Table of Electrical Symbols

Symbol

Component name

Meaning

Wire Symbols
Electrical Wire Conductor of electrical current

Connected Wires

Connected crossing

Not Connected Wires

Wires are not connected

Switch Symbols and Relay Symbols

SPST Toggle Switch Disconnects current when open

SPDT Toggle Switch

Selects between two connections

Pushbutton Switch (N.O)

Momentary switch - normally open

Pushbutton Switch (N.C)

Momentary switch - normally closed DIP switch is used for onboard configuration

DIP Switch

SPST Relay Relay open / close connection by an electromagnet SPDT Relay Close connection by jumper insertion on pins. Solder to close connection

Jumper

Solder Bridge

Ground Symbols
Earth Ground Used for zero potential reference and electrical shock protection.

Chassis Ground

Connected to the chassis of the circuit

Digital / Common Ground

Resistor Symbols
Resistor (IEEE) Resistor reduces the current flow. Resistor (IEC)

Potentiometer (IEEE) Adjustable resistor - has 3 terminals. Potentiometer (IEC) Variable Resistor / Rheostat(IEEE) Adjustable resistor - has 2 terminals. Variable Resistor / Rheostat(IEC) Trimmer Resistor Preset resistor Thermal resistor - change resistance when temperature changes Photo-resistor - change resistance with light intensity change

Thermistor Photoresistor / Light dependent resistor (LDR)

Capacitor Symbols
Capacitor Capacitor is used to store electric charge. It acts as short circuit with AC and open circuit with DC.

Capacitor

Polarized Capacitor

Electrolytic capacitor

Polarized Capacitor

Electrolytic capacitor

Variable Capacitor

Adjustable capacitance

Inductor / Coil Symbols

Inductor Coil / solenoid that generates magnetic field Includes iron

Iron Core Inductor

Variable Inductor

Power Supply Symbols

Voltage Source Generates constant voltage

Current Source

Generates constant current.

AC Voltage Source

AC voltage source Electrical voltage is generated by mechanical rotation of the generator Generates constant voltage

Generator

Battery Cell

Battery

Generates constant voltage Generates voltage as a function of voltage or current of other circuit element. Generates current as a function of voltage or current of other circuit element.

Controlled Voltage Source

Controlled Current Source

Meter Symbols
Voltmeter Measures voltage. Has very high resistance. Connected in parallel. Measures electric current. Has near zero resistance. Connected serially. Measures resistance

Ammeter

Ohmmeter

Wattmeter

Measures electric power

Lamp / Light Bulb Symbols

Lamp / light bulb Generates light when current flows through

Lamp / light bulb

Lamp / light bulb

Diode / LED Symbols

Diode Diode allows current flow in one direction only (left to right). Allows current flow in one direction, but also can flow in the reverse direction when above breakdown voltage Schottky diode is a diode with low voltage drop Variable capacitance diode

Zener Diode

Schottky Diode

Varactor / Varicap Diode

Tunnel Diode LED emits light when current flows through Photodiode allows current flow when exposed to light

Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Photodiode

Transistor Symbols
NPN Bipolar Transistor Allows current flow when high potential at base (middle) Allows current flow when low potential at base (middle) Made from 2 bipolar transistors. Has total gain of the product of each gain.

PNP Bipolar Transistor

Darlington Transistor

JFET-N Transistor

N-channel field effect transistor

JFET-P Transistor

P-channel field effect transistor

NMOS Transistor

N-channel MOSFET transistor

PMOS Transistor

P-channel MOSFET transistor

Misc. Symbols
Motor Electric motor Change AC voltage from high to low or low to high. Rings when activated

Transformer

Electric bell

Buzzer

Produce buzzing sound

Fuse

Fuse

The fuse disconnects when current above threshold. Used to protect circuit from high currents.

Bus Contains several wires. Usually for data / address.

Bus

Bus Optocoupler isolates onnection to other board Converts electrical signal to sound waves Converts sound waves to electrical signal

Optocoupler / Opto-isolator

Loudspeaker

Microphone

Operational Amplifier

Amplify input signal Operates with hysteresis to reduce noise. Converts analog signal to digital numbers Converts digital numbers to analog signal Used to generate precise frequency clock signal

Schmitt Trigger Analog-to-digital converter (ADC) Digital-to-Analog converter (DAC) Crystal Oscillator

Antenna Symbols
Antenna / aerial Transmits & receives radio waves Antenna / aerial

Dipole Antenna

Two wires simple antenna

Logic Gates Symbols

NOT Gate (Inverter) Outputs 1 when input is 0

AND Gate

Outputs 1 when both inputs are 1. Outputs 0 when both inputs are 1. (NOT + AND) Outputs 1 when any input is 1. Outputs 0 when any input is 1. (NOT + OR) Outputs 1 when inputs are different. (Exclusive OR) Stores one bit of data

NAND Gate

OR Gate

NOR Gate

XOR Gate

D Flip-Flop

Multiplexer / Mux 2 to 1 Connects the output to selected input line. Multiplexer / Mux 4 to 1 Connects selected output to the input line.

Demultiplexer / Demux 1 to 4

Electrical and electronic components table

Component Image Component Symbol Component Name

Wire

Toggle switch

Pushbutton switch

Relay

Jumper

Dip switch

Resistor

Variable resistor / Rheostat

Potentiometer

Capacitor

Variable capacitor

Electrolytic capacitor

Inductor

Battery

Voltmeter

Lamp / Light bulb

Diode

BJT Transistor

MOS transistor

Optocoupler / optoisolator

Electric motor

Transformer

Operational amplifier / 741

Crystal oscillator

Fuse

Buzzer

Loudspeaker

Microphone

Antenna / aerial

Passive components
Passive components do not need additional power source to operate and can not have gain. Passive components include: wires, switches, resistors, capacitors, inductors, lamps, ...

Active components
Active components need additional power source to operate and can have gain. Active components include: transistors, relays, power sources, amplifiers, ...

What is resistor
Resistor is an electrical component that reduces the electric current. The resistor's ability to reduce the current is called resistance and is measured in units of ohms (symbol: ). If we make an analogy to water flow through pipes, the resistor is a thin pipe that reduces the water flow.

Ohm's law
The resistor's current I in amps (A) is equal to the resistor's voltage V in volts (V)

divided by the resistance R in ohms ():

The resistor's power consumption P in watts (W) is equal to the resistor's current I in amps (A) times the resistor's voltage V in volts (V):

P=IV
The resistor's power consumption P in watts (W) is equal to the square value of the resistor's current I in amps (A) times the resistor's resistance R in ohms ():

P = I2 R
The resistor's power consumption P in watts (W) is equal to the square value of the resistor's voltage V in volts (V) divided by the resistor's resistance R in ohms ():

P = V2/ R
Resistors in parallel

The total equivalent resistance of resistors in parallel RTotal is given by:

So when you add resistors in parallel, the total resistance is decreased.

Resistors in series

The total equivalent resistance of resistors in series Rtotal is the sum of the resistance values:

Rtotal = R1+ R2+ R3+...

So when you add resistors in series, the total resistance is increased.

Dimensions and material affects

The resistance R in ohms () of a resistor is equal to the resistivity in ohm-meters (m) times the resistor's length l in meters (m) divided by the resistor's cross sectional area A in square meters (m2):

Resistor image

Resistor symbols
Resistor (IEEE) Resistor reduces the current flow. Resistor (IEC)

Potentiometer (IEEE) Adjustable resistor - has 3 terminals. Potentiometer (IEC)

Variable Resistor / Rheostat (IEEE) Adjustable resistor - has 2 terminals. Variable Resistor / Rheostat (IEC) Trimmer Resistor Presest resistor Thermal resistor - change resistance when temperature changes Changes resistance according to light

Thermistor Photoresistor / Light dependent resistor (LDR)

Resistor color code

The resistance of the resistor and its tolerance are marked on the resistor with color code bands that denotes the resistance value. There are 3 types of color codes: 4 bands: digit, digit , multiplier, tolerance. 5 bands: digit, digit, digit , multiplier, tolerance. 6 bands: digit, digit, digit , multiplier, tolerance, temperature coefficient.

Color codes table

1st Digit 4bands 5bands 6bands Black Brown Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Violet Grey 1 1 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2nd Digit 2 2 2 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 3 3 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 3rd Digit Multiplier 3 4 4 10
0

Tolerance 4 5 5

Temperature Coefficient

101 102 103 104 105 106 10 10

7 8

1% 2%

100 ppm/K 50 ppm/K 15 ppm/K 25 ppm/K

0.5% 0.25% 0.1% 0.05% 10 ppm/K 5 ppm/K

White Silver Gold None

109 10-2 10
-1

10% 5% 20%

Resistance calculation of 4 bands resistor

R = (10digit1+digit2)multiplier
Resistance calculation of 5 or 6 bands resistor

R = (100digit1+10digit2+digit3)multiplier
Resistor types
Variable resistor Potentiometer Photo-resistor Power resistor Surface mount (SMT/SMD) resistor Resistor network Carbon resistor Chip resistor Metal-oxide resistor Ceramic resistor Variable resistor has an adjustable resistance (2 terminals) Potentiometer has an adjustable resistance (3 terminals) Reduces resistance when exposed to light Power resistor is used for high power circuits and has large dimensions. SMT/SMD resistors have small dimensions. The resistors are surface mounted on the printed circuit board (PCB), this method is fast and requires small board area. Resistor network is a chip that contains several resistors with similar or different values.

Pull-up resistor
In digital circuits, pull-up resistor is a regular resistor that is connected to the high voltage supply (e.g +5V or +12V) and sets the input or output level of a device to '1'. The pull-up resistor set the level to '1' when the input / output is disconnected. When the input / output is connected, the level is determined by the device and overrides the pull-up resistor.

Pull-down resistor
In digital circuits, pull-down resistor is a regular resistor that is connected to the ground (0V) and sets the input or output level of a device to ' 0 '.

The pull-down resistor set the level to ' 0 ' when the input / output is disconnected. When the input / output is connected, the level is determined by the device and overrides the pull-down resistor.

What is capacitor
Capacitor is an electronic component that stores electric charge. The capacitor is made of 2 close conductors (usually plates) that are separated by a dielectric material. The plates accumulate electric charge when connected to power source. One plate accumulates positive charge and the other plate accumulates negative charge. The capacitance is the amount of electric charge that is stored in the capacitor at voltage of 1 Volt. The capacitance is measured in units of Farad (F). The capacitor disconnects current in direct current (DC) circuits and short circuit in alternating current (AC) circuits.

Capacitor pictures

Capacitor symbols
Capacitor

Polarized capacitor

Variable capacitor

Capacitance
The capacitance (C) of the capacitor is equal to the electric charge (Q) divided by the voltage (V):

C is the capacitance in farad (F) Q is the electric charge in coulombs (C), that is stored on the capacitor V is the voltage between the capacitor's plates in volts (V)

Capacitance of plates capacitor

The capacitance (C) of the plates capacitor is equal to the permittivity () times the plate area (A) divided by the gap or distance between the plates (d):

C is the capacitance of the capacitor, in farad (F). is the permittivity of the capacitor's dialectic material, in farad per meter (F/m). A is the area of the capacitor's plate in square meters (m2]. d is the distance between the capacitor's plates, in meters (m).

Capacitors in series

The total capacitance of capacitors in series, C1,C2,C3,.. :

Capacitors in parallel

The total capacitance of capacitors in parallel, C1,C2,C3,.. :

CTotal = C1+C2+C3+...
Capacitor's current
The capacitor's momentary current ic(t) is equal to the capacitance of the capacitor, times the derivative of the momentary capacitor's voltage vc(t):

Capacitor's voltage
The capacitor's momentary voltage vc(t) is equal to the initial voltage of the capacitor, plus 1/C times the integral of the momentary capacitor's current ic(t) over time t:

Energy of capacitor
The capacitor's stored energy EC in joules (J) is equal to the capacitance C in farad (F) times the square capacitor's voltage VC in volts (V) divided by 2:

EC = C VC 2 / 2
AC circuits
Angular frequency

= 2 f
- angular velocity measured in radians per second (rad/s) f - frequency measured in hertz (Hz).

Capacitor's reactance

Capacitor's impedance
Cartesian form:

Polar form:

ZC = XC-90
Capacitor types
Variable capacitor Electrolytic capacitor Spherical capacitor Power capacitor Ceramic capacitor Variable capacitor has changeable capacitance Electrolytic capacitors are used when high capacitance is needed. Most of the electrolytic capacitors are polarized Spherical capacitor has a sphere shape Power capacitors are used in high voltage power systems. Ceramic capacitor has ceramic dielectric material. Has high

voltage functionality. Tantalum capacitor Mica capacitor Paper capacitor Tantalum oxide dielectric material. Has high capacitance High accuracy capacitors Paper dielectric material

Inductor
Inductor is an electrical component that stores energy in magnetic field. The inductor is made of a coil of conducting wire. In an electrical circuit schematics, the inductor marked with the letter L. The inductance is measured in units of Henry [L]. Inductor reduce current in AC circuits and short circuit in DC circuits.

Inductor picture

Inductor symbols
Inductor

Iron core inductor

Variable inductor

Inductors in series
For several inductors in series the total equivalent inductance is:

LTotal = L1+L2+L3+...
Inductors in parallel
For several inductors in parallel the total equivalent inductance is:

Inductor's voltage

Inductor's current

Energy of inductor

AC circuits
Inductor's reactance

XL = L
Inductor's impedance
Cartesian form:

ZL = jXL = jL
Polar form:

ZL = XL90

DIP Switch
DIP switch definition
DIP switch is an electrical component that is used to disconnect or connect wires in electrical circuit. DIP switch stands for Dual Inline Package. The DIP switch is mostly used in circuit boards for permanent configuration and settings of the circuit like jumpers or solder bridge.

DIP switch settings

The DIP switch has usually 4 or 8 mini switches that together set a binary word of 4 or 8 bits.

DIP switch symbol

The circuit diagram symbol of DIP switch is:

Solder Bridge
Solder bridge is an on PCB conductor with two or more separate pieces that acts as a permanent switch. In order to short the solder bridge, you should solder between the two parts of the bridge. In order to disconnect the solder bridge, you should remove the solder bridge by desoldering it. The solder bridge is used for permanent configuration of the circuit. You can use jumper or DIP switch for the same functionality. The solder bridge is cheaper, but less easy to use, than jumper or DIP switch.

Solder bridge symbol

The circuit diagram symbol of solder bridge is:

Electronic Switch Symbols

Electrical & electronic switch symbols of schematic diagram - toggle switch, pushbutton switch, DIP switch, relay, jumper, solder bridge. Symbol Name SPST Toggle Switch Description Disconnects current when open

SPDT Toggle Switch

Selects between two connections

Pushbutton Switch (N.O)

Momentary switch - normally open

Pushbutton Switch (N.C)

Momentary switch - normally closed

DIP Switch

DIP switch is used for onboard configuration

SPST Relay Relay open / close connection by an electromagnet SPDT Relay Close connection by jumper insertion on pins. Solder to close connection

Jumper

Solder Bridge

Electrical Ground Symbols

Electrical ground symbols of circuit diagram - earth ground, chassis ground, digital ground. Symbol Name Earth Ground Description Used for zero potential reference and electrical shock protection. Connected to the chassis of the circuit

Chassis Ground

Digital / Common Ground

Resistor Symbols
Resistor symbols of electrical & electronic circuit diagram - resistor, potentiometer, variable resistor.

Table of resistor symbols

Resistor (IEEE) Resistor reduces the current flow.

Resistor (IEC)

Potentiometer (IEEE) Adjustable resistor - has 3 terminals. Potentiometer (IEC) Variable Resistor / Rheostat (IEEE) Adjustable resistor - has 2 terminals. Variable Resistor / Rheostat (IEC) Trimmer Resistor Preset resistor Thermal resistor - change resistance when temperature changes Photo-resistor - change resistance with light intensity change

Thermistor Photoresistor / Light dependent resistor (LDR)

Capacitor Symbols
Capacitor schematic symbols - capacitor, polarized capacitor, variable capacitor.

Table of capacitor symbols

Symbol Name Capacitor Description

Capacitor

Capacitor is used to store electric charge. It acts as short circuit with AC and open circuit with DC.

Polarized Capacitor

Electrolytic capacitor

Polarized Capacitor

Electrolytic capacitor

Variable Capacitor

Adjustable capacitance

Diode Symbols
Diode schematic symbols of electronic circuit - Diode, LED, Zener diode, Schottky diode, photodiode, ... Symbol Name Diode Description Diode allows current flow in one direction only (left to right). Allows current flow in one direction, but also can flow in the reverse direction when above breakdown voltage Schottky diode is a diode with low voltage drop Variable capacitance diode

Zener Diode

Schottky Diode

Varactor / Varicap Diode

Tunnel Diode LED emits light when current flows through Photodiode allows current flow when exposed to light

Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Photodiode

Transistor Symbols
Transistor schematic symbols of electronic circuit - NPN, PNP, Darlington, JFET-N, JFET-P, NMOS, PMOS.

Table of transistor symbols

Symbol Name Description

NPN Bipolar Transistor

Allows current flow when high potential at base (middle) Allows current flow when low potential at base (middle) Made from 2 bipolar transistors. Has total gain of the product of each gain. N-channel field effect transistor

PNP Bipolar Transistor

Darlington Transistor

JFET-N Transistor

JFET-P Transistor

P-channel field effect transistor

NMOS Transistor

N-channel MOSFET transistor

PMOS Transistor

P-channel MOSFET transistor