Basic Circuit Elements in Robotics - Complete Guide
BASIC CIRCUIT ELEMENTS IN ROBOTICS
WHAT IS AN ELECTRIC CIRCUIT?
A circuit is a closed path through which electric current flows, connecting a power source,
conducting path, and load.
Types of Circuits:
1. Series Circuit - Components are connected end to end in a single path.
- Current: Same through all components
- Voltage: Divided among them
- Used when: Same current is needed (e.g., LED chain)
2. Parallel Circuit - Components connected across same two points (multiple paths).
- Voltage: Same across each branch
- Current: Divides among branches
- Used when: Powering multiple components (e.g., sensors, motors)
3. Mixed/Combination Circuit - Mixture of series and parallel parts.
BASIC CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
1. RESISTOR (R)
- What: Limits the flow of electric current.
- Why: Protect components from excess current, divide voltage.
- When: With LEDs, sensors, current control.
- Types: Fixed, Variable (Potentiometer), Light Dependent (LDR).
- Example: Used with LEDs and IR sensors.
2. CAPACITOR (C)
- What: Stores and releases electric energy.
- Why: Smooths voltage, filters noise, stabilizes power.
- When: Power circuits, motor start circuits.
- Types: Ceramic, Electrolytic, Tantalum, Supercapacitor.
- Example: Across supply rails to prevent voltage drops.
3. DIODE
- What: Allows current in one direction only.
- Why: Prevents damage from reverse voltage, converts AC to DC.
- When: With motors, relays, and power input.
- Types: General purpose (1N4007), Zener, Schottky, LED.
- Example: Flyback diode across motors.
4. LED (Light Emitting Diode)
- What: Emits light when current flows through.
- Why: Indicates signals or power status.
- When: Visual indicators, sensor output.
- Types: Single color, RGB, IR LED.
- Example: Used for power or status indicators.
5. TRANSISTOR (T)
- What: Semiconductor switch or amplifier.
- Why: Controls large current using small control signal.
- When: To switch motors, relays, or control devices.
- Types: NPN, PNP (BJT), MOSFET, JFET.
- Example: Motor control via Arduino.
6. SWITCH (S)
- What: Opens or closes a circuit.
- Why: Manual control or safety shutoff.
- When: Power ON/OFF, limit or bump sensor.
- Types: Toggle, Push button, Slide, Reed, Limit.
- Example: Robot start/stop button.
7. BATTERY
- What: Chemical power source providing DC voltage.
- Why: Portable and rechargeable energy source.
- When: Powering mobile robots.
- Types: Alkaline, Lead-acid, Li-ion, NiMH.
- Example: 7.4V Li-ion pack for Arduino robot.
8. MICROCONTROLLER (MCU)
- What: Small programmable computer on a chip.
- Why: Acts as robot's brain, processes sensor data, controls motors.
- When: Any smart robotic system.
- Types: Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi Pico, STM32.
- Example: Arduino-based line follower robot.
9. MOTOR DRIVER (IC like L293D / L298N)
- What: Interface between MCU and motors.
- Why: MCU cannot drive high current motors directly.
- When: Driving DC or stepper motors.
- Types: Dual H-Bridge (L293D), High current (L298N), MOSFET drivers.
- Example: Controlling two DC motors using Arduino.
SUMMARY TABLE
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Element What it Does Why We Use It Example
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Resistor Limits current Protect components LED current control
Capacitor Stores charge Smooths voltage Power filter
Diode One-way flow Prevents damage Flyback protection
LED Emits light Indication Status indicator
Transistor Switch/amplifier Motor control Signal switch
Switch Manual control Power or limit switch ON/OFF button
Battery Power source Supply energy Li-ion pack
Microcontroller Processes logic Decision making Arduino
Motor Driver Controls motors Interface MCU/motors L293D driver
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EXAMPLE ROBOT CIRCUIT FLOW:
Battery -> Switch -> Microcontroller -> Motor Driver -> Motors
Sensors
Teaching Tips:
- Draw circuits to visualize connections.
- Use analogies (water flow for current, gates for switches).
- Relate each component to its robotic role.
- Always check voltage and polarity!
