FUNDAMENTALS OF
ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS
Prepared by: Engr. France Mae D. Camogao
This course introduces the fundamental concepts, circuit laws,
theorems and techniques used in electrical circuit analysis and
transient analysis, as well as its application.
form the foundation of understanding how electricity flows and
behaves within various systems.
BASIC ELECTRICAL
COMPONENTS
RESISTORS
These components resist the flow
of electric current and are used to
control voltage levels and current
flow in a circuit.
CAPACITORS
Capacitors store and release
electric charge, which can be used
to filter signals, smooth voltage
levels, and perform various timing
functions.
INDUCTORS
Inductors store energy in the form
of a magnetic field and are often
used in circuits involving
changing currents or as
components in filters.
DIODES
Diodes allow current to flow in
only one direction, and they are
crucial for rectification and
switching applications.
TRANSISTORS
Transistors are semiconductor
devices that can amplify
signals and act as switches.
They are fundamental to
modern electronics and digital
circuits.
SWITCH
A switch is a device that opens
or closes a circuit, allowing or
interrupting the flow of
current. It is used to control the
on/off state of a circuit.
LED (Light-Emitting
Diode)
An LED is a specialized diode
that emits light when current
passes through it. LEDs are
used for lighting, indicators,
and displays.
Potentiometer
Also known as a variable
resistor, a potentiometer is a
three-terminal resistor with an
adjustable slider that can vary
the resistance across its
terminals.
RELAY
A relay is an electrically operated
switch that uses an electromagnet
to control the opening and
closing of its contacts. It's used
to control high-power devices
with a low-power signal.
FUSE
A fuse is a safety device that
protects circuits from
overcurrent by melting when
current exceeds a safe level. It
breaks the circuit, preventing
damage or fire.
CIRCUIT
BREAKER
Similar to a fuse, a circuit
breaker is an automatic switch
that interrupts electrical flow
when current exceeds a certain
limit. Unlike fuses, circuit
breakers can be reset.
TRANSFORMER
A transformer is a device that
transfers electrical energy
between two or more circuits
through electromagnetic
induction. It's used to step up
or step down voltage levels.
TRANSFORMER
A transformer is a device that
transfers electrical energy
between two or more circuits
through electromagnetic
induction. It's used to step up
or step down voltage levels.
CRYSTAL
OSCILLATOR
A crystal oscillator uses the
piezoelectric properties of
crystals to generate precise and
stable electrical oscillations,
commonly used in timing
circuits.
VOLTAGE
REGULATOR
A voltage regulator maintains
a stable output voltage by
adjusting the input voltage,
ensuring consistent power
supply to sensitive
components.
COMPONENT SYMBOLS
Circuit Topologies and DC Excitations
Circuit topologies refer to the arrangement of components and connections within a circuit, while
DC excitations involve the application of direct current (DC) to a circuit. In this lesson, we'll explore
different circuit topologies and how they are affected by DC excitations.
What is a Circuit?
A circuit is a closed loop or pathway through which electric
current can flow. It consists of various components such as
resistors, capacitors, inductors, and voltage or current sources.
Circuits can be simple, like a flashlight circuit, or complex, like
the intricate electronic systems found in computers and
smartphones.
TWO PRIMARY CIRCUIT
TOPOLOGIES
SERIES CIRCUIT
A series circuit is a type of electrical
circuit in which the components are
connected end-to-end in a single,
continuous pathway for electric current
to flow. In a series circuit, there is only
one path for the current to follow, and
the current passes through each
component in succession.
PARALLEL
CIRCUIT
A parallel circuit is a type of electrical
circuit in which multiple components
are connected across the same two
points, creating multiple pathways for
electric current to flow. In a parallel
circuit, each component is connected to
the same voltage source, and the voltage
across each component is the same.
How does the flow of current and voltage in
a typical electronic circuit works?
Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. In an electronic
circuit, the flow of current is driven by the movement of electrons. Electrons have a
negative charge, and they move from areas of higher electric potential (voltage) to areas
of lower electric potential. This movement occurs due to the presence of a voltage
difference or potential difference across the circuit components.
How does the flow of current and voltage in
a typical electronic circuit works?
Imagine a simple circuit consisting of a power source (like a battery), a resistor, and
a switch. When the switch is closed, the battery establishes a potential difference
between its positive and negative terminals. This potential difference creates an electric
field that pushes electrons from the negative terminal (higher potential) through the
circuit components toward the positive terminal (lower potential). This flow of electrons
constitutes an electric current.
How does the flow of current and voltage in
a typical electronic circuit works?
The magnitude of the current is determined by the voltage (potential difference) across
the circuit and the resistance encountered by the electrons as they move through the
components.
TAKE NOTE:
According to Ohm's law (I = V/R), the current (I) is directly proportional to the
voltage (V) and inversely proportional to the resistance (R) in the circuit.
OHM'S LAW
Current – is the flow of electrons in a circuit
Voltage - is the difference in electric potential between two points. It is the
“push” that causes the current to flow
Resistance - is a measure of the opposition to current flow in an electrical
circuit.
V=IxR
ELECTRICAL FORMULA
CIRCUIT ANALYSIS
