Electronics Class – Day 4

This is a support page for day 4 of an 8-session class is a basic introduction to both electronics and programming the Arduino microprocessor.  The intent is to prepare the student for what is currently popular in the maker world, rather than an electronics or engineering degree, and includes some things of interest to amateur radio enthusiasts.

Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8

Day 4: AC, capacitor, diode, oscilloscope, signal generator, capacitors in series and parallel
Goals:
    • Draw the circuit symbol for an Arduino, capacitor and diode
    • Understand what alternating current is
    • Explain what an these do:
      • Oscilloscope
      • Signal Generator
      • Capacitor
      • Diode
    • Understand how capacitors behave in series & parallel
Vocabulary:
    • Capacitor
    • AC
    • RMS
    • Peak
    • Trace
    • Probe
    • Oscilloscope
    • Signal generator
    • Capacitor
    • Diode
    • Bridge Rectifier

LED with capacitor schematic diagram & wiring

Schematic:

Build:

Look at the LED from above, and then disconnect the 5V wire from the Arduino. Observe how the LED stays lit for some time.

LED with capacitor schematic diagram & wiring

Schematic:

Build:

Again, look at the LED from above, and then disconnect the 5V wire from the Arduino. Observe how the LED stays lit for less time than the first time without the bleeder resistor.

 

Homework:

 

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