updated August 3, 2024
TOC
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering
- Electronics And Robotics
- The Microcontroller
- Circuit
- Some Common Tech Terms
- Voltage Vs Amperage
- Arduino and TinkerCAD
Electrical and electronics engineering, the branch of engineering concerned with the practical applications of electricity in all its forms, including those of the field of electronics. Electronics engineering is that branch of electrical engineering concerned with the uses of the electromagnetic spectrum and with the application of such electronic devices as integrated circuits and transistors.
In engineering practice, the distinction between electrical engineering and electronics is usually based on the comparative strength of the electric currents used. In this sense, electrical engineering is the branch dealing with “heavy current”—that is, electric light and power systems and apparatuses—whereas electronics engineering deals with such “light current” applications as telephone and radio communication, computers, radar, and automatic control systems.
source: https://www.britannica.com/technology/electrical-and-electronics-engineering
Here are some interesting points:
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Microcontroller Integration:
- Microcontrollers are versatile components that can manage the operations of various electronic devices by executing pre-programmed instructions.
- They serve as the "brain" of electronic devices, allowing for automation and complex functionalities.
-
Programming Electronic Devices:
- Programming involves writing code that the microcontroller executes, enabling the device to perform specific tasks.
- This can include tasks like turning LEDs on and off, measuring temperature with sensors, controlling motors, etc.
-
Transition to Robotics:
- When electronic devices are equipped with sensors and actuators, and programmed to interact with their environment, they move into the realm of robotics.
- Robotics involves the design, construction, operation, and use of robots for various applications, from simple automation to complex tasks like navigation and manipulation.
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Sensors and Actuators:
- Sensors gather data from the environment (e.g., temperature, light, distance).
- Actuators perform actions based on sensor data and programmed instructions (e.g., moving a robotic arm, turning a wheel).
-
Applications of Robotics:
- Robotics can be applied in numerous fields, including manufacturing, healthcare, space exploration, and everyday consumer products.
- Examples include robotic vacuum cleaners, automated assembly lines, medical robots for surgery, and Mars rovers.
A microcontroller is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system. A typical microcontroller includes a processor, memory and input/output (I/O) peripherals on a single chip.
Sometimes referred to as an embedded controller or microcontroller unit (MCU), microcontrollers are found in vehicles, robots, office machines, medical devices, mobile radio transceivers, vending machines and home appliances, among other devices. They are essentially simple miniature personal computers (PCs) designed to control small features of a larger component, without a complex front-end operating system (OS).
source: https://internetofthingsagenda.techtarget.com/definition/microcontroller
The Arduino UNO is a widely used microcontroller board designed for building digital devices and interactive objects. It features an ATmega328P microcontroller with 14 digital I/O pins (6 PWM outputs) and 6 analog inputs. Operating at 5V with a 16 MHz clock speed, it provides 32 KB flash memory, 2 KB SRAM, and 1 KB EEPROM. The board supports USB connectivity, a power jack, ICSP header, and a reset button.
- user-friendly for beginners
- extensive community support
- versatile with many compatible sensors and shields
- open-source hardware and software
- limited processing power
- limited memory
- basic built-in connectivity options
The Arduino UNO is perfect for those starting with electronics and prototyping, offering a robust platform for learning and development.
image source: https://circuitdigest.com/sites/default/files/field/image/Arduino-UNO-Description.png
In electronics, a circuit is a closed path that allows electricity to flow from one point to another. It may include various electrical components, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, but the flow is unimpeded by a gap or break in the circuit.
source: https://techterms.com/definition/circuit
image source: https://cdn1.byjus.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/series-and-parallel-circuit.png
Series Circuit
a series circuit comprises a path along which the whole current flows through each component.
Parallel Circuit
a parallel circuit comprises branches so that the current divides and only part of it flows through any branch.
source: https://www.britannica.com/technology/electric-circuit#ref22644
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Voltage Requirements:
Series circuits are used to achieve specific voltage drops across components, while parallel circuits maintain consistent voltage across all connected components. -
Current Handling:
Parallel connections distribute current among multiple paths, making them suitable for applications where multiple components need to share the load. In contrast, series connections ensure that the same current flows through all components. -
Reliability and Redundancy:
Parallel circuits offer increased reliability and redundancy. If one component fails, others continue to operate, which is essential for applications needing high availability. -
Design Goals:
The design choice is driven by the desired characteristics such as stability, flexibility, and protection. It’s about meeting the specific performance and functional requirements of the device or circuit.
open circuit - an electrical circuit that is not complete.
electric current - the rate at which electric
charge flows past a point on the electric circuit.
ground - In electronics and electrical engineering, it is
by convention, we define a point in a circuit as a reference
point. This reference point is known as ground (or GND) and
carries a voltage of 0V. Voltage measurements are relative
measurements. That is, a voltage measurement must be compared
to another point in the circuit. If it is not,
the measurement is meaningless.
source: https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/technical-articles/an-introduction-to-ground/
An earth ground is when a circuit has a physical connection to the earth, in order to sink electrons, thereby saving lives. When an electrical system has a direct connection to the earth ground (the 3-prong plug: one is positive, one is negative, one is the earth ground prong), instead of the flow of charge going to our bodies in some instances, it will go directly to earth ground.
source: http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/Why-does-a-circuit-always-have-to-have-ground
FYI - Even though one side of the circuit is the live wire, you CANNOT simply touch it even there is no apparent neutral wire completing the circuit: you yourself is standing on the earth ground! A bird will not be shocked by landing on a live wire because it is not touching the ground, so even if there is the live wire, there is no return path completing the circuit and there is no electric shock.
source: https://www.ibiblio.org/kuphaldt/electricCircuits/DC/DC_3.html
image soure: https://www.ibiblio.org/kuphaldt/electricCircuits/DC/00056.png
hot wire (electrical term) - carries the electricity, also called live wire
terminal - is the point at which a conductor from a component, device or
network comes to an end. It is the point other components can be connected.
Voltage and amperage are two measures of electrical current or the flow of electrons.
voltage is a measure of the pressure that allows electrons to flow,
while amperage is a measure of the volume of electrons.
volt - The SI unit of electromotive force. It represents the potential
difference that would drive one ampere of current against one ohm of resistance.
ampere - The SI base unit of electrical current.
Arduino is a prototyping platform consisting of both
hardware and software. When we say prototyping,
we want to create a working model first before
we build the actual product, so that we can test
first whether our idea will work and to reduce the
cost of building the product.
TinkerCAD is an online simulator for our circuit designs. It's just like you are in a Robotics laboratory and there is the complete setup, but this time, it's just virtual. And since it is accessible through a browser, all you need is a device with a browser and an Internet connection and you are good to go: no further setup, no additional downloads.