Learning how to read circuit diagrams.

[MDC]

I watched a demo step by step video clip of a simple circuit being put together, from the first component being put in place on a breadboard to the final piece.
Admittedly there were only 5 compoments plus wires- comprising of a 555 timer, 2 resistors, 1 capacitor , 1 LED and several jumper wires.

Using pause, and continuously going back, I found it quite easy to follow and I grasped it all. However, in the real world it is going to be circuit diagrams not video clips. I am willing to put the time and effort in, but what is the way to begin from scratch learning how to read the diagrams?

 

[ronsimpson]

Please post a simple diagram and we can answer questions on it.

 

[JimB]

In order to understand a "circuit diagram", it is necessary to understand the operation of the basic components:
Resistors
Capacitors
Inductors.

Then going on to the more complex components:
Diodes
Transistors
and simple integrated circuits such as timers and op-amps.

From there you can build understanding of basic self contained circuits which perform one function, and then how to use the basic circuits to build more complex systems by connecting the basic circuits and components together.

It can be a slow process, not something which can be completed in a couple of afternoons.

JimB

 

[eTech]

Using pause, and continuously going back, I found it quite easy to follow and I grasped it all. However, in the real world it is going to be circuit diagrams not video clips. I am willing to put the time and effort in, but what is the way to begin from scratch learning how to read the diagrams?

Depends on the type of diagram.
Some diagrams are logical representations of the parts that make up the circuit. Other diagrams are physical representations of the circuit. Still others are a combination of both.

In any case, you should learn what the logical/physical symbols represent, and then learn what the actual part looks like. Then assemble a simple circuit, even if its just an LED and resistor, test it and understand how it works. This forum can help with any questions.

 

[Pommie]

There is an article (somewhere on here) about how to draw schematics, power at top, ground at bottom, signal flow from left to right etc. Well worth reading. Maybe someone not on a phone can find and link it.

Mike.

 

[JimB]

There is an article (somewhere on here) about how to draw schematics, power at top, ground at bottom, signal flow from left to right etc. Well worth reading. Maybe someone not on a phone can find and link it.

Maybe this one?

Rules For Drawing Readable Schematics

I found this on the Electrical Engineering Stack Exchange and wanted to repost it here. A gentleman by the name of Olin Lanthrop originally wrote this as a guide to drawing legible, understandable schematics. I think everyone could benefit from reading this (whether you are experienced in...

www.electro-tech-online.com

JimB

 

[crutschow]

A large part of understanding a schematic is learning what parts the symbols represent.
Once you can recognize the symbols, the rest is mostly just lines that represent connections (wire, PCB traces, etc.) between the various parts.

 

[MDC]

JimB
I really like the author's emphasis on clarity when drawing schematics, a great point.

Thank you for digging this article out and sharing it with us.

 

[MDC]

Please post a simple diagram and we can answer questions on it.

Thank you for that Ron, it is reassuring. When I get further in to the studying I will post.

 

[JimB]

@JimB
I really like the author's emphasis on clarity when drawing schematics, a great point.

Thank you for digging this article out and sharing it with us.

I should be an archaeologist, I have just been digging in the old posts again and found this horror:

https://www.electro-tech-online.com/threads/7-segment-digits-display-only-8.146525/

A prime example of a badly drawn schematic.
(You need to scroll down a bit to get to the horror show).

JimB

 

[eTech]

Maybe this one?

Rules For Drawing Readable Schematics

I found this on the Electrical Engineering Stack Exchange and wanted to repost it here. A gentleman by the name of Olin Lanthrop originally wrote this as a guide to drawing legible, understandable schematics. I think everyone could benefit from reading this (whether you are experienced in...

www.electro-tech-online.com

JimB

I guess that's better than nothing..