Embedded Files
What you are expected to learn
What you are expected to learn
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
Solve for all unknown values (current, voltage, resistance, and power) in a series, parallel, or series-parallel circuit.
Understand the importance of voltage dividers.
Design and solve for all unknown values in a voltage-divider circuit.
How to learn from this module
How to learn from this module
Going through this module can be both a fun and a meaningful learning experience. All you need to do is make use of your time and resources efficiently. To do this, here are some
tips for you:
1. Take time in reading and understanding each lesson. It is better to be slow but sure than to hurry finishing the module only to find out that you missed the concepts you are supposed to learn.
2. Do not jump from one chapter to another. Usually, the lessons are arranged such that one is built upon another, hence an understanding of the first is essential in comprehending the succeeding lessons.
3. Be honest. When answering the test items, do not turn to the key to correction page unless you are done. Likewise, when performing experiments, record only what you have really observed.
4. Safety first. Perform the experiments with extra precaution. Wear safety gears whenever necessary.
5. Don’t hesitate to ask. If you need to clarify something, approach your teacher or any knowledgeable person.
What to do before (Pretest)
What to do before (Pretest)
In the study of electronics, certain circuits appear again and again. The most commonly used circuits are the series circuit, the parallel circuit, and the series-parallel circuit.
A series circuit provides only one path for current flow.
An example of a series circuit is old style Christmas lights, if one bulb breaks the whole string goes out.
Formulas governing the operation of a series circuit include:
ET = ER1 + ER2 + ER3 . . . ERn
RT = R1 + R2 + R3 . . . Rn
IT = IR1 = IR2 = IR3 . . . IRn
PT = PR1 + PR2 + PR3 . . . IRn
A parallel circuit provides more than one path for current flow.
Since the electricity has more than one route to take, the circuit can still function should one component fail. This means that parallel circuits are much less prone to failure than the series variety. For this reason parallel circuits are the kind you will find in most everyday applications such as domestic appliances and household wiring.
Formulas governing the operation of a parallel circuit include:
ET = ER1 = ER2 = ER3 . . . ERn
RT = 1/ R1 + 1/ R2 + 1/ R3 . . . 1/ Rn
IT = IR1 + IR2 + IR3 . . . IRn
PT = PR1 + PR2 + PR3 . . . IRn
Parallel Circuit Analysis Practice Problems Activity
Parallel Circuit Analysis Practice Problems Activity
• Series-parallel circuits are solved by using series formulas for the series parts of the circuit and parallel formulas for the parallel parts of the circuit.
Series-Parallel Circuit Analysis: Practice Problems Circuit Activity
Series-Parallel Circuit Analysis: Practice Problems Circuit Activity
• Voltage dividers are used to set the bias or operating point of active electronic components.
Simulation Activities
Simulation Activities
Circuit Construction Kit: DC - Virtual Lab
Circuit Construction Kit: DC - Virtual Lab
Self Check
Self Check
Important Terms
Important Terms
Chassis ground a common return path for current in a circuit. The common return path is often a direct connection to a metal chassis or frame or perhaps a copper foil trace on a printed-circuit board.
Earth ground a direct connection to the earth usually made by driving copper rods into the earth and then connecting the ground wire of an electrical system to this point. The earth ground connection can serve as a common return path for the current in a circuit.
Equivalent resistance, R EQ in a parallel circuit, this refers to a single resistance that would draw the same amount of current as all of the parallel connected branches flowing to and from the terminals of the voltage source.
Kirchhoff’s current law (KCL) a law stating that the sum of the individual branch currents in a parallel circuit must equal the total current, I T .
Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL) a law stating that the sum of the voltage drops in a series circuit must equal the applied voltage.
Main line the pair of leads connecting all individual branches in a parallel circuit to the terminals of the applied voltage, V A . The main Parallel bank a combination of parallel-connected branches.
Reciprocal resistance formula a formula stating that the equivalent resistance, R EQ , of a parallel circuit equals the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the individual branch resistances. line carries the total current
Series-aiding voltages voltage sources that are connected so that the polarities of the individual sources aid each other in producing current in the same direction in the circuit.
Series components components that are connected in the same current path.
Series-opposing voltages voltage sources that are connected so that the polarities of the individual sources will oppose each other in producing current fl ow in the circuit.
Series string a combination of series resistances.
Troubleshooting a term that refers to diagnosing or analyzing a faulty electronic circuit.
Voltage drop a voltage across a resistor equal to the product of the current, I , and the resistance, R .
Voltage polarity a term to describe the positive and negative ends of a potential difference across a component such as a resistor.
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