What is an Electronic Circuit?

Electronic Circuits for Beginners.

An Electronic Circuit is a structure to direct and control electric currents perform some useful function.

The very name “circuit” implies that the structure is closed, something like a loop, unbroken.

Electronic Circuit Definition

An electronic circuit is a network of interconnected electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors, designed to perform specific functions, such as amplification, signal processing, or computation, through the controlled flow of electrical currents.

What is Electric Current?

The name “current” refers to some type of flow, and in this case it is flow of electric charge, which is usually just called charge because electric charge is really the only kind there is.

What is an Electric Circuit?

A Simple Electric Circuit

An Electric Circuit is a conductive path for flow of current or electricity. It is also called electrical circuit. A conductive wire is used to establish relation among source of voltage and load. An ON / OFF switch and a fuse is also used in between the source and load.

When is a Circuit Called Electronic Circuit?

A circuit comprising of electronic components such as capacitor, resistor, diode, transistor, inductor, coil, transformer etc is called an Electronic Circuit. These components can be either through-hole or SMD.

These components or devices are connected to each other via conductive traces (generally of copper) or conductive wires through which electric current can flow. In simple words, these electronic components are soldered onto a PCB to perform a predefined work.

A circuit to be called “Electronic Circuit” rather than an “Electrical Circuit” must have at least one active component.

What are Active Electronic Components?

Active Components

Active electronic components are those that can control flow of electricity. Most PCB (Printed Circuit Board) have at least one active component.

Example: Transistors, Integrated Circuits or ICs, Logic Gates, Vacuum Tubes, Silicon-Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs).

What are Passive Electronic Components?

Passive Components

Passive components are those that do not have gain or directionality. They are also called Electrical elements or electrical components.

Example: Resistors, Capacitors, Diodes, Inductors.

Types of Electronic Circuit

A circuit can of following types:

1. Analog Electronic Circuit

A Simple Analog Circuit

Analog electronic circuit are those in which signals may vary continuously with time to correspond to the information being represented.

Example: Electronic Equipment like voltage amplifiers, power amplifiers, tuning circuits, radios, and televisions are mainly analog.

2. Digital Circuit

A Simple Digital Circuit

A digital circuit is a circuit where the signal is either of the two discrete levels – ON / OFF or 0 / 1 or True / False. Transistors are used to create logic gates perform Boolean logic.

Example: Multiplexers, De-multiplexers, Encoders, Decoders, Counter, Flip-Flop

3. Mixed-Signal Circuit

A Mixed-Signal Circuit

Mixed-Signal Circuit, are also called hybrid circuits, contain elements and properties of both Analog Circuit and Digital Circuit.

Examples: Comparators, Timers, PLLs, ADCs (Analog-to-Cigital Converters), and DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters).

Types of Electric Circuit

FAQs: Circuit in Electronics

Electronic circuits work by controlling the flow of electric current through various components. Voltage sources drive current, which flows through components following specific paths, controlled by the circuit design. Components manipulate the current to achieve desired functions, such as switching, amplification, or modulation.

Electronic circuits consist of essential components such as resistors (to limit current), capacitors (to store and release charge), inductors (to store energy in a magnetic field), and transistors (to amplify or switch signals). These components are interconnected to create functional circuits.

To design an electronic circuit, follow these steps:

  1. Define the circuit's purpose and functionality.
  2. Choose appropriate components based on requirements.
  3. Create a schematic diagram representing component connections.
  4. Design a printed circuit board (PCB) layout for physical implementation.
  5. Build and test the circuit, making adjustments as needed.

Electronic circuits are crucial in modern life as they power devices we use daily, such as smartphones, computers, televisions, and medical equipment. They enable communication, entertainment, transportation, healthcare, and automation, making them integral part of of life.

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Santosh Das

Santosh, founder of this Electronics Tutorial Website, is an Electronics Geek, Blogger and Young Entrepreneur. He possesses vast experience in the field of electronics, electronic components, PCB, Soldering, SMT, Telecommunication, ESD Safety, and PCB Assembly Tools, Equipment and Consumables. Keep visiting for daily dose of Tips and Tutorials.

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15 Responses

  1. Robert says:

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  2. Francis says:

    This is great and awesome knowledge

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