Electrical Engineering

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Electronics - I Electronic Components36
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPONENTS:
(a) Passive Components:
Since this category belongs to inactive functions of the component, these
components do not have capacity to amplify the voltage or to rectify supply
therefore, they are called as “Passive components”. Resistors, capacitors and
Inductors are called as passive components.
(b) Active Components:
Since these components are capable of performing active functions like
amplification, rectification and switching, they are called as “active components”.
(i) Electron tubes like Diode, triode and (ii) Semiconductor devices like diode, LED,
Transistor etc. Electron tubes are rarely used because they are outdated.
 RESISTORS:
The value of resistance is measured in Ohm ( ). Resistance is the opposition to the
flow of electrons or simply opposition to the electric current. Resistance is required in
electronic circuits to limit the current, to drop the voltage and to divide the
voltage. In combination with capacitor, it is used as filter or it can be used to achieve
a time delay.

 Types Of Resistors:
Resistors may be classified as (a) Fixed Resistors and (b) Variable Resistors.
(A)Fixed Resistors:
Fixed resistors can be classified into three types according to the material used
(1) Carbon types  (a) Carbon composition type, (b) Carbon film type.
(2) Wire wound type
(3) Metal film type
(1) Carbon Composition Resistors:
These resistors are widely used in electronic circuits. Carbon composition
resistor‟s value is available from 1 to about 20 M and typical power ratings
are 1/5 W to 2W. Speciality of these resistors is low cost and small size. (Most
of the resistors available in your laboratory are carbon composition type.).
These resistors are manufactured by mixing granules of carbon with binding
material. This cylinder is molded in a cylindrical form as shown. Fig. (4.3)
shows the construction and different wattages of resistors. Tinned copper wire
leads are inserted in the two ends and structure is sealed with non-conducting
coating. The cost of resistor depends on its wattage and not on the value of
resistor.

 Colour coding of Carbon Resistor:
Method: In colour code method, the first two rings indicate the first two digits and
the third ring indicates the multiplier. Fourth ring is used to indicate its tolerance.
 Colour Code Chart:
Colour Value of the 1st
and 2nd ring
Value of 3rd ring
(Multiplier )
Tolerance
Black 0 X 0
10
Brown 1 X 1
10 ±1%
Red 2 X 2
10
Orange 3 X 3
10
Yellow 4 X 4
10
Green 5 X 5
10
Blue 6 X 6
10
Violet 7 X 7
10
Gray 8 X 8
10
White or No
Colour
9 X 9
10 ±20%
Gold - X -1
10 ±5%
Silver - X -2
10 ±10%
EXAMPLES:
Find the value of carbon resistors by using colour code method.
2
)Re , ,Re
2 7 10 5%
27 100 2700 2.7 2 7
i d Violet d gold
X
X K or K

    
3
) , ,
1 0 10 10%
10 1000 10,000 10
ii Brown Black Orange Silver
X
X K

    
1
)Re ,Re ,
2 2 10 5%
22 10 2.2
iii d d Gold Gold
X 

   
4
) , ,
5 0 10 10%
50 10000 500,000 500 0.5
iv Green Black Yellow Silver
X
x K M

      

(2) Carbon film Resistors:
This is another variety of carbon resistors in which a thin film of carbon is
deposited on an insulating material like ceramic rod. During the deposition of
the film, the value of resistance is adjusted by controlling the groove length and
width of carbon film ribbon.
Speciality: Low cost, Precision type.
Range: 10 to10 M , Power rating upto 2W.
(3) Wire Wound Resistors:
Wire wound resistor is used where high current control is required as well as
where stable and accurate value of resistor is required. A wire wound resistor is
manufactured by wrapping a length of special resistive wire like nichrome or
mangenin around an insulating core of ceramic. The end of wire is attached to
metal contacts, which are inserted in the core. After wire is wound, the whole
structure is coated with enamel containing powdered glass and then heated to
produce coating, this is known as vitreous enamel coating. It I required to
protect the resistor and to dissipate the heat. Typical values are available in
fraction of ohms to 100 K . Power rating is from 5 W to 200 W.
Speciality: Big in size, more power handling capacity. Colour code system is not
used due to its big size. Ohm value is directly specified on the resistor.
Range: Fraction of  to 100 100 K  and power rating 5 W TO 200 W.
 COMPARISON:
Carbon Composition Resistor Wire Wound Resistor
1. Carbon granules are used. A resistive wire like nichrome is used.
2. Tolerance is 2% to 20% More precision type because tolerance is
very low.
3. Wide range of resistance. Available in low values only.
4. Low power ratings. High power ratings.
5. Color code system is used. No color code system is used.
6. Small size and low cost. Big size and high cost.

(4) Metal Film Resistor ( MFR):
These resistors are used for accurate value (precision type) because its
tolerance is less than 5% . These resistors are manufactured in similar way to
that of carbon film. Metal film of metal oxide or metal alloy is coated on a
ceramic rod. There are different types of metal film like
(1) Thin Film – Film layer is thin
(2) Thick Film – Film layer is thick.
Speciality: Low noise, good stability and tolerance less than 0.5%
Range: 10 to 1 M .
(B) VARIABLE RESISTORS:
Variable resistors are commonly called as rheostats. In low current circuit
like in electronic circuit, small variable resistors are called as “potentiometer of
pots”. Variable resistors are normally used in radio or audio equipment for
volume control, and contrast and brightness control in TV sets. According to
material used these resistors are classified into two types
(1) Carbon type and (2) Wire wound type
(1) Carbon Type Potentiometers:
Basically the construction of all potentiometers is same. In this type a movable
metal pointer known as a „wiper‟ moves on a circular carbon resistive track as
shown in fig. (4.6) this wiper is attached to a shift it may be metal or a plastic
shaft.
Variable resistors always have three terminals as shown, terminal 1 and 3 are
fixed terminals and 2 is variable terminal. When terminal 1 and 3 are
connected in the circuit you will get fixed and maximum resistance. When 1
and 2 or 2 and 3 terminals are connected you will get variation in resistance
when you rotate the shaft.
If you connect terminal 1 and 2 at extreme left side wiper will be at terminal 1,
hence you will get zero resistance and when you rotate towards the right side
its resistance increases.

These variable resistors are available in two types,
(1) Linear Type (2) Log Type.
In linear potentiometer resistance varies with linear rate. If you rotate the shaft
suppose for 0
10 rotation it gives 100 at 0
20  20 and so on. But in nonlinear
potentiometer (log type) resistance varies in log scale, at
0 0 0
10 10 ,20 100 30 1000     .
When the maximum range of resistance is required „Log type‟ pot is preferred.
When often variation of resistance is required these carbon potentiometers are
used like volume control but when rare adjustment is required small
potentiometer called as “presets” are used. A power ON/OFF switch is
commonly used with thee pots V/C with ON/OFF. Sometimes two or more
resistor variation is required in synchronization. This type of potentiometer is
called as “Gang pot”.
Speciality: Low cost, Used in Radio, TV as volume control, brightness control
etc.
Range: 1K to 5 M , Power rating 1/2W to 2W.
(2) Wire Wound Potentiometers:
Basic principle of construction of wire wound variable resistor is simple; the
most common example of this type is rheostat. In this type is wound on an
open ring of ceramic, which is covered with vitreous enamel.

The speciality of such type is high power handling capacity and very small and
accurate change of resistance. Figure shows the constructions of wire wound
pot and rheostat. In wire wound variable resistor nonlinear resistor is also
available (tapered type). Non-linearity in the resistor is achieved by using
tapered strip on which resistive wire is wound fig… shows linear and non-
linear potentiometer. By sliding the contact, the variation of resistance is
achieved.
Speciality: High Cost, Most power handling capacity, big size.
Range: 100K to 1 M, Power rating 2W to 100 W.
(C) OTHER RESISTORS:
Because of large development in semiconductor technology in addition to
diode and transistors; special type of resistors are manufactured which may be
called as active resistors.
(1) Thermistor:
A Thermistor is a semiconductor device whose resistance varies with
temperature but change resistance is non-linear. Conductors show very small
change in resistance but thermistor increase or decrease its resistance by
more value. Hence thermistor can be NTC or PTC type. When resistance
decreases with increase in temperature then then it is called as “Negative
Temperature Coefficient” of resistance (NTC) and it is increases then it is
called as “positive Temperature Coefficient” of resistance (PTC). Thermistors
are used in many applications like measurement of temperature, temperature
control, temperature compensation etc.
(2) Light Dependent Resistor (LDR):
It is a photosensitive device whose resistance decreases with increase in light
intensity. The symbol is shown in fig. Cadmium sulfide material is used for
this purpose. It‟s dark resistance is about 100K and it decreases with
increase in light. LDR is widely used in many application like automatic
street light control, burglar alarm etc.
(3) Varistor (VDR):
It is also a nonlinear resistor in which resistance is made variable to
voltage. It is also known as voltage dependent resistor. They are two types. (i)
Silicon Carbide VDR, (ii) Metal Oxide VDR. Varistor are used in industrial
application and TV circuits to surge suppression.

 CAPACITORS:
Capacitor is second important passive component, commonly observed in electronic
circuits. Many times it is called as condenser. Basically it is used to store electrical
energy (by charging) and to deliver this stored energy (by discharging). This component
has specific capacity of storing charge across it, hence named as capacitors. They are
available in fixed and variable types; their capacity is measured in „farad‟. They are
available in typical range of picofarads to microfarads. A capacitor consists of two
parallel conducting surfaces separated by an insulator called as dielectric material.
Different symbols of capacitor are shown in the fig...
A capacitor is formed by two parallel conducting plates (may be spherical in structure)
Separated by an insulating material. Insulating material like mica, paper, and ceramic
called as “dielectric”. In electronic circuits capacitors plays an important role like
resistor, it has got many applications such as in photo camera for flash, in power
supplies used as a filter, in amplifiers as a coupling or a bypass capacitor and so on.
Let us see its action of charging and discharging.
As shown in the fig... When battery is connected across the capacitor, current flows
through the circuit; current meter is connected for the indication. Before connecting
the battery the number of electrons on plate A and B are equal but when battery is
connected across it, electrons are accumulated on plate A because they cannot flow
through dielectric. An electrostatic force is developed by the plate A that gives a
pressure to plate B. It passes the same number of electrons towards the battery. This
is known as electrostatic induction. Thus we get negative charge on the plate A and
positive on the plate B that produces a potential difference. Electrons continue to flow
till voltage across capacitor becomes the battery voltage. Shows how capacitor voltage
increases towards battery voltage and it shows current through it. Observe the graph
when voltage across capacitor is „V‟ current is zero the process of charging is stopped.
Remember, initially current is maximum and then it slowly decreases to zero.

Formulae: (a) Capacitors in Series
s 1 2 3
1 1 1 1
.......
C C C C
   
(b) Capacitors in Parallel
1 2 3 ....pC C C C   
Example:
1) Two capacitors 20 μf and 5μf are connected in series and then connected in
parallel the effective capacitance in each case.
Solution:
In series In parallel
1 2
3 1 2 1 2
C C1 1 1 20 5
4μf
C C C C +C 25

     1 2 20 5 25μfpC C C    
2) A capacitor of 0.2μf is connected in series with a resistance of 15MΩ. Find the time
constant and the time required to charge up to battery voltage is 10V. What is the
voltage across capacitor at 1 time constant?
Solution:
6 6
15 10 0.2 10 3sec.T R xc x 
          
After 3 sec. the voltage across capacitor is 63.2% of battery voltage i.e. 6.3 volts. It
takes 3x 5 =15 seconds to charge up to 10 volts.

 TYPE OF CAPACITORS:
A) Fixed Capacitors:
Fixed capacitors can be classified according to the dielectric material and polar/
nonpolar such as,
(i) Paper capacitor Non polar capacitor
(ii) Mica capacitor Non polar capacitor
(iii) Polyester capacitor Non polar capacitor
(iv) Ceramic capacitor Non polar capacitor
(v) Aluminium electric capacitor polar capacitor
(vi) Tantalum electric capacitor polar capacitor
(1) Paper Capacitors:
Basically the construction for all fixed non-polar capacitors is same. Two
conducting surfaces are separated by electric material. Paper capacitor is
manufactured by rolling two thin metal foils (foil is a long strip of metal)
separated by a paper roll as shown in fig. Paper used for this purpose is Kraft
paper impregnated with wax or resin or oil. Where, impregnation is the process
in which paper is soaked with dielectric wax or oil.
Speciality: Medium range of capacitance, small size and non- polar.
Typical range: 500pF to 1μf and typically voltage rating from 100 V to 1000 V.
(2) Mica Capacitors:
The construction is similar to that of paper capacitor only the dielectric material
used is mica foil or mica sheet as shown.
Mica capacitors are square or rectangular in shape with timed with leads. The
entire structure is molded in Bakelite sheet.
Speciality: High temperature range - o o
55 C to ±150 C Non- polar.
Typical range: 5pF to 10,000 pF Voltage rating about 500V.

(3) Ceramic Capacitor:
These capacitors are commonly observed in many circuits like amplifier,
oscillators etc, as coupling capacitor. They are available in many different shapes
like disc type, rectangular type, tabular and button type as shown in fig.
The construction of ceramic capacitor is different than paper and mica capacitor.
It is constructed by depositing silver plates on each side of a very thin of ceramic
material. During the process tinned wire leads are attached to each plate. In this
type colour code system is used but now values are directly printed on capacitor.
It is also a non- polar capacitor.
Speciality: Most economical in price 1 Rs. Per piece.
Typical range: 3pF to 2 μF and voltage range from 3V to 6000 Volts non-polar.
(4) Aluminium Electrolytic Capacitor:
This is a polar capacitor on which polarities are marked as positive and negative.
Polarity is important because reverse connection may damage the capacitor.
Another main difference between non- polar and polar; these capacitors are
manufactured in higher values. Higher values are possible because electrolyte is
used to provide more capacitance in smallest space.
Electrolytic capacitor consists of Aluminium foil electrode as an aluminium oxide
film covering one side and is in contact with an electron conducting fluid known
as an electrolyte. The Aluminium oxide forms a dielectric and the electrolyte form
another plate of capacitor. A layer of plain Aluminium foil is also wound into the
capacitor to provide electrical contact between one of the terminals and
electrolyte.

(5) Tantalum Capacitors:
This is another type of electrolytic polar capacitor in which tantalum is used
instead of aluminium. The construction is quite similar. The main advantage of
tantalum is log shelf life, stable operation and greater temperature range.
Disadvantages are high cost and low operating voltage.
(B) Variable Capacitors:
There is a need of variable capacitor in various circuits like tuning circuit of radio,
oscillator circuit to vary the frequency etc.
(1) Air Gang Capacitor:
Air gang condenser is a common example of variable capacitor. Other variable
capacitors are similar to variable condenser but they are adjustable known as
trimmers and padders. Gang condenser consists of two sets of parallel plates.
One of the sets is fixed called as stator and another set is called as rotor. This
rotor set of parallel plates is fitted on a movable shaft. When the shaft is rotated
the area covered by each plate of rotor and stator is varied and thus total
capacitance is varied. In valve type old ratio circuit two gang capacitors are used
while in transistor receiver miniature type is used. Fig. shows simple construction
of air gang capacitor.
(2) Trimmers and Padders:
Since they are used for line tunning, they are constructed on the gang condenser
itself they are called as trimmers and padders. Basically these are small variable
capacitors using air, mica, ceramic as dielectric; some of the constructions are
shown in fig.
A screwdriver can be used to adjust the capacitance value. When rare variation of
capacitance is required these capacitors are used.

 INDUCTORS:
Inductor is a third important passive component widely used in AC circuits than DC.
Inductor is a simple coil of copper wound on a core material.
Inductance is the ability of a conductor to produce an induced voltage, when current
through it varies. In other words inductor opposes change in current.
The unit of inductance is “Henry”. It is defined as the inductance that will develop a
voltage of one volt across it when current changes at the rate of one Ampere per second
or when a voltage of one volt is induced for the change of current rate 1 Amp/ Sec then
the inductance of coil is said to be 1 Henry.
 INDUCTANCE:
It is the property of conductor to produce induced voltage, when current through it
varies. Induced voltage is the result of change of flux across a conductor because when
AC current flows through it magnetic flux varies its strength and the direction, which
is equivalent to motion of the flux. When DC current flows through the conductor
voltage induction is not possible induction is not possible because DC current is steady
and it flows only in one direction. Inductor behaves like a conducting wire on DC.
 Types Of Inductors:
Inductors can be classified into two groups as,
(i) Fixed inductors
(ii) Variable inductors. But they classified according to the material used for the
core.
(i) Air core inductors
(ii) Iron core inductors
(iii)Ferrite core inductors
Another classification is also possible which is according to their application. In this
classification the inductors are called as “Choke”.
(i) Filter Choke (ii) RF Choke (iii) AF Choke

(i) Air core Inductor:
In this type a length of conductor, copper wire is wound on a hollow tube. Here air
acts as core, hence the name air- core inductor. The speciality this type is that
there is maximum loss of magnetic flux and thus less flux is linked with the coil.
It results in small value of inductance.
(ii) Iron Core Inductor:
Here iron is placed in former of the coil so known as iron core inductors. Iron is a
magnetic material, so when AC current through a coil the lines of flux re
produced. These lines of flux pass through the iron core without any external
leakage. When current passes through the iron core, iron becomes magnetized.
Therefore, this iron adds its flux lines produced by the current. So the lines of
flux increases i.e. The inductance of the coil increases in iron core inductance
than in air core inductor. The iron core inductor is commonly called as a choke.
(iii) Ferrite Core Inductor:
Ferrite is an artificially made non- metallic material. When a Ferro- magnetic
material is placed in former of the coil Ferrite core exhibits a minimum loss of
lines of flux. It has high magnetic power and high resistivity to lines of flux.
Ferrite core inductors are used for audio frequencies and radio frequencies.
 TRANSFORMERS:
A transformer consists of two inductors. One of these inductors is meant for supplying
alternating current from an external source and is referred as a primary winding. In
transformer, the coil in which the voltage is included is known as the secondary
winding. A transformer works on the principle of mutual inductance. Hence, it is a
device, which transfers alternating currents of high voltage to low voltage and vice-
versa. It can also be step- up or step- down type as desired.
Transfer is an important device in which voltage is transformed from one voltage level
to other required level, For example, 230 Volt to 6V, 230V to 9V etc. This type of
transformer is called as „step down’ transformer. Similarly 230V to 1KV, 230 V to
440V this type of transformer is called as „step- up‟ transformer. Transformer action is
based on Faraday‟s law of electromagnetic mutual induction.

As shown in the fig. transformer consists of two windings (coils). The winding which
is normally connected to the mains is called as „primary winding’ and other winding
across which output is obtained is called as „secondary winding’ sometimes more
secondary winding, are used to get number of voltage by using same primary winding
as 6V, 9V, 12V secondary taps. Both windings are wound on a core, which is laminated
type.
 Working (principle):
When an AC voltage is applied across its primary winding, AC current flows through
it, therefore changing magnetic flux is produced. Secondary winding is kept close to
the primary, which will cut this changing flux. According to Faraday‟s law, voltage is
induced in the secondary wingding, the amount of induced voltage depends on the
number of primary and secondary turns can be calculated by a ratio called as turns
ratio.
P P
S S
N V
=
N V
…… Turns ratio
Where PN =Number of turns in primary SN = Number of turns in secondary
PV = Primary Voltage SV =Secondary voltage
Remember, if we step down or step up the voltage from primary to secondary it
affects current because power in primary and secondary is always equal. Similarly,
the frequency of primary remains unchanged in secondary voltage.

 TRANSFORMER EFFICIENCY:
Transformer efficiency tells us the power loss in transformers; it specifies the wastage
of energy. Transformer efficiency is calculated by formula
 
Output Power
%Efficiency 100
Input Power
  
OR s s
P p
V ×I
η= 100
V ×I

The efficiency of transformer is always less than 100% because of the following losses
1. Copper loss:
It is the loss in primary and secondary winding because these voltage these are
copper windings, which has small resistance. Due to this resistance,  2
I R energy is
lost in these copper winding. Copper loss can be minimized by using thick copper
wire.
2. Eddy Current loss:
When AC flows through a transformer voltage is not only induced in secondary
winding in the core also, when voltage is induced in the iron core, current flows in
the core, which is called as „eddy current’.
3. Hysteresis Loss:
Hysteresis means it is the curve plotted by applying magnetising force and observing
the flux generated in the core material. Hysteresis curve indicates that magnetic flux
does not vary with magnetising force. It means suppose some flux is generated by
magnetising force and if we make magnetising force zero then flux do not reduce to
zero. Therefore, some extra energy is wasted in the core, which is called as
„Hysteresis loss‟.

 TYPES OF TRANSFORMERS:
(1) Power Transformer:
Power transformers are also called as main transformers. i.e. they are meant to
operate on the mains AC supply. They have one primary and one or several
secondary windings. These secondary windings provide various operating voltages
required for operating radio and other electronic equipments.
(2) Audio Frequency Transformer:
Audio frequency transformer is made to operate on audio frequencies of the range of
20Hz. They are similar to the power transformers but differ in the core material.
They are always used to couple one stage to another.AF transformers are used in
audio amplifiers for interstage coupling, for available in both types as step up as
well as step down. In power output stage of a radio receiver, a step audio frequency
transformer is used to match high output impedance of the amplifier to low
impedance of the speaker.
(3) Radio Frequency Transformers:
Radio frequency transformers operate at very high frequencies. They are generally
used with capacitors to form resonant circuits. At higher frequencies the eddy
currents become effective.
To reduce the eddy current losses the RF transformer is made of air core or iron-
core transformer. Radio frequency transformers are used for interstage coupling and
for coupling a signal to and from antenna.
(4) Intermediate Frequency Transformers (IFT):
Intermediate frequency lies between the audio frequency and radio frequency. These
transformers are meant to operate at fixed frequency used is 455 KHz. They are also
used in inter- carrier (TV receivers) sound section of Television. Other I.F.
transformers with center frequency of the range of 39 MHz to 48 MHz are used in
the video I.F. section of television (TV receivers).
(5) Autotransformer:
In autotransformer a coil is used to provide turns for the primary as well as the
secondary. When whole of the coil is used as primary and small part as secondary
then it is called as step- up transformer. They are also provided with fixed of
variable taps for varying secondary voltage.
(6) Isolation Transformer:
When the number of turns of the primary is made equal to the number of
secondary then the transformer formed is known as an isolation as an isolation
transformer. It has 1 to 1 turns ratio, It reduces the possibility of electric shock
from the equipment.it is also used in audio frequency equipment and to block the
DC component.

 SWITCHES:
An electrical switch is a mechanical device usually used to open (disconnect) or close
(connect) an electrical circuit.
(1) Single Pole Single Throw (SPST) Switch:
This type of switch can connect or discount only a single circuit. These are of two
types- slide type and toggle type. A typical toggle type of SPST is shown in fig… its
current rating is from 0.5 A to 6 A and voltage from 6V to 30V. It is primarily used
as an ON-OFF switch in small electrical application e.g. a switch on electric switch
board.
(2) Single Pole Double (SPDT) Switch:
This type of switch has two ON positions. SPDT are also of two types- slide type and
toggle SPDT switch. Toggle types are shown in fig...
(3) Double Pole Single Throw (DPST) Switch:
Such type of switch has only one position of closure but two contacts (poles)
simultaneously As shown in fig... They are of two types slide type DPST and toggle
DPST. It is similar to a switch. The major difference in DPST switch is that both
side of Two-wire line are switch at once.

(4) Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) Switch:
This type of switch has two poles and can be moved on either side, that is to the
right or to the left as shown in fig... Two SPDT switches connected together can also
be used as a DPDT switch. A toggle type DPDT is shown in fig. (a) while a side type
DPDT is shown in fig. (b).
(5) Micro Switches:
Micro switches are of various types. Basically they can be classified as illuminated
rocker switch and subminiature rocker switch. But all the switches discussed
above are toggle micro switches. They are suitable for both low level and high level
(power switching) applications.
(6) Band Switches:
These switches are used in instruments such as Radio, TV, Tape recorder, CRO to
select a desired circuit. Mostly a three-band radio receiver set required a three-
position band switch. These switches are of different types- slide type or rotary
type, as shown in fig… Industrial grade rotary switches are suitable for all types of
test and industrial equipment and heavy use consumer products.
(7) Thumb Wheel Switch:
As name suggest it is operated by thumb or fingers manually by adjusting digit on
wheel of the switch. Its appearance is just like a speedometer of a monocycle. It is
adjustable digital switch.

 RELAYS:
A relay is an electromagnetic device and it functions as an electrically operated switch,
most of relays are operated electro- magnetically. When current flows through coil,
electromagnetic field is generated, this attracts the armature, which in turn opens or
closes the electrical contacts.
A common type of relay having a normally open (N/O) and a normally closed (N/C)
contact as shown in fig. The normally closed contact provides continuity between the
armature and the upper contact. The spring holds the armature as shown. When a
desired voltage is applied to the coil the armature is applied to the coil and it is pulled
downwards. This breaks the normally closed (N/C) contact and makes the normally
open contact (N/O). Now the continuity exits between the armature and the normally
open contact (lower contact). A wide variety of relays are available in the study of
electronic circuits.
Types of relay:
The different types of relay can be listed as follows
(1) General purpose (Electromagnetic) relay
(2) Power relay
(3) Telephone relay
(4) Card actuated relay
(5) Sensitive relay
(6) Crystal can relay
(7) Dry reed relay
(1) General purpose (Electromagnetic) Relay:
As shown in fig … it is an electromagnetic relay with its different parts labeled as
under.in a way it is not special, but used since it is suitable in many applications
and of low cost.
When current flows through the coil the armature gets attracted towards the iron
core. When electrical energy is applied, we say that the relay is energized. Thus the
closed (N/C) and another to open contact Normally Open (N/O).

The types of a general-purpose relay are as follows.
(a) An iron core with a surrounding coil of wire.
(b) A movable piece of iron called the armature with a set of contacts.
(c) The armature is attached to the yoke. It is held by a spring so that there is an
air- gap in the magnetic circuit.
 Specifications:
The relay specifications must be considered while selecting a relay. The following
main specifications are listed by manufacture:
(a) Current rating: It is the current drawn by the relay to energize it e.g. 200mA.
(b) Voltage rating: it is the operating voltage of relay normally available in 6V,
9V, 12V, etc.
(c) Contact Current rating: it is the maximum value of current which can pass
though the contact without heating the elements. E.g. 1A, 2A, etc.
(d) Number of contacts: it specifies number of poles. Simultaneously, operated
when the relay is energized. E.g. Single pole, Two pole, Four Pole, etc.
 BATTERIES:
When the amount of power required is very small and if the electronic device is
portable like tape recorder, electronic watch etc. a cell or battery is used as a source of
electrical energy. When mains supply is not available then batteries play important
role providing electrical energy for electronic circuits. Electrical energy generated with
the help of chemical reaction such type of device is called as „cell’ and if two or more
cells are connected in series or parallel then unit is known as „Battery’.
 CELLS:
Cells can be classified into two types.
(a) Primary cells
(b) Secondary cells.
Let us study the difference between primary and secondary cell and few examples.
(a) Primary cell:
In this type one of the electrode delivers current by chemical reaction with
electrolyte. But after few days electrode becomes weak and therefore electrode has
to be replaced. Since these cells are not rechargeable it is known as primary cell.
E.g. Carbon Zinc cell, alkaline cell etc.
(b) Secondary cell:
It is rechargeable, known as secondary cell. It is defined as a cell in which the
electrolyte is altered by chemical action that takes place when the cell delivers a
current it can be restored to its original position by sending a current through it in
opposite us study primary and two secondary cells.

(1) Alkaline Manganese- Zinc cell (Dry cell):
It is also referred as an alkaline cell. It has Zinc positive electrode and manganese
dioxide as negative electrode. Cylindrical cathode sleeve or other surface is
manganese dioxide to which outer steel can in contact. Zinc anode is also a
cylindrical inner structure, which is in contact with upper portion as an anode
terminal. These two electrodes are separated by potassium dihydroxide electrolyte.
Speciality-
This cell is comparatively big size cell is designed to provide high current for a long
time. Typical voltage of this cell is 1.5 volts. This call is normally used in heater
elements, horns, bicycle lights, aeroplanes and automobiles and in photoflashes
units.
(2) Lead- Acid Cell (Battery):
Construction of such battery is shown in fig… it consists of spongy leads as a
negative electrode plate and lead peroxide as a positive electrode plate. The
electrolyte is a Sulfuric acid.
The capacity of call is expressed in ampere-hours it depends on surface area
of the electrodes or plates. In this structure, positive electrode plate is placed
between two negative or plates. In this structure, positive and negative electrode, it
is made up of hard rubber, wood, or plastics. Total unit is placed in a hard rubber
container.
 Advantages:
(i) Typical voltage of cell is 2.2 volts with large current capacity.
(ii) Relatively long life.
(iii)Relatively low initial cost.

 Disadvantages:
(i) Unit is heavy and big in size.
(ii) Poor low temperature characteristics.
(3) Nickel-cadmium cell:
This is more popular secondary cell used for high current circuits like portable
tools, radios, Video camera etc.
Standard Voltage is 1.25 V per cell; normally in sealed package. It can be recharged
many times. Nickel- Cadmium cell has negative cadmium electrode and positive
nickel electrode. The electrolyte is potassium hydroxide; it just acts as a conductor.
Its recharging process is very fast and possess high gravity it does not loose its
gravity rapidly. It has the main following parts.
a) Steel body b) Separators c) +ve rod d) –ve container e) Cover.
(4) Solar cell:
It is a special type of cell also known as photosensitive cell, when light is incident
on its surface an EMG is generated across the cell. Its standard voltage is very low
about 0.5 to 0.6 volts. They are connected in series and parallel combination to get
sufficient output power.
 PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS (PCB):
Printed circuit boards are extensively used for mounting electronic components with
printed wiring on an insulating material. If we observe assembly of components in old
electronic equipments we find it is more complicated. It has hard wiring of
components.
But this method was not superior and it was too difficult because of the following
drawbacks:
(i) Size of the circuit was too big.
(ii) Each component was soldered with separate wire hence circuit was too
complicated.
(iii)It was difficult to repair the circuit.
(iv) Assembly work was more time consuming because of such hard wiring.
(v) After finishing the circuit the circuit the assembly was looking uneven.

 Advantage of PCB:
Now this method of heard wiring has been completely replaced by a new technology
of printed wiring called printed circuit boards. PCB‟s are preferred for over hard
wiring because of the following advantages:
1. All wires re replaced by printed copper tracks therefore circuit requires very small
size.
2. Uniform components assembly is possible which is more suitable in mass
production of equipments.
3. Servicing of circuits becomes easier.
4. A large number of components can be assembled by using double sided board or
multi- layer board.
5. Saving the assembly and inspection time.
6. Low cost of production because one layout for a circuit once designed, a large
number of PCB‟s can be prepared.
7. Easy to solder and de-solder the components
8. It provides mechanical support.
 Types of PCB’s:
Different types of PCB‟s are manufactured. They can be classified according to
material or laminate.
A) Phenolic type
B) Epoxy Type
According to copper track design they are available in
(1) Single sided
(2) Double sided
(3) Multi layers with PTH (Printed Through Holes)
(4) Universal Boards.
Where laminate is a base material on which conducting layer of copper is deposited.
The thickness the copper is in micron, which decides the current carrying capacity.
A) Phenolic Laminate Type (Paper Phenolic):
Laminate is manufactured simply by pressing several layers of filler material. Filter
material is either paper or glass and it is impregnated with either phenolic resin or
epoxy polyester. After the impregnation process. Phenolic resin is absorbed in paper
filter to form a rigid structure. Paper phenolic is most common type of PCB it is also
known as “copper clad paper phenolic” laminate. Copper foil is pasted on Phenolic
laminate. (This type you can observe in your laboratory). The colour of this board is
dark brown. This is a low cost PCB, normally used for general application.

 Drawbacks of paper Phenolic type:
1) They are affected by alkalis
2) Poor arc resistance
3) Moisture may affect them.
4) They are non-transparent.
B) Epoxy Laminate Type:
This is another important type of laminate; they are available in two types
(i) Paper epoxy and
(ii)Glass epoxy; Paper or glass is impregnated with epoxy resin.
“Glass epoxy” is widely used in industries for manufacturing their instruments.
This glass epoxy boards are manufactured by dipping glass cloth in epoxy
solution, which hardened the final board, this material is costly than Phenolic
type board. The colour of this board is faint greenish white. Epoxy laminate has
following advantages.
(i) They are more tough than other type and low shrinkage
(ii) High alkali resistance
(iii)They do not get affected by moister and can withstand high temperature.
(iv) Good chemical, electrical and water resistance
(v) They are more transparent than Phenolic type, So easy to trace the tracks.
There are other types of laminates such as polyester, silicon and PTFE laminates.
But these types are not used on large scale.
C) Single Sided Boards (SSB):
In this type, copper foil is pasted only on one side components are mounted on the
other side. The base material used is wither Phenolic or epoxy type. The density of
component is limited.
D) Double Sided Boards (DSB):
In this type copper foil is pasted on both the sides of laminated and components are
mounted on both sides. Large components are assembled on this board. PTH
(Printed through holes) technique is employed to connect one side to other side.
E) Multi- layer Board:
Multi-layer boards consists of a certain number of this PCB‟s stacked together and
adhesively joined. Electrical connection different conductive layers are done with
plated through holes PTH method. PTH means holes are made conductive to
connect one layer to other layer of copper.

Advantages:
(i) Very large number of components can be assembled.
(ii) Size of the circuit can be reduced to very small.
(iii) They provide low impedance.
 Manufacturing Process Of Pcb’s:
Preparing a printed circuit board for a circuit is not so simple. A simple of processes
are to be carried out to prepare a good PCB. There are two different methods of
preparing PCB
(i) Laboratory method-suitable for one or two boards.
(ii) Industry photo resist method- Suitable for mass production.
Typing of Wires:
The classification of wires can be done by considering different factors like
(i) According to the conducting material used
(ii) According to hard or flexible structure
(iii)According to the application and so on
Some of the common types of wires are discussed here, Copper, Silver and Aluminum.
The copper is most common; it is tinned copper in which a thin coating of solder
material is provided.

(1) Solid or Hard Wires:
These wires are commonly used in laboratory for connecting circuits or connecting
electrical motors. They are also known as single stranded wires. A hard wire of
copper or Aluminum is covered with insulating materials. The insulating material is
rubber or plastic. Another example of such wires in the wiring of switchboards of
electric supply. The main drawback of these wires is they may break anywhere in
the circuit.
(2) Stranded Wires:
The main advantages of these wires are, they are flexible and soft, less likely to
break open. Stranded wire is composed of number of thin conductors of particular
gauge e.g. 14/36 wire means number of strands are 14 and gauge of each wire is
36. Similarly 7/34 in which number of strands is 7 and gauge of each strand is 34
and so on.
These wires are called as bunch type. The other variety is also available known as
concentric in which each strand is twisted with other as shown. Stranded wires are
also called as “multistrand wire”
(3) Shielded Coaxial Wires/cables:
These wires, you can see with CRO probes, microphone and tape recorder. Most of
the audio equipments are connected through shielded wire. It consists of central
conductor covered with insulating cover and this is covered with shield and one
more outer jacked of insulator. The shielding is a mesh type structure, which is
normally connected to chassis ground, to avoid external noise signal pick up.

(4) Cotton or Silk covered Wire:
This type of wire is covered with a single or double layer of cotton or silk. It is used
for the windings of inductors and transformers. The convering is a winding of fine
threads over a bare wire. Double cotton- covered wires are generally used for the
hookup of electronic components. The covering, different colours generally used for
identification. These types of wires are used in radio frequency choke coils.
(5) Power Cords and Cables:
Power cords and cables are used in circuits to complete the current flow. There
must be a return path as well as forward path. If these paths are long they can be
combined in a single unit. So it becomes a unit of parallel conductors called as
power cord r power cable.
(6) Twisted Wires:
This is a pair of conductors twisted together as shown. These wires are usually
rubber insulated. They are used in normal wiring for tubes, bulbs etc.

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