΩ 110kΩ 1.1MΩ 1.2Ω 12Ω 120Ω 1.2kΩ 12kΩ 120kΩ 1.2MΩ 1.3Ω 13Ω 130Ω 1.3kΩ 13kΩ 130kΩ 1.3MΩ 1.5Ω 15Ω 150Ω 1.5kΩ 15kΩ 150kΩ 1.5MΩ 1.6Ω 16Ω 160Ω 1.6kΩ 16kΩ 160kΩ 1.6MΩ 1.8Ω 18Ω 180Ω 1.8KΩ 18kΩ 180kΩ 1.8MΩ 2.0Ω 20Ω 200Ω 2.0kΩ 20kΩ 200kΩ 2.0MΩ 2.2Ω 22Ω 220Ω 2.2kΩ 22kΩ 220kΩ 2.2MΩ 2.4Ω 24Ω 240Ω 2.4kΩ 24kΩ 240kΩ 2.4MΩ 2.7Ω 27Ω 270Ω 2.7kΩ 27kΩ 270kΩ 2.7MΩ 3.0Ω 30Ω 300Ω 3.0KΩ 30KΩ 300KΩ 3.0MΩ 3.3Ω 33Ω 330Ω 3.3kΩ 33kΩ 330kΩ 3.3MΩ 3.6Ω 36Ω 360Ω 3.6kΩ 36kΩ 360kΩ 3.6MΩ 3.9Ω 39Ω 390Ω 3.9kΩ 39kΩ 390kΩ 3.9MΩ 4.3Ω 43Ω 430Ω 4.3kΩ 43KΩ 430KΩ 4.3MΩ 4.7Ω 47Ω 470Ω 4.7kΩ 47kΩ 470kΩ 4.7MΩ 5.1Ω 51Ω 510Ω 5.1kΩ 51kΩ 510kΩ 5.1MΩ 5.6Ω 56Ω 560Ω 5.6kΩ 56kΩ 560kΩ 5.6MΩ 6.2Ω 62Ω 620Ω 6.2kΩ 62KΩ 620KΩ 6.2MΩ 6.8Ω 68Ω 680Ω 6.8kΩ 68kΩ 680kΩ 6.8MΩ 7.5Ω 75Ω 750Ω 7.5kΩ 75kΩ 750kΩ 7.5MΩ 8.2Ω 82Ω 820Ω 8.2kΩ 82kΩ 820kΩ 8.2MΩ 9.1Ω 91Ω 910Ω 9.1kΩ 91kΩ 910kΩ 9.1MΩ #generics #CommonPartsLibraryjharwinbarrozo1.5M
- A generic fixed capacitor ideal for rapid circuit topology development. You can choose between polarized and non-polarized types, its symbol and the footprint will automatically adapt based on your selection. Supported options include standard SMD sizes for ceramic capacitors (e.g., 0402, 0603, 0805), SMD sizes for aluminum electrolytic capacitors, and through-hole footprints for polarized capacitors. Save precious design time by seamlessly add more information to this part (value, footprint, etc.) as it becomes available. Standard capacitor values: 1.0pF 10pF 100pF 1000pF 0.01uF 0.1uF 1.0uF 10uF 100uF 1000uF 10,000uF 1.1pF 11pF 110pF 1100pF 1.2pF 12pF 120pF 1200pF 1.3pF 13pF 130pF 1300pF 1.5pF 15pF 150pF 1500pF 0.015uF 0.15uF 1.5uF 15uF 150uF 1500uF 1.6pF 16pF 160pF 1600pF 1.8pF 18pF 180pF 1800pF 2.0pF 20pF 200pF 2000pF 2.2pF 22pF 20pF 2200pF 0.022uF 0.22uF 2.2uF 22uF 220uF 2200uF 2.4pF 24pF 240pF 2400pF 2.7pF 27pF 270pF 2700pF 3.0pF 30pF 300pF 3000pF 3.3pF 33pF 330pF 3300pF 0.033uF 0.33uF 3.3uF 33uF 330uF 3300uF 3.6pF 36pF 360pF 3600pF 3.9pF 39pF 390pF 3900pF 4.3pF 43pF 430pF 4300pF 4.7pF 47pF 470pF 4700pF 0.047uF 0.47uF 4.7uF 47uF 470uF 4700uF 5.1pF 51pF 510pF 5100pF 5.6pF 56pF 560pF 5600pF 6.2pF 62pF 620pF 6200pF 6.8pF 68pF 680pF 6800pF 0.068uF 0.68uF 6.8uF 68uF 680uF 6800uF 7.5pF 75pF 750pF 7500pF 8.2pF 82pF 820pF 8200pF 9.1pF 91pF 910pF 9100pF #generics #CommonPartsLibraryjharwinbarrozo1.5M
- A generic fixed inductor for rapid developing circuit topology. *You can now change the footprint and 3D model at the top level anytime you want. This is the power of #genericsjharwinbarrozo15.6k
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Distributor | Qty 1 |
|---|---|
Arrow | $0.44–$0.57 |
Digi-Key | $1.26–$1.35 |
LCSC | $2.14 |
Mouser | $1.35 |
Verical | $0.11–$1.06 |
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